Analyzing Offset Wells for Benchmarking UC Gas Well's Technical Limit in Field Development De-Risking Strategy: A Digital Solution

Abstract This technical abstract delves into optimizing well delivery time in unconventional drilling projects by leveraging digital solutions, focusing on offset well data analysis, invisible lost time (ILT), and well time benchmarking. Emphasizing the complexities of limited well counts within de-risking strategies, the integration of digital technology has revolutionized conventional drilling practices, improving operational efficiency and productivity in well drilling and completion processes. The study focuses on the crucial role of digital tools in analyzing offset well data and employing ILT analysis to optimize present and future drilling operations within an unconventional development drilling campaign. It explores the significance of these tools in analyzing historical well data to benchmark operations, identify ILT areas, and ultimately drive operational excellence and consistency. Case studies and empirical analyses underscore the significance of utilizing digital solutions for offset well data analysis and ILT identification, refining drilling strategies, and reducing non-productive time (NPT), thereby enhancing overall drilling efficiency. Utilizing the digital solution, this study analyzed two distinct drilling campaigns conducted by different teams, examining seven offset wells drilled by various rigs. The analysis includes investigating operational events through detailed key performance indicators (KPI) categories, ILT drivers, drilling practices, NPTs, and unplanned events. After identifying contributors to ILT and NPT, the study provided composite well time estimations for a UC gas HTHP well, enabling the establishment of detailed rig operations benchmarks allowing more accurate well delivery time estimations for future development drilling projects. Moreover, this paper emphasizes the importance of rig operation benchmarking, utilizing digital solutions to track, compare and enhance drilling performance against unconventional drilling wells record. The findings highlight that integrating digital solutions with ILT analysis and benchmarking enables more informed decision-making, leading to streamlined and optimized well operations within unconventional oil and gas drilling projects.