Smart technology for marginal field- radial jet drilling & its hydraulic optimization

Abstract

Marginal field refers to a prospect which at a given point of time may not be economically viable to develop due to constraints which maybe- economical, technological, geographic or geologic in nature, at that given point of time. In recent times the development of Marginal fields is being viewed with increased interest as the world’s mature fields undergo a steady decline and the discovery of large fields becomes more and more occasional. However, the development of such “small” fields cannot be done on same pattern as for the conventional fields, as they may not prove economical and profitable for a company. Moreover, there are certain problems that occurs in a field even once it is put to production which may lead to a lower productivity than expected. Formation damage, wax deposition etc. can be some of the causes for this lower productivity. Well stimulation to attain better productivity is quite an expensive and human resource intensive process and can be undertaken only when economics from the field is justified. Marginal fields does not have a higher rate of return, so such well stimulation techniques can prove to be very expensive and uneconomic. Newer technologies are hence needed to be implemented to marginal fields to increase productivity keeping in mind the economics. Radial Jet Drilling (RJD) is one of such technique which we have undertaken under this project to be applied in a marginal field to improve productivity with better economics, since it is a comparatively cheaper process. Under this project we have done a brief literature review of the marginal fields, Indian scenario of marginal fields, challenges in a marginal field etc. which is then followed by a review of RJD technique and hydraulics optimization of RJD technique on MS Excel based on various force and pressure loss equations.