Wells shut-in due to the current economic climate provide opportunities to gather and analyze reservoir data for better understanding and characterization of existing development. Additional data can inform decisions that optimize future well spacing, drilling and completions.
DATE ISSUED: May 21, 2020
EFFECTIVE DATE: Immediately
The BC Energy Regulator (Regulator) reminds well permit holders that wells shut-in due to the current economic climate provide opportunities to gather and analyze reservoir data for better understanding and characterization of existing development. Additional data can inform decisions that optimize future well spacing, drilling and completions. This applies to both conventional and unconventional reservoirs.
While bottom-hole recorder pressure data is preferred for quality analysis, surface pressure monitoring with existing instrumentation, or dedicated gauges, with occasional fluid level shots may provide cost-effective data collection. Collection of well production or injection data, including pressures prior to shut-in, is recommended to improve test analysis.
Another opportunity for data gathering is the staged shut-down or start-up of wells in proximity, such as horizontal wells in unconventional reservoirs on a common pad. Pressure monitoring of wells may detect interference effects during these operations. Industry groups have developed best practices regarding well selection, well shut-in and start-up considerations. Published papers and other forums are available to benefit from this knowledge sharing.
While this testing is not a requirement, the current situation may present a unique opportunity for data gathering to benefit future investment.
A reminder, any well test for the purpose of obtaining a value of reservoir pressure, must be submitted to the Regulator.
If you have any questions regarding this Industry Bulletin, please contact:
Ron Stefik Eng.L.
Supervisor, Reservoir Engineering
BC Energy Regulator
250-419-4430