Issue: May 2025
FEATURES
A new program is repositioning mature oil and gas assets within the world’s energy mix, adding production, decreasing lifting costs and reducing the environmental impact of operations.
When an operator experienced loss of well control at a depth of more than 21,000 ft, HPHT challenges came into play. An active magnetic ranging system helped the operator navigate these challenges, ultimately allowing the drilling of the deepest relief well in history.
New carbon capture technology promises to capture carbon dioxide directly from the atmosphere and could reduce costs by up to 50%, compared to existing methods, as well as increasing efficiency. This breakthrough may enable enhanced oil recovery, while significantly minimizing environmental impact.
COLUMNS
In today's booming energy sector, the dealmaking frenzy shows no signs of slowing. But as a CFO who has been on both sides of the transaction table across strategic energy M&A, I've learned a critical lesson that often goes against the grain of deal euphoria: Sometimes, the best deal is no deal.
SPECIAL FOCUS: WELL COMPLETIONS
Today, the push for completion technology that can run entirely on natural gas has reached a new peak. This shift is driven by E&P companies scrutinizing operational efficiency and climate-related objectives closer than ever. The Caterpillar® Gas Mechanical System (GMS) embodies this new approach.
The SwellPlug is now a field-proven comprehensive solution to providing effective, permanent isolation of existing target intervals to allow water shutoff, re-completion and even repairing of casing integrity.
The AMP e-ICV features the simplicity and speed of an electric ICV, with the robustness of a hydraulically actuated valve. By resolving the speed, complexity and reliability challenges of traditional systems, the AMP e-ICV provides a unified solution that is not only more efficient but also inherently more resilient.
This article explores innovative developments in composite frac plug technology. Key advancements discussed include ball-in-place options to conserve water, ball recovery systems for quick remediation, and screen-out recovery features to address operational setbacks, with case studies illustrating significant time and cost savings for operators.
MANAGEMENT ISSUES
Since 1929, the Independent Petroleum Association of America has represented independent producers’ interests at the federal level. This year offers/promises a new, more operator-friendly regulatory environment in Washington, D.C., that will be discussed/examined at the association’s Annual Meeting, which has shifted to a new time of the year
The new Hummingbird all-electric land cementing unit is making its debut in field trials this year, and it stands to improve sustainability, reliability, efficiencies and safety of cementing operations.
