Paisano Labs LLC — Department of Energy SBIR Phase I: 19

Description

Hydraulic fracturing has dramatically changed the outlook for recoverable oil and gas, initially in the United States and now worldwide. Geologic formations that were previously considered un-­‐economic are now producing a significant percentage of global oil and gas output. However, for the producer, the effectiveness of the "fracking" procedure and expected return on the fracking investment for each well is often unpredictable. The increase in production depends on the shape and position of the hydraulic fractures induced, and existing technologies have proven inadequate for effectively providing this information. Downhole logging measurements have been an integral part of the evaluation of individual wells and surrounding fields for quantifying producible hydrocarbons since the 1920's. Typically the log data is obtained before casing is set, either while drilling using logging while drilling instruments or shortly after drilling using wireline or tubing-­‐conveyed instruments. Most logging techniques cannot be used after casing is installed, and the effectiveness of remaining techniques is limited. We will investigate the design of fit-­‐for-­‐purpose borehole instruments based on proven logging techniques to provide the desired information about shape and position of induced fractures while fracturing is performed and afterwards. We will also investigate alternative casing materials that will allow these measurements to be performed after the well is cased. Finally, we will investigate modifications to the fracturing fluids and proppants which, when combined with the fit-­‐for-­‐purpose borehole instrument, will provide additional insight into the fracture evaluation problem. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits: If successful, we expect these measurements to potentially be conducted as part of each fracking operation. The data will provide immediate feedback to the producer of the expected increase in production and allow corrective action to be taken while the fracking equipment is in place, if needed. The measurements may also increase the efficiency of the fracking operation, reducing the amount of fluid and proppant used.