Workshop Brochure - Society of Petroleum Engineers

Registration Deadline:
20 October 2011
Society of Petroleum Engineers
20–22 November 2011 | Hilton Kuwait Resort | Kuwait City, Kuwait
SPE Applied Technology Workshop
Tight Gas Fracturing:
Closing the Gap Between Expectations and Results
Who Should Attend
• Petroleum, Production, Reservoir, and
Completion Engineers
• Production Technologists
• Petrophysicists
• Stimulation Engineers and Managers
• Asset Management Engineers and
Managers
• Reservoir Management
• University Staff and Academia
• Research and Development Scientists
Committee Members
Co-Chairperson
Khalid Al-Naimi
Saudi Aramco
Co-Chairperson
Nihat Gurmen
Schlumberger
Anabi Mukhtar
BAPCO
Bill Lindsay
Baker Hughes
Brent Convey
Weatherford
Fowzia Abdullah
Kuwait University
Harry Saul
Kuwait Energy Company
Leopoldo Sierra
Halliburton
Mohammad Al-Qattan
Al Dorra Petroleum Services
Pedro Saldungaray
Carbo Ceramics
Wael El-Mofty
Packers Plus Energy Services
Zara Khatib
The Petroleum Institute/Shell
Workshop Abstract
The success of unconventional gas development in the USA and Canada and its contribution to their national energy
demand has brought global attention to tight gas and shale gas potentials. The Middle East is not the exception,
despite the presence of highly productive conventional gas fields. Tight gas related exploration activities in several
Middle Eastern countries have increased and this activity is expected to pick up pace as we move further into this
decade.
Hydraulic fracturing is a cornerstone technology to unlock and fully develop the potential of tight gas reservoirs.
Fracturing for tight gas reservoirs is not a simple logistical process of mobilising high pressure pumps. The complex
nature of tight sand and shale gas requires careful engineering and evaluation approaches to be fully evolved as a
practical and acceptable production opportunity. It is critical to gain the knowledge, expertise, and technologies that
have been successfully implemented in USA and Canada, along with addressing technology gaps caused by unique
reservoir and well environments in the Middle East and apply effectively and efficiently to Middle East tight gas
development.
The workshop will focus on closing the gap between expectation and result in reservoir behaviour and performance.
The sessions will include:
• Petrophysics
• Geomechanics
• Reservoir Potential and Production Prediction
• Economic Considerations
• Completion Strategies
• Fracturing Design Concepts and Challenges
• Microseismic Evaluation
• Relevant Case Histories
Workshop Objectives
This workshop will aim to attract an informed audience with knowledge of tight gas fracturing and applications.
Various keynote speakers and brief presentations on critical fracturing technologies will be followed by Q&A and
discussion sessions. There will be an open discussion of specific, operations level issues. Case histories will
include recent field applications in the region. Attendees will gain in-depth knowledge about current and evolving
technologies.
www.spe.org/events/11abh3

WORKSHOP
Tight Gas Fracturing: Closing the Gap Between Expectations and Results
Schedule
Sponsorship Support
Sponsorship support helps offset the cost
of producing workshops and allows SPE
to keep the attendance price within reach
of operations-level individuals, those
who benefit most from these technical
workshops.
Sponsors benefit both directly and
indirectly by having their names associated
with a specific workshop.
While SPE prohibits any type of
commercialism within the conference
hall itself, the society recognises that
sponsoring companies offer valuable
information to attendees outside the
technical sessions.
Sponsorship Categories
Sponsorships are offered on a first come
basis. Please contact SPE to verify the
availability of a particular sponsorship.
Existing sponsors have the opportunity to
renew the same level of sponsorship for
annual workshops.
• Titanium Sponsorship
• Platinum Sponsorship
• Gold Sponsorship
• Silver Sponsorship
• Bronze Sponsorship
• Welcome Reception and Dinner
• Luncheons–Per Day
• Coffee Breaks–Per Day
Sponsorship Benefits
In addition to onsite recognition; SPE will
recognise sponsors on the SPE website
and in all printed material for the workshop.
Based on the sponsorship selected,
sponsoring companies also receive logo
visibility on promotional workshop items.
For More Information
For a detailed list of available
sponsorships, including benefits and
pricing, contact Mohammed Aamer, at
maamer@spe.org.
SAVE USD 500
BY REGISTERING
BEFORE
20 OCTOBER 2011
Sunday, 20 November: Tight Gas Reservoir Characterisation
0730–0800 hours Badge Collection, Welcome Coffee, and Refreshments
0800–0815 hours Opening Ceremony
0815–0830 hours Coffee Break
0830–0900 hours Keynote Speaker
0900–1010 hours Session 1: Petrophysics
This session will address the challenges encountered during planning, execution, and evaluation of
unconventional and tight gas discoveries, during field development planning and through formation evaluation
in support of both exploratory and development wells. The focus will be on sharing best practices in:
• Planning, acquisition, and integration of all petrophysical data into a model incorporating information from
wireline and MWD/LWD, logs, core sampling and measurements, fluid sampling, well integrity and
formation imaging logs, formation pressure and temperature measurements, and production logging
• Learnings from the regional petrophysical studies
• Benefits and limitations of latest tools and techniques, for example, the analyses of density and neutron
responses to estimate gas saturation and to quantify fresh water bearing from gas bearing sandstones
1010–1030 hours Coffee Break
1030–1110 hours Session 2: Geomechanics of Tectonically Active Basins
The purpose of this session is to integrate geological properties with engineering rock studies for the purpose
of oil and gas production. The application of geomechanics is useful in many studies such as; the study of
bore hole orientation relative to the fractures and fault distribution, bore hole stability with emphasis on the
effect of compaction and subsidence of the sediments, as well as the casing and mud weight required for such
bore holes.
Plate tectonic movement creates different types of sedimentary basins. They might be related to tension
forces, like the rift basin, or compressional forces like the back-arc basin that is associated with trenches in
the subduction zone.
The stress applied by plate tectonic movement on the sedimentary rocks accumulated in these basins causes
rock deformations on different scales, from mountain building size to macro and microscopic sizes.
The stress created in these basins has many important effects on rock behaviour. Rocks may change
plastically by folding or may rupture and form faults, fractures, and joints. Rock mechanics and geomechanics
deal with rocks stress-strain behaviour. The rock behaviour is affected by different factors such as its lithology,
porosity, permeability, temperature, pressure, fluid type, and amount. The result of stress on rocks, such as
fractures, has an important effect on fluid movement, migration, and trapping.
Reservoir rock geomechanics is the integration study of stress on pore pressure, fracture and fault
distribution, physical properties of the rock, and the effect of the over-burden pressure created by sedimentary
rock column. This might be applied on cap rocks, as well as, total trap configuration system.
1110–1200 hours Panel Discussion
1200–1300 hours Luncheon
1300–1400 hours Session 3: Reservoir Potential and Production Prediction
This session will address the current status of reservoir performance evaluation methods, the parameters to
be considered, and how to optimise the production and recovery of the unconventional gas reservoirs.
Reservoir potential and production prediction for unconventional gas reservoirs require better understanding
of flow mechanism and additional parameters to define the reservoir quality, compared higher-permeability,
conventional reservoirs. On an individual well basis, an unconventional gas reservoir will produce less gas
over a longer period of time. Therefore, the conventional practice of reservoir engineering must be redefined
for unconventional reservoirs. Flow mechanism of free gas, gas release from porosity within kerosene for
shale gas are a few challenges for reservoir engineers to consider. The reservoir performance modelling
and analytical method related to stimulated reservoir volume defined by microseismic measurement will be
reviewed.
1410–1440 hours Coffee Break
1440–1520 hours Session 4: Economic Considerations
The region has vast resources of natural gas available for extraction. Finding gas isn’t necessarily the
problem. According to industry sources, more than half of the gas exploratory wells drilled so far encountered
some form of hydrocarbons. However, most were in deep, tight reservoirs or contained high pressure and
dangerous levels of hydrogen sulphide. Furthermore, the mandatory government low sales price won’t make it
economic to develop the difficult plays.
Economically producing gas from deep tight gas reservoirs is the next level of the economic recovery
challenge. The volume and long-term potential of deep tight gas resources are driving technical progress.
There could be much more natural gas than previously known in areas where industry has been unable to
fully explore, and new technologies allow us to access resources previously thought unreachable. Increasing
demand and improved deep tight gas technologies promise to bring deep gas into the forefront of our future
gas resources.
Tight gas has, in recent years, become more conventional. Deep drilling, exploration, and extraction
techniques have substantially improved, making drilling for deep tight gas economical. However, deep gas is
still more expensive to produce than conventional natural gas, and as such, economic conditions have to be
such that it is profitable for the industry to extract from these sources.
1520–1610 hours Panel Discussion

Monday, 21 November: Tight Gas Reservoir Completion
(Design and Fracturing Completion)
www.spe.org/events/11abh3
0830–0900 hours Keynote Speaker
0900–1010 hours Session 5: Completion Challenges and Strategies
Unconventional gas reservoirs in high-pressure, high-temperature (HPHT) conditions cannot be produced
with existing tools and conventional methodologies. Maximising return in these environments needs the best
completion design for the life of the well and long-term production of the reservoir. Well deviation, drilling
direction, multi-stage hardware, hydraulic fracturing design, and execution are all major contributors to the
long-term success of a project. Therefore, all these factors need to be optimised in an integrated process that
takes the interactions between them into account and with hydraulic fracturing in mind from the start. This
session will discuss the challenges and offer strategies to increase odds of success.
1010–1040 hours Coffee Break
1040–1130 hours Session 6: Advances in Multi-Stage and Emerging Technologies
This session presents the latest developments that have been made available to the industry in multistage
fracturing technologies. Development of tight gas reservoirs has evolved to increasingly complex and lower
permeability reservoirs. In this setting conventional well completions have been pushed to the limit in their
ability to deliver economically viable wells. In order to respond to this challenge and improve economics, the
industry has turned to horizontal wells with multiple hydraulic fractures. The several completion tools and
placement techniques developed enable maximised production from increased reservoir contact in a cost
efficient manner by optimising the utilisation of both the personnel and equipment needed to perform the work.
1130–1220 hours Panel Discussion
1220–1320 hours Luncheon
1320–1420 hours Session 7: Challenges in Resources, Logistics, and Operations
This session will discuss the resources, logistics, and operations challenges letting the presenters share their
experiences to overcome them.
Optimal production of any tight gas producer environment is highly dependent on the quality of the stimulation
process implemented to maximise the productivity. Since most of the tight gas producing wells are located in
remote, deep, and HPHT environments; any stimulation process needs to overcome the resources, logistics,
and operation challenges. Deep or ultra-deep and high pressure environments demand the use of high density
fracturing fluids or the use of 20K fracturing equipment that are not available in all areas. At the same time the
water, chemicals, proppants supply, or equipment are additional problems from the logistics and operations
point of view. In almost all the cases these challenges limit the normal flexibility that operator and service
companies need to have to optimise the stimulation process.
1430–1500 hours Coffee Break
1500–1600 hours Session 8: Case Histories
In this session we’ll explore the evolution of fracturing technologies applied to unconventional reservoirs
through time, the suitability and adoption of conventional technologies as well as the failures that lead to
the evolution and creation of new fit for purpose techniques. Case histories will be presented to illustrate the
adoption and development cycle of fracturing technologies applied to unconventional reservoirs.
As the oil and gas industry extends to new frontiers at hand, conventional technology is typically applied
first. Initial success greatly depends on the suitability of the existing technology to the new environment.
As experience is gained, the conventional approach is either validated or the need to switch paradigms is
uncovered.
1600–1650 hours Panel Discussion
Tuesday, 22 November: Tight Gas Fracturing Evaluation
0830–0900 hours Keynote Speaker
0900–1030 hours Session 9: Advances in Fracture Geometry Evaluation
This session will introduce the concepts as well as discuss the advances made in fracture geometry evaluation.
Height is a critical design parameter in hydraulic fracturing design. The ability to measure this parameter would
allow one to calibrate the stress model above and below a formation. If this fracture height information is
coupled with a fracture model, one can get the full picture about the fracture geometry created by a stimulation
design. In turn, the designs get closer to reality leading to modifications enabling optimal drainage and
recovery from a reservoir. There have been critical technology introductions in the industry to enable these
measurements in a environmentally safe and cost-effective way.
1030–1100 hours Coffee Break
1100–1150 hours Session 10: Microseismic
The latest developments in microseismic technologies will be presented in this session by leading industry
providers. The propagation of hydraulic fractures in unconventional plays is far from the classical bi-wing frac
assumed in typical treatments. The use of slick water treatments in shale plays intently seeks at generating
complex fracture geometries in order to contact as much rock as possible, today we speak of “Stimulated
Volumes” rather than frac length and height. The success of a treatment is heavily dependent on being able
to create this complex fracturing network, it is therefore critical to understand how fractures propagate and
how much rock volume is contacted. Microseismic surveys are at the forefront in providing an answer to this
challenge.
1150–1240 hours Panel Discussion
1240–1255 hours Wrap-Up and Workshop Closing Remarks by Workshop Co-Chairpersons
1255–1400 hours Luncheon
Workshop Venue
Hilton Kuwait Resort
PO Box 7887
Kuwait City
Kuwait
Tel: 965.2225.6222
Fax: 965.2225.6290
Email: reservations.kuwait@hilton.com
Workshop Guidelines
Format
Three (3) days of informal discussions prompted
by selected keynote presentations and
discussions. Workshops maximise the exchange
of ideas among attendees and presenters
through brief technical presentations followed by
extended Q&A periods. Focused topics attract
an informed audience eager to discuss issues
critical to advancing both technology and best
practices. The majority of the presentations are in
the form of case studies, highlighting engineering
achievements, and lessons learnt. In order to
stimulate frank discussion, no proceedings are
published and the press is not invited to attend.
Documentation
• Proceedings will not be published; therefore,
formal papers, and handouts are not expected
from speakers.
• Work in progress, new ideas, and interesting
projects are sought.
• Professionally-prepared visual aids are not
required; handwritten view graphs are entirely
acceptable.
• Note-taking by participants is encouraged.
Poster Session
The Steering Committee encourages
registrations from professionals who are able
to prepare and present a poster on a relevant
project. For further details kindly contact
Mohammed Aamer, event specialist at
maamer@spe.org.
Attendance
Registrations will be accepted on a first-come,
first-serve basis. The Steering Committee
encourages attendance from those who can
contribute to the workshop most effectively either
in discussions or with posters. A mix of attendees
in terms of geographic origin, companies, and
disciplines will be encouraged.
Workshop Deliverables
• The Steering Committee will appoint a “scribe”
to record the discussions and to produce the
full workshop report for SPE.
• This report will be circulated to all attendees
as the workshop deliverable within 4–6 weeks
following the workshop. The copyright of the
report is with SPE.
• PowerPoint presentation materials will be
posted on a specific SPE URL address after
the workshop. Provision of the materials by
the speakers will signify their permission for
SPE to do so.
Commercialism
In keeping with ATW objectives and the
SPE mission, commercialism in posters or
presentations will not be permitted. Company
logos must be limited to the title slide and used
only to indicate the affiliation of the presenter and
others involved in the work.
Attendance Certificate
All attendees will receive an attendance certificate
attesting to their participation at the workshop.
This certificate will be provided in exchange for a
completed Workshop Questionnaire.
Continuing Education Units
Attendees at this workshop qualify for SPE
Continuing Education Units (CEU) at the rate of
0.1 CEU per hour of the workshop.
PLEASE USE INSIDE FORM FOR REGISTRATION

REGISTRATION FORM
Tight Gas Fracturing: Closing the Gap Between Expectations and Results
20–22 November 2011, Hilton Kuwait Resort, Kuwait City, Kuwait
Important: Attendance is limited and is not guaranteed. Early registration is recommended. Please print or type in black ink.
Registration Fee MUST be paid in advance for attending the Applied Technology Workshop.
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WORKSHOP
Applied Technology Workshop Fee*: Before 20 October 2011 ❒ USD 1,350 for SPE Members ❒ USD 1,550 for Nonmembers
After 20 October 2011 ❒ USD 1,850 for SPE Members ❒ USD 2,050 for Nonmembers
Workshop Fee includes: Technical sessions, materials, daily coffee breaks and luncheons, welcome reception and dinner (if applicable).
Accommodation is NOT included in the workshop registration fee.
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Cancellation and Refund Policy:
• A processing fee of USD 100 will be charged for cancellations received before the registration deadline 20 October 2011.
• For cancellations received after the registration deadline, 20 October, 25% refund will be made to the registrant.
• No refund on cancellations received within seven (7) days prior to the workshop date, i.e. on or after 13 November 2011.
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For questions or additional information contact: Mohammed Aamer at maamer@spe.org.
11ABH3
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