Our areas of expertise. Click below to access our publications!
Flow visualization and optimization of DRV in hydrocarbon reservoirs
Integrated with advanced reservoir models (numerical, semi-analytical), analytical streamline codes based on complex potentials provide simple and powerful tools for visualization and optimization of drainage volumes delineating the Drained rock volume (DRV).
Why should we bother?
Wells and fracs (with a particular focus on shale plays) all need to be spaced such that the DRV effectively drains the entire rock volume between the wells and fracs without undue interference. Our DRV visualization models account for both the physical attributes (e.g., frac & well spacing) and the economics (e.g., EUR, NPV, IRR).
More information→
Geomechanical Models of Wellbore Stability and Hydraulic Fractures
Brittle failure and ductile flow may compromise wellbore integrity and can be modeled with relatively simple but effective analytical tools.
Why should we bother?
Wells absorb large capital investments and well failure or poor completions lead to significant capital loss and are hazardous. By looking at wellbore stresses with higher resolution than before we identify points of neutral stress and stress reversal zones that may help to improve well placement and monitoring of borehole integrity.
More information→
Geothermal Energy Projects
This research project investigates the feasibility of economically capturing both heat energy and strategic elements from high temperature hydrocarbon-producing wells. The new concept takes advantage of unique conditions present in Texas, particularly in the Eagle Ford Shale, where thousands of wells are available for cogeneration of geothermal heat and strategic minerals recovery from “low value” produced brine.
Why should we bother?
In addition to cost cutting we suggest now may be the perfect time for shale operators to bring to maturation the harvesting of geothermal energy that still remains untapped. Energy is what matters, and if geothermal steam can add an extra revenue stream it should not go wasted in shale wells that at +9000 ft meet temperatures high enough to produce steam. If there is ever a time with scope for considerable innovation by entrepreneurial operators it is now.