Shale asset development—An integrated design plan to minimize supply cost

K. Bonde, Gas Liquids Engineering Ltd., Calgary, Alberta, Canada Around the world, shale plays have emerged as a significant source of hydrocarbons. The ongoing development of these resources requires innovation to drive down the supply cost. Continuous improvement in horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing is only part of the story, however. Generating an integrated design plan (IDP) from the reservoir, through the gathering system and facilities, to the sales pipelines—and across the asset lifecycle—is essential for further innovation. This capability demonstrates opportunities to improve the entire infrastructure design, reduce capital costs and maximize production efficiencies. Th