An Application of an External Casing Perforating Completion Process in the Wilshire Devonian Field of West Texas - A Case History

摘要

A new External Casing Perforating Technique (EXCP) has been utilized in the Wilshire Devonian Field in West Texas. By applying the new technology, we have been able to improve well performance, worker’s safety, environmental quality and the time from rig release to first sales while holding costs within expectations. The technique was applied on all completions for the Wilshire development program in 2003. On conventional Wilshire completions, 850’ of gross pay was fracture stimulated with 2 to 3 large treatments, at high rates and pressures. The conventional technique consists of perforating on wire line, isolating each zone with bridge plugs, and selectively stimulating each zone. A conventional completion takes 3 to 4 days, with multiple trips to the location, multiple sequences of rigging up and down of service company equipment and flowing back each zone. Numerous people are required on location for the entire process. With the EXCP system, perforating guns with isolation flappers and a hydraulic control line are attached to the outside of the casing, placed on depth and cemented in place. By applying pressure on the hydraulic control line at the surface, the guns are individually fired and the zones isolated with the flapper valves in one step. This system has allowed for more effective stimulations of up to seven individual zones within 14 hours, with immediate flow-back capability. Eliminating post-rig completion work has mostly offset the incremental EXCP cost increase. Production rates are improved while additional value is added due to a safer operation and a reduced impact on the environment.