In today’s highly competitive oil and gas industry, staying ahead requires relentless innovation and operational efficiency. Matador Resources has taken a bold step forward by implementing simul-frac and trimul-frac techniques across its operations. These advanced fracturing methods have resulted in significant cost savings, faster well completions, and boosted production, especially in their newly acquired acreage. Here’s how these innovative approaches are reshaping Matador’s performance.
What is Simul-Frac and Trimul-Frac?
- Simul-frac (simultaneous fracturing) involves fracturing two wells at the same time, significantly streamlining operations compared to traditional zipper-frac methods, where wells are fractured one after the other.
- Trimul-frac takes this efficiency a step further by fracturing three wells simultaneously, further cutting costs and speeding up well completion times.
By deploying these techniques, Matador maximizes the use of resources such as crews and equipment, reducing downtime and achieving faster well turnarounds.
Operational Success and Expansion in 2024
Matador’s push into simul-frac and trimul-frac methods has been a game-changer. Following a successful trimul-frac pilot in Q2 2024, the company expanded its usage with two additional trimul-frac operations in Q3. One of these operations marked Matador’s first remote trimul-frac, showcasing how remote fracturing can unlock new efficiencies by enabling simultaneous operations across geographically dispersed wells.
These techniques are particularly beneficial for Matador as it integrates newly acquired Ameredev acreage, helping accelerate production and reduce costs on these assets.
Cost Savings and Efficiency Gains
One of the key advantages of simul-frac and trimul-frac operations is the cost savings per well:
- Simul-frac reduces completion costs by $250,000 per well.
- Trimul-frac offers even higher savings of $350,000 per well.
With 90 wells completed using these advanced methods in 2024, Matador has reduced well completion times and increased operational efficiency across its portfolio.
Boosting Production and Performance
Using simul-frac and trimul-frac allows Matador to bring wells online faster, generating cash flow earlier than anticipated. Since 2022, these efficiencies have resulted in $135 million in total savings, proving the long-term value of these techniques.
Looking Ahead: Expanding Innovation Across Matador’s Operations
Matador’s adoption of simul-frac and trimul-frac reflects its commitment to continuous innovation and operational excellence. As these methods become more integrated into its operations, further opportunities for remote fracturing and streamlined completions are likely to emerge, especially as the company scales its activity in the Delaware Basin and other core areas.
By focusing on advanced fracturing methods, Matador is not only reducing costs and boosting productivity but also strengthening its competitive edge in the oil and gas sector.
Conclusion:
Matador’s success with simul-frac and trimul-frac illustrates the importance of innovation in driving operational efficiency. With millions in savings, faster completions, and enhanced production performance, these techniques are set to play a critical role in the company’s future growth and profitability. As Matador continues to unlock value from both existing and newly acquired assets, simul-frac and trimul-frac will remain central to its strategy.
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