Current models and data show that high energy gas fracturing (HEGF) has great potential as a stimulation tool in shallow oil and gas wells. In these wells, the in-situ stresses are sufficiently low for the process to generate adequate gas volumes and to create an effective multiple fracture network. To address this opportunity, HEGF techniques must be simplified and costs reduced to allow oil and gas production without resorting to chemical treatment, hydraulic fracturing, or the drilling of new wells. In Phase I, the new HEGF tool was designed using a concept that eliminates the need for wireline, slick line, tubing, or any other support equipment. It also eliminates the problem of wireline damage so often experienced in HEGF treatments. In Phase II, well tests will be conducted before and after each treatment to evaluate changes in each well's ability to transmit fluids to and from the wellbore. Three different propellant formulations will be evaluated in each formation in order to correlate gas burning characteristics with stimulation performance as a function of rock type and well depth. The result will be a data base that can be used to validate analytical and empirical models and to optimize HEGF treatments for maximum effectiveness.Anticipated Results/Potential Commercial Applications as described by the awardee: Successful field trials of the new HEGF technique will provide the oil and gas industry with an advanced, cost-effective method of stimulating the production of many thousands of wells that would not previously have been considered candidates for economic reasons. Wells that will benefit include: low production stripper wells, wells in naturally fractured reservoirs, gas storage wells, and injection wells used in waterfloods and other enhanced recovery processes.
