Recently, the “UltraFrac HT frac fluid” system, jointly developed and submitted by CNPC’s Houston Technology Research Center and the Engineering Technology Research Institute of CNPC, won the 2025 E&P Engineering Innovation Award.

This marks CNPC’s return to the prestigious award since its Engineering Technology Research Institute first won in 2015 with the “Drilling Energy-Saving Navigator.” The latest recognition highlights CNPC’s international leadership in ultra-high-temperature reservoir stimulation technologies.

The UltraFrac HT frac fluid system is the result of joint R&D between CNPC's Houston center and domestic institutions, leveraging the international resources of the Houston platform. It incorporates innovative temperature-responsive molecular structures and adaptive crosslinking control mechanisms to create a frac fluid capable of withstanding temperatures up to 230°C. This system addresses key challenges of traditional fracturing fluids under extreme conditions, such as poor thermal and shear resistance, increased pipe string friction, and high residue content.

As China pushes deeper into ultra-deep and 10,000-meter wells, there is growing demand for safe and efficient well testing and stimulation under ultra-high temperatures. The UltraFrac HT system offers a vital solution to this challenge. Additionally, with the nation’s "dual carbon" goals accelerating geothermal energy exploration, this technology shows broad potential for future application.

According to reports, the E&P Engineering Innovation Award is one of the most prestigious technology awards in the global oil and gas industry. It recognizes breakthrough technologies and products in upstream oil and gas development worldwide.

As of May 25, the UltraFrac HT system had been deployed in 15 wells across key exploration areas such as the Qaidam and Songliao Basins, with over 20,000 cubic meters of fluid used. It has set three national records for single-well scale, maximum flow rate, and proppant volume under ultra-high temperature conditions, achieving a 100% success rate.