CASE STUDY
PROPEL SSP PROPPANT TRANSPORT TECHNOLOGY
REDUCES COST PER BOE BY INCREASING NATURAL
GAS PRODUCTION MORE THAN 55%
TM
PropelSSP.com
46% Propel SSP Tail-In
vs. Slickwater Frac
ESCONDIDO FORMATION, RICH GAS PLAY
INTRODUCTION
An operator working in the Escondido formation in Webb County, Texas, recorded
a 60-day initial production increase of more than 55% using Propel SSP compared
with the slickwater offset well. The operator also eliminated fluid sweeps,
decreased fluid additives, and reduced pumping time, all of which enhanced
production success. These results were achieved in a low-permeability sandstone
well with Propel SSP tail-in as 46% of the total proppant volume.
Propel SSP technology was coated on 30/50 Northern White sand compared with
uncoated 20/40 Northern White sand used in the offset well. The operator also
used 100-mesh and 40/70 Northern White sand in both wells. The smaller-mesh,
lower-conductivity frac sand coated with Propel SSP outperformed the
larger-mesh, higher-conductivity frac sand, based on the production results,
by maximizing the fracture surface area.
Webb County, TX
PERFORMANCE
IMPROVED HYDRAULIC FRAC EFFICIENCY
vs. slickwater design
DAILY PRODUCTION (Mcf)
Normalized by proppant volume
150
0
10
150
5,000
100
5
50
0
0
50
100
Elapsed Time (min)
Chart indicates Propel SSP efficiency by reducing pumping time,
fluid additives, and water consumption.
Data were normalized to account for the Propel SSP technology
well and the offset well differences.
0
0
Daily Production (Mcf/d)
Bottom Hole Density (ppa)
Well Head Density (ppa)
Propel SSP Design
0
200
Efficiency
Gain
Propel
SSP
Slickwater
0
3,000
Propel SSP
Offset
2,500
2,000
1,500
1,000
500
0
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
Production Days
CUMULATIVE PRODUCTION (Mcf)
Normalized by proppant volume
180,000
Cumulative Production (Mcf)
50
10,000
Surface Treating Pressure (psi)
5
Well Head Density (ppa)
Slurry Rate (bpm)
100
Slurry Rate (bpm)
Slickwater Design
Surface Treating Pressure (psi)
Slickwater
5,000
3,500
10
Bottom Hole Density (ppa)
10,000
160,000
Propel SSP
Offset
140,000
120,000
100,000
80,000
60,000
40,000
20,000
0
0
10
20
30
Production Days
40
50
60
WHAT IS PROPEL SSP
PROPPANT TRANSPORT
TECHNOLOGY?
The self-suspending proppant
technology, which resists settling
in a low-viscosity fluid, uniformly
distributes proppant throughout
the full length of a created
hydraulic fracture. Ultimately,
this better transport increases
stimulated reservoir volume
to reduce cost per BOE.
The technology requires less
pumping time because of
the higher capacity to carry
proppant compared with
slickwater. An operator can
eliminate fluid sweeps because
of the hydrogel-coated
proppant’s lower effective
specific gravity, in addition
to using less fluid additives
because less fluid volume
is needed.
THE RESULTS
After 60 days, cumulative gas production increased more than 55%. Gas production for the
offset well was 85,207 Mcf compared with 132,678 Mcf for the Propel SSP technology well
even with the lower-conductivity sand.
60-DAY PRODUCTION GAIN
55%+
IMPROVED FRAC EFFICIENCY
DECREASED
PUMPING TIME
LESS CHEMICAL
ADDITIVES
DECREASED WATER
CONSUMPTION
Besides this greater production value with Propel SSP technology, the operator reduced
stage pumping time by 25%. The operator used 15% less fluid additives, including friction
reducer, biocide, clay stabilizer, and surfactant. With the eliminated fluid sweeps and higher
sand concentration, water consumption decreased 10%.
CONTACT US
For more information about how to reduce cost per BOE by increasing the
stimulated reservoir volume using Propel SSP proppant transport technology,
please e-mail: [email protected] or visit: PropelSSP.com.
Fairmount Santrol (NYSE: FMSA) is one of the largest providers of high-performance sand and sand-based products used by oil and gas
exploration and production companies to enhance the productivity of their wells. Similarly, we provide high-quality products, strong
technical leadership and applications knowledge to end users in the foundry, building products, water filtration, glass, and sports and
recreation markets. Our company’s global logistics capabilities include a wide-ranging network of distribution terminals and more than
8,500 railcars that allow the company to effectively serve customers wherever they operate. As one of the nation’s longest continuously
operating mining organizations, Fairmount Santrol has developed a strong commitment to sustainable development, environmental
stewardship, and operational safety. Correspondingly, our motto and action orientation is: “Do Good. Do Well.”
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