CMM Exploration & Production Processes 4

Question 1

What distinguishes unconventional reservoirs (e.g., shale gas, tight oil) from conventional reservoirs?

Accepted Answer

They have very low permeability requiring stimulation to produce economically

Answer

Unconventional reservoirs have nano-darcy to micro-darcy permeability and require horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing to achieve commercial flow rates.

Question 2

Which pressure regime is said to exist when formation pressure exceeds normal hydrostatic gradient and can cause well control challenges?

Accepted Answer

Overpressure (geopressure)

Answer

Overpressured (geopressured) zones have pore pressures above normal hydrostatic, increasing blowout risk if mud weight is insufficient.

Question 3

In a gas reservoir using material balance, what is the primary data required to estimate original gas in place (OGIP) using the p/z method?

Accepted Answer

Reservoir pressure and cumulative gas production over time

Answer

The p/z method plots p/z versus cumulative gas production; extrapolation to p/z = 0 gives OGIP for a volumetric gas reservoir.

Question 4

Which completion method involves isolating production zones using inflatable or swellable packers to selectively fracture multiple intervals in a horizontal well?

Accepted Answer

Multistage hydraulic fracturing completion

Answer

Multistage fracturing uses packers to isolate clusters or stages along the lateral, enabling sequential hydraulic fracturing of each interval.

Question 5

What is the function of a subsurface safety valve (SSSV) in a production well?

Accepted Answer

To automatically shut in the well downhole if surface conditions indicate a loss of control

Answer

The SSSV is a fail-safe device set below the wellhead that closes automatically if surface pressure or control line pressure is lost.

(CMM) Certified Mineral Manager Practice Test

(CMM) Certified Mineral Manager Practice Test

CMM Exploration & Production Processes 4