Propel SSP Proppant Transport Technology Increases Hydrocarbon Production 39% in a Six-Well Field Trial

SUGAR LAND, Texas, Nov. 09, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Fairmount Santrol announces today a successful six-well field trial using its proprietary Propel SSP™ proppant transport technology. Initial 90-day oil production increased 39% compared with offset wells. Field trial details are summarized in a case study available on Fairmount Santrol’s website by clicking here.

In the Three Forks and Middle Bakken formations of North Dakota’s Williston basin, Enerplus Corporation compared six Propel SSP wells with five offset wells that were completed using Northern White sand in a traditional crosslinked gel fluid system. The field test comparison specified the same proppant volume per lateral foot. The production increase can be attributed to an increase in the propped surface area, the area of the hydrocarbon-rich rock that is fractured and successfully held open by proppant.

In addition to the oil production increase, Propel SSP simplified hydraulic fracturing operations by reducing fluid additive consumption by 77% and pumping time by 14%. The technology can easily be pumped at high loading rates in a low-viscosity fluid that increases hydraulic fracturing efficiency.

The operator achieved further cost efficiency because Propel SSP does not require fluid heating at temperature at or above 35˚F. This attribute differs from traditional crosslinked gel fluids that must be heated to 60˚F to 70˚F to hydrate. The operator achieved a saving of $0.90/bbl of water with the reduced water-heating requirement. Water-heating and chemical cost reductions accounted for more than 10% of the completions cost of offset wells that used a crosslinked gel.

Propel SSP proppant transport technology lowers cost per BOE through improved well productivity and reduced hydraulic fracturing cost based on field trials. The technology’s hydrogel polymer wrapped around a proppant rapidly swells and suspends the proppant by just adding to freshwater. With proppant uniformly distributed throughout the fracture, especially at a high loading rate of 6 pounds per gallon (ppg), frac stages are completed faster with less fluid.

“We’re appreciative of the opportunity to collaborate with oilfield services companies and operators who are applying technology, such as Propel SSP,” said Brian Goldstein, product director, Propel SSP technology.

About Fairmount Santrol

Fairmount Santrol is a leading provider of high-performance sand and sand-based products used by oil and gas exploration and production companies to enhance the productivity of their wells. The Company also provides high-quality products, strong technical leadership, and applications knowledge to end users in the foundry, building products, water filtrations, glass, and sports recreations markets. Its global logistics capabilities include a wide-ranging network of distribution terminals and thousands of rail cars 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 all three pillars of sustainable development, People, Planet, and Prosperity.  Correspondingly, the Company’s motto and action orientation is: “Do Good. Do Well.”  For more information, please visit FairmountSantrol.com.

Contact 
Bruce Goldfaden
Fairmount Santrol
281.750.5966
bruce.goldfaden@fairmountsantrol.com