Thus, we initiated a new slurry design incorporating higher densities at similar costs. This higher quality slurry provided much better bond, and zonal isolation, improving production. BJ Services receives support from its regional labs, which have assisted with slickwater frac issues such as chemical load reduction and cement slurry testing. In some fields, such as UPR's Carthage, slickwater designs are relatively new with respect to long-term production. We must continue to look at the economic data with regard to net present value.
Limitations exist regarding the reservoir characteristics.
To use a conventional design or a waterfrac design depends on each company's goals and the cost vs. returns. It ultimately depends on the customer's economic drivers. During his 20-year career in industry, he has become a recognized expert in fracture diagnostics, fracture modeling, and fracture operations, and has published several papers and articles in these areas. For the last seven years, Walker has been with UPR where he was instrumental in introducing many new processes and techniques and implementing several new technologies. He also is responsible for the startup and management of the Cotton Valley Hydraulic Fracture Imaging Project.