Through discussions of operations issues, challenges and solutions, new technology implementation, expectation and several case histories, delegates focused on tight-gas as well as shale-gas development.

The workshop Dec. 4-7 came as Saudi Aramco embarks on unconventional gas evaluation, assessing the potential in tight-gas reserves and creating a long-term development strategy.

Hydraulic fracturing is a cornerstone technology in developing the potential of tight-gas reservoirs, presenters said. The complex nature of tight sand and shale gas requires careful engineering and evaluation approaches to evolve as a practical production opportunity.

Multi-stage fracturing, water fracturing, gel-loading, proppant conductivity, modeling, pressure transient analyses, and geomechanics were some of the issues discussed in workshop sessions.

There were 16 presentations and three discussion sessions covering the core technologies in fracturing applications for tight-gas development.

Several examples were discussed of tight-gas fields that are already in production. The focus, logistics, expectation, and technology involved in such projects made for interesting discussion and interaction among industry experts.

Eighty-five participants from 27 service and E&P operating companies around the world — such as Schlumberger, Halliburton, Baker Hughes, Weatherford, BP, Oxy, Petroleum Development Oman, Petronas, Repsol, RW, Japan Oil, Sino Saudi Gas, Luksar and SRAK — attended the event.

Saudi Aramco was represented by every department in Petroleum Engineering, Drilling and Exploration organizations.

Byung Lee from the Petroleum Engineering Support Division of the Production and Facilities Development Department served as workshop steering committee chairman. Dr. Zillur Rahim of the Gas Reservoir Management Division of the Southern Area Reservoir Management Department was a steering committee member and session chairman.