US shale gas production

US shale gas production has grown rapidly in recent years as the natural gas industry has
improved drilling and extraction methods while increasing exploration efforts. US shale
production was 2.02 cubic feet in 2008, a jump of 71% over the previous year. In 2009, US
shale gas production grew 54% to 3.11 cubic feet, while remaining proven US shale
reserves at year-end 2009 increased 76% to 60.6 cubic feet.[8] In its Annual Energy Outlook
for 2011, the US Energy Information Administration (EIA) more than doubled its estimate of
technically recoverable shale gas reserves in the US, to 827 cubic feet from 353 cubic feet,
by including data from drilling results in new shale fields, such as the Marcellus, Haynesville,
and Eagle Ford shales. Shale production is projected to increase from 23% of total US gas
production in 2010 to 49% by 2035.
The availability of large shale gas reserves in the US has led some to propose natural gas-
fired power plants as lower-carbon emission replacements for coal plants, and as backup
power sources for wind energy.
In 2011, though, a news report found that "not everyone in the Energy Information
Administration agrees" with the optimistic projections of reserves, and questioned the
impartiality of some of the reports issued by the agency. Two of the primary contractors,
Intek and Advanced Resources International, which provided information for the reports also
have major clients in the oil and gas industry. "The president of Advanced Resources, Vello
A. Kuuskraa, is also a stockholder and board member of Southwestern Energy, an energy
company heavily involved in drilling for gas" in the Fayetteville Shale, according to the report
in The New York Times. The current EIA administrator, Richard G. Newell, a vocal supporter
of the industry prospects, announced in June his plans to resign to take a job at Duke
University. The news report and one from the previous day on the same general subject by
the same journalist attracted critiques from bloggers at Forbes and the Council on Foreign
Relations, to name two. Diane Rehm had Urbina; Seamus McGraw, writer and author of
"The End of Country"; Tony Ingraffea, a professor of engineering at Cornell; and John
Hanger, former secretary of Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection; on a
radio call-in show about Urbino's articles and the broader subject. The associations
representing the natural gas industry, such as America's Natural Gas Alliance, were invited
to be on the program but declined.

Natural gas shale deposits in the United States

 Antrim Shale, Michigan
The Antrim Shale of Upper Devonian age produces along a belt across the northern part
of the Michigan Basin.[16] Although the Antrim Shale has produced gas since the 1940s,
the play was not active until the late 1980s. During the 1990s, theal drilling is not widely
used. Unlike other shale gas plays such as the Barnett Shale, the natural gas from the
Antrim appears to be biogenic gas generated by the action of bacteria on the organic-
rich rock.
 In 2007, the Antrim gas field produced 136 cubic feet of gas, making it the 13th
largest source of natural gas in the United States.

 Barnett Shale, Texas

The first Barnett Shale well was completed in 1981 in Wise County. Drilling expanded
greatly in the past several years due to higher natural gas prices and use of horizontal
wells to increase production. In contrast to older shale gas plays, such as the Antrim
Shale, the New Albany Shale, and the Ohio Shale, the Barnett Shale completions are
much deeper (up to 8,000 feet). The thickness of the Barnett varies from 100 to 1000
feet, but most economic wells are located where the shale is between 300 and 600 feet
thick. The success of the Barnett has spurred exploration of other deep shales.

 Caney Shale, Oklahoma

The Caney Shale in the Arkoma Basin is the stratigraphic equivalent of the Barnett Shale
in the Ft. Worth Basin. The formation has become a gas producer since the large
success of the Barnett play.
 Conesauga Shale, Alabama
Wells are currently being drilled to produce gas from the Cambrian Conasauga Shale in
northern Alabama. Activity is in St. Clair, Etowah, and Cullman counties.

 Fayetteville Shale, Arkansas

The Mississippian Fayetteville Shale produces gas in the Arkansas part of the Arkoma
Basin. The productive section varies in thickness from 50 to 550 feet, and in depth from
1500 to 6500 feet. The shale gas was originally produced through vertical wells, but
operators are increasingly going to horizontal wells in the Fayetteville. Producers include
SEECO a subsidiary of Southwestern Energy Co. who discovered the play, Chesapeake
Energy, Noble Energy Corp., XTO Energy Inc., Contango Oil & Gas Co., Edge Petroleum
Corp., Triangle Petroleum Corp., and Kerogen Resources Inc.

 Montery Shale Formation in California

In California the Monterey Shale is a rib-shaped formation that extends from northern
California down to the Los Angeles area, offshore, and onto the outlying islands. The
Monterey Shale Formation is currently producing oil & natural gas and is an emerging
shale play. Counties include Kern County, Orange County, Ventura County, Monterey
County and Santa Barbara County, California.
The Monterey Shale is composed of a concoction of many substances including folded
mud deposits and highly dense chert. The Venoco CEO stated their might be up to 300
billion barrels of oil in the Monterey Shale but their first well was labeled " uneconomical."
The Monterey Shale, while it consists of both oil and gas, is primarily oil. Extraction is
focused mainly from vertical drilling techniques versus the costly horizontal technique
used for most shale gas plays. Natural Gas estimates in the Monterey Shale stop at
between 1.5-2.0 trillion cubic feet

 Devonian shales, Appalachian Basin

Chattanooga and Ohio Shales
The upper Devonian shales of the Appalachian Basin, which are known by different
names in different areas have produced gas since the early 20th century. The main
producing area straddles the state lines of Virginia, West Virginia, and Kentucky, but
extends through central Ohio and along Lake Erie into the panhandle of Pennsylvania.
More than 20,000 wells produce gas from Devonian shales in the basin. The wells are
commonly 3,000 to 5000 feet deep. The shale most commonly produced is the
Chattanooga Shale, also called the Ohio Shale. The US Geological Survey estimated a
total resource of 12.2 cubic feet of natural gas in Devonian black shales from Kentucky
to New York.
Marcellus Shale
The Marcellus Shale in West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and New York, once thought to be
played out, is now estimated to hold 168-516 cubic feet still available with horizontal
drilling. It has been suggested that the Marcellus shale and other Devonian shales of the
Appalachian Basin, could supply the northeast U.S. with natural gas. In November 2008,
 Chesapeake Energy, which held 1.8 million net acres of oil and gas leases in the
Marcellus trend, sold a 32.5% interest in its leases to Statoil of Norway, for $3.375 billion.

 Woodford Shale, Oklahoma

The Devonian Woodford Shale in Oklahoma is from 50 to 300 feet (15 – 91 m) thick.
Although the first gas production was recorded in 1939, by late 2004, there were only 24
Woodford Shale gas wells. By early 2008, there were more than 750 Woodford gas wells.
Like many shale gas plays, the Woodford started with vertical wells, then became
dominantly a play of horizontal wells. The play is mostly in the Arkoma Basin of southeast
Oklahoma, but some drilling has extended the play west into the Anadarko Basin and south
into the Ardmore Basin. The largest gas producer from the Woodford is Newfield Exploration;
other operators include Devon Energy, Chesapeake Energy, Cimarex Energy, Antero
Resources, St. Mary Land and Exploration, XTO Energy, Pablo Energy, Petroquest Energy,
Continental Resources, and Range Resources. Production from the Woodford Shale has
peaked and is now in decline, however.

Tight gas
Tight gas is commonly used to refer to natural gas produced from reservoir rocks with such
low permeability that massive hydraulic fracturing is necessary to produce the well at
economic rates. The gas is sealed in very impermeable and hard rocks, making their
formation "tight". These impermeable reservoirs which produce dry natural gas are also
called "Tight Sand".
In reality the term "tight" refers to reservoirs where wells are unable to be commercially
exploited at current economic conditions in the absence of artificial stimulation or changes in
well geometry. It is economic criteria (gas price, opex , capex, royalties and fiscal regime)
which define this status and in many cases, as gas/oil prices rise then, projects that have
been previously shelved become viable; improvements in technology or changes in available
infrastructure may also rehabilitate otherwise stranded gas.
Tight gas reservoirs historically were generally defined as having less than 0.1
millidarcy (mD) matrix permeability and less than ten percent matrix porosity. Although
shales have low permeability and low effective porosity, shale gas is usually considered
separate from tight gas, which is contained most commonly in sandstone, but sometimes in
limestone. Tight gas is considered an unconventional source of natural gas.
Much tight gas was formed 248 million years ago in Paleozoic formations. Cementation and
recrystallization changed a conventional gas reserve which reduced the permeability of the
rock and natural gas was trapped within these rock formations. Horizontal and directional
drilling is used to extract tight gas deposits as they run along the formation which in turn
allows more natural gas to enter the well that was dug.

Numerous wells can be drilled to access the gas. Hydraulic fracturing is one of the main
methods to access the gas which requires breaking apart the rocks in the formation by
pumping fracking fluids in to the wells. This increases permeability and allows gas to flow
easily, freeing it from the trap. After that deliquifaction is used to help in the extraction.
 USA Oil and Gas Basins

The United States is one of the largest oil and gas producers in the world thanks to advancements
in technologies, such as hydraulic fracturing, which has unlocked vast reserves of shale oil.
According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the U.S. produced 12.29 million
barrels of crude oil per day in 2019. This figure was 11.28, 11.18, and 11.85 million barrels per
day for 2020, 2021, and 2022, respectively. So, where does is the oil and gas produced in the
United States?
The oil and gas is found in basins that exists underground. Large amounts of economic resources
are necessary to bring these resources to the wellhead, where the oil and gas produced is sold to
the market.
The major U.S. oil and gas basins include:

1. Permian Basin: Located in West Texas and southeastern New Mexico, the
Permian Basin has been one of the most productive oil and gas regions in the
U.S. for decades.
2. Eagle Ford Shale: Located in Texas, the Eagle Ford Shale has been a major
source of oil and gas production since the late 2000s.

3. Marcellus Shale and Utica Shale: These basins, located in the Northeast U.S.,
are primarily known for their natural gas reserves. The Marcellus Shale alone is
thought to hold about 85 trillion cubic feet of undiscovered, technically
recoverable natural gas and 3.4 billion barrels of undiscovered, technically
recoverable natural gas liquids.

4. Bakken Formation: This formation, located in North Dakota, Montana, and parts
of Canada, has been a significant source of oil in particular.

5. Anadarko Basin: Located in Oklahoma and Texas, the Anadarko Basin was
estimated to contain an additional 16.5 billion barrels of oil, 92 trillion cubic feet of
gas, and 1.1 billion barrels of natural gas liquids in undiscovered, technically
recoverable reserves.

6. DJ Basin: Located in South Dakota, Colorado, Nebraska, and Wyoming, the DJ

Basin is estimated to hold 3.8 billion barrels of proven oil reserves and about
20.7 trillion cubic feet of proven natural gas reserves.

7. Haynesville Shale: This basin is a prolific natural gas-producing shale formation

located primarily in northwest Louisiana and east Texas. It has an estimated 304
trillion cubic feet of technically recoverable natural gas resources.
 Top Producing Gas Field in United State

Discovery
Rank Field State Year Billion Cubic ft/year
1 Marcellus Shale Pennsylvania and West Virginia 2008 2836
Newark East Barnett
2 Shale Texas 1981 1952
3 Haynesville Shale Louisiana and texas 2008 1426
4 Eagle Ford Formation Texas 1962 1112
5 Faytteville Shale Arkansas 2005 1025
6 San juan Basin New Mexico and Colorado 1927 1025
7 Carthage Texas 1936 653
8 pinedale Gas Field Wyoming 1955 568
9 Spraberry Texas 1949 307
10 Wattenberg Gas Field Colorado 1970 305

1) Marcellus Shale:
The Marcellus Shale is a vast geological formation that extends across several
states in the northeastern United States, including Pennsylvania, West Virginia,
Ohio, and New York. It is one of the most significant natural gas-producing regions
in the country.
Location:
The Marcellus Shale spans a large area in the Appalachian Basin, covering parts of
Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Ohio, and New York. It is an organic-rich sedimentary
rock formation that is known for its potential as a source of natural gas.
Geology:
The Marcellus Shale is a black shale formation that dates back to the Devonian
period. The shale contains high levels of organic material, primarily kerogen, which
can be converted into natural gas through the process of thermal maturation. The
shale's depth and thickness make it an attractive target for unconventional natural
gas extraction.
Development:
The development of the Marcellus Shale as a major natural gas play gained
momentum with advancements in horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing
(fracking) technologies. These technologies allow operators to access the gas
trapped in the shale by drilling horizontally through the rock and fracturing it to
release the gas.

Operators:
Various oil and gas companies operate in the Marcellus Shale region. Some of the
major players include Range Resources, EQT Corporation, Cabot Oil & Gas, and
others.
Production:
The Marcellus Shale has become one of the leading natural gas-producing regions
in the United States. The application of advanced drilling techniques has significantly
increased production levels, contributing to the overall growth of domestic natural
gas production.

2) Barnett Shale:
The Barnett Shale is a significant geological formation known for its contribution to
the development of the shale gas industry in the United States.
Location:
The Barnett Shale is located in the Fort Worth Basin in North Texas. It spans a large
area and underlies several counties, including Tarrant, Denton, Wise, and Johnson.
Geology:
The Barnett Shale is a sedimentary rock formation dating back to the Mississippian
period. It is primarily composed of organic-rich shale and was historically considered
uneconomical for hydrocarbon extraction. However, advancements in drilling
technologies, specifically horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing, made the
development of the Barnett Shale economically viable.
Development:
The Barnett Shale is often regarded as the birthplace of modern shale gas
development. In the early 2000s, operators began using horizontal drilling and
hydraulic fracturing techniques to unlock the vast natural gas reserves trapped in the
Barnett Shale. This marked a turning point in the energy industry and led to the
proliferation of shale gas exploration and production in other regions.
Operators:
Various oil and gas companies have been involved in the development of the
Barnett Shale. Some of the early and major players include Devon Energy,
Chesapeake Energy, XTO Energy (now part of ExxonMobil), and others.
Production:
The Barnett Shale has been a prolific natural gas-producing region, contributing
significantly to the overall natural gas production in the United States. The
application of hydraulic fracturing technology allowed for the economic extraction of
natural gas from the tight shale formation.

3) Haynesville Shale field

The Haynesville Shale is a large natural gas field located primarily in northwest
Louisiana and east Texas in the United States. It is one of the major shale plays
in North America and is known for its significant natural gas reserves.
Geographical Extent:
The Haynesville Shale spans parts of Louisiana and Texas, covering an
extensive area. It is situated in the East Texas Basin and the Northwest
Louisiana Salt Basin.

Formation and Composition:

The Haynesville Shale is a geological formation that consists of organic-rich
shale rocks. It is part of the broader Haynesville Formation, which includes
various sedimentary rock layers.
Primary Reservoirs:
The primary reservoir in the Haynesville Shale is the Haynesville Formation itself.
This formation is characterized by its high organic content, specifically in the form
of organic-rich shale.
Hydrocarbon Content:
The Haynesville Shale is primarily a natural gas play, containing significant
reserves of dry natural gas. The shale formation is known for its substantial gas
 production, and it has contributed significantly to the overall increase in U.S.
natural gas production.
Operators and Production:
Several oil and gas companies are active in the Haynesville Shale, with a focus
on natural gas exploration and production. Some of the major operators in the
region include Chesapeake Energy, Comstock Resources, and Southwestern
Energy, among others.
Technological Advances:
The development of hydraulic fracturing (fracking) and horizontal drilling
technologies played a crucial role in unlocking the economic potential of the
Haynesville Shale. These technologies enable efficient extraction of natural gas
from the tight shale formations.

Production Challenges and Opportunities:

Like other shale plays, the Haynesville Shale has faced challenges such as
declining natural gas prices and the need for improved drilling and completion
techniques. Advances in technology and operational efficiency continue to be
explored to enhance the economic viability of production.

4) Eagle Ford Formation Field:

The Eagle Ford Shale is a significant hydrocarbon-producing formation located in
South Texas, USA. It is one of the major shale plays in the country and has been
a key contributor to the growth of domestic oil and gas production.
Geographical Extent:
The Eagle Ford Shale is located in South Texas, extending across a broad
region that includes parts of the Gulf Coast and the interior of the state.
Formation and Composition:
The Eagle Ford Shale is a geological formation consisting of organic-rich
mudstones and shales. It is part of the larger Eagle Ford Group, which includes
various sedimentary rock layers.
Hydrocarbon Content:
The Eagle Ford Shale is rich in hydrocarbons, including both oil and natural gas.
While it produces significant amounts of crude oil, it also contains substantial
reserves of associated natural gas.
 Operators and Production:
Numerous oil and gas operators are active in the Eagle Ford Shale, ranging from
major energy companies to independent operators. Some of the prominent
operators in the region include EOG Resources, ConocoPhillips, Chesapeake
Energy, and Marathon Oil, among others.
Technological Advances:
The development of advanced drilling and completion technologies, including
hydraulic fracturing (fracking) and horizontal drilling, has played a pivotal role in
unlocking the economic potential of the Eagle Ford Shale. These technologies
have allowed for the efficient extraction of hydrocarbons from the tight rock
formations.
Production Mix:
The Eagle Ford Shale is known for producing a mix of crude oil, natural gas, and
natural gas liquids (NGLs). The ratio of oil to gas can vary across different areas
of the formation.

Infrastructure Development:
The growth of production in the Eagle Ford Shale has led to significant
investments in infrastructure, including pipelines, processing facilities, and
transportation networks to move oil and gas to market.

5) Faytteville Shale Field:

The Fayetteville Shale is a natural gas-producing geological formation located in

the Arkoma Basin in northern Arkansas. It is one of the prominent shale plays in
the United States, and its development has significantly contributed to the
country's natural gas production.
Geographical Extent:
The Fayetteville Shale is situated in the Arkoma Basin, covering a substantial
area in northern Arkansas. It extends into the neighboring states of Oklahoma
and the eastern part of the Ark-La-Tex region.
 Formation and Composition:
The Fayetteville Shale is a sedimentary rock formation primarily composed of
organic-rich shale. It is a source rock for natural gas, and the gas is trapped in
the tight pores and fractures of the shale.
Hydrocarbon Content:
The primary hydrocarbon produced from the Fayetteville Shale is natural gas.
The shale formation has substantial reserves of dry natural gas.
Operators and Production:
Various oil and gas companies, including both major operators and
independents, have been active in the Fayetteville Shale. Major operators in the
region have included Southwestern Energy, ExxonMobil, BHP, and others.
Technological Advances:
Similar to other shale plays, the development of hydraulic fracturing (fracking)
and horizontal drilling technologies has been instrumental in unlocking the
economic potential of the Fayetteville Shale. These technologies allow for the
efficient extraction of natural gas from the tight shale rock.
Production Decline:
The Fayetteville Shale experienced significant growth in production during the
initial phases of development. However, like many shale plays, it has seen a
decline in drilling activity and production in subsequent years due to factors such
as lower natural gas prices.

6) San juan Basin Field:

The San Juan Basin is a geological basin located in the Four Corners region of
the southwestern United States, encompassing portions of Colorado, New
Mexico, Arizona, and Utah. It is a prolific natural gas and oil-producing basin and
has been a significant contributor to the country's energy resources.
Geographical Extent:
The San Juan Basin covers a large area, with the majority of it located in
northwest New Mexico and southwest Colorado. Parts of the basin extend into
northeastern Arizona and southeastern Utah.
 Formation and Composition:
The basin is composed of various sedimentary rock formations, including shale,
sandstone, and coal beds. These formations have been significant sources of
natural gas and oil.
Hydrocarbon Content:
The San Juan Basin is primarily known for its natural gas production. It also
produces oil and natural gas liquids (NGLs), but natural gas has historically been
the dominant hydrocarbon.
Operators and Production:
Numerous oil and gas companies have operated in the San Juan Basin over the
years. Some of the major operators in the region include BP, Chevron,
ConocoPhillips, and Hilcorp Energy, among others.
Navajo Nation Lands:
A substantial portion of the San Juan Basin is located on Navajo Nation lands.
The development of oil and gas resources in the basin has had economic
implications for the Navajo Nation, including the generation of revenue and
employment opportunities.
Coalbed Methane Production:
Coalbed methane (CBM) has been a notable focus of production in the San Juan
Basin. The basin has significant coal resources, and CBM extraction has been an
important component of natural gas production.
Technological Advances:
The development of advanced drilling and production technologies, including
horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing, has played a role in unlocking
unconventional resources in the San Juan Basin.

7) Carthage Field:

The Carthage Field is a natural gas field located in East Texas, USA. It is part of
the larger East Texas Basin and has been a significant contributor to natural gas
production in the region.
Geographical Location:
 The Carthage Field is situated in East Texas, covering parts of Panola and
Harrison counties. It is known for its proximity to the town of Carthage.

Formation and Composition:

The natural gas reservoirs in the Carthage Field are primarily associated with the
Cotton Valley Formation, a geological formation known for its gas-bearing
sandstone and shale layers.
Hydrocarbon Content:
The Carthage Field is a significant natural gas field, and the produced
hydrocarbons are predominantly methane. It has been an important source of
natural gas for the Texas and broader U.S. energy markets.
Operators and Production:
Various oil and gas companies have operated in the Carthage Field. Some
notable operators include ExxonMobil, Chevron, and BP. Independent operators
are also active in the region.
Development History:
The Carthage Field has a long history of natural gas production, dating back
several decades. Over the years, advancements in drilling and completion
technologies have been applied to enhance recovery from the field.

8) Pinedale Gas Field:

The Pinedale Gas Field is a significant natural gas producing area located in the
Pinedale Anticline in the state of Wyoming, United States. The field is situated in
the Green River Basin, which is part of the larger Rocky Mountain region.
Location:
The Pinedale Gas Field is located in Sublette County, Wyoming, approximately
70 miles south of Jackson Hole. It is part of the Greater Green River Basin, which
is a major natural gas-producing region in the United States.
Geology:
The natural gas in the Pinedale field is trapped in tight sandstone reservoirs
within the Pinedale Anticline. The anticline is a geological structure characterized
by a fold in the rock layers, creating an area of increased pressure that can trap
hydrocarbons.
Development:
 The development of the Pinedale Gas Field began in the late 1990s, and it has
become one of the most productive onshore natural gas fields in the United
States. The field has undergone extensive drilling and hydraulic fracturing
(fracking) operations to extract natural gas from the tight rock formations.
Operators:
Various energy companies have been involved in the development of the
Pinedale Gas Field. One of the major operators in the area has been Ultra
Petroleum, among others.

9) Spraberry Field:
The Spraberry Field is a major oil and gas field located in West Texas, USA.
Location:
The Spraberry Field is situated in the Permian Basin, one of the most prolific oil
and gas basins in the world. It covers a vast area in West Texas, encompassing
parts of Reagan, Glasscock, Midland, and Upton counties.
Geology:
The Spraberry Field is known for its complex geological structure. The reservoir
consists of multiple stacked oil-bearing formations, including the Spraberry,
Dean, and Wolfcamp formations. These formations are characterized by tight or
low permeability rock, and advancements in drilling and completion technologies,
such as horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing, have enabled economic
extraction of hydrocarbons from these unconventional reservoirs.
Development:
The field has been developed using advanced drilling techniques, including
horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing, which have significantly increased the
productivity of oil and gas wells in the area. These technologies have allowed
operators to efficiently recover hydrocarbons from the tight rock formations.

Operators:
Various oil and gas companies operate in the Spraberry Field, and several of
them have made significant investments in the development of the area. The field
 has seen increased attention and activity due to the resurgence of oil production
in the Permian Basin in recent years.
Reserves and Production:
The Spraberry Field is known for its substantial reserves of oil and gas. It has
been a key contributor to the overall production of the Permian Basin, which has
become a major driver of U.S. oil production.

10) Wattenberg Gas Field:

The Wattenberg Gas Field is a significant oil and natural gas field located in the
Denver-Julesburg Basin (DJ Basin) in Colorado, USA.
Location:
The Wattenberg Gas Field is situated in the northeastern part of Colorado, within
the DJ Basin. It spans multiple counties, including Weld, Adams, Boulder, and
Broomfield.
Geology:
The field is located within the larger Denver-Julesburg Basin, which is
characterized by a variety of geological formations. The Wattenberg Gas Field
contains oil and natural gas resources trapped in formations such as the
Niobrara and Codell formations, which are targets for drilling and production.
Development:
The Wattenberg Gas Field has undergone significant development, with the
application of advanced drilling techniques such as horizontal drilling and
hydraulic fracturing (fracking). These technologies have enabled the economic
extraction of oil and natural gas from unconventional reservoirs.
Operators:
Various oil and gas companies operate in the Wattenberg Gas Field. Some of the
major operators in the area include Anadarko Petroleum (now part of Occidental
Petroleum), Noble Energy (now part of Chevron), Extraction Oil & Gas, and
others.
Production and Reserves:
The field has been a major contributor to both oil and natural gas production in
Colorado. Advances in technology have allowed for the development of
hydrocarbons from previously challenging formations, contributing to increased
reserves and production.
History of Artificial Lift

On 27 August 1859, near Titusville, Pennsylvania, USA, “Colonel” Edwin Laurentine

Drake found “rock oil” in a well he deliberately drilled to produce it.
It was not just the oil that ushered in the modern petroleum era, but also the rig and
tools Drake and his driller, saltwater-well expert and blacksmith “Uncle Billy” Smith,
used to drill and pump the oil from the well.
“The production end of the fledgling oil industry was able to launch its phenomenal
expansion,” writes hydraulic pumping pioneer Clarence J. Coberly in “Production
Equipment” (History of Petroleum Engineering, American Petroleum Institute, 1961),
“with the almost-identical tools and techniques that had been developed in the water
well industry.”
The greatest influence on the initial production equipment used by the oil industry,
writes Coberly, resulted from the cable tools used to drill the wells: “The oscillating
walking beam—a simple and effective means of lifting and dropping the bit—was also
well-suited for operating the bottomhole plunger pump once the well was completed.
Both drilling and pumping loads were small enough to permit the use of wooden
structural elements with a few pieces of iron to serve as bearing points. As crude as the
rig was, it was effective and inexpensive.”
Coberly also notes that almost all advances in drilling and producing methods relied
either directly or indirectly on the use of casing. The first cased well was likely in 1861.

Within 10 years of Drake’s discovery, well casing was routine and conventional pumping
equipment was well-established as consisting of what is now known as the “standard rig
front.”

History: Sucker-Rod Lift (Beam Pumping)

Pumping by combining a walking beam and sucker rods extends back at least to 476
CE, when the walking-beam principle was known to have been used in Egypt. In
addition, archeologists—when excavating wealthier families’ homes that existed in the
early days of the Roman Empire—have found double-acting pumps, made of cast lead,
with plungers made of wood and leather. Roman sucker rods were made of wood and
worked in compression.

Artificial Lift for Gas Well

Natural gas wells are often thought of as free flowing with no need for artificial lift.
However, many gas wells produce some liquids–condensate, water or both–at some
stage in their life cycles. If this liquid is not removed from the well, it will accumulate in
the well bore, inhibit gas production and limit the ultimate recovery of gas
from the reservoir.
The accumulation of liquid in the well bore causes increased pressure against the
producing gas formation (back pressure), which inhibits gas flow from the reservoir into
the well bore. This back pressure also inhibits gas flow up the well bore to the surface.
The liquid in the well bore also can enter the reservoir and cause a water blockage that
will further inhibit gas flow into the well.
Therefore, to maximize gas inflow and
outflow, and to maximize ultimate
recovery from the reservoir, it is
necessary to remove any accumulated
liquid from the well bore and keep it
removed on a continuous basis.
Figure 1 illustrates increased flowing
bottom-hole pressure caused by the
presence of liquid in the well bore.
Artificial lift reverses the process of liquid
loading and the resulting back pressure
that leads to reduced reservoir inflow from
inhibited gas flow to the surface. By
lowering the bottom-hole pressure,
artificial lift encourages gas inflow and the
“drying” of the formation.
In the earlier stages of a gas well’s life cycle, liquid may be removed by the natural flow
of the gas itself (Figure 2). If the flow rate is high enough, the gas flow velocity may
exceed the “critical” velocity. When the velocity is above critical, the liquid that is present
is carried to the surface by the gas in the form of mist or small droplets.
However, as reservoir pressure declines with age, inflow performance declines with
formation blockage, or the amount of liquid increases, the natural gas flow velocity may
fall below critical so that liquids can no longer be removed from the well on a continuous
basis. At this stage, some form of artificial lift is needed to remove liquids from the well
and the near-wellbore portion of the reservoir.
 Artificial Lift Screening Criteria

Methode of Lift
Operating Hydraulic
Condition SRP PCP Gas Lift Plunger Lift Pump Jet Pump ESP Form Lift
Max Operating 19000/457 15000/457
Depth(ft/m) 16000/4878 12000/3668 2 19000/5791 17000/5182 15000/4572 2 22000/6705
Max Operating
Volume(bpd) 6000 4500 50000 200 8000 20000 60000 500
Max Operating
Temperature(F/C
) 560/288 250/121 450/232 560/288 560/288 560/288 400/204 400/204
Corrosion Good to Good to
Handling Excellent Fair Excellent Excellent Good Excellent Good Excellent
Fair to
Gas handling Good Good Excellent Excellent Fair Good Fair Excellent
Fair to
Solid Handling Good Excellent Good Fair Fair Good Fair Good

Fluid Gravity(API) >6 <40 >15 >15 >6 >6 >10 >6
Wireline or Wellhead Workover
Workover Catcher or or Pulling Capillary
Servicing Workover or Pulling Rig Rig Wireline Hydraulic or Wireline Rig Unit
Well Well's
Gas to Gas to Natural Electric Natural
Prime Mover Electric Electric compressor Energy Multicylinder or Electric Motor Energy
Offshore
Application Limited Limited Excellent N/A Good Excellent Excellent Good

System Efficiency 45% - 60% 50% - 75% 10% - 30% N/A 45% - 55% 10% -30% 35% - 60% N/A
 Current Trends of Artificial Lift in US

The North American artificial lift systems market is expected to register a CAGR of more
than 5.5% during the forecast period 2022-2027. North America was one of the worst
affected regions due to the COVID-19 pandemic and implemented large-scale
lockdowns and enacted bans on citizens' freedom of movement. As a result, oil and gas
companies reduced their output significantly, which further slowed down the value
chain, and resulted in a negative economic impact. Factors such as increasing demand
for energy, technological advancements, and increasing exploration activities are
expected to drive the artificial lift systems market in North America. The growing
concerns over environmental pollution and the shift toward the renewable sector for
energy generation are likely to hinder the market growth during the forecast period.

The offshore applications segment in North America is expected to witness significant

demand in the artificial lift systems market during the forecast period.

Growing investments in R&D activities by private players and government entities, along
with technological advancements like real-time data analysis and management, are set
to create new opportunities and propel the industry to new levels over the coming years.

The United States accounts for more than 60% of crude oil production and more than
90% of the wells required for artificial lift systems from the very beginning. Hence, it is
the largest market for artificial lift systems in North America.

 Offshore Application Segment to Witness Significant Demand

The offshore oil and gas segment is expected to record the fastest growth rate during
the forecast period. Artificial lift methods such as hydraulic pumping, gas lift,
electric submersible pumps (ESPs), and progressive cavity pumps (PCPs) are
predominantly used in offshore oil wells.

Companies have been exploring offshore locations for oil and gas production owing to
the offshore segment having huge untapped reserves. Thus, the offshore segment is a
more capital-intensive segment compared to onshore.
According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), between 2019 and 2040, around
2,500-3,000 offshore projects are expected to undergo decommissioning as they have
attained their operational lives. The Gulf of Mexico and the North Sea have the highest
number of maturing shallow fields in the region.

Thus, offshore oil fields have created demand opportunities for artificial lift methods in
the Gulf of Mexico and the North Sea regions of North America.