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Successful fracture stimulation begins not with
placing fractures but with placing the wellbore in the
most favorable part of the reservoir, where the highest
porosity and best permeability exist, and then focuses
the hydraulic fracturing operation on that same zone.
Reservoir characterization data from seismic surveys
and logging are input to build the reservoir model with
the Petrel platform for picking the most productive
areas. Once the zones to be penetrated have been
identified, horizontal wells are drilled using a specifi-
cally designed integrated drilling system from the
Drilling Group.
The way that unconventional reservoirs are devel-
oped is being significantly changed by engineered frac-
turing services, such as the Schlumberger HiWAY* flow
channel fracturing technique. The HiWAY technique
integrates reservoir modeling, downhole hardware,
specialized fluids, and a process-controlled delivery
system to achieve considerable savings over conven-
tional techniques, but first it must be decided where to
put the fracture. Only a decade ago, hydraulic frac-
turing still employed a brute force approach to
attempt stimulation of long sections of the well that
typically crossed reservoir zones of limited potential.
What was lacking were the necessary modeling and
interpretation techniques for unconventional reser-
voir evaluation and development.
By applying science, Schlumberger has developed
an integrated workflow for unconventional reservoirs
that harnesses the power of the HiWAY technique
to multistage completion technology. Proppant is
directed to the most favorable reservoir zones and the
subsequent development of the fracture network is
monitored by “listening” to the rocks as they crack
open. These microseismic monitoring techniques are
based on Wireline borehole seismic technologies.
Other technologies integrated from the Schlumberger
Reservoir Characterization Group are surface and
downhole seismic measurements, core analysis, and
wireline logging and logging-while-drilling data. The
Located in Ecuador, the Shushufindi field produces
approximately 10% of the country’s oil production.
Discovered in 1970, Shushufindi reached peak
production of 110,000 bbl/d of oil in 1992 and was
acquired by PetroEcuador. Following production decline
to 43,000 bbl/d, revitalization planning began in 2010.
In 2012 Schlumberger formed the Shushufindi Consortium
with Tecpetrol and KKR. Key to the success of the com-
plex project has been the integration of multidisciplinary
teams and seamless coordination between parties. A
strong emphasis on teamwork and alignment of goals has
contributed to the early success of the project, with four
drilling rigs and seven workover rigs operational by the
end of 2013.
Approximately 30 new wells have been drilled. Service
integration has brought operational efficiencies and
deployment of more than 50 specialized technologies.
Significant improvements in well construction times have been
achieved, with a 15% decrease in average well drilling time.
By consolidating field data, shared models, and reservoir
simulations, the conventional approach of multiple, disparate
operational and service units has now become one, all
supported by the same data set, plan, and set of priorities.
Two years after the project began, production has grown to
nearly 70,000 bbl/d of oil, one year ahead of plan.
Integrated Production Operations
Skilled Schlumberger wellsite supervisors and field personnel
execute integrated projects within plan and to the highest
quality and safety standards. IPMWellsite Supervisor Carlos
Mazabanda reviews a drilling log inside the driller’s cabin on
location in the Shushufindi field, Ecuador.
