How does the GasGun compare
with
hydraulic fracturing?
The GasGun will never replace hydraulic
fracturing. Large hydraulic fracture treatments can create a fracture
hundreds, if not thousands, of feet in length. But many small pay zones in
marginal wells cannot justify the expense of these treatments. The GasGun
can be a very economical alternative, requires much less on-site equipment and
can in some cases replace small hydraulic fracture treatments.
GasGun
vs. 5 Tonne Sand Frac: Look at these results obtained by a major
Canadian producer who compared the GasGun against their frac treatments.
Hydraulic fracturing creates a single fracture
oriented perpendicular to the least principal in situ stress.
Unfortunately, the fracture propagates vertically as well as laterally seeking
the path of least resistance. Many hydraulic fractures have been known to
break out of the producing formation and into aquifers and thief zones.
While the fractures produced by the GasGun are more limited in length, gas
pressures overpower the in situ state of stress, creating multiple radial
fractures with minimal vertical growth. As a result GasGun fractures are
much less likely to wander out of the producing zone.
The multiple fractures created by the GasGun may
also be much more effective than hydraulic fracturing in naturally fractured
reservoirs. Hydraulic fractures commonly propagate parallel to most of the
existing fractures or "with the grain". Multiple fractures may not
extend as far, but may link the well to more of the natural fractures.
Advantages - GasGun vs. hydraulic
fracturing