Company Highlights

June 12, 2017

STEP Energy Services and NCS Multistage Break Cardium Stage Count Record with Tamarack Valley Energy

Calgary, AB (June 12, 2017)– On March 31 STEP Energy Services (STEP) and NCS Multistage (NCS) completed a 115-stage Cardium well for Tamarack Valley Energy Ltd. (Tamarack) using NCS coil annular sleeve technology in just over 65 hours of operating time; a record number of stages in that formation. 

There was 1,711 tonnes of proppant pumped at an average rate of 5.82m3/min.  The wellbore had a measured depth of 4,983 meters with a total vertical depth of 1,705 meters; the lateral length was 3,167 meters. The average stage time to fracture was 18 minutes with coil moving and shifting every 34 minutes.

Tamarack has utilized NCS’s coiled tubing fracturing technology for most of their recent horizontal wells in the Cardium. NCS’s reliability and performance was a great choice for this high stage count operation. STEP’s well-known capabilities, coupled with the Company’s fit-for-purpose coiled tubing units and heavy duty horsepower fracturing technology, made them the obvious service company of choice.

“We have a strong technical relationship with STEP and NCS that will result in new, innovative, and cost effective methods to improve capital efficiencies. These partnerships are essential to maintaining profitability in this challenging commodity price environment,” comments Brian Schmidt, president and chief executive officer at Tamarack Valley Energy Ltd.

Shawn Leggett, NCS vice president of Canadian operations, said, “This 115-sleeve job is a Cardium record and sets a new standard for operating efficiencies for our Multistage Unlimited coiled tubing fracturing system.  Annular fracturing not only provides the operator the opportunity to optimize the lateral coverage of their wellbore but also that of each individual stimulation.  We are very pleased to have participated in this project with leading-edge companies like Tamarack and STEP.”

Steve Glanville, vice president operations and chief operating officer adds, “STEP is proud of hitting this milestone in Canada.  It is a testament to the teamwork that goes into every project; teamwork between our professionals, with our vendors, and most importantly with our clients.”