Speaker: Madison Hollaway, Low Emissions And Sustainability Lead,
Liberty Energy
Title: Evaluating the Transition to Natural Gas-Powered Equipment in Hydraulic
Fracturing: Challenges, Benefits, and Feasibility Analysis
Abstract:
The transition to natural gas as a primary fuel source in hydraulic fracturing
operations launched in 2013 with the introduction of dual fuel engines,
which use a blend of diesel and natural gas. This transition remains
ongoing, marked by two fundamentally different approaches to displacing
diesel with natural gas. Initially, dual fuel engines emerged as the
pioneering technology for substituting diesel with natural gas on hydraulic
fracturing jobs. These engines are still being used and improved upon
today. Subsequently, circa 2018, companies began developing and
deploying 100% natural gas-powered generation systems to drive
electrically powered hydraulic fracturing equipment.
Historically, gas powered generation has been found exclusively in
stationary applications. Adapting this technology to a mobile package for
hydraulic fracturing operations has been a formidable industry-wide
challenge. Unlike stationary setups, mobile deployment necessitates
considerations of weight, ambient outdoor conditions, and the reliability of
the natural gas supply. Prior to equipment construction, weight
optimization is imperative, as off-road mobile units are subject to state-
specific road weight restrictions. Compliance with axle, king pin, and total
weight limits is mandatory for roadworthiness. Moreover, the lack of control
over outdoor ambient conditions further complicates mobile deployment.
Unlike ambient conditions, natural gas supply is within control of the
operator, though it cannot be preemptively resolved like weight
considerations. Post-deployment, natural gas quality and supply often
emerge as predominant challenges, highlighting their significance in mobile
gas-powered generation for hydraulic fracturing operations.

The balance of transitioning to natural gas fueled engines, while the natural
gas infrastructure catches up, has been both delicate and complex. Diesel
has been used as a fuel source for over 70 years in the industry and thus
has firmly established a robust supply chain. In contrast, the Compressed
Natural Gas (CNG) supply chain is in the early stages of development and
has consistently served as a bottleneck for deploying natural gas
technologies. However, there is a prevailing belief that the inherent benefits
of natural gas will act as a catalyst for the evolution of the CNG supply
chain in the years to come.
Considering the ongoing challenges, it is imperative to evaluate the true
benefits of this transition. Assessing whether the opportunity cost
outweighs the hurdles encountered, both presently and in the foreseeable
future, is crucial. This paper aims to address this critical question by
leveraging empirical data collected during the initial stages of our
organization's natural gas transition. Through a comprehensive analysis, we
examine the tangible advantages and potential drawbacks of embracing
natural gas technology, providing insights into the feasibility and
implications of this transition for the hydraulic fracturing industry. In this
analysis we will focus on Tier IV Dual Fuel engines, Gas Reciprocating
Generators which produce electricity to drive electric frac pumps, and Gas
Reciprocating Engines that mechanically drive the hydraulic pump. The
baseline for comparison is established using Tier II Diesel engines. Each
technology will be evaluated based on multiple criteria including emissions,
cost savings found in both fuel purchases and operating costs, and overall
operational considerations. Through a combination of Original Engine
Manufacturer (OEM) data and empirical data, this paper provides valuable
insights into the efficacy and feasibility of transitioning to natural gas-
burning equipment in the context of hydraulic fracturing operations.
Bio:
Madison Hollaway is the Low Emissions And Sustainability Lead at Liberty
Energy. Madison has held a variety of positions throughout her career in the
oil and gas industry, with experience spanning from engineering and project
management to research and development. Madison holds a Bachelor of
Engineering in Petroleum Engineering from Texas A&M University.

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