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Copy-Paste Engineering: What It Means For Your Completion

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November 1, 2024
Location:
Austin, Texas

More and more, we’ve noticed that some completion engineers (not you, of course) just don’t care about the details that can lead to a better well. They’re doing what we call “copy-paste engineering.” They use the same approach for every well without considering advances in technology. This approach has worked before, so it can only work again… right?

Copy-paste engineering is easy. But it’s just plain irresponsible.

When you apply outdated technologies or imprecise methodologies to a wellbore completion, it can have a detrimental effect on well productivity.

You might be one of the lucky ones, working in an area with rock quality that seems mistake proof. But for many in our industry, there’s an impending cliff of rock quality. There are natural tiers of rock quality in the basins we work in. When you consume more of the best rock, sooner or later the best is gone. All you’re left with is lesser-quality rock that requires precise frac placement and containment to maximize returns.

It’s essential to get every hydrocarbon out of that rock. Sooner than later, you won’t be able to shoot first, aim later, and think your rock is good enough to cover any mistakes. Investigating the effects of perf orientation on perf entry hole sizing, perf erosion after frac, and the uniformity of perf erosion per stage along with a plug’s downhole integrity can glean important information to optimize stage design. And if you don’t believe these inputs can yield a better producing well, they at least decrease average times to complete a stage which can result in considerable AFE savings throughout the course of a program.

READ MORE: Oriented perforating strategies and downhole performance

To get a better seal, you need a better plug.

We know, we know—plugs are at the very bottom of the priority list for plenty of engineers. There are a lot of other things to think about, and plugs aren’t typically one of them. But they really should be. All the effort to determine perf entry hole, proppant loading, and stage spacing can be quickly undermined if the frac is not properly isolated resulting in an over-stimulated prior stage and under-stimulated current stage.

READ MORE: Why plug slippage happens: 4 causes to look out for

Like we said: a better seal requires a better plug. And the best frac plug on the market is the real deal PurpleSeal™. Here’s why:

  • Rated for 10,000 PSI when tested in 5% ovalized casing with (exceptional conformity)
  • Anti-extrusion fins on the lower cone to prevent rubber from flowing
  • Substantially sized rubber element that provides over 1” of casing engagement
  • Lightweight materials and ceramic buttons for unmatched drill-out performance
  • No run-in-hole speed limits when pumping
  • Anti-preset features in the plug and wireline adapter kit

READ MORE: Meet the MCD: your misrun insurance policy

A dependable plug is non-negotiable.

Proper frac plug selection is not merely a technical choice but a strategic decision that directly impacts the success of a wellbore completion. Operators who prioritize the careful selection of frac plugs are more likely to achieve optimal well performance, avoid costly remediation, and maximize their return on investment.

The best completion makes the best well. And the best well makes for a happy management team, shareholders, and investors. So why wouldn’t you pick the best plug for the job?

Contact us today and let’s talk about adding the PurpleSeal™ composite frac plug to your completion.

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