Area of Practice
Value-focused engineering calculations help assess and attain the potential performance: increase production and recovery.
01
Well Performance Analysis
Field observations often seem incomplete or contradicting. “We need more data” is a classical phrase to hear. The truth is that “additional data” are often expensive and may not solve the problem… then more data are needed again.
We apply Maths and Physics to convert available field observations into precious information about reservoir properties. This approach requires solution of inverse problems, which generally have non-unique solutions. Therefore, reconciliation with other available data and knowledge is performed to obtain the answer with an accuracy sufficient to make decisions.
Well performance analysis is usually done with the aid of Nodal analysis, Rate Transient Analysis, Flowing Material Balance, Pressure Transient Tests and Diagnostic Fracture Injection Tests interpretation.
02
Production Enhancement
All operators know how much their wells produce, but less know how much their wells can produce at potential. When calculated, the gap between these two numbers may appear surprising.
We help operators establish the production enhancement routine based on well performance analysis and with the goal to maximize production. Such a routine involves regular calculation of wells production potentials and performance gaps. Subsequently, actions to close the gaps are identified and implemented, and results are evaluated.
Reaching production potential may require artificial lift. In such cases we can help evaluate and select the appropriate artificial lift system, and perform the design.
03
Hydraulic Fracture Design
For a given fracturing volume (and cost), multiple fracture designs and resulting geometries are possible. Those will differ in performance, and easiest-to-pump hydraulic fracture design may not be the best-performing one.
We optimize hydraulic fracture geometry to maximize the dimensionless well productivity index JD. Optimization means selecting the best combination of fracture half-length, width, and number of fractures, that would yield the maximum JD under practical constraints.
Unified Fracture Design (UFD) and its extension to the case of a horizontal well with multiple fractures are used to maximize the well productivity.
04
Hydraulic Fracture Evaluation
Hydraulic fractures, for various reasons, rarely perform according to the nominal parameters obtained using the job pressure match.
We utilise well performance analysis to assess and quantify the discrepancy between the optimal design, the nominal fracture parameters (as executed) and the apparent fracture parameters (as the well performs).
Then, possible reasons for discrepancies are evaluated, and future fracture design may be adjusted to yield the maximum performance considering the lessons learned.
05
Field Development Optimization
Excessive number of wells, poor sweep or low rates can harm economics of production and development and make certain projects marginal or unattractive.
For green fields, we help optimizing well design, locations and number of wells to maximize rate, optimize sweep and recovery, and maximize value.
For brown fields, we employ mature field analysis techniques to evaluate sweep efficiency and locate areas with remaining high hydrocarbon saturation. Then we help to develop actions aimed to improve rate and recovery of the remaining hydrocarbons.
06
Peer-Review and Data Rooms
Investment decisions may require a quick technical evaluation of assets, including data, development plans and forecasts. The value of investment decisions depends on the quality of such quick technical assessments.
We utilise Physics-based analysis and a set of know-how diagnostic tools to evaluate the production potential of an asset, assess feasibility of the development plan and robustness of the associated production forests as well as develop a conceptual potential production profiles. Such deliverables can help to assess the value of an asset.