New technology developed at U of C accelerates process of testing oil and gas wells

A new way to test oil and gas wells that was developed at the University of Calgary has been endorsed by the Alberta energy regulator.

A more efficient way to test oil and gas wells has been endorsed by the Alberta Energy Regulator--and it was developed at the University of Calgary.

The well-testing method has been in trials and development for six years, and samples are being analyzed at a lab at the university.

It’s a quicker alternative to conventional “diagnostic fracture injection tests.”

Information from the tests will help better understand using reservoirs for extraction of oil and gas.

Old testing methods can take weeks or months to get results. While the Calgary-developed test gets results in just days.

“It’s less disruptive to the operator in terms of their on-site operations,” said U of C’s Chris Clarkson, a professor of earth, energy and environment studies.

“So they can only have to sit on a well for a few hours as opposed to days.”

Several companies in Canada are using the new testing method.

The team is also now looking at how the test could be used in clean energy applications.