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When bringing horizontal nested wells to the horizontal drilling industry we knew changes were needed. While designing Vertebrae™ we did various things to make them cost effective, including design overhaul, manufacturing tweaks, and installation changes. Below are some of the benefits.
Vertebrae™ | Vertebrae™ Wells Systems | Traditional Horizontal Wells |
|---|---|---|
Designed for speedy installation to reduce cost |  | |
Uses local drillers to allow competition | | |
Uses local drillers to reduce mobilization | | |
Sized to provide dynamic efficient control and reduced cost | | |
Work better than vertical wells to reduce cost and time | | |
Reduced trenching to reduce cost | | |
Are multipurpose adding value | | |
Used for samples adding characterization and reducing cost | |
How does this apply for larger applications and more complex sites? Every site is different, so we prefer to use a sophisticated model to determine overall economic analysis. Keep reading to find out more.
H2VR Modeling
Third party modeling software using Monte Carlo, illustrates how Vertebrae™ can outperform vertical layouts and provide incredible control compared to traditional horizontal wells.
Comparing the installation cost of a vertical layout or typical horizontal remediation well to Vertebrae™ has proven to be irrational. When we know that horizontal wells are more effective and Vertebrae™ adds control, we have to add this to the equation of technology selection, not just installation cost.
Comparing numerous sites, the model is able to output a ratio of gained effectiveness. The net savings is not just cost saving for installation, but total savings accounting for gained efficiencies throughout the project.
“For instance, one installation in Colorado for air sparge and soil vapor extraction, saved cost and effort on installation by a remarkable layout under the roadway. But you cannot separate this from the fact that the system only needed to run for 2 quarters due to the incredible effectiveness. The project was expected to require 2 to 3 years of operation, another savings of $200k. Do not make the mistake of only comparing the installation costs. Let us use the model to show the ratio of treatment improvement.”
The model program allows a more robust approach to a simple site cost comparison. It is able to provide a complete economic risk analysis due to its broad statistical approach, local cost inputs, and hydrogeologic basis.
To start, we evaluated the cost of implementing a Vertebrae™ horizontal nested well system versus vertical wells at a small site and a large site.
Because of the large number of site variabilities and cost uncertainties, we applied a Monte Carlo, or “random walk” simulation, to generate probability distributions for each case. This gives us a broad understanding of the likely economic risk.
Inputs include, geometric constraints, hydrogeologic inputs, and cost information based on treatment types. The outputs are shown right.
The mean is the takeaway. The normal costs and risk of cost creep are higher for most vertical layouts. The distribution is also relevant as it shows how vertical layouts tend to increase more linearly with size increases, and horizontal installation are buffered when length increases are needed.
The larger the site, the larger the economic risk to use vertical layouts. This is definitely typical and validates the model as this is the current mindset of consultants understanding. But the model should be used for smaller sites to illustrate the same principle apply and smaller site stand to benefit significantly by horizontal layouts.
We prescribe innovative solutions to solve difficult environmental challenges to help stakeholders rediscover the true value of their property. Change your Approach, Change your Outcome!
3218 River Road, Tampa, FL 33598
Offices in Florida, Texas, California, and Colorado
info@enrxinc.com
1-877-747-ENRX (3679)