Locator: 49749B.
Updates
November 20, 2025: RBN Energy --
November 20, 2025: Zacks, link here.
November 20, 2025: link here.
Original Post
IA prompt:
XOM's new proppant is considered the fourth revolution in shale technology. If so, what were the first three revolutions?
Reply:
I would argue that there were other advances in shale technology that were just as important, and in come cases, perhaps, more important.
Other advances:
- the ability to control the drilling to within inches of prognosis, thus limiting the risks of leaving the seam;
- micro-array technology; North Dakota led in this technology;
- technology required to drill two-mile, three-mile, and four-mile horizontals; remember, this all started with less than one-mile horizontals;
- the technology in developing / discovering pipe that could withstand the incredible temperature changes, pressure changes, and, the ability to literally make 90-degree turns.
So, broadly, I would look at revolution in shale:
- understanding the geology;
- micro-arrays;
- ability to drill horizontals longer than one-mile;
- understanding the science of proppants;
- success despite all the regulatory and environmental obstacles put in place to stop fracking
- there are move ...
Take away one one fo those advances mentioned above, and it's very likely fracking would have been a failure.
