Completion Configuration and Drawdown Regimes to Maximize Oil Recovery from Low-Permeability Reservoirs Without Hydraulic Fracturing

Abstract

The development of low-permeability (tight) reservoirs, which constitute one of the key elements of the modern global energy system, has historically relied primarily on hydraulic fracturing technologies. At the same time, increasing pressure from economic constraints, growing logistical complexity, and stricter environmental requirements are creating a demand for technological solutions capable of minimizing or completely eliminating the use of hydraulic fracturing. Under these conditions, the aim of the study is to formulate a scientifically grounded concept and conduct a comprehensive analysis of a synergetic approach to the development of low-permeability reservoirs without the use of hydraulic fracturing, based on the integration of advanced well completion configurations with optimized production strategies. The methodological framework of the work is interdisciplinary in nature and includes a systematized review of publications, content analysis of specialized reports by leading international organizations (IEA, OPEC, McKinsey), as well as a detailed investigation of representative case studies (Midland Basin, Sakura). The results obtained indicate that effective replacement of hydraulic fracturing is possible only with the joint optimization of the hardware component (geometry, architecture of wellbores) and the software component (dynamics and operating modes). It is demonstrated that multilateral wells (MLW) of the Fishbone type provide a higher increase in the net present value (NPV) of the project compared with the concept of extra-long horizontal wells (ERW). It is shown that the use of aggressive drawdown management strategies (reducing Pwf, min to the range of 500–800 psia) makes it possible to increase the ultimate recoverable resource (КИН, EUR) by up to three times relative to conservative regimes. In addition, it is established that optimized cyclic EOR schemes (water–CO₂–polymer) with a mandatory soaking phase can provide an efficiency increase of up to 300% compared with continuous injection protocols. Based on the analysis, it is substantiated that the integrated configuration (MLW + smart completion + aggressive drawdown management + cyclic EOR) represents both a technologically feasible and economically competitive alternative to traditional hydraulic-fracturing-oriented approaches. The conclusions obtained are of practical significance for petroleum engineers, research teams, and top management of oil and gas companies focused on reducing CAPEX and decreasing the environmental footprint in the industrial development of unconventional hydrocarbon resources.