Table of Contents

Vol. 6, No. 3
3rd Quarter 2000

Microfrac High Energy Fracturing Tool Yielding Positive Results

Western Technologies has developed a high energy exothermic fracturing tool, called the Microfrac Stimulation Tool, for stimulating oil and natural gas wells. The Microfrac tool uses a special blend of high tech rocket fuels to create a high energy pressure frac, providing an alternative to hydraulic fracturing. Costs are typically less than half that of conventional hydraulic fracturing and initial field results have been quite positive. In a test at the Rocky Mountain Oilfield Testing Center (RMOTC) in Wyoming, fluid productivity increased 22-fold, still holding steady more than three months after treatment. Additional testing is planned at RMOTC. 

Initial results in a tight shale gas formation in north central Texas have been positive. American West Resources has used half a tool in repeated test wells targeting a 4-6 foot pay zone. More than 110 mcfd of production has been developed in what were once thought to be dry formations. In another recent test, American West stimulated 100 ft of pay zone at 6,700 feet, using four separate shots. By the end of the fourth shot, production was close to 50 bopd and 700 mcfd. In Tennessee, another operator has experienced positive results in an essentially dry shallow oil zone. After loading with water, the well was shot and is initially producing about 4 barrels of oil per hour. 

Western Technologies is also developing other high energy tools, including a dynamic down-hole perforator that creates its own standoff. 

For more information, contact Michael Cafiero at phone 1-800-242-0363 ext 5827. 

Spotlight on Petroleum Technology Alliance Canada

The Petroleum Technology Alliance Canada (PTAC) is a not-for-profit association that facilitates collaborative research and technology development to improve the financial, environmental and safety performance of the Canadian upstream conventional oil and gas industry. PTAC facilitates R&D collaboration to benefit those involved by acting as a matchmaker between those that have problems or opportunities and those that have potential R&D solutions. While targeting Canadian operations, the spinoff potential for U.S. independents is obvious.

Since being formed in April 1996, PTAC has launched 53 projects with total value of about $11.2 million. R&D projects have been conducted within seven project areas, with conventional heavy oil recovery and environmental receiving by far the most interest (and funding). 

PTAC hosts several different types of events for members and the industry to address R&D issues, including workshops, technology information sessions, and forums. A recent workshop of interest to technology developers is “Enhanced Petroleum Recovery Research and Technology Development Priorities,” held on September 26, in Calgary.

For more information about PTAC or this workshop, visit their website (www.ptac.org) or contact Eric Lloyd, PTAC president, phone 403-268-6634; fax 403-268-7520; email lloyde@cadvision.com.