Improved Treatment Distribution Through Oriented Perforating

Abstract Perforation-imaging studies have indicated highly variable results on effectively treating all perforation clusters within a given fracturing stage in horizontal well plug-and-perf applications, even when limited entry designs were used. A field test was executed to trial differing perforating designs and levels of perforation friction for identifying a preferred technique for evenly distributing treatment volume along the lateral. The test was implemented in a horizontal well in the Eagle Ford formation of south Texas. After treatment and plug drill-out operations were completed, a downhole camera was run to visualize perforation entry holes along the entire lateral section. Shaped perforating charges described as equal entry hole charges were used in all stages. The resulting images were analyzed to determine entry hole dimensions and erosion characteristics to determine if alternate perforating strategies provided improved results, as compared to the standard design of multi-phase perforating with 1200 psi of perforation friction. Test results indicate that orienting perforations in a straight line (zero-phase) along the high side of the wellbore significantly improved treatment distribution among perforation clusters. Oriented perforating achieved this benefit without needing to increase initial perforation friction beyond the area standard of 1200 psi. Another result from this project was development of a statistical process for evaluating perforation entry hole erosion data. Entry hole erosion datasets are complex and difficult to analyze. The statistical process presented in this paper demonstrates a clear way to compare the effectiveness of different perforation designs. This paper also covers the operational difficulties encountered during the project which added complexity to analyzing the results. Lastly, this paper offers suggestions for future modifications for oriented perforation designs to further improve limited entry effectiveness.