Underbalanced Drilling

Underbalanced-undervalued? Direct qualitative comparison proves the technique. Lithuanian joint venture, UAB Minijos Nafta, and Weatherford present a case study that directly compares a dual completion and resulting production histories from underbalanced and overbalanced drilling in the same (surface) wellbore, into the same reservoir.

Optimizing UBD operations. Two Parker Drilling Co. International authors will discuss the best method, from a drilling contractor's view, to execute a safe, productive UBD project.

Reservoir Characterization

New-generation reservoir management improves exploration results. This report describes how WesternGeco's Q-marine technology (using calibrated sensors, sources and steerable streamers) is reducing exploration risk by delivering better subsurface images. There are several examples, plus input from BP, Kerr-McGee and Statoil.

Proper integration of 3-D AVO and seismic inversion. This article is derived from a case study of Argentina's María Inés Oeste field. Authored by Pecom Energía S.A, Neuquén, Argentina, and Veritas Exploration Services, Houston, the study presents an integrated, systematic approach to prospect evaluation using seismic inversion (petrophysical analysis of well-log data) and 3D AVO.

GPS & EAGE Previews

GPS: One of the world's largest E&P events, Canada's bi-annual Global Petroleum Show convenes at Calgary's Stampede Park, June 11-13, 2002. In conjunction, the Canadian International Petroleum Conference's 53rd Annual Technical Meeting will be held in the Stampede Roundup Centre. World Oil is the flagship publication for GPS-in addition to hosting the Centre Stage Theater for technology case studies, World Oil will provide a full preview of the technical program and exhibition in the May issue.
EAGE: The 64th Annual Conference & Exhibition of the European Association of Geoscientists and Engineers will be held in Florence, Italy, during May 27-30, 2002. This is one of Europe's premier technical events, featuring strong attendance from the world's leading oil companies. World Oil's coverage will include an advance look at the conference's technical program, as well as a preview of the exhibition.

Artificial Lift

Part 2-Electrical Submersible Pumps/other devices. The Texas Tech duo of Herald Winkler and Jim Lea compiles the second half of one of World Oil's most popular, annual features. For ESPs, there are eight new equipment and instrument developments/improvements. Seven additional artificial lift items include motor controllers and monitors; automation systems; enhanced oil recovery control; and tubing insulation.

Deepwater Technology Report

Developing a feasible, closely moored wellhead platform/FPSO scenario. Halliburton's Kellogg Brown & Root and Texaco will discuss design drivers and schemes for closely moored FPSOs in benign deepwater environments. Some examples of such environments include Indonesia, West Africa and Brazil.

Technology At Work

World Oil's popular quarterly presentation includes recent upstream technology advances and applications that help operators/contractors improve their operations. Selected articles include will include a field case study from Petroleum Technology Transfer Council; new developments in gas dehydration; micro-seismic monitoring and transmission; and a high-resolution, reservoir imaging and interpretation solution.