Conventional Gas

Test Your Knowledge

Quiz: Unlocking the Power of Conventional Gas

Instructions: Choose the best answer for each question.

1. What makes conventional gas "conventional"?

a) It is found in deep underground formations. b) It requires advanced extraction techniques. c) It flows naturally to the surface when a well is drilled.

2. Which of these is NOT a characteristic of conventional gas deposits?

a) High permeability b) Low pressure c) Good reservoir quality

3. What is a key advantage of conventional gas over unconventional gas sources?

a) It produces less greenhouse gas emissions. b) It is more readily available and less expensive to extract. c) It is a renewable energy source.

4. How does conventional gas contribute to our energy landscape?

a) It is the only fuel used for electricity generation. b) It is a clean-burning fuel used for various purposes, including electricity and heating. c) It is primarily used for transportation fuels.

5. What is the likely role of conventional gas in the future of energy?

a) It will completely replace renewable energy sources. b) It will remain a significant source of energy while renewable energy technologies develop. c) It will be phased out immediately as renewable energy technologies become more widely available.

Exercise: Energy Demand

Scenario: A small town currently relies heavily on coal for electricity generation. They are considering switching to a mix of conventional gas and renewable energy sources to reduce their carbon footprint.

Task: Imagine you are a member of the town council. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using conventional gas as part of the energy mix. Consider the following factors:

• Cost of extraction and infrastructure
• Environmental impact compared to coal
• Reliability and availability of the energy source
• Potential for future energy transitions

Exercice Correction:

Techniques

Chapter 1: Techniques for Extracting Conventional Gas

Conventional gas extraction relies on well-established and proven techniques that leverage the natural pressure of the reservoir. These methods are relatively straightforward and require minimal technological intervention. Here's a closer look:

1. Drilling:

• Vertical Drilling: The most common method involves drilling a vertical well straight down into the reservoir. This allows the gas to flow naturally upwards due to pressure differentials.
• Directional Drilling: In some cases, directional drilling techniques are employed to access reservoirs located at an angle to the surface, maximizing reach and minimizing surface impact.

2. Completion:

• Wellhead Equipment: Once the well is drilled, a wellhead is installed at the surface. This equipment includes valves, pipes, and other components necessary for controlling and measuring the gas flow.
• Production Tubing: A production tubing is lowered into the well to channel the gas from the reservoir to the surface.

3. Production:

• Gas Flow: The natural pressure in the reservoir pushes the gas through the well and to the surface.
• Separation and Processing: The extracted gas undergoes separation and processing to remove impurities like water, sand, and other contaminants.
• Transportation: The processed gas is then transported through pipelines to consumers.

4. Enhanced Gas Recovery:

• Waterflooding: This technique involves injecting water into the reservoir to increase pressure and push out additional gas.
• Gas Lift: This method involves injecting gas into the well to increase pressure and aid in lifting the conventional gas to the surface.

These methods, while simple in concept, require sophisticated engineering and careful planning to ensure safe and efficient extraction.

Chapter 2: Models for Understanding Conventional Gas Reservoirs

To effectively locate, develop, and manage conventional gas reserves, geologists and engineers utilize various models:

1. Geological Models:

• Structural Models: These models depict the geological structures within the earth, such as folds, faults, and unconformities. Understanding these structures is essential for identifying potential gas-bearing traps.
• Stratigraphic Models: These models focus on the layers of rock that make up the earth's crust, identifying potential reservoir rocks and seals.
• Petrophysical Models: These models characterize the physical properties of the reservoir rocks, such as porosity, permeability, and fluid content.

2. Reservoir Simulation Models:

• Numerical Models: These models simulate the behavior of the reservoir, predicting gas flow patterns and production rates over time. This helps optimize well placement and production strategies.
• Analytical Models: These models provide simplified representations of reservoir behavior, allowing for quick estimates and preliminary analyses.

3. Economic Models:

• Financial Models: These models analyze the economic feasibility of a conventional gas project, considering costs, revenues, and potential profitability.

These models play a vital role in understanding the complex dynamics of conventional gas reservoirs, enabling optimal resource management and efficient energy production.

Chapter 3: Software for Conventional Gas Exploration and Production

A wide range of software applications are used in the exploration, development, and production of conventional gas:

1. Geological Modeling Software:

• Petrel: A popular software for 3D geological modeling, seismic interpretation, and reservoir characterization.
• GeoFrame: Software for creating and managing geological data, including seismic data, well logs, and core descriptions.
• SKUA: Software for seismic interpretation and reservoir modeling.

2. Reservoir Simulation Software:

• Eclipse: A powerful simulation tool for modeling reservoir performance and production optimization.
• CMG: Software for reservoir simulation, including black oil and compositional models.
• INTERSECT: Software for analyzing reservoir performance and managing production.

3. Well Engineering Software:

• WellCAD: Software for planning and designing wells, optimizing drilling trajectories, and analyzing well performance.
• PIPESIM: Software for simulating fluid flow in pipelines and wells.

4. Data Management Software:

• WellView: Software for managing well data, including production logs, well logs, and completion records.
• Oracle: A database management system commonly used for storing and managing large amounts of geological and production data.

These software tools, along with other specialized applications, enable efficient and informed decision-making throughout the entire conventional gas lifecycle.

Chapter 4: Best Practices for Conventional Gas Exploration and Production

Ensuring responsible and sustainable development of conventional gas resources requires adhering to a set of best practices:

1. Environmental Sustainability:

• Minimizing Environmental Impact: Employing responsible drilling techniques, implementing waste management protocols, and prioritizing environmental monitoring to minimize the footprint of operations.
• Water Management: Implementing water conservation measures, minimizing water usage in operations, and responsibly managing produced water.
• Greenhouse Gas Reduction: Implementing technologies and practices to reduce methane emissions during production and transportation.

2. Operational Efficiency:

• Optimized Well Design: Employing data-driven techniques to optimize well placement and completion design to maximize gas recovery.
• Production Optimization: Utilizing reservoir simulation models to optimize production rates and extend field life.
• Safety and Security: Implementing robust safety protocols, maintaining high standards of operational integrity, and ensuring the security of facilities and operations.

3. Social Responsibility:

• Community Engagement: Engaging with local communities and addressing their concerns through transparent communication and responsible operations.
• Economic Development: Creating jobs and fostering economic growth in the regions where conventional gas is produced.

By adhering to these best practices, conventional gas development can contribute to a secure and sustainable energy future.

Chapter 5: Case Studies of Successful Conventional Gas Projects

Examining successful conventional gas projects provides valuable insights into effective exploration, development, and production strategies:

1. The Groningen Field (Netherlands):

• Highlights: One of the largest conventional gas fields in Europe, known for its exceptional gas production and its contribution to the Dutch economy.
• Key factors: High permeability reservoir, efficient production technology, and careful management practices.

2. The North Sea Gas Fields (United Kingdom, Norway, Denmark):

• Highlights: A cluster of mature conventional gas fields that have been producing significant volumes of gas for several decades.
• Key factors: Deepwater drilling expertise, advanced reservoir simulation models, and long-term planning for field development.

3. The Marcellus Shale (United States):

• Highlights: While primarily associated with unconventional gas, the Marcellus Shale also contains conventional gas resources that have been successfully developed.
• Key factors: Innovative drilling technologies, efficient production techniques, and a strong regulatory framework.

These case studies demonstrate the potential of conventional gas resources to contribute significantly to energy security and economic development, highlighting the importance of adopting responsible practices and leveraging advanced technologies for maximizing resource recovery.