Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by BIGWOOD66 on August 15, 2008 at 2:06

Why not? I am sure it can be done,with the proper permits. The thing that I am concerned about is the vertical producing small quantities/royalties/return and the L/O stuck with a crappy lease and low return for years because the vertical has the unit HBP. Why do you ask?

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Permalink Reply by Liz Cb2 on August 15, 2008 at 2:18

A well was made near my property. I'm just outside the unit. Anyway, the well came in, it was fraced, tanks brought in to the site, etc. and now I'm seeing another rig in the same exact location. I haven't been to the site. I've just seen it from the main highway but there is no mistaking a derrick. Sonris doesn't show anything other than they're testing. Just curious. Thanks for everybody's input.

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Permalink Reply by Dion Warr, CPL on August 15, 2008 at 2:11

Liz:

The answers are "sure" and "yes".

Although the engineering for a Horizontal well is a little different than that of a traditional (Vertical) well, a horizontal well is in essence a Vertical well with a "lateral" or "kickout". What they would do is travel slightly uphole from the horizontal target, then mill a window in the side of the well casing in the direction in which they want to go. They then push through the window and begin to drill a curve or radius, monitoring their distance and angle as they go. When they reach horizontal, they drill out the lateral. Thre process requires some frequent tool changes and downhole motors, but the results have become so predictable that for many drillers, there is really not much to it.

It is common for operators to log their target zone (at least initially) as a vertical bore, before deciding to proceed with their horizontal leg, however, if the well was a planned horizontal, this is mainly done for reconnaissance purposes (in order to evaluate the formation prior to firming up their drilling and completion program for the well).

As far as the permit question, if the operator is not originally permitted as a horizontal well, they would need to obtain the necessary additional permits to go HZ.

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Permalink Reply by KT on August 15, 2008 at 2:44

Talked with a driller a couple of days ago. He said he moves to another well every two weeks. Also said all his are vertical. Called them test wells. Dont know anything but what I read here but wonder if all those wells will leave landowners HBP.

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Permalink Reply by The_Baron on August 15, 2008 at 3:27

As long as the well is producing in "paying quanities" it will HBP the landowners.

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Permalink Reply by J Harris on August 15, 2008 at 3:07

Liz, I was recently on 3 locations west of Shreveport, near the LA/TX line, that are set up as dual drill sites. Meaning that as soon as one well is drilled on one location then the well rigs down and moves about 50 feet and rigs up to drill on a different direction. One of the sites that we were on has 2 rigs drilling at the same time.

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Permalink Reply by Liz Cb2 on August 15, 2008 at 3:55

Thanks for everybody's input. The well was permitted as a vertical so I'm not sure what's really going on. The public road going in has been resurfaced so one would have to think that there's something worth pursing if they're willing to spend the that kind of money.

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Permalink Reply by Jon on August 15, 2008 at 4:25

Liz where is the property? T22N 7W

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Permalink Reply by Liz Cb2 on August 15, 2008 at 4:33

You're right, Jon. Do you have any info?

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Permalink Reply by Jon on August 15, 2008 at 4:43

No, but we have about 328 acres in that area sec 8 9 17. There have been two wells permitted since 8/1/08 just north of us in T23N 7W. Hopefully these are good signs We have our fingers crossed. Thanks for the information.

Jon

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Permalink Reply by Liz Cb2 on August 15, 2008 at 4:53

Jon,

If I learn more I'll pass it on to you.

Obviously, we're in a good spot. It may not be HA Shale but it's still good.

Liz

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Permalink Reply by Rick Cash on August 18, 2008 at 6:29

While working as HSE Officer in Colorado on drilling locations it was a common practice to have as many as six wells on one location. They also have plans to come back and drill more in the same location. This cuts down on the cost to move rigs and makes a smaller environmental "footprint" for drilling to multiple locations. They have one rig that is able to "skid" over to the new well bore on the same location.

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