The oil and gas industry continually evolves with innovative drilling strategies and techniques aimed at optimizing resource recovery and operational efficiency. Two key concepts in modern hydrocarbon exploration and production are Cube Drilling and Stacked Plays. While both are critical to maximizing the economic and technical potential of reservoirs, they address different aspects of the exploration and development process.
Stacked Plays describe the geological setting where multiple productive formations or hydrocarbon-bearing zones are layered vertically within the subsurface. This natural phenomenon presents a significant opportunity for operators to exploit multiple reservoirs within the same geographical footprint.
On the other hand, Cube Drilling is an operational strategy designed to efficiently develop these stacked plays by simultaneously targeting multiple zones within a defined three-dimensional area, or “cube,” of rock. This systematic approach leverages advanced drilling technologies, multi-well pad setups, and optimized workflows to extract resources from various formations in parallel, reducing costs and maximizing production.
By understanding the distinction and interplay between Cube Drilling and Stacked Plays, operators can effectively capitalize on their resource potential while navigating the complexities of reservoir management.
1. Cube Drilling
Cube Drilling refers to a systematic drilling strategy in which multiple formations, horizons, or benches within a specific 3D geological area (or “cube”) are drilled and developed simultaneously. This approach uses advanced technologies to optimize drilling efficiency and resource recovery.
- Key Characteristics:
- It targets a 3D “cube” of rock rather than a single formation.
- Multiple layers (or reservoirs) are developed in parallel.
- Often involves pad drilling and multi-well programs.
- Designed to reduce costs through economies of scale, shared infrastructure, and increased operational efficiency.
- Advantages:
- Reduces surface footprint by clustering wells.
- Maximizes resource recovery across multiple layers at once.
- Improves production timelines and reduces costs by minimizing downtime.
- Example: A shale play where several zones in the same acreage (e.g., Upper, Middle, and Lower benches) are drilled at the same time using pad drilling.
2. Stacked Play
A Stacked Play refers to the natural geological scenario where multiple hydrocarbon-bearing formations (plays) lie on top of each other vertically within the subsurface. Each layer can be drilled and produced separately or simultaneously, depending on the drilling strategy.
- Key Characteristics:
- Refers to the presence of multiple productive horizons in a single area.
- A “stacked play” is geological and describes the resource potential.
- Exploration or drilling may focus on one or more of these stacked reservoirs.
- Advantages:
- Maximizes resource potential from a single acreage.
- Provides opportunities for multiple discoveries with one drilling campaign.
- Flexibility to produce from different formations sequentially or concurrently.
- Example: The Permian Basin is a classic stacked play with formations like the Wolfcamp, Bone Spring, and Spraberry stacked vertically.
Key Difference
| Aspect | Cube Drilling | Stacked Play |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | A drilling strategy targeting multiple layers simultaneously. | A geological phenomenon where multiple resource zones are stacked vertically. |
| Nature | Operational and strategic. | Geological and resource-focused. |
| Execution | Drilling multiple wells to develop the cube. | Drilling can be done layer by layer or selectively. |
| Scope | About efficient, simultaneous development. | About identifying and managing multi-zone potential. |
| Example | Systematic drilling of Upper and Lower Wolfcamp simultaneously. | Presence of Wolfcamp, Spraberry, and Bone Spring in one area. |
Summary
- Cube Drilling is an operational approach to maximize recovery in areas with stacked plays.
- Stacked Play describes the geological resource potential where multiple hydrocarbon zones exist in a vertical stack.
By combining Cube Drilling with Stacked Plays, operators can efficiently target and recover hydrocarbons across multiple formations, enhancing productivity and economic returns.
