ABSTRACT
Natural gas from carbonaceous shales is now produced in eastern Kansas, where sand gas alone formerly furnished the supply. The wells have an average initial volume of 40,000 cubic feet, and the gas is almost invariably accompanied by salt water. In this paper, the writers describe the shales in which the gas occurs, give composition of the gas, and discuss its probable source and the reasons for the variation in open flow. The drilling, equipping, and operating of the wells are also described. The regulation of the line pressure against which the wells feed is the chief operating problem. Shale wells show a decline in production, which generally is very gradual. The industry owes its existence to the excellent industrial and domestic markets throughout the gas-bearing areas.
