Economic Potential of Geopressured Aquifers under Different Schemes of Exploitation

Abstract

A calculation technique was developed to evaluate the economic potential of a geopressured aquifer for numerous conditions that could allow the exploitation of this unconventional gas resource. This technique allows for the evaluation of both wells drilled with the sole intent of producing the geopressured resource and of unsuccessful conventional hydrocarbon wells completed in geopressured intervals. The calculation technique allows also for the consideration of different water disposal methods and different taxation schemes. The technique was applied to a typical Gulf Coat geopressured aquifer. From this application it is apparent that for certain likely conditions the conversion of an unsuccessful conventional hydrocarbon well into a geopressured brine well is economically feasible, provided that any associated environmental and legal problems can be overcome.