Production decline in unconventional wells can happen rapidly, and frequently wells become uneconomical and unproductive within 2 years of completion.
When this happens, operators face challenging solutions including re-fracturing to access untapped reserves. Many older wells that have been sub-optimally completed face a particularly rapid decline.
A typical re-fracturing operation involves running an insert liner and cementing, or an expandable liner then repeating the plug and perf procedure. This can be costly, operationally complex and results in a significantly reduced ID which can limit production and/or restrain the future opportunity to re-complete.
TAQA has developed SwellPlug, a cost effective, low complexity patent protected method that isolates existing perforations and allows re-fracturing to take place without the need to isolate existing fractures with an insert liner.
