Gone are the days when lateral lengths in unconventional wells measured in hundreds of meters (or feet) were considered long. While it is not uncommon to hear of lateral lengths measuring in miles in plays like the Bakken, those lengths are starting to crop up with more frequency in the Permian Basin, Utica and elsewhere.
According to Stratas Advisors, the trend to longer laterals and more intensely fractured wells is expected to continue. Lateral lengths are estimated to increase by another 10% this year, according to the analysts. Proppant intensity is a good proxy for the level of intensity on the completion, with Stratas estimating proppant intensity also to increase 10% this year.
The articles that follow feature the technologies, from 3,000-hp rigs to redesigned pressure pumping systems and more, making it possible for operators to get more oil and gas in the pipeline by going longer.
Read each of E&P magazine's July "shale technologies" cover stories:
Higher horsepower rig making waves in the Delaware Basin
Engineering a new pumping approach
Raising the bar on refracture modeling
Recommended Reading
Equitrans Midstream Announces Quarterly Dividends
2024-04-23 - Equitrans' dividends will be paid on May 15 to all applicable ETRN shareholders of record at the close of business on May 7.
PrairieSky Adds $6.4MM in Mannville Royalty Interests, Reduces Debt
2024-04-23 - PrairieSky Royalty said the acquisition was funded with excess earnings from the CA$83 million (US$60.75 million) generated from operations.
Baker Hughes Awarded Saudi Pipeline Technology Contract
2024-04-23 - Baker Hughes will supply centrifugal compressors for Saudi Arabia’s new pipeline system, which aims to increase gas distribution across the kingdom and reduce carbon emissions
EQT Declares Quarterly Dividend
2024-04-18 - EQT Corp.’s dividend is payable June 1 to shareholders of record by May 8.
Matador Resources Announces Quarterly Cash Dividend
2024-04-18 - Matador Resources’ dividend is payable on June 7 to shareholders of record by May 17.