Optimization of shale-gas horizontal well spacing based on geology–engineering–economy integration: A case study of Well Block Ning 209 in the National Shale Gas Development Demonstration Area

• Main Authors: Rui Yong, Cheng Chang, Deliang Zhang, Jianfa Wu, Haoyong Huang, Daijiao Jing, Jian Zheng
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: KeAi Communications Co., Ltd. 2021-02-01
• Series: Natural Gas Industry B
• Subjects: Shale gas; Reasonable well spacing; Well interference; Geological modeling; Numerical simulation; Integration
• Online Access: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352854021000103

In order to maximize the resource utilization rate, it is common to adopt one-time overall deployment of well pattern to develop shale gas, and the design of horizontal well spacing is the key to the deployment of shale gas well pattern. To determine the optimal well spacing, it is not only necessary to understand both geological characteristics and drilling fracturing technology, but also take into consideration the influences of economic factors, such as gas price and cost. At present, there is no reliable method for designing the well spacing of shale-gas horizontal wells at home and abroad. In this paper, a method for analyzing the well spacing of shale-gas horizontal wells based on the integration of geology, engineering and economy was established for the first time. Then, by means of geological modeling, numerical simulation and cash flow analysis, the well spacing of shale-gas development wells in Well Block Ning 209 in the Changning–Weiyuan National Shale Gas Demonstration Area in the Sichuan Basin was comprehensively evaluated by using estimated ultimate reserve (EUR), recovery factor and internal rate of return (IRR). And the following research results were obtained. First, under the current geological, engineering and economic conditions of Well Block Ning 209, the IRR of shale gas platform development can be kept greater than 8% if the well spacing is larger than 240 m. Second, when the well spacing is controlled between 330 m and 380 m, single well EUR, recovery rate of the platform and economic benefit can be considered simultaneously. In conclusion, the research results support the formulation of the shale gas development technology policy of Well Block Ning 209 and lay a foundation for the realization of its scale efficient development of shale gas.