Article ID Journal Published Year Pages File Type
5484169 Journal of Petroleum Science and Engineering 2017 13 Pages PDF
Abstract
In this work we present a mixed-integer linear programming model to support upstream operators in identifying optimal strategies for impaired water management in active shale gas development areas. The proposed model is designed to coordinate three key development decisions such that the net present value is maximized: a) the fracturing schedule, b) the water supply sourcing and distribution strategy, and c) the selection of appropriate water storage solutions. We specifically allow return-to-pad operations in the fracturing schedule and we assume that water blending ratios for fracturing jobs are unrestricted, i.e., companies may use only impaired water to meet the completions water demand. Moreover, we explicitly consider the sizing and timing of water storage solutions. By applying the optimization model to a real-world case study, we find that impaired water disposal volumes can be reduced drastically if operators manage to coordinate their fracturing schedule with impaired water availability.
Related Topics
Physical Sciences and Engineering Earth and Planetary Sciences Economic Geology
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