E&P Magazine - January 2011
As I See It
Cover Story
Top 10 technologies to watch
Advanced technology will improve operations in the coming year.
Exploration Technologies
Forensic geophysics put the pieces together
One processing shop goes to great lengths to find vintage data – and reprocesses it with tender loving care.
Drilling Technologies
Are designer fracs good for business?
Redesigning the factory approach to fracing unconventional wells could maximize production, but at a premium.
Completions and Production
This ain’t Texas!
The international scene can present unimaginable challenges to those trying to do business there for the first time. Some succeed; others do not.
Digital Solutions
Intelligent completion sets record offshore Nigeria
Intelligent completions are becoming a standard in complex development projects when the additional capex investment is justified by accelerated production, increased reserves, or a reduction in number of development wells.
Is market data quality lip service, alimony, or marriage?
Third-party data validation ensures prompt response to changing market conditions.
New technology to set industry standard
A novel approach to drilling lifecycle management improves dynamics for deepwater operations.
Features
Challenges hamper China’s near-term unconventional development
China is facing unique hurdles in its bid to develop domestic unconventional gas, but the long-term view is promising.
Construction continues in the FPS sector
New units continue to roll out of the yards despite a year and a half of global financial strain.
Cost-effective supply-chain models require visibility
Operating internationally is enough of a challenge without losing sight of the supply chain.
Effective asset integrity management expands life extension options
Increased attention on safety and asset integrity has shifted industry focus to maintenance programs and inspection.
Future looks bright for expansion project, oil sands production
Canadian Ambassador to the US Gary Doer explains why the Keystone Gulf Coast Expansion Project is vital to the US and shares evidence that melts the “frozen facts” on oil sands production.
Improved drilling systems save rig time
Optimized motors can reduce drilling time in difficult, high-temperature shale formations.
Is the Haynesville a sleeping giant?
In a down market for dry-gas plays, the Haynesville holds promise for an intensive natural gas future.
Multifocusing improves seismic data
A new methodology provides coherent stacking of seismic data and has the potential to compute enhanced prestack seismic traces.
New approach provides a more accurate model
Applying neural network analysis shows better log correlation in P impedance volumes.
New drilling fluid saves cost, environment
A new water-based mud is helping Haynesville operators save drilling time and spread cost while adding environmental advantages to their operations.
New ideas for an old shoe treatment
Taking a proactive step to prevent wells from going sour, a non-chemical surface treatment can be implemented to get the bugs out of frac fluid.
Remote virtual operations combat harsh downhole environments
Combining laboratory measurements with real-time information helps fluid design companies combat the challenges presented in many downhole environments.
Shale gas plays provide valuable seismic in a low-price environment
Geophysical measurements prove their worth as shale operators opt for quality over quantity.
Surface pumps sweep stranded oil
Use of multistage centrifugal surface pumping systems optimizes EOR using CO flooding in mature fields.
Surge in installations bolsters floating production spend
More than 100 FPSs will be installed worldwide between 2010 and 2014 at a total value of nearly US $45 billion.
Tech Trends
Tech Watch: Modern-day bucket brigade saves drowning wells
Multistage plunger lift can be an economical alternative to pumping units under certain conditions as an innovative application of a mature technology.
On The Move
Last Word
Digital oil field transforms workflow, enables improvement
The digital oil field empowers people, particularly cross-functional teams, with the data and tools to react to or anticipate problems and opportunities within the operations environment.
Management Report
Lean interacts with the oil, gas industry
Can Lean principles bring excellence to E&P activities, or will they fetter users and limit their flexibility? The answer might come as a surprise.