Exploration

Ocean Bottom Seismic--Panel in print There is an increasing "disconnect" between the depth of deep water and ultra-deep water discoveries and the current capability of Ocean Bottom Seismic (OBS) systems. Where is multicomponent OBS headed? In a question and answer format, World Oil asks a panel of five experts with diverse backgrounds in manufacturing, academia and exploration for their views.

Developing tight gas reservoirs Results of a Federal Energy Technology Lab project in San Juan basin that should increase drilling success and gas production in tight reservoirs are discussed by Geospectrum, of Midland, Texas. The reservoir development firm employed multiple-azimuth 3-D seismic attributes to map the highest natural fracture density, porosity and other favorable reservoir characteristics.

 Automation & Control

With the majority of the fields in western world in a mature phase, it has been recognized that even a small increase in resource recovery rates would result in enormous gains. ABB illustrates several of its cost-effective solutions for increasing production through automation and control.

The Malampaya deepwater field development is one of the most challenging and successful gas-to-power projects in recent history. It will be written about for some time to come. Shell shares its experience in integrating and using Foundation Fieldbus and Plantweb Architechture technologies on Malampaya.

 Deepwater Technology Report

Riserless drilling in deepwater can save time and money. This presentation from Baker Hughes INTEQ illustrates the technique with special attention given to drilling fluid selection. The method described in this article deals with extending casing setting depths early in the drilling process, thus extending the depths of subsequent casing and therefore the TD of the well. Several case studies illustrate the method.

 Petroleum Technology Digest

World Oil's popular, quarterly feature is published in association with the Petroleum Technology Transfer Council. The brief-yet-complete format features several articles that give practical information for solving technical problems and increasing profits.

 Drill Bit Classifier

Each year, World Oil publishes this valuable guide for drill bit selection. This comprehensive listing of major manufacturer's drilling bits aids engineers, drilling supervisors and related disciplines that require detailed drill bit information to do their job. The guide uses the IADC classification system and shows the substantial changes made from year to year.