Hydraulic fracturing along with horizontal drilling has revolutionized unconventional oil and gas production over the past decade. While significant strides have been made in the efficiency of drilling and completions during this period, the next generation of improvements will focus more on optimizing full field development.
This optimization centers on the concept of the 3 E’s:
- Enhancing productivity (EUR)
- Environmental footprint reduction
- Improved economics of the field
Past case studies in unconventional reservoirs have shown that in well-designed hydraulic fracturing processes, energized fluids utilizing carbon dioxide (CO2) or nitrogen (N2) can reduce costs and improve well performance to achieve a lower unit cost of production.
From a field-wide perspective, based upon historic uses of CO2 and N2 for enhanced oil recovery (EOR), one can quickly discern how individual well stimulation treatments utilizing energized fluids can provide a leg up in the ultimate recovery of a reservoir.
This paper will review case studies on the productivity and economics of various fracturing fluids in unconventional plays and then assess, in the EagleFord, relative costs of stimulations with various fracturing fluids and compare the simulated production results for each of those fluids.
If you’d like to learn more about how to optimize your well treatments, and what options exist for you to plan, develop and invest to achieve optimal results, download the Energized Solutions whitepaper.