Explosives play key role in new stimulation efforts
Information is given on 3 of the latest well stimulation methods which use explosives to induce formation factors. Project Rulison, the world's second nuclear blast aimed at stimulating natural gas production, was detonated Sept. 10 in Rulison gas field, 40 miles northeast of Grand Junction, Colo. An atomic- type explosion, equivalent to 40,000 tons of TNT, was set off at 8,427 ft in the Mesaverde formation. The explosion was designed to create a rubble-filled cylindrical chimney and fracture the formation to improve reservoir permeability around the well. A controlled reaction, non- nuclear well stimulation system, uses devices, materials, and methods carefully tailored to individual well characteristics. The stimulation system involves progressive fracturing by controlling energy release from multiple explosive treatments. On the first test, the well produced 3 Mcfd before stimulation, and after treatment, the well flow 5 MMcfd. Stratablast, developed by Dow Chemical Co., involves detonation of a slurry-type explosive placed in the well bore opposite the producing formation.
- OSTI ID:
- 6662636
- Journal Information:
- World Oil; (United States), Journal Name: World Oil; (United States) Vol. 169:6; ISSN WOOIA
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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45 MILITARY TECHNOLOGY, WEAPONRY, AND NATIONAL DEFENSE
450201 -- Military Technology
Weaponry
& National Defense-- Nuclear Explosions & Explosives-- Containment
CHEMICAL EXPLOSIVES
EXPLOSIONS
EXPLOSIVE STIMULATION
EXPLOSIVES
MANDREL OPERATION
NATURAL GAS WELLS
NUCLEAR EXPLOSIONS
PERMEABILITY
PLOWSHARE PROJECT
RESERVOIR ROCK
RULISON EVENT
STIMULATION
UNDERGROUND EXPLOSIONS
WELL STIMULATION
WELLS