--> Abstract: Opportunities For Independents, by M. F. Ayler; #90987 (1993).

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AYLER, MAYNARD F., Oil Mining Corp., Golden, CO

ABSTRACT: Opportunities For Independents

There is a wealth of geologic and reservoir data available for essentially every producing oil field in the United States. These data will permit

detailed evaluation of the mobile residual reserve and the potential recovery possible through wells drilled on one acre or closer spacing. As reservoir depth increases the cost of infill drilling and the cost of well maintence increases. Environmental objections to closely spaced wells precludes such development in many areas.

Closely spaced infill drilling of drains from mine access below these reservoirs is both possible and is often economically feasible. The needed shafts and passageways are expensive to develop but these costs are easily offset when it is realized the one mine can develop 3,000 to 5,000 acres of reservoir and that all drains will probably average 300 feet or less in depth. These drains can be drilled with air or water--drilling muds are not needed. All production would be by reservoir pressure and gravity to a central flow line back to a centrifical pump at the shaft for discharge to the surface. Produced water would be removed through underground separators and returned to the formation without pumping to the surface. Surface disturbance would be held to a minimum.

With the recent exodus of the major operators there are many opportunities for independents.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90987©1993 AAPG Annual Convention, New Orleans, Louisiana, April 25-28, 1993.