Register Now for the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) Denver Technical Happy Hour – October 16, 2025 – Denver, CO

Date & Time: October 16, 2025 | 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM (MDT)
Location:
Liberty Energy
950 17th St, Suite 2400
Denver, CO 80202, United States

Event Overview

Join the Society of Petroleum Engineers – Denver Section for our October Technical Happy Hour, an interactive after-work gathering that blends technical insight with professional networking. This month’s session will dive deep into how AI is revolutionizing hydraulic fracturing operations, with a cutting-edge presentation from industry leader Jessica Iriarte, General Manager of Completions at Corva.

Presentation Topic

Enhancing Operational Awareness in Haynesville Operations with Advanced Stage-Categorization Models

This study introduces an AI-driven approach to stage categorization for hydraulic fracturing operations — tackling deviations from pumping designs that often lead to increased costs, reduced efficiency, and operational unpredictability.

Using a dataset of 1,595 stages, of which 970 exhibited at least one operational issue (including mid-stage shutdowns, screen outs, and rate reductions), the model automates the classification of stage anomalies. It distinguishes between surface and subsurface issues, improving decision-making and setting the stage for predictive machine learning models that can anticipate trouble before it happens.

Technical Highlights

• Eight model iterations refined the detection of operational issues, starting from basic pressure slope algorithms to dynamic, multi-variable analysis.
• Versions 1–4 enhanced detection with pressure checks, chemical concentration integration, and stage-activity-specific searches.
• Version 5 introduced dynamic thresholds to account for friction effects from different casing sizes and measured depths.
• Version 6 removed low-precision factors, significantly improving accuracy.
• Version 7 enhanced Clean Sweep remediation detection using flush activity analysis and pressure sensitivity tuning.
• Version 8 connected subsequent subsurface issues to earlier anomalies in the stage’s progression.

The final model analyzes time-series data — including pressure, rate, proppant and chemical concentrations, and wellbore design parameters — achieving 98% accuracy and 88% precision in identifying critical issues such as mid-stage shutdowns and screen outs.

By distinguishing between surface and subsurface problems, operators can optimize treatment designs, reduce costs, and improve operational consistency. The study also uncovered significant correlations between operational challenges and geological variability, underscoring the importance of integrating rock and operational data for better decision-making.

Speaker Bio

Jessica Iriarte is the General Manager of Completions at Corva. A data science and energy leader, she has held various leadership roles in oil and gas, with international experience spanning data, research, and field operations. Jessica is an inventor, a distinguished lecturer, and has published 17 papers with SPE, JPT, and URTeC.

She holds a Bachelor of Science in Petroleum Engineering from Universidad del Zulia and a Master of Science in Petroleum Engineering from Colorado School of Mines.

Agenda

• 4:00 PM – Doors Open & Networking
• 4:30 PM – Technical Presentation by Jessica Iriarte
• 5:15 – 6:00 PM – Q&A and Open Networking

Why Attend

• Learn about cutting-edge AI applications for hydraulic fracturing operations.
• Gain technical insights you can apply directly to field operations and decision-making.
• Network with Denver’s leading petroleum engineers and energy professionals.
• Enjoy an engaging, after-work environment sponsored by Liberty Energy.

Important Notes

• Pre-registration is required to attend.
• The event is free for SPE Denver Section members and limited seating is available.
• Arrive early to secure your spot and make the most of networking time.