Exploration

CSEM. Controled Source ElectroMagnetics, although still relatively new to some, can now be considered an established exploration technique, as evidenced from the rapid uptake of the technology in the past four years. However, the literature to date has not been forthcoming with examples, case studies or testimonials, with the exception of two, now famous examples, one offshore West Africa, the other offshore Norway, which have been over-published. In this report, Shell describes its experience with CSEM, and gives some concrete examples as to why the company likes the technology.

Novel EM exploration technologies. At any given time there exists a variety of new and re-invented exploration techniques that, while intriguing, have trouble getting excepted in the mainstream exploration community. CSEM is an example of one EM technology that broke through, but are there others similarly positioned? This report examines three novel technologies that are variations on electromagnetic phenomena. They are at the stage, where they are showing sufficient merit that might just get accepted into the mainstream.

Central Utah petroleum systems. The Central Utah Fold and Thrust Belt has become a hot topic in recent years as one of the high-potential oil and gas regions in North America, especially after the Wolverine oil discovery in 2004. The state bids are the highest in the history of Utah. Two researchers from the Energy & Geoscience Institute at the University of Utah evaluate the geoscience behind the petroleum systems in this region.

 Drill Bit Classifier

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

 Production Chemicals

A new way to remove water-soluble organics from produced water. The most reliable and cost-effective way to separate these organics has traditionally been to add non-volatile, multi-protic oxo acids. An author from Baker Petrolite describes a new, milder class of desolubilizer in conjunction with certain polymers that can be used to remove these organics with minimal corrosion and without the formation of scale. This new chemistry is explained and case histories chronicled to illustrate its effectiveness in the field.

Acidizing with a coiled tubing jet. This case study describes how a gas storage reservoir had become plugged through the formation of precipitates across the sandface and gravel pack. Using the right formulation of chemicals and acid, together with a low-velocity CT delivery system, allowed the operator to preserve the gravel pack and dramatically increase flow to/from the reservoir.

 International Statistical Review/ Forecast

World Oil's world review statistical tables are meticulously gathered, compiled and qualified. These tables, from our own exclusive surveys, include: oil and gas reserves; wells drilled and wells forecast to be drilled, as well as footage drilled; number of producing wells by various categories, including artificial lift and flowing; all listed by country.

 Automation & Control

This case history tells how wireless technology is used throughout a field facility. Sensors detect various types of field data in real time, and then relay that data to a central office. Such automated monitoring is becoming well-established and growing more sophisticated every day, as this case study shows.

 Deepwater Technology

Effective flow assurance. Deepwater production is constantly in danger of having crude oil components "freezing" in the wellhead and lines, whether or not there is a production problem. This article examines how an offshore operator instituted a new way to prevent flow assurance problems that it was encountering.

The Benguela-Belize project. Located offshore Angola, West Africa, this was the first application of the compliant-piled tower (CPT) technology outside the US Gulf of Mexico. This fast-track project created a bottom-founded production hub facility for four oil fields located in a water depth of 1,280 ft (390 m). The facility accommodates a large number of wells, risers and a record-setting operating payload of 40,000 tons. The article focuses on the process for selecting the CPT concept, and highlights the design and engineering considerations that produced the support for the fifth largest structure in the world.

 Petroleum Technology Digest

Our popular, recurring feature results from World Oil's association with the Petroleum Technology Transfer Council. This month's feature discusses a case study on slick water fracs using lightweight proppant. Using this well stimulation technology increased production and decreased decline rates in a mature Permian basin well. Authored by Cimarex Energy Co. and BJ.