Recent success at the Zu 201H21 platform marks a significant achievement. The fracturing operations on Wells 4, 5, and 6 of this shale gas platform, undertaken by Beiken Energy, have been successfully completed. Executed under the scientific guidance of Chongqing Shale Gas Exploration and Development Co., Ltd., the operations not only set a new regional record for the Dazu area with a hardcore average efficiency rate of 2.61 stages per day across half of the platform, but also established a new benchmark for the Zu 201 block with a single-well daily fluid output exceeding 12,000 cubic meters.
Located in Dazu District, Chongqing, the Zu 201H21 platform comprises six wells and is a key development platform deployed by CNPC Southwest Oil & Gasfield Company in the western Chongqing block. Beiken Energy commenced integrated drilling and fracturing operations for the platform in March 2024, with the dedicated fracturing phase officially starting on May 23rd this year.
This high-efficiency performance was underpinned by Beiken Energy's dual focus on technological and managerial innovation. Qiu Chao, Captain of Fracturing Crew 1 responsible for the operations, explained that the team enhanced sand delivery efficiency by modifying intelligent sand conveyors and maintained operational continuity by targeting "zero stage loss" throughout the process.
"The most significant challenge during this operation was undoubtedly the high labor intensity," stated Qiu Chao. The combination of daily fluid volumes exceeding 12,000 m³ per well, sand volumes reaching 1,000 tons, typical operating pressures of 105-115 MPa, coupled with alternating periods of high temperatures and rainfall during construction, placed extreme demands on the physical strength and endurance of the field personnel.
To ensure efficient project delivery, Beiken Energy, under the client's scientific guidance and leadership, overcame adverse factors like heavy rain and intense heat to maintain project momentum. During intense outdoor heat, the project site specifically procured tens of thousands of RMB worth of ice blocks for equipment cooling. Simultaneously, efficient production organization ensured seamless coordination and orderly scheduling among all 46 operational and third-party service personnel. Rigorous process controls enabled the project's swift advancement.
Beyond efficiency, green construction emerged as another highlight of the project. As operations coincided with the summer electricity peak load period, placing strain on the grid, Beiken Energy, led by the client, deployed the largest shale gas generator set configuration in the Sichuan-Chongqing region. This established a low-carbon, environmentally friendly operational model primarily powered by grid electricity and natural gas generation, supplemented by diesel units. Innovatively, the natural gas supply was sourced from purified wellhead gas at adjacent wells and piped directly to the operation site.
Compared to diesel generators, these skid-mounted natural gas generator sets, utilizing lean combustion technology, electronically controlled mixing, and digital ignition, achieved a 30% reduction in noise and a 30% reduction in carbon emissions. Emissions of nitrogen oxides and other pollutants were significantly lower. With an average power generation efficiency of 3.23 kWh per cubic meter of gas, the solution substantially reduced costs, delivering a win-win for both environmental and economic benefits.
It is particularly noteworthy that last year, during drilling operations at Well Zu 201H21-5 on this same platform, Beiken Energy set a new daily footage record for the third spudding section in the western Chongqing block. This was achieved in the 311.2 mm borehole within the FXG formation, clocking 356 meters in a single day with an average Rate of Penetration (ROP) of 20.37 meters per hour.
The Sichuan-Chongqing shale gas region is one of China's primary "battlefields" for natural gas reserve growth and production increase. Beiken Energy will use this record-breaking achievement as a new starting point. The company is committed to intensifying the research, development, and application of intelligent and low-carbon technologies at operational sites. Guided by its clients, Beiken Energy will continue exploring optimal pathways for the large-scale development of shale gas, supporting Southwest Oil & Gasfield Company's goal of achieving high-quality production of 50 billion cubic meters and contributing to China's energy structure transformation.
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