Optimization of the Performance of Partially Completed Horizontal Wells
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AbstractGoode and Wilkinson (1991) have presented an analytical solution for the performance of a partially completed horizontal well. In that work they suggested that normalized well performance (compared to the idealized open-hole equivalent) can be favorably disproportional to the fraction of open well, especially if the total open length is distributed among several spaced intervals.This work, using a comprehensive multi- and single-well semi-analytical well performance model, extends the Goode and Wilkinson results examining various open lengths, reservoir thicknesses and permeability anisotropy ratios. Both transient and late-time (pseudosteady-state) results are shown. It appears that the number of segments where the normalized productivity index flattens out is about four for almost all thicknesses. For thinner reservoirs the relative impact from the number of segments is more pronounced. For example, for a thin (20 ft) isotropic reservoir, 40 % of open well, of 2000 ft total length, distributed in four segments, would lead to almost 90 % of the open-hole equivalent productivity index. For thicker reservoirs and/or longer wells the incremental productivity index fraction decreases. The idea of a sequence of open/close segments, accomplished either by perforated and non-perforated or slotted/blank liners has merit for zonal isolation, future well management and problem remediation. Economic calculations, incorporating production and well completion including zonal isolation devices show substantial attractiveness from partially completed, segmented horizontal wells.
