A Case Study in the Bakken Formation: Changes to Hydraulic Fracture Stimulation Treatments Result in Improved Oil Production and Reduced Treatment Costs

摘要

The Bakken Formation in the Williston Basin has experienced multiple periods of activity and the current level of exploration/exploitation in North Dakota is widespread. The prevalent drilling practices include single and multi-lateral horizontal wellbores requiring hydraulic fracture stimulation to be productive. Many operators are experimenting with an assembly of completion and stimulation techniques in order to achieve economic production. Knowledge and techniques used in other basins with shale production have been applied with positive results. This paper describes the methodologies applied and subsequent production enhancements. By changing stimulation techniques and methodologies along with an evolving thought process, economic productivity has been achieved enabling significant development of the resource for the operator.