USA: Linde Expertise and Infrastructure Enable First Use of LNG to Power Hydraulic Fracturing Spread

Linde North America, a global leader in the growing liquefied natural gas (LNG) fueling market, has provided the equipment, services and LNG for the first-ever commercial hydraulic fracturing operation fueled by a combination of diesel and economical, clean burning liquefied natural gas.

The 12-pump, 24,000 horsepower fleet is the largest dual-fuel project ever conducted and is the first involving the conversion of an entire hydraulic fracturing fleet.

Linde’s decades of extensive experience supplying cryogenic gases to the upstream oil and gas industry and LNG logistics know–how were instrumental to the success of the dual–fuel application.

“Hydraulic fracturing often involves large-scale, high fuel consumption operations that would benefit from the use of economical, cleaner-burning natural gas,” noted Earl Lawson, head of Energy Solutions for Linde North America. “We welcomed the opportunity to overcome the logistical challenges posed in this fast-moving environment to successfully supply the LNG fuel, storage and vaporization equipment and services that enabled an entire fracturing fleet to convert to a dual-fuel solution. This project proves the feasibility, safety, effectiveness, efficiency and logistical benefits of using LNG in high horsepower applications.”

“Taking advantage of the abundance of clean-burning, inexpensive natural gas in the U.S. is good for our economy and our environment,” said Mike Bahorich, Apache’s executive vice president and chief technology officer. “We selected Linde for this challenging assignment based on its broad experience in supplying LNG to oil and gas operations and its focus on safety and operational excellence. Linde went the extra mile to ensure the success of this first, full conversion of a hydraulic fracturing fleet to a combination of LNG and diesel fuel.”

The project involved multiple participants. Apache Corporation teamed with Halliburton to develop a technical solution for converting its pumping equipment to a dual-fuel system capable of using natural gas, and Caterpillar provided the engines used to power Halliburton’s high horsepower pumps. Linde established the safe and efficient gas supply system, provided the liquefied natural gas for the operation and supported the effort with field and remote personnel.

[mappress]
LNG World News Staff, January 15, 2013; Image: Linde