Smashed, page-38

They have constantly alluded to, in the last couple of annmnts, that one of the crucial aspects to a successful stimulation will be the ability to attain a good COMPLEX fracture regime.

It now becomes of paramount importance given the way in which they will be accessing the higher permeability zone/s via this complex fracture network.

This is why I have been trying to get my head around what happens to volcanic ash when subjected to diagenesis.

I know that there r some unique processes that retain the more silaceous nature (or stable silica compounds) of converted ashes and that given the Ice 1 core analysis results of less than 30 % of clays, and most of those were stable silaceous from the rock mechs annmnt a while back, so is it safe to assume that this is what PB has always had in the back of his mind as regards the open minded option to the HRZ shale structure Vs the Decker version of the expected geologist version of volcanic ash breakdown ?

To date from my various readings, it appears that the smectitic, or expanding clays formed from ash r originated by a more GRADUAL WEATHERING process which structurally alters the ash in a different way rather than the more likely STABLE ocean sedimentary process that happened with the HRZ.

I doubt PB would be even attempting this if he thought the clays were going to be a major issue. But as we all know what comes up in a core, then analysed isn't what's at 11,000' plus.

Its probably the diagrnetic phase, or the alteration at depth that is paramount in our case anyway.

Circumstantially the fact that the various Ice 1
Parameters r pretty spot on gives one hope that the clays r not a major structural issue here as there was little problem drillingbthe well apart from the liner damage sustained in the pebble shale unit.

So if they haven't had any of the typical drilling issues when the drill head and drilling fluids hit the HRZ that also speaks volumes
For the structural integrity of the shale and confirms much about the frackable quality of the HRZ as stated in amnnmts. In think the exact words were:

"These shales will be HIGHLY AMMENABLE to fracture stimulation"

But I'll keep chasing the duagenetic thingy as applied to volcanic ashes. I'm hoping the next annmnt might just put this all to bed for me and it will simply be a matter of them being successful and this will prove
Beyond doubt that the volcanic ash has indeed proven a major contributor to the success of the HRZ as a NEW TYPE of unconventional play.

d.