Production Report

Fiber optic DTS optimizes completions, identifies production problems. Applying fiber optics to monitor and measure temperature aids in optimizing completion procedures and improves reservoir knowledge and performance. Schlumberger has recorded numerous successes with its fiber optic distributed temperature system (DTS) by detecting production problems and taking actions that resulted in improved output for the operator. DTS provides survey data throughout the life of the well.

Concise and practical fracturing handbook. Rules are thumb for water/ low-proppant fracing are extended and improved through the use of simple, calculator-friendly equations. Predicted results are compared and analyzed with examples from Barnett Shale & Cotton Valley wells in Texas. Presented by Halliburton and Devon Energy.

ChevronTexaco describes an unprecedented matrix squeeze treatment in a deepwater well using a novel salt inhibitor from BJ Services. The treatment resulted in a huge production improvement to – 10,000 barrels per day – without salt buildup.

 GIS and Remote Sensing

Fracture and satellite hyperspectral analysis for petroleum exploration. Two research projects completed for the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority demonstrated that there is strong correlation between areas of high fracture density and petroleum production from fractured Devonian shales. ° Fracture zones mapped from satellite data identified previously unmapped basement faults. ASTER satellite hyperspectral data°proved useful in locating these major fracture zones°and in detecting differences in vegetation related to hydrocarbons. Field work and geochemical surveys verified the location and orientation of fractures, faults, and fracture zones and the presence of hydrocarbons along particular fractures. Authors from EarthSat synthesize the results of these two studies and relate them to petroleum exploration.

Integrating various geologic and remote sensing data for basin-scale prospecting in Australia. How several remote-sensing and other technologies were integrated in a major analysis for oil & gas exploration. By G. Obrien, from NCPGG, a federal agency engaged in research at Adelaide.

 Drilling

A novel rig design allows drilling in an urban setting without noise or obtrusiveness. Authors from BreitBurn Energy and a consulting firm describe this most unusual rack-and-pinion rig, designed by Norway's EDM, drilling a well only one block south of Beverly Hills, California.

 Deepwater Brazil

Brazil makes further strides in deepwater development and technology. Consultant and former ANP director Giovanni Toniatti brings his expert knowledge to analyze/review Brazil's deepwater sector. Mr. Toniatti reviews recent activity highlights and trends in the deeper waters offshore Brazil including the latest, significant exploratory wells, recent and ongoing field development projects, production levels and enhancements. There will also be some discussion of the trends in technology being utilized for this sector.

 Petroleum Technology Digest

World Oil's useful feature is published in association with the Petroleum Technology Transfer Council. November's feature is from Tidelands Oil Production Co. It describes their experience with gravel packing horizontal wells through a shoe, which is a method to salvage otherwise botched completions. The report includes a detailed case study on one well, with general insights on the procedure after having performed several treatments.

 World Oil's Annual Awards supplement, which contains profiles winners in each of 10 categories with a description of their achievement. The 10 award categories are:

The Innovative Thinkers Award
The Health, Safety, Environment/Sustainable Development Award
The Best Outreach Program Award
Best Exploration Solution Award
Best Drilling/Completion Solution Award
Best Production Solution Award
Best Data Management Solution Award
Best Data Visualization Solution Award
Best Business Acumen Award
The New Horizons Idea Award