Solutions From the Field

Artificial Lift Basics and Advancements Including Remote Monitoring and Reducing Electric Consumption

September 12, 2000 (Wichita, KS) by North Midcontient Region

BOTTOM LINE

The information presented during the workshop provided attendees with the opportunity to refresh their knowledge of basic artificial lift concepts, while exposing them to new developments with the several different types of lift systems (beam pumps, electric submersible pumps, progressing cavity pumps, long-stroke pumps). A central philosophy in modern artificial lift is that pumps/systems are optimized, not just used. Optimization increases performance, reduces costs and failures, and generally increases production.

PROBLEM ADDRESSED

The artificial lift operations which are integral to production, especially in mature producing areas like the U.S., often, due to time limitations, do not get the attention required to maintain, let alone optimize, their performance. With limited time, it is also difficult to stay abreast of new advancements that could apply to one's situation. Bringing together speakers and material that provides refresher training on artificial lift as well as new options/choices offers value to busy independents.

Smackover Microbial Reef Detection and Characterization

July, 18, 2001 (Jackson, MS) by U.S. Department of Energy, National Petroleum Technology Office, and Eastern Gulf Region

BOTTOM LINE

Improved detection and characterization of microbial reefs will facilitate oil and gas development in the Eastern Gulf Region.

PROBLEM ADDRESSED

Application of sequence stratigraphic concepts to microbial reef development provides a framework to interpret the distribution of reservoir rock in Upper Jurassic microbial reefs and to serve as a model for thrombolite reef plays elsewhere. Stratigraphic evidence and forward modeling indicate that Upper Jurassic reefs tended to develop between the point of greatest rise in sea level and the highest position of sea level on hard substrates with low sedimentation rates and moderate hydrodynamic energy. Sequence stratigraphic analysis should, therefore, be useful to predict setting and timing of the thickest potential reef reservoir facies.

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The Lewis Shale, San Juan Basin: Approaches to Rocky Mountain Tight Shale Gas Plays

February 21, 2001 (Albuquerque, NM) by Southwest Region

BOTTOM LINE

As production from conventional reservoirs in the continental U.S. is decreasing, gas from the Lewis and similar unconventional reservoirs will become increasingly important for future gas supply. Significant Lewis Shale gas reserves may be commercially accessible in old and new wells within the San Juan Basin. Key features for successful development and exploitation include lithofacies (coarser-grained, quartz-rich intervals are best), presence of natural macro- and microfractures, number of treatments, type of stimulation, and optimal completion techniques.

PROBLEM ADDRESSED

The Lewis Shale can be successfully completed in a large number of old wells in the San Juan Basin where significant tight gas reserves remain. Completions in the Navajo City and First and Second Otero intervals of the Lewis Shale have a good track record in this basin. Characterization of reservoir properties can be integrated with reservoir simulation and hydraulic fracture models to high grade the Lewis both regionally and within the nearly 1,500 ft thick vertical column. Although an optimal completion technique is still being developed for the Lewis, more than one stage of frac treatment is currently cost prohibitive and may be ineffective. Water-based stimulation fluids and frac fluid retention within the formation reduces relative permeability to gas and should be minimized. A type-curve model provides a practical and simple method to evaluate Lewis Shale reserves.

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