Shale ///
How curable resin-coated proppant tail-in prevents proppant flowback, reduces workover costs
This study examined 46 wells in AWP field in McMullen County, Texas, over a 10-year time frame. The authors compared 23 wells using 100% frac sand, and 23 wells utilizing a curable resin-coated proppant tail-in. The study concluded that there is a positive net present value when using curable resin-coated proppant tail-in to control frac sand flowback.
Trends in domestic regulation of shale development
Whatever the E&P implications of current market conditions might be, now is not the time for operators to disengage from the legislative and administrative processes that will continue to affect hydraulic fracturing operations, long after present conditions subside.
Silica gel emerges as viscosifier for aqueous hydro-frac fluids
Originally introduced to the E&P industry more than 30 years ago, silica gel, in its next-generation version, is now finally gaining widespread acceptance as a frac fluid viscosifier.
Composite plug advances accelerate plug-and-perf operations
The result of a 14-month design and laboratory qualification work, a new, composite frac plug provides superior sealing strength and allows fast mill-out with fewer large cuttings.
New drill pipe reduces body wear during shale drilling
After detailed analysis of shale well designs and drilling operations in the Bakken, a new drill pipe was introduced to reduce the wear on the pipe body while drilling the intermediate 8¾-in. hole section, as well as providing adequate annular clearance between the pipe and the wellbore to keep the ECDs in check.
Positive displacement motors improve drilling efficiency, reduce time to first oil
With lower oil prices, unconventional plays require a high degree of efficiency to become profitable. The highest number of wells should be drilled with the fewest rigs and services, at the fastest possible rate. Three new positive displacement motors were developed for specific applications in the Williston and Niobrara basins. This focused engineering has delivered enormous savings to operators.
How fracture interference impacts Woodford shale gas production
An integrated analysis of fracture interference revealed that hydraulic fracture system damage was, most likely, due to stimulation fluid flooding, into depleted fracture systems around parent wells, resulting in a reduction in the effective fracture area. The team proposed a number of options to mitigate the impact of fracture interference, including refracturing the existing producing well with an energized fluid.
Shale gas: Industry revolution or public revolt?
Shale gas has proven its worthiness through a revolution of E&P activity over the last decade, particularly in the U.S. Yet, the question remains, can it prevail beyond current, low commodity prices, as well as environmental/public controversies, specifically in Europe?
Leverage people and data to prosper in lean times
During the hectic shale boom, there was little time for formation evaluation. The focus was on drilling, fracturing and getting wells online as quickly as possible. With lower oil prices and slashed capital budgets, companies should take time to think about how to survive, and even thrive, in the new reality.
Technical gains continue, in spite of prices
Technical gains continue, in spite of prices
Improving underbalanced drilling using air in the Marcellus shale
A newly developed, ruggedized air-drilling system increased rig up time, reduced costs for mud and cuttings disposal, improved hole cleaning, and increased ROP.
Development and field application of highly conductive, proppant-free channel fracturing
Injection pressures of proppant-laden slurry and proppant-free spacer, using a pulsing approach, were found to be significantly lower than those applied with conventional hydraulic fracturing treatments.
Optimizing completion design in anisotropic shale reservoirs using a new generation of LWD azimuthal technologies
Generating the best frac design, while avoiding costly completion programs and reducing uncertainties on fracture placement, can be achieved using spectral gamma ray and azimuthal sonic LWD technologies.
ShaleTech: Woodford/Granite Wash
Crude oil price turbulence could dim glow of Continental’s Springer shale discovery
