This study presents an integrated probabilistic framework by combining Monte Carlo Simulation with a gas transport model of a horizontal well with multi-fracturing stages to assess shale gas resources in the Wangyinpu Formation of the Xiuwu Basin, China. Modeling results suggest that the 30-year cumulative production of a single horizontal well is predicted at a likely value of 3.50×10 8 m 3 with a maximum of 6.78×10 9 m 3. Potential shale gas production from a "sweet spot" area is estimated at a range of 1.13×10 10 m 3 to 1.76×10 13 m 3 with a likely value of 8.24×10 11 m 3. Sensitivity analysis indicates that the gas production rate and cumulative gas production of a single horizontal well are most sensitive to the relative volume occupied by kerogen in the bulk volume of the shale, gas desorption rate, number of fracturing stages, and permeability of the stimulated zone. Assessment of water demand for horizontal well drilling and hydraulic fracturing suggests that shale gas development at the Xiuwu Basin will not likely cause regional water-supply stress because of abundant water resources in the region. The probabilistic approach presented in this study can provide valuable information for planning shale gas development and can also be applied to other shale gas reservoirs.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.