California Shale Plays

'Frack' oil wells draw California into debate: "'Frack' oil wells draw California into debate

David R. Baker, Chronicle Staff Writer


Monday, August 15, 2011"

Top Jobs...Geologists and Oil Finders

Frac Stage Growth

According to Halliburton, the number of uncompleted wells in the United States was approaching 3,500 wells at the end of 1Q11. Given that the type of drilling underway has changed dramatically over the last four years (with horizontal drilling now comprising a significant portion of the mix) and the high rig count in general, we anticipate that the backlog for completions will continue to grow (as long as drilling continues to be undertaken at a faster pace than capital expansion by oilfield service providers). The relevance of this situation is even greater when you consider that the service intensity necessary to complete wells has doubled what it was on average two years ago

Fayetteville Shale Gas: Decline vs. Lateral length

This is a typical evolutionary cycle of the unconventional shale gas play. Verical wells get bigger and bigger fracs. Then the horizonatal learning curve starts. The laterals increasingly become longer, which results in an increasing number of frac stages. Just a couple of years ago, SWN was hoping to get out 3500'.
Oh yeah, and gas is under $4.00/mcf.