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EXPLORATION • DRILLING • FIELD SERVICES


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evenue-generating oil production is critical to make up for losses at a lower price per barrel. Since oil prices started to slide in September 2014, operators


large and small have slashed spending in virtually every conceivable area. Tese cost-cutting measures are a double-edged sword, raising the question ‘how do we lower F&D costs while increasing production and managing risk?’ Optimising production and estimated ultimate recovery (EUR) involves many variables, including well placement, hazard avoidance, wellbore azimuth and inclination, well spacing, completion technique, fracture spacing and treatment type. Tis is especially true for shale, where every play is different and reservoir properties can change from well to well. Making decisions about whether or not to refrack and/or extend lateral length adds even more complexity. Te industry lost US$2.75 billion in


services in 2014 from screen outs alone. Some operators estimate that only 5 to 8% of available resources are recovered from unconventional reservoirs. It takes innovation to lower finding and development costs, increase production and reduce the environmental footprint. Operational excellence led by intelligent use of technology is the answer, and Sigma³ is part of the immediate solution.


’s GeoEngineering solutions tie geosciences and engineering to production. Te mix includes seismically driven geologic modelling and reservoir characterisation, microseismic, processing


HELPING OPERATORS FACE THEIR CHALLENGES How do we do it? By helping identify the shale resources with the best production potential and making their drilling and completions programmes, and frack campaigns as efficient as possible, before drilling begins. You can be confident that the optimal number – not the largest number – of wells are being drilled in the best locations (less sand, less water, less fracking), but with an increase in production. Sigma3


and interpretation, software technology and expertise under one integrated framework, and it helps clients deliver increased accuracy, maximum efficiency, and better production. Sigma³ solutions account for only about 1.5% of the total cost of a well, but the company states that the increased production that is delivered outweighs the cost of its services and technology. Examples of the contribution these solutions make include:


l Mitigated losses of up to US$1.7 million for a large independent working in the Eagle Ford using on-site engineering workflows and expertise


l Delivered improved event location accuracy from 150’ to 30’ using adaptive signal processing & 3D velocity modelling in the Buda/ Georgetown location


l Clients working in the Bakken, Eagle Ford & Woodford areas are predicting production with confidence – 80- 90% – using Sigma³ Shale Capacity & Geomechanical Modelling workflows


l Avoiding screen outs with accuracy of 99.3% on horizontal wells using exceptional engineering workflows, saved Sigma³ clients US$22.7 million in 2014


l Clients working in the Bakken have gained US$3.4 million incremental production value per well


l A national oil company came to Sigma³ to pioneer onsite frack engineering in the world’s second largest shale gas resource in Argentina


Te aim of Sigma3 ’s solutions is to enable


users to have confidence about where to drill, as well as where and how to frack. Te company sets out to optimise its customers’ field development strategy by identifying the surface locations and lateral landing zones that will deliver the highest production. Te Shale Capacity model ensures users will predict well performance with a high degree of confidence and pinpoint the richest targets before drilling begins.


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