--> Abstract: Choosing Drilling, Completion, and Stimulation Fluids for Shale Gas Completions, by Michael W. Conway, Greg Salter, Randy S. Miller, and Craig Hall; #90078 (2008)

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Abstract: Choosing Drilling, Completion, and Stimulation Fluids for Shale Gas Completions

Michael W. Conway1, Greg Salter2, Randy S. Miller2, and Craig Hall2
1Stim-Lab, Inc., Duncan, OK
2Core Lab, Houston, TX

In the 1920’s, the fractured, “brown” Devonian Shale was the largest know gas field in the world. They were drilled, “shot with nitroglycerin” and produced for 40 years. The Barnett Shale, on the other hand, is the largest successful “techonology” play where the commercial success is tied to the completion and stimulation practices. Many known gas shale accumulations are currently being evaluated where improved completion practices will be required to make commercially successful projects.

In the Barnett, >1 million gallon fresh water stimulation treatments are successful. Success with the same completion strategy in other reserviors has not been common place. Traditionally, shale formations have proven to be a challenge in many locations, posing serious challenges while drilling to conventional hydrocarbon reserves. Using traditional techniques such as capillary suction time tests and roller oven stability tests developed to address drilling problems, the characteristics of a large number of gassy shales have been examined.

We believe that the primary flow pathway controlling production is unpropped natural or induced fractures. We have developed a core flood procedure to systematically examine the influence of fluid composition and net stress on the flow charactistics. These data have assisted in understanding the results of the traditional fluid compatibility tests previously mentioned. In this presentation, we will present some general observations that are both general to a large number of shales as well as some shale-type specific observations.

 

AAPG Search and Discover Article #90078©2008 AAPG Annual Convention, San Antonio, Texas