Well completion technology. Nuclear frac could be feasible for carbonate reservoirs
In 1965, the first attempt to stimulate a hydrocarbon reservoir by means of nuclear explosion took place in the Soviet Union at an oil field designated as Reservoir A. This experiment proved that nuclear stimulation of hydrocarbon reservoirs is technically feasible. Reservoir A occurs in a carbonate reef at a depth of 4,300 to 5,000 ft. The reservoir is overlain by evaporites, and an oxidized impermeable oil zone occurs at the base of the reservoir. The producing mechanism is solution gas drive. Initial reservoir pressure of 2,150 psi had declined to 650 psi at the time of nuclear stimulation. Porosity in the field varies from 0.5 to 35%, and permeabilities range from 3 to 100 md. Hydrocarbon gravity varies from 28 to 36 API and viscosity, from 6 to 23 cp. Successful results of the experiment included no appreciable damage to equipment and man-made structures in the oil field, and oil essentially free of radioactive contaminants extracted directly from the immediate vicinity of the detonation points. The most significant result of the experiment was the improved rate of field production, attributed to fracturing of the reservoir by nuclear explosion as the mechanism. 12 references.
- OSTI ID:
- 5907992
- Journal Information:
- Oil Gas J.; (United States), Journal Name: Oil Gas J.; (United States) Vol. 81:50; ISSN OIGJA
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
020300* -- Petroleum-- Drilling & Production
ASIA
CARBONATE ROCKS
EASTERN EUROPE
ENHANCED RECOVERY
EUROPE
EXPLOSIVE STIMULATION
EXPLOSIVES
NUCLEAR EXPLOSIVES
OIL WELLS
PERMEABILITY
POROSITY
RECOVERY
RESERVOIR ROCK
ROCKS
SEDIMENTARY ROCKS
STIMULATION
USSR
VISCOSITY
WELL COMPLETION
WELL STIMULATION
WELLS