Highlands Natural Resources Plc (LON:HNR) has successfully proved the effectiveness of its 75% owned DT Ultravert technology through a Schlumberger-led programme in Colorado.
A test has demonstrated that the patent-pending technology can be used to avoid bashing - a well-damaging effect of fracking new wells closer to existing production – and the technology was also seen to benefit the new well too.
It marks a major milestone in the group’s efforts to commercialise the new well services technology, which is under a licensing arrangement with Schlumberger.
“These initial tests answer three key questions: Firstly, that DT Ultravert can achieve significant and sustained down-hole pressure that effectively diverts fluids from depleted areas of the reservoir,” said Domingo Mata, Highlands’ vice president of engineering.
“Secondly, that DT Ultravert can prevent well bashing.
“Thirdly, that the application of DT Ultravert can enhance the stimulation of child wells and improve production performance.”
Anti-bashing
Bashing is a reservoir damaging side-effect of fracking wells in close proximity to each other. It happens when Fracking fluids infiltrate an existing well. It causes damage that leads to reductions in both production and reserves.
It also impacts on the new well, as the frack programme has addressed less non-depleted resources.
Bashing is seen as a growing concern for the US shale industry where investments have largely been focussing on lower risk infill drilling.
DT Ultravert was used in two natural gas wells operated by Laramie Energy in the Piceance Basin, Colorado.
Essentially, the test saw nitrogen injected into the existing (or ‘parent’) wells prior to and during a separate fracking programme on newly drilled ‘child’ wells nearby.
This saw pressure build in the parent wells, which in-turn ensured frack fluids were diverted away from already fracked rocks.
Data provided by Laramie three weeks on show there was no reduction in the original decline curve of the parent well.
It also confirms that the desired pressure build-up achieved in both parent wells treated with DT Ultravert. Highlands says this was a critical element of a successful diversion process.
“Overall, the technical results suggest a successful initial demonstration of DT Ultravert in parent well protection and child well enhancement applications,” the company said in a statement.