Skills Training
The majority of FracSource’s skills training is performed on-the-job. “Employee training has always been an ongoing process around here,” Allen explains. “Even though I have more than 10 years of experience in the oil and gas industry, when I started at FracSource, it felt like I was brand new. We have a young crew, so everybody is learning new ways of doing things.

“We are always trying to get our people’s input on how to do our work better and more efficiently, which has been key to our success,” he continues.

Field Trials
In July 2007, FracSource tested a new technology called shock fracturing. “This technology is intended to improve the dry nitrogen stimulation of coal bed methane and other unconventional gas plays by shocking the formation with a well bore instantaneous pressure application, which is higher than the typical fracture gradient,” the company says.

“The technology can be installed into a standard, selective fracturing assembly string,” FracSource adds.

The company tested the technology in two multi-zone coal bed methane wells for Houston-based ConocoPhillips.

Although production data is currently unknown, “the initial analysis of the surface and downhole pressure data shows that the technology produces a shock-type stimulation of each zone,” FracSource says. “However, the two wells are producing and have been tied into production. In addition, the use of the technology reduced the volume of nitrogen typically required.”

“We are excited to offer this new technology to all our current and future clients as an alternative to standard dry nitrogen fracturing,” Armstrong said in a statement.

The company says all its equipment and technology is designed to “allow us to minimize our impact on the local community,” it says. The primary features of its equipment are:

• Reduced ground impact
• Reduced load impact
  

Future Outlook
In the future, the company hopes to remain committed to its corporate vision to stay on a path of continuous innovation, according to FracSource.

The company plans to do this by operating by its core principles, which are:

•  Technology – the cornerstone of its competitive edge
•  Innovation – its vehicle to provide value to its customers and company
• Employees – who are encouraged by career opportunities 
• Safety – the primary focus for its employees
• Integrity – the guiding principle of the business