Author: Tyler Webb

Pressure Pumpers Fall Prey to Efficiency

By Tyler Webb Aug 15, 2018 1:27 PMInsights

Completion efficiencies in the Marcellus/Utica formations of the US Northeast have changed the perception of the mature gas basin. The implementation of longer laterals and increased proppant loading intensity have lowered production costs and raised production. However, pressure pumpers in the Appalachia are expecting a slow-down in the back half of 2018 due to operators reaching production targets sooner than expected given increased operational efficiencies.Recent data shows a 9% decline in Marcellus fleet utilization. In June, utilization totaled approximately 93%...

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The Proppant Demand Dichotomy in Appalachia Super Laterals

By Tyler Webb Aug 08, 2018 8:15 PMInsights

While the Appalachia Basin only accounts for roughly 15% of total proppant usage in the Lower 48, the US Northeast has some of the highest proppant amounts per well. In 1Q18 a typical completion in the Appalachia Basin averaged roughly 16 million pounds, or 8,000 tons, representing a 7% increase year-over-year. Comparatively, the US average is roughly 13 million pounds or 6500 tons. This is partially attributable to specific operators in the region testing longer “super laterals.” Figure 1. Proppant Amount and...

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Marcellus Longer Laterals

Super Laterals Trending in the US Northeast

By Tyler Webb Aug 02, 2018 4:52 PMInsights

Operators across the Lower 48 are continuously enhancing their drilling and completion techniques to extract the most out of any given well. While lateral length trends vary in each basin, operators in the Marcellus and Utica in the US Northeast are testing some of the longest laterals in the country—beyond 20,000’ in some cases—and are showing no signals of slowdown. Operators in the Marcellus and Utica are drilling 9,035-foot average laterals in 2017. Year-to-date in 2018, the average lateral length...

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