Preview of OTC 2002

Deep into the future of offshore E&P is the theme of this year's Offshore Technology Conference, May6-9 in Houston. This year's event is historically significant, as it will be the first OTC to be held in the new, just-completed Reliant Center, as opposed to the traditional Astrohall. The two venues are on opposite sides of the Astrodome in Reliant Park. World Oil's pre-conference coverage will include extensive listing of themes/content for technical and general sessions, as well as details on topical luncheons, special breakfasts and the exhibition hall, where more than 1,600 companies are expected to take up more than 370,000 sq ft.

Special Report: Technology From Europe

As part of our OTC issue, this special section offers the latest offshore technology innovations from the main European players: United Kingdom, Scandinavia, Netherlands, France and Italy. A selection of intriguing technology developments and case history applications from the last 12 months (since the previous OTC) will be presented. There will also be interviews representative of the offshore policy/technology views of these countries.

Artificial Lift

Part 1: From their base at Texas Tech University, our long-standing contributors, the duo of Herald Winkler and Jim Lea, will compile the first half of one of World Oil's most popular, annual features. Once again, they will assemble a fine array of exciting new developments/systems in the categories of Rod Pumping and Gas Lift. Look for plenty of colorful photos and diagrams to accompany the featured items.

Natural Gas Series

Gas technology report. The second installment of our bi-monthly gas series is a case history contributed by Roxar and Statoil. The firms will describe how permanent sensors were used to monitor pore pressure and manage gas production in Troll field.

Exploration

"Bio-Degradation Index" unveiled. BHP-Billiton Petroleum shares its experience with a new method the company uses to quantify biodegradation risk and reservoir fluid quality-the Bio-Degradation Index-using a basin's thermal and hydrocarbon charge histories.

Drilling

Software program offers predictive capability to optimize drilling. Offshore Norway and onshore Oklahoma, a new drilling mechanics software model has been tested and proven. Three Halliburton Energy Services authors describe this model's background and development. Charts illustrate how the model can be applied to calculating mechanical efficiency for any bit type in any rock strength.

Production

Software program offers predictive capability to optimize drilling. Offshore Norway and onshore Oklahoma, a new drilling mechanics software model has been tested and proven. Three Halliburton Energy Services authors describe this model's background and development. Charts illustrate how the model can be applied to calculating mechanical efficiency for any bit type in any rock strength.

Production

How to analyze/handle tubular corrosion problems. As outlined by two Viking Engineering authors, there are several ways that an operator can plan for tubing-string corrosion. The article includes example analyses that show how to select the most profitable approach.