Well Control and Intervention

Abel Engineering and Scientific Drilling describe how to drill a relief well by combining LWD/MWD magnetic ranging technology with state of the art direction drilling tools. Using this strategy and special techniques that “mine” the ellipsis of error for well intersection, the relief well can be completed in less time and risk. This positively impacts pollution effects and reserve losses. Hole problems are potentially reduced because openhole logging and tripping out drill pipe is eliminated during ranging. The overall result is an aggressive relief well strategy with minimal risk.

Deep, high-pressure/high-temperature gas-well cleanout. BJ Services and Dominion Oil and Gas describe the use of coiled tubing with densified fluid to clean out – following a high-volume frac job – a 15,000-ft, HP/HT South Texas gas well.

Isolating wellheads using ice plugs for during re-completion. This study describes how Cudd Pressure Control and operator Aera used liquid nitrogen to create ice plugs for isolation. The particular application was on steam-injection wells for wellhead replacement.

 Deepwater Drilling Technology

Hydril overviews advantages and applications of dual-gradient drilling. The company’s Subsea Mudlift Drilling Co. is the result of the SubSea MudLift Drilling JIP with Conoco (Project Administrator) and Hydril (Project Designer) and many other industry participants. That effort led to the successful completion of the world's first subsea field test of a full-scale, dual-gradient drilling system late in 2001. Among other advantages, the process extends the casing point of the surface string.

 Petroleum Technology Digest

This popular feature is published in association with the Petroleum Technology Transfer Council. A brief-yet-complete article describes how operators are using polylined tubing. These plastic liners reduce downhole failures from rod-tubing wear and tubing corrosion in artificial lift and injection wells. Western Falcon describes how BP America, ChevronTexaco, Conoco, and Fasken Oil and Ranch have used polylined tubulars in over 41 wells with substantial savings in operating costs.

 Tubing Tables

World Oil’s popular reference guide for tubing up to 5-in OD and production-tubing couplings. The reference gives connection dimensions, steel grades, coupling type, sealing mechanism and minimum joint-tension strength. Connection manufacturer contact information is also provided.

 Made in Norway

As the name implies, this approximately 24-page supplement features technology and products made in Norway. A separate magazine, it will be poly-bagged with the regular January issue.