Cutting edge technology to measure fracturing performance
Matt Hunter

This case study appeared in the July 2018 edition of E&P Magazine

A major operator in Permian Basin asked Seismos to evaluate its treatment effectiveness and completion designs for the lower Wolfcamp A formation. The goals were to identify the types of fracture systems created across the lateral, and how such systems influence production. The project encompassed a two well pad and was com­pleted in early 2018. Each lateral was composed of approxi­mately 45 stages and was treated with a single design.

Delivery

Seismos used its non-invasive equipment suite (Seismos-Frac™) to acquire and deliver real-time data that enabled the operator to make on-the-fly decisions, while having no impact on operations. The instrumen­tation consisted of a proprietary sensor and source con­nected on the wellhead. 


By sending a series of pulses down the fluid column at specific times during the treatment, Seismos remotely interrogated the subsurface for each stage. Various wellbore properties, near wellbore fracture conductivity, network complexity, effective propped fracture length, and far-field fracture network connectivity to the reservoir were computed.

Description of Findings

In addition to Seismos’ measurements, Sonic Logs, Tracers and Geochemical data were collected. Sonic logs and Geochemical data indicated two different zones (A & B) across the lateral of the subject wells.


The pump design resulted in the development of two distinct types of fracture systems with significantly different characteristics. Seismos' measurements identified a fracture system with two-times higher near-field complexity and conductivity values in zone B, compared to the fracture system developed in zone A of the lateral. 


Seismos-Frac™ technology also found that the near-wellbore complexity had an inverse relationship with the extension of the fracture network. Zone A, while a less complex fracture network, had a 32% larger average effective propped fracture length compared to zone B.

Impact on Production

Zone A covered 50% of the lateral and had significantly higher hydrocarbon content than zone B; however, zone B had an overall higher brittleness index.


Tracer data provided additional insights for the production performance of the two facture systems. Despite having significantly lower hydrocarbon content than zone A, zone B was producing over two-times more hydrocarbons on an average stage basis (tracer data, 90 days).


Lower hydrocarbon quality rock yielding higher production was attributed to the development of an enhanced near wellbore complexity system, which was accurately measured by Seismos and supported by the geomechanical rock properties. 

Conclusion 

Seismos-Frac™ unlocked an understanding of the stimulated fracture systems developed across the lateral, measured with precision their extended reservoir connection, and identified the near field conductivity and complexity as the dominant production drivers. Correlations with Sonic Logs, Tracers, and Geo­chemical data proved that Seismos-Frac™ empowers operators to enhance production contributions of each stage.

By Vibhav Verma March 12, 2026
WILLOW PARK, TX / AUSTIN, TX - {March 12, 2026} - ProFrac Holding Corp. (NASDAQ: ACDC) (“ProFrac”), in partnership with Seismos, Inc. (“Seismos”), announced today the successful completion of their fully closed loop fracturing program, demonstrating the first real-time, intra-stage optimization utilizing in-well subsurface measurements and immediate surface actuation. The program took place in the Eagle Ford & Austin Chalk basins with a 4-well pad configuration. From February 13 to March 4, 2026, 183 stages were completed utilizing the ProFrac-Seismos leading-edge, closed loop fracturing technology. Unlike systems that rely on offset well measurements to infer treatment well performance, this approach focuses directly on the targeted asset, the treatment well. It tracks subsurface performance through direct in-well measurements while pumping, detects deviations algorithmically, executes corrective action instantly, and validates the response within the same stage at any point. During deployment, average response time from data acquisition to automated treatment adjustment was under five minutes, with future targets below two minutes. Industry research shows improved cluster-level fluid distribution, currently measured exclusively by the ProFrac-Seismos closed loop system, can increase productivity by up to 20%, highlighting the value of real-time measurement and adjustment. These findings align with a recent URTeC study (Craig Cipolla et al. – URTeC 4044071, 2024), which quantifies the value of achieving uniform fluid distribution across all clusters. Intervention Methodology and Execution The ProFrac-Seismos closed loop control logic activated when intra-stage performance deviations were detected against defined envelopes and triggers. When criteria were met, the Seismos proprietary measurement system (SAFA™) and completion logic prescribed corrective interventions, and ProFrac’s surface automation system (ProPilot®) executed coordinated adjustments during the active stage. Primary triggers included mid-stage perforation efficiency falling below the 70% threshold or a rapid PE degradation trend detected during the active stage. In response, surface parameters adjusted intra-stage included rate adjustments to improve cluster stimulation, friction reducer adjustments to maintain stable treating pressure, and other operational parameters controlled by ProPilot®. As a result of the closed loop optimization process, stages with intra-stage interventions experienced an additional 7% improvement in mid-stage perforation efficiency and 7.5% improvement in end-of-stage perforation efficiency compared to stages without intervention. There were no screen-outs attributable to intra-stage intervention adjustments and no additional non-productive time (NPT) introduced. Why ProFrac-Seismos Closed Loop is a step change Traditional frac execution often relies on treating pressure and post-job interpretation to infer downhole performance. Attempts to optimize the treatment well using offset responses face natural limitations because the treatment well lacks critical direct measurements indicative of performance. The ProFrac-Seismos closed loop changes that model by using real-time in-well measurements to guide decisions so treatments can be optimized as they are executed. Its integrated architecture is designed to scale control and learnings across stages and pads, combining real-time execution with a continuous improvement loop for design and operational decisioning. Matt Wilks, Executive Chairman of ProFrac Holding Corp., stated, “Closed loop fracturing begins with accurate, real-time subsurface measurement, but its full value is realized when that intelligence drives coordinated surface execution. Through ProPilot® surface automation and selective chemistry integration, we are enabling true intra-stage adjustments at scale and advancing the industry’s first fully integrated closed loop fracturing architecture. We cannot change the resource itself. However, we know that as many as 35% of perforations remain closed after completion operations. Machina™, our well optimization suite, exists to help operators access that remaining 35% and maximize the productive potential of every stage.” Controlling the Frac Outcome “We are no longer just measuring the well; we are controlling the frac outcome,” said Panos Adamopoulos, Founder and CEO of Seismos. “Seismos, with its proprietary measurements and completion logic systems, is the core intelligence layer that makes Closed Loop Fracturing possible. By standardizing on Uniformity Index (UI) as the primary control metric, we ensure consistent, precise execution across all crews and basins, aligning real-time work with measurable production drivers.” About ProFrac ProFrac Holding Corp. is a technology-focused, vertically integrated and innovation-driven energy services holding company providing hydraulic fracturing, proppant production, related completion services and complementary products and services to leading upstream oil and natural gas companies engaged in the exploration and production of North American unconventional oil and natural gas resources. ProFrac operates through four business segments: Stimulation Services, Proppant Production, Manufacturing, and Other Business Activities. For more information, please visit ProFrac's website at www.PFHoldingsCorp.com . About Seismos Seismos delivers actionable data intelligence across the energy infrastructure, enabling greater situational awareness, confident decision-making, and superior performance. The company pioneered real-time frac optimization in 2018, which led to its portfolio of Closed Loop automation, including physics-based subsurface measurement technologies, advanced completion logic systems, AI-based frac advisory systems and a vast data repository of hundreds of thousands of stages. Media Contacts ProFrac Media Relations: media@pfholdingscorp.com Seismos Media Relations: press@seismos.com
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Closed Loop Fracturing at scale enables unprecedented efficiencies, and performance optimization dri
By Closed Loop Fracturing at scale enables unprecedented efficiencies, and performance optimization driven by live data interpolation and preconfigured decision trees. August 18, 2025
WILLOW PARK, Texas, Aug. 18, 2025 – ProFrac Holding Corp. (NASDAQ: ACDC) (“ProFrac”) and Seismos today announced a strategic partnership for the launch of Closed Loop Fracturing, now available across all major U.S. basins. This bold move marks the first large-scale deployment of an extensively operator-validated, real-time quality control system, enabling fully automated Closed Loop Fracturing. The system redefines how completions are measured, optimized, and scaled, and illustrates ProFrac’s relentless drive to bring its customers the best available fracturing technology, as well as ProFrac’s confidence in its quality of services, where every stage is independently benchmarked by Seismos’ technology. “This partnership with Seismos builds on the foundation we’ve laid with ProPilot,” said Matt Wilks, Executive Chairman of ProFrac. “By combining ProPilot’s surface automation with Seismos’ subsurface intelligence, we’re delivering more control to operators through dynamic completion design that optimizes hydrocarbon recovery. It’s the next evolution of how ProFrac brings accountable performance to our customers, with Seismos acting as an independent auditor of downhole performance.” ProFrac and Seismos are offering two deployment models to fit different operator needs: SUPERVISED MODE : Engineers and completion teams can act in real-time using a continuous stream of validated subsurface data. This allows on-the-fly optimization of stage design, fluid placement, and perforation strategy, while the stage is still active. Every decision is based on measurements. UNSUPERVISED MODE : For operators ready to automate repeatability, this mode allows the system to execute a set of pre-defined decisions based on real-time responses. It reduces overhead, increases operational speed, and delivers consistency at scale without requiring human intervention. ProFrac and Seismos are already working towards full tech stack and crew-level integration. From day one, it has been designed to scale across all fleets, enabling Closed Loop Fracturing for all supermajors and leading independents. “Seismos is the innovator who introduced the concept of Closed Loop Fracturing, and we are leading the market with the only patented, transparent, fully-vetted technology that is years ahead of the copycats,” commented Panos Adamopoulos, CEO of Seismos. “True closed-loop frac operations are built on the unbiased audit of frac performance, a capability only Seismos provides. ProFrac’s willingness to be measured at this level speaks volumes about their commitment to performance and transparency. “ About ProFrac ProFrac Holding Corp. is a technology-focused, vertically integrated and innovation-driven energy services holding company providing hydraulic fracturing, proppant production, related completion services and complementary products and services to leading upstream oil and natural gas companies engaged in the exploration and production ("E&P") of North American unconventional oil and natural gas resources. ProFrac brings relentless conviction to driving performance through innovation. ProFrac is scaling a new model where transparency, optimization, and stage-level accountability are the default. For more information, please visit ProFrac's website at www.PFHoldingsCorp.com. About Seismos Seismos is the worldwide leader in AI-powered Acoustic Sensing providing rapid, continuous insights for enclosed structures from wellbores to pipelines. The pioneer in real-time frac optimization since 2017, Seismos introduced the concept of closed loop fracturing years before the market recognized its potential. The company’s patented, physics-based measurements have been vetted by blue-chip operators who validated them using multiple methodologies. The only technology provider delivering unbiased, real-time QC across the full operation measuring friction, perforation performance, and flow distribution, Seismos independently audits every frac aspect. Seismos, based in Austin, TX, serves over 100 customers and has been featured in numerous industry publications. For more information, please visit www.seismos.com 
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