Abstract

Augmented Drainage Development (ADD) utilizes open-hole laterals that offset standard plug and perf (PnP) completions, with all wells/laterals drilled in the same batch. The ADD laterals are passively stimulated by the hydraulic fractures from the offset PnP wells. Cipolla et. al. (2024) showed that ADD wells can produce up to 40% of the offset PnP completions. However, the impact of ADD on field development options was not well understood, including acceleration versus incremental oil recovery and economic viability. This paper extends the work of Cipolla et. al. (2024), evaluating potential field development applications of ADD in the Bakken.

A fully coupled hydraulic fracture and reservoir simulation model was rigorously calibrated using a comprehensive measurement suite from multiple drainage mapping projects, including direct measurements of drainage versus distance. This calibrated model accurately represented the drainage curves and the actual ADD well performance documented by Cipolla et. al. (2024). The calibrated model was used to evaluate ADD options in the Bakken.

The modeling of ADD well performance showed that ADD laterals can increase first-year pad-level production and improve estimated ultimate recovery (EUR). Scoping economics show that if the cost of ADD laterals is 15-50% of the standard well drilling cost, ADD laterals can increase asset value and allow wider frac well (PnP well) spacing. However, the economic viability of ADD requires advances in drilling applications for unconventionals, which could include dual laterals (ADD + PnP lateral), or multi-lateral ADD wells (3+ laterals).

Introduction

The objective of this study was to determine if ADD is a viable development option for the Bakken. Cipolla et. al. (2024) showed the proof-of-concept work, documenting two field trials that demonstrated ADD well performance is a function of distance from the offset frac wells (i.e. – standard PnP completions) and treatment design. However, this initial work did not address issues such as acceleration versus incremental recovery, effect of spacing and treatment size, and ADD compared to standard development options. For example, is wider well spacing plus ADD wells better than a standard development using tighter well spacing?