In order to improve production and subsequent well economics in the Wolfcamp formation in Eddy County, New Mexico, horizontal drilling has been employed for the last seven years. Current stimulation practices in these horizontal wells involve hydraulically fracturing with proppant in multiple stages. The effectiveness of the various fracturing treatments on production responses is of interest, because any optimization or changes that can reduce stimulation costs improves profit. In addition, with the current shortages in all mesh sizes of sands, anything which reduces the quantities needed to effectively stimulate wells is a plus.

Production from a localized group of horizontal Wolfcamp wells was examined to establish the impact scenario that proppant choice made on performance. It was found that decline rates were the same or better on wells fracture treated using a significantly lower volume of an Ultra-Lightweight proppant compared to those wells treated with regular sand. This reduction in proppant used also resulted in a savings ranging from 4% to 33% of the stimulation costs. SPE 116646