WorldOil

Controlling the Well 23 blowout in Iran's Kangan field

An earthquake had shifted a shallow fault, damaging casing and causing the blowout.

IADC's WellCAP program provides latest in well control training

Established as the standard for well control training on the US OCS, WellCAP is broadening its curriculum and gearing up to train many new personnel.

InterOil, an independent operator in Papua New Guinea, recently prevailed over myriad logistical and downhole obstacles to safely and successfully manage a well control incident, and complete a wildcat well. The sidetracked well was Elk 1 ST #1. This prospect, identified from geophysical and limited offset data, was sited in such a remote area that no roads could be used to transport personnel, equipment or materials to the site. Transportation to the site was via helicopter. Thus, equipment selection was restricted by weight, and the operational schedule was often affected by weather. A plugged bit, a fish in the BHA and severe losses encountered in a fractured limestone formation required mobilization of personnel, materials and equipment necessary for the selected intervention technique—use of reactive materials. A description of the well control operations, as well as explanations of the operational environment, logistical challenges, equipment limitations, and downhole configuration that defined the well control problem, are provided below.

Due to difficult, remote jungle logistics, InterOil's decision to undergo the expense and risk of a reactive material squeeze protected an important discovery well.

Alternative well control methods for deepwater dual density drilling

For better openhole pressure distribution, the gas-lift, dual-density method is favored.

Deepwater statistical report: Largest deepwater discoveries by field since 2000

Horizontal drilling increases injectivity and recovery: An update

Reasons for using this method in underpressured, compartmentalized carbonate reservoirs include operational ease, safety and reduced damage.

Passive low frequency spectral analysis: Exploring a new field in geophysics

Faced with a seized gate valve in the closed position, the operator employed a pioneering milling operation to restore health to an offshore well.

Static drilling efficiency threatens the US Gulf of Mexico

A lack of growth in Gulf of Mexico drilling efficiency can be traced to non-productive time hurting economics, as well as governmental and insurance constraints limiting new technology.

Editorial Comment

Oil Prices-Who is to blame?

Oil and gas in the Capitals

Friction over gas reserves with China prompts Japanese military upgrade

What's new in production

Two new heavy oil technologies; First GOM FPSO use approved

Companies in the news

Acquisitions, mergers, ventures and other company news

Industry at a glance

In November, lower OPEC oil production countered higher OECD supply, resulting in an overall global decline of 50,000 bpd.

Meeting Events

Vol. 228 No. 01  Meeting & events   FEBRUARY AAPL (American Association of Professional Landmen), North Amer

New products

New product and service offerings from company press releases.

People in industry

World of Oil

International news in the oil and gas industry