Ukraine has a unique set of circumstances, having huge oil and gas resources and then urgent need to become energy independent. Ukraine is now attracting highly qualified specialists to develop and test new financially attractive technologies for this massive developing market. Worldwide there is also a new wave of innovations for enhanced energy recovery from existing wells. In Ukraine with so many existing wells, using downhole stimulation methods to get more oil and gas out of existing wells is a financially attractive approach because it is lower risk approach, than new drilling. Within the last ten years, “fracking” (hydraulic fracturing) technology which, in combination with horizontal directional drilling has been responsible for the shale gas revolution and has allowed the United States to become less dependent on imported oil and gas. However, environmentally safe and more economical alternatives to hydraulic fracturing are still needed throughout the world and the Ukrainian oil and gas fields are an ideal location to develop these new safer methods.
Two US based companies, Depsol Technologies LLC and DSSP Inc. are combining their efforts to use new award winning electrically controlled propellants to Ukraine. Developed by DSSP for use as thrusters for small satellites in outer space, these new electric propellant offer more energy, safety and controllability, than was ever possible. These propellants are also being used by Hollywood and live entertainment producers for safer pyrotechnic special effects. On the surface these propellants are green/non-toxic and completely safe from accidental ignition by flame, spark or impact. However, once at depth and under high pressure within a well bore, these electrical propellants can be easily ignited and throttled to burn faster or slower. These are the first propellants in the world that have demonstrated electric throttle control. The implementation of electric propellants for gas well stimulation services is supposed to be utilized in conjunction with most modern perforating and stimulation techniques. This will allow geologists to “adjust” the burning of these electric propellants to match the rock formation and maximize the fracture formation; thereby increasing production. The use of green, safe rocket propellants to conduct very controlled fracturing of the rock for increased production should provide a viable alternative to hydraulic fracturing methods; in particularly old existing vertical wells so common in Ukraine. Manufacturing of these new electric propellants will be conducted within Ukraine and not imported. Manufacturing trailer and cell equipment are being developed by Depsol Technologies Ukraine, which would also distribute propellant formulations to Ukrainian operators and service companies.
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