News Archive
New Technology Magazine - Open-Hole or Cased and Cemented: Weighing the pros and cons of completion choices for multifrac horizontals
November 2011
This article evaluates whether mechanical packers or cement provides the best means of isolating between frac stages during multiple completions in horizontal wellbores. Both methods were reviewed by a veteran completions engineer at the Infocast tight oil conference in Calgary in September. In conclusion, the engineer notes that both systems have their pros and cons and there are many innovative tools and techniques that he believes will change the way horizontal wells are fractured in the future.
Oil & Gas Technology - Apply Shale Fracturing Technology to Prolific Reservoirs
September 2011
In this article written by Dan Themig, evidence is presented that shows methods developed to complete horizontal wells in shale and other tight resource plays are not only suitable for those reservoirs, but also for other prolific producing areas. A Packers Plus case study is presented which also highlights the use of shale fracturing technology to accelerate production in tight segments of already prolific reservoirs, while providing sufficient stimulation in higher permeability sections.
This article from BRIC Brasil was also translated and featured in BRIC China and BRIC India.
EP Magazine - Openhole Multistage Frac Systems Offer Economic Advantages
September 2011
This article compares the two primary methods of horizontal drilling and multistage fracturing – cemented liner, plug-and-perf and open hole systems. The article concludes that there are benefits to both methods; however, open hole systems have proved to be more economical with increased on-site efficiency and long-term production.
Drilling Contractor – Techonlogy roundup: Packers Plus, Halliburton and Varel offer innovations in fracturing
August 17, 2011
Packers Plus Energy Services Inc. has successfully installed a 60 stage open hole completion system featuring 124 tool assemblies in a row. “This job in the Marcellus Shale demonstrates the breadth and depth of our technology,” said Dan Themig, President of Packers Plus. “We had no issues sending 61 RockSEAL® packers downhole in a 3,600 ft lateral. This hybrid system features our latest technological innovations in one well.”
Oilweek - Bigger, Faster, Cheaper
June 2011
A pioneer that keeps on pioneering, says writer R.P. Stasny about Packers Plus. Stasny writes about Packers Plus’ evolving open-hole multi-stage fracturing systems beginning with the StackFRAC system. Through customer and industry requests for more frac stages, the StackFRAC® HD system was launched - a system which could accommodate up to 20 stages. As the industry continued to request more fracture stages, Packers Plus responded with the QuickFRAC system. Stasny interviews Dan Themig about the advantages of this new system and the possibility of fracturing up to 100 stages in the near future. Themig concludes that in the future, open-hole systems will recover up to 25 to 70 per cent more than cemented systems.
Drilling Contractor - Open-hole packers may help isolate faults in multistage fracturing tight formations.
June 2011
In this article, Dan addresses the fact that tight reservoirs requiring multi-stage fracturing may also require changes in current drilling practices as well. Reviewing the characteristics of faulted reservoirs, he notes that these faults can be either beneficial or detrimental to production and affect the type of completion system that can be successfully run. Cemented systems in particular are unreliable in isolating faults whereas open-hole packers have proven to be reliable. The article also refers to two case studies, one in the Barnett Shale and one in the Trawick Field/James Lime formation to confirm these findings.
Pipeline News
April 29, 2011
QuickFRAC® is featured as the latest technology in the energy industry. Dan Themig acknowledges the breakthrough features that will save companies both time and money while increasing their production. He also mentions a case study in which an operator did a side-by-side comparison of a conventional “plug and perf” job and Packers Plus’ StackFRAC® HD system. They were able to save ten per cent of the total well cost by using Packers Plus’ system. The article concludes with Themig mentioning that with over 80 engineering projects in progress, Packers Plus is working hard to help make the industry more efficient and more environmentally friendly.
Financial Post – Gas Producers Target Public Education.
May 27, 2011
The controversy over natural-gas fracturing is examined as the campaign against the oil and gas industry rises. Increased communication with the community about the technological improvements of horizontal fracturing is paramount to this battle. Dan Themig is quoted as saying he’s convinced that these environmental concerns will be addressed as innovation progresses and water usage decreases.
Fuel Fix – New Packers Plus procedure slashes frac time.
May 9, 2011
James Athans is interviewed in this oil report from the Midland area. The article explains the time that QuickFRAC slashes off of completion time. While the average job can take up to seven days around the clock, QuickFRAC cuts this down to a single day. Early indications, says Athans, are that QuickFRAC leads to 20-30 percent more production than with standard “plug and perf” methods. Athans also talks about the company’s new office opening in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and the benefits that the system could have in the Bone Springs formation in the area.
Oil & Gas Investments Bulletin
May 5, 2011
As the North American demand for energy increases, the need for efficient technologies to increase recovery factors also rises. This is where Packers Plus’ QuickFRAC technology comes into play as part of the industry’s “shale revolution.” Schaefer describes the system’s ability to dramatically reduce the amount of time and money it takes to complete a well and notes that the current work backlog in the industry will keep revenues and profits rising for at least the next three years.
Tools of the Trade – QuickFRAC System
May 2011
The Oil and Gas Inquirer features a one-page review of the Packers Plus QuickFRAC system. It details the technology, advantages and benefits, and the results of the system out in the field
Daily Oil Bulletin – PetroBakken Likes New Frac Technology
March 25, 2011
In this short article, PetroBakken Energy Ltd. announces the successful application of the QuickFRAC system in the Montney, Horn River and Cardium formations with great results. PetroBakken likes Packers Plus’ latest technology because it allows the company to frac more zones at less cost. They anticipate that they will continue using QuickFRAC® in the future.
Cleantech Poland – Better way of doing things
May 2011
In a feature from a Polish magazine about the top 10 opportunities for innovation in services, Packers Plus is featured as the better way of doing things for offshore completions. Dan Themig acknowledges that North Sea operators are still using the same fracturing technology that’s been around for 30 years and presents information that proves that Packers Plus technology is the new, more efficient way to complete wells.
Canadian Well Construction Journal – BEST Choice
June 2011
In a search for the best way to drill and complete horizontal, multi-stage wells, Packers Plus rises to the forefront as the most effective technology in open-hole multistage fracturing. With the information presented on the latest QuickFRAC technology, there’s no denying that Packers Plus is the best choice.
Robyn Regehr on Breakfast Television
April 12, 2011
Robyn Regehr was on Breakfast Television on Tuesday, April 12th, talking about the Impact on Ice program and the HEROES program with the Impact Society. Packers Plus is mentioned within the first minute or two about their contributions to the program.
To view the clip click here:
New Technologies Enhance Efficiency of Horizontal, Multi-Stage Fracturing
March 18, 2011
Dan Themig explores a variety of the latest technologies that have enhanced the overall efficiency of horizontal, multi-stage fracturing. Making mention of the QuickFRAC system developed here at Packers Plus, Dan believes that this newest technology represents the best and most effective approach to fracturing being used in the field today.
BusinessWire NewsTrak Report: QuickFRAC is a New Game-Changing Technology for the Energy Industry
April 2011
This report illustrates the buzz that Packers Plus’ QuickFRAC technology has had on the industry to date. Receiving coverage on 790 different websites in over 78 different countries, and in 58 different languages, QuickFRAC has hit the world by a storm and continues to grow with an astonishing 14,905 headlines in just 3 days.
The Future of Fracking
April 5, 2011
The Oil and Gas Investments Bulletin interviewed Dan Themig about Packers Plus’ latest fracturing technology, QuickFRAC. With the ability to fracture between two and eight 100-metre stages at a time while using the same amount of fluid and proppant as the StackFRAC system, QuickFRAC can save 10% on overall costs as much as $500,000 per well.
American Oil and Gas Reporter: Study Evaluates Bakken Completions
February 2011
This reprint of an ATCE SPE paper written by DJ Snyder and Rocky Seale analyzes two completions methods in the Bakken. The first uses external packers that run on the casing to provide annular isolation between stages, and composite bridge plugs for isolation in the tubular. The second being open hole multi-stage fracturing systems such as Packers Plus’ StackFRAC system. The analysis introduces each system and then further explores the average cumulative oil production between the two. In conclusion, the success that open hole multi-stage fracturing had in the Bakken once again proved that it is a reliable technology in the industry.
Drilling Conference Focuses on Changing Environments
May 2011
John Donnelly, JPT Editor Donnelly reviews the 2011 SPE IADC Drilling conference and mentions the various new technologies that were unveiled. Among these was Packers Plus’ StageFRAC Titanium XI HP/HT multi-stage fracturing system. He details all of its impressive features which Packers Plus is well known for.
Houston Business Journal - New Technology helps bit players tap into growing shale markets
April 2011
Written by Barrett Goldsmith, this article begins with an analogy by Packers Plus US Business Development Manager Jeff Chestnut comparing shale oil and gas sites to "filled cubes". "Poke a few holes in the top of the cube, and you're not likely to hit much of what you're after. But poke 40 holes in the top - and in all the sides - and you're on your way to tapping the cube dry," said Chestnut. The article continues with an analysis of current trends in the market and notes the industry's movement towards oil instead of gas. It ends by pricing out the average horizontal well and acknowledging that although the prices of wells have risen, the increased production obtained from using new technology is well worth the price.
New Technology Magazine - Unconventional Resources
February 2011
This article starts by explaining the previous issues and limitations that were prevalent in shale gas reservoirs such as the Montney, Horn River and Bakken. It had become increasingly evident to shale specialists that there was a need for a new and improved fracture design that would play a pivotal role in a successful completions program and Packers Plus technology has done just that. The article walks the reader through the various challenges in each of the reservoirs and how Packers Plus' open hole multi-stage fracturing technology was able to provide solutions.
Resource World Magazine - Packers Plus Technology Becoming the Industry Standard
January 2011
A flattering article composed by Joel Chury who begins by introducing Packers Plus and the StackFRAC as the common “household name” within the oil and gas industry much like Xerox® is to photocopying. Chury took the opportunity to meet with Dan Themig and discuss the history, impact and future of Packers Plus. Dan proudly speaks about the success that Packers Plus has experienced as well as the success that they have provided for other companies such as Encana, Crescent Point, and Devon Energy. Wrapping up the interview, Dan expresses his excitement about the new technologies they will be releasing in the near future.
Red Deer Advocate - Packers Plus Energy Has Record Year
January 31, 2011
The Red Deer Advocate writes an impressive piece on Packers Plus’ Red Deer Service Center. It features service manager, Woody Randell, who started as the only Packers Plus employee in Red Deer back in 2003 and worked several months without a shop. Now, the massive 30,000 square-foot center has set the record for the most downhole tool strings the Red Deer shop has installed in a month at almost 60. At this rate, Randell predicts that they are on pace to install close to 83 in February.
Upstream Online - Leading the Pack
January 21, 2011
In this article, Dan Themig is introduced as an adrenaline junkie in every sense of the word. Whether he’s climbing mountains, cat skiing or co-founding one of the industry’s most innovative technologies, Dan thrives on adventure. The article carries on telling the story of Packers Plus since 2000 which includes a few words on the Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award for Canada. Ultimately, Zelinski concludes that as long as Dan plans to scale mountains like Kilimanjaro and Everest, the sky is the limit for Packers Plus
Business in Calgary - The Entrepreneur Issue
October 2010
Dan, Peter and Ken are recognized for starting Packers Plus and for all of their accomplishments. Dan, who was also featured on the cover of this issue, discusses Packers Plus’ successes and challenges over the years. This article also discusses Packers Plus’ Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award in 2009 and our innovative and revolutionary technologies that have transformed Canada’s energy sector.