Keith F. Buck¹, Wayne K. Camp¹, John Allison¹

(1) Anadarko Petroleum Corporation, Houston, TX

ABSTRACT: Helper Field: a Multidisciplinary Approach to Coalbed Methane Development, Uinta Basin, Utah

Helper Field, located in southern Uinta basin, produces gas from multiple thin coalbeds and interbedded sandstones within the Upper Cretaceous Ferron Sandstone Member of the Mancos Shale Formation. A pilot project was initiated in 1994 based on favorable core analysis from two exploratory wells drilled in 1993. Through 1999, 72 successful coalbed wells have been completed. First gas production occurred in 1993 and the field is currently producing over 23 MMCFD. Further development drilling is in progress along with the Clawson Spring satellite project that commenced in 1999. Over 150 coalbed methane wells are projected to be drilled in these two areas.

Drilling success and production optimization at Helper Field has been accomplished through a multidisciplinary approach that integrated detailed geological mapping, reservoir simulation modeling and completion techniques. Detailed correlations of up to eight individual coal seams and interbedded sandstones using uncompacted well log cross sections resulted in an improved geologic model over earlier simplified net coal isopach maps. A multi-layer reservoir simulation model was developed that included sandstone layers necessary to account for total fluid production, thereby improving production forecasts. Hydraulic fracture stimulation designs and completion practices have evolved with time based on new drilling, production, and 3-D fracture simulation modeling. Improvements in completion techniques have reduced completion costs by 25 percent and increased well performance by over 100 percent. Efforts are continuing to maximize production and minimize costs utilizing new development technologies.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90906©2001 AAPG Annual Convention, Denver, Colorado