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Freeze Wall Test

Shell has proven the In situ Conversion Process technically works.  Now, we must demonstrate that we can protect groundwater.

The Freeze Wall Test, located on a 25-acre parcel of Shell’s private property in Rio Blanco County, Colorado, is an environmental study to demonstrate groundwater can be kept out of subsurface production areas using a frozen, underground barrier. 

Freeze Wall Technology

  1. Surface Footprint – Surface facilities for the freeze wall include refrigeration systems, access points to a closed-loop pipe system, monitoring wells and groundwater holes, which will pump out the groundwater from inside the production zone once the freeze wall is built, and maintenance facilities.
  2. Freeze Wall – Ammonia, a common refrigerant, is circulated through the closed-loop pipe system causing the water in the surrounding rock to freeze and form an underground wall of ice.  This freeze wall serves as an impermeable barrier to keep groundwater out of the production zone.
  3. Freeze Holes – Shell has drilled 157 holes spaced approximately eight feet apart to create the closed-loop pipe system.
  4. Shale – Up to 2,000 feet beneath the surface, the shale layer is a rock formation containing organic matter (kerogen).  When gradually heated, this organic matter is converted into oil and gas.  Shell’s goal is to find a way to produce this potential energy resource in an economically viable, environmentally responsible and socially sustainable manner.

Freezing of the freeze ring began early in 2007 and continues today.  Further research tests, including testing the integrity of the freeze wall and secondary containment options are planned for the next several years.

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