Gas in tight reservoirs - an emerging major source of energy

Journal Article · Fri Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1993 · United States Geological Survey, Professional Paper; (United States)

OSTI ID:6814307

Law, B E; Spencer, C W ^[1]

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1. Geological Survey, Denver, CO (United States)

Low-permeability (tight) gas reservoirs are gas-bearing rocks that usually have an in-situ permeability to gas, exclusive of fracture permeability, of less than 0.1 milli-darcy (mD). In the United States these reservoirs are estimated to contain in-place gas resources of at least 420 trillion cubic feet (Tcf) and possibly more than 5,000 Tcf. Estimates of recoverable gas in the United States range from less than 200 to more than 550 Tcf. Tight gas reservoirs occur in nearly all petroleum provinces. They occur at virtually all depths and in a variety of rock types that include sandstone, siltstone, shale, sandy carbonate rocks, limestone, dolomite, and chalk. Tight gas reservoirs may be thick and areally extensive or thin and areally limited. In contrast to normal (conventional) gas accumulations where the gas is concentrated in structural or stratigraphic traps, gas in tight reservoirs occurs as regionally pervasive accumulations that are usually abnormally pressured and are mostly independent of structural and stratigraphic traps. Artificial stimulation, such as hydraulic fracturing, is usually needed in order to produce the gas unless extensive fracturing is present. As a consequence of an improved understanding of tight gas reservoirs and improved drilling and completion practices, gas from these reservoirs is rapidly emerging as a major source of energy. 64 refs., 17 figs., 1 tab.

• OSTI ID: 6814307
• Journal Information: United States Geological Survey, Professional Paper; (United States), Journal Name: United States Geological Survey, Professional Paper; (United States) Vol. 1570; ISSN XGPPA9
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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FRACTURING
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