Understanding process key to shale gas development

摘要

Making hydrocarbon production from shales a profitable venture requires a process for driving down overall costs. Each shale well and reservoir requires a high degree of understanding to reach its full economic potential. This is especially important when exploring new shale formations for which knowledge is a key factor in the speed and efficiency of bringing on production. Experience proves that methodology is the most important constant in shale development, not discrete techniques. The effort under way to understand the Eagle Ford is the hallmark of success in gas shales. Clearly, this emerging play varies from the Haynesville shale, which is markedly different from the Barnett and other shales around the world. The only way to approach economic development of these resources is by first understanding their unique characteristics. That knowledge guides a holistic approach that builds efficiencies during the life of the asset.