Williston Basin Well Performance versus Lateral Length Evaluation

The Williston Basin is one of the most prolific oil producing basins in North America. In the US state of North Dakota, unconventional development in the Williston Basin in Bakken and Three Forks shale formations, has increased oil production from the state by over 10 folds in the last decade and propelled North Dakota to become the third-largest oil producing state in the US with current average daily production of over 1.2 MMBOPD.
 
The most common drilling spacing unit (DSU) in the Williston Basin of North Dakota is 1,280 acres or 2-miles by 1-mile. Therefore, most of the basin has been developed by 2-mile wells with lateral lengths of approximately 10,000 ft or 3,000 m. However, to develop their land base more efficiently and improve economic margins, various operators have been increasing the lateral lengths up to 3-miles (approximately 15,000 ft or 4,500 m) in the last couple of years. While longer laterals provide incremental oil recovery and increased production rates, there is uncertainty regarding their “true” impact on well performance. In the absence of adequate analog data, what is a suitable multiplier to use for oil recovery (EUR) and initial rates (IP) while considering longer laterals over shorter ones as a development strategy? Is there a 1:1 relationship between lateral length and well performance or a portion of the oil recovery must be sacrificed, and hydrocarbon resource left in the ground by going longer?
 
In this presentation, we will attempt to answer the above questions by evaluating the relationship between lateral length and well performance. We will look at well performance in different areas of the Williston Basin in North Dakota and compare 1, 2 and 3-mile wells drilled by various operators. A guideline for using EUR and IP enhancement while considering longer laterals will be presented which can be used as a starting point while conducting their feasibility analysis. Reservoir modelling concerns to be aware of while simulating longer laterals well performance will be discussed. Finally, the operational challenges to consider and the value drivers for longer laterals will be discussed.
 
In-person registration closes on June 10 at 8AM MDT.