USA Superior Energy Holdings, Inc. (USSU.OB), a Houston based energy company, is focused on utilizing next-generation technology to enhance the oil and gas recovery (EOR) rates in shallow oil and gas fields. Rather than exploring for new sites, the company intends to concentrate on revitalizing production at existing well sites.
Cased Hole Horizontal Drilling (CHHD) is a technique that can increase the “communication” from the wellbore to the fluids contained in the reservoir by opening up new fractures. The technique can be utilized at both fractured and low permeability reservoirs. Small holes are made in a portion of the casing that passes through a production area creating a path for the oil to flow from the surrounding area into the production tubing.
The Nitrogen Stimulation technique (N2) is used in reservoirs to force oil out. The technique can be utilized to rejuvenate existing reservoirs and wellbores where traditional methods have previously been used, and can easily be adapted for use at large or small sites. Implementing the N2 technology at older well fields can be done at a lower cost than the expense associated with searching for new reservoirs.
The company’s proprietary process for generating nitrogen allows high-pressured nitrogen to be concentrated from the air at 92 to 98 percent purity. The use of nitrogen is both effective and environmentally friendly, as 78 percent of the air we breathe is made up of nitrogen. Additionally, nitrogen is inert in most mineral and rock environments. Typically, the initial natural pressure allows a 10 to 40 percent recovery. USA Superior plans to rejuvenate under-pressured and partially depleted reserves with the N2 technology to artificially pressurize the sites. The secondary production can yield an additional 40 to 50 percent of oil from a reservoir.
XIOM is another new process that USA Superior is utilizing at its sites to reduce costs. The company is applying XIOM product to shield pumps to protect against corrosive acids and to rods located in the drill holes from paraffin accumulation. The protective coatings reduce the wear on the equipment, thus reducing maintenance time and cost.
USA Superior’s focus on revitalizing existing well fields in Texas is exactly what we need in this period of ever-increasing fuel prices.
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