Engineered Completion Design Increases Reservoir Contact and Productivity in the Wolfcamp Shale

Geometric completion designs proved ineffective in heterogeneous rock

The liquids-rich Wolfcamp shale play in the Permian basin has high production potential. However, its heterogeneous rock properties, high pressure, and high clay content have often led to ineffective stimulation treatments. After geometric completion designs yielded limited success, Clayton Williams Energy, Inc. partnered with Schlumberger to create a tailored completion design based on the mechanical properties of the rock.

Comprehensive log measurements enhanced completion strategy

Because of the laminated, heterogeneous nature of the shale, log measurements are critical for effective stimulation treatments. Petrophysical and mechanical rock properties were measured along the lateral, using ThruBit logging services, to acquire a full suite of wireline logs through the bit. The data—including porosity, resistivity, Poisson’s ratio, and Young’s modulus—were used to calculate in situ stress. Mangrove stimulation design then selected the optimal perforation intervals based on the computed stresses.