ecorpStim welcomes the conclusions of OPECST* which considers propane stimulation a genuine alternative to hydraulic fracturing for the extraction of shale oil and gas.
French parliamentary office OPECST today released its report on "Alternative techniques to hydraulic fracturing for the exploration and exploitation of unconventional hydrocarbons", which results from one year of investigation, hearings and study trips in the field in France and abroad. Contrary to popular belief, the authors note that "alternative technologies are more developed than currently believed in France" starting with propane stimulation, qualified as an "operational and promising alternative technique".
Developed by ecorpStim, pure propane stimulation (PPS) is currently the only operational technique for extracting unconventional hydrocarbons without any water or chemical additives. The environmental impact of the extraction process is thereby profoundly reduced.
OPECST also stresses the benefits of the technological innovation brought by ecorpStim of non-flammable propane stimulation (NFP), which "removes at 100% the industrial risks associated with the use of regular propane". A major innovation of 2013, the use of this fluorinated form of propane guarantees the safety of operations during both storage, transport and stimulation stages. Finally, drilling platforms on which NFP technology is used will not be submitted to a SEVESO classification in Europe.
About eCORP Stimulation Technologies, LLC– The company ecorpStim (eCORP Stimulation Technologies, LLC) was created in 2012 to provide European countries, as well as those with limited water resources, with alternatives to hydraulic fracturing, based on pure home grade propane and without the use of chemicals. About eCORP International, LLC – Founded in 1978, eCORP and its predecessor companies have extensive oil and gas experience including underground natural gas storage, natural gas transportation, enhanced oil recovery in conventional reservoirs using propane and butane, exploration for and production of conventional and unconventional (shale) reservoirs, electric power generation and marketing of electricity and gas. The company was an early mover in the Marcellus play in Pennsylvania and New York, USA and recognized its potential while developing its highly acclaimed Stagecoach Storage project in New York. The company has acquired multi-million prospective acreage positions internationally. The company's highly experienced management team expects to apply its broad background in hydrocarbon based development in deploying its field services fleet and related technologies in Europe, and globally, to develop its own portfolio, as well as selling its services to third parties as a standalone business unit. Stimulating with pure liquid propane with low-density proppants provides an excellent vehicle for the company to introduce an environmentally sensitive technology to allay concerns about excessive usage of fresh water and potential aquifer contamination as the process uses no water and propane is a gas at ambient pressure and temperature.