Description
Refracturing in unconventional plays has gained popularity in the past few years. This has been due to multiple factors, including many of the older laterals being under-stimulated, improvements in degradable chemical diverters, low recovery factors in unconventionals, and operators trying to improve their overall capital efficiency. Before choosing the appropriate method to divert and isolate in refracturing treatments, the candidates must be carefully selected. This presentation will discuss various single and multi-dimensional approaches to refracturing candidate selection. Questions such as what makes a good refracturing candidate and how should one go about selecting a refracturing candidate will be answered. Multi-dimensional approaches including a multivariable and a matrix approach will be covered. A detailed example applying the matrix approach to over a dozen refractured laterals across a single basin will be presented, including production results. A candidate vetting process including key reservoir, well construction, and completion considerations will be articulated to help avoid common pitfalls when finalizing a refracturing candidate. Lastly, a candidate selection and execution case study workflow example will be covered for a recently refractured lateral.