The Use of Glutamic Diacetic Acid GLDA and Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapour Explosion BLEVE in Tight Gas Recovery

Abstract

Abstract As global demand for energy rises and more nations turn towards environmental friendly energy sources, attention is shifted to cleaner and economically viable energy sources. Natural gas, with 43% and 30% lesser carbon emission than coal and oil respectively, is among these sources. However, most of the natural gas reserves –including tight gas which this paper focuses on- are present in impermeable rock formations, and the extraction processes used sometimes raises concerns over the impact on the environment and fresh water reserves. These often times increases regulatory scrutiny and delay in exploitation. This paper explores the enhancement of reservoir permeability through first acidizing with Glutamic Diacetic Acid (GLDA), an organic substance with low corrosion potential and increased effectiveness with increasing temperature, and then using a Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapour Explosion (BLEVE) –specifically liquefied nitrogen in ceramic globes. This combination will not only achieve maximum permeability, but will also ensure that propants-ceramic splinters- are strategically placed within the wormholes formed and consequently improve gas recovery. This method supersedes conventional ones by being more environmentally friendly; nitrogen is already a component of air and is easily gotten and dispelled into the atmosphere; and in its capacity as a BLEV, significantly reduces the use of fresh water for fracturing. GLDA as a chelating agent forms unreactive complexes with regards to the environment and eliminates the need for iron control agents. The fast spending and high corrosion potential associated with mud acid is removed – well tubulars last longer, and this method is consequently more cost effective.