5.2: The Phases of Exploration, Leasing, Drilling and Production
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- 15581
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Table 5.1 provides an outline of the procedures and operations required to locate, drill, and complete a typical unconventional well in Pennsylvania, while Figure 5.1 indicates the average time required for each phase.
| Exploration Phase (the geology) | Leasing Phase (the people and contracts) | Drilling Phase (the engineering and inspection) | Production Phase (the engineering and infrastructure) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Basin scale assessment (data analysis, available well information) | 1. Identifying "sweet spots" | 1. File for and receive Permit from state regulators (plan for drilling) | 1. Production and takeaway of hydrocarbons(gathering lines) |
| 2. Seismic data acquisition and interpretation | 2. Approaching landowners/owners of mineral rights | 2. Site preparation and plan for drilling, including safety plan | 2. Site restoration |
| 3. Securing a block of leases | 3. Rig setup and drilling operations(water access) | ||
| 4. Cementing and wellbore integrity considerations (geophysical logs) | |||
| 5. Hydraulic fracturing operations | |||
| 6. Well completion and testing |
Source: Pennsylvania Marcellus Shale Workforce Needs Assessment