GL 190 - Unconventional Hydrocarbon Recovery

Credit Hours: 3

A description of all methods of unconventional hydrocarbon recovery which includes past and present hydraulic fracturing methods. The objectives are to familiarize students with the unique aspects of unconventional gas and oil reservoirs, hydraulic fracturing methods including (1) resources and economic significance; (2) geologic occurrences; (3) drilling and completion practices; (4) environmental impact; health and safety issues including the clashing views of both sides of hydraulic fracturing. One or more field trips are required.

Course Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

evaluate hydrocarbon distribution controls and sedimentary and structural reservoirs;
evaluate how rock mechanical properties influence drilling and reservoir behavior;
assess porosity, pore fabric and connectivity, capillary pressure, hydrocarbon saturation, absolute and relative permeability, routine and special core analyses and logging procedures;
categorize general tectonic, stratigraphic and sedimentary controls on petroleum systems in sedimentary basins;
assess processes and protocol associated with hydrocarbon recovery in the following; Extra heavy oil and oil sands, oil and gas shale, coal and gas conversion and thermal depolymerization;
interpret and apply current legislation in hydrocarbon recovery; and
analyze the possible long and short term environmental impacts and state of the art remediation techniques.

Prerequisites: GL 160 and GL 161
S (N)