E&P Magazine - May 2008
As I See It
A one-act play
The recent political theater passed off as a US Congressional “investigation” into high energy prices makes one wish for a new play.
Exploration Technologies
Believe in your data
Seismic data are imperfect. Knowing the extent of that imperfection will pay big dividends.
Drilling Technologies
Roughneck reality
On the rig floor, makeup gets a new meaning.
Completions and Production
Is oil the new gold?
A press release put out by CERA in mid-March addresses what the company refers to as “the new fundamentals” that are pushing up oil prices.
Special Report
Improving the odds for success
An alternative decision-making approach provides greater confidence and clarity when making large capital investment decisions.
Quenching the dragon’s thirst
With imports expected to account for 80% of China’s oil demand by 2030, China is revisiting its energy policy to meet current and future energy supply challenges.
Digital Solutions
Reducing rig software risk
Effective software change management reduces costly software-related problems.
Features
Alternatives in low density cement formulation
Conventional neat cement can be used in the majority of drilling situations, but in special cases density adjustment is critical to successful well completion and long term zonal isolation.
Breaking new ground, setting new standards
A hub-and-spoke development approach offshore Trinidad and Tobago has involved local companies in establishing unmanned platforms as a viable means of producing gas.
Companies aid migratory birds
Wetlands and coastlines are also beneficiaries.
Deepwater wells drive salt cementing advances
Thick, deep salt structures challenge wellbore design, making cement a key factor in ensuring casing integrity and isolation over the life of the well.
Drilling in the right place
The best data in the world is useless if the mapping is incorrect.
Drilling, production spar replaces sixth generation MODUs
The scarcity of mobile offshore drilling units (MODUs) for the Gulf of Mexico is pushing research and development groups to think about drilling in new ways. A new spar design takes a proven production process and adds to it the ability to perform green-field drilling.
Environmental control and remediation
Advanced technology and innovative approaches to environmental management can improve operations and increase efficiency.
Fields recover from Katrina’s punch
Independent restores production after hurricane’s devastation.
Integrated approach to interventionless zonal isolation
In cemented completions, maintaining long-term zonal isolation is critical to helping ensure that worker health, safety, and environmental (HSE) standards are met and that the well is operated economically.
Meeting Arctic exploration, production challenges
“The rising interest in the Barents Sea in connection with petroleum activities and shipping pose considerable environmental challenges, and ambitious solutions must be sought for production, transport, and emergency response systems” (Research Council of Norway).
New cement forms permanent seal for the life of the well
Active set-cement technology mitigates risk of future gas leaks in the Central Alberta Foothills region.
New risk management systems improve compliance
Software tools can help companies to improve compliance in real time, increase operational efficiencies and take advantage of new opportunities such as emissions credits trading markets.
New subsea wellhead offers increased deepwater capacities
As a significant part of its efforts to find new resources for meeting this demand, the oil and gas industry continues to push the boundaries of deepwater exploration and development.
Pride plunges into deepwater
Since its entry into the offshore in 1997 with the purchase of the Noble Drilling jackup, Pride International has been a company in transition. With its recent move toward deepwater, the company is establishing a new niche for itself on a global scale.
Prospects for deepwater drilling 2008-2012
“The World Deepwater Market Forecast,” published by energy analysts Douglas-Westwood, forecasts continued growth in the deepwater sector with annual expenditures reaching over US $24.6 billion by 2012.
Seismic for life
Permanently monitored fields are providing BP with regular reservoir snapshots.
Shore power reduces emissions
Norway and North Sea operators want to use shore power offshore if they can justify the cost. Now, they can.
Time-lapse survey challenges
Time-lapse or 4-D seismic is gaining in popularity. But processing issues remain.
Vertical trees take production deeper
Deep water brings with it demanding operating conditions for subsea equipment. A new vertical christmas tree resolves some of these challenges as it takes production to greater depths.
Tech Trends
Tech Trend briefs
A look at the latest trends in technology.
Tool helps re-establish flow
A new reverse circulating bit has been successfully used to drill through different crystalline materials including scale, salt bridges and cement plugs.
On The Move
On the Move
Who's going where in the upstream sector.
Last Word
Are we there yet?
Today, in our industry, it seems very pertinent because it applies to so many areas, including intelligent operations, maximized recovery capabilities, deepwater technologies and a host of other issues.
Activity Spotlight
Peru raises exploration sights
Planned licensing round builds on area successes.
Another Perspective
Industry must get on board with standardization
Standardization is one of the most challenging yet potentially highest value issues facing the upstream oil and gas industry today.
Management Report
Service Orientated Architecture: Setting new standards of performance
A sharp rise in oil and gas prices, vigorous M&A activity and increased regulatory scrutiny has presented oil and gas companies with an array of opportunities and problems.
News & Analysis
News and Analysis
May news and analysis.
Oilfield History
Seventy years of service
A successful service company has to be innovative. It has to respond to rapidly changing field demands, and it has to look ahead to develop solutions for tomorrow’s complex and challenging drilling environments. By achieving these objectives and adding capabilities through acquisitions, one service company has managed to keep its name in the business for nearly 70 years.