American Oil and Gas Reporter - April 2017 - 91

ture propagation. This risk was identified early on, given that
vertical fracture propagation was critical to well productivity
by connecting multiple laminated intervals with zero vertical
formation permeability.
The post-frac history match from the Cascade A well exhibited height confinement in the presence of hard streaks and tectonic compression. Subsequent wells took these streaks into consideration as a confining mechanism to fracturing geometry, and
straddled the streaks with perforating intervals to promote fracture height growth. The existence of vertical fracture propagation
was confirmed by radioactive tracer logs, which were collected
when pulling the bottom-hole assembly, the temperature profile
from the bottom-hole gauges across the perforation interval, and
the production history profile and post-frac PTA.
The perforating strategy was designed to go hand-in-hand with
the frac design. The process of changing the length and location
of each perforation was repeated until the optimum fracture coverage was achieved for the entire net pay. Rather than design a
frac job with a preselected perforation interval (based solely on
net pay), the perforations were used to initiate the fracture at a
predetermined location, relying on formation stresses to propagate the fracture and maximize contact with the net pay.

Bottom-Hole Temperature Profile
During Main Treatment

Temperature Profile

FIGURE 4A
Perforation Placement Example
(Perforations Positioned at Top of Interval)
TVD
ft
25,500

Wilcox 1

116.38 min

25,600

0.334
0.667

25,700

Shale

1.001

25,800

Wilcox 2

1.334
1.668

25,900

Silty SS

2.001

26,000

2.335
2.668

26,100

3.002

26,200

Wilcox 2

3.335

26,300

Wet SS

19,670 20,110
Stress (psi)

0.000

100
200
Fracture Penetration (ft)

FIGURE 4B
Perforation Placement Example
(Perforations Positioned Lower in Interval)
TVD
ft
25,500

Wilcox 1

89.19 min

0.000

25,600

0.353
0.706

25,700

Shale

1.059

25,800

Wilcox 2

1.412
1.765

25,900

Silty SS

2.118

26,000

2.471
2.824

26,100

3.177

26,200

Wilcox 2

3.530

26,300

Wet SS

19,670 20,110
Stress (psi)

Proppant Coverage lb/ft^2

Production Management
The well production history data in Figure 5 contain a main
buildup test (acquired as part of the well startup sequence) and
multiple shut-in periods (unscheduled operational interruptions). Even though many shut-in periods were available for analysis, only the main test and some build-ups with reasonable data
quality and sufficient durations were considered for PTA.
The main buildup test consisted of a cleaning and flowing period and a buildup period. The well cleaned up for five days, flowed

FIGURE 3

Proppant Coverage lb/ft^2

Fracture Simulations
To demonstrate this approach, two simulation runs were performed in the Wilcox 2 sand to show the effectiveness of properly positioning the perforation interval to take advantage of insitu stresses. Both cases were run in a gridded, planar 3-D fracture simulator using the same stress profile, pump schedule and
pump rate. The frac design depicted in Figure 4A was simulated
by positioning the perforations at the top of the interval, resulting in upward height growth into the shale section and part of the
lower Wilcox 1 sand while leaving the lower part of the Wilcox
2 unstimulated. On the other hand, the frac design depicted in Figure 4B was simulated by placing the perforations lower within the
interval, resulting in a more desirable fracture geometry across the
Wilcox 2 sand.
After determining the optimum fracture geometry for the Lower Tertiary formation, a detailed geomechanical model was built
for the Cascade Field. The model was used to determine the ideal number of frac stages to effectively treat the entire Wilcox formation. This iterative process was developed using two cases: three
frac stages and four frac stages. Modeling showed fracture overlap between all stages for the four-stage frac, but the overlap did
not provide additional well productivity benefits.
Post-frac production for both cases was simulated using a 3D reservoir model to honor the actual geologic layering. The normalized productivity index showed that three fractures could
achieve adequate formation coverage. In addition, three stages
would reduce the operational risk, time and costs associated with
a fourth stage. Although a three-stage approach was optimum to
effectively treat the entire reservoir of the Cascade A well, this
iterative process was repeated for every well completed on the
Cascade/Chinook project to ensure effective fracturing programs.

for five days, and was then shut in for a buildup period of 12 days.
The flow rate was maintained to limit the pressure drawdown initially to approximately 5,000 psia because of geomechanical concerns. After the main buildup period, the well was gradually
ramped up while being closely monitored for sand production to
8,000 psia of drawdown, and later to 10,000 psia with artificial
lift support from the subsea booster pumps.
The well was ramped slowly and steadily to minimize the pressure shockwave to the formation and maintain the reservoir's in-

100
200
Fracture Penetration (ft)

APRIL 2017 91



American Oil and Gas Reporter - April 2017

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of American Oil and Gas Reporter - April 2017

Contents
American Oil and Gas Reporter - April 2017 - 1
American Oil and Gas Reporter - April 2017 - 2
American Oil and Gas Reporter - April 2017 - Contents
American Oil and Gas Reporter - April 2017 - 4
American Oil and Gas Reporter - April 2017 - 5
American Oil and Gas Reporter - April 2017 - 6
American Oil and Gas Reporter - April 2017 - 7
American Oil and Gas Reporter - April 2017 - 8
American Oil and Gas Reporter - April 2017 - 9
American Oil and Gas Reporter - April 2017 - 10
American Oil and Gas Reporter - April 2017 - 11
American Oil and Gas Reporter - April 2017 - 12
American Oil and Gas Reporter - April 2017 - 13
American Oil and Gas Reporter - April 2017 - 14
American Oil and Gas Reporter - April 2017 - 15
American Oil and Gas Reporter - April 2017 - 16
American Oil and Gas Reporter - April 2017 - 17
American Oil and Gas Reporter - April 2017 - 18
American Oil and Gas Reporter - April 2017 - 19
American Oil and Gas Reporter - April 2017 - 20
American Oil and Gas Reporter - April 2017 - 21
American Oil and Gas Reporter - April 2017 - 22
American Oil and Gas Reporter - April 2017 - 23
American Oil and Gas Reporter - April 2017 - 24
American Oil and Gas Reporter - April 2017 - 25
American Oil and Gas Reporter - April 2017 - 26
American Oil and Gas Reporter - April 2017 - 27
American Oil and Gas Reporter - April 2017 - 28
American Oil and Gas Reporter - April 2017 - 29
American Oil and Gas Reporter - April 2017 - 30
American Oil and Gas Reporter - April 2017 - 31
American Oil and Gas Reporter - April 2017 - 32
American Oil and Gas Reporter - April 2017 - 33
American Oil and Gas Reporter - April 2017 - 34
American Oil and Gas Reporter - April 2017 - 35
American Oil and Gas Reporter - April 2017 - 36
American Oil and Gas Reporter - April 2017 - 37
American Oil and Gas Reporter - April 2017 - 38
American Oil and Gas Reporter - April 2017 - 39
American Oil and Gas Reporter - April 2017 - 40
American Oil and Gas Reporter - April 2017 - 41
American Oil and Gas Reporter - April 2017 - 42
American Oil and Gas Reporter - April 2017 - 43
American Oil and Gas Reporter - April 2017 - 44
American Oil and Gas Reporter - April 2017 - 45
American Oil and Gas Reporter - April 2017 - 46
American Oil and Gas Reporter - April 2017 - 47
American Oil and Gas Reporter - April 2017 - 48
American Oil and Gas Reporter - April 2017 - 49
American Oil and Gas Reporter - April 2017 - 50
American Oil and Gas Reporter - April 2017 - 51
American Oil and Gas Reporter - April 2017 - 52
American Oil and Gas Reporter - April 2017 - 53
American Oil and Gas Reporter - April 2017 - 54
American Oil and Gas Reporter - April 2017 - 55
American Oil and Gas Reporter - April 2017 - 56
American Oil and Gas Reporter - April 2017 - 57
American Oil and Gas Reporter - April 2017 - 58
American Oil and Gas Reporter - April 2017 - 59
American Oil and Gas Reporter - April 2017 - 60
American Oil and Gas Reporter - April 2017 - 61
American Oil and Gas Reporter - April 2017 - 62
American Oil and Gas Reporter - April 2017 - 63
American Oil and Gas Reporter - April 2017 - 64
American Oil and Gas Reporter - April 2017 - 65
American Oil and Gas Reporter - April 2017 - 66
American Oil and Gas Reporter - April 2017 - 67
American Oil and Gas Reporter - April 2017 - 68
American Oil and Gas Reporter - April 2017 - 69
American Oil and Gas Reporter - April 2017 - 70
American Oil and Gas Reporter - April 2017 - 71
American Oil and Gas Reporter - April 2017 - 72
American Oil and Gas Reporter - April 2017 - 73
American Oil and Gas Reporter - April 2017 - 74
American Oil and Gas Reporter - April 2017 - 75
American Oil and Gas Reporter - April 2017 - 76
American Oil and Gas Reporter - April 2017 - 77
American Oil and Gas Reporter - April 2017 - 78
American Oil and Gas Reporter - April 2017 - 79
American Oil and Gas Reporter - April 2017 - 80
American Oil and Gas Reporter - April 2017 - 81
American Oil and Gas Reporter - April 2017 - 82
American Oil and Gas Reporter - April 2017 - 83
American Oil and Gas Reporter - April 2017 - 84
American Oil and Gas Reporter - April 2017 - 85
American Oil and Gas Reporter - April 2017 - 86
American Oil and Gas Reporter - April 2017 - 87
American Oil and Gas Reporter - April 2017 - 88
American Oil and Gas Reporter - April 2017 - 89
American Oil and Gas Reporter - April 2017 - 90
American Oil and Gas Reporter - April 2017 - 91
American Oil and Gas Reporter - April 2017 - 92
American Oil and Gas Reporter - April 2017 - 93
American Oil and Gas Reporter - April 2017 - 94
American Oil and Gas Reporter - April 2017 - 95
American Oil and Gas Reporter - April 2017 - 96
American Oil and Gas Reporter - April 2017 - 97
American Oil and Gas Reporter - April 2017 - 98
American Oil and Gas Reporter - April 2017 - 99
American Oil and Gas Reporter - April 2017 - 100
American Oil and Gas Reporter - April 2017 - 101
American Oil and Gas Reporter - April 2017 - 102
American Oil and Gas Reporter - April 2017 - 103
American Oil and Gas Reporter - April 2017 - 104
American Oil and Gas Reporter - April 2017 - 105
American Oil and Gas Reporter - April 2017 - 106
American Oil and Gas Reporter - April 2017 - 107
American Oil and Gas Reporter - April 2017 - 108
American Oil and Gas Reporter - April 2017 - 109
American Oil and Gas Reporter - April 2017 - 110
American Oil and Gas Reporter - April 2017 - 111
American Oil and Gas Reporter - April 2017 - 112
American Oil and Gas Reporter - April 2017 - 113
American Oil and Gas Reporter - April 2017 - 114
American Oil and Gas Reporter - April 2017 - 115
American Oil and Gas Reporter - April 2017 - 116
American Oil and Gas Reporter - April 2017 - 117
American Oil and Gas Reporter - April 2017 - 118
American Oil and Gas Reporter - April 2017 - 119
American Oil and Gas Reporter - April 2017 - 120
American Oil and Gas Reporter - April 2017 - 121
American Oil and Gas Reporter - April 2017 - 122
American Oil and Gas Reporter - April 2017 - 123
American Oil and Gas Reporter - April 2017 - 124
American Oil and Gas Reporter - April 2017 - 125
American Oil and Gas Reporter - April 2017 - 126
American Oil and Gas Reporter - April 2017 - 127
American Oil and Gas Reporter - April 2017 - 128
American Oil and Gas Reporter - April 2017 - 129
American Oil and Gas Reporter - April 2017 - 130
American Oil and Gas Reporter - April 2017 - 131
American Oil and Gas Reporter - April 2017 - 132
American Oil and Gas Reporter - April 2017 - 133
American Oil and Gas Reporter - April 2017 - 134
American Oil and Gas Reporter - April 2017 - 135
American Oil and Gas Reporter - April 2017 - 136
American Oil and Gas Reporter - April 2017 - 137
American Oil and Gas Reporter - April 2017 - 138
American Oil and Gas Reporter - April 2017 - 139
American Oil and Gas Reporter - April 2017 - 140
American Oil and Gas Reporter - April 2017 - 141
American Oil and Gas Reporter - April 2017 - 142
American Oil and Gas Reporter - April 2017 - 143
American Oil and Gas Reporter - April 2017 - 144
American Oil and Gas Reporter - April 2017 - 145
American Oil and Gas Reporter - April 2017 - 146
American Oil and Gas Reporter - April 2017 - 147
American Oil and Gas Reporter - April 2017 - 148
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aogr/202404
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aogr/202403
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aogr/202402
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aogr/202401
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aogr/202312
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aogr/202311
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aogr/pbios_202310
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aogr/202309
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aogr/202308
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aogr/202307
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aogr/202306
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aogr/202305
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aogr/202304
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aogr/202303
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aogr/202302
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aogr/202301
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aogr/202212
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aogr/202211
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aogr/202210
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aogr/202209
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aogr/202208
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aogr/202207
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aogr/202206
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aogr/202205
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aogr/202204
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aogr/202203
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aogr/202202
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aogr/202201
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aogr/202112
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aogr/202111
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aogr/pbios_202110
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aogr/202109
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aogr/202108
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aogr/202107
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aogr/202106
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aogr/202105
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aogr/202104
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aogr/202103
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aogr/202102
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aogr/202101
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aogr/202012
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aogr/202011
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aogr/202010
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aogr/202009
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aogr/202008
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aogr/202007
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aogr/202006
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aogr/202005
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aogr/202004
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aogr/202003
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aogr/202002
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aogr/202001
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aogr/201912
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aogr/201911
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aogr/201910
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aogr/201909
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aogr/201908
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aogr/201907
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aogr/201906
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aogr/201905
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aogr/201904
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aogr/201903
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aogr/201902
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aogr/201901
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aogr/201812
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aogr/201811
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aogr/201810
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aogr/pbios_201810
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aogr/201809
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aogr/201808
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aogr/201807
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aogr/201806
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aogr/201805
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aogr/201804
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aogr/201803
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aogr/201802
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aogr/201801
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aogr/201712
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aogr/201711
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aogr/201710
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aogr/201709
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aogr/201708
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aogr/201707
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aogr/201706
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aogr/201705
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aogr/201704
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aogr/201703
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aogr/201702
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aogr/201701
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aogr/201612
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aogr/201611
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aogr/201610
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aogr/pbios2016_programguide
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aogr/201609
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aogr/201608
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aogr/201607
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aogr/201606
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aogr/201605
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aogr/201604
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aogr/201603
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aogr/201602
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aogr/201601
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aogr/201512
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aogr/201511
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aogr/201510
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aogr/201509
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aogr/201508
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aogr/201507
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aogr/201506
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aogr/201505
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aogr/201504
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aogr/201503
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aogr/201502
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aogr/201501
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aogr/201412
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aogr/201411
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aogr/201410
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aogr/201409
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aogr/pbios2014_programguide
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aogr/201408
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aogr/201407
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aogr/201406
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aogr/201405
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aogr/201404
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aogr/201403
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aogr/201402
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aogr/201401
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aogr/201312
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aogr/201311
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aogr/201310
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aogr/201309
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aogr/201308
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aogr/201307
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aogr/201306
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aogr/201305
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aogr/201304
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aogr/201303
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aogr/201302
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aogr/201301
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aogr/201212
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aogr/201211
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aogr/201210
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aogr/201209
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aogr/2012_pbios
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aogr/201208
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aogr/201207
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aogr/201206
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aogr/201205
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aogr/201204
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aogr/201203
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aogr/201202
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aogr/201201
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/demo/aogr_clone
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aogr/201112
https://www.nxtbookmedia.com