TLDR;
This IATMI Academy Q4 2025 video discusses multistage fracturing (MSF) in the oil and gas industry, focusing on its potential to increase production in Indonesia. The speakers highlight the importance of unconventional resources, compare different fracturing methods, and address the economic and technical challenges of implementing MSF. Key points include:
- The potential of MSF to reverse declining production trends in Indonesia.
- Comparison of plug and perf vs. FRXliff methods.
- The importance of collaboration between operators, service companies, and regulators.
- Economic considerations, including break-even prices and market dynamics.
Introduction and Opening Remarks [44:30]
The IATMI Academy Q4 2025 event begins with opening remarks from representatives of IATMI Pusat, Komda Riau, and IATMI KSA. Ismail from IATMI Riau expresses gratitude for the collaboration between Riau and Saudi Arabia, emphasizing the importance of sharing knowledge and embodying the IATMI central program through the IATMI Academy. Noel from IATMI KSA expresses enthusiasm for the collaboration and highlights the expertise available within IATMI KSA, inviting colleagues from Riau to visit Saudi Arabia. Firman, representing IATMI Pusat, underscores the positive contribution of the IATMI Academy to members and encourages non-members to join IATMI.
Speaker Introductions [55:42]
Lamda, an engineer at Pertawina Hulu Rokan, introduces himself and the speaker, William Topian. William shares his background in Stamberg, with experience in data acquisition, completion design, and technical sales. He highlights his experience supporting MSF tenders in Romania and expresses his goal to share insights on the MSF market and its potential application in Indonesia.
The Rise of Unconventional Resources [1:03:51]
The presentation begins by identifying the US as the largest oil producer due to the development of gas and oil cells through multistage fracturing (MSF). The US reversed a declining production trend by developing these unconventional resources. Saudi Arabia, while having plans to increase production, is strategically looking at the US success. The key takeaway is that Indonesia, facing similar production challenges, can potentially follow the US trend by developing its unconventional resources.
Understanding Multistage Fracturing (MSF) [1:11:55]
MSF combines horizontal drilling and fracturing to extract oil and gas from low-permeability shale formations. Conventional oil and gas systems require source rock, reservoir rock, and a trap, while unconventional systems focus on shale, which has a source but lacks permeability. Horizontal drilling maximizes contact with the shale, and fracturing creates pathways for the oil and gas to flow. Cementing and geomechanics are also important technologies in MSF.
Production Decline Curves and Economic Considerations [1:17:39]
Unconventional wells exhibit hyperbolic decline curves, meaning their production declines more rapidly than conventional wells. This requires a higher return on investment and careful consideration of oil prices. OPEC's actions and oil price targets are indirectly correlated with the sustainability of shale oil production. The break-even price for MSF in Indonesia needs to be determined, considering the symbiosis between operators and service companies.
Completion Equipment and Service Company Strategies [1:26:05]
Completion equipment provides the framework for multistage fracturing. The MSF market is revolutionary and moves quickly, requiring service companies to have good strategies for technology development and inventory management. Efficiency is crucial, and material sourcing, pressure ratings, and optimization are important factors.
Plug and Perf Method [1:31:34]
The plug and perf (PNP) method involves drilling, cementing, perforating, fracturing, and isolating stages using frac plugs. A video animation illustrates the process, highlighting the importance of cementing, perforation techniques, and the use of frac plugs to isolate zones. The goal is to maximize efficiency and minimize interventions.
Initiation Valves and Trip Savers [1:44:37]
Initiation valves are used to eliminate the need for perforation runs in the first stage. These valves are activated based on pressure, allowing for communication and opening of the slift for fracturing. The goal is to save time and reduce the number of interventions.
FRK Plugs: Drillable vs. Dissolvable [1:49:12]
FRK plugs are used for tubing isolation and come in two types: drillable and dissolvable. Drillable plugs require milling for removal, while dissolvable plugs dissolve over time, eliminating the need for milling. Dissolvable plugs are useful for eliminating the last stage of milling.
FRXliff Method [2:00:21]
The FRXliff method involves installing equipment with packers and sleeves to eliminate the need for wireline interventions. Packers provide annular isolation, and sleeves allow for fracturing in multiple stages. This method reduces call out costs but is less flexible than plug and perf.
Annular Isolation and Port Isolation [2:16:11]
Annular isolation can be achieved through cementing or the use of packers. Different types of packers, including mechanical, swell, and frag packers, offer varying levels of pressure rating and expansion capabilities. Port isolation involves using ball drop or dart systems to activate sleeves, with limited entry techniques allowing for multiple sleeves to be opened with a single ball.
General Enablers and Analogy [2:29:01]
General enablers for MSF include float collars and liner hangers. The presentation concludes with an analogy comparing conventional and unconventional oil and gas to chicken and quail farming, emphasizing the need for different approaches and strategies. The key message is that Indonesia can achieve higher production by developing shale oil and gas, but it requires real collaboration and a different perspective.
Q&A and Closing Remarks [2:33:59]
The session concludes with a Q&A session, addressing questions about pressure ratings, contingency plans, and the challenges of implementing MSF. Closing remarks from IATMI Riau and KSA emphasize the importance of collaboration, knowledge sharing, and economic viability. The speakers express optimism about the potential for MSF to contribute to Indonesia's energy future.