Practical Design Considerations for Perforation and Stimulation Strategy Based on Two Permanent Fiber Optics Tests in the Williston Basin

This paper introduces the results and interpretation of two permanent fiber optic (FO) installations deployed on two plug-and-perf wells in the Williston Basin. The paper covers a wide range of completion parameters that were tested and later implemented at scale as part of the field development strategy. Recent publications from multiple operators have demonstrated the success of aggressive limited entry strategies to reverse the decade-long trend of reducing stage length (to accommodate higher cluster counts and stimulate more entry points) in favor of extended stage lengths with higher cluster counts per stage. The paper provides additional field data supporting this trend with an emphasize on key design parameters that enable an increase in stimulated surface area while decreasing costs. We also share practical guidelines and field recommendations to mitigate risks during FO deployment. Finally, we demonstrate the value of the integrated application of field trials, fracture diagnostics, and well performance analysis to improve the stimulation design and capture additional value. The FO results enabled us to increase clusters per stage without diminishing cluster efficiency and allowed us to understand the dynamic of perforation screen-out and how variations in proppant schedules can impact cluster efficiency.