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Stimulating Unconventional Reservoirs: Maximizing Network Growth While Optimizing Fracture Conductivity - SPE 114173

StrataGen Engineering — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Location:

Barnett, Fayettville, Woodford and other gas shale formations

Application/Technology Focus:

Matrix permeabilities of these shales are extremely difficult to measure because they are so low, but various approaches to determine their value have yielded permeabilities on the order of 1-100 nanodarcies.

Methodology:

Both mapping and modeling have been used to investigate the important role of natural fractures in both the stimulation and production processes, the importance of conductivity in the developed fracture or fracture system and the critical influence of the matrix permeability.

Client Value Results:

Economic production can be achieved only with an enormous conductive surface area in contact with this matrix, either through existing natural fractures or the development of a fracture “network” during stimulation. Economic production would then also rely on the existence or development of sufficient conductivity within this network

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Authors

N.R. Warpinski, SPE, M.J. Mayerhofer, SPE, Pinnacle Technologies; M.C. Vincent, SPE, Carbo Ceramics; C.L. Cipolla, SPE, and E.P. Lolon, SPE, StrataGen Engineering

Abstract

Unconventional reservoirs such as gas shales and tight gas sands require technology-based solutions for optimum development. The successful exploitation of these reservoirs has relied on some combination of horizontal drilling, multi-stage completions, innovative fracturing, and fracture mapping to engineer economic completions. However, the requirements for economic production all hinge on the matrix permeability of these reservoirs, supplemented by the conductivity that can be generated in hydraulic fractures and network fracture systems. Simulations demonstrate that ultra-low shale permeabilities require an interconnected fracture network of moderate conductivity with a relatively small spacing between fractures to obtain reasonable recovery factors. Microseismic mapping demonstrates that such networks are achievable and the subsequent production from these reservoirs support both the modeling and the mapping. Tight gas sands, having orders of magnitude greater permeability than the gas shales, may be successfully depleted without inducing complex fracture networks, but other issues of damage and zonal coverage complicate recovery in these reservoirs. As with the shales, mapping has proved itself to be valuable in assessing the fracturing results.

Introduction

Unconventional reservoirs provide a significant fraction of gas production in North America and increasing amounts in some other regions of the world. Such reservoirs include tight gas sands, coalbed methane (CBM), and gas shales; in 2006 these reservoirs provided 43% of the US production of natural gas (Kuuskra1). Because of their limited permeability, which is foremost among many other complexities, some type of stimulation process (and/or dewatering in the case of CBM) is required to engender economic recovery from wells drilled into these formations.

The focus of this paper is on gas shales, with particular emphasis on how these reservoirs perform relative to tight gas sands. The important role of natural fractures in both the stimulation and production processes, the importance of conductivity in the developed fracture or fracture system, and the critical influence of the matrix permeability are investigated using both mapping and modeling results.

Gas shales, such as the Barnett, Fayettville, and Woodford in North America, are relatively recent plays, but gas production from shales has occurred since the early 1900’s from the Devonian shales of eastern North America and more recently from the Antrim shale and others. These shales2 typically contain a relatively high total organic content (e.g., the Barnett has a total organic content of 4-5%) and are apparently the source rock as well as the reservoir. The gas is stored in the limited pore space of these rocks (a few per cent, including both matrix and natural fractures) and a sizable fraction of the gas in place may be adsorbed on the organic material. Matrix permeabilities of these shales are extremely difficult to measure because they are so low, but various approaches to determine their value have yielded permeabilities on the order of 1-100 nanodarcies. Clearly, economic production cannot be achieved without an enormous conductive surface area in contact with this matrix, either through existing natural fractures or the development of a fracture “network” during stimulation. Economic production would then also rely on the existence or development of sufficient conductivity within this network.

Download SPE Paper 114173

9-Nov-08 6:00 PM

Massive Hydraulic Fracturing Unlocks Deep Tight Gas Reserves in India (SPE 107337)

CARBO Ceramics — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 22:15:00 GMT

Location:

Northwest India (Rajasthan,) Raageshwari deep gas field

Application/Technology Focus:

Natural gas from a deep, tight formation was needed in order to heat and process waxy oil from a massive oil field discovered nearby.

Methodology:

Core testing, fluids compatibility testing, pre-fracture diagnostic injections, fracture simulation and post-stimulation production evaluation.

Client Value Results

Three deep gas wells in formations of varying permeability were stimulated successfully. Post-fracture well testing showed initial production rates agreeing with what was expected based on reservoir simulation. This important result supports the proposition that unconventional gas resources in Asian countries can be attractive when applying stimulation techniques perfected in other areas (i.e. North America).

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Authors

Josef Shaoul, Pinnacle Technologies; Michael Ross, Cairn Energy PLC; Winston Spitzer, Pinnacle Technologies; Stuart Wheaton, RISC UK Ltd.; Paul Mayland, BG Canada; and Arvinder Paul Singh, Cairn Energy PLC.

Abstract

Tight gas fracturing was pioneered in North America in the 1970's and 1980's, and also has a relatively long history in Germany. In the rest of the world, however, massive fracturing for production from tight gas formations (i.e. k < 0.1 mD) has been very rare, due mainly to poor economics, rather than lack of opportunities. A massive oil field was recently discovered in Rajasthan (northwest India). The field development would require significant amounts of natural gas for heating and processing of the waxy oil to be produced. The most economical solution to provide sufficient gas in this remote desert location was to produce it from a deeper formation discovered in the same area. The majority of the gas is contained in a volcanic section of basalts and felsics. A fracturing campaign was performed in 2006 on three deep gas wells to evaluate the post-stimulation production increase from a number of different horizons, with base formation permeability varying from 0.005 to 0.15 mD.

A comprehensive program of core testing, fluids compatibility testing and pre-fracture diagnostic injections was performed. Fracture stimulation treatments were performed in three different sections of this very thick gas-bearing formation (> 400 m gross height). The formations ranged from the highest permeability (0.15 mD) Fatehgarh sandstones, to a lower permeability Felsic section (0.05 mD) and the lowest permeability volcanic rock (0.005 mD). All three types of rock were stimulated successfully and post-fracture well testing showed initial production rates agreeing with what was expected based on reservoir simulation. This important result supports the proposition that unconventional gas resources in Asian countries can be attractive when applying stimulation techniques perfected in other areas (i.e. North America).

Introduction 

The Raageshwari Deep gas field was discovered by RJ-E-1 (Raageshwari-1) in 2003. It was the second well drilled on the Central Basin High (CBH), a 40km-long composite feature of elevated N-S-oriented fault terraces, arranged in echelon within the Southern Barmer Basin of Rajasthan (Figure 1). The Central Basin High (CBH) structure is divided into many major horst blocks, of which Raageshwari is the shallowest. Raageshwari Deep is a tight lean gas condensate field and is contained in an arrowhead-shaped horst block formed at the confluence of three fault trends and contains 4 reservoir bodies (Fatehgarh, Basalt, Felsic and Sub-Felsic).

Download SPE Paper 107337

©Copyright 2007. Society of Petroleum Engineers

9-Nov-07 4:15 PM

Improved Stimulation of the Escondido Sandstone (CARBO-authored)

CARBO Ceramics — Sat, 10 Nov 1979 01:00:00 GMT

Location:

Southwest Texas, Mesquite Field, Escondido Formation, polymer emulsion fluid, refracture

Application/Technology Focus:

Initial fracs using small sand volumes in low viscosity fluid doubled production, but rapidly declined to pre-frac rate.

Methodology:

Five wells were selected for refracturing with higher viscosity fluids, increased proppant concentration, larger proppant diameter and greater proppant mass.

Client Value Results:

Average production increase due to the refracs was 620%. Evaluation of pre and post frac flow rates and decline curves indicates an approximate doubling of recoverable reserves.

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Abstract

This paper presents the results of an effort to improve productivity of the low permeability Escondido Formation in Webb County, Texas, by the use of an improved hydraulic fracture design.

A fracture treatment using the polymer emulsion fluid system was designed to provide sufficient propped fracture length and area to maintain long-term productivity of the wells. The polymer emulsion fluid was selected for its good proppant transport and low fluid loss properties. Five previously drilled and stimulated wells and three new wells were fractured with the polymer emulsion treatments. Evaluation of pre and post frac flow rates and decline curves indicates an approximate doubling of recoverable reserves.

Introduction

The Mesquite Field is in Webb County in Southwestern Texas about 15 miles north of the town of Laredo. Drilling was started in the mid 1970s. The Escondido production occurs within a broad stratigraphic trap. Production from the wells on initial completion without stimulation is considered non-commercial. The Escondido is recognized to have significant potential for producing natural gas.

The wells in the Mesquite Field are located on approximately a 320 acre (127.5 hectare) spacing. However, well performance indicates that 160 acre (64.75 hectare) spacing may be more suitable for estimating reserves. Based on the 160 acre (64.75 hectare) spacing the wells contain an average estimated gas in place quantity of 1500 MMcf (4.25 E+07 m3).

It is evident that even though a good amount of gas is present, the production rate needs to be improved to make the wells commercial. Previous attempts to increase production with "conventional" gelled water fracs were partially successful, but rapid declines in production indicated that an improved stimulation treatment was necessary to maintain long-tern productivity.

Download Paper 7912

Authors: D.P. Kundert, Halliburton Services; D.E. Smink, Consultant

Paper: 7912

© Copyright 1979, American Institute of Mining, Metallurgical, and Petroleum Engineers, Inc. Kundert, D.P., Halliburton Services; Smink, D.E., Consultant

9-Nov-79 7:00 PM

Falcon Technologies Begins Marcellus Shale Operations

noemail@carboceramics.com — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 20:00:00 GMT

HOUSTON (August 31, 2010) - Falcon Technologies and Services, Inc. - a leading provider of custom spill prevention, control and countermeasure (SPCC) systems - has announced commencement of operations in the Marcellus shale resource play. The company also currently operates in a five-state region of the Southwestern U.S., including areas such as the Haynesville, Barnett, Fayetteville and Eagle Ford shale basins. Falcon provides innovative spray-in liners for secondary containments, tank liners and tank bases to help mitigate environmental risk and reduce life-cycle economic impact for companies in the oil and natural gas industry. The company's regional operations are located in Horseheads, New York, to service customers throughout the Marcellus shale play. These operations will be overseen by regional manager Larry Glaser and regional sales manager Mike Nordel. We look forward to providing our clients with innovative, cost-efficient containment solutions to...

CARBO Introduces Innovative, Non-Radioactive Traceable Proppant

noemail@carboceramics.com — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 21:00:00 GMT

HOUSTON (June 28, 2010) – CARBO announced today the introduction of CARBONRT™, an innovative, environmentally responsible development in proppant placement. This technology incorporates a taggant that allows downhole, near-wellbore detection of ceramic proppant. CARBONRTassists in determining fracture propagation and geometry in a manner that is designed to optimize stimulation effectiveness and maximize productive capacity.

With non-radioactive CARBONRT, there is no half-life deterioration of the detectable properties. The proppant is engineered for extended identification, giving operators the flexibility of conducting post-frac logging months or years after fracturing.

The proprietary tracer can be added to any ceramic proppant in CARBO’s extensive product line. It is uniformly distributed through each grain of proppant, assuring consistent distribution of the traceable marker throughout the fracture zone.

“CARBONRTis a unique product that offers the E&P industry a traceable proppant without the half-life and potential environmental hazards involved with radioactive tracers,” said Gary Kolstad, CARBO’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “This provides flexibility to conduct proppant detection analysis with standard logging tools for an indefinite period of time.”

Company Information:
CARBO is the world's largest supplier of ceramic proppant for fracturing oil and gas wells; provider of the world's most popular fracture simulation software; and a provider of fracture design and consulting services. The company also provides a broad range of technologies for spill prevention, containment and countermeasures, along with geotechnical monitoring.

StrataGen's Brian Dzubin speaks to SPE - Gulf Coast Section about the Barnett shale

noemail@carboceramics.com — Sun, 27 Jun 2010 19:00:00 GMT

Brian will speak to the Completions & Production study group on Monday, August 23. The title of his talk is "It took years to get it, but we have another lesson from the Barnett shale!"

Click here to register: http://www.spegcs.org/en/cev/1748

CARBO Purchases Fracpro Software

noemail@carboceramics.com — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 16:00:00 GMT

HOUSTON (June 14, 2010) – CARBO Ceramics Inc. announced today that it has purchased all the intellectual property rights and trademarks for Fracpro® fracture design modeling software from the Gas Technology Institute.

According to CARBO President and Chief Executive Officer, Gary Kolstad, the purchase will allow continued development of the FracproPT software program along with additional well stimulation programs that complement the technology.

“The purchase of Fracpro software reaffirms CARBO’s commitment to our fracturing software business. We intend to continue development, expansion and evolution of the technology to provide our customers with more modern and efficient tools,” said Kolstad.

FracproPT is the most widely used fracture design modeling software in the world. It is used to design and optimize hydraulic stimulation operations, thereby increasing well production. Real-time capabilities allow it to be used before, during and after the job to analyze fracture effectiveness.

CARBO's Mark Chapman speaks about proppant to SPE Gulf Coast Section

noemail@carboceramics.com — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 17:00:00 GMT

Everything You’ve Always Wanted to Know about Hydraulic Fracturing Proppant... But Were Afraid to Ask!

Click here to register: http://www.spegcs.org/en/cev/1667

CARBO Announces Sigmund L. Cornelius Elected to Board of Directors

noemail@carboceramics.com — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 16:00:00 GMT

HOUSTON (November 17, 2009) -- CARBO Ceramics Inc. (NYSE: CRR) today announced the company's board of directors (Board) elected Sigmund L. Cornelius as an additional member of the Board. Mr. Cornelius is the Senior Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer of ConocoPhillips and has over 25 years of experience in the oil and natural gas industry. Mr. Cornelius has also been appointed to the Compensation, Audit and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committees of the Board. We are pleased with the addition of Sig to our Board and look forward to gaining the value of his experience in the energy industry, said Gary Kolstad, President and CEO. He brings a wealth of expertise in global operations and has a deep understanding of finance and accounting principles, concluded Mr. Kolstad. CARBO is the world's largest supplier of ceramic proppant, the provider of the world's most popular fracture simulation software, and provides leading fracture design and consulting...

CARBO Ceramics Inc. Announces Acquisition of BBL Falcon Assets

noemail@carboceramics.com — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 15:00:00 GMT

Houston, Texas (October 2, 2009) -- CARBO Ceramics Inc. (CARBO) announced today that it has acquired through a wholly owned subsidiary the assets of BBL Falcon Industries, Ltd., a leading supplier of spill prevention and containment systems for the oil and gas industry. President and CEO Gary Kolstad commented, Falcon is an excellent addition to CARBO's current product and service offerings. We are excited about adding another growing business to CARBO, and are pleased that we will be selling Falcon's products and services to our existing client base of E&P and oilfield services companies. Falcon uses proprietary technology to provide value-added solutions that are designed to enable our clients to extend the life of their storage assets, reduce the potential for hydrocarbon spills and provide secure containment of stored materials. We believe these issues remain important as the oil and gas industry continues to increase its focus on environmental responsibility and compliance...

What's New

Fri, 03 Sep 2010 19:34:15 GMT

What's New

Read about AGI in this quarter's Bridge Design & Engineering Magazine

Visit AGI at these upcoming events:

ASDSO

September 19-23

Seattle, Washington, USA

more info

International Pipeline Conference

September 27-30

Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Booth #421

more info

Single Click Resources - AGI

Fri, 03 Sep 2010 19:33:29 GMT

Single Click Resources

Zero Ground Containment

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 20:35:44 GMT

Professionally Engineered Certified containment without breaking ground. Falcon Technologies has pioneered the development of the only spray-on seamless secondary containment systems that doesn't require below-grade installation. In many locations the sub-surface conditions and/or local regulations restrict the construction of below-grade containments. In these areas, surface mount containment is the most viable solution. Falcon's Zero Ground Containment systems offer other attractive advantages. An entire system can be constructed in a single day. Different configurations can yield a smaller footprint as well. Our Zero Ground Containment system is the industry's only patented spray-on seamless liner that is Professionally Engineered Certified (PE Certified). This specialized system is designed to meet our customers' SPCC needs while giving them peace-of-mind regarding the uncertainties...

Tank Top Liner

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 20:34:21 GMT

The integrity of every tank surface is critical.

Corrosion and leaks in the top of a storage tank raise concerns associated with  the Clean Air Act and animal cruelty.

We can apply the Falcon Liner™ to the top of oil and gas storage tanks and extend the useful life of the tank without having to take the tank out of service.

Features

Modified polymer spray-on seamless liner.
Impervious to low acid chemical corrosion.
Two-year full warranty.
The product is age-tested to 75+ years by an independent lab.

Advantages

The tank does not have to come out of service.
Falcon applies the tank top liner onsite.
Falcon supplies a licensed safety inspector for projects requiring stand-by safety rescue.

Benefits

A lower cost alternative to tank replacement.
Falcon tank top liner requires no further maintenance or associated costs.
Mitigates the risk of Clean Air Act violation.

Tank Bases

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 20:32:15 GMT

Falcon Liner™ Tank Bases offer simple installation and superior performance. The Falcon Liner tank base provides a simple solution that eliminates the need for difficult and high-maintenance pea gravel installations. Our tank bases are durable yet exceptionally lightweight; two people can easily handle the installation, eliminating the need for heavy equipment and improving workforce safety. The polymer lining creates a non-permeable barrier versus an easily contaminated gravel base. The remediation process is greatly simplified. The size of the Falcon Liner tank base can be customized for a client's containment needs. The lightweight, prepackaged design is easily scalable. Features Prefabricated. No heavy equipment required for installation. Patented modified polymer liner system. Advantages ...

Tank Liner

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 20:31:45 GMT

Falcon Technologies ends the concern over corroded, leaking tanks. One of the most common problems related to Spill Prevention, Control and Countermeasure (SPCC) regulations is storage tanks leaking due to surface corrosion or deteriorating seams. The patented Falcon Liner™ is the most effective tank liner on the market. The spray-on modified polymer liner creates a seamless layer of protection that is not affected by the harsh chemicals encountered in oil and natural gas production and storage. The Falcon Liner has a scientifically tested useful life of 20+ years in a full immersion environment. Features Patented process produces a seamless, durable liner. The Falcon Liner is not affected by H2S or other harmful elements. Two-year full warranty. Advantages Specially designed...

Secondary Containment

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 20:28:54 GMT

The Falcon Liner™ provides secure, long-lasting, cost-effective protection. As the regulations for secondary containment become more stringent, the value of Falcon Liner secondary containment becomes more evident. Our patented system forms an impervious and impenetrable barrier designed to last the life of the storage facility, thus creating a permanent low-maintenance solution. Customers who have experienced spills into a Falcon Liner secondary containment were able to reclaim 100% of the spill, preventing a recordable incident. Falcon Liner secondary containment is the most durable and cost-effective solution of its kind in the oil and natural gas industry. Features Patented seamless spray-on system. The Falcon Liner surface is designed to withstand the rigors of oil and gas construction and...

Falcon Liner applies technology for long-lasting protection

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 20:27:19 GMT

Patented process is quick, flexible, versatile, durable and unmatched.

The Falcon Liner is a sprayed-on modified polymer coating that adheres like glue to a variety of surfaces, providing a seamless, durable, maintenance-free layer of protection. It can be applied to new or existing tanks, bases, concrete revetments, and other equipment. The Falcon Liner is impervious to corrosion or damage due to chemicals or weather, virtually eliminating the risk of leaks or other environmental issues.

Independent laboratory testing has shown that the Falcon Liner has a useful life of 75+ years. As a result, it dramatically extends asset life, resulting in reduced maintenance and replacement costs.

The Falcon Liner is not only the best-performing product on the market, it is also the most cost-effective solution available today.

Minimizing costs over the life of an asset

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 20:24:37 GMT

Falcon Technologies' industry-leading products reduce life cycle economic impact.

The durable Falcon Liner™ greatly extends the useful life of tanks, pipes and other components, thus reducing replacement costs.

In addition, Falcon Liner products are virtually maintenance-free, eliminating the costs of maintaining the coated surfaces.

When life cycle economic impact is considered, Falcon Technologies provides the most cost-effective SPCC solutions on the market.

Resources

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 16:06:23 GMT

Find more information about Falcon Technologies products in this assortment of resources. Product Data Sheets These documents provide detailed technical information about Falcon Technologies products. Tank Liner Data Sheet Tank Base Data Sheet Seondary Containment Data Sheet Weatherability Test Results MSDS Sheets Material Safety Data Sheets for Falcon Technologies products. MSDS BBL:FSS50DM-Part A MSDS BBL:FSS50DM-Part B MSDS BBL:FSS45DC-Part A MSDS BBL:FSS45DC-Part B MSDS BBL:VF380-Part A MSDS BBL:VF380-Part B Case Histories Testimonials ...;we experienced a major spill. Approximately 1000 bbl of production was discharged into the Falcon liner secondary containment. This was a rather large containment and oil was standing within 2 from the top of the containment. 100% of the spill was recovered. No contamination...

Lorem ipsum survey

noemail@carboceramics.com — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 16:57:58 GMT

Objectives:

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Release Date: 2-Apr-09 11:57 AM
Expiration Date: 2-Jul-09 11:57 AM

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2009-04-02T16:57:58Z

Instructor: Instructor

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