By Phil Henderson, PadX Program Manager, Scovan
Conceived nearly a decade ago and put into practice through the establishment of PadX Partnership two years ago, our vision for the PadX well pad solution is rooted in the commitment to drive progress and create opportunities within the industry. PadX sets out to deliver maximum value to producers through an innovative, standardized, modular, and streamlined well pad approach. However, as with any technology, there is always room for improvement. At Scovan, we are dedicated to continuously refining our SAGD modules to meet the ever-evolving needs of our clients.
In recent years, Scovan has made significant strides in enhancing our PadX well pad module design. We are proud to announce that we have successfully executed our first PadX modules, including the completion and delivery of the Strathcona D08 project, consisting of five well pairs, is currently steaming with the use of our innovative PadX technology. The MEG MD project, which features nine well pairs and one Balance of Pad (BOP), is also in progress, and we have initiated a PadX installation for Connacher’s Algar project, made up of five well pairs and one BOP.
One key factor that has contributed to our success is our new operational philosophy. By actively listening to and addressing the concerns of our consortium clients, we have developed a roadmap for continuous product improvement. This includes the implementation of a change management process to identify, incorporate, and execute necessary improvements.
To ensure efficient and effective execution of these improvements, we have also appointed a new product development program manager and created a clear accountability structure through our PadX accountabilities chart and RACI (Responsible, Accountable, Consulted, Informed) matrix. Additionally, we have adopted EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System) and traction processes specifically for PadX, setting a clear three-year vision for the program and aligning internal priorities across all business units.
Moreover, we are constantly advancing the PadX program to provide offerings to address the unique needs of different operating conditions, such as gas lifts and slant wells. This utility expansion has also caught the attention of other industry players, leading to an increase in sales beyond our initial partnerships.
At Scovan, we are committed to integrating lean manufacturing principles in all aspects of our business. This includes early value stream mapping, which has allowed us to identify and optimize our assembly line process for SAGD module production. Through experience and continuous improvements, we have also updated our targets and set a competitive sales price for our modules.
Our dedication to innovation has also resulted in a pending patent for our PadX technology in Canada. With over 100 well pair implementations in sight, we are continuously enhancing our program with the goal of releasing PadX 2.0 in 2024. Through these efforts, we have developed net present value calculations that have identified a potential improvement of up to 30% on total well pad cost.
As part of our commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility, we have implemented our veritree program on all PadX projects. With every purchase of PadX, clients can participate in a reforestation program that offsets the footprint of their well pad project. Through veritree, we are able to restore our planet. We are creating local jobs, sequestering carbon, and restoring ecosystems together. This means that Scovan is not only building well pad modules but also creating a PadX Forest through our partnership with veritree.com.
Through our continuous improvement efforts, supply chain partnerships and flexible commercial models, we strive to provide our clients with the most efficient and cost-effective solutions for their needs. We look forward to further developments in this ever-evolving industry and are devoted to remaining leaders in SAGD technology.
Scovan is further developing artificial intelligence and operational optimization for PadX. The short-term victory is improved efficiency and automation of engineering deliverables. The longterm opportunity is creating a digital platform that plans, measures, predicts and optimizes performance to reduce emissions and make you more money.
We doubled down on our investment in industry programs like PadX. Our first version 1 PadX modules have come off the line and are in field production. This program is more important now than ever before through standardization, securing long-lead equipment, agility in execution, reduced pricing, allowing everyone to elevate their most precious commodity—people—to solve more pressing challenges, and shorter project timeframes.
As a natural bolt on technology to PadX, Hip Vap’s commercial demonstration of our revolutionary Produced Water Boiler technology is successfully generating steam. Scovan is committed to continuing to challenge the business of energy through new technology development and improving the long-term success of your projects. Our vision is to play a significant role in the current and future success of the energy industry. Scovan is intentional in creating an organization that meets the needs of today and the opportunity of tomorrow. Thanks for being part of it.
Originally published in Scovan’s IGNITE Vol. 7.
