New products

Vol. 233 No. 11

Wireline formation testing for low-permeability reservoirs

Former NASA astronaut Alan Bean was the keynote speaker at Schlumberger’s product launch at the SPE ATCE 2012. Schlumberger introduced the Saturn 3D radial probe as the newest module for the MDT modular formation dynamics tester. With the Saturn probe, customers can now obtain pressure measurements and fluid samples where they were not previously possible, due to reservoir conditions. The probe is comprised of four elliptical suction probes mounted at 90° intervals circumferentially around the tool, providing the largest surface flow area of any probe in the industry—more than 500 times that of a standard probe. Analyzing reservoirs from more than 85 tool settings, the Saturn probe has been run in South America, Africa and the Middle East in environments ranging from onshore to deepwater. In Mexico, the Saturn probe successfully sampled fluids as low as 7°API gravity from unconsolidated formations, with unconfined compressive strength as low as 300 psi, which would have been difficult using conventional probes. In the Middle East, the Saturn probe sampled fluid in formations with mobility less than 2 mD/cP, enabling the customer to accurately identify the location of the hydrocarbon-water contact point.

Fracturing service increases Eagle Ford production

Halliburton has commercialized its new PermStimSM fracturing service. The service uses PermStim fluid, based on a derivatized natural polymer rather than guar. The fluid does not contain insoluble residue, making it a more robust system that will result in improved well performance. A recent fracturing treatment involved the first use of the new fluid system in the Eagle Ford shale. Magnum Hunter Resources chose the fluid for its Moose Hunter 1H well in Lavaca County, Texas. The fracturing treatment was performed in a 6,050-ft horizontal section at 10,897 ft, vertical depth, with a bottomhole temperature of 280°F and a BHP of 6,500 psi. The treatment was pumped down a 51/2-in. casing, using a hybrid fluid system that interspersed linear fluid stages with cross-linked fluid stages using PermStim fluid. Proppant concentration ramped from 0.25 lb to 4 lb per gallon. The 24-hr initial production was 1,686 bbl of oil and 801 Mcf of gas on a 16/64-in. choke, which exceeds the average 24-hr initial production for Magnum Hunter’s operated wells in the Eagle Ford area. Laboratory tests show that PermStim fluid provides significantly higher regained permeability than derivatized and native guar-based fluids. In proppant pack flow measurements, the derivatized guar-based fluid exhibited 70% regained permeability, and the native guar-based fluid only 40%, while the PermStim fluid exhibited 94% regained permeability.

Trouble-free sealing in API-6A and 6D gate valves

Indian manufacturer Shreeraj Industries has introduced a full range of ANSI class 150 to 2500 gate vales, in sizes from 2 in. to 24 in., with either flange or butt-weld ends. The company manufactures these through-conduit designed gate valves with minimum pressure drop for the oil and gas sector. Seats are fully protected, and seals can be replaced online and repacked while under pressure.

Reservoir scenarios program

Emerson Process Management is teaming up with Statoil in a Total Uncertainty Management program. The program will focus on how E&P companies can improve history matching and uncertainty management & quantification across the entire reservoir characterization workflow through Roxar ENABLE, Emerson’s history matching and uncertainty estimation software solution.

PDC bits improve cutting evacuation, maximize ROP

The new Hughes Christensen Talon platform of PDC bits from Baker Hughes improves cuttings evacuation for greater bit cleaning, offers application, specific bit profiles for superior directional control and utilizes the company’s StaySharp premium PDC cutter technology—all helping to maximize ROP, increasing performance and getting operators into the pay zone faster. The platform, which includes the Talon high-efficiency bit, the Talon 3D vector-accurate bit and the AutoTrak Curve rotary steerable system bit, also provides operators with enhanced durability and an optimal performing bit for virtually any drilling environment. The Talon technology includes advanced mechanical and hydraulic designs, such as uniquely shaped and positioned blades and nozzles, application-specific bit profiles, low-torque gauge designs and diverging junk slots. These improved efficiency designs mean more energy for rock removal, less vibration, increased durability and improved large-volume cuttings removal—all factors that boost ROP and run life. All Talon high-efficiency bits include Baker Hughes’ StaySharp PDC cutter technology.

Fluid performance additives improve post-well treatment

The Oilfield Technology Group (OTG) of Momentive Specialty Chemicals Inc. has expanded its product offerings beyond resin-coated proppants, to include fluid performance additives and hydrogen sulfide (H2S) scavengers. Over the years, the company has created many products that have come from resin research and development efforts. This includes OilPlus proppants, which are specifically designed to provide increased oil flow for fracturing treatments in oil and liquid-rich reservoirs. Another new product is the Fines-Sta 100 fines control agent, which helps stabilize insoluble formation fines generated during stimulation treatments. This product is used to address fines migration challenges associated with siliceous rocks, particularly those encountered in crude oil production or generated as a result of hydraulic fracturing or sandstone acidizing.  These formation fines can significantly reduce well productivity. Treatment can result in a significant increase in the long-term productivity and stabilization of the well, along with reduced maintenance costs.