HSEQ-SESI-QSOP-201 Pressure Pumping Operations Manual

““Printed
or electronic versions of this document obtained outside the Company’s intranet are uncontrolled.”
SESI QUALITY STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE QSOP‐201
PUMPING OPERATIONS MANUAL

Job Planning & Execution

1.0 Purpose

1.1 The purpose of this operational procedure is to define controls to protect
SESI employees from the hazards of high pressure operations.

1.2 This document contains requirements for equipment, practices, and
procedures to ensure consistency and reliability throughout all SESI Business
Units performing high pressure operations.

2.0 Scope

2.1 This policy applies to all SESI pumping operations regardless of the
simplicity or complexity of the task being performed.

3.0 Responsibilities

3.1 Vice President of Corporate HSEQ responsibilities are:

3.1.1 Administration, interpretation, and maintenance of this document to
keep it current with business conditions.

3.2 SESI Business Unit Management and HSEQ Manager responsibilities are:

3.2.1 Ensuring compliance with this document at the SESI Business
Management level and performing the activities as described

4.0 General

4.1 A pre‐job safety meeting will be held before any high pressure test or job
commences. All relevant forms, such as a JSA, risk assessments, and work
permits shall be completed and reviewed with personnel.

4.2 Personnel not involved in the operation are to avoid the testing area and
warning signs or other means of warning (lookout) should be posted in the
area where equipment is tested.

4.3 Other means of protection such as barricades, blast mats, warning signs, etc.
shall be used in the testing area.

HSEQ‐SESI‐QSOP‐201 Rev 0 (26‐SEPT‐14) Page 1 of 28

““Printed or electronic versions of this document obtained outside the Company’s intranet are uncontrolled.”


4.4 If possible, a PA announcement should be made to inform all personnel

working in the vicinity about operations commencement and completion.

4.5 Radio communications should be tested prior to operations and deemed fully
operational.

4.6 Tools and equipment should be inspected, cleaned, and lubricated prior to
any job.

4.7 Pressure data shall be recorded on a timely basis throughout pumping
operations. In emergency situations (i.e. killing the well), data recording may
be suspended and details recorded at a later time.

4.8 Pressure ratings of all equipment, including the wellhead and the downhole
equipment, will be confirmed and tested before being exposed to pressure
and used within maximum allowable working pressure.

4.9 Sufficient volumes of kill fluid, for well kill and any injectivity test or
breakdown requested in the Well Intervention Program, shall be readily
available and meet the required specifications.

4.10 When pressure is applied to the annulus to minimize differential pressure
across the tubing, a suitable fluid should be used. Fluid type, and volumes
pumped and bled off shall be recorded. This data should be analyzed and
compared against theoretical values considering well geometry and fluid
compressibility.

4.11 The annulus should be monitored throughout the operation. If the annulus
pressure changes abruptly, the appropriate personnel shall be notified. The
inner (B) annulus pressure should also be monitored throughout the job.

4.12 The annulus will be filled with completion fluid and pressure applied, in the
order of 100‐200 psi, before commencing bullhead operations.

4.13 All manual bleed off lines must have double block.

4.14 Rig up of lines for well kill will be determined for the specific situation at
hand.




4.15 All high pressure treating pipes for stimulation operations shall be
positioned with the union wing half facing the well.

4.16 A swivel joint shall be installed on each swing.

4.17 A master valve, plug valve or gate valve shall be installed at the well.

4.18 Check valves shall be placed:

 In line between the high pressure pump and the ground manifold or
manifold trailer
 On each treating line as close to the well as practical
 On the ground

4.19 Pressure bleed‐off valves shall be installed between the check valve and the
isolation valve.

4.20 Each pump shall have a check valve in line between the high‐pressure pump
unit and the ground manifold or manifold trailer.

4.21 Flapper type check valves shall be installed right side up and in a horizontal
or inclined position.

4.22 The installation of plug valves, in addition to the mandatory check valves,
between the high pressure pump unit and the ground manifold is optional.

4.23 In primary treating lines, pressure relief valves (PRVs) should be placed
between the pumps and wellhead check valve.

4.24 Plug valves shall be used under all high PVRs for emergency isolation only.

4.25 High PVRs shall be oriented in a direction to prevent exposure to personnel
and equipment in the event of a discharge.

4.26 All high pressure pumps should be equipped with approved automatic
overpressure shutdown devices. In the absence of automatic overpressure
shutdown devices, PVRs capable of flow rates that will adequately relieve
pressure shall be used.



4.27 High pressure bleed‐off lines shall have two 2" x 1" plug valves installed in
series immediately adjacent to the main treating line.

4.27.1 The valve closest to the main treating line shall be the primary valve
and shall always be fully open or fully closed. It shall be the first
valve to be opened and the last valve to be closed.

4.27.2 The secondary valve shall be used as a flow control valve.

4.28 Bleed‐off line valves shall be:

 Opened slowly to prevent a fluid hammering effect;

 Positioned straight as possible and correctly secured; and,

 High pressure, solid steel piping.

4.29 Pumping shall not be performed until a successful pressure test has been
achieved.

4.30 A successful pressure test is when there have been no visible leaks and a
minimum of ninety percent of maximum pressure retained for five minutes.

4.28.1 Drips or leaks on any flanges, valves, swivel joint packing assemblies
and/or weep holes are NOT permitted.

4.31 If a pressure test is not successful, pressure shall be completely bled off the
lines, the necessary repairs made with the bleed‐off valves open. After
repairs have been made, a retest of the line is required.

4.32 The degree of risk of pumping a flammable fluid is determined by:

 Flash point of the liquid;
 Concentration of vapors;
 Proximity of a source of ignition to the vapors; and,
 Vapor's ability to travel to a source of ignition.




4.33 Safety Precautions

4.31.1 Weathering ‐ reduces the amount of vapor that a liquid emits by
inducing vapors to escape through movement of the fluid or by
allowing vapors to escape due to temperature cycles over time.

4.31.2 Isolating the vapors of flammable fluids from possible sources of
ignition such as exhaust manifolds and turbines, smoking materials,
overheated bearings, open flames, electrical arcs, static electricity,
electrical generators, portable or rig lighting, sparks caused by use
of ferrous tools, and electrical systems on gasoline engines.

4.31.3 Being away that flammable liquids will always be covered with a
layer of vapor. When mixed with air and contacted by an ignition
source the vapor, not the liquid, burns. The vapors from flammable
fluids may be heavier than air. They may flow downhill and/or
downwind, making it possible for explosive/flammable mixtures to
collect in low places such as ditches or terrain depressions.

5.0 Pumping Procedure

5.1 Review the pumping schedule and all job parameters and specifications with
all staff involved in the work.

5.2 Ensure that all personnel on location is using all required PPE for the task
being performed, as specified in the corresponding Risk Analysis JSA.

5.3 Ensure that all staff has a professional appearance.

5.4 The velocity of the fluid pumped through high pressure lines must be
maintained at 40 feet / second (12.2 m / sec) or less. This standard is
established to prevent excessive erosion of high pressure lines, increasing
thus its lifetime, as well as minimize vibration and pulsation on line. The
velocities of the fluids through the high pressure lines should be calculated
with the following formula:

Maximum Flow Rate (BPM) = ID2 x 2.3314

5.5 Use only water as the fluid of the test line.



5.6 Adjust the Over Pressure Shut Down to disarm with 500 PSI above the
pressure of test lines.

5.7 Unauthorized persons shall remain at a distance of at least 23 m from the
pumping lines during the pressure test.

5.8 Never strike or hammer on a pressurized line.

6.0 Pumping Flammable Fluids

6.1 TWO Muster Points must be defined outside the location.

6.2 Designate smoking area, if necessary.

6.3 Smoke or flame lit in the treatment area will be strictly prohibited.

6.4 Pumping units must have fire extinguishers (PQS or CO2) positioned, loaded
and in working condition. There will be foam firefighting system.

6.4.1 TWO escape routes should be available. They should be inspected
and everyone on location must know it.

6.5 Establish a method to alarm all personnel in case of fire.

6.6 Flammable volume should not exceed 80% of the tank capacity.

6.7 Plunger on triplex pumps must have anti splash cover and water cooling.

6.8 Pumping / mixing / transfer: only during daylight hours. Coverage discharge
hoses and hoses between the blender pumps and manifolds.

6.9 Equipment and tanks will be fixed, interconnected and grounded to prevent
static electricity.

6.10 Fire resistant coveralls must be used.

6.11 Nonferrous hammers (bronze, etc.) must be used to tight and loose
connections when pumping flammable fluids.



6.12 Wind direction (windsock) must be on location.

6.13 Discharge on engines must have anti sparks system, or wet discharge.

6.14 Portable emergency shower available on location.

6.15 Avoid open flames and sources of ignition.

6.16 Hot work in parallel with the operation will not be allowed.

6.17 Full use of PPE required including flame retardant / fire resistant overalls.

6.18 Establish buddy system during operation.

7.0 Equipment Set Up And Positioning On Location (Flammable Liquids)

7.1 Fluid tanks will be positioned 46 meters from the well. A dike system is
needed around the tanks to direct leaks (land operation).

7.2 Plugs caps will be placed on all unions not connected to hoses.

7.3 Pumping units will be positioned 23 meters from the well and 5 meters
blender.

7.3.1 Maintain a distance of 1.5 meters between units.

7.3.2 Operators will be 23 meters from the pumping lines, upwind.

7.3.3 Blenders should be at least 5 meters of fluid tanks and upwind.

7.3.4 Any equipment that produces sparks shall be permitted within 23
meters of the tanks.

7.4 "NO SMOKING" and "NO TRESPASSING" signs will be placed at the entrance
of the location.

7.5 Extra Staff (Superior, customers, or others) will be taken to a safe area.




8.0 Hydraulic Fracturing

8.1 Hydraulic fracturing is a well stimulation that is used to increase the
permeability of the formation, thus increasing the flow of oil or gas from a
well.

8.2 Permeability represents the ability of a porous material (i.e. rock formations)
to allow fluids to pass through it. When formations have low permeability,
such as sand and shale, it has few interconnected pores, therefore, produces
little or no oil/gas.

8.3 During hydraulic fracturing, a fluid is pumped into the well at pressures high
enough to cause the formation to crack.

8.4 If pumping were to stop, the cracks would attempt to close. To prevent this
from occurring, a proppant, such as sand, is added to the fluid allowing the oil
or gas to flow through this higher permeability fractures.

8.5 A frac string may be used to pump fluids into the well to isolate the casing
from high pressure treatment. Once the fracturing operation is over, the frac
string shall be removed.

8.6 Accurate recordings are important in providing confirmation of fracturing
coverage, and all the refinement of the computer models and enhancements
to procedures for future operations. The data collection analysis, and
monitoring, which occur are:

 Baseline assessment;
 Mini frac treatment and analysis;
 Monitoring during hydraulic fracturing;
 Post‐hydraulic fracturing operations; and,
 Post‐completion monitoring.




8.7 Reservoir to be fractured

8.7.1 In order to understand how the reservoir will respond to fracture
stimulations and the specific fracturing fluids to be used the
following should be analyzed:

 Reservoir’s permeability;
 Fracture conductivity; and,
 Fracture half‐length.

8.8 Stresses of reservoir and adjacent zones

8.8.1 Fractures will propagate along the path of least resistance.

8.8.2 Horizontal fractures usually occur at depths less than 2000 feet
since the earth’s overburden (vertical direction) is the least
principal stress only at shallow depths.

8.8.3 Vertical fractures usually occur at depths greater than 2000 feet. At
these depths, the earth’s overburden (vertical direction) becomes
the greatest stress.

8.8.4 The distribution of stresses along reservoir and in adjacent zones
above and below the zone to be fractured is very important, as it is
used to build a model which is the base for mini‐frac analysis and,
therefore for design of the actual treatment.

8.9 Optimum Fracture Geometry

8.9.1 Based on the rock properties, a fracture is designed to have a given
combination of fracture conductivity, length and width, to maximize
benefit from fracturing.

Note: Pumping larger than required fracture fluids does not
necessarily increase the productivity but does increases cost.

8.9.2 The superior the rock quality, the shorter the length of the fracture
required.



8.10 Tubing Movement and Maximum Treating Pressure

8.10.1 Maximum treating pressures (MTP) are specific to each well.

8.10.2 MTP should be calculated for both clean fluids and maximum load of
proppant in the wellbore.

8.10.3 To determine the MTP the annulus pressure history documentation
and well integrity complications should be reviewed.

8.10.4 Areas to be analyzed are:

 Tubing movement;
 Liner components;
 Possible trapped pressure in the completion;
 Pressure in the annulus; and,
 Maximum treating pressure should be adjusted dependent
upon the proppant schedule.

8.11 Annular Precautions

8.11.1 Monitor and record the annular pressures. Any discrepancies
should be recorded and reported to the appropriate personnel.

8.12 Pressure in the Tubing and Casing (A) Annulus During Pumping

8.12.1 During pumping operations, monitor and control the annulus
pressure according to the tubing pressure to avoid tubing collapse
and/or failure of the seal assembly.

8.12.2 Once stable, record the tubing injection pressure conditions, and
maintain the annulus pressure at a safe pressure and avoid abrupt
changes in annulus pressures.




8.12.3 Monitor and record the volumes pumped and returned. Any sudden
changes or concerns should be recorded and the appropriate
personnel notified.

8.13 Bleed off A Annulus Pressure After Pumping

8.13.1 Bleed off pressure on the A annulus in accordance with observed
pressure in the tubing.

8.13.2 Stop frac pressure decline data acquisition when appropriate, bleed
pressure on injection line to 0 psi.

8.13.3 If the wellhead pressure has not changed significantly, bleed off the
pressure on the A annulus, accordingly.

8.13.4 In wells with a normally pressurized annulus, bleed off pressure on
the A annulus to the same value recorded before operations
commenced. Monitor the annulus while bleeding and do not allow
the pressure go below the original value.

8.13.5 If there is a significant change, notify appropriate personnel before
bleeding off the annulus pressure.

8.13.6 In wells with a normally unpressurized annulus and no significant
change in wellhead pressure, bleed off annulus pressure to zero and
leave the annulus open to the pump truck. Monitor returns from the
annulus and compare with volumes pumped.

8.13.7 Once the bleed off operation is complete, close 3" valves on main
line.

8.14 Design of Fracture Fluid

8.14.1 There are various parameters, which are considerably affected by
the properties of the fracturing fluid, such as;

 Fluid type
 Viscosity requirements



 Fluid rheology
 Economics of fluid
 Experience with local formations
 Laboratory data on formation
 Material availability
 Proppant selection

8.14.2 Fluid systems optimized to the above parameters can result in
minimized formation and fracture damage for maximized
productivity.

8.14.3 Small deviations in the fluid’s formula can considerably change the
fluid. The objective is to have a fracture fluid that provides the
viscosity required for effective transportation of the proppant.
8.14.4 Perforated Interval Length and Gun selection

8.14.5 When fracturing a new zone, optimal perforated length and gun type
should be chosen to minimize damage to the formation with
multiple fractures and fracture initiation pressures.

8.14.6 At this point it is important to consider the wellbore deviation and
azimuth at depth of perforations, in comparison with the orientation
of the preferred fracture plane.

8.15 Cleanliness of Perforation Tunnels

8.15.1 Poor injectivity or plugging of perforations at early stages of the job
seems to decrease when the interval to be fractured is perforated
with maximum achievable underbalance.

8.15.2 Allowing the zone to flow for an extended period of time allows
debris to be removed, which benefits injection operation. This
should be verified prior to commencing the injection operations.

8.15.3 Before commencing any bullhead stimulation treatment, wellbore
pickling job should be carried out.




8.15.4 A clean out before the injectivity test should be carried out before
fracturing each interval.

8.15.5 A long enough flow period, followed by a well test to obtain base line
data helps to clean perforation tunnels and gives opportunity to
estimate pre‐frac skin.

8.16 Use of a Frac Sleeve

8.16.1 Frac sleeves may be used to protect the down hole safety valve
(DHSV) from high pressure and erosion.

8.16.2 If a frac sleeve is not used:

8.16.2.1 Retrieve DHSV.

8.16.2.2 Pumping of hydraulic oil through the control line is
required to prevent debris contamination during the
fracturing operation.

8.16.2.3 Pressure in the control line should be kept at a safe value to
prevent damage to internal components in DHSV.

8.16.2.4 Although not recommended due to the high pressures,
determine if personnel are required in the production tree
area during the frac.

8.16.3 If a frac sleeve is used:

8.16.3.1 Frac sleeve should be set on diesel wetted pipe.

8.16.3.2 Every sleeve run is to be fitted with a new collet to avoid
tool sticking.

8.17 Displacement Volume

8.17.1 Record accurate displacement volume to the top of perforations.

8.17.2 Determine a thorough flush procedure.



8.17.3 The main treatment is to be slightly under displaced (~20 bbls) to
ensure that perforations are covered with proppant.

8.17.4 Under displacement volume may be higher if spotting a sand plug
across the treatment zone is required, for isolation from the next
zone to be stimulated.

8.17.5 The tanks holding the displacement fluid must be well calibrated.
Monitor volume of flow meters against volume from tanks.

8.18 Wireline Bottom Hole Data

8.18.1 Wireline bottom hole gauges during high pressure pumping are not
acceptable when:

8.18.1.1 DHSV is not protected; or,

8.18.1.2 Pumping gel unless good injectivity has been previously
confirmed and/or the same tool has previously been run
without problems.

8.18.2 Determine the maximum anticipated tension on the cable during
pumping is within safe limits for the cable.

8.18.3 Radio communication shall be used throughout operation.

8.19 Temperature Passes

8.19.1 Temperature passes throughout pumping operation monitors useful
information about movement of fluids in the pumping zone or
behind pipe.

8.19.2 Accuracy of this information is affected by well deviation.

8.19.3 A base line log should be conducted before pumping commences.




8.19.4 Once pumping of a data frac‐injectivity test has been completed, a

minimum of 3 time staggered passes spaced 1 hour apart should be
performed to determine the fluid path.

9.0 Acidizing

9.1 General

9.1.1 Acidizing involves pumping acid into the wellbore to remove near
well formation damage and other damaging substances, thus,
achieving better permeability.

9.1.2 This procedure commonly enhances production by increasing the
effective well radius thus, increasing, or restoring production.

9.1.3 The placement of acid is crucial. Acid tends to flow preferentially
where permeability is highest, further increasing permeability and
leaving low permeability regions untreated. This could leave little
acid to treat what could be the most productive zones.

9.1.4 There are two ways acidizing may be carried out:

 Matrix Acidizing
 Fracture Acidizing

9.2 Matrix Acidizing

9.2.1 In matrix acidizing, the intent is to improve or to restore the
permeability of the region very near the wellbore without fracturing
the producing formation.

9.2.2 Acid treatments should be pumped at a lower pressure than the
formation parting pressure. This will ensure the debris will be
removed successfully, yet leaving the zone intact.

9.2.3 A pressure buildup test shall be performed to determine the extent
of permeability damage (skin damage), as not all causes of
permeability damage are acid‐soluble.




9.2.4 Acid is pumped into the well and placed into the pores of the
reservoir rocks. The acid dissolves the sediments and/or mud
solids that inhibit the permeability of the rock, enlarging the natural
pores and stimulating the flow of the hydrocarbons.

9.2.5 In an undamaged formation, the production increase from a matrix
acidizing job is very low.

9.2.6 Factors contributing to the treatments are:

 Skin factor;
 Natural permeability; and,
 Depth of damage.

9.2.7 A matrix acidizing program shall be developed and include, but not
limited, to the following:

 Well formation and history; and,
 Results from testing/quantifying the formation damage .

9.3 Fracture Acidizing

9.3.1 Fracture acidizing is a hydraulic fracturing treatment for carbonate
formations in which acid‐etched channels serve as very high
conductivity flow paths along the face of the fracture.

9.3.2 Where hydraulic fracturing actually breaks the formation with
pump and hydrostatically produced pressures, fracture acidizing
uses acids which, react with the carbonate, removes part of this
reactive rock, and leaves channels along the face of the crack. For
the channels to form, the formation must be limestone, dolomite, or
chalk with a total carbonate content of at least 60%.

9.3.3 Acid is pumped a high pressures down the well and deep into the
reservoir to react and etch the crack surfaces.




9.3.4 Productivity increases that are available from acid fracturing

depend on the following conditions:

 Permeability;
 Pressure;
 Viscosity of produced fluid; and,
 Length and conductivity of the fracture.

9.3.1 In undamaged, low‐permeability formations with equal reservoir
pressures, fracturing will increase production far more than
pressure, fracturing will increase production far more than matrix
acidizing.

9.4 Acid Determination

9.4.1 It is essential to have the correct acid or acid blend with performing
the acidizing process. To aid in this decision the following geological
parameters of the reservoir must be considered:

 Mineral formation
 Porosity
 Permeability
 Content of the reservoir rock

9.4.2 Once the materials and equipment have been determined, the total
treatment volume will be required.

10.0 Tools and Equipment

10.1 Frac tanks should be:

 Minimum 500 bbl capacity;
 Painted with suitable paint/coating inside;
 Tank level indicators shall be clearing labeled and calibrated ;



 Inspections, cleanings and sampling shall be carried out on a timely

basis;
 Each tank shall have an access ladder;
 Where necessary, tanks should have non‐slip walk‐ways and
protective railings; and,
 Tanks should be positioned closely to one another for ease of crossing
from one tank to another.

10.2 Blenders

10.2.1 Ensure a suitable blender is used for each job. It should be capable
of providing a supply of mixed ingredients at the desired rate.

10.2.2 All blenders should include:

 Ramp;
 Precision dry additive system(s) that provide signals, which
are compatible with the monitoring system; and,
 Liquid chemical pumps (minimum of 2), capable of pumping
0.1‐20.0 GPM and compatible with the chemicals to be
pumped.

10.2.3 A mass flow meter shall be utilized on all blender chemical additive
pumps with a gear/magnetic pickup system for backup.

10.2.4 Ensure sand hopper height matches sand dumps, conveyors, sand
convey or delivery systems

10.2.5 Each wet chemical pump shall contain piping with the capability of
injecting chemicals on the suction side, blender tub, or discharge
side of the blender.

10.2.6 All blender dosimeters shall be Texas Nuclear. If a desimeter control
head is utilized, it shall be digital.




10.2.7 All 40 BPM and 125 BPM blenders shall have close tolerance
sandscrews (1/16" nominal tolerance with hard faced augers).
Where applicable, screw assemblies should be set at a 450 angle.

10.2.8 Magnetic low meters shall be used on the suction and discharge of
all blenders.

10.2.9 All blender four inch discharge and suction connections shall be
Figure 206 male (wing) union halves.

10.2.10 A back‐up blender should be supplied on large jobs.

10.3 Chemical Additive Units

10.3.1 All chemical additive units should include:

 Adequate storage for all additives;
 A calibrated and visible level indicator to ensure monitoring
can take place with ease;
 Electric‐over‐hydraulic control valves shall be utilized for
pump speed control;
 A minimum of four chemical pumps for primary pump
application;
 One primary pump equipped to provide sufficient discharge
pressure to overcome supercharge pressure;
 Mass flow meters of the appropriate size for primary use;
 Gear/magnetic pickup systems shall be used for rate back‐up
on the primary pumps. A selector switch shall be provided to
select between the magnetic pick‐up and the mass flow
meter for indication/control purposes;
 Gear/magnetic pickup systems used as rate sources on the
transfer/backup pumps;
 Provisions should be made to allow for agitation to at least
one of these tanks;
 Capacity to pump 0.1‐20.0 GPM; and,



 D.O.T approval.

10.4 Acid Transportation

10.4.1 All acid transporters shall be equipped with:

 An acid re‐circulating system;
 A lowered catwalk design;
 Filled to a safe transportable volume; and,
 Contain visible hazard ID.

10.5 Densimeter

10.5.1 All densimeters shall be nuclear or digital depending on the task
being performed. If a control head is used, it shall be a digital
control head, including:

 In‐line Densimeter; and,
 Blender Densimeters.

10.6 Pumping Equipment

10.6.1 An isolation and check valve should be installed on the discharge
side of each of the pump units.

10.6.2 Operators shall have access to a manual control.

10.6.3 Frac pumps should include:

 Fitted remote controls;
 Tracer injector collar; and,
 Rapid warm‐up systems for colder climates.

10.6.4 All high pressure pumping equipment shall include:




 All stimulation Triplex pump‐packing oilers shall have a

packing oil recycling system; and,
 Automatic overpressure shutdown devices or an appropriate
PVR. PVRs shall not be used in high pressure energized fluid
lines.

10.6.5 Annulus pump equipment should include:

 Accurate level indicator; and,
 Chart recorder.

10.7 Chiksan Piping (Treating iron)

10.7.1 Chiksan piping shall be fully certified and include:

 Isolation and check valves for each pump;
 Isolation and check valves on each treating line and in close
proximity to the wellhead;
 Bleed‐off lines between the wellhead and check valves; and,
 PRV should have an isolation valve.

10.8 Batch Mixers

10.8.1 A batch mixer may be used to prepare the slurry for small jobs.

10.8.2 Mixers shall be thoroughly cleaned prior to use.

10.8.3 Gel should be mixed in a frac tank.

10.8.4 Gel and proppant should not be added to the batch mixer until close
to the pumping time.

10.9 Hydration Units

10.9.1 All hydration units should:




 Be of adequate size to allow for a minimum of two minutes of

gel residence time;
 Monitor water inlet rate and LFC addition rate;
 Provide automatic ratio control for LFC addition;
 Utilize mass flow meters shall be utilized to measure LFC
addition;
 Be adequately designed to prevent product loss and provide
easy clean up with drain sump; and,
 Be capable of pumping up to 80 bpm.

10.10 Proppant Delivery System (PDS)

10.10.1 Should ensure accurate recordings and markings of proppant
supplies is clear and concise.

10.10.2 Should ensure that the contents of each compartment are clearly
marked by the discharge valve.

10.10.3 All PDS shall include:

 High rate modification package;
 Standardized hydraulic quick connections for hook‐up of
auxiliary power units; and,
 4‐5 Diesel engines.

10.10.4 All sand conveyers shall have standardized hydraulic quick
connections for hook‐up of auxiliary power units.

10.10.5 All hydraulic power units shall:

 Adequately powered to operate a PDS
 Standardized hydraulic connections for hook‐up to PDS and
sand conveyors




10.11 High Pressure Manifold Trailers (Blender discharge side)

10.11.1 All high‐pressure manifold trailers shall include:

 High pressure bleed‐off valves
 Equalizing lines if multiple lines are used
 Magnetic flow meters or flow turbines
 Check valves and plug valves on each lateral feed to each
high‐pressure pump

10.12 Low Pressure Manifold and Hoses (Blender suction side)

10.12.1 The blender discharge/pump and suction manifold may be supplied
as a pre‐fabricated unit or assembled on site.

10.12.2 Gel sample points should ideally be as far as possible from the
additives addition point.

10.12.3 If taken from a pump suction line, there must be a back‐up sample
point in case that pump is taken off line.

10.13 Tree Saver

10.13.1.1 At minimum, tree savers shall have at least 2 isolation valves.

10.14 Frac Van/Data Acquisition System

10.14.1.1 A main data logging system complete with uninterrupted power
supply (UPS) and back‐up are required to record the following
parameters:

 Wellhead pressure and back‐up pressure;
 Annulus pressure pump rate;
 Slurry density; and,
 Liquid additives addition rates.




10.15 Instrumentation

10.15.1 Pressure transducers will be installed on the annulus, the Frac‐
Head, and on the treating lines (downstream of the check valve).

10.15.2 There should be at least 3 measurements of pumping pressure,
which will be displayed in the Frac Van.

10.15.3 The transducers on the treating line/frac header should be high
resolution, as their readings may be used for the Data‐Frac analysis.

10.15.4 A calibrated mechanical pressure gauge is required as a back‐up to
the transducers and positioned in front of the pump operators and
ideally be visible from the Frac Van.

10.15.5 There should be a common shut down switch for the pumps located
in the Frac Van.

10.15.6 At least 2 densitometers are required to read‐out in the Frac Van.

10.16 Field Laboratory

10.16.1 A laboratory container/labvan is required for field Q/A and Q/C
checks of the fracturing fluids.

10.16.2 Equipment that is required includes:

 Fann 35 viscometer
 Accurate electronic balance
 Waring or similar type blender
 pH meter
 Set of high quality narrow range pH papers
 Water‐baththermometers
 Sand sieve analysis kit
 Turbidity kit



 Water hardness kit

 Iron analysis kit
 Sample bottles and syringes
 First aid kit and eye‐wash bottle
 Sufficient and suitable laboratory safety equipment
 Titration equipment

10.17 Communications

10.17.1 Adequate radios with headsets shall be utilized during operations.

10.18 Workshop Container

10.18.1 A Workshop container shall be equipped with sufficient inventory of
spare parts.

11.0 HSEQ Requirements

11.1 Check Lists

11.1.1 Safety checklists shall be developed and completed after rigging‐up
but before actually connecting to the Production Tree. The checklist
should include, but not limited to, the following points:

Equipment /
Check points
Operations
High pressure treating lines are secure with line weights, chain/wire parting.
A safety meeting has been conducted and included:
 If diesel is required for the Frac Fluid, ensure the safety precautions are in
place
 Chemical handling and mixing procedures (biocide, caustic soda, etc.); and,
 SDS (for non‐English speaking employees, SDS shall be presented in their
Frac Equipment language)
Avoid unnecessary discharge piping on the PVR discharge.
Relief valve set pressures have been function tested onsite.
PRV discharge areas are restricted by barriers.
Pressure transducers are checked against a dead‐weight tester.
A mechanical pressure gauge is being used as a backup to the transducers and
is in clear sight of the pump operators.



Equipment /
Check points
Operations
Frac Equipment The mechanical pressure gauge has been checked against the transducers.
(continued) PPE is being worn by all personnel.
Fall protection must be used in accordance with Corporate policy HSEQ‐SESI‐
PM‐702, Fall Protection.
Frac tanks have guardrails around the top perimeter and are positioned in a
safe manner.
Safety shower and eyewash station are available and in good condition.
Housekeeping has been performed before and after operation.
Non‐essential personnel are removed the operation area.
Flare line is safely secured.
Targeted tees are used between production tree and cleanup manifold and
where necessary are placed as straight as possible.
Ultrasonic walls inspection has been conducted and has included spool piece
Clean‐up and valve body immediately downstream of the hydraulic cleanup choke.
Systems Flare pit was inspected before flowing to the flare pit.
Flare is being monitored on a timely basis. (Well shall be closed in at choke
manifold if flare becomes extinguished.)
Qualitative estimate of sand production has been determined by a milltronics
ultrasonic sand detector.
Flowline – baseline ultrasonic inspection completed and is being monitored.

Post‐Frac Initially, well is directed to the sand separator (Flow to test until BS&W is
Production steady within acceptable limits and check for possible proppant damage).
Milltornics sand monitors are being used.
Check data recording and display systems are functional.
Radios are fully charged and in working condition.
Frac Van
UPS system is working properly.
Generator fuel supply is sufficient.
Inspect for any leaks.
LP System
Check tanks are connected properly.
High pressure system is installed correctly.
PRVs are set correctly.
PVRs discharges directly to the pad and the lines have been secured.
HP System
High pressure lines have been secured – wired/ weighted down.
Main isolation/check valves have been pressure tested.
PVR tee’s off the top of the treating line.
Ensure HP pump has a recent horse power test.
Ensure there is sufficient fuel.
HP Pump
Pumps are primed.
No visible vibration.
Tanks are full.
Annulus Pump Ensure there is sufficient fuel.



Equipment /
Check points
Operations
Pressure transducers are installed & verified against a DWT.

Pressure test transducers.
Check the Annulus transducer against a calibrated Annulus gauge.
Instrumentation
All transducers are protected from rain.
Backup mechanical gauge is verified.
After the data‐frac, the maximum pump pressure is marked on the gauge scale.
All pumps are tied into a central shutdown switch or individual pressure trips.
Pump Trips
Function test pump trips during pressure testing were completed.
Reads correctly with water.
Densitometers Good circulations verified.
Check the displacement volumes from densitometers.
Locations:
ONE clean‐side flow meter on the blender;
TWO dirty‐side flow meters;
ONE at the blender discharge; and,
Flow Meters
ONE at the entrance to LP manifold.
Test flow meters.
Test range of accuracy.
Ensure flow meters are running properly and not overstressed.
Chemical Delivered chemicals shall be counted before and after mixing.
Inventory, Stock Inventory list should include batch number for the chemicals.
Control and QA/

QC

11.2 Safety Equipment

11.2.1 All personnel shall wear suitable personal protective clothing and
equipment (boots, overalls, hard hats, hearing protection, eye
protection and rain wear).

11.2.2 Other safety supplies that may be required, but not limited to, are as
follows:

 PPE for chemical handling;
 Eye wash bottles; and,
 Warning signs (high pressure, chemical hazards and
radiation hazards when appropriate).




11.3 Spill Containment

11.3.1 Adequate spill containment supplies shall be stored onsite.

11.3.2 Transport trailers/trucks shall be equipped with contingency
equipment to control any type of environmental incident.

HSEQ-SESI-QSOP-201 Pressure Pumping Operations Manual

Uploaded by

Document Information

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

HSEQ-SESI-QSOP-201 Pressure Pumping Operations Manual

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

““Printed

SESI QUALITY STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE QSOP‐201

PUMPING OPERATIONS MANUAL

HSEQ‐SESI‐QSOP‐201 Rev 0 (26‐SEPT‐14) Page 1 of 28

SESI QUALITY STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE QSOP‐201

PUMPING OPERATIONS MANUAL

4.4 If possible, a PA announcement should be made to inform all personnel

HSEQ‐SESI‐QSOP‐201 Rev 0 (26‐SEPT‐14) Page 2 of 28

SESI QUALITY STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE QSOP‐201

PUMPING OPERATIONS MANUAL

HSEQ‐SESI‐QSOP‐201 Rev 0 (26‐SEPT‐14) Page 3 of 28

SESI QUALITY STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE QSOP‐201

PUMPING OPERATIONS MANUAL

HSEQ‐SESI‐QSOP‐201 Rev 0 (26‐SEPT‐14) Page 4 of 28

SESI QUALITY STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE QSOP‐201

PUMPING OPERATIONS MANUAL

4.33 Safety Precautions

HSEQ‐SESI‐QSOP‐201 Rev 0 (26‐SEPT‐14) Page 5 of 28

SESI QUALITY STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE QSOP‐201

PUMPING OPERATIONS MANUAL

HSEQ‐SESI‐QSOP‐201 Rev 0 (26‐SEPT‐14) Page 6 of 28

SESI QUALITY STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE QSOP‐201

PUMPING OPERATIONS MANUAL

HSEQ‐SESI‐QSOP‐201 Rev 0 (26‐SEPT‐14) Page 7 of 28

SESI QUALITY STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE QSOP‐201

PUMPING OPERATIONS MANUAL

8.0 Hydraulic Fracturing

HSEQ‐SESI‐QSOP‐201 Rev 0 (26‐SEPT‐14) Page 8 of 28

SESI QUALITY STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE QSOP‐201

PUMPING OPERATIONS MANUAL

8.7 Reservoir to be fractured

HSEQ‐SESI‐QSOP‐201 Rev 0 (26‐SEPT‐14) Page 9 of 28

SESI QUALITY STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE QSOP‐201

PUMPING OPERATIONS MANUAL

HSEQ‐SESI‐QSOP‐201 Rev 0 (26‐SEPT‐14) Page 10 of 28

SESI QUALITY STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE QSOP‐201

PUMPING OPERATIONS MANUAL

HSEQ‐SESI‐QSOP‐201 Rev 0 (26‐SEPT‐14) Page 11 of 28

SESI QUALITY STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE QSOP‐201

PUMPING OPERATIONS MANUAL

HSEQ‐SESI‐QSOP‐201 Rev 0 (26‐SEPT‐14) Page 12 of 28

SESI QUALITY STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE QSOP‐201

PUMPING OPERATIONS MANUAL

HSEQ‐SESI‐QSOP‐201 Rev 0 (26‐SEPT‐14) Page 13 of 28

SESI QUALITY STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE QSOP‐201

PUMPING OPERATIONS MANUAL

HSEQ‐SESI‐QSOP‐201 Rev 0 (26‐SEPT‐14) Page 14 of 28

SESI QUALITY STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE QSOP‐201

PUMPING OPERATIONS MANUAL

8.19.4 Once pumping of a data frac‐injectivity test has been completed, a

HSEQ‐SESI‐QSOP‐201 Rev 0 (26‐SEPT‐14) Page 15 of 28

SESI QUALITY STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE QSOP‐201

PUMPING OPERATIONS MANUAL

HSEQ‐SESI‐QSOP‐201 Rev 0 (26‐SEPT‐14) Page 16 of 28

SESI QUALITY STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE QSOP‐201

PUMPING OPERATIONS MANUAL

9.3.4 Productivity increases that are available from acid fracturing

HSEQ‐SESI‐QSOP‐201 Rev 0 (26‐SEPT‐14) Page 17 of 28

SESI QUALITY STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE QSOP‐201

PUMPING OPERATIONS MANUAL

 Inspections, cleanings and sampling shall be carried out on a timely

HSEQ‐SESI‐QSOP‐201 Rev 0 (26‐SEPT‐14) Page 18 of 28

SESI QUALITY STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE QSOP‐201

PUMPING OPERATIONS MANUAL