Measuring frac completion effectivity by pump uptime is outdated—actual efficiency calls for a redefinition of what effectivity really means. Reliance on automated management techniques to take care of steady pumping—basically the efficiency of duties remotely to reduce human intervention—doesn’t considerably optimize throughput effectivity or reduce the scramble of transitions.
TechnipFMC’s iComplete ecosystem
As a substitute, implementation of an autonomous stress management ecosystem, particularly in conducting simul-frac operations, is required to intelligently and autonomously management stress and transitions.
Autonomous frac completions ship smarter capabilities and extra significant effectivity positive factors than simply the implementation of automated steady pumping.
A wiser metric for frac completion effectivity
First, a wiser metric must be outlined for completion operations effectivity, which requires retaining in thoughts that this isn’t about controlling the frac; it’s about managing the wells and maximizing throughput. Certain, steady pumping is straightforward to measure. However what’s being constantly pumped and what’s the time required?
TechnipFMC’s iComplete® high-performance floor stress containment ecosystem is an autonomous, built-in platform that closes the loop between horsepower and the reservoir. It gives operators with the reassurance of a steady sand-flow assure—outlined as proppant supply to the fracture proceeds uninterrupted till the stage is full. This reliability encompasses essential components corresponding to compatibility with all pumpers, the trade’s most reliable finish connections, and autonomous operations that take away personnel from the purple zone, amongst others.
Sand-flow effectivity, in flip, drives time effectivity by minimizing rig-up time and nonproductive time (NPT). Mixed with the mitigation of failures and security dangers and enhancements in sustainability and economics achieved with autonomous iComplete completion operations, these efficiencies assist guarantee frac job success—even when a number of stakeholders are current on location, which straight impacts the unfold charge (i.e., the whole day by day price of apparatus and personnel).
From automation to autonomy: What’s the distinction?
At TechnipFMC, we agree that automation is ideally fitted to streamlining repetitive duties, which does contribute to effectivity. However automation nonetheless requires micromanagement by the operator, whereas autonomous techniques drive effectivity by reliably performing predefined sequences of repetitive duties—whether or not at one or a number of wells or pads—independently of human intervention, which not solely eliminates the chance of introducing error but in addition frees operators to deal with high-value strategic work.
Our iComplete high-performance floor stress containment ecosystem permits full autonomy via its CyberFrac® digital spine together with superior missile and properly techniques to comprehend effectivity objectives via operational safety and outcomes, sand-flow efficiencies, and enhanced security for personnel concerned in high-risk actions.
Operators retain management inside the digital CyberFrac autonomous platform as wanted, whereas the iComplete ecosystem autonomously handles the quite a few routine, extremely configurable duties of properly completion operations, notably throughout multistage pad-to-pad deployment and simul-fracs.
iComplete autonomy drives sooner, safer, smarter simplification
Along with its ecosystem design, iComplete deployment simplifies operations to spice up effectivity by decreasing connections by 90% and elements by 50%, which contributes to operational effectivity via sooner rig-up, fewer upkeep cycles, and fewer danger to the operational schedule, totaling 30% decrease prices.
Key know-how techniques driving this effectivity are:
HyperFrac™ superior modular missile system eliminates the operational downtime and tractor trailer motion of pump swaps by permitting upkeep via the heretofore unattainable isolation of pump banks. By compartmentalizing pump banks, HyperFrac permits scheduling upkeep—eliminating the frenzy to swap out when pumps fail.
Distant frac superior maintenance-free properly techniques leverage PadFlex™ high-pressure versatile pipe know-how to simply join a number of frac pads and effectively enhance simultaneous fracturing operations. Transferring horsepower and paying surcharges for single-well frac operations are eradicated, with extra vital price financial savings delivered via 97% fewer connections that drive 50% sooner rig-up.
The extraordinarily low friction issue of the PadFlex interior liner delivers the trade’s lowest stress drop, which together with excessive mechanical resistance to erosion, permits circulation at 80 ft/s. PadFlex not solely flows sooner but in addition safer, with finish connection clamps utilizing our proprietary sealing know-how to offer an trade first: zero catastrophic separations.
A further engaging effectivity choice is deploying the iComplete ecosystem with {an electrical} energy system for larger operational sustainability whereas eliminating the NPT related to hydraulic valve operation and the prices for diesel gasoline and related labor. Our electrical energy system runs on completely minimal energy drawn from the cushion generated for frac execution. By enabling the usage of electrical actuators with the iComplete ecosystem, failure modes are lowered by as much as 90%. Electrical-operated valve operation is extremely predictable—8 seconds each time, no matter temperature or location on the pad.
The ability of much less
Autonomous pressure-control techniques allow unconventional operators to do extra with much less downtime, much less guide oversight, and fewer personnel in essential pathways whereas reaching beforehand unobtainable efficiencies in sand slurry supply. This shift to much less equals extra effectivity is essential as operators look to standardize and scale throughout their fleets for higher outcomes and economics.
Consider: Autonomous know-how isn’t about changing folks—it’s about bettering operational efficiency by refocusing them to the place they’ll make a real distinction. The autonomous iComplete ecosystem can launch two folks per shift, per location. That’s 4 fewer day by day commutes together with per diems and onsite dangers—and simply the labor price alone, a lot much less the danger averted, can compensate for autonomous system implementation.
Rigorously examined for deployment globally
The autonomous iComplete high-performance floor stress containment ecosystem was developed and proved within the extremely demanding North American market and is seamlessly suitable with any pumper or fracturing unit supplier. It’s now accessible for operators worldwide throughout rising unconventional performs.
From proving ideas to scaling throughout operations, the iComplete ecosystem autonomously ensures 95%+ sand-flow effectivity, enabling productiveness and security enchancment past mere automation-enabled outcomes. Now’s the chance for operators to maneuver previous the automation label to implement autonomy in properly completions and obtain precise high-rate pumping effectivity with sand-flow continuity.
