General Industrial Requirements and Evaluation Indicators of Natural Gas Exploration
Natural gas exploration is the process of prospecting for and evaluating potential natural gas deposits and petroleum resources, as well as determining the characteristics of gas deposits. It involves a variety of technologies and techniques, including geophysical exploration, drilling, geochemistry, analysis and evaluation, and prediction. Exploration is one of the most important steps in developing a natural gas resource.
Geophysical Exploration
Geophysical exploration is the first step in the exploration process. The objective of geophysical exploration is to identify subsurface structures that may be associated with the accumulation of natural gas. The process begins with data collection, which can involve geological mapping, gravity, magnetic, and seismic surveys. To identify potential gas sources, geophysical technicians analyze the data and create a detailed subsurface map that reveals structural features and other anomalies related to hydrocarbon accumulation.
Drilling
Once geophysical exploration is complete and potential accumulation sites have been identified, exploration teams will drill exploratory wells to determine if natural gas exists in commercial quantities. Exploration teams use a variety of drilling methods, such as rotary drilling, directional drilling, and slimhole drilling, to probe into the formation. The purpose of drilling is to evaluate the physical and chemical properties of the rock and fluid, as well as identify potential gas sources.
Geochemistry and Analysis
The analysis of the samples gathered from the drilling operation is an important step in the exploration process. Geochemical analysis is used to determine the composition of fluids and rocks, including hydrocarbon content. Geochemistry can also be used to identify potential sources of natural gas, such as biogenic and thermogenic deposits. Additionally, geochemists may analyze the samples for metals, salt, and other elements that may indicate subsurface features favorable for the accumulation of natural gas.
Analysis and Evaluation
Once geological and geochemical data has been collected, a engineering team will evaluate the information to determine the potential contributions of natural gas on the property. This evaluation is critical in determining the economics of the project. The evaluation of exploration data incorporates a variety of factors, including geology, geochemistry, drilling logs, and economic considerations.
Prediction
The last stage of exploration is prediction. Exploration teams use a variety of predictive models and techniques to evaluate the potential of a gas reservoir and the likelihood of its commercial development. These models are typically based on the interpretation of well logs, seismic data, and other geophysical information. Predictive models are essential for determining the economic viability of a project.
Conclusion
Natural gas exploration is a complex process that involves a variety of technologies, techniques, and evaluations. Exploration begins with geophysical exploration, which is used to identify potential sources of natural gas. Drilling operations are then conducted to evaluate the physical and chemical properties of the rock and fluid in the subsurface. Geochemical analysis is utilized to identify potential sources of natural gas and support the predictions from the drilling results. Analysis and evaluation of exploration data allows the development team to determine the economics of the project. The exploration is then concluded through predictive techniques to identify the potential of the resource and its commercial development.
