ACHIMGAZ
Along with the Yamal Peninsula and offshore deposits Reserves aimed at stabilizing and increasing gas production in Russia are Achimov horizons, whose resources exceeds 10 trillion m3 gas in Western Siberia only.
Achimgaz was founded in June 2003 on a par with Wintershall Holding AG, a subsidiary of BASF group, and OOO Gazprom dobycha Urengoy, a subsidiary of OAO Gazprom. The purpose of the enterprise is the development of the first pilot Area of Achimov formation of Urengoy gas, oil, condensate field.
Achimgaz was founded in June 2003 on a par with Wintershall Holding AG, a subsidiary of BASF group, and OOO Gazprom dobycha Urengoy, a subsidiary of OAO Gazprom. The purpose of the enterprise is the development of the first pilot Area of Achimov formation of Urengoy gas, oil, condensate field.
The first experiment area was chosen not by accident. Urengoy field and the adjoining areas make up the biggest gas production system in Russia – Big Urengoy, discovered in 1966 in the North of Western Siberia (Yamal-Nenets Autonomous Okrug). The total area of Big Urengoy is approximately 6 thousand square kilometers. Commercial production on the field started in 1978, and since the mid 80’s and till early 90’s Big Urengoy contributed about one half to the overall Soviet gas production.
In the 90’s production volumes dropped sharply. However the experts say it’s too early to pigeonhole the unique gas depositary. The "third wind" of the field is expected to be connected with the development of adjacent sites, as well as the deeper sediments, primarily Achimov.
It must be said that compared to the previously and currently developed Cenomanian and Valanginian deposits development of this gas formation is very difficult: it’s different by its complex geological structure, abnormally high formation pressure, and it requires special development technologies. Cost of Achimov gas production is 10-15 times higher than the cost of Cenomanian gas production.
However, well-developed fields, which are in development for a long time, where Cenomanian gas reserves are nearing exhaustion, Achimov gas is a production reserve. This fully applies to Urengoy gas, oil, condensate field. Development of Achimov gas is profitable here and is a kind of "third breath" of the field.
In the 90’s production volumes dropped sharply. However the experts say it’s too early to pigeonhole the unique gas depositary. The "third wind" of the field is expected to be connected with the development of adjacent sites, as well as the deeper sediments, primarily Achimov.
It must be said that compared to the previously and currently developed Cenomanian and Valanginian deposits development of this gas formation is very difficult: it’s different by its complex geological structure, abnormally high formation pressure, and it requires special development technologies. Cost of Achimov gas production is 10-15 times higher than the cost of Cenomanian gas production.
However, well-developed fields, which are in development for a long time, where Cenomanian gas reserves are nearing exhaustion, Achimov gas is a production reserve. This fully applies to Urengoy gas, oil, condensate field. Development of Achimov gas is profitable here and is a kind of "third breath" of the field.
Components of success: experience and innovations. In an effort to maximize the resources of old fields, Gazprom is introducing new technologies, if necessary involving foreign partners. Such a partner is Wintershall Holding AG, which has modern technology, the necessary equipment, and experience in drilling subhorizontal wells to great depths in complex geological conditions. This technology allows increasing production output a few times in comparison with vertical drilling - particularly from the strata with low permeability. In addition, for the first time on Urengoy field a pour-point depressant for the prevention of paraffin build-up in the system of Achimov condensate transport has been applied, which was manufactured by BASF company.
On 6 July 2008 UKPG-31 was put into operation which marked the beginning of pilot production phase of Area 1A, Achimov formation, Urengoy oil, gas, condensate field.
At the moment six wells are drilled of various profiles and productive strata penetration types, production is ongoing for the technological unit of complex gas treatment facility with monitoring of wells performance for the purpose of data gathering and analyzing for a consecutive decision-taking on the determination of the most efficient way of development of the Area 1A, Achimov formation. Two wells are repaired and put into operation. In 2009 hydro fractions were conducted on three wells, injected proppant totaled 600 tons.
The project is designed for 40 years, during which 88 wells will be operational. Further work on the project is planned without stopping the construction of technological objects.
Achimgaz is confident that many common deeds wait in the Achimov field development.
-- The past year has been challenging for the world and domestic economy. But because we all worked as one team, did work for result, rather then reports, we were able not only to maintain a stable situation, but also achieved significant results, - said Director General of Achimgaz, Sergey Vlasov, summing up 2009. – We produced 974,639 mm. cum of gas and 431,490 thd tons of condensate. According to the results of studies in May 2010 we decided to drill next 20 wells of the S-shaped profile with the continuation of fractures of the productive strata. Today we can say that the team Achimgaz is a qualified team of specialists who daily show their professionalism, efficiency, skill and ability in the shortest possible time to deal with intractable problems, and in a particularly important time to be an extremely mobile team.
-- It is my considered opinion that our project in the process of its implementation will be perfected by enabling every employee to demonstrate their skills and experience - said a member of the Board, Deputy Director General of Achimgaz, Alexey Vedenin. -- The project became a shining symbol of close co-operation in building a strong and reliable platform for further development and prosperity of the joint-venture.
On 6 July 2008 UKPG-31 was put into operation which marked the beginning of pilot production phase of Area 1A, Achimov formation, Urengoy oil, gas, condensate field.
At the moment six wells are drilled of various profiles and productive strata penetration types, production is ongoing for the technological unit of complex gas treatment facility with monitoring of wells performance for the purpose of data gathering and analyzing for a consecutive decision-taking on the determination of the most efficient way of development of the Area 1A, Achimov formation. Two wells are repaired and put into operation. In 2009 hydro fractions were conducted on three wells, injected proppant totaled 600 tons.
The project is designed for 40 years, during which 88 wells will be operational. Further work on the project is planned without stopping the construction of technological objects.
Achimgaz is confident that many common deeds wait in the Achimov field development.
-- The past year has been challenging for the world and domestic economy. But because we all worked as one team, did work for result, rather then reports, we were able not only to maintain a stable situation, but also achieved significant results, - said Director General of Achimgaz, Sergey Vlasov, summing up 2009. – We produced 974,639 mm. cum of gas and 431,490 thd tons of condensate. According to the results of studies in May 2010 we decided to drill next 20 wells of the S-shaped profile with the continuation of fractures of the productive strata. Today we can say that the team Achimgaz is a qualified team of specialists who daily show their professionalism, efficiency, skill and ability in the shortest possible time to deal with intractable problems, and in a particularly important time to be an extremely mobile team.
-- It is my considered opinion that our project in the process of its implementation will be perfected by enabling every employee to demonstrate their skills and experience - said a member of the Board, Deputy Director General of Achimgaz, Alexey Vedenin. -- The project became a shining symbol of close co-operation in building a strong and reliable platform for further development and prosperity of the joint-venture.
Today at the Russian-German joint-venture Achimgaz employs over 200 people. These high-class professionals have years of experience and unique expertise in the development of hydrocarbon deposits in the extreme climatic conditions of the Far North nature.
The team is sponsoring an annual, charitable and financial assistance to community organizations, schools and kindergartens of Novy Urengoy – a city, where JV is located. ZAO Achimgaz patronizes the Sadko Rehabilitation Center for Minors, it is an official sponsor of the FAKEL volleyball club, which won bronze medals in 2009 Russian Championship.
ZAO Achimgaz is an example of co-operation with the foreign partners in the field of gas production in Russia.
The team is sponsoring an annual, charitable and financial assistance to community organizations, schools and kindergartens of Novy Urengoy – a city, where JV is located. ZAO Achimgaz patronizes the Sadko Rehabilitation Center for Minors, it is an official sponsor of the FAKEL volleyball club, which won bronze medals in 2009 Russian Championship.
ZAO Achimgaz is an example of co-operation with the foreign partners in the field of gas production in Russia.