Horizontal drilling: Overview of geologic aspects and opportunities

Conference · Thu Aug 01 04:00:00 EDT 1991 · AAPG Bulletin (American Association of Petroleum Geologists); (United States)

OSTI ID:5847446

Stark, P H ^[1]

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1. Petroleum Information Corp., Denver, CO (United States)

Horizontal drilling and completions may become the most significant petroleum technology enhancement since reflection seismic. Through September 1990, 640 US horizontal completions were recorded, resulting in 532 oil and 69 gas producers. In addition, 345 horizontal wells were drilling or completing and 255 permits were outstanding. More than 60% of historic US horizontal wells were completed during 1990. Case studies demonstrate higher production rates and improved recoveries for horizontal completions. There are abundant global geologic opportunities for horizontal well technology. Eight geologic criteria with potential for horizontal technology are reviewed. Models and examples showing results are presented for: source rocks; fractured reservoirs; paleokarst reservoirs; chalk reservoirs; stratigraphic traps; reservoir heterogeneity; coal-bed methane; and coning. Forecasts showing 5,000 worldwide horizontal completions by the year 2000 are tempered by limited equipment, crews, and recognized opportunity. If, however, economic benefits from case histories are creatively applied to potential geologic opportunities, then horizontal technology may comprise 30% or more of worldwide drilling at the turn of the century. Certainly, a technology that reduces dry-hole and environmental risks, increases productivity, and generates profits with $20/bbl oil could revitalize the domestic onshore industry.

• OSTI ID: 5847446
• Report Number(s): CONF-9109239--
• Conference Information: Journal Name: AAPG Bulletin (American Association of Petroleum Geologists); (United States) Journal Volume: 75:8
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
020300* -- Petroleum-- Drilling & Production
03 NATURAL GAS
030300 -- Natural Gas-- Drilling
Production
& Processing
ALKANES
COAL DEPOSITS
COAL SEAMS
DIRECTIONAL DRILLING
DRILLING
FRACTURED RESERVOIRS
GEOLOGIC DEPOSITS
GEOLOGIC MODELS
HYDROCARBONS
METHANE
MINERAL RESOURCES
NATURAL GAS WELLS
OIL WELLS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
PERFORMANCE
PRODUCTIVITY
RESERVOIR ROCK
RESOURCES
RISK ASSESSMENT
SOURCE ROCKS
TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT
WELLS