E&P Magazine - August 2002
As I See It
Asset P&L model optimizes profitability
Profit and loss (P&L) analysis on each asset creates opportunities for higher profits.
Cover Story
Strength in numbers
I'm a numbers person. Years ago, when I was just learning to work exploration and development economics, I was transferred onto an exploration team believed to be on track to evolve into a new producing affiliate.
Drilling Technologies
Downhole tool minimizes surge
A new line of auto-fill float equipment has a filter system that prevents cuttings from clogging valves.
Features
Norway truncates 17th licensing round
In the recent Norwegian 17th licensing round, domestic companies and the State's Direct Financial Interest (SDFI) got away with the most promising and sought-after acreage near proven reserves.
Tech Watch
Congress considers fracturing
Tucked away in the pages of the evolving energy bill is a task for the EPA: determine if hydraulic fracturing is a risk to drinking water.
Activity Highlights
About Laura
Many of you know I grew up in various oil fields.
Another Perspective
BP climbing up to Clair
BP's Clair project marks a new chapter in the history of oil as it is the first project to establish a fixed platform using conventional North Sea technology to withstand the world's harshest sea environment.
Cemented wells improve cash flow
Highly engineered cemented liner completions outproduce openhole offsets by a factor of 1.8 to 1, across a range of reservoir quality.
Decision-support software buys time
A new well planning service helps operators turn corners instead of cutting them.
Estimate peak costs and times
Enterprise Oil used a probabilistic well-cost estimating system to plan offshore developments in Brazil's Campos Basin.
Helicopter safety at the fore
Since 1993, the safety record of helicopter operations on the UK Continental Shelf (UKCS) has been first class, but can this good performance be sustained?
Operators organizing for Ormen Lange
A single-column floater (SCF) concept aimed at the Norsk Hydro-operated deepwater Ormen Lange gas field will break new ground for the Norwegian sector if its design is accepted.
Operators shift to optimization
Optimizing initial production rate, reducing the need to re-enter the well and consideration of the individual well's role in optimizing production are key elements in modern stimulation design.
Overcoming the Ice Age
In Asia, two projects moving forward in extreme climates represent some of the coldest frontiers for exploration and production, and preparing for ice impact is a big feature for both.
Preparation improves production
Detailed, interdisciplinary planning of each operation based on its ability to deliver the overall aim can facilitate extended-reach wells.
Pumpjacks join high-tech trend
Heavy-iron pumpjacks are using technologically advanced sensors and software to add value for operators.
Rocky Mountains spark technology
Unconventional resources hold tremendous potential for the US market.
Swivel joint durability put to the test
A unique combination of computer modeling and field testing results in improvements to a basic but critical link in the stimulation equipment chain.
System cuts costs significantly
An eight-zone completion, with each interval stimulated individually, resulted in savings of 30% over conventional completion costs. The secret: thinking outside the casing.
Tampen planning gets concrete results
Planning for successful zonal isolation results in effective mud removal and ramped-up production.
World Map
Seismic contractors start speaking up
The geophysical industry hopes oil companies will start treating them with a little more respect.