The BVP provides more control for the operation in low-BHP wells. (Image courtesy of Schlumberger)

GeoDepth Tomography advances seismic processing

Paradigm has released its GeoDepth Tomography, a next-generation grid-based velocity model solution that enables geophysicists to update the largest velocity models developed from complex geologic regimes. Tomography is the newest addition to the Paradigm GeoDepth software suite, delivering enhanced seismic imaging quality, reduced interpretation uncertainty, and increased productivity.

The GeoDepth Tomography solution addresses the computational, interpretational, and acquisitional challenges of updating large and complex velocity models for critical seismic assets. It provides added capacity for handling rich-azimuth acquisitions and updating anisotropic parameters in sedimentary layers.

GeoDepth Tomography leverages the Paradigm computing infrastructure as well as its interpretation solutions to deliver automatic velocity updates. The solution minimizes iteration cycles by combining rich, high-quality ray tracing with new tools that automatically reflect surface picking and prestack residual moveouts. www.pdgm.com

More control for CT operator in low-BHP wells

Schlumberger has released the back-pressure valve (BPV) to assist with maintaining the fluid column within the coiled tubing (CT) string in low-bottomhole-pressure (BHP) well environments. Without the control of fluid flow, critical operation processes are more at risk of failure.

Low-BHP wells present extreme difficulties in gaining control of hydrostatic pressure balances while performing well stimulation or packer work. Manipulating well pressure or fluid levels to prevent tubing fluids from U-tubing into the annulus is often impossible. To help the operator better control these conditions, the BPV was designed to support a hydrostatic head above. The setting pressure is adjustable to support the amount of hydrostatic overbalance or pressure differential conditions of the well.

Currently, two types of BPVs are available. Type 1 has a reference point in the annulus and is adjustable from 0 to 3,500 psi. It is designed for use with the Discover MLT multilateral tool. Type 2 has a reference point below the valve and is adjustable from 0 to 3,800 psi. It is designed for use with the CoilFLATE inflatable through-tubing packer.

An operator in Mexico used the BPV to ensure safe inflation of a packer while stimulating targeted zones in subhydrostatic conditions. This ultimately helped avoid stuck CT strings in the hole and mis-runs. The use of the BPV to control the fluid flow rate during the operations enabled safer inflation of the packer for a more reliable and accurate placement of stimulation treatment. www.slb.com/coiltools

New Web-based estimation tool introduced

Scott Health & Safety has introduced SureLife Cartridge Calculator — a Web-based cartridge selection and service life estimation tool for respiratory protection users. The tool uses an advanced model and a humidity equilibrium model that enables more accurate service life estimates for high flow, high-vapor pressure, and high relative humidity conditions.

It is simple to use, with an intuitive interface that allows direct browsing and searching by chemical name, CA S number, and chemical formula. Additionally, it provides access to an extensive library of contaminants and their related service life data.

The program calculates a “smart” safety factor by allowing customized inputs to account for different environmental parameters and can be edited to set an estimated percent uncertainty for each variable. SureLife Cartridge Calculator provides additional resources regarding contaminants such as exposure limits, synonyms for the hazard, unit of measure, boiling point, etc., and a link to the NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards.

SureLife summarizes key information in a quick-reference dashboard that includes the calculated service life, hazard ratio, maximum use concentration, and assigned protection and safety factors. For record keeping purposes, SureLife Cartridge Calculator generates a final report for both respirator selection and cartridge service life functions and can include customized information, saved as a PDF or printed. All reports can be saved and opened within the tool. www.scotthealthsafety.com

Quantitative interpretation software released

Ikon Science has released its quantitative interpretation software system named RokDoc 5.4. The system enables interpreters, geologists, geophysicists, and petrophysicists to use rock physics models to integrate geology, well, and seismic data.

The latest release, supported on Windows and Linux 32- and 64-bit platforms, includes:
• Expanded interactive Petrel plug-in;
• New Bayesian seismic classification to lithology module;
• New 3-D interactive stochastic inversion and spectral inversion module;
• New plugins — run your own algorithm code within RokDoc;
• Enhancements to RokDoc-PressureView and RokDoc Pressure Suite;
• Significant upgrade in performance and supported on Windows and Linux 32- and 64-bit platforms; and
• Increased performance with the ability to use prestack data with greater ease.
www.ikonscience.com

— Rebecca Torrellas, Managing Editor, and
Andrea Huffman, Editorial Intern

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