E&P Magazine - March 2008
As I See It
To drill or not to drill
A compelling argument comes in the form of a new report issued by the United States Department of Energy's National Energy Technology Laboratory.
Exploration Technologies
Whiz-bang computing
The way processing power has been ramping up, even Mr. Moore would have trouble keeping pace.
Drilling Technologies
What your customers are thinking about
If you’re a drilling contractor, you’re dealing with customers with a lot on their minds. Knowing what they’re thinking may help you maintain and grow successful relationships.
Completions and Production
The only thing constant is change
It is hard to imagine a Houston freeway without Escalades, Explorers, and super sized Dodge trucks, but SUVs and duel-axle pickup trucks could become things of the past if the trend toward hybrid and electrically powered cars picks up.
Special Report
Drill bits are becoming system components
Manufacturers are engineering bits as integrated components of a system that extends from the end of the drill string to topside to company headquarters.
Digital Solutions
Graphics on a grand scale
A powerful new clustered solution from Scalable Graphics provides immense scalability for Paradigm’s GOCAD software.
Features
Cores, tools unlock shale reservoirs
Log and seismic calibration and core-based simulations are revealing reservoir secrets with growing clarity, while composite plugs are helping to improve recovery.
CSEM-Revolution or evolution
Using CSEM in conjunction with imaging and inversion methods will help determine rock and fluid properties and changes in these properties over time.
CT operational flexibility improved
An innovative tool brings added flexibility to coiled tubing operations, particularly in remote locations or offshore facilities with limited lifting capabilities.
Extend the reach of flow line remediation
Unique jetting technology is capable of achieving distances far beyond the reach of conventional coiled tubing (CT).
Finding the sweet spot
Multicomponent seismic technology can improve the economic success of tight gas exploration and production.
Fluidic oscillation enhances CT interventions
Fine tuned fluidic oscillation helps increase and extend production in declining wells.coiled tubing (CT) technologies.
Fracture solutions unlock US gas shale plays
Fracture identification combined with reservoir modeling enables optimal drilling decisions in hot US gas shale plays.
Jets promote single-stage fracturing
A new stimulation service provides a fast, accurate way to perforate and hydraulically fracture multiple zones on a single trip.
Memory-based tool records more data with improved durability
While traditional real-time tools tend to use crystal-based sensors to accurately measure pressure and temperature downhole, a new memory-based tool uses improved strain-gauge technology that measures more downhole parameters with high accuracy and more durability.
Optimization improves acid coverage
Pumping schedule gets acid past damaged zones and generates wormholes.
Shell finds new use for EM
Study reveals a new method to distinguish geological scenarios in a very high-cost drilling environment, which has the potential to achieve significant project savings.
Simultaneous fracturing takes off
Enormous multiwell fracs maximize exposure to shale reservoirs, achieving more production, sooner.
The case for multitransient EM
Multitransient electromagnetics provides a new tool for subsurface imaging.
The potential of CSEM technology
Controlled-source electromagnetic (CSEM) technology for marine hydrocarbon exploration shows a huge potential. But this potential can only be reached by a combination of an integrated approach and a solid knowledge of how to handle the new technology.
Viscometer expands frac-fluid evaluation
A proppant viscometer measures resistance to solids settling in proppant-rich frac fluids.
Tech Trends
Designing for efficiency
High day rates are pushing operators toward rigs with greater efficiency.
Li-ion batteries expand horizon for MWD tool design
Smaller and lighter rechargeable batteries have the potential to revolutionize measurement-while-drilling (MWD) tool design and simplify rig operations.
On The Move
On the Move
Who's going where in the upstream sector.
Last Word
Pine or Oak?
I have decided to build an 84 ft wooden cable tool rig just like the one Grandpa used to have.
Activity Spotlight
Deepwater Mexico shows promise
A planned play development program results in high-potential for reserve additions.
EDS signs global IT outsourcing contract with Royal Dutch Shell
US $1 billion contract to manage Shell's end-user computing
Microseismic maps Chinese horizontal
Analysis of fracture path leads to more effective stimulation placement.
Paradigm releases next-generation subsurface imaging solution
New common reflection angle migration software provides precise, high-resolution seismic imaging.
Another Perspective
I’ve got an oilpatch education
It’s customary when a magazine editor retires to gnaw on the details of the past 20 years and spit them out as an autobiography with little relevance to the remaining members of mankind.
Management Report
Take charge of company improvements
Asset operating integrity programs that work depend on commitment and support.
News & Analysis
News and Analysis
March exploration news and analysis.
Oilfield History
Evolution of the Barnett Shale play
Perseverance paid off for Mitchell Energy and others, taking the Barnett from a disappointment to a barn-burner.