DOCSLIB.ORG

Using Geochemistry to Maximize Recovery

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Using Geochemistry to Maximize Recovery VOL3 • NO3 • MAY 2018 TECHNOLOGY SPOTLIGHT: Using Geochemistry to Maximize Recovery t ConocoPhillips, developing and A applying innovative technology is a key component of our daily opera- tions. Our geoscientists and engineers Upper Eagle Ford collaborate in an effort to develop more effective ways to find and produce oil and natural gas. In our last newsletter, we shared an overview of Lower Eagle Ford some of the ways we apply technol- Prod. Contribution ogy toward maximizing recovery. One of the most prominent technologies Time that we use in the Eagle Ford is time- Time-lapse geochemistry allows ConocoPhillips’ scientists to maximize recovery and lapse geochemistry. effectively drain the Eagle Ford reservoir. Geochemistry is commonly used in our business to assist in understand- for production, as well as the fluid now able to optimize the spacing and ing and modeling subsurface fluid properties of each layer. stacking pattern for subsequent wells properties; this information helps to With production over time from and therefore more effectively drain determine where we explore for and the wells, we collected oil samples for the Eagle Ford reservoir. how we produce hydrocarbons. One analysis. By matching the fingerprint of Our company is committed to of the most important decisions our the produced oil samples with the data continually improving in all aspects of geoscientists and engineers must from the cores, we are able to under- our business, particularly in innovation make is determining the optimal stand which layers of rock the produc- and technology. With advanced tech- horizontal and vertical distances tion is coming from and how efficiently nologies like time-lapse geochemistry, between wells (commonly known as the wells are draining those areas. With ConocoPhillips will be maximizing spacing/stacking pattern) predicted this understanding from time-lapse resource recovery in the Eagle Ford for to produce maximum hydrocarbons geochemistry, the Eagle Ford team is many years to come. from the reservoir. Through the application of time-lapse geochem- istry, ConocoPhillips has been able to UEF implement a development plan that L1 seeks to maximize recovery. So how does it work? Our scientists L2 began by compiling an extensive high frequency-database of oil samples from cores taken over many years. UEF We then analyzed the samples by L1 tying biomarker indicators, essentially L2 “fingerprinting” the oil, to each layer of rock in the subsurface. The informa- Drained Undrained tion gathered from the cores revealed which layers of rock would be optimal ConocoPhillips technology optimizes spacing and stacking for better resource recovery. WELL, WELL…. IN THE COMMUNITY ConocoPhillips Supports Escondido Creek Parkway Project e believe the most effective social and charitable Winvestments are made through strategic relationships with organizations dedicated to serving our communities, day in and day out. That’s why ConocoPhillips is proud to support projects that address community needs like SARA’s (San Antonio River Authority) Escondido Creek Parkway. The Escondido Creek Parkway (ECP) project plan includes a mile-long nature trail connecting the sports fields at Joey Gulley park with the neighborhoods on the east side of Highway 181. The goal of the ECP project is to provide citizens from Karnes County and the surrounding region an opportunity to enjoy nature in a safe, family friendly environment. Aside from creating the first nature park in Karnes County, the project will serve as a necessary, safe passageway under the busy Highway 181. ConocoPhillips is committed to the safety and well- ConocoPhillips has committed to donating $75,000 to being of the communities in which we operate and with the ECP project. “We are honored to have ConocoPhillips our Eagle Ford field office located in Kenedy, we are as a partner in the Escondido Creek Parkway,” said Gallon especially pleased to support this worthy endeavor. Boehlke, SARA Board Director for Karnes County and ECP Oversight Committee Chair. “When this project is completed, it will become the face of Kenedy.” WHAT’S HER BIT? Employee Spotlight: April Gonzales iving back to the community to safety statistics to organizing team Gmake it a better place is one of safety trainings, April’s commitment April Gonzales’ top priorities. to safety serves the needs of her A native of Corpus Christi, April colleagues, as well as the community. moved her family to Beeville in 2011 April also enjoys leading the to begin her career in the oil and local ConocoPhillips Community gas industry with ConocoPhillips. Investment Committee. Alongside She joined The Wood Group PAC a team of 18 fellow employees, she in 2011 as a contractor and in 2014 coordinates volunteer events and was hired on as an HSE (Health, philanthropic donations to local Safety, and Environment) associate nonprofit organizations, including with ConocoPhillips. In her current the South Texas Children’s Home “My son is growing up in the Eagle role, she supports all levels of the and the Bluebonnet Youth Ranch. Ford and I would like to do what we Eagle Ford team, ensuring that the Giving back to the community is can to ensure a better community organization is fully equipped to important to April and she’s thankful and environment for him to flourish”, deliver on our commitment to safety. ConocoPhillips promotes and says April. From compiling monthly driving encourages these efforts. 2 EAGLE FORD LANDING MAY 2018 HERE’S THE DRILL: A CLOSER LOOK Don’t Trash Our Town Amount of roadside trash pick-up in Karnes and DeWitt counties. The Science Behind Seismicity 2015 ydraulic fracturing, 72,641 lbs. Hor “fracking,” is a topic of interest to many landowners. When we hear or read about an earthquake in the areas 2016 where we live and work, 69,014 lbs. we have questions and concerns about what is causing the tremors, and if they are related 2017 to hydraulic fracturing 80,165 lbs. in nearby oil and gas fields. Example of a TEXNET monitoring station at the Research and ex- University of Texas at Dallas. perience reveals that SOURCE: http://www.beg.utexas.edu/files/texnet/docs/ hydraulic fracturing is a TexNet-Report-2016.pdf As of March 2018 safe process with little also monitors seismic reports in the 14,080 lbs. chance of causing an earthquake of any areas where we operate to ensure we significant magnitude. That is especial- are aware of and can respond to any ly true in this area given the geology of = 10,000 lbs. of trash seismic events that may impact our the Eagle Ford. When “earthquakes” do operations or nearby communities. occur, they could often be referred to The company fully supports as micro-earthquakes. These tremors independent research and reporting are not like the earthquakes that we on this issue by several universities In addition to ConocoPhillips’ hear about in California or other areas in Texas, including The Center for philanthropic support, April is prone to large earthquakes and are too Integrated Seismicity Research. We proud to work for a company that light to do any damage to buildings also have employees working closely demonstrates its SPIRIT Values, or infrastructure. In fact, most of the with scientists and engineers at the supports a work-life balance, events reported are not felt or seen at Texas Bureau of Economic Geology, and encourages learning and the surface at all and are only detected The University of Texas Austin, Texas development, both internally and using super sensitive seismic sensors A&M and SMU to collect the necessary externally. set out by the University of Texas. technical information from the Eagle In her spare time, April enjoys Some studies have linked increased Ford area to perform scientific work watching her seven-year-old son, seismic rates to the disposal of pro- to better understand issues such as; OJ, play baseball, basketball and duced water in saltwater disposal whether observed seismic events are football. She also enjoys spending (SWD) wells. ConocoPhillips has its own natural or induced, what might lead to time with her mother, Lodi, getting Global Induced Seismicity Guideline an induced micro-seismic event and manicures at the local nail salon, to understand and mitigate potential how they could be avoided. and doing arts and crafts with seismic risks related to the planning For more information on hydraulic friends. and operation of injection wells. Given fracturing, visit www.powerincoopera- our expertise in subsurface geology, we tion.com or for information about some proactively engage with state regula- of the research underway, visit www. tors on the location of SWDs near our beg.utexas.edu/cisr. areas of operations to reduce the risk of induced seismicity. ConocoPhillips MAY 2018 EAGLE FORD LANDING 3 ConocoPhillips Brings a Focus on STEM to Eagle Ford Communities f you’ve been to one of the festivals in Cuero or Kenedy Iin the last year, you may have noticed a 40-foot trailer wrapped in photos of space, aeronautics and energy with the sign “Trailblazer” on it. Those who wandered into the trailer were greeted by volunteers who took visitors through five hands-on exhibits aimed at teaching energy, space, weather, biotechnology and aerodynamics. The TAME Trailblazer, as the vehicle is called, is an inter- active museum on wheels. In 2017, it traveled more than TAME’s mobile classroom, the Trailblazer. 20,000 miles around Texas and reached more than 20,000 students. Trailblazer is a product of the Texas Alliance for scholarships, which are awarded to students who have Minorities in Engineering (TAME), and thanks to a grant been accepted to an accredited university or community from ConocoPhillips, this exhibit is just one way that college to pursue a career in science, technology, engineer- ConocoPhillips is bringing awareness of energy, science, ing or math-related fields.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Unconventional Gas and Hydraulic Fracturing Issue Briefing
    Unconventional gas and hydraulic fracturing Issue briefing bp.com/sustainability Unconventional gas and hydraulic fracturing Issue briefing 2 How we operate At BP, we recognize that we need to produce energy responsibly – minimizing impacts to people, communities and the environment. We operate in around 80 countries, and our systems of governance, management and operation are designed to help us conduct our business while respecting safety, environmental, social and financial considerations. Across all BP operations, established practices support the management of potential environmental and social impacts from the pre-appraisal stage through to the operational stage and beyond – reflecting BP’s values, responsibilities and local regulatory requirements. BP’s operating management system integrates BP requirements on health, safety, security, social, environment and operational reliability, as well as maintenance, contractor relations, compliance and organizational learning into a common system. BP participates in a number of joint venture operations, such as in Algeria and Indonesia, to extract unconventional gas. Some of these are under our direct operational control, while others not. When participating in a joint venture not under BP control, we encourage the operator of the joint venture, through dialogue and constructive engagement, to adopt our practices. For more information bp.com/aboutbp bp.com/oms Cover image BP’s gas well drilling site in, Wamsutter, Wyoming, US. The BP Annual Report and Form 20-F may be downloaded from bp.com/annualreport. No material in this document forms any part of those documents. No part of this document constitutes, or shall be taken to constitute, an invitation or inducement to invest in BP p.l.c.
    [Show full text]
  • The Context of Public Acceptance of Hydraulic Fracturing: Is Louisiana
    Louisiana State University LSU Digital Commons LSU Master's Theses Graduate School 2012 The context of public acceptance of hydraulic fracturing: is Louisiana unique? Crawford White Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College, [email protected] Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.lsu.edu/gradschool_theses Part of the Environmental Sciences Commons Recommended Citation White, Crawford, "The onc text of public acceptance of hydraulic fracturing: is Louisiana unique?" (2012). LSU Master's Theses. 3956. https://digitalcommons.lsu.edu/gradschool_theses/3956 This Thesis is brought to you for free and open access by the Graduate School at LSU Digital Commons. It has been accepted for inclusion in LSU Master's Theses by an authorized graduate school editor of LSU Digital Commons. For more information, please contact [email protected]. THE CONTEXT OF PUBLIC ACCEPTANCE OF HYDRAULIC FRACTURING: IS LOUISIANA UNIQUE? A Thesis Submitted to the Graduate Faculty of the Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in The Department of Environmental Sciences by Crawford White B.S. Georgia Southern University, 2010 August 2012 Dedication This thesis is dedicated to the memory of three of the most important people in my life, all of whom passed on during my time here. Arthur Earl White 4.05.1919 – 5.28.2011 Berniece Baker White 4.19.1920 – 4.23.2011 and Richard Edward McClary 4.29.1982 – 9.13.2010 ii Acknowledgements I would like to thank my committee first of all: Dr. Margaret Reams, my advisor, for her unending and enthusiastic support for this project; Professor Mike Wascom, for his wit and legal expertise in hunting down various laws and regulations; and Maud Walsh for the perspective and clarity she brought this project.
    [Show full text]
  • Untested Waters: the Rise of Hydraulic Fracturing in Oil and Gas Production and the Need to Revisit Regulation
    Fordham Environmental Law Review Volume 20, Number 1 2009 Article 3 Untested Waters: The Rise of Hydraulic Fracturing in Oil and Gas Production and the Need to Revisit Regulation Hannah Wiseman∗ ∗University of Texas School of Law Copyright c 2009 by the authors. Fordham Environmental Law Review is produced by The Berkeley Electronic Press (bepress). http://ir.lawnet.fordham.edu/elr UNTESTED WATERS: THE RISE OF HYDRAULIC FRACTURING IN OIL AND GAS PRODUCTION AND THE NEED TO REVISIT REGULATION Hannah Wiseman * I. INTRODUCTION As conventional sources of oil and gas become less productive and energy prices rise, production companies are developing creative extraction methods to tap sources like oil shales and tar sands that were previously not worth drilling. Companies are also using new technologies to wring more oil or gas from existing conventional wells. This article argues that as the hunt for these resources ramps up, more extraction is occurring closer to human populations - in north Texas' Barnett Shale and the Marcellus Shale in New York and Pennsylvania. And much of this extraction is occurring through a well-established and increasingly popular method of wringing re- sources from stubborn underground formations called hydraulic frac- turing, which is alternately described as hydrofracturing or "fracing," wherein fluids are pumped at high pressure underground to force out oil or natural gas. Coastal Oil and Gas Corp. v. Garza Energy Trust,1 a recent Texas case addressing disputes over fracing in Hidalgo County, Texas, ex- emplifies the human conflicts that are likely to accompany such creative extraction efforts. One conflict is trespass: whether extend- ing fractures onto adjacent property and sending fluids and agents into the fractures to keep them open constitutes a common law tres- pass.
    [Show full text]
  • UCS TIGHT OIL.Indd
    The Truth about Tight Oil Don Anair Amine Mahmassani Methane from Unconventional Oil Extraction Poses Significant Climate Risks July 2013 Since 2010, “tight oil”—oil extracted from hard- to-access deposits using horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing (fracking)—has dramatically changed the US oil industry, reversing decades of declining domestic oil production and reducing US oil imports (EIA 2015a). In 2015, tight oil comprised more than half of US oil produc- 10,000 feet to reach sedimentary rock and then sideways or tion, bringing total production close to 10 million barrels per horizontally for a mile or more. Next, a mixture of water, day—a peak not seen since the 1970s (see Figure 1). But this sand, and chemicals is pumped at high pressure into the wells sudden expansion has also led to an increase of global warm- to create fractures in the rocks, which frees the oil and gas ing emissions due, in large part, to methane—an extremely potent heat-trapping gas that is found in larger concentra- tions in tight oil regions. Although most of the emissions associated with the con- sumption of oil are a result of burning the finished fuel (for example, in a car or truck), the emissions from extracting, transporting, and refining oil add, on average, 35 percent to a fuel’s life cycle emissions. These “upstream” emissions can- not be overlooked when seeking to mitigate emissions from oil use overall. Recent scientific evidence highlights major gaps in our knowledge of these large and rising sources of global warming pollution (Caulton et al.
    [Show full text]
  • Advancing Understanding of Resource Recovery and Environmental Impacts Via Field Laboratories
    Advancing Understanding of Resource Recovery and Environmental Impacts via Field Laboratories Jared Ciferno – Oil and Gas Technology Manager, NETL Upstream Workshop Houston, TX February 14, 2018 The National Laboratory System Idaho National Lab National Energy Technology Laboratory Pacific Northwest Ames Lab Argonne National Lab National Lab Fermilab Brookhaven National Lab Berkeley Lab Princeton Plasma Physics Lab SLAC National Accelerator Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Lawrence Livermore National Lab Oak Ridge National Lab Sandia National Lab Savannah River National Lab Office of Science National Nuclear Security Administration Environmental Management Fossil Energy Nuclear Energy National Renewable Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy Los Alamos Energy Lab National Lab 2 Why Field Laboratories? • Demonstrate and test new technologies in the field in a scientifically objective manner • Gather and publish comprehensive, integrated well site data sets that can be shared by researchers across technology categories (drilling and completion, production, environmental) and stakeholder groups (producers, service companies, academia, regulators) • Catalyze industry/academic research collaboration and facilitate data sharing for mutual benefit 3 Past DOE Field Laboratories Piceance Basin • Multi-well Experiment (MWX) and M-Site project sites in the Piceance Basin where tight gas sand research was done by DOE and GRI in the 1980s • Data and analysis provided an extraordinary view of reservoir complexities and “… played a significant role
    [Show full text]
  • Water Management
    SHALE FACTS Water management Conserving and protecting water resources Statoil is committed to using water responsibly during the life cycle of our development and operating activities. PROTECTING Water used in oil and gas production is sourced from rivers, creeks and GROUNDWATER lakes. This is done in compliance with regulations and permits. The amount of water used during hydraulic fracturing varies according We conduct baseline to geological characteristics. For example, a typical Marcellus horizontal deep shale gas well requires an average of 20.8 million litres (5.5 million assessments to evaluate the gallons) of water per well. The volume needed decreases as technology quality of the groundwater to and methods improve. ensure that our activities are not negatively affecting the freshwater sources in the area. Hydraulic fracturing in the Bakken, United States Freshwater impoundment, Marcellus, United States Statoil is piloting the use how THE water IS USED of returned (produced) Drilling water for hydraulic Drilling fluids (water combined with additives) are used during the drilling fracturing purposes, with process to transport drill cuttings to the surface, stabilise the formation around the wellbore, and clean, cool and lubricate the drillbit. the aim of reducing overall water consumption. Hydraulic fracturing Water is the main component of fracturing fluid; it is pumped into the well at high pressure to fracture the rock. Fracturing fluid is comprised of approximately 99.5% water and proppant (sand or ceramic pellets), and 0.5% chemical additives. Returned water After being injected into the well, a portion of the fracturing fluid will be produced back (returned) to the surface.
    [Show full text]
  • Focus on Hydraulic Fracturing
    INTRODUCTION Focus on Hydraulic Fracturing We have been hydraulically fracturing, or fracking, wells to stimulate the production of natural gas and crude oil for decades. Our Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) Policy and Code of Business Ethics and Conduct mandate that wherever we operate, we will conduct our business with respect and care for the local environment and systematically manage local, regional and global risks to drive sustainable business growth. Our Hydraulic Fracturing Operations Our global governance structures, supported by proprietary policies, standards, practices and guidelines, are subject to performance assurance audits from the business unit and corporate levels. Action plans to outline commitments and support process improvements have been part Montney of our risk management process since 2009. This B R I T I S H COLUMBIA system allows us to effectively address the risks and opportunities related to our development operations through solutions that reduce emissions Bakken and land footprint, manage water sustainably and create value for our stakeholders. Wells MONTANA NORTH We are managing over 2,100 unconventional wells in our DAKOTA portfolio as of June 30, 2018. Niobrara Q2/2018 COLORADO Eagle Ford N E W MEXICO Eagle Ford Bakken Delaware Delaware Niobrara Montney TEXAS ConocoPhillips FOCUS ON HYDRAULIC FRACTURING 1 INTRODUCTION Global Social and Environmental Risk Management Standards and Practices Identify, assess and manage operational risks to the business, employees, contractors, HSE stakeholders and environment. Standard 15 HSE elements Identify, understand, document and address potential risks and liabilities related to health, safety, Due Diligence environment and other social issues prior to binding business transactions. Standard Due diligence risk assessment requirements Minimum, mandatory requirements for management of projects and Capital unconventional programs.
    [Show full text]
  • Plan to Study the Potential Impacts of Hydraulic Fracturing on Drinking Water Resources
    EPA Hydraulic Fracturing Study Plan November 2011 EPA/600/R-11/122 November 2011 Plan to Study the Potential Impacts of Hydraulic Fracturing on Drinking Water Resources Office of Research and Development US Environmental Protection Agency Washington, D.C. November 2011 EPA Hydraulic Fracturing Study Plan November 2011 Mention of trade names or commercial products does not constitute endorsement or recommendation for use. EPA Hydraulic Fracturing Study Plan November 2011 TABLE OF CONTENTS List of Figures .................................................................................................................................... vi List of Tables ..................................................................................................................................... vi List of Acronyms and Abbreviations .................................................................................................. vii Executive Summary ......................................................................................................................... viii 1 Introduction and Purpose of Study ..............................................................................................1 2 Process for Study Plan Development ...........................................................................................3 2.1 Stakeholder Input ............................................................................................................................................ 3 2.2 Science Advisory Board Involvement .............................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Findings Statement for Final SGEIS on Regulatory Program for Horizontal
    FINAL SUPPLEMENTAL GENERIC ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT ON THE OIL, GAS AND SOLUTION MINING REGULATORY PROGRAM Regulatory Program for Horizontal Drilling and High-Volume Hydraulic Fracturing to Develop the Marcellus Shale and Other Low-Permeability Gas Reservoirs FINDINGS STATEMENT June 2015 LEAD AGENCY: NYSDEC LEAD AGENCY CONTACT: EUGENE J. LEFF Deputy Commissioner of Remediation & Materials Management NYSDEC, 625 Broadway, 14th Floor Albany, NY 12233 P: (518) 402-8044 www.dec.ny.gov Pursuant to Article 8 of the Environmental Conservation Law, the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA), and its implementing regulations set forth at 6 NYCRR Part 617, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation makes the following findings: Lead Agency: New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Address: Central Office, 625 Broadway, Albany, NY 12233 Name of Action: Regulatory Program for Horizontal Drilling and High-Volume Hydraulic Fracturing to Develop the Marcellus Shale and Other Low-Permeability Gas Reservoirs Description of Action: High-volume hydraulic fracturing, which is often used in conjunction with horizontal drilling and multi-well pad development, is an approach to extracting natural gas that raises new and significant adverse impacts not studied in 1992 in the NYSDEC’s previous Generic Environmental Impact Statement on the Oil, Gas and Solution Mining Regulatory Program (GEIS). DEC prepared a Supplemental Generic Environmental Impact Statement (SGEIS) to satisfy the requirements of SEQRA by studying the high-volume hydraulic fracturing technique, identifying significant adverse impacts for these anticipated operations that were not identified in the GEIS, and identifying mitigation measures to minimize adverse environmental impacts. The SGEIS was therefore used in considering if and under what conditions high-volume hydraulic fracturing should be allowed in New York State.
    [Show full text]
  • The Shale Oil and Gas Revolution, Hydraulic Fracturing, and Water Contamination: a Regulatory Strategy
    Article The Shale Oil and Gas Revolution, Hydraulic Fracturing, and Water Contamination: A Regulatory Strategy Thomas W. Merrill & David M. Schizer† Introduction ................................................................................ 147 I. Hydraulic Fracturing: A Technological Leap in Drilling for Shale Oil and Gas ............................................................ 152 II. Economic, National Security, and Environmental Benefits from Fracturing ..................................................... 157 A. Economic Growth ...................................................... 157 B. Energy Independence and National Security ......... 161 C. Environmental Benefits: Air Quality and Climate Change ........................................................ 164 1. Cleaner Air from Using Gas Instead of Coal .... 164 2. Climate Change: Reduced Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Burning Gas Instead of Coal ... 165 3. Climate Change: Offsetting Effects of Fugitive Methane Emissions .............................. 166 III. Familiar Risks That Are Not Unique to Fracturing ........ 170 A. Economic Competition for Solar, Wind, and Other Renewables ..................................................... 170 B. Air Pollution .............................................................. 172 C. Congestion and Pressure on Local Communities ... 176 D. Water Usage .............................................................. 177 † The authors are, respectively, Charles Evans Hughes Professor, Co- lumbia Law School, and Dean and the Lucy G. Moses
    [Show full text]
  • Frackonomics: Some Economics of Hydraulic Fracturing
    Case Western Reserve Law Review Volume 63 Issue 4 Article 13 2013 Frackonomics: Some Economics of Hydraulic Fracturing Timothy Fitzgerald Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarlycommons.law.case.edu/caselrev Part of the Law Commons Recommended Citation Timothy Fitzgerald, Frackonomics: Some Economics of Hydraulic Fracturing, 63 Case W. Rsrv. L. Rev. 1337 (2013) Available at: https://scholarlycommons.law.case.edu/caselrev/vol63/iss4/13 This Symposium is brought to you for free and open access by the Student Journals at Case Western Reserve University School of Law Scholarly Commons. It has been accepted for inclusion in Case Western Reserve Law Review by an authorized administrator of Case Western Reserve University School of Law Scholarly Commons. Case Western Reserve Law Review·Volume 63 ·Issue 4·2013 Frackonomics: Some Economics of Hydraulic Fracturing Timothy Fitzgerald † Contents Introduction ................................................................................................ 1337 I. Hydraulic Fracturing ...................................................................... 1339 A. Microfracture-onomics ...................................................................... 1342 B. Macrofrackonomics ........................................................................... 1344 1. Reserves ....................................................................................... 1345 2. Production ................................................................................... 1348 3. Prices ..........................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Post-Treatment Horizontal Hydraulic Fracture Modeling with Integrated Chemical Tracer Analysis, a Case Study
    POST-TREATMENT HORIZONTAL HYDRAULIC FRACTURE MODELING WITH INTEGRATED CHEMICAL TRACER ANALYSIS, A CASE STUDY by Angela K. Dang c Copyright by Angela K. Dang, 2016 All Rights Reserved A thesis submitted to the Faculty and the Board of Trustees of the Colorado School of Mines in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science (Petroleum Engineering). Golden, Colorado Date Signed: Angela K. Dang Signed: Dr. Xiaolong Yin Thesis Advisor Golden, Colorado Date Signed: Dr. Erdal Ozkan Professor and Head Department of Petroleum Engineering ii ABSTRACT As early as the 1950s, the need to track water in various applications, including stream water, sanitary systems, ground water, and oil field water flooding, resulted in the develop- ment of chemical tracer technologies. While the utilization of tracer technologies to track water during reservoir development is mature, the use of chemical tracers in unconventional hydraulic fracturing operations is relatively new. With the increasing use of chemical trac- ers in unconventional settings, questions related to proper execution, interpretation, and integration of chemical tracer tests arise. The first part of this research discusses the design and analysis of a tracer study conducted in a section of the Wattenberg Field, Colorado. The results of the tracer study show that the preferential direction of cross-well tracer flow during hydraulic fracturing reflected the order of completion rather than the geology. However, large geologic features, such as a faulted graben, can facilitate cross-well transport of water-based chemical tracers during fracturing. Minor faults between wells can facilitate cross-well transport of oil-based chemical tracers during production.
    [Show full text]