Hydraulic Fracturing Set To Reduce Greenhouse Gases Using Waterless Solution
- Published: Tuesday, 08 September 2015
- Author: Daily News
CALGARY, Alta. -- Millennium Stimulation Services is introducing a patented process of using Energized Natural Gas (ENG) as a fluid solution for hydraulic fracturing. This process allows a virtually complete replacement of water volumes while eliminating the need to vent gas or flare gas emissions into the atmosphere. E&P companies also stand to benefit from improved finding and development costs.
Government environmental initiative and economic stability are key driving factors in the deployment of ENG as a fracturing solution. Currently the industry utilizes either high volumes of water or gases such as nitrogen or CO2 in the fracturing process.
All of the current solutions present an array of problems that using ENG can either significantly reduce or completely eliminate. E&P companies using ENG receive an additional benefit through the improved well production and gas recovery.
The increase in well productivity is the reason producers prefer to pump gas as opposed to water. Current gases being deployed however require the producer to vent or flare gas into the atmosphere until it meets production specifications. ENG on the other hand meets those same specifications without the need to vent or flare. Producers can flow all produced gas straight into the sales line, thus profiting on otherwise lost product. ENG can also improve both reservoir productivity levels and cumulative production.
Regulations relating to both water and greenhouse gas emissions look to present the industry with more problems than solutions. ENG looks to be a win-win for government bodies and industry producers alike. Sustaining industry development and production, while meeting regulatory terms is the ideal solution that Millennium looks to provide using ENG.
"We want to do a better job for our environment. We want to do a better job for our client," said Mike Heier, president and CEO.
Millennium is focused on the Williston Basin in Saskatchewan and Manitoba, as well as oil and liquids rich gas areas in the WCSB. Millennium’s first frac station is in Estevan, Saskatchewan with the second station in Medicine Hat, Alberta. This focus will allow Millennium to advance fracturing technology in today’s complex horizontal wells, with a goal of improving production results. Millennium is committed to sustainable fracturing technology that protects the environment. Millennium has a full suite of fracturing fluid systems and will minimize fresh water requirements by advancing technology.
-NTM-
