Microseismic monitoring yields production optimization strategies for Marcellus shale

A production optimization experiment, conducted in the Marcellus shale, suggests that of all varied completion parameters examined, increasing the stage length poses the highest potential for cost-savings. Further studies should be conducted, using a more sophisticated model, in which the attributes are fully dependent on each other.

Ultra-deepwater system optimizes multilateral production, benefits environment, safety

A new ultra-deepwater intelligent production system, with wireless data and power transfer capabilities, has been shown to optimize production in multilateral wells and increase well life. Developed under a project run by RPSEA, the system also reduces environmental impact and improves safety.

North American rig fleet gains while activity level drops

In the U.S. and Canada, additions to fleets increased availability, while activity decreased. The global offshore mobile fleet posted another modest gain, with 42 newbuilds entering service in the last year.

Regional Report: The Arctic

The northernmost region holds great promise, but increasingly, the risk is that it remains just so. Doubts are gathering about whether governmental policy, combined with changing industry economics, will permit the development of the last frontier.

New 2D seismic data improve evaluation of Barents and Kara Sea basins

In the Russian part of the Barents and Kara Seas, sedimentary basins of different ages are singled out. All of these basins have different hydrocarbon systems. The new seismic data show possible prospects and add significantly to the investigation of the hydrocarbon potential of the sedimentary basins of the Barents and Kara Seas.

Monterey/Santos: Operators struggle with cracking code

The headline in the Sept. 23 issue of The Wall Street Journal says it all: “So much shale oil—but, so hard to get.”

Evolution of subsea boosting increases production from existing and marginal fields

Since 2000, oil companies have moved into deeper waters and lower-permeability reservoirs, and toward higher well shut-in pressures, thus creating an accelerated demand for increased boosting technology. The greatest “leap” in technology has been the increase in pressure rating from 3,000 to 15,000 psi, and the increase of pump differential pressure from 500 to 3,000 psi.