Investigate Means of Stimulating Tight Gas Sands in the Presence of Weak Barriers by Modified Hydraulic Fracturing Techniques. Annual Report November 1981-October 1982

摘要

The object of the program is to devise a practical technique or techniques of inducing deeply penetrating fractures in tight gas formations bounded by base rock and/or overlain by an overburden rock that are not barriers to fracture migration. Post-fracturing well tests reveal a high percentage of fractures do not stay confined to the productive interval. By identifying these 'weak barrier' zones, through the use of in-situ stress measurements, and by developing modified hydraulic fracturing techniques that will control fracture migration, the fracturing process could be more successful and greatly enhance the technology base necessary to improve gas production from tight formations. Four techniques have been proposed and are being developed in simulated tests performed in the laboratory at Terra Tek. They are: (1) Fracture Initiation Placement; (2) Fracture packing with light-weight additives; (3) Controlled Process Zone Fracturing; and (4) Electrical Fracturing followed by hydraulic fracturing. The most successful technique or techniques will then be fully tested in four field stimulations and the results evaluated for technical and economic viability.