Issue: January 2014
Well control events are almost exclusively detected by surface measurements. Early kick detection, especially in deepwater, where the riser comprises a substantial section of the wellbore, is paramount for limiting the severity of a wellbore influx; it also improves the operator’s ability to regain well control.
In 2005, when shale exploration was taking off, with the Henry Hub gas price above $13/Mcf, Woodford was just plain Woodford. After gas prices cratered in 2009, operators focused their attention on the Cana Woodford, the liquids-rich shale play in Canadian County, Okla. The continuing search for liquids opened up a new area called SCOOP (South Central Oklahoma Oil Project), featuring a 400-ft, liquids-rich shale section with two targets—upper and lower Woodford.
Mexico takes a major step forward