CARBO’s KRYPTOSPHERE LD technology proves worth in Utica gas well

HOUSTON -- CARBO Ceramics has announced the successful use of KRYPTOSPHERE LD, its ultra-conductive, low-density ceramic proppant technology, in the Utica for CONSOL Energy. This is the first well to utilize KRYPTOSPHERE LD.

In its first application, KRYPTOSPHERE LD was used at a depth of approximately 13,500 ft. Under these stress conditions, this technology was selected for its better economics, strength, improved proppant transport and increased propped fracture volume.  

KRYPTOSPHERE LD eliminated the need for gel and cross-linked fluids, leading to a reduction in overall completion cost.  Initial production from the first well using KRYPTOSPHERE LD was prolific, flowing more than 61.9 MMcf of natural gas in a 24-hour period and making it one of the highest producing wells in the Utica to date.

KRYPTOSPHERE LD is engineered to have the same characteristics as KRYPTOSPHERE HD—mono-sized with exceptional strength, durability and smoothness—providing high conductivity across the entire range of low to high stress well conditions. It significantly exceeds the conductivity of existing low-density proppant and reduces costly wear-and-tear on pressure pumping equipment, ultimately providing higher production and EUR. In addition, the KRYPTOSPHERE LD technology 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 ten dry Utica well results to-date across the industry," remarked Kirby Walker, director of regional operations, CONSOL Energy.