CONSOL deploys ceramic proppant in Utica deep gas well

CARBO Ceramics has announced the successful use of an ultra-conductive, low-density ceramic proppant technology in the Utica for CONSOL Energy. This was the first well to utilize the KRYPTOSPHERE LD proppant. It was deployed at a depth of approximately 13,500 ft .

The proppant eliminated the need for gel and crosslinked fluids, leading to a reduction in overall completion cost. Initial production from the first well flowed more than 61.9 MMcfd of natural gas in a 24-hr period, making it one of the highest producing wells in the Utica to date.

KRYPTOSPHERE LD is engineered to be mono-sized with exceptional strength, durability and smoothness, providing high conductivity across the entire range of low to high stress well conditions. It exceeds the conductivity of existing low-density proppant and reduces costly wear and tear on pressure-pumping equipment, ultimately providing higher production and estimated ultimate recovery (EUR). In addition, it provides higher conductivity, improved proppant transport and increased propped fracture volume compared to intermediate-density and bauxite ceramics.

“Integrating KRYPTOSPHERE LD technology into our completion design is an example of how CONSOL Energy has achieved the completion efficiency that has allowed us to showcase three of the top 10 dry Utica well results to-date across the industry,” remarked Kirby Walker, Director of Regional Operations, CONSOL Energy.

“Commercializing innovations like KRYPTOSPHERE LD that lower the operator’s cost to produce oil and gas is a necessity in today’s challenging environment,” added Don Conkle, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, CARBO. “Working with leading operators such as CONSOL Energy who make it possible to introduce such technologies affirms the investment CARBO is making in technologies that improve reservoir recovery and F&D costs.”