Issue: August 2017
Special Focus
Ultra-HPHT wells are challenging the limits of tubular performance, in terms of metallurgy and threaded connections. But higher pressures and temperatures are only part of the challenge. Carbon steel, hot-rolled chromium-based stainless steel, and cold-hardened materials are all options that must be considered to optimize economics in ultra-HPHT applications.
Conventional tubular technology has imposed performance limitations and financial strain on horizontal well interventions. Premature upset wear, extensive redress charges and moderate torsional ratings are of increasing concern.
Features
Early subsea wells used API drill pipe, which was available on the rig, to land production tubing and completion equipment from the surface vessel to the subsea wellhead. As total depths approached 30,000 ft, pressures increased beyond the capacity of standard API drill pipe and rotary-shouldered connections with gas-tight, metal-to-metal seals. This led to the development of dedicated completion tubulars, starting in the early 2000s, but further improvements were still possible.
Drilling activity is noticeably higher, as American drillers climb out from historically low levels.
Amid increasing political uncertainty and a stagnant unemployment rate, Canadian operators are still fighting to regain E&P stability and drive pipeline projects forward.
Making hay in a temperamental market
Despite less than ideal oil prices, operators are proceeding with multiple field projects offshore Newfoundland, given their long timeframes. The exploration side of the local industry is also active, while provincial officials consider the next role for the long-serving, Bull Arm fabrication site.
An initial field trial of an advanced hand-held analyzer has shown its potential for rapid, effective testing and measurement of fluids.
Analysts see the region gearing up for a comeback
In 2014, the Scottish government created the Oil and Gas Innovation Centre (OGIC), as part of a greater £120-million technology development program. OGIC is part of the UK and Scottish government’s rapidly evolving support for oil and gas exploration. To date, the organization has funded over 40 projects, valued at over £2.5 million ($3.25 million).
Advances in inflatable tools have enabled operators to rely on the technology throughout the life of a well. They can be configured as a packer or a bridge plug, be permanent or retrievable, and provide single-set or multi-set functioning. Because inflatables can have an OD two-to-three times the run-in diameter, they have a distinct advantage over conventional tools.
Columns
On July 30, either through their own free will, or through coercion and intimidation by their president, Nicholas Maduro, the citizens of Venezuela approved a new “Constituent Assembly.”
Producers have recently reacted to stagnant oil prices with announcements of cuts in capital spending.
In July, the U.S. rig count plateaued at 953 rigs after 15 months of solid gains.
Does anyone in the television media know what E&P entities do, and what comprises energy companies?
To continue our disquisition about replacing water in hydraulic fracturing operations, let’s look at a couple of long shots in that race.
Notwithstanding Latin America’s limited economic growth, exploration investments are the common denominator in the region’s major oil and gas plays.
Michael Fripp has remained consistent as an innovator throughout his entire life.
As U.S. unconventional gas producers gear up to export LNG, one of their biggest competitors is a huge offshore natural gas field that straddles the international boundary in the Persian (Arabian) Gulf between Qatar and Iran.
In a book described as “geek humor at its finest,” Spurious Correlations takes a look at data obsession and conspiracy theories through wacky attempts at drawing a linear link between the statistically debunked correlation and causation relationship.
On March 18, 1938, Mexican President Lázaro Cárdenas nationalized and/or expropriated all private, foreign and domestic oil companies, creating Petróleos Mexicanos (Pemex).
News & Resources
Exxon Mobil has uncovered additional resources at the Payara reservoir in the Stabroek Block, offshore Guyana.
In spite of weakening OPEC compliance with output cuts, oil prices managed to hold steady around $47/bbl in July and flirted with $50/bbl during the last week of the month.
John Flannery, president and CEO of GE Healthcare, has been elected as GE corporate’s new CEO. Flannery began his career with GE Capital in 1987, where he evaluated risk for leveraged buyouts.
Expro has secured a $10-million well services contract extension with Apache North Sea to 2019.
Schlumberger has introduced the Pulsar multi-function spectroscopy service at the SPWLA 58th Annual Symposium.
