Integration of Ultra-High-Resolution Nano Tracers in Flow Diagnostics with a Multi-Stage Completion Program for Post-Frac Flow Assurance, Fault Evaluation and Well Spacing Optimization in Eagle Ford Shale

Abstract Multi-stage hydraulic fracturing stimulation and completion programs in unconventional wells now account for up to 70% of total well costs. Faced with increased completion intensity, reservoir and geological complexities, and economic pressures, upstream operations must take a serious look at increasing their efficiency regarding the use of completion money and ensuring increased production results. The future development and completion designs must be validated by cost-effective and accurate flow mapping measurements that deepen insight into complex reservoir flow performance and geological risk assessment, right-size the multi-bench well spacing, and focus on data-driven stimulation designs that optimize economics. This paper highlights one such effort in a multi-well tracing project in Eagle Ford Basin. A novel and cost-effective ultra-high- resolution nanoparticle tracer played a key role in delivering useful data that led to a comprehensive understanding of the reservoir, geological faults, and optimize stimulation efforts at a stage level. Additional multi-well studies in turn led to the development of a full understanding of inter-well communication, fracture-driven interactions flow characterization, and optimizing well spacing. The state-of-the-art, ultra-high-resolution nanoparticle tracers were added to each stage during completion for flow profile mapping and fault evaluation. In addition, a sampling campaign of adjacent wells was initiated to identify potential communication between offset and traced wells. The data integration of the nanoparticle tracers with offset wells pressure monitoring helped to improve the target reservoir development approach and provided a live performance flow profile for the entire development. This data was also used to optimize completion designs, stage and well placement strategies, and significantly enhance reservoir understanding and geological fault impacts on stage-level production.