Gas Technology Institute - GTI with its headquarters in Illinois (USA) launched a research and development project under which a Hydraulic Fracturing Test Site is to be commissioned. The project is intended to enhance environmental safety of shale gas exploration/production and productivity of gas wells.
The Hydraulic Fracturing Test Site (HFTS) will be launched under a research project intended to:
- minimize potential environmental impacts,
- improve well productivity and enhance production profitability,
- demonstrate that shale gas may be produced in a safe and stable manner.
It has been established that not all well sections contribute in the same way to overall gas production. In a number of cases a significant portion of the gas produced comes from the horizontal leg. GTI's research project is intended to define the relationship between fracturing design and an enhancement of hydrocarbon production from horizontal shale wells. The focus will be on lowering the environmental impact from fracturing operations. Importantly, the assumed outputs will be verified in field conditions.
Shale gas has been produced commercially in the U.S. since 12 years, making that country the global leader of natural gas extraction in 2009. This was largely due to the development of shale gas resources which accounted for as much as 40% of the total natural gas production in 2013 (source: www.eia.gov).
GTI - Gas Technology Institute is the leading research, development and training organization addressing energy and environmental challenges to enable a secure, abundant, and affordable energy future. Already in the 1990's GTI conducted research projects associated with hydraulic fracturing.
26.05.2014
source: www.shale-gas-information
photo: Marek Czarnecki for United Oilfield Services Sp. z o.o.
author: abar
