Liquid Propellant Applications
DSSP is developing downhole tools for stimulation of unconventional oil and natural gas wells. For decades, propellants have been a proven technology, and DSSP's liquid green electric monopropellant (GEM) will be a disrupting technology in the industry. GEM is known as a green propellant (non-toxic) making it safe for operation and storage. GEM is also flame and shock insensitive, which makes transportation safer and easier.
Surface testing of DSSP's GemGun
Gemgun
DSSP's GemGun utilizes the capability of GEM to be ignited by electricity only. Unlike conventional propellant tools, GemGun does not use high explosives, meaning no detonating cord and no detonators. Power is supplied to the tool from the surface to initiate ignition. Along with the GEM's ability to be made on-site, this makes the logistics of a stimulation job much more ideal than current technologies. This allows the stimulation of a well to be done cheaper and easier.
Surface test showing the shaped charges exiting the tool, with the propellant combustion following after.
gemgun-sc
GemGun-SC is a tool being developed for perforation and propellant stimulation wrapped into one. Low power detonating cord is used to ignite both the shaped charges and the GEM propellant. GEM has a higher mass fraction than typical solid propellants, which allows the GemGun-SC to utilize the low space capacity of a shaped charge tool more efficiently. The GEM is installed inside the carrier meaning less risk of damaging the propellant.
CT-scans were taken post-test to observe that DSSP's liquid propellant produced fractures after being pumped and ignited into shale core samples.
Pumpable liquid propellant
As part of Shell’s “GameChanger” program, DSSP developed a true pumpable liquid monopropellant that could penetrate the finest fracture systems, and then ignite, to maximize fracturing. This water-free e-fracking would remove the need for slick-water while fracking.