Evolution of Mesaverde Stimulations in the Piceance Basin: A Case History of the Application of Lean Six Sigma Tools

Abstract

Abstract Unconventional Gas reservoirs continue to be a fast growing sector within the petroleum industry. These reservoirs include Coal Bed Methane, Shale Gas, and Tight Gas Sands. ExxonMobil has been actively developing Tight Gas reservoirs for over 10 years in the Mesaverde formation in the Piceance Basin in Northwest Colorado. This case study chronicles the evolution of hydraulic fracture stimulations during this time period as experienced by ExxonMobil. Aspects addressed include stimulation design evolution and the application of Lean Six Sigma tools to optimize stimulation designs in a highly variable environment.