The correlation between reduced stage spacing (RSS) and increased well performance is well documented in unconventional plays, as is the propensity for heel-ward bias within the treatment of each stage. The authors postulate that RSS is effective because it results in a more uniform proppant distribution along the length of the lateral, and while it improves well performance, it also increases completion costs. This study proposes a more effective and cost-neutral way of achieving uniform proppant distribution by using an optimized variable shot cluster (VSC) perforating scheme to ensure all perforations are treated, and to alleviate heel-ward bias. The objective of this study is to design a VSC perforating scheme that provides the same production uplift as RSS, and potentially more uniform fracture half-lengths by preventing uncontrolled half-length growth associated with dominant clusters taking the majority of the treatment.
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