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Frequently Asked Questions & Workflows

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the difference between the Conventional and Unconventional Optimizer? The Conventional Optimizer focuses on standard vertical or deviated wells, managing rig moves without complex pad logic. The Unconventional Optimizer handles complex multi-well pads, zipper fracs, batch drilling, and intense logistical constraints common in shale developments.

2. How does the Optimizer decide the drilling order? The Optimizer evaluates rig availability, pad readiness constraints, and target production quotas. By default, it prioritizes drilling order based on maximum NPV or fastest time-to-production, unless constrained by user-defined geographical or sequence rules.

3. Can I manually override the optimizer’s suggested schedule? Yes. While the Optimizer generates an initial schedule, you can go to the Schedule module to manually drag and drop Gantt chart blocks, locking them in place. The engine will recalculate surrounding constraints automatically.

4. How do I configure Parent-Child interference (Frac Hits)? Navigate to Schedule → Frac Hit Configuration. Here you can define degradation matrices or delay periods that apply to a “Child” well when it is fractured near an actively producing “Parent” well.

5. What inputs are required for the Frac Hit Configuration? You need to specify the spatial threshold (distance between wells), the timing threshold (how long the parent has been producing), and the penalty factors (reductions applied to the child’s Type Well EUR or qiq_i).

6. How do I define rig constraints and availability? In FDP Analysis Control → Constraints, you can define the total number of drilling rigs and frac crews available. You can also specify rig release dates, maintenance downtimes, and mobilization delays.

7. How does Base Production factor into the FDP calculation? Base Production represents the declining forecast of your existing, already-producing wells. The FDP engine overlays the new schedule (Type Wells) on top of the Base Production to calculate the total field production profile.

8. Can I assign different Type Wells to different regions in my field? Yes. In the Production Setup → Type Wells section, you can map specific Type Wells to individual future well locations based on polygons, formations, or custom attributes.

9. How do I export my final schedule to an XLSX file? Go to Export Options → XLSX File. This will generate a comprehensive Excel workbook containing the Gantt schedule, rig assignments, and monthly production forecasts.

10. What does the “Wells Setup” step involve? In Wells Setup, you import your future well roster (spud locations). You define the well name, pad association, lateral length, and target formation. This roster serves as the foundation for the Optimizer.

11. How do I handle pad drilling logistics in the schedule? Using the Unconventional Optimizer, you can group wells by Pad. The optimizer will enforce batch drilling rules (e.g., drilling all surface holes before moving to production holes) and zipper frac logistics.

12. How does the system resolve scheduling conflicts? If a constraint is violated (e.g., two rigs assigned to the same pad), the system will flag the conflict in red in the Schedule view. The Optimizer will automatically delay the lower-priority well to resolve it, or you can manually intervene.

13. Where can I view the aggregate production profile of my FDP? The aggregate results are available in FDP Analysis Control → Results. You can view the stacked area charts showing Base Production + New Production.

14. How do I apply a custom Drilling Order? In Production Setup → Optimizer → Drilling Order, you can import a .csv with a specific sequence or manually rank wells. The Optimizer will respect this absolute order and calculate dates based on rig availability.

15. Can I take screenshots of my schedule directly from Dash? Yes. Navigate to Export Options → Screenshot or use the screenshot tool in the Miscellaneous menu to capture high-resolution images of your Gantt charts and maps for presentations.

Main Workflows

Workflow 1: Creating an Optimized Drilling Schedule

  1. Setup Wells: Go to Wells Setup and import your future well locations and assign them to Pads.
  2. Assign Type Wells: In Production Setup → Type Wells, link your previously created DCA Type Wells to the new locations.
  3. Configure Constraints: In Constraints, set your limit to 2 Drilling Rigs and 1 Frac Crew.
  4. Run Optimizer: Open the Unconventional Optimizer, set your priority to NPV, and hit run.
  5. Review: Open the Schedule to review the Gantt chart, ensure pad batching looks correct, and export to XLSX.

Workflow 2: Modeling Frac Hits and Parent-Child Interference

  1. Identify Parents: Ensure your Base Production wells are clearly mapped geographically.
  2. Setup Rules: In Schedule → Frac Hit Configuration, create a rule: If Child is within 1000ft of Parent, reduce Child EUR by 15% and shut-in Parent for 14 days.
  3. Recalculate: Trigger the FDP Calculation.
  4. Validate: Check the Results pane to verify the production dips in the Parent wells and the reduced initial rates in the Child wells as per your matrix.