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U.S. Department of Energy
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Project Rio Blanco data report: production testing (Rb-E-01), November 1973 and January-February 1974

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:6570883
Project Rio Blanco is a government-industry gas reservoir stimulation experiment using three 30-kt nuclear explosives, which were detonated simultaneously in a single well, RB-E-01, at depths of 5,838.5, 6,229.7, and 6,689.5 ft. After completion of reentry drilling, initial drawdown testing was performed in 2 phases: the first phase was conducted during Nov. 1973, and the second phase during Jan.-Feb. 1974. Production of approx. 300 million cu. ft of gas had been planned, but a total of only 98 million (dry gas) was produced. Furthermore, most, if not all, of the gas produced came from the top chimney because there is apparently no significant evidence of communication between the top and the 2 lower chimneys. The testing of the entire section was, therefore, considered inconclusive and alternate reentry operations began in May 1974. Data obtained during the Nov. 1973, and Jan.-Feb. 1974, testing periods are presented. The data given include daily gas and water production rates, total gas and water production, radiochemical analysis, drawdown and buildup temperature and pressure history, and other relevant production data.
Research Organization:
Continental Oil Co., Ponca City, OK (USA)
OSTI ID:
6570883
Report Number(s):
NVO-148
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English