Overview
Background
Ray is currently Professor of Well Engineering & Production Technology in the School of Chemical Engineering and Energi Simulation Co-chair in the Centre for Natural Gas. There he is researching projects related to low permeability, unconventional reservoirs (i.e., tight gas, coal seam gas, shale gas reservoir). In addition, he is an instructor and course coordinator in several courses in the ME Petroleum Engineering program at the University of Queensland.
Outside of teaching and research, Prof Johnson is the Principal at Unconventional Reservoir Solutions, a provider of reservoir engineering, stimulation consulting, and training services to the petroleum and mining industry, focusing on unconventional resources such as gas or oil from coal, shale, or naturally fractured reservoirs.
From 2014 to 2020 Ray was an Adjunct Associate Professor at the ASP, University of Adelaide.
Availability
- Professor Ray Johnson is:
- Not available for supervision
- Media expert
Fields of research
Qualifications
- Doctor of Philosophy, The University of Queensland
Research interests
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Unconventional Reservoir Appraisal and Development Strategies
Ray's research focuses on integrating elements of reservoir engineering, geomechanics and hydraulic fracturing to improving appraisal and development strategies for unconventional resources such as gas from coal as well as oil and gas from shales and naturally fractured reservoirs.
Research impacts
A lot of people state that they are researching or investigating hydraulic fracturing, which in most cases is limited to modelling some aspect of rock fracture mechanics or fracture propogation in some geological or rock mechanical framework. Whist this may progress the science of hydraulic fracture propagation, hydraulic fracturing design optimisation in a petroleum well stimulation context is not that concise, exact or simple!
Well stimulation in the petroleum industry context is much larger and represents an overall process to create an economic outcome from a low-permeability reservoir by implementing the proper selection of fluids, stage/job placement, proppant selection, onsite job execution, post-frac clean-up and long term production management along with the hydraulic fracturing modelling, a small portion of the process. It is an overall design, execute, and then evaluate process that cannot be optimised by a discrete element model.
My research benefits societies' need to identify and develop unconventional resources as a part of it's overall energy mix by effectively implementing economical hydraulic fracturing solutions in unconventional reservoirs. Advances of my research integrating geomechanics, hydraulic fracturing, reservoir engineering, and production technology will aid us in maintaining low cost energy thereby benefitting overall economic growth in Australia by economically unlocking more of Australia's unconventional gas resources (i.e., tight gas sandstone, shale gas, and coal seam gas reservoirs).
Works
Search Professor Ray Johnson’s works on UQ eSpace
2010
Conference Publication
Evaluating hydraulic fracture geometry from sonic anisotropy and radioactive tracer logs
Scott, Michael P., Johnson Jr., Raymond L., Datey, Ashish, Vandenborn, Craig and Woodroof Jr., Robert A. (2010). Evaluating hydraulic fracture geometry from sonic anisotropy and radioactive tracer logs. SPE Asia Pacific Oil and Gas Conference and Exhibition 2010, Brisbane, QLD, Australia, 18-20 October 2010.
2010
Conference Publication
Evaluating hydraulic fracture geometry from sonic anisotropy and radioactive tracer logs
Scott, Michael P., Johnson, Raymond L., Datey, Ashish and Vandenborn, Craig (2010). Evaluating hydraulic fracture geometry from sonic anisotropy and radioactive tracer logs. SPE Asia Pacific Oil and Gas Conference and Exhibition, Brisbane, QLD, Australia, 18-20 October 2010. Richardson, TX, United States: Society of Petroleum Engineers. doi: 10.2118/133059-MS
2010
Conference Publication
Utilizing current technologies to understand permeability, stress azimuths and magnitudes and their impact on hydraulic fracturing success in a coal seam gas reservoir
Johnson, Raymond L., Glassborow, Brent, Scott, Michael P., Pallikathekathil, Zachariah John, Datey, Ashish and Meyer, Jeremy (2010). Utilizing current technologies to understand permeability, stress azimuths and magnitudes and their impact on hydraulic fracturing success in a coal seam gas reservoir. SPE Asia Pacific Oil and Gas Conference and Exhibition, Brisbane, Australia, 18-20 October, 2010. Society of Petroleum Engineers. doi: 10.2118/133066-ms
2010
Conference Publication
Evaluating hydraulic fracture effectiveness in a coal seam gas reservoir from surface tiltmeter and microseismic monitoring
Johnson, Raymond L., Scott, Michael P., Jeffrey, R. G., Chen, Zuorong, Bennett, Les, Vandenborn, Craig and Tcherkashnev, Sergei (2010). Evaluating hydraulic fracture effectiveness in a coal seam gas reservoir from surface tiltmeter and microseismic monitoring. SPE Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition, Florence, Italy, 20-22 September 2010. Richardson, TX, United States: Society of Petroleum Engineers. doi: 10.2118/133063-MS
2006
Conference Publication
Changes in completion strategy unlocks massive Jurassic coalbed methane resource base in the Surat Basin, Australia
Johnson, R. L., Scott, S. and Herrington, M. (2006). Changes in completion strategy unlocks massive Jurassic coalbed methane resource base in the Surat Basin, Australia. SPE Asia Pacific Oil and Gas Conference and Exhibition, Adelaide, Australia, 11-13 September 2006. Richardson, TX, United States: Society of Petroleum Engineers. doi: 10.2118/101109-MS
2006
Conference Publication
Changes in completion strategy unlock massive jurassic coalbed methane resource base in the Surat Basin, Australia
Johnson Jr., R. L., Scott, S. and Herrington, M. (2006). Changes in completion strategy unlock massive jurassic coalbed methane resource base in the Surat Basin, Australia. SPE Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition, ATCE 2006: Focus on the Future, San Antonio, TX, United States, 24-27 September, 2006.
2003
Conference Publication
Managing uncertainty related to hydraulic fracturing modeling in complex stress environments with pressure-dependent leakoff
Johnson, Raymond L. and Greenstreet, Carl W. (2003). Managing uncertainty related to hydraulic fracturing modeling in complex stress environments with pressure-dependent leakoff. SPE Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition, Denver, CO, United States, 5-8 October 2003. Richardson, TX, United States: Society of Petroleum Engineers. doi: 10.2118/84492-MS
2002
Conference Publication
Improving results of coalbed methane development strategies by integrating geomechanics and hydraulic fracturing technologies
Johnson, Raymond L., Flottman, Thomas and Campagna, David J. (2002). Improving results of coalbed methane development strategies by integrating geomechanics and hydraulic fracturing technologies. SPE Asia Pacific Oil and Gas Conference and Exhibition, Melbourne Australia, 8-10 October 2002. Richardson, TX, United States: Society of Petroleum Engineers. doi: 10.2118/77824-MS
2002
Conference Publication
Completion, perforating and hydraulic fracturing design changes yield success in an area of problematic frac placement - the Cooper Basin, Australia
Johnson, Raymond L., Aw, Keong P., Ball, David and Willis, Mike (2002). Completion, perforating and hydraulic fracturing design changes yield success in an area of problematic frac placement - the Cooper Basin, Australia. SPE Asia Pacific Oil and Gas Conference and Exhibition, Melbourne, Australia, 8-10 October 2002. Richardson, TX, United States: Society of Petroleum Engineers. doi: 10.2118/77906-MS
2002
Conference Publication
The pressure-dependence ratio: a Bottomhole treating pressure diagnostic tool for hydraulic fracturing in tight, naturally fractured reservoirs
Johnson, Raymond L., Dunn, Kevin P., Hopkins, Chris W. and Conway, Michael W. (2002). The pressure-dependence ratio: a Bottomhole treating pressure diagnostic tool for hydraulic fracturing in tight, naturally fractured reservoirs. SPE Asia Pacific Oil and Gas Conference and Exhibition, Melbourne, Australia, 8-10 October 2002. Richardson, TX, United States: Society of Petroleum Engineers. doi: 10.2118/77916-MS
2000
Other Outputs
A Methodology to Determine the Initial Field Development Strategy for a Naturally Fractured Shale Gas Resource
Johnson Jr., Raymond L. (2000). A Methodology to Determine the Initial Field Development Strategy for a Naturally Fractured Shale Gas Resource. M.Sc Thesis, Department of Geosystems Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin.
2000
Journal Article
Technical challenges in the development of unconventional gas resources in Australia
Johnson, R.L., Hopkins, C.W. and Zuber, M.D. (2000). Technical challenges in the development of unconventional gas resources in Australia. The APPEA Journal, 40 (1), 450-468. doi: 10.1071/aj99026
1998
Conference Publication
CO2 energized and remedial 100% CO2 treatments improve productivity in Wolfcamp Intervals, Val Verde Basin, West Texas
Johnson, Raymond L., Walters, Wallace W., Conway, Michael W., Burdett, Bruce S. and Stanley, Rod G. (1998). CO2 energized and remedial 100% CO2 treatments improve productivity in Wolfcamp Intervals, Val Verde Basin, West Texas. SPE Permian Basin Oil and Gas Recovery Conference, Midland, TX, United States, 23-26 March 1998. Richardson, TX, United States: Society of Petroleum Engineers. doi: 10.2118/39778-MS
1998
Conference Publication
Qualifying hydraulic fracturing effectiveness in tight, naturally fractured reservoirs by combining three-dimensional fracturing and reservoir simulators
Johnson, Raymond L., Dunn, Kevin P., Bastian, Peter A., Hopkins, Chris W. and Conway, Michael W. (1998). Qualifying hydraulic fracturing effectiveness in tight, naturally fractured reservoirs by combining three-dimensional fracturing and reservoir simulators. SPE Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition, New Orleans, LA, United States, 27-30 September 1998. Richardson, TX, United States: Society of Petroleum Engineers. doi: 10.2118/49048-MS
1998
Conference Publication
CO2 energized and remedial 100% CO2 treatments improve productivity in Wolfcamp intervals, Val Verde Basin, west Texas
Johnson Jr., Raymond L., Walters, Wallace W., Conway, Michael W., Burdett, Bruce S. and Stanley, Rod G. (1998). CO2 energized and remedial 100% CO2 treatments improve productivity in Wolfcamp intervals, Val Verde Basin, west Texas. Soc Pet Eng (SPE).
1998
Conference Publication
Bottomhole pressure and in-situ stress profiling techniques improve hydraulic fracturing in a secondary recovery unit
Rodgerson, James L. and Johnson Jr., Raymond L. (1998). Bottomhole pressure and in-situ stress profiling techniques improve hydraulic fracturing in a secondary recovery unit. Southwestern Petroleum Short Course Assoc, Inc.
1998
Conference Publication
More effective hydraulic fracturing in secondary, in-fill developments, Permian Basin, using bottomhole pressure and in‐situ stress profiling techniques
Johnson, Raymond L. and Rodgerson, James L. (1998). More effective hydraulic fracturing in secondary, in-fill developments, Permian Basin, using bottomhole pressure and in‐situ stress profiling techniques. SPE Permian Basin Oil and Gas Recovery Conference, Midland, TX, United States, 25-27 March 1998. Richardson, TX, United States: Society of Petroleum Engineers. doi: 10.2118/39781-MS
1998
Conference Publication
Case history of CO2 remedial treatments: Improved production in the Wolfcamp intervals, Val Verde Basin, West Texas
Walters, Wallace W., Johnson Jr., Raymond L., Conway, Michael W. and Burdett, Bruce S. (1998). Case history of CO2 remedial treatments: Improved production in the Wolfcamp intervals, Val Verde Basin, West Texas. Southwestern Petroleum Short Course Assoc, Inc.
1996
Conference Publication
The application of hydraulic fracturing models to characterize fracture treatments in the Brushy Canyon Formation, Delaware Group, Eddy County, New Mexico
Johnson, Raymond L. (1996). The application of hydraulic fracturing models to characterize fracture treatments in the Brushy Canyon Formation, Delaware Group, Eddy County, New Mexico. Permian Basin Oil and Gas Recovery Conference, Midland, TX, United States, 27-29 March 1996. Richardson, TX, United States: Society of Petroleum Engineers. doi: 10.2118/35195-MS
1996
Conference Publication
The application of hydraulic fracturing models in conjunction with tracer surveys to characterize and optimize fracture treatments in the Brushy Canyon Formation, Southeastern New Mexico
Johnson, Raymond L. and Woodroof Jr., Robert A. (1996). The application of hydraulic fracturing models in conjunction with tracer surveys to characterize and optimize fracture treatments in the Brushy Canyon Formation, Southeastern New Mexico. SPE Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition, Denver, CO, United States, 6-9 October 1996. Richardson, TX, United States: Society of Petroleum Engineers. doi: 10.2118/36470-MS
Funding
Supervision
Availability
- Professor Ray Johnson is:
- Not available for supervision
Supervision history
Current supervision
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Doctor Philosophy
Regulating well integrity in Australian unconventional oil and gas operations: a comparison between Queensland, Wyoming and Alberta
Principal Advisor
-
Doctor Philosophy
Optimisation of Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage in an ultra-shallow heavy oil reservoir
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Honorary Professor Suzanne Hurter
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Doctor Philosophy
Using Machine Learning to Improve Well Integrity, Drilling Efficiencies and Safety Compliance in Queensland CSG Drilling Data
Principal Advisor
-
Doctor Philosophy
Improving Gas Recovery in Low-Permeability Coals by Deployment of Multi-stage Indirect Hydraulic Fractures
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Zhongwei Chen, Dr Christopher Leonardi
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Master Philosophy
Rate of Production Prediction for Coal Seam Gas Drilling
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Zhongwei Chen
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Doctor Philosophy
Incorporating Machine Learning and Data Analysis to Predict Long Term Production from Coal Seam Gas Fields Based on Early Field Data
Associate Advisor
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Doctor Philosophy
Rock mass preconditioning methodology for block caving based on Petroleum state of the art methods
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Zhongwei Chen, Professor Peter Knights
Completed supervision
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2023
Doctor Philosophy
Investigating the transport of proppant and micro-proppant in fracture networks via direct numerical simulation of particle-laden flows
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Saiied Aminossadati, Dr Christopher Leonardi
Media
Enquiries
Contact Professor Ray Johnson directly for media enquiries about:
- Coal seam gas
- Hydraulic Fracturing
- Shale gas
- Unconventional resources
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