Evaluation of Horizontal Wells in the Eagle Ford Using Oil-Based Chemical Tracer Technology to Optimize Stimulation Design

摘要

Horizontal well positioning through a target formation can have a significant impact on overall productivity from an unconventional oil well. This paper will discuss the evaluation of two horizontal wells completed in the oil section of the Eagle Ford Shale. These wells were completed using similar completion designs (hybrid frac design) with the method and number of frac stages determined by the geology, petrophysical, or geomechanical data. The paper will describe how conventional analysis technologies including completion, flowback, and production data were compared to the relative oil flow from each stage measured using a recently developed hydrocarbon tracer technology to provide critical information on optimal well path design for use during future well development. The stage production data provided by the use of the hydrocarbon tracers allows engineers to modify and improve their completion and stimulation programs. This paper will highlight tracer response interpretations of the two wells presented and the current status of the hydrocarbon-based tracer technology for hydraulic fracturing applications.