How to choose the right autonomous flowback system for your wellsite
Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
Learn what to consider when evaluating innovative technology for the oilfield.
Table of contents
In 2021, EnerCorp revolutionized the flowback technology game with our autonomous flowback ecosystem, eFlowback. Unlike anything the oil and gas industry had ever seen before, eFlowback was the first to bring together industry-leading sand separation technology with automation, measurement systems, and cloud-based software. With eFlowback, EnerCorp provided operators with a full autonomously controlled flowback site that could be continuously monitored and controlled remotely.
How was this received by our clients? Exceptionally well. Since the launch of eFlowback, we have seen some incredible successes with our technology, which has helped clients reduce operational costs, minimize high-exposure tasks, and optimize their workforce.
Like with any major industry disruption, there has been a flurry of activity from other service providers who are trying to develop their own autonomous flowback ecosystems. We never shy away from healthy competition, and are always ready to show clients how our solution can benefit their operations.
However, just because there are several other autonomous flowback solutions on the market today, doesn’t mean they are all created equal. When evaluating which autonomous flowback ecosystem to use, we think it’s wise to take a number of aspects into consideration. After all, you don’t want to end up with an autonomous flowback solution that creates more headaches. You want to have one that makes operations easier.
What to consider when evaluating autonomous flowback ecosystems
Be sure to consider these aspects when looking at all of the autonomous flowback solutions available on the market today.
Product quality
Product quality leads to reliability. Product quality means the solution works as it is intended, every day, every time. Consider whether the autonomous flowback solution has been engineered to handle all the what-ifs that could take place. What happens if the pressure builds up? What happens if the fluid levels are too high? What happens if something jams? All of these are important questions to ask.
Take EnerCorp’s eFlowback system for example. It’s been built around our Sahara Advanced Sand Cyclone, a cyclonic sand separator with +97% sand capture efficiency. No other sand cyclone on the market can remove as much sand as the Sahara Advanced Sand Cyclone, and it has been the industry leader for years, tried and tested in a range of geographies. What this tells you about product quality for eFlowback is that it is highly reliable and proven to provide exceptional results — every single time.
Safety
Safety should be the utmost priority for every operator when looking at whether or not an autonomous system is worth their investment. If the ecosystem doesn’t have enough safety stop points in place, there can be issues with pressure building up in the system, leading to dangerous events. Be sure to ask about the ecosystem’s history with safety incidences, and what types of safety measures have been built into the system.
With eFlowback, for example, the system is continuously measuring dozens of process conditions in real time to monitor and resolve any potential issues. If there is a problem, eFlowback immediately alerts personnel, and begins to take action to minimize any disruption.
Redundancy
No matter how much engineering has gone into an autonomous flowback solution, something can always go wrong — it’s the nature of things. When evaluating a system, be sure to consider the level of redundancy that is in place. Are there multiple redundant backups in place to ensure there are no leaks, no pressure build-ups, and no issues?
With eFlowback, for example, the Automated Blowdown Unit is designed to dump sand from the cyclone, and contain multiple backup valves that ensure isolation. There is also a patent-pending leak-detection system in place, which reduces environmental exposure and minimizes safety risks. The Automated Blowdown Unit can autonomously detect any washed out or stuck values, and service them before an uncontrolled release can occur.
Cost
As an operator, you’re concerned about effectively managing your bottom line. We understand how important it is to keep operational costs low. However, it’s also critical to view operational expenses long-term, not short term. Most autonomous flowback systems require an upfront investment — one that can save operators a significant percentage of their operating costs over the long term.
Should you go for the cheapest option? Consider the amount of engineering expertise the company has put into their autonomous flowback ecosystem. If a cheaper system — one that is developed without application engineering — results in a safety or operational issue in the field, how much will that end up costing you down the line? Sometimes, it’s wiser to invest up front in order to mitigate any costly issues later.
Ready to see why eFlowback is still the industry leader in autonomous flowback ecosystems?
EnerCorp was the first to develop the autonomous flowback ecosystem, and there’s a reason why we got here before everyone else did. eFlowback was developed after years of research and development by our application engineers, who put in thousands of hours into designing and creating a solution that helps our clients reach a number of goals.
Here’s what you can achieve with eFlowback:
- Workforce optimization: Reduce the number of personnel to just one per location and thereby also lower HSE exposure.
- Improved safety: Minimize high-exposure tasks like auto-dumping sand from the cyclone. eFlowback fully automates this task, eliminating the potential for human exposure.
- Enhanced productivity: Eliminate limits on your choke schedule and blowdowns. There is no need to hold chokes at certain sand rates because eFlowback captures and weighs exceptionally high quantities of sand.
- Cleaner environment: eFlowback improves environmental security by safeguarding against any leaks to the atmosphere and the surrounding locale.
- Efficient operations: Accurately weigh hundreds of pounds of sand with the Sand Quantification Unit at one time, compared to the small amounts as done previously with manual equipment.
- Data-driven decision making: Gain consistent data collection, such as sand quantity and choke position, with eFlowback’s measurement tools. This helps make better decisions on how to open wells. eFlowback provides dashboards for customers to see the same data and alarms that our operations see.
Book a call with EnerCorp today to learn more about how eFlowback can enhance your operations and improve production.
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