Challenge

A South Texas operator faced an uphill battle: abnormally high treating pressures, excessive FR usage, and constantly shifting water quality due to fluctuating produced water ratios. Adding to their frustration, they were far over their AFE (Authorization for Expenditure). With water quality assumptions proving false—produced water TDS levels were closer to 90% rather than the expected 10-15%—and suspended solids/hydrocarbons from a staging pond compounding the issue, they turned to Razorback Direct for help.

Razorback Direct's Approach

In response to the operator's urgent need for operational stability and budget control, Razorback implemented a two-part rapid action plan:

• Initial Response: Within 24 hours, we sampled and analyzed site water, quickly identifying TDS and hydrocarbon levels significantly higher than expected. Razorback assessed the incumbent FR and tested alternative products to tailor an effective solution.
• QRF Deployment: Deploying the Quick Response Force team onsite for round-the-clock support, Razorback provided real-time water quality and FR efficiency data for every stage, building confidence with dynamic, stage-by-stage data.

Execution & Results

Our solution not only addressed the operator’s key pain points but also delivered standout results:

• Cost Savings Through Reduced Chemical Usage: FR loading dropped by nearly 50%, cutting costs dramatically.

• Lowered Treating Pressure: We successfully maintained treating pressures under 10,000 PSI, preventing further budget overages.

• Improved Treating Rates & Sand Ramps: The operator could ramp up sand without additional pressure, and treating rates climbed over 90 bpm, exceeding previous benchmarks.

Enhanced Confidence in Operations: With Razorback’s onsite, round-the-clock personnel, the operator gained the confidence to make data-driven adjustments as water quality fluctuated.

Value Provided

Through a fast, strategic response, Razorback offered substantial benefits:

• AFE Alignment: Reduced chemical usage and stabilized pressures aligned project costs with AFE targets.
• Trust Through Real-Time Data: Continuous quality monitoring allowed the operator to pivot based on accurate data, ensuring sustained performance under evolving conditions.