Lesson 6: Upstream Operations - Drilling, Hydraulic Fracturing and Production
Overview
This lesson will walk you through the upstream stage of shale energy development, where well pad sites are selected and built, drilling rigs are mobilized and wells are drilled, fracturing equipment is brought in to complete the wells, and ultimately hydrocarbons are produced and sent to the marketplace. The technical aspects of shale energy development are complex yet amazing, with ever-evolving technologies being developed to make the process more efficient and safe. This lesson will provide insights into the processes that ultimately brings energy from deep in the earth to the surface, where eventually society uses to meet our everyday demands.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this lesson, you should be able to:
- Identify the main criteria for well site selection and construction,
- Understand the major components of a drilling rig and the drilling process,
- Conceptualize the process of hydraulic fracturing for shale energy development,
- Understand well production rates and decline curves for shale wells.
Lesson Roadmap
| To Read | |
|---|---|
| To Do |
|