Evolution of the Williston Basin Drilling Pad;

Drilling Pad

What affects a drilling pad

Types of pads in North Dakota

Advances in pad construction

What affects a drilling padPlacement

• Geology• Unit spacing • Topography• Protected Easements• Road infrastructure• Gathering

infrastructure• Flood potential• Erosion control• City / county / state

regulation

Size

• Rig foot print• Number of wells• Battery size• Flare orientation• Panic line

distance• Topography• Necessary Frac

crew space• Solids control

plan

Construction

• Soil Moisture• Number of wells on

pad (Traffic Volume)• Weather• Seasonal

consideration of operations

Prehistoric Drilling Pad(pre 2000’s - 2011)

A thing of the PAST

Single Well Pad

Purpose:HBP and Test a spacing unit

Size: 300’x500’

Dual Well PadPurpose: Develop a single 1280 and minimize impact• Allows for full development with only

4 locations

Size: 300’x550’

Three Well Pad

Purpose: Develop a full 2560 acre spacing unit and minimize impact of foot print

Size: 395’x550’

Eco PadFour Wells

Purpose: Develop a full 2560 acre spacing unit & minimize foot print

Size: 395’x550’

SIMULTANEOUS OPERATIONS Four Well Eco Pad: 550’x700’

Eco Well Pad

10

Cyclone # 28

Multi Well Pad

Purpose:• Meet requirements for multiple

wells• Minimize impact• Overcome rough terrain, &

access issues (water)

Size: 6 - 14 Wells 550 x 750

Multi Well Pad

13

Cyclone #2

Total Footage: 79,521’ @ Day 80

Lifecycle of Drilling Pads

Scoria – 2 yrs. – Avg. maintenance $5-7K / yr.

Gravel – 5 yrs. – Avg. maintenance $2-4K / yr.

Textile Reinforced – 7 – Avg. maintenance $1.5-3K / yr.

Cement Stabilized – 10 – Avg. maintenance $500-2000 / yr.

Materials to Extend Lifecycle of Pads

2 ply wood mats: wood mats interlocking form surface on location

Composite mats: Composite mat systems form surface on location

Reinforced Geotextiles: High strength fabrics for separation & reinforcement of soil and aggregate

Geo Cell System: Plastic 3-D soil confinement system

Cement Stabilization: Blending cement with native soil to create a more durable surface.

2-Ply Wood Mats - OKAdvantages:• Less expensive• Available

Disadvantages:• Absorb Liquid• Damage Easily• Slip & trip

hazard when wet

Cost• $2.50 / sq. yd.

Composite Mats - Good

Advantages:• Light weight, easy to move• More durable• Low or no work over pad

cost when placed over surfacing

• Minimize days to sales

Disadvantages:• Leasing - Mats not for sale• Time to place on location• High demand

Cost• $5.00 / sq. yd.

Geotextiles - Good

Advantages• One size fits all solution• Deployed quickly

Disadvantages• Not easily removed• Difficult to “repair”• Life and stability of material is

dependant upon load size, traffic, water

Cost• $4.00 – 7.00 / sq. yd.

Geo Cell System - BetterAdvantages

• Reduce vertical and lateral movement• Less surface material required• Product life estimated 25 years• Can be placed in low temps where

cement cannot

Disadvantages• Labor intensive to place

Cost• $7.50 – 10.00 / sq. yd.

Cement Stabilization - BestAdvantages

• Reduces Trucking Impacts – Less surfacing material

• Harder sub-grade • Lower maintenance

Disadvantages• Must be placed in temps

above 40°F• Time for shipping and

coordinating product• Preplanning of battery,

electrical, flow lines, etc.

Cost• $7.50 – 10.00 / sq. yd.