Sinopec Achieves Major Breakthrough with New 5,300 Meters Vertical Drilling Record

In a remarkable achievement, the China Petroleum and Chemical Corporation, commonly known as Sinopec, has reported a groundbreaking advancement in the field of shale gas exploration. The company successfully reached a vertical well depth of 5,300 meters in their ongoing project, referred to as Deep Earth, which is centered in the Sichuan and Chongqing Natural Gas Base. This achievement not only sets a new record in China but also signifies a considerable leap forward in the ability to access and extract shale gas resources efficiently.

Sinopec's latest well, known as Tiebei-1HF, has shown a high industrial gas flow of 314,500 cubic meters per day, further emphasizing the potential of this region for energy production. The well features an impressive horizontal section that extends for 1,312 meters, showcasing the sophisticated drilling techniques employed by Sinopec to navigate the complex geological formations present at such depths.

The Puguang gas field, where this new record was set, is the first large-scale, deep, and high-sulfur gas field to be developed extensively in China. Over the past two decades, this site has been tapped for its resources, and it plays a crucial role in the nation’s strategy to bolster its gas supply. As part of Sinopec's long-term vision, efforts are directed toward ensuring stable shale gas production by continually seeking new resources, particularly in the upper Permian layer of Puguang.

However, the majority of the untapped reserves are located in ultra-deep formations, which lie over 4,500 meters below the surface and have been termed as 'forbidden zones' due to the geological complexities involved. In addressing the challenges posed by these conditions, Sinopec has invested significantly in research and technological innovations, achieving a remarkable 100% success rate in drilling high-quality shale rock in horizontal sections.

Sinopec's homegrown 175-MPa ultra-high-pressure fracturing facility has been instrumental in these efforts. This advanced technology dynamically optimizes parameters on-site and employs customized strategies for different sections of the well. This approach has successfully created an 'artificial gas pathway' within the high-pressure layer at a depth of 5,300 meters, enabling the maximization of resource extraction from even the most remote and deepest parts of the gas reservoir.

Currently, Sinopec's Zhongyuan Oilfield is developing a comprehensive exploration and development plan for the upper Permian shale gas in Puguang. This initiative aims to facilitate the efficient conversion of natural gas resources into usable energy and underscores the strategic importance of shale gas exploration within China's energy landscape.

Sinopec has been at the forefront of the shale gas revolution in China, notably discovering the Fuling shale gas field in 2012, which marked the beginning of commercial shale gas development in the country. The organization continues to lead innovative efforts to enhance domestic energy production, further solidifying its role in meeting China's growing energy demands.

For additional details, please visit Sinopec’s official website.

Topics Energy)

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