In hydraulic fracturing operations, a large fleet of equipment is required to blend and pump fluid down a wellbore to fracture a formation. High horsepower diesel pumps create the force needed to induce fractures within the wellbore, and in the process, can consume 6,000-8,000 gallons of diesel fuel each day.
In an effort to reduce this consumption, Baker Hughes recently introduced the Rhino biofuel hydraulic fracturing pump which allows for up to 65% replacement if its diesel consumption with natural gas during pumping operations. Biofuel systems present several significant advantages such as no loss of horsepower, improved emissions, reduced diesel consumption, and the utilization of natural gas as a fuel without utilizing a spark-ignited natural gas engine.
With more stringent emission requirements being set forth by the Environmental Protection Agency, it is beneficial to have the ability to reduce operating costs and engine emissions by using cheaper, cleaner natural gas.