Detailed Subsurface Descriptions Drive Record Breaking Wells in the Deep Water Gulf of Mexico

C. Guderjahn, P. Hill, C. Blankenship, D. Epps, A. Meader, J. Oldroyd, and D. Stauber

Increased well productivity is motivating development teams to successfully complete record breaking wells. Advances in subsurface description are leveraging with breakthroughs in drilling and completion technology to achieve new levels of financial performance. Gulf of Mexico industry and company records have recently been set in extended reach drilling, horizontal drilling, curvilinear completions, and frac-packed high angle completions. These advanced well designs are establishing new production records in the deep water Gulf of Mexico.

Improvements in 3D seismic imaging, geologic depositional models, and reservoir pressure predictions are enhancing the subsurface model such that significant productivity benefits are achieved by targeting completions in specific geometries. Advances in directional drilling accuracy and the utilization of synthetic oil-base muds are assuring that wells are placed precisely on target. in the BP operated Pompano Field horizontal wells have been placed down turbidite channel axes, high angle wells are used to connect separate reservoir compartments, extended reach wells have been steered away from over-pressured sections identified from seismic, and a multi-lateral completion is next on the drilling schedule.

Multi-disciplinary innovation and focused teamwork is also changing behavioral working styles. It is now accepted that the "teams" consist of geoscientists, engineers, and offshore drilling hands. Well planning takes place both on the rig floor and in the office. The payoff for further integration is higher profits, lower risk, and a safer working environment.

AAPG Search and Discover Article #91019©1996 AAPG Convention and Exhibition 19-22 May 1996, San Diego, California