GasGun vs. Fracing
How does the GasGun compare with hydraulic fracturing?
The GasGun will never replace hydraulic fracturing. Large hydraulic fracture treatments can create a fracture hundreds, if not thousands, of feet in length. But many small pay zones in marginal wells cannot justify the expense of these treatments. The GasGun can be a very economical alternative, requires much less on-site equipment and can in some cases replace small hydraulic fracture treatments.
GasGun vs. 5 Tonne Sand Frac: Look at these results obtained by a major Canadian producer who compared the GasGun against their frac treatments.
Hydraulic fracturing creates a single fracture oriented perpendicular to the least principal in situ stress. Unfortunately, the fracture propagates vertically as well as laterally seeking the path of least resistance. Many hydraulic fractures have been known to break out of the producing formation and into aquifers and thief zones. While the fractures produced by the GasGun are more limited in length, gas pressures overpower the in situ state of stress, creating multiple radial fractures with minimal vertical growth. As a result GasGun fractures are much less likely to wander out of the producing zone.
The multiple fractures created by the GasGun may also be much more effective than hydraulic fracturing in naturally fractured reservoirs. Hydraulic fractures commonly propagate parallel to most of the existing fractures or “with the grain”. Multiple fractures may not extend as far, but may link the well to more of the natural fractures.
Advantages - GasGun vs. hydraulic fracturing
- Minimal vertical growth out of pay
- Multiple fractures
- Selected zones stimulated without the need to set packers or ball off
- Minimal formation damage from incompatible fluids
- Homogeneous permeability for injection wells
- Minimal on-site equipment needed
- Much lower cost
Comparison of Drainage Areas Achieved in a Naturally Fractured Reservoir
