Upstream

Unconventional Gas - Tight Gas Sands, Shale Gas, and Coal Bed Methane

Sources of natural gas that are more difficult and costly to extract are generally categorized as unconventional resources. As recovery technologies have advanced and petroleum prices have risen, unconventional resources have become more economically viable. Looking forward, unconventional gas is projected to continue to grow in importance to global energy supply.

Tight Gas and Shale Gas
To economically produce from tight gas sands and shale, pay zones are typically hydraulically fractured. In these instances, as with any frac job, maintaining the integrity of the formation is of utmost importance. Fracturing additives are often incorporated into a frac job to improve its efficiency and to protect the formation from potential adverse impacts of fracture fluids. Baker Hughes offers a complete, single source solution for all your frac additive needs.

Once in production, unconventional gas is subject to problems like velocity induced erosion corrosion. Baker Hughes offers a complete line of products and services to manage tight gas production facilities and works with you to build customized solutions.

Coal Bed Methane (CBM)
Gas production from un-minable coal seams is an increasingly important source of unconventional gas. Produced water from these operations is often of very low salinity and is discharged directly to surface retention points, streams, or used for irrigation. This puts a limitation on the types and quantities of production chemicals that can be used to mitigate the impacts of issues such as corrosion and scale. Baker Hughes works with CBM operators to identify key operational challenges and select the most suitable treatment options.

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