Low-cost short-radius re-entry horizontal drilling program revitalizes aging Northern Michigan Niagaran oil fields

Conference · Tue Dec 31 04:00:00 EST 1996

OSTI ID:457337

Lanier, G H

This paper highlights recent experience gained while developing a low-cost drilling program in Northern Michigan`s Niagaran reef trend based upon modem short-radius, horizontal drilling technology to re-enter existing wellbores. Since the program`s beginning in September 1994. It has evolved significantly and cost performance has steadily improved from over $600M to less than $350M per well. Greater than three-fold production increases and as high as ten-fold reductions in GOR (gas-oil ratio) along with decreased water production have been observed upon completion. Key to the program`s success has been a team approach to well planning involving the combined efforts of a multi-disciplined engineering staff, production and drilling operations, and quality service company support. In order to lower costs and maximize the pool of potential re-entry candidates, the program`s focus has been to emphasize a simplified well design relying primarily on production test data and minimal evaluation logging. A discussion of specific remedial, drilling, and completion procedures is summarized with overall program performance measures and evaluation data results from a three-well evaluation program completed in 1994 and a 20-well program completed in 1995.

• OSTI ID: 457337
• Report Number(s): CONF-961003--
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
03 NATURAL GAS
DIRECTIONAL DRILLING
MICHIGAN
OIL FIELDS
OIL WELLS
PETROLEUM
PRODUCTION
REENTRY
RESERVOIR ENGINEERING