Advanced Horizontal Technologies Improve Drilling Performance in the Barnett Shale

Sandeep Janwadkar
Baker Hughes INTEQ, Oklahoma City, OK

The Barnett Shale is the most productive and fastest growing natural gas field in North America. It has a multi-trillion cubic feet equivalent upside potential but poses several drilling and completion challenges. A precise evaluation of the bedding planes, natural and induced fractures is critical to maximize the shale gas recovery. The initial LWD tool runs generated images of low resolution and penetration rates had to be controlled below 50 ft/hr to ensure good image quality. To overcome this challenge state-of-the art resistivity imaging LWD tools were developed and run. The high resolution images generated from these LWD tools while drilling up to 180 ft/hr have yielded an unprecedented quantity and quality of geological data. This has tremendously aided in reservoir evaluation and will substantially improve recovery of natural gas. To address drilling challenges, bottom hole assemblies were re-designed and drilling parameters optimized. A new directional drilling system with an automated rib-steering closed loop system was utilized. Real time downhole drilling data was acquired and utilized for early detection of drilling problems. A precise evaluation of bed boundaries and formation dips was crucial for precise placement of the well. Real time gamma imaging LWD tools were run, the high resolution images developed from azimuthal gamma ray measurements were utilized to precisely detect bed boundaries and estimate formation dips accurately. These advanced technologies have been implemented to drill several wells in the Barnett Shale with excellent results. Drilling performance has significantly improved and precise placement of the wellbores has been achieved. The rotating hours have reduced from 330 to 165 hours per well. A 48.39% reduction in days required (31.2 to 16.1 days per well) from spud to rig release has been realized.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90078©2008 AAPG Annual Convention, San Antonio, Texas