Shale-gas resources were explored in Saudi Arabia by adopting a “technology-driven” approach against the US-based approach that might be termed the “factory” or “statistical” approach. The technology-driven approach and the customized work flow applied in this project have minimized the time required to understand the reservoir and apply the appropriate technologies. To date, this work flow has been used and calibrated with single-well analysis.
Introduction
The technology-driven approach to acquiring data was accomplished by maximizing data collection and developing a customized work flow to rapidly incorporate lessons learned for the next wells drilled. The overall challenge was to perform the assessment quickly and execute operations efficiently because of the quick drilling program with multiple rigs working.
Typically, a resource rock is evaluated, tested, and produced with individual tools and optimized by a statistical approach because of the number of wells drilled and completed in the area.
