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About this Training Course
Shale and tight gas development requires an integrated understanding of well construction, geomechanics, multi-stage hydraulic fracturing, reservoir performance, production forecasting, and field development optimization. Unlike conventional reservoirs, small differences in reservoir and rock properties, well placement, drilling execution, and stimulation design can result in significant variations in well performance.
This intensive three-day course focuses on the key development practices used in shale and tight gas plays, drawing on lessons learned from major unconventional developments. The programme provides a practical overview of the development workflow, from well placement and drilling through multi-stage stimulation and production performance evaluation.
Participants will examine the role of geomechanics in drilling and completion decisions, horizontal well placement, multi-stage hydraulic fracturing, completion design, fracture monitoring, production-data analysis, production forecasting, and uncertainty management. The course also introduces practical considerations relating to well pads, water management, field logistics, and the economics of unconventional development.
The course uses industry case histories, instructor-led discussions, quizzes, and worked examples to demonstrate how technical decisions can influence well performance, development costs, and overall project outcomes.
1. What is the difference between shale gas, tight gas, and conventional gas?
Shale gas is found in shale rock, while tight gas occurs in dense rocks such as sandstone. In contrast, gas flows more freely in most conventional gas fields. As a result, shale and tight gas wells often need special drilling and fracking methods to boost gas flow.
2. What does Evaluation and Development of Shale & Tight Gas involve?
First, teams study rock data to find areas rich in gas. Next, they choose well sites and plan how to drill and frack the rock. They also track gas flow and test well results. Finally, they review costs and risks to help plan future wells.
3. What are the benefits and risks of hydraulic fracturing?
Hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, creates cracks in rock to help gas flow. As a result, wells can produce more gas. However, fracking uses large amounts of water and can be costly. In addition, teams must manage waste, protect water sources, and keep wells safe.
4. Why is geomechanics important in shale and tight gas wells?
Geomechanics is the study of how rocks react to stress and force. For example, it helps teams choose safer drilling paths and plan fracking work. It also helps reduce well damage and drilling risks. As a result, wells may perform better and cost less to operate.
5. How do engineers predict gas output from shale and tight gas wells?
Engineers study past gas flow to predict future well output. For example, Decline Curve Analysis (DCA) shows how gas flow drops over time. Rate Transient Analysis (RTA) also uses flow and pressure data to study wells. However, results may vary due to changes in rock and well conditions.
6. What are the key challenges and future trends in Evaluation and Development of Shale & Tight Gas?
High costs, water use, and complex rock layers can make gas recovery difficult. However, new tools help teams manage these risks. For example, fibre-optic tools and pressure data help track well activity. In addition, microseismic data and computer models help teams plan wells and predict gas flow.