AADE National Tech Conference and Exhibition | AADE-25-NTCE-033 | April 2025
Tim Marvel, Jose Padilla
ABSTRACT
Since the introduction of the continuous pumping concept in 2020, automation and operational capabilities have steadily improved with refined algorithmic control cycles and minimized inefficiencies. These advances have enabled uninterrupted 24/7 hydraulic fracturing operations, establishing a new standard in completions efficiency. While the term “continuous pumping” has gained widespread adoption within the industry, its original intent has become distorted, leading to misinterpretations that blur the distinction between actual fracturing time and non-productive pumping time (NPP).
Currently, many operators utilize non-standard pumping efficiency metrics that obscure and inhibit potential optimization opportunities. These metrics typically focus on total pumping time, which includes non-fracturing periods such as acid displacement, manual valve actuations, approval processes or slow response to action, thus masking the true measure of fracturing effectiveness. This misalignment results in an inflated view of pumping performance, while critical efficiency improvements—particularly during active fracturing—are overlooked.
This paper will redefine “continuous pumping” and introduce key concepts such as continuous fracturing (CF), non-productive pumping (NPP), and invisible lost time (ILT). CF, unlike the broader pumping definition, focuses on maximizing productive time during fracturing intervals, thereby capturing the full potential of 24/7 fracturing operations. ILT, which represents the hidden time losses during pumping operations, further underscores the inefficiencies masked by current pumping metrics. Through detailed case histories and analytics, this paper will demonstrate the impact of continuous fracturing, showcasing substantial performance gains by shifting to fracturing-based efficiency metrics.