In this podcast, we discuss why the revenues of frac service firms continue to lag behind earlier levels, even though physical measures of US frac activity (i.e., stage count, proppant volume) are poised to exceed the 2014 peak.
Episode 20: How much drilling happens at $45 oil?
In this podcast, we discuss the short term outlook for oil prices and US drilling, the most important factors impacting activity going forward, and questions regarding resources and ramp up for producers.
Episode 19: Technology Adoption in the Drilling Industry
This episode is a primer for future discussions about new technology in the oil and gas business. Richard & John discuss the factors that determine technology adoption and the industry's history, particularly with regards to rotary steerable technology. Produced by Charlie Spears.
Episode 12: We don't care about efficiency and neither should you.
Counterintuitively, the most important factor for we well these days is not drilling efficiency but rather, recovery rate. We have to get pretty detailed on this one, so strap in and listen to John's breakdown of why this is. Also, we've got something for all those Metallica fans out there!
Episode 11: A bbl of monkeys!
12 Questions in 17 minutes! This week we address the gamut of questions asked us over the weekend. Topics include: New vs old wells, Drilling Fluids Profitability, "Pressure Pumping" vs "Fracking", Rotary Steerable Directional Drilling, "TD", and more! Also, John gives a fascinating & unexpected answer to where the abbreviation "bbls" comes from - it's not what you'd expect!
Episode 10: How much proppant do we use these days?
Richard & John talk proppant. Where the market is growing, the size of that market, and how the sand gets to market. Unit trains and minor league soccer also discussed! John also impresses us with some quick mental math.
Episode 9: What is OneSTIM & is it a game-changer?
Everyone's talking about OneSTIM. The Spears evaluate horsepower, downhole tools, competition, and the relationship between Schlumberger & Weatherford. Richard & John both come to the same conclusion this week!
Episode 8: How did Q1 2017 perform?
Richard & John discuss what the first quarter of 2017 will look like. Land is recovering, offshore still down.
Episode 7: The Rising Cost of Failure
Multiple pad drilling + longer laterals mean the stakes are rising. Failure comes with an increasing cost and is changing how operators work with contractors. Richard & John dive deep into the psychology of "operator incentive" and how contractors will be responding as wells get bigger. Episode sponsored by Oilfield Logix.
Episode 6: How much water does the oil & gas industry use?
We talk volume, method, and outlook for various sectors of the oilfield equipment and services water business. ~95% of water is used in the completion, fracking process and only ~5% on the drilling side. Episode sponsored by Oilfield Logix.