Locus Biosurfactants Achieve Unprecedented Oil Gains in Delaware Basin with New Technology

Locus Biosurfactants Deliver Industry-Leading Uplift in Oil Production



In a groundbreaking development, Locus Bio-Energy is revolutionizing the oil production landscape in the Delaware Basin with their innovative SUSTAIN® SF101 biosurfactant technology. Recently released field results indicate that this advanced chemical solution is establishing a new standard for efficiency in hydraulic fracturing. In a comparative study during a Wolfcamp A program, wells treated with the SUSTAIN® technology recorded a remarkable 20% increase in oil production, a 15% increase in gas output, and a significant 23% decrease in the water-oil ratio (WOR) when compared to untreated wells. This impressive performance has translated into a substantial 12× return on investment (ROI) within just six months of application.

The program meticulously compared three wells treated with the SUSTAIN® technology to three control wells, conducted under identical conditions. The production data collected through Enverus, and subsequently verified by the operating company, confirmed these significant uplifts. Operators received their return in less than one month, highlighting both the effectiveness and the economic viability of this biosurfactant-based technology.

Martin Shumway, Senior Vice President at Locus Bio-Energy, commented, “Oil and gas operators have already optimized capital and design efficiencies in hydraulic fracturing — it’s time to unlock chemical efficiency.” The results realized in the Delaware Basin Wolfcamp wells make it clear that SUSTAIN® can play a crucial role in boosting asset value for oil and gas operators, leading to enhanced returns on their investments.

As the focus shifts toward achieving greater chemical efficiency, operators have begun to realize that advancements in chemical treatments are indispensable for maximizing production rates from their completion programs. The ultra-small micelles (3-5 nm) that SUSTAIN® produces enable access to previously unreachable reserves residing in shale nanopores. This technology enhances fluid mobility and improves the cleanup of fluids under challenging high-salinity conditions.

Recent trends across the Permian Basin indicate that major operators are increasingly recognizing the role of advanced chemical treatments in driving measurable production gains. This shift signifies a crucial turning point in the industry, where chemical solutions are no longer viewed as secondary options, but are emerging as essential strategies for improving recovery rates, expediting early production, and bolstering well economics.

Dr. Megan Pearl, Vice President of Global Technology at Locus Bio-Energy, emphasized this pivotal moment in the sector, stating, “For years, mechanical design has dominated the conversation. Now, operators are beginning to understand that chemistry can materially change recovery and economics.” With stringent budgets and growing expectations, technologies like SUSTAIN® are increasingly positioned as essential tools — returning twelve dollars for every dollar invested.

The successful performance of SUSTAIN® in the Delaware Basin aligns with the broader momentum within the industry, with an increasing tilt toward chemistry-led optimization strategies. Deployments of this technology are expanding across various U.S. basins, providing operators with a reliable means to enhance productivity and economic performance consistently.

John Uhran, Chief Executive Officer of Locus Fermentation Solutions, the parent company of Locus Bio-Energy, commented, “Our SUSTAIN® line has continuously demonstrated its impressive capabilities across multiple basins and tiered operators over the years. It is gratifying to see it making significant impacts for major operators, consistently delivering the substantial results we've showcased both in field studies and lab tests.”

For more comprehensive insights into the production and economic advantages of this innovative technology, readers can refer to the complete Wolfcamp A SUSTAIN® Case Study. Below are some production highlights:
  • - 20% increase in oil and 15% increase in gas production.
  • - 23% reduction in water-oil ratio (WOR) compared to control wells.
  • - 12× ROI within six months, with payout in under one month.
  • - Improved flowback and a sustained uplift over 180 days.
  • - Drop-in performance requiring no changes to design or equipment.

About Locus Bio-Energy


Locus Bio-Energy serves as the oil innovation division of Locus Fermentation Solutions, recognized as a global frontrunner in biomanufacturing. The company specializes in developing high-performance biosurfactant-enhanced treatments aimed at optimizing well performance, minimizing operational costs, and enhancing long-term asset values. Their solutions outperform conventional oilfield chemicals across various applications such as enhanced oil recovery (EOR), flow assurance, and more, ultimately enabling operators to extract oil more efficiently over extended periods. All products are manufactured in the USA, complemented by expert technical support and field validation.

Topics Energy)

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