--> Abstract: A Primer on the Haynesville Shale, by L. Mark Larsen; #90089 (2009)

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A Primer on the Haynesville Shale

L. Mark Larsen
Schlumberger Oilfield Services

The Haynesville Shale of northwest Louisiana and adjacent east Texas has recently emerged as one of the most prospective shale plays in the country. This unconventional resource was virtually unknown two years ago, has already gone through a rush of leasing activity with most operators now clawing their way up the learning curve towards economic development of the resource. Initial results look promising despite lacking in several of the obvious attributes sought after in a shale play. Although a good source the rock itself has significant clay content, is deeply buried at some 12,000 feet and has high closure pressures that may embed or crush conventional fracture proppant. Normally, these factors lead to high drilling and development costs hurting economic returns.

In the case of the Haynesville, there are several strong positive features that more than balance the negative. The shale is relatively thick and porous and over pressured leading to large gas in place estimations. Initial deliverability is high with several recent completions from horizontal wells reporting an initial production of over 20 MMCF/D. The play is located in industry friendly areas and infrastructure is nearby.

This presentation uses publically available information to describe the Haynesville play, discuss several unique characteristics and extract several lessons applicable to other resource plays.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90089©2009 AAPG Southwest Section Meeting, Midland, Texas, April 26-29, 2009