Resource Engineering Group
Completed Projects

This investigation focused on the factors that influence deepwater well completion performance in the Gulf of Mexico. Building on an earlier screening-level analysis, this investigation utilized a large dataset of 152 deepwater well completions and specified numerous multivariate regression models to study the relationship between initial skin (a measure of well impairment) and independent variables representing subsurface properties (e.g., permeability, viscosity), design attributes (e.g., backsurge, underbalance), and completion types (FracPack and HRWP). The findings provide data-based and actionable guidance for reservoir engineers, completion engineers, and production technologists to evaluate completion design choices and to conduct benefit-cost analysis.

This investigation was designed to identify the drivers of adverse events such as stuck pipe and related hazards encountered during drilling operations in the Oligocene Flysch formation in Albania. Drawing on data from the client's own operations and offset wells drilled by other operators, the study specified binary probit and ordered probit models to evaluate the effect of operational and geological variables on multiple categories of adverse events. The analysis was designed to disentangle the effects of these factors amid competing theories on root causes, and to deliver a predictive model to support well design on future wells. The findings were used to significantly revise the existing well design, and the remaining wells in the campaign were drilled without any adverse drilling events.

This project focused on the relationship between acid stimulation design and injectivity outcomes in deepwater Gulf of Mexico completions. Using a large dataset of acid stimulation jobs, a comprehensive multivariate analysis was conducted to ascertain which design elements most significantly impact injectivity. Design details such as fluid loss pills, acid types, stage volumes, and stage sequencing were investigated. The analysis delivered a collection of models and marginal impact estimates that provide a structured, data-driven basis for evaluating and optimizing acid stimulation design decisions. Some results were counter-intuitive, and additional research was initiated with a university collaborator to explore various hypotheses.

The results serve as a valuable reference for completion engineers and asset teams engaged in well stimulation planning and execution. By identifying which variables most consistently influence injectivity—and which do not—the findings help focus attention on the design choices that matter most, potentially improving well performance and cost efficiency. These insights are particularly beneficial to teams working in complex and costly environments like offshore deepwater operations, where small design improvements can translate into significant economic gains. 

This study investigated the performance of commingled versus single-zone completions in oil and gas wells, focusing on the accuracy of input assumptions and their impact on production outcomes. A comprehensive statistical analysis was used to compare "actual versus estimated" performance metrics (attainment), such as initial rates, first-year volumes, and estimated ultimate recovery, across different completion types. The research employed graphical analysis, univariate and multivariate statistical methods, and formal survival analysis to assess attainment and reliability. The analysis provides critical insights into the performance of single and commingled completions, emphasizing biases in forecasting and factors affecting well reliability.

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The analysis provided actionable recommendations for reservoir engineers and production managers to improve estimation practices and risk assessments, especially in deepwater or complex reservoir settings where commingling is often considered. Decision-makers can leverage these findings to optimize resource allocation, refine project designs, improve operational efficiency, and generate more accurate and credible estimates. 

This project investigated the reliability of sand control completions in deepwater Gulf of Mexico oil and gas wells. The analysis focused on identifying key risk factors related to reservoir attributes, well design, installation practices, and operational variables. The study benefitted from a large data set of 228 client-operated completions. Numerous statistical models were specified and estimated. ​The results provided valuable and detailed information to reservoir engineers, completions engineers, production technologists, and operations personnel regarding the design, installation, operation and reliability of sand control completions. 

The results were used to validate and refine the client's existing production operations guidelines regarding the management of sand control completions. 

This summary describes two typical engagements that were completed in support of laboratory testing programs.

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Project 1: This project included an in-depth statistical analysis of Formation Response Test results designed to compare the performance of water-based mud and synthetic-based mud systems for a deepwater project. The purpose was to evaluate factors influencing final permeability outcomes across various test parameters, such as fluid types, temperatures, durations, and overbalances. The results were used to support final fluid (concept) selection and detailed design.

Project 2: This project explored breaker fluid design for a deepwater project. The scope included multiple cycles of experimental design for laboratory testing—from screening-quality designs to the initial stages of detailed design—and all the relevant statistical analyses to guide the testing program. The investigation addressed acid types, concentrations, proportions, volumes, and other relevant factors. Numerous prospective acid mixtures were efficiently evaluated and enabled the project to advance rapidly from the feasibility phase to detailed design.

This investigation was designed to increase understanding of calcium bromide (CaBr2) brine performance in high-pressure and high-density deepwater completion operations. The study involved the specification and execution of laboratory experiments to explore crystallization behavior. The scope also included statistical analysis of the results, including predictive models and uncertainty analysis.

The results were used to refine fluid selection guidelines and potentially to extend the operational envelope of cost-effective brines for use in high-pressure and high-density applications. This work provides completion engineers with quantitative guidance for optimizing brine selection in deepwater well completions, potentially reducing costs while managing risks associated with crystallization.

This project conducted a Fitness-For-Purpose assessment to evaluate the suitability of standard P-110 casing for sour service conditions. The effort included a detailed analysis to determine how well different casing materials meet operational requirements, complemented by a quantitative risk assessment to evaluate the potential benefits and costs. Deliverables also included detailed guidelines for material selection and risk management. The results provide well engineers and asset managers with practical guidance for material selection analysis and decision-making, improving project economics while maintaining well integrity in sour service conditions.