Synopsis

Operators are slowing the pace of completions in the Eagle Ford in the wake of low commodity pricing. Otherwise, operators are sticking with tried and true methodology, which means massive slickwater fracks and plug and perf completion. Both stage spacing at 255 feet and the number of stages per well at 25 remain unchanged since the last Eagle Ford survey at year end 2014. Similarly, the play has standardized on four wells per pad with 58% of those completed via zipper fracks, or about the same percentage as the fourth quarter 2014. The one difference of note over the last 90 days is an increase in the volume of proppant pumped downhole, which rose to 11.6 million pounds of sand versus 9.4 million at the end of 2014. Operators still using large volumes of 100 mesh sand. Watch for the next Eagle Ford downhole completions report in June 2015.

Part I. – Survey Findings

Among Survey Participants:

Slickwater DominatesCompletions

[See Question 1 on Statistical Review]

Seven of eight respondents reported slickwater is used in the Eagle Ford exclusively, but one consultant reported recommending crosslink gel to enhance completions.

No Changes Expected inNear-Term

[See Question 2 on Statistical Review]

All respondents expect no changes to their downhole programs in the near term. Most operators are staying with current methods and slowing completions until the oil price recovers.

Completions Consultant: “We are not trying to make changes, but staying the course on the completions we do. Operators are delaying many completions until later.

Spacing between Frack Stages Average 256-ft.

[See Questions 3a, 3b, 3c on Statistical Review]

Spacing ranges between 200’ to 300’ in the play and averages ~256-ft. All respondents have kept spacing about the same this year.

Plug and Perf Most Common Fracking Technique

[See Question 4 on Statistical Review]

All respondents reported that plug and perf completions are the standard fracking technique in the Eagle Ford now. None of the respondents are using sleeve technology currently.

Mid-Tier Service Provider: “Here in Eagle Ford, plug and perf dominates. We still don’t get much request for sleeves.”

Downhole Tools, Service Providers Sufficient

[See Question 5a and 5b on Statistical Review]

Seven of eight respondents reported that the number of downhole tool providers is excessive within the region do to falling demand. No mentions were made of new tools or techniques. One respondent continues to report supply is sufficient.

Mid-Tier Service Provider: “At present there seems to be an oversupply of downhole tools. Demand has fallen way off as completions are delayed.”

Average of ~4 Wells per Pad

[See Question 6 on Statistical Review]

Average number of wells per pad is ~4. Most respondents reported the number of wells per pad is either three or four wells.

Zipper Fracks Stable at ~58% of Completions

[See Question 7 on Statistical Review]

The percentage of zipper frack completions among respondents is now ~58%; the remaining ~42% continues to be solo fracks. The trend could change as operators delay some completions.

Natural Sand Remains Most Common Proppant

[See Question 8a and 8b on Statistical Review]

Sand is reported as the most common proppant in the region and averages ~11.6 million pounds per well among respondents with 100 mesh and 40/70 sand most common. Respondents reported that nearly all wells use 100% natural sand as proppant.

Mid-Tier Service Provider: “We continue to see huge volumes of natural sand dominate the play. We see 100 mesh and even 200 mesh being used as well as some 40/70, and 10 million to 15 million pounds per well is common.”

End Survey Findings

Survey Demographics

H A R T E N E R G Y researchers completed interviews with eight industry participants in the downhole completions service segment in the Eagle Ford region. Participants include six managers or sales engineers with well stimulation companies, and two completions consultants. Interviews were conducted during early March 2015.

Part II. – Statistical Review

Downhole Completions

[Eagle Ford Shale]

Total Respondents = 8

[Service Providers = 6, Consultants = 2]

1. What common practices are used in your area for completions?

Slickwater Only: 7

Mostly Crosslink: 1

2. Do you see that changing over the next 3 to 6 months?

No specific changes expected: 8

3a. Is spacing between stages closer now than a year ago?

Same spacing: 8

3b. What is the average distance between frack stages in your area?

200-250 ft. spacing: 1

250 ft. spacing: 4

250-300 ft. spacing: 3

Average: ~256 ft.

3c. How are you fine tuning your frack program downhole?

Straight slickwater, high volume sand:

1

High sand volume, high rate:

3

Dissolving plugs, 3 perf sets/stage, toe prep tool:

2

Lots of sand, lots of acid, high rate:

1

Linear gel, high sand volume:

1

4. What fracking technique is most common in your area?

Plug and Perf: 8

5a. Would you characterize the supply of downhole tools in your area as excessive, sufficient or insufficient to meet early 2015 demand?

Sufficient: 1

Excessive: 7

5b. Are there any new downhole tools being tried in your area?

Nothing new: 8

6. What is the average number of wells being completed per pad in your area?

3-4 wells: 4

4 wells: 4

Average wells per pad ~4

7. What percentage of fracs drilled from pads are zipper fracks vs. individual fracks?

Zipper Frack Stack Frack # Responses

75% 25% 2

60% 40% 1

50% 50% 5

Avg 58% 42% 8

8a. How much proppant (in lbs.) are you using per well?

10 million lbs:

1

12-15 million lbs.

6

16 million lbs.:

Average per well:

1

~11.6 million pounds

8b. Could you give a percentage estimate of how much proppant in your area is used by type?

Sand* only: 99%

Ceramic 1%

*Respondents reported 100 mesh and 40/70 sand most common, but 200 mesh is now in use as well as 30/50