Intelligent Well Technology

Hydraulically operated flow-control devices with an all optical, in-well permanent sensor system. Weatherford's first deployment of a new system that combines monitoring with flow control is described in this case study. Discussed are the design, planning and execution of a multi-zone intelligent well installation for a major operator. The completion was installed in a mature offshore Nigeria field on an unmanned platform, with an FPSO facility hosting all control functions.

How intelligent well technology optimizes reservoir performance. WellDynamics authors overview how intelligent completions give asset managers field development planning tools, as well as the ability to respond to changing reservoir conditions and optimize production while reducing intervention and operating costs. Economic factors that help decide the right level of technology and binary/multiposition systems are discussed.

Improving reliability in downhole flow control. Schlumberger presents an intelligent completion system that simplifies control and reduces cost, so much so that it could be used in brown-fields. The article describes a new, integrated, intelligent, downhole, multiplexed completion system. This allows multiple flow control, formation evaluation, and measurement devices, along with packer and valve controls, to be strategically placed downhole using a single electro-hydraulic interface. Technology is under development that will bring production/isolation packers and safety valves into a single-line multidrop control system.

 Casing While Drilling

Extending casing points in abnormal pressure using drill-in liners. A drilling consultant and an author from Argonauta Drilling Services give an overview of the casing while drilling technique, including: liner drilling; the "why and how" of using the technology in abnormal pressure regimes; how friction pressure is used to drill deeper into narrow margins; and details on the potential for the technology. An example design for drilling 2,200-ft with 7-in. liner is presented, as well as a case where liner drilling is used in a low-risk application to mitigate ballooning.

Casing drilling technology: How the pieces fit. From drillbits to BHAs to software to specialized rigs, an overview of the technology offered by the major contributors for casing while drilling.

 Geophysics/4D

4D seismic report. A report on the progress of 4D technology to date, with emphasis on Statoil's recent installation of the world's first, permanent, ocean bottom seismic system.

Rock physics and AVO effects in rocks Two case studies illustrate the value of estimating rock properties and fluids in thin carbonate reservoirs from Lamda-Mu-Rho coefficients and AVO inversion. Discussed by authors from Core Laboratories, Cavell Energy Corp. and D.R. Resource Management Consultants.

 Caspian Oil: An In-Depth Analysis

Authors from BP and the University of Houston give an overview and analysis of current and forecast Caspian area resources and their likely impact on our industry and the world. The discussion includes Kashagan field, which is expected to be the second biggest petroleum deposit in the world following Saudi Arabia's Ghawar field and is the largest new oil field found over the last 30 years. By 2010, the Caspian region is expected to produce three million barrels of oil per day.

 Deepwater Technology: Riser Systems

Production riser systems for Mexico's deepwater environment. Intec reviews key points of a research project it conducted for Mexico's IMP institute for deepwater production scenarios. The study compares conditions in Mexican waters to those in three other deepwater developments, and investigates riser designs related to subsea systems and floating units.

 Petroleum Technology

Corrosion resistant, high pressure spoolable carbon composite line pipe. This article from Hydril Advanced Composites details the growing use of this composite, with comments and applications from ChevronTexaco, ConocoPhillips and Husky. Available since 1999, it has been used successfully in many line-pipe applications. Its advantages over conventional line pipe include: fewer connections; less installation time; high pressure ratings; greater impact resistance; tight bending radius; and internal and external corrosion resistance.

Petroleum Technology Digest. Our popular, recurring feature that results from World Oil's association with the Petroleum Technology Transfer Council will feature a case study involving a practical, cost-effective solution to a technical field problem for enhanced production.