Evaluation of Massive Hydraulic Fracturing Experiments in the Devonian Shale in Lincoln County, West Virginia

摘要

The report summarizes the final results, conclusions, and recommendations from a review of the Columbia/DOE Massive Hydraulic Fracturing (MHF) Project. The major objective of the study was to apply GRI-developed technology and other modern technology to the MHF project data to determine whether the hydrualic fracturing treatments applied were effective in stimulating the Shale. The study found that the 'MHF' treatments did effectively stimulate the Shale and as a result, the treated wells will produce more gas than older, nearby shot wells, even though the MHF wells were completed in a partially depleted reservoir. The results also indicate that large fracturing treatments which minimize liquid volume and maximize proppant placement can be cost-effective in the Shale at current economic conditions. However, cleanup of fracturing fluids from the low-pressure Devonian Shale was identified as a problem which remains to be solved.