ValveCommander: Valve Automation, Zipper Frac Operations | SLB

ValveCommander

Automated control and advisory platform

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Improve multiwell fracturing efficiency with valve automation

Increase number of stages completed per day by 11% with ValveCommander™ automated control and advisory platform. The digital platform streamlines the process of operating frac valves during multiwell fracturing operations, such as zipper fracs.

ValveCommander Platform: Overview
ValveCommander automated control and advisory platform enables remote operation of the frac valves.

Accurate valve operation, digital control

Standard workflows for these operations require wireline and fracturing crews to constantly alternate operations between wells to isolate the well and rig up wireline or to open the well to begin pumping fluids downhole. During these complicated operations, valves must be opened and closed accurately and in proper sequence. Operating the wrong valve at the wrong time can have catastrophic consequences in terms of NPT, costs, and HSE impacts.

With ValveCommander platform, operators can digitally control frac valves with the click of a button. They can also monitor valve position in real time, throughout the operation. These changes make the process of opening and closing valves nearly instantaneous.

  • Zipper fracturing
  • Multiwell zipper fracturing

Manage wellsite safety and eliminate cut wireline

Safety interlocks between the well stimulation and well control equipment prevent overpressuring or washing out the frac valves. Additional instrumentation detects whether the wireline toolstring has safely cleared the frac tree valves, thereby eliminating cut wireline.

ValveCommander platform also includes an advisor to ensure the workflow is executed according to the job plan.

Shrink your safety and environmental footprint

To keep personnel out of the high-pressure zone during stimulation operations, most operators choose hydraulically actuated valves that can be operated from outside the high-pressure zone. A typical frac site uses two hydraulic power units (HPUs) per well to actuate the frac valves. ValveCommander platform can reduce the number of HPUs required to operate the same number of valves by a factor of 4:1, which reduces diesel usage and carbon emissions by 60% to 70%.

  • Position sensors on all valves
  • Instrumentation and built-in software interlocks
  • Automation and control software
  • Digitalized customizable workflows and advisor include simul-frac and continuous-pumping operations
  • Full traceability on all valve operations

20%

increase in pumping hours per day

>60%

reduction in diesel usage and carbon emissions

~0

NPT associated with valve operation