Halliburton & Coterra Introduce Next-Gen Automated Fracturing Solution

Halliburton HAL, a leading Houston-based oil and gas equipment and services company, has joined forces with Coterra Energy Inc. CTRA, a prominent Houston, TX-based oil and gas exploration and production company, to introduce a transformative solution for the energy sector. The Octiv Auto Frac service, integrated into the innovative ZEUS platform, is poised to redefine hydraulic fracturing in North America. This next-generation technology automates the stage delivery process with the simple push of a button, enabling operators to maximize efficiency, consistency and control in their operations.Role of Automation in Hydraulic FracturingHydraulic fracturing or fracking is an essential technique in the oil and gas industry, used to extract natural gas and oil from deep underground reservoirs. Traditionally, the process has involved a manual, labor-intensive approach, where engineers closely monitored each stage of fracturing. With the introduction of the Octiv Auto Frac service, this process is now fully automated, providing operators like CTRA with the ability to automate the execution of hydraulic fracturing designs, improving efficiency, control and consistency.Coterra Energy is the first company to fully use and automate its hydraulic fracturing design and process with the Octiv Auto Frac service. This transition is in line with CTRA's commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology for enhanced operational performance. By integrating intelligent automation into its fracking operations, CTRA can ensure that each stage of the process is executed with precision, reducing human error and enhancing the overall quality of the work.Octiv Auto Frac Transforms Fracturing OperationsBefore the Octiv Auto Frac service, operators had to make decisions on the fly during the pumping process, adjusting each stage as needed. With the Octiv service, this manual intervention is no longer required. It automates the entire fracturing process, from planning to execution, ensuring that every step is completed according to the predetermined design.One of the key features of the Octiv Auto Frac service is its seamless integration with HAL's ZEUS platform, which provides a smart, data-driven environment for managing fracturing operations. The ZEUS platform, already known for its advanced electric pumping units and the Sensori fracture monitoring service, now combines these assets with the new Octiv service to offer a truly intelligent solution. This combination allows for optimal performance and unmatched flexibility.Significant Efficiency Gains With Octiv Auto FracThe initial rollout of the Octiv Auto Frac service led to a 17% increase in stage efficiency. This marked improvement highlights the substantial benefits of automation in hydraulic fracturing, particularly when it comes to optimizing stage delivery and reducing downtime between stages. For operators like CTRA, this means increased productivity and a stronger return on investment.Following the success of the initial deployment, CTRA has now expanded the use of the Octiv Auto Frac service to its remaining Permian Basin completion programs. By doing so, CTRA has maximized its efficiency gains across multiple drilling operations, aligning with the company’s strategy to adopt innovative technologies that push the boundaries of the performance.CTRA's Commitment to Technological InnovationCoterra Energy is deeply committed to leveraging advanced technologies that improve operational performance. With the implementation of the Octiv Auto Frac service, CTRA is not only enhancing the consistency and control of its hydraulic fracturing processes but also contributing to the industry-wide shift toward automation.Coterra Energy's CEO, Tom Jorden, explains that using intelligent automation for hydraulic fracturing allows them to execute stages more consistently while giving greater autonomy and control over the completion process. This strategy is part of the company’s broader effort to enhance efficiency and discover new ways to improve operations through technological advancements.Future of Autonomous Hydraulic FracturingThe Octiv Auto Frac service represents a major milestone in the evolution of hydraulic fracturing technology. By automating the fracture execution process, operators now have greater control, precision and autonomy than ever before. This shift toward intelligent automation is expected to drive further advancements in fracking technology, enabling oil and gas companies to achieve even greater operational efficiency and cost effectiveness.In addition to improving operational performance, the integration of automation into hydraulic fracturing promises to increase asset value for operators. By delivering consistent results across all stages of fracture execution, the Octiv Auto Frac service helps companies optimize their assets, ensuring that they remain competitive in an increasingly complex and demanding industry.In conclusion, the Octiv Auto Frac service marks a significant milestone in the journey toward smarter, more efficient energy production. By combining automation and real-time monitoring, it solves key challenges in hydraulic fracturing. The service improves stage efficiency, ensures more consistent performance and provides enhanced control, positioning it to transform the hydraulic fracturing process in the future.HAL’s Zacks Rank & Key PicksCurrently, HAL has a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell), while CTRA sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy).Investors interested in the energy sector might look at some better-ranked stocks like TechnipFMC plc FTI and Oceaneering International, Inc. OII, each sporting a Zacks Rank #1 at present. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.TechnipFMC is valued at $13.34 billion. In the past year, its shares have risen 66.3%.  London-based FTI is a leading manufacturer and supplier of products, services and fully integrated technology solutions for the energy industry.Oceaneering International is valued at $2.77 billion. In the past year, its shares have risen 34.3%. OII is one of the leading suppliers of offshore equipment and technology solutions to the energy industry.5 Stocks Set to DoubleEach was handpicked by a Zacks expert as the #1 favorite stock to gain +100% or more in 2024. While not all picks can be winners, previous recommendations have soared +143.0%, +175.9%, +498.3% and +673.0%.Most of the stocks in this report are flying under Wall Street radar, which provides a great opportunity to get in on the ground floor.Today, See These 5 Potential Home Runs >>Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Halliburton Company (HAL): Free Stock Analysis Report TechnipFMC plc (FTI): Free Stock Analysis Report Oceaneering International, Inc. (OII): Free Stock Analysis Report Coterra Energy Inc. 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