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Use of modified hydraulic fracturing techniques to stimulate tight gas sands bounded by weak barriers: A status report

Conference · · Proc., Intersoc. Energy Convers. Eng. Conf.; (United States)
OSTI ID:5647570

Tight gas formations bounded by formations that are not barriers to vertical fracture migration, are not amenable to ''successful'' large stimulation treatments by hydraulic fracturing as practiced today. The objective of this paper is to present the preliminary findings of a project sponsored by the Gas Research Institute of Chicago and conducted by Terra Tek, Inc. of Salt Lake City and Chandler and Associates of Denver. The program is aimed towards developing technology that can provide deeply penetrating hydraulic fractures in formations lacking barriers to vertical migration. Three prospective techniques are being evaluated in the laboratory and in the field: fracture initiation placement (perforation placement), fracture packing with lightweight additives, and controlled process zone fracturing. Each of the techniques is being evaluated for feasibility in the laboratory. The program intends to validate and optimize the most effective technique or techniques in four new wells located in the North Douglas Creek Arch Field. Among the work reported in this paper are preliminary studies related to the development of the techniques, drilling, coring, drill stem testing, transient pressure testing, in-situ stress measurements, log analysis, and routine and special core testing.

Research Organization:
Terra Tek, Inc.
OSTI ID:
5647570
Report Number(s):
CONF-830812-
Journal Information:
Proc., Intersoc. Energy Convers. Eng. Conf.; (United States), Journal Name: Proc., Intersoc. Energy Convers. Eng. Conf.; (United States) Vol. 2; ISSN PIECD
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English