Key technologies, engineering management and important suggestions of shale oil/gas development: Case study of a Duvernay shale project in Western Canada Sedimentary Basin

Abstract

The Duvernay project in Canada was taken as an example to summarize the advanced technology and engineering management model of shale oil and gas development in North America. Preliminary suggestions were put forward to accelerate the commercial development of domestic continental shale oil and gas. The advanced technologies, valuable knowledge and rich experience were introduced, including the evaluation of geological target area of the project, rapid long horizontal drilling and completion, high-intensity fracturing, and well spacing optimization. In particular, the concept and connotation of the full-life cycle management of North American unconventional resource projects were analyzed. Its emphasis on early evaluation and risk management, and a highly competitive market environment have played an important role in promoting technological innovation and management innovation. In addition, the low-cost sharing system of industry-wide knowledge and experience and the management mode were applied. These management approaches are of great significance for reference in accelerating the exploration and development of unconventional resources in China. China possesses abundant shale oil and gas resources, which are an important replacement to guarantee the national oil and gas energy supply. However, due to the late start and special geological characteristics and engineering difficulties in China, there is a large gap in technology level and management mode compared with North America. According to the advanced experience and enlightenment of the shale oil and gas development in North America, a preliminary proposal to accelerate the development of shale oil and gas in China was made.