- Home
- Conferences
- Conference Proceedings
- Conferences
IPTC 2007: International Petroleum Technology Conference
- Conference date: 04 Dec 2007 - 06 Dec 2007
- Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Published: 04 December 2007
1 - 100 of 267 results
-
-
Reservoir Connectivity: Definitions, Examples, and Strategies
Authors J.W. Snedden, P.J. Vrolijk, L.T. Sumpter, M.L. Sweet, K.R. Barnes, E. White and M.E. FarrellReservoir connectivity, and its inverse, compartmentalization,
is a critical area of petroleum industry research and business
application. However, significant differences in how it is
defined, measured, and modeled exist among companies. For
some, connectivity is defined relative to an entity such as a
well or set of perforations in a reservoir. Others prefer
reservoir connectivity indexes, using a set of often
subjectively defined criteria to gauge how problematic a field
will be to develop or exploit.
-
-
-
A Risk Analysis Approach Using Stress Analysis Models to Design for Cement Sheath Integrity in a Multilateral Well
Authors A. Laidler, S. Taoutaou, C.R. Johnson, N. Quisel, J. Desroches and S. AgarwalTechnical risk analysis was used during the planning phase
of a critical cement job on a North Sea operator’s platform to
ensure complete zonal isolation across the production zones.
The well was a multilateral with two legs, with heavy
emphasis on the quality of interzonal isolation. The critical
risk in this cement job was that the well would become
uneconomical if either main-bore or lateral isolation failed.
This well was chosen as a first-time application for a new
stress-modeling and risk-analysis methodology using a
complementary suite of software tools. The cement job
optimization included analysis of all critical parameters to
achieve optimum mud removal and mitigate the risk of cement
sheath integrity failure.
-
-
-
New Revised Correlation to Predict Pressure Drop for Oil-Gas Two-Phase Flow Through Horizontal Pipe
Authors L. Wenhong, G. Liejin, Z. Ximin, L. Kai, Y. Long and F. YaorongAn experimental investigation on oil-gas two-phase flow
through a straight horizontal plexiglas pipe within 40mm inner
diameter was conducted. The superficial velocity ranges of oil
and air were 0.05-0.612m/s and 0.024-50.64m/s, respectively.
The atmospheric temperature condition was maintained
throughout the experiments.The frictional pressure drop
multiplier of two-phase flow was expressed using the
Lockhart-Martinelli parameter correlation in accordance with
typical flow pattern, but the modification factor C in the
correlations was defined afresh according to flow conditions.
New predict correlations for pressure gradient in accordance
with typical flow patterns were proposed and the mechanisms
of pressure drop production were analyzed for each flow
patterns. The proposed models give a good agreement with the
experimental data.
-
-
-
Evaluation of a New Cost-Effective Organic Gel System for High Temperature Water Control
Authors G.A. Al-Muntasheri, P.L.J. Zitha and H.A. Nasr-El-DinDue to their thermal stability, organically crosslinked gels
have been used in conformance treatments for high
temperature applications. Most of these gels consist of a
polyacrylamide-based polymer and an organic crosslinker.
Polyethyleneimine (PEI) has been used as an organic
crosslinker for polyacrylamide-based copolymers.
-
-
-
Reservoir Simulation Study for Enhancing Oil Recovery of Tipam Sand -2 of Geleki Field, Assam, India
Authors R.K. Vij, D. Mandal, M.P. Naudiyal and A. AssetGeleki Oil & Gas Field that covers an area of about 25
sq. km. was discovered in 1968. The main hydrocarbon
bearing formations are Tipam Sandstone of Miocene
age, Barail of Oligocene age and Kopili of Eocene age
containing all together of 35 sand layers (Fig-1). As on
01.07.2007, the field has OIIP 127 MMt in PD category
and Ultimate Reserves of 32 MMt in PDD categories.
The field has so far produced about 12.60 MMt of oil.
-
-
-
Investigation of Steam Flooding in Naturally Fractured Reservoirs
Authors A. Mollaei, B. Maini and M. JalilaviSome of the main aspects of steam injection in naturally
fractured reservoirs are reviewed and discussed in this paper.
The thermo-chemical alteration (cracking, dehydrogenation
and condensation) of reservoir crude oil and rock are reviewed.
After that the effects of temperature on physical properties of
crude oils and rocks are reviewed. The temperature of injected
fluids can be as high as 350°C, therefore the physical properties
such as viscosity, interfacial tension, wettability, capillary
pressure, permeability and etc. may be greatly affected.
-
-
-
Drilling Performance Management System
By A. RahilDespite the capital intensive nature of drilling operations,
drilling analysis is not routinely practiced as it should be. This
is understandable since drilling engineers are principally
rewarded for well planning and well construction. Therefore,
the need to encourage best practices and continuous learning is
a key to drilling improvement. Otherwise, the history will
repeat itself “If you always do what you have always done,
you will always get what you have always got”.
-
-
-
A New Correlation for Calculating Wellhead Production Considering Influences of Temperature, GOR, and Water-Cut for Artificially Lifted Wells
Authors M. Ghareeb and S.A. ShedidSeveral classical wellhead production correlations have been
developed and widely used all over the world for naturally
flowing wells. For artificially flowing wells, many important
well and fluid parameters are ignored in these correlations.
This results in erroneous results and inaccurate predictions
when these correlations are applied. These current correlations
are mainly function of tubing head pressure, bean size (which
has almost no effect for artificially flowing wells), and gasliquid
ratio only.
-
-
-
Groundwater Vulnerability Mapping: A New Mapping Method as a Useful Decision-Making Tool for Oil and Gas Industry
Authors M.A. Abdallah El Hadj and O. DhinaNon renewable groundwater resources in some dry areas are
the unique source of water for all activities and sectors and
therefore constitute strategic reserves for more than ever with
the expected water shortage in the near future.
Contamination due to the infiltration of pollutants coming
from oil and gas industries is one of the major risks that are
jeopardizing these valuable resources.
-
-
-
Reservoir Optimization and Monitoring: Mauddud Reservoir – Bahrain Field
Authors A.E. AL-Muftah, W. Vargas and A. AbdulwahabFor a matured oil field like Bahrain Field with a long
production history, it is required to identify underperforming
areas, infill wells and upgrade the reserves.
This paper describes the application of a practical process (1)
to develop systematic workflow for production optimization
and reservoir analysis; (2) Identify and highlight reservoir
trends, patterns and anomalies; (3) Identify and highlight the
under performing wells/areas and recommend solutions, and
(4) Identify essential patterns for consideration in overall
development plan. It is required to quickly adopt assessment
methods for such a mature field. The area used for the study
consists of 431 wells in Mauddud reservoir which is one of the
major producing zones. The challenge was to evaluate large
data sets in a short time and cost-effective manner.
-
-
-
Using Production Data to Mitigate Reservoir Connectivity Uncertainty
By H. TangEven though production data have direct responses of reservoir
heterogeneity and connectivity, they are rarely incorporated into
reservoir modeling workflow among the geological community. In
this paper, a designed simulation method is proposed to mitigate
reservoir connectivity uncertainty. This proposed method is more
accurate and efficient by integrating production data with reasonable
computational cost. This method, applied on a North Africa shallow
marine reservoir, includes following four steps.
-
-
-
Wamsutter, A Giant Tight Gas Field: Reservoir Management at a 50 mile by 50 mile scale
By J. VinesWamsutter is a giant tight gas field covering a 50 square
mile area located in Wyoming, USA. The Wamsutter
Field contains an estimated 50 trillion cubic feet (TCF) of
Gas Initially in place (GIIP). Discovered in the late
1950s, it has to date produced roughly 2 TCF of natural
gas and gas equivalent from low permeability (0.01 mD)
sandstone reservoirs. BP has a large acreage position
in Wamsutter and drills over 100 wells per year in order
to efficiently recover field-wide reserves.
-
-
-
New Completion Design Facilitates Well and Reservoir Surveillance in Beam Pumped Wells in South Oman
Authors E. Sadek, S. Sikaiti, M. Mahrooqi and A. ZettMost oilfields in South Oman comprise mature, heavy oil
reservoirs with sub-hydrostatic pressures. Wells need be put
on artificial lift since the beginning and different artificial lift
methods have been deployed. Rod driven beam pump is one of
the common artificial lift methods used and currently more
than 1000 beam pumped wells are in operation contributing to
about 30% of production from south Oman fields. These
oilfields, in general, are geologically very complex and
extremely heterogeneous due to the presence of large number
of faults and fractures.
-
-
-
Fracturing Technology for 4% Porosity Libya’s Reservoir : Application of Correct Diagnostic and Methodology to Optimize the Fracturing Treatment
More LessA drilling program on North Raguba field
in Libya has been suspended since the
current well’s performance in this area
was not promising. Well Raguba E-97 in
this area was not producing even several
attempts such as acidizing, re-perforation
and gas lift optimization has been
performed.
-
-
-
Specialized Well Log Acquisition of Formation Elastic Properties in Support of 4C Surface Seismic
More LessWell logging programs are usually designed to measure
petrophysical properties within the reservoir and the
immediate surrounding formations. Rarely, if ever, is much of
the overburden logged. As more sophisticated surfacemeasured
geophysical methods are used, properties of the
overburden are becoming more important (fig. 1). One method
that is becoming more prevalent, 4C OBC seismic, can benefit
from logging formations from surface continuously down to
the reservoir. In preparation for the processing and
interpretation of a major acquisition of 4C surface seismic run
to illuminate a carbonate reservoir within Idd El Shargi North
Dome field located offshore Qatar (fig. 2), a specialized
logging program was devised and acquired on a well in the
field to obtain formation elastic properties of compressional
and shear velocity, including HTI anisotropy information,
continuously from the sea floor down to the reservoir.
-
-
-
Fracture Porosity From Pressure Transient Data
Authors D. Tiab and D. RestrepoThe storage capacity ratio (ω) measures the flow
capacitance of the secondary porosity and the interporosity
flow parameter (λ) is related to the heterogeneity scale of the
system. Currently, both parameters λ and ω are obtained from
well test data by using the conventional semilog analysis,
type-curve matching or the TDS Technique. Warren and Root
showed how the parameter ω can be obtained from semilog
plots. However, no accurate equation is proposed in the
literature for calculating fracture porosity.
-
-
-
Well Test Analysis in Naturally Fractured Reservoirs Using Elliptical Flow
Authors A.O. Igbokoyi and D. TiabSome naturally fractured reservoirs can exhibit linear flow in
the beginning as if it were hydraulically fractured. The linear
flow may have been imparted as a result of limited
connectivity in the well’s drainage area, thus creating
formation anisotropy and/or heterogeneity. The primary
purpose of this study is to develop a welltest interpretation
method to quantify anisotropy in naturally fractured
reservoirs. The method, which is based on an elliptical flow
model, is extended to hydraulic fractures with infinite
conductivity.
-
-
-
Improved Frac and Pack Job Design and Execution in Baram Field—A Case History
Authors M. Arfie, M. Jadid, N. Samsudin, A. Azer and R. AliBaram Delta Field is a mature hydrocarbon-producing field in
east Malaysia. The reservoirs are predominantly friable and
unconsolidated. Downhole sand-exclusion systems are
required to help ensure prolonged well productivity.
-
-
-
Production Logging Low Flow Rate Wells with High Water Cut
Authors K.I. Ojukwu, M.I. Khalil, J. Clark, H. Sharji, J. Edwards and T.K. ChangProduction logging low flow rate wells is difficult because
mechanical spinners have a small dynamic range in slow
moving fluids. Low flow rates in horizontal wells means the
fluid holdups in the stratified flow are very sensitive to the
wellbore inclination, and the high water cut means a small
proportion of the flowing liquid will be oil. At what point do
these compounding affects limit the ability of current
technology to measure low oil flows?
-
-
-
The Study of Predominant Production Mechanisms in Naturally-Fractured Rich Gas-Condensate Reservoirs
Authors J. Fahimpour, B. Dabir and E. PiramoonMany studies are recently performed about the fl uid fl ow in gas condensate reservoirs. But the recovery mechanism in a naturally-fractured
system of this class of reservoirs needs more investigations. This paper includes the most important mechanisms involve in the
production of condensate in a synthetic dual-porosity model which contains a rich gas-condensate fl uid. The study focuses on the effect
of gravity drainage and gas diffusion mechanisms on the fl uid exchange between two mediums: matrix blocks and surrounding fractures
network.
-
-
-
Challenged of Natural Gas Utilization in Nigeria
More LessNigeria is endowed with abundant Natural gas resources, which in terms of energy, is in excess of the nation’s proven crude oil reserves.
Development and utilization of Natural gas is becoming a major concern in terms of primary energy worldwide due to its abundance,
fl exibility and combustion characteristics.
-
-
-
A Full-Field Simulation Study of the Effect of Foam Injection on Recovery Factor of an Iranian Oil Reservoir
Authors S.M. Seyed Alizadeh, N. Alizadeh and B. MainiIn some of Iranian oil reservoirs gas is injected for pressure
maintenance as well as displacement of oil by gas. In some of
these fields, it comes to a premature breakthrough of injected
gas due to high permeability in some regions of the reservoir
or because of the geometry of the reservoir.
Foam injection appears to be a promising tool in solving
the problem with thief zones and low recovery from EOR
methods such as immiscible gas injection in Iranian oil
reservoirs. It can also mitigate the effect of gravity override
and achieve increased displacement efficiency in these
reservoirs.
-
-
-
Using Conventional Logs for Fracture Detection and Characterization in One of Iranian Field
Authors A.R. Mohebbi, M. Haghighi and M. SahimiFracture analysis is generally accepted as one of the main
steps through better understanding and optimization of
assessment to production in most of the carbonate reservoirs.
Effects of fracturing on reservoir performance provides
engineers and geoscientists with the information needed to
make business decisions with a higher degree of certainty.
-
-
-
The Control of Fracturing and Dolomitisation on 3D Reservoir Property Distribution of the Asmari Formation (Oligocene-Lower Miocene), Dezful Embayment, SW Iran
Authors A.A.M. Aqrawi and O.P. WennbergThe Asmari Formation (Oligocene-early Miocene) is the most
important reservoir in the oilfields in the Zagros foreland of
the Dezful Embayment of SW Iran. The carbonate reservoirs
of the Asmari Formation are characterized by low matrix
permeability, and effective drainage is dependent on the
occurrence of open fractures. The fractures have been formed
during the Zagros Orogeny since late Miocene, which is also
responsible for the geometry and formation of NW-SE
trending anticlinal traps. Dolomitisation is another factor
controlling reservoir qualities as dolostones in general have
higher porosities than limestones.
-
-
-
Planning and Executing Long Distance Subsea Tie-Back Oil Well Testing: Lessons Learned
By A.F. HarunThree subsea oil wells in a water depth ranging between 5200
and 5400 ft in the Gulf of Mexico are tied back to a Tension
Leg Platform via a flowline network of a single 2.3 miles
pipe-in-pipe connected to a 17 miles dual active-heating
flowline. During normal operation these wells flow to a
common separator at the topsides. Production allocation to
each well is done by subtracting the topsides separator
measurement by the subsea multiphase flow meter reading
dedicated to one of the wells and manually splitted between
the other two wells.
-
-
-
Reactive Transport Models of Limestone-Dolomite Transitions: Implications for Reservoir Connectivity
Authors Y. Xiao and G.D. JonesSubstantial volumes of world hydrocarbon resources occur in
interlayered limestone-dolomite reservoirs. Diagenetic
variations in lithology and primary depositional texture control
the magnitude and spatial distribution of petrophysical
properties. The frequency and nature of limestone-dolomite
transitions that define flow units and baffles/barriers are
critical for understanding reservoir connectivity and
optimizing field development.
-
-
-
Guidelines for Polymer Flooding Evaluation and Development
Authors R.D. Kaminsky, R.C. Wattenbarger, R.C. Szafranski and A.S. CouteeField experience has shown that polymer flooding can be
an effective means to improve oil recovery. Evaluating
whether a polymer flood is suitable for a given field and
developing the optimal design requires considerable analysis
and testing prior to full-scale implementation. To help manage
this process, guidelines for polymer flooding evaluation and
development were developed that are described in this paper.
-
-
-
Identifying Fluid Type and Contacts in Carbonate Reservoirs
Authors H.-Y. Tseng, R.J. Pottorf, D. Mardon and P.J. MankiewiczPresent-day fluid type and contacts in carbonate reservoirs can
be difficult to determine from standard formation evaluation
techniques because of complex rock properties and variable
fluid compositions. In such situations, integrating novel rockbased
geochemical analyses of adsorbed and inclusion-trapped
fluids helps reduce fluid contact uncertainty and evaluate the
probability of various fluid types.
-
-
-
Integrated Reservoir Modeling to Maximize the Value of a Large Sour-Gas Field With High Concentrations of Inerts
Authors N.S. Huang, G.E. Aho, B.H. Baker, T.R. Matthews and R.J. PottorfThe Madison reservoir in LaBarge Field in Wyoming, U.S.A.,
is a multi-zone carbonate on the crest of a regionally plunging
anticline. It is ~800 ft thick, covers more than 1,000 square
miles, includes 4,000 ft of structural closure and holds 22
TSCF initial methane in-place. Methane percentage varies
from a high of 23% at the crest to a low of 5% near the gaswater
contact, with inerts – CO2, N2, H2S and He – making up
the remaining gas. ExxonMobil is the only operator producing
from LaBarge Madison and has built a dedicated gas plant to
monetize the resource. Current production is 700 MMSCF/d
(150 MMSCF/d methane) with 16 crestal producers and two
downdip injectors re-injecting 60 MMSCF/d acid gas into the
Madison aquifer – one of the world’s largest acid gas reinjection
projects.
-
-
-
Multi-Azimuth Streamer Acquisition—Initial Data Analysis
Authors W. Rietveld, J. Keggin, M. Benson, T. Manning, A. Burke and A. HalimA thin but complex layer of partially eroded anhydrite and
other facies lie at a depth of around 3km across large areas of
the Nile Delta in the Mediterranean. Wavefield distortion,
attenuation and the generation of complex multiple diffraction
noise cause the quality of the underlying seismic image to be
highly variable. Multi-azimuth (MAZ) seismic can help
resolve these issues and improve the deep pre-Messinian
image.
-
-
-
History Match of an Old Waterflood: Dealing Wth Decades Worth of Data From Hundreds of Wells
Authors N. Belova, L. Berul and A. SentyuriyevThe main objective of the mature fields development
optimization is the value adding through extension of field
life.
-
-
-
Biostratigraphic Constraints on the Shuaiba Formation
Authors A.M. Gombos Jr., C.J. Strohmenger and T.C. HuangThe Shuaiba Formation is the uppermost unit of the
Thamama Group, and is the most prolific oil reservoir in
Field A. The Thamama Group is part of a second order
supersequence that spans the Valanginian to Aptian
stages (Sharland et al., 2001).
-
-
-
The Jurassic-Age Marrat Reservoir at Humma Field, Partitioned Neutral Zone (PNZ), Saudi Arabia and Kuwait—Utilization of a Probabilistic, Two Stage Design of Experiments Workflow for Reservoir Characterization and Management
Authors W.S. Meddaugh, D. Barge, W.W. Todd and S. GriestThe Jurassic-age Humma Marrat carbonate reservoir is mainly
located in the southwest corner of the Partitioned Neutral Zone
(PNZ) between Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. The reservoir was
discovered in 1998. The reservoir depth is about 9000 ft
subsea. The gross reservoir interval is approximately 730 ft
thick (110 ft net). The lowermost Marrat E zone contributes
80-90% of the production based on PLT data. The
productivity of the Marrat E is dominated by a forty-foot
thick, largely dolomitized interval with 15-20% porosity and
20-100 mD permeability. The upper zones contribute 10-20%
of the production from thin intervals with 12-15% porosity
and 2-5 mD permeability.
-
-
-
REACH and the HSE Case for Formate Brines
Authors Y. Gilbert, A. Nordone, J. Downs, A. Vaahtera, P. Pessala and T. RaivioEurope's biggest-ever single piece of legislation, REACH
(Registration, Evaluation and Authorisation of Chemicals),
entered into force on June 1, 2007. REACH requires
manufacturers, importers and users of chemicals to
demonstrate that their products are safe to use for humans and
the environment. There will be increasing pressure to
substitute chemicals perceived as potentially harmful with less
hazardous materials. The legislation is expected to have a
significant effect on the management and application of
chemicals used by the oil industry in Europe.
-
-
-
Reconciling Subsurface Uncertainty With the Appropriate Well Design Using the Mechanical Earth Model (MEM) Approach
Authors H.E. Goodman and P. ConnollyThe involvement of the well engineer (WE) competency from
the earliest phases of exploration is reaping economic benefit
for major capital projects (single wells costing at least
$25,000,000 US). As the geological and geophysical modeling
work of the Explorationists matures and the subsurface picture
becomes clearer, the appropriate well design flexibility is
being achieved using Mechanical Earth Model (MEM)
technology. This approach to well planning is particularly
beneficial for deepwater exploration.
-
-
-
Studies on the Pilot Test With Microbial Profile Modification After Polymer Flooding in Daqing Oilfield
Authors C. Jiecheng, L. Wei, Z. Jingyuan, W. Junzheng, Y. Zhenyu and G. CuilingIn order to further enhance oil recovery of the reservoirs after
polymer flooding, two strains of bacterium that could be used
on microbial profile modification have been screened. The
bacterium were separated from the fluid sample produced
within the commercial polymer flooding blocks of Daqing oilfield,
and named DT-1 and DT-2. The evaluation of
performance showed that these two microorganisms could not
only adapt to the special conditions of the reservoirs after
polymer flooding, but also could grow well with the in-situ
microorganisms.
-
-
-
Kinetic Hydrate Inhibitors—Sensitivity Towards Pressure and Corrosion Inhibitors
Authors J.-L. Peytavy, P. Glénat and P. BourgReplacement of the traditional thermodynamic hydrate
inhibitors (methanol and glycols) in wet gas applications is
more and more highly desirable for cost savings and for
Health, Safety & Environment (HSE) considerations. This
seems achievable by using alternative Kinetic Hydrate
Inhibitors (KHI). KHIs are able to delay hydrate formation for
the time needed to transport the effluents in hydrate region
conditions.
-
-
-
Review of and Outlook for Enhanced Oil Recovery Techniques in Kuwait Oil Reservoirs
Authors S.F. Alkafeef and A.M. ZaidIn this paper, we carried out an updated investigation of
enhanced oil recovery (EOR) applications in Kuwait. The
investigation employs EOR screening analysis to determine the
suitability of EOR processes to mature oil reservoirs.
Following the determination of the suitable EOR process, we
performed incremental recovery (IR) calculations. We also
performed a preliminary economic analysis to determine the
economic feasibility of the EOR processes in question.
-
-
-
Maxwell Creep of Formation Layer Causes Better Production of Second Fracture
More LessThe placement of two or more hydraulic fractures at close
proximity has generally been discouraged by most stimulation
related publications within the industry. The general
consensus has been that the fractures tend to interfere with
each other in producing the same hydrocarbon source. The
rule of thumb for this practice is to place hydraulic fractures
substantially separated from one another in a horizontal
wellbore or in different layers in a vertical well.
-
-
-
Optimising Fluid Choices for Landfarm Applications
More LessA well established method for bioremediation of drilled
cuttings and adhering base fluids is the use of landfarming or
composting. All base fluids are amenable to this method.
However, degradation of organic materials takes place over
different timescales, and there is potential for toxic residues to
affect the future use of land to which cuttings have been
applied. This paper describes a project where a degradation of
a range of different commonly use base fluids was
investigated and the use of various commercial accelerants
was also tested to determine their impact on degradation rates.
It subsequently describes an investigation into plant and
animal toxicity of soils to which base fluids have been applied.
-
-
-
Impact of Rock Compaction on NSO Gas Field Performance
Authors P. Pathak, S.I. Wirya, M. Catanzano, H.D. Prickett and D.T.M. MangunsongThe North Sumatra Offshore (NSO) field is a large gas
field that supplies gas to the P. T. Arun Liquified Natural
Gas (LNG) plant in Aceh, Indonesia. The field came onstream
in 1999 and produces about 450 MMscf/d
currently. The field has produced about 34% of the
Original Gas In Place (OGIP) as of 1/1/2007, and the
ultimate recovery is expected to be around 75%. The
producing carbonates have an average porosity of 23%
with zones of higher porosity at the top of the reservoir.
Geomechanical testing of Malacca limestone cores
indicated that the rock has high compressibility and
suffers elastic and significant plastic deformation when
mechanical stresses are increased.
-
-
-
Reservoir Fluid Characterization Using Downhole Fluid Analysis in Northern Kalimantan, Indonesia
Authors A. Halim, N. Orban, E. Haryanto and C. AyanFluid identification is an important objective to resolve key
uncertainties of a complex reservoir prior to perforation in the
developed fields of Eastern Kalimantan. This paper explains
how using a formation tester equipped with two downhole
fluid analyzer modules helped understand reservoir fluid
characteristics, identify production zones and optimize
perforation zone selection.
-
-
-
Case Study: Integrated Study for Assessing Production Enhancement From a Matured Large Carbonate Reservoir
Authors E. Al-Maraghi and C.V.G. NairAn integrated study has been conducted to build a reservoir
management tool to evaluate feasibility of enhancing the
production and maintaining the plateau rate long for the Umm
Gudair field, a large carbonate reservoir located in Kuwait and
the Partitioned Neutral Zone. A comprehensive data gathering
campaign was made during initial phase of infill drilling and
an appreciable volume of rock and fluid data were obtained
which assisted the geoscientists and engineer in developing an
improved static and dynamic model.
-
-
-
Hawiyah NGL Recovery Project: Operational Considerations During Project Design
More LessSaudi Aramco new NGL Recovery Project has been
managed by an integrated team from project managements and
proponent. Project management team members have used their
project management’s techniques and expertise to maintain
quality, budget and schedule. Proponent team members have
enriched the project with the necessary technical and field
experience in order to capture and implement all operational
requirements during project design.
-
-
-
ALARP Demonstration and Its Level of Intensification
By B. DasWith the increasing use of ALARP principles in oil and gas
safety studies to reduce the tolerable risks to As Low As
Reasonably Practicable level, there is a need to understand the
use of those principles with respect to (a) the level of
uncertainty of data and (b) the risk criteria.
-
-
-
An Overview of Reservoir Quality in Producing Cretaceous Strata of the Middle East
Authors S.N. Ehrenberg, A.A.M. Aqrawi and P.H. NadeauA compilation of average porosity and permeability data
for Cretaceous petroleum reservoirs of the Middle East
reveals important differences between the two main
tectonic provinces present in this region. The Arabian
Platform tectonic province is characterized by strong
inverse correlation of average porosity with present
depth in both carbonates and sandstones, whereas the
Zagros Fold Belt, containing almost exclusively
carbonate reservoirs, has distinctly lower porosity overall
and no porosity-depth correlation.
-
-
-
Formation Pressure While Drilling Data Verified With Wireline Formation Tester, Hibernia Field, Offshore Newfoundland
Authors V.K. Mishra, S. Pond and F. HaynesPressure measurement plays a critical role in the
development and management of compartmentalized
reservoirs. Conventionally, pressure data have been
recorded using wireline formation tester (WFT) tools. In
highly deviated or horizontal wells, wireline testers must
be conveyed on drill-pipe at considerable expense and
often with operational risk and limitations.
-
-
-
Understanding of Fluid Flow Mechanism in Porous Media of EOR by ASP Flooding From Physical Modelling
More LessThe fluid flow mechanism in porous media of enhanced oil
recovery by Alkli/ Surfactant/ Polymer (ASP) flooding is
investigated by measuring production performance, pressure
distribution and saturation distribution through installing
differential pressure transducers and saturation measuring
probes in a physical model of vertical heterogeneous reservoir.
-
-
-
“Don't Let the Temperature Log Fool You:” False Indications of Height Containment From Case Studies in a Tectonically Stressed Environment
By G.C. DozierFracture height prediction and evaluation is critical in
understanding the effectiveness of a fracturing treatment.
Volumetrically, fracturing must adhere to mass balance
equations. Therefore, proppant placed in the fracture must be
accounted for in the creation of fracture height, width, and
length. In many cases, excessive fracture height generation is
at the expense of fracture width and length creation. As a
result, in fracture treatments where excessive height growth is
believed to have occurred, premature screenouts are usually
the result of insufficient fracture width. This unfortunate
circumstance creates an operational strain and productivity
underperformance for wells.
-
-
-
Production Logging in Difficult Well Configurations
Authors K.I. Ojukwu, J. Edwards, K. Cig and K. ChangProduction logging is difficult in complex well designs such as
horizontal multilateral (ML) wells with jagged level-two exits.
The ML exits can obstruct the access of logging tools due to
damage around the milled windows. Once inside a low-flow
high-water cut reservoir, the challenge becomes measuring an
oil inflow profile in stratified flow.
-
-
-
Challenging Drilling Applications Demand New Technologies
Authors M. Jellison, R.B. Chandler, G. Prideco and J. ShepardThis paper provides an update on recent developments and
highlights some problem areas associated with the latest
generation of extreme drilling applications. Deepwater,
extended-reach (ER) and ultra-deep (UD) wells dictate large
spread rates that can benefit from reduced tripping times.
-
-
-
Application of Artificial Neural Networks to Downhole Fluid Analysis
Authors P. Hegeman, C. Dong, N. Varotsis and V. GaganisReservoir characterization and asset management require
comprehensive information about formation fluids. Obtaining
this information at all stages of the exploration and
development cycle is essential for field planning and
operation. Traditionally, fluid information has been obtained
by capturing samples and then measuring the
pressure/volume/temperature (PVT) properties in a laboratory.
More recently, downhole fluid analysis (DFA) during
formation testing has provided real-time fluid information.
However, the extreme conditions of the downhole
environment limit the DFA tools to measuring just a small
subset of the fluid properties provided by a laboratory.
Nevertheless, these tools are valuable in predicting other PVT
properties from the measured data. These predictions can be
used in real time to optimize the sampling program, help
evaluate completion decisions, and understand flow assurance
issues.
-
-
-
Multi-Azimuth 3D Provides Robust Improvements in Nile Delta Seismic Imaging
Authors J. Keggin, M. Benson, W. Rietveld, T. Manning, P. Cook, E. Jones and C. PageSince gas was first discovered in the Nile Delta in late 60’s,
most exploration programmes have focussed on shallow
Pliocene reservoirs, where gas can clearly be seen as bright
events on excellent quality seismic data and where exploration
success has been very high. The petroleum geology of the
deeper pre-Piocene section is fundamentally no different to
that seen in the Pliocene, where potential reservoirs consist of
sand prone channel systems originating from the Nile. Why
then, have we been deterred from exploring in the deeper
section?
-
-
-
Ontology-based Warehouse Time-Depth Data Modelling Framework for Improved Seismic Interpretation in Onshore Producing Basins
Authors S.L. Nimmagadda, H. Dreher and M.R. RajabTime-to-depth conversion has been one of the objectives of
seismic interpretation. There is no straightforward procedure
that derives a depth section from a seismic section. This is due
to the fact that seismic reflection times depend upon the
positions and shapes of the reflecting interfaces. The velocity
data patterns are often complex, affecting geological
interpretations. Depth conversion takes considerable amount
of an analyst's time and leaves concerns about its accuracy.
This uncertainty in depth conversion procedure significantly
contributes to pitfalls and ambiguities in depth conversion
velocities.
-
-
-
Reservoir Management Aspects of Early Waterflood Response After 25 Years of Depletion in the Valhall Field
Authors G. Tjetland, T.G. Kristiansen and K. BuerValhall is a fractured chalk reservoir in the Norwegian sector
of the North Sea which has been producing under compaction
drive since 1982. Continuous drilling has taken place the last
25 years to both develop the field and replace failing wells.
-
-
-
Forces Driving Oil and Gas Demand Cycles
Authors A.M. Zaid and M. Al-DousariOil and gas prices have historically been very volatile taking
the demand for oil through wild cycles and have taken the
economy of the world through the cycles with them. Oil
producers and consumers tried to dampen the cycles and
establish a market with softer fluctuations; however, their
efforts were largely unsuccessful. OPEC strategy for dealing
with the possibility of declining oil prices in the future appears
to be the same old one that failed to stem the price fluctuations
of the past. OPEC appears to be setting themselves up for yet
another failure and the old cliché "history repeats itself" seems
to be in order.
-
-
-
Decline Curve Analysis for Naturally Fractured Gas Reservoirs: A Study on the Applicability of “Pseudo-time” and “Material Balance Pseudo-time”
Authors S. Gerami, M. Pooladi-Darvish and H. HongRobust techniques for analysis of production data of single
porosity gas reservoirs have been developed and widely used
for many years. These methods range from the traditional
Arp’s decline method to modern type-curve matching. The
more recent techniques are based on the use of pseudo-time
for linearization of gas-flow equations, and material balance
time to account for variable operating conditions.
-
-
-
Energy Efficient Operation of Gas Export Systems
Authors V.S. Nørstebø, L.E. Bakken and H.J. DahlThe gas transport system on the Norwegian continental shelf
(NCS) consists of 7 800 km of pipelines and is the largest
offshore network of its kind in the world. Natural gas is
processed at treatment plants in Norway, and dry gas exported
through pipelines to customers in the UK and continental
Europe. These customers have the opportunity to make
varying gas delivery nominations, and meeting such sales gas
commitments is important.
-
-
-
Planning a Deepwater Well for All Seasons,* Platina-2, A Combined Appraisal / Development Well
Authors I. Brown, M. Ramlogan and T. McMurrayDue to the punitive cost of drilling deepwater wells with
5th/ 6th generation rig rates flirting around $500,000/day,
the need arose within the BP Angola Business Unit to
plan a combined appraisal / development well as the first
well on Platina West; a field which exists on seismic but
remains unconfirmed with a well.
-
-
-
Oil Dehydration Improved by Dual Frequency Electrostatic Process
Authors J. Armstrong and G.W. SamsWith the world’s production of crude oil becoming heavier
and moving offshore into deeper waters, the need for efficient,
compact separation and dehydration is essential. Application
of improved electrostatic dehydration technologies has the
potential to have a major impact in reducing oil production
costs. Improved hydraulic efficiency, the use of alternative
electrodes and the application of dual frequency modulation to
the electrostatic power supply shows significant production
benefits.
-
-
-
Plan View Seismic Interpretation—Applications in Kuwait
Authors M.G. Kumpas, N.S. Rao and A. Al-DarmiDeviation from exploration for conventional, Albian age,
clastic plays towards carbonate plays of a stratigraphic
nature has prompted the use of plan view - horizontal
seismic displays in the interpretation process as an
additional means of data visualization enhancement.
-
-
-
Social Responsibilities and Challenges Confronting Oil Industry
Authors M.A. Brohi, B.K. Sahito, M.J. Soomro and G.A. MashoriThe study argues about inevitable social responsibilities and
challenges faced by the oil companies. Smog in the inner cities,
oil spillage, chemical disposal, climate changes, environmental
pollution, local recruitment and toxic wastes are mammoth
challenges for oil and gas companies to face. Oil industry has to
respond to the environmental issues in general and climate
changes in particular, because the ultimate goal of the business
is to maximize the profit and also contribute to the social
welfare of the community.
-
-
-
Probabilistic Field Development in Presence of Uncertainty
Authors S. Passone and G.J. McRaeField developments are characterized by high levels of
uncertainty and dynamic interconnected decisions with a
complex value description. Typical decisions to be made
within the context of field development include duration of
each development phase, allocation of resources, data
acquisition, the use of expensive novel technologies and
project impact on the overall company portfolio.
-
-
-
Large Scale Acid Gas Injection Facilities for Gas Disposal
Authors D.A. Kenefake, D.J. Hawrysz and A. Al-MohannadiAcid Gas Injection (AGI) has commenced at both Ras
Laffan LNG Company Limited's RasGas complex (RasGas
AGI) within the Ras Lafan Industrial City, Qatar and at
ExxonMobil Production Company's LaBarge Treating Facility
(LaBarge AGI) in southwestern Wyoming, United States.
Acid gases, nominally consisting of hydrogen sulfide (H2S)
and carbon dioxide (CO2), are naturally occurring, nonhydrocarbon
gases that can be associated with oil and gas
production. The successful commissioning, startup, and
operation of these facilities demonstrate feasibility and safe
operability of AGI technology to dispose of waste gases on a
large scale.
-
-
-
Development of the Adriatic LNG Terminal Deep Casting Basin Construction Site
Authors B. Wesselink and B. TokyayThe world’s first bottom founded offshore liquefied natural
gas (LNG) storage and re-gasification terminal is under
development by affiliates of Qatar Terminal Limited,
ExxonMobil and Edison for installation in the Northern
Adriatic, 15 km east of Porto Levante, Italy. This paper will
describe the unique challenges faced and effort undertaken to
locate and transform a casting basin to a world class
construction and integration site, including removal of the
earthen wall prior to tow-out of the terminal.
-
-
-
Health Risk Assessment as Input to Design
More LessThe paper will give an overview of how health risk assessment
as input to design can contribute to better and safer work
places with low health risk. This is based on the current
practice in the Norwegian petroleum industry, focusing on
health risk assessment and challenges in the working
environment from the early design phases. Furthermore the
paper describes how possible health risk and future working
environment conditions at the plant during operations are
assessed systematically during design and construction.
-
-
-
Safe Marine Access to Platforms in the Southern North Sea
By A.R. JonesFrom the early days of offshore oil & gas production in the
Southern North Sea (SNS), helicopters have been used for the
transportation of personnel to and from platforms.
-
-
-
Evaluation of Deep, Low Frequency Acquisition Techniques on Deep Target Imaging
Authors M.W. Norris and M.L. JohnsonA suite of air gun configurations was tested in the Gulf of
Mexico using a MEMS based OBC acquisition system. One
advantage of this acquisition system was the significantly
improved low frequency response of the sensors and
instrumentation. The improved low frequency response
allowed the response of the air gun configurations to be
characterized to 1 Hz and below.
-
-
-
Subsea LNG Transfer System™
Authors W.S. Mathews, M.C. Gentry and M.E. EhrhardtMany offshore liquefied natural gas (LNG) import terminal
designs have been proposed by industry in the last several
years. Most base-load offshore LNG import terminals
currently under development utilize either a bottom-founded
structure, such as a gravity base or a jacket structure, or a
floating structure such as a moored ship-shape hull. In either
case, LNG transfer from the LNG carrier (LNGC) to the LNG
import terminal is performed through side-by-side offloading.
LNG transfer is accomplished with loading arms equipped
with constant motion swivels and a wire-guided connection
system. Side-by-side offloading has acceptable availability
for mild environmental conditions. However, when applied in
more severe environments, this type of LNG transfer system
can limit the terminal throughput because of low berthing and
offloading availability.
-
-
-
Carbonate Rock Physics: Analytical Models and Validations Using Computational Approaches and Lab/Log Measurements
Authors S. Xu, G. Chen, Y. Zhu, J. Zhang, M. Payne, M. Deffenbaugh, L. Song and J. DunsmuirDeveloping robust, accurate, and practical carbonate rock
physics models is a crucial step for successful geophysical
applications in carbonate reservoirs. We extended the Xu-
White model, originally designed for clastic rocks, to
carbonates and observed some promising results. For example,
our shear-wave prediction method was accurate after the
mineralogy effect was correctly handled. However, several
technical issues still need to be addressed to better understand
the seismic response to carbonate rock properties.
-
-
-
Management of High Pressure Water Flows While Drilling a Large Gas Reservoir
Authors J.W. Witt, J.Z. Gahr, M.A. Aly and D.W. SuperAn extensive drilling program is ongoing for the development
of Qatar’s North Field. This massive offshore carbonate field
contains natural gas produced from the thick Khuff reservoir
at approximately 10,000 ft true vertical depth (TVD). Capable
of flow of over 200 MMScf/D each, these complex wells pose
considerable challenges to both drilling and completion
operations.
-
-
-
Simulating Karstic Conduits as Wells in a Commercial Reservoir Simulator
Authors M. Herriou and J.W. BarkerKarst is a generic term for the effects of meteoric (rain) water
on carbonate rocks. Resulting features include rock
dissolution, conduits, sink-holes, etc, which may have
extremely high permeability. Fluid flow simulations in such
environments are therefore very challenging – conventional
reservoir simulators often experience convergence problems
and run times of several days are not uncommon even for
models with a modest number of grid cells.
-
-
-
Long-Term Field Development Opportunity Assessment Using Horizontal Wells in a Thin, Carbonate Reservoir of the Greater Burgan Field, Kuwait
Authors A.K. Ambastha, D. Al Matar and E. MaMauddud reservoir in the Greater Burgan field is a thin,
carbonate reservoir containing light oil in a 10-20 ft target
zone with “good” porosity. Matrix permeability is low and
natural fracture density can be variable in this reservoir. Thus,
this reservoir must be exploited using horizontal wells. In the
early 1990’s, 16 horizontal wells were drilled in this reservoir.
Five more horizontal wells have been drilled in the last 2 years
in an effort to scope out the long-term potential of this
reservoir.
-
-
-
The Road To Efficient Wide-Azimuth High-Density 3D Land Vibroseis Acquisition
Authors J.J. Postel, J. Meunier, T. Bianchi and A. DepeyrasIt is becoming increasingly widely accepted that wide-azimuth
3D acquisition is the best way to improve imaging of complex
and subtle traps. It is also claimed that high-density point
source/point receiver acquisition constitutes the ultimate
seismic acquisition technique. Clearly, both techniques require
a considerable increase in equipment and density of both
source and receiver points.
-
-
-
The In Salah Gas CO2 Storage Project
By I.W. WrightIn Salah Gas is a joint venture of BP, Sonatrach and Statoil, which started in July 2004, producing 900bcf/d gas for
sale in Europe. The natural gas contains up to 10%CO2, which has to be reduced to 0.3% before the gas is sold.
Hence, 1 million tonnes/year CO2 is produced. Rather than vent that CO2 to the atmosphere (business as usual), this
project re-injects it into the Krechba Carboniferous Sandstone reservoir via three horizontal wells at a depth of
1,900metres. CO2 injection started in August 2004 and over the life of the project, 17million tonnes CO2 will be
geologically stored at a cost of $100mm ($6/tonne CO2 avoided). This project is an industrial-scale demonstration of
CO2 geological storage and is the first industrial-scale project in the world to store CO2 in the water leg of a gas
reservoir.
-
-
-
A Combined Well Completion and Flow Dynamic Modeling for a Dual-Lateral Well Load-up Investigation
Authors Y. Tang and W.S. HuangA dual-lateral well was completed in a Chevron subsea
condensate field with high peak rate. Within one year, the
production significantly declined with high water-cut. The
well was shut down and then brought back to production,
observing much reduced flow rate for three days and
eventually stopped flow.
-
-
-
Spatial Variation of San Juan Basin Fruitland Coalbed Methane Pressure Dependent Permeability: Magnitude and Functional Form
Authors R.R. Gierhart, C.R. Clarkson and J.P. SeidleThe San Juan basin Fruitland coalbed methane (CBM)
resource is the most significant CBM play discovered in the
world to date and comprises areas within both Colorado and
New Mexico of the United States. It contains three distinctly
different performance areas within the 6,800 mile2 (17,600
km2) enclosed by the Fruitland outcrop. Two of these areas are
considered in this topic: “Fairway” and “Colorado Type II”.
Explaining well performance in these areas has required the
examination of a mechanism whereby coal permeability
increases over time. Field data and pressure transient analysis
(PTA) for Fairway wells have revealed that coal permeability
does increase over time and is an exponential function of
reservoir pressure depletion.
-
-
-
Improving Reservoir Modeling With Global Scale-up
Authors X.H. Wu, S.S. Ghai, M.T. Stone, R.R. Parashkevov and S.L. LyonsLinking a fine-scale geologic description to a coarse-scale
reservoir simulation model requires accurate and efficient
scale-up. Advanced techniques are necessary to construct
reservoir models that incorporate geologic and production data
gathered at different scales.
-
-
-
An Integrated Evaluation of Successful Acid Fracturing Treatment in a Deep Carbonate Reservoir Having High Asphaltene Content in Burgan Field, Kuwait
Authors Q. Dashti, M. Kabir, R. Vagesna, F. Al-Ruhaimani and H. LiuThis paper presents the process of candidate well selection,
design, execution and evaluation that lead to the successful
implementation of acid fracturing treatment in Marrat field.
The acid fracturing treatment is quite challenging due to
presence of high pressure/high temperature and high
asphaltene content in the crude oil which renders the situation
even more difficult because of fluid incompatibility issues.
The formation tends to produce oil with asphaltene content
when the flowing bottomhole pressure is drawn below the
Asphalting Onset Pressure (AOP). An engineering solution
was urgently needed to enhance the productivity of wells and
to mitigate the aspheltene deposition issue by allowing the
wells to produce above the AOP. The option of acid fracturing
was evaluated and found to be feasible to alleviate the
problems.
-
-
-
High-Resolution Sequence Stratigraphy in Sedimentary Discontinuities
More LessSince thirty years, the development and the use of sequence
stratigraphy concepts have cause a growing interest for
unconformities as bounding surfaces of stratigraphic units.
Only a few studies focalized on the comprehension of
diagenetic and sedimentary processes, and timing of formation
of sedimentary discontinuities. However, these processes
represent the only "sedimentary" record of environmental
changes, during the formation of the discontinuity.
-
-
-
Remaining Oil Investigation in a High Recovery Oilfield
Authors M. Burke, M. Bremeier, M. Shebani and J. DowleyResidual oil estimations are mainly based on special analysis
of representative core samples (SCAL). In high recovery oil
fields, where remaining oil saturations approach residual oil
saturations, it is possible to test these estimations using Pulsed
Neutron Decay (PND) logging to monitor water saturation
changes. Such monitoring techniques can identify
inconsistencies, leading to possible adjustments in recovery
strategies and eventual improvements in ultimate recovery.
-
-
-
Prediction of Thin Bed Reservoirs Below ¼ Wavelength Tuning Thickness Using Full Bandwidth Inverted Seismic Impedance
Authors M.L. Shoemaker, J.B. Robinson, P.N. Trumbly and B.A. BrennanAlthough conventional 3D reflection seismic data has been
invaluable in the exploration and development of oil and gas
fields worldwide, the stand-alone technology fundamentally
lacks the resolution required to adequately characterize
complex, thin-bedded hydrocarbon reservoirs. Limited vertical
seismic resolution, implicitly defined at ¼ wavelength tuning
thickness, can become particularly problematic when
predicting reservoir dimensions, and ultimately for risk and
reserve evaluation. Widess (1973) observed that thickness
estimation of a “thin-bed”, below ¼ wavelength tuning, can be
detected (or is encoded) within the amplitude of the composite
amplitude, which results from the increasing constructive
interference of the top and base reflections as the bed thins.
Herein, a methodology is introduced whereby aggregate
reservoir sandstone thickness is successfully predicted away
from well control via full bandwidth (0 to 25 Hz) inverted
seismic impedance.
-
-
-
Shake and Go—Advances in Vibroseis Technology
Authors C.E. Krohn, R. Neelamani and M.L. JohnsonA new patented vibroseis acquisition method, Shake and
GoSM, allows operation of multiple vibrators at multiple source
points simultaneously and continuously with no waiting for
between-sweep listening times or for between-vibrator slip
times. This method allows for unsurpassed production rates.
Model simulations, field gathers, and processed stacks are
used to demonstrate excellent data quality compared to other
high productivity methods.
-
-
-
The Surveillance and Optimization of a Waterflooded Fractured-Carbonate Reservoir
Authors L.M. Dittaro, T.L. Holding and C.M. SchwindtThe surveillance and optimization of Norman Wells, a
waterflooded fractured-carbonate reservoir in northern
Canada, is presented. Discovered and on-production since
1920, Norman Wells is one of Canada's largest conventionally
produced oil fields. Full development of this resource was
undertaken in the early 1980's when directional and horizontal
drilling technology allowed access to the majority of the
reservoir, which underlies the Mackenzie River.
-
-
-
Evolving Climate Strategies Among Asian Nations Under CDM & JI at Hydrocarbon E&P Industry—Alinging Carbon Abatement Costs in Asian Emissions’ Trading Scheme
By J.P.N. GiriAsian Emissions' Trading Scheme (AETS) for CO2 capturing is
one of the major components of Asian Climate Strategy for
achieving Asian Kyoto Targets under UNFCCC. Besides
trading emission allowances, linking between AETS and two
flexible project mechanisms: "Clean Development
Mechanism" (CDM) and "Joint Implementation" (JI) has
been established at Hydrocarbon E&P Business, that opens
scope for bridging emissions' trading alliances with Annex I
and non Annex I countries.
-
-
-
Al Khalij: The Quest For Oil In A Highly Complex Carbonate Field
Authors D. Foulon, F. Viéban, R. Noman, B. Faissat and I.A. Al-EmadiAl Khalij could be viewed as the archetypal complex
carbonate field. Laterally sealed by a stratigraphic closure, the
reservoir monocline consists in a layercake of alternating good
and poor quality rock whose fabric has been intensively
reworked during multiple phases of diagenesis. Additionally,
the oil column is relatively thin and average water saturation
above free water level exceeds 85%.
-
-
-
Seawater in Chalk: An EOR and Compaction Fluid
Authors T. Austad, S. Strand, M.V. Madland, T. Puntervold and R.I. KorsnesNorth Sea chalk reservoirs are characterized as pure biogenic,
natural fractured, low matrix permeability, and very high
porosity, 30-45%. The reservoir temperature is usually high,
>90 oC, and the wetting conditions appeared to be moderate
water-wet to neutral. Even though the permeability contrast
between the matrix and fractures is significant, the injection of
seawater has been a great success with the Ekofisk field as an
example (estimated oil recovery is now approaching 50%).
Seawater appeared to improve the water wetness of chalk,
which increases the oil recovery by spontaneous imbibition
and viscous displacement.
-
-
-
Validation of Kinetic Inhibitors for Sour Gas Fields
Authors U.C. Klomp and A.P. MehtaA kinetic hydrate inhibitor (KHI) can only delay hydrate formation for a limited period of time (the hold time). Larger thermodynamic driving forces for hydrate formation result in shorter hold times. When using a KHI, an element of water must be produced out of a production system before the hold time elapses.
-
-
-
Field Monitoring: Applications Of Total Corporate Integration Strategy
Authors A. Treguier, J. Danquigny and A. LouisImportant progress of digital technologies over the past
few years radically changes the way Total acquires, processes
and spreads the data coming from its upstream assets. The
rising generation of oilfields already reaps the benefits from
the use of these technologies through a patchwork of
customized applications ranging from measurement up to
visualization. This combination of both existing and leadingedge
technologies ensures to constantly reach the field optimal
efficiency.
-
-
-
Angola – Water Alternating Gas – First Surface Deepwater Well Gas to Water Injection Conversion
By P.A. ManeHost governments in developing countries are placing
increased focus on gas conservation where gas cannot be
easily exported. In Angola, a recent field development plan
included the provision for Water Alternate Gas (WAG)
injection to maximize ultimate oil recovery and minimize
flaring.
-
-
-
A Systematic Investigation of Girassol Deepwater Field Operational Data to Increase Confidence in Multiphase Simulation
Authors E. Zakarian and D. LarreyAfter over 5 years experience as operator of Girassol, the
earliest deepwater field put in production offshore West
Africa, Total has recorded a large amount of operational data.
The production system includes several conventional subsea
loops connected to a FPSO by 1350m water depth, with gas
lift injected at the bottom of the risers for activation and flow
stabilization.
-
-
-
Advances in Wet Gas Pipeline Technology
Authors J.L. Pacheco, W.J. Sisak, S. Venaik, R.V. Reddy, D.R. Robson, A. Dhokte, E.J. Wright, D. Pugh, C.E. Curtis and S.R. HickmanSubsea pipeline transportation of wet gas over signifi cant distances to an onshore or offshore facility for processing can be a key element
in the development of large offshore gas resources. Full well stream carbon steel pipelines offer substantial cost advantages over
alternatives such as offshore gas dehydration or pipelines clad with corrosion-resistant alloys. However, such well streams are typically
highly corrosive to carbon steel and subject to complex and variable multiphase fl ow conditions. Realizing the twin objectives of optimum
capital expenditure and long-term facility integrity, therefore, requires both a comprehensive fl ow assurance approach and a robust,
highly effective corrosion control program.
-
-
-
Advanced Logging Applications for Brownfield Optimization
Authors V. Bhushan, B. Akiode, R. Lee, P. Mukerji and Z. ZaoualiProduction logging in high angle and horizontal wells that
produce mixtures of fluid phases is challenging because of the
associated complex flow regimes that radically change the
physics and technology of measurement. Depending on the
borehole deviation, the velocity and fluid holdup of different
phases can change dramatically for a given flow rate.
-
-
-
Corrosion Management: A Key Issue in Pipeline Integrity
By M. RocheThe presentation summarises the basic principles of Pipeline
Corrosion Management and updates the experience of one of
the major integrated international Oil & Gas companies which
cumulates experience feed-back of successes and problems in
corrosion and integrity for more than 50 years.
-
-
-
Realistic characterization and simulation of naturally fractured reservoirs
More LessNaturally fractured reservoirs (NFRs) account for a significant
fraction of the world’s petroleum reserves but pose significant
challenges for reservoir characterization and simulation. In
this work, we develop a novel workflow for the geologically
realistic modeling of a fractured carbonate reservoir.
-
-
-
Mechanistic Studies of CO2 Sequestration
Authors J.M. Schembre-McCabe, J. Kamath and R. GurtonGeologic sequestration of carbon dioxide in aquifers or in
hydrocarbon reservoirs offer a promising alternative to reduce
the amount of CO2 released to the atmosphere. Most prior
work has focused on CO2 containment. However, target
reservoirs can have low permeability and are often finite, and
the ability to properly model the injection stage is of
significant economic concern.
-
-
-
KOC 1% Gas Flaring Target
Authors M.F. Al-Otaibi, A.E. Al-Adwani and M.M. NourGas flaring is increasingly recognized as a major
environmental problem, contributing more than 1% to
global emissions of CO2 in addition to its valuable
resource. At KOC an effective utilization of associated
gas in all fields became a serious concern in 1995 and
ongoing efforts were put in place for minimizing gas
flaring. Detailed exercises were carried out in 1996/1999
for identifying causes, establishing action plans, and
setting allowable targets.
-
-
-
Pattern Balancing and Waterflood Optimization of a Super Giant: Sabiriyah Field, North Kuwait, a Case Study
Authors R.A. Clark Jr., J. Lantz, H. Karami and M. Al-AjmiThis paper outlines the successful integration of subsurface,
water handling, well surveillance and production operations
teams across the North Kuwait asset to significantly improve
the operating procedure for waterflooding the Sabiriyah
Mauddud field. This effort required a new way of managing
this reservoir in NK: a multifaceted approach of balancing
voidage with injection, conducting extensive
surveillance/analysis within the reservoir to assess the efficacy
of various courses of action and, most significantly, adjusting
various teams’ “key performance indicators” (KPIs) to align
injection and production allowables with sound reservoir
management principles.
-
-
-
The Design of the First Miscible Sour Gasflood Project in Oman
Authors A. Al-Hadhrami, D. Davis, G. Deinum and H. SoekThis paper summarizes parts of the strategies that were
developed to demonstrate the feasibility of the first miscible
sour gas injection project in one of the reservoirs of a cluster
of fields in southern Oman. The hydrocarbons in the cluster
are contained in carbonate “stringers”, which are
approximately 100m thick slabs of carbonate floating within
salt at depths between 2.5 km to 5 km. Large quantities of sour
gas with 3-4% H2S and 10-15% CO2 are available to be used
as miscible agents.
-