TECHNOLOGY BUOYS U.S. GAS

Improved technology has resulted in greater reserves for U.8. gas well completions since 1985, an American Gas Association study shows. During 1973-85, nonassociated reserves added for each onshore gas well completion were 530 MMcf, a drop of 74% from 2.03 bcf/completion during 1966-72. Since 1985, however, the average has rebounded to 1.32 bcf/onshore well completion, a trend mainly attributed to integration of new technology into gas exploration and production.

Oct. 15, 1990

2 min read

Improved technology has resulted in greater reserves for U.8. gas well completions since 1985, an American Gas Association study shows.

During 1973-85, nonassociated reserves added for each onshore gas well completion were 530 MMcf, a drop of 74% from 2.03 bcf/completion during 1966-72.

Since 1985, however, the average has rebounded to 1.32 bcf/onshore well completion, a trend mainly attributed to integration of new technology into gas exploration and production.

AGA Pres. George H. Lawrence said, "This definite swing toward more production per well, coupled with technological improvements that translate into improved drilling economics, means we don't need to return to rig counts of 2,000 or more to have a growing supply for growing demand.

"In fact, for the past 3 years, we've come very close to 100% reserves replacement with a rig count of just under 1,000."

The study said drilling success rates have improved dramatically since 1983.

Also, the amount of gas a well must produce to recover its cost has dropped by a factor of three since 1970, while the wellhead price of gas has increased by a factor of 10 during that period.

Several technologies have improved the exploration and production process, including enhanced seismic methods, polycrystalline diamond compact drillbits, tension leg well platforms, and horizontal drilling.