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IPTC 2008: International Petroleum Technology Conference
- Conference date: 03 Dec 2008 - 05 Dec 2008
- Location: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Published: 03 December 2008
1 - 50 of 303 results
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Global Petroleum Market Entry Risk Assessment and Opportunity Mining Through Comparison Matrix Approach
By S. RajanEscalation of per-barrel crude prices is expected to continue on an inflation adjusted basis in the foreseeable future according
to most analysts. Rising prices are largely attributed to market forces fueled by surging world economy and growing
demand, particularly in Asia and Middle East. Relatively flat rates of exploration and exploitation success have been unable
to keep pace with that growth, leading to tight supplies. Politics, weather, speculation and other factors further contribute to
supply uncertainty.
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A Methodology for Gauging the Sensitivity of Project Value During Concept Comparison and Selection
Authors M. Neuhold, S.A. Shedid, C. Jablonowski and C. Wiboonkij-ArphakulProject value is highly correlated with decisions made
during concept comparison and selection. Decisions as
such are made amid uncertainty, putting value at risk. This
study details a methodology for determining the loss in
project value when inaccurate estimates are used during
concept comparison and selection. The difference between
net present values (NPVs) based on inaccurate estimates
and those based on an alternate hypothesis that is assumed
to represent the truth determines the magnitude of loss.
The value of the information required to reduce
uncertainty can then be obtained.
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A Novel Method to Construct Capillary Pressure Curves by Using NMR Log Data and Its Application in Reservoir Evaluation
More LessBy analyzing hundreds of capillary pressure curves, the controlling factors of shape and type of capillary pressure curves are
found and a novel method is presented to construct capillary pressure curves by using reservoir permeability and a synthesized
index. The accuracy of this new method is verified by mercury-injection experiments. Considering the limited quantity of
capillary pressure data, a new method is developed to extract the Swanson parameter from the NMR T2 distribution and
estimate reservoir permeability. Integrating with NMR total porosity, reservoir capillary pressure curves can be constructed,
which could be used to evaluate reservoir pore structure and calculate reservoir originality water saturation in the intervals
with NMR log data. At last, the constructed NMR capillary pressure curve by this new method is used in well site to detect the
change in reservoir pore structure and initial water saturation as a function of depth, comparision among the calculated result,
core data and Archie water saturation, demonstrate the responsibility and accuracy.
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Post-Frac Analysis Based on Flowback Results Using Chemical Frac-Tracers
Authors M. Asadi, R.A. Woodroof and J.D. Dumas Jr.Chemical frac tracing is used to evaluate flowback and cleanup efficiencies. The technique utilizes a family of
unique, environmentally-friendly, fracturing fluid compatible chemical tracers to quantify segment-by-segment
recovery for individual fracturing treatments and stage-by-stage recovery for multi-stage fracturing treatments.
These chemical tracers with their unique chemical characteristics are mixed at a known concentration into frac fluid
stages as the frac fluid is pumped downhole. Upon flowback, samples are collected and analyzed for tracer
concentration. With the use of the mass balance method the flowback efficiency for each stage is calculated.
These precise flowback calculations yield a more accurate assessment of cleanup efficiency. This paper presents
several case histories in which the technique was implemented. Results and fracture flowback prognoses are
presented. The results are also used to assess post-frac performance as a function of flowback efficiency.
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Reserves Are Added By Re-Thinking a 1983 Steamflood Pilot
Authors D.G. Nelson and M.J. EconomidesA 1983 steamflood pilot project was abruptly terminated in the Edison Field in California. Recently discovered and reinterpreted
information suggests that the decision was unjustified. A critical review of the pilot and the original steamflood
simulation along with a comparison of actual field measurements make it clear that the steamflood should be reconsidered,
and in the process, greatly adding to the field oil reserves.
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State-of-the-Art BHA Program Produces Unprecedented Results
Authors D.C-K. Chen and M. WuThis paper presents the development of a new bottomhole
assembly (BHA) program and how it is used to deliver
optimal BHA design. The new program allows users to run
static and dynamic models in the same application which will
save time and minimize errors.
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Acoustic Thin-bed Analysis to Enhance Stoneley Permeability and Mechanical Properties Processing in Laminated Carbonate Reservoirs
Authors J.A. Franquet, S.A. Al-Arfi and A.H.A. AmiriThis paper presents an acoustic thin-bed analysis in a
laminated carbonate reservoir in order to enhance the
Stoneley-wave permeability estimation and the rock
mechanical characterization. The results of the enhanced
acoustic characterization were corroborated and validated
by a wireline acoustic image log.
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Diagnosis of Excessive Water Production in Horizontal Wells Using WOR Plots
Authors M.A. Al Hasani, S.R. Al Khayari, R.S. Al Maamari and M.A. Al WadhahiMany oil fields in Oman are developed with horizontal wells
to maximize productivity and develop wider drainage areas for
more cost effective recovery. Premature water breakthrough
either from water injectors or from water aquifer reduces the
wells profitability because of both reduction in net oil rate and
additional cost for water handling. To determine the best
solution to shut-off, source and nature of the water entries
must be well identified.
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Comprehensive Mini-Frac Testing in the Gullfaks Field as a Tool for Characterization of Reservoir Structure and Rock Mechanics
More LessThis paper describes the stress field and rock mechanical
aspects in the Gullfaks Field reservoirs. The data analyses are
mainly based on large volume water and gel “mini-fracs”
associated with data gathering in conjunction with propped
fracture stimulation jobs. A few data points represent results
from Pump-In/Decline Tests after perforating/before start-up
of single zone water injectors. The data are based on “state of
the art” mini-frac analysis techniques which also are discussed
in this paper.
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A Monte Carlo Approach to Value of Information Evaluation
Authors Ø. Arild, H.P. Lohne and R. BratvoldThe value of information (VOI) methodology can be used for determining whether further information should be collected
before making a decision. Typically, a VOI is calculated on an expected monetary value (EMV) basis by means of a decision
tree, and the cost of the information is compared to the VOI to determine whether to undertake further data collection. A
majority of VOI studies employ the discrete decision tree approach to VOI evaluation, thus simplifying the problem by
reducing the range of the outcomes and the number of uncertainties addressed at the same time.
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Killing of a Gas Well: Successful Implementation of Innovative Approaches in a Middle-Eastern Carbonate Field—A Field Case
Authors S. Salehi, G. Hareland, M. Soroush, K.K. Dehkordi and F.K. SalehA casing collapse occurred in a gas producing well with about 2.5 million cubic meters per day gas flow rate at a depth of
216 ft due to tectonic movements. As a result, the well blew out and different serious procedures were put into play to kill the
well (Figure 1). This paper aims to review the practical and innovative approach that was used to secure and extinguish the
well.
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Characterization of Fracture Dynamic Parameters to Simulate Naturally Fractured Reservoirs
Authors H. Bahrami, J. Siavoshi, H. Parvizi, S. Esmaili, M.H. Karimi and A. NasiriFractures identification is essential during exploration,
drilling and well completion of naturally fractured
reservoirs since they have a significant impact on flow
contribution. There are different methods to characterize
these systems based on formation properties and fluid flow
behaviour such as logging and testing.
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Determination and Prediction of Wax Deposition from Alaska North Slope Crude Oil
Authors V.B. Kulkarni, T. Zhu and F. HvedingDue to increasing oil demand, oil companies are moving into arctic environments for oil production. Due to low temperature in
these regions, wax starts to deposit when the temperature falls below Wax Appearance Temperature (WAT). These solid wax
particles cause additional pressure drop in production tubing, pipeline and processing equipment eventually leading to
plugging. Problems associated with wax deposition are very costly due to production down time and removal of wax. Hence
accurate prediction of WAT and the amount of wax formed at given condition becomes important for sustainable operation in
this kind of environment.
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Navigating the Fog of Reservoir Uncertainties to Decision Makings with Advanced Mathematical Models in New Field Development
Authors T.R. Pham, F.A. Al-Ajmi and M.A. Al-ShehabReservoir development, most of the time coming at the
heel of an exploration effort, faces enormous challenges
in terms of uncertainties in all aspects of the event,
especially with respect to the reservoir parameters. A
survey by Bickel and Bratvold(1), highlighted the
difficulty in the industry of making the connection from
the uncertainty quantifications and analyses that are
probabilistic to decisions that are deterministic. The
survey also highlighted the observation that the decision
making process has not improved in proportion with the
industry’s capability pertaining to probability analyses.
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Combined Underground Gas Storage and Enhanced Oil Recovery in a Fractured Reservoir
Authors J. de Kok and T. ClemensThe Schönkirchen Tief reservoir is located in the Vienna Basin. The reservoir contained 19 mn m3 oil originally in place. The
current recovery factor after 45 years of production is 59 %. The field was produced by water injection. The wells, located at
the crest of the high relief structure are exhibiting a high water cut. In 2006-2007, a comprehensive study was performed to
optimise the future development of the field.
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Effective Stimulation of Carbonate Reservoirs around the World by Creating Multiple Drainage Holes
Authors R.S. Aboud, J.D. Diaz, A. Mendez, L.J. Kalfayan, L.N. Portman, R. Stanley and J.A. CurtisA new stimulation technique of limestone and dolomite wells has been successfully implemented in several regions around the
world (South America, Europe, Middle East, and South East Asia), since 2005.
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Swelling Packers: Lab Testing and Field Application
Authors A.S. Al-Yami, H.A. Nasr-El-Din, M.Z. Awang, A.S. Al-Humaidi and M.K. Al-ArfajThe best well completion is the lowest cost one that meets the demands for the well during its life time. There are different
aspects that we need to consider when designing completion such as reservoir consideration (Allen and Roberts, 2006).We
can have openhole completions, perforated casing completion, or horizontal completions. In this study, we present lab
evaluation of oil and water swelling elastomers for potential field application in Saudi Arabia fields.
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Methodology for Exploratory Offshore Wells Design and Construction, Plataforma Deltana – Venezuela Study Case
By N.L. BizzaroThe object of this project is the development of a planning model for the construction of off-shore exploratory wells. The
starting phase of the investigation comprised the assessment of seismic and geological information, drilling program, weather
and oceanographic conditions in off-shore region of eastern Venezuela.
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Low Salinity Brine Injection for EOR on Alaska North Slope (ANS)
Authors S. Patil, A.Y. Dandekar, S.L. Patil and S. KhataniarDisplacement of oil from reservoir rock pore spaces is a function of many interacting variables, among which the
reservoir wetting state has been shown to be one of the most important, which is affected by the rock lithology; oil chemistry
and brine salinity. Therefore, efficient and cost-effective oil recovery requires an understanding of the nature and, where
possible, the optimal manipulation of these interacting variables.
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Simulation on Technical Limits of Multi-Molecular-Weight Polymer Flooding in Heterogeneous Multi-Layer Reservoirs in Daqing Oilfield
Authors Z. Xiaoqin, G. Wenting, M. Nan, L. Changsen and G. SonglinBeing a heterogeneous multi-layer oilfield, Daqing Oilfield benefits remarkably from polymer flooding. However, for the low
permeability oilfields with severe multi-layer and heterogeneity problems, applying molecular weight injection technology
alone may cause uneven injection; and surface split injection may result in high cost. So, downhole separate polymer injection,
as a multipurpose adjustment measure to minimize the heterogeneity, is feasible and necessary. And Daqing has successfully
realized the downhole technology.
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Concept of Classified Polymer Flooding Control Extent and Influences on Flooding Effect
Authors S. Zhenbo, Z. Xiaoqin, L. Xia, W. Lijun and M. JingIn oil reservoirs, if sand bodies are interconnected, and the polymer molecules can penetrate, then we regard the porous
volume as swept volume of polymer flooding. But polymer flooding effects are associated with interconnection types of swept
porous volume, which has not been involved in the previous concept of polymer flooding control.
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A State-of-the-Art Permeability Modeling Using Fuzzy Logic in a Heterogeneous Carbonate (An Iranian Carbonate Reservoir Case Study)
Authors M.R. Ghafoori, M. Roostaeian and V.A. SajjadianPermeability is one of the crucial parameters in dynamic
reservoir modeling and simulation. Direct measurement
of permeability through coring and wireline formation
testing is expensive and sometimes fail to achieve. In
recent years, different methodologies have been
introduced to the petroleum geosciences/engineering
descipline to predict permeability from openhole logs.
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Evaluation of Rotary Jetting Tool Application for Matrix Acid Stimulation of Carbonate Reservoir in Southern Area Field of Saudi Arabia
Authors S. Haldar, A.A. Al-Jandal, S.M. Al-Driweesh, S. AlSarakbi and M.A. EspinosaStimulation of oil wells is becoming more and more challenging every year. Wells easy to select are fast diminishing. Today’s
candidate for matrix acid stimulation have high water cut, close oil-water contact, marginal pay zone to stimulate and complex
completion, raising more challenges. Combining coiled tubing pinpoint treatment placement with diversion method is crucial
for such wells. Traditional chemical diversion like gelplug, VES, foam or nitrogen divert treatment fluid in the zone of broad
permeability contrast.
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An Integrated Workflow for Gas Injection EOR and a Successful Application to a Heterogeneous Sandstone Reservoir in the Southern North Sea
Authors N. Nishikiori, K. Sugai, C. Normann, A. Onstein, O. Melberg and T. EilertsenThis study describes an improved engineering workflow to
perform technical evaluation and screening of gas injection
EOR. A successful case study demonstrates how field data,
engineering analysis and simulation are integrated to
precisely model gas injection EOR. This workflow can be
adaptable for any type of reservoir and can be utilized as a
fast-track screening workflow for gas injection EOR.
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Exploratory Well Hits Target Successfully on the 8th Attempt in the Binak Oilfield, North of Persian Gulf
Authors M. Fazaelizadeh, G. Hareland, S.A. Mirhaj, Y. Yousafi, A. Kustamsi and F. ShirkavandIn the Binak oilfield, located in the north of the “Persian Gulf”, seven exploratory wells were attempted to drill to the target,
which is the Khami reservoir at a depth of 5600 m. Due to special conditions and problems, drilling through the formations in
this oilfield was unsuccessful. The main drilling challenges include selecting correct casing depth, borehole instability due to
shale sloughing and severe fluid loss and flow during drilling. These problems resulted in the unsuccessful drilling of seven
exploratory wells. Therefore, the following factors were considered in designing the new exploratory well number eight.
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Selection Criteria for Artificial Lift Technique in Bokor Field
Authors M.A. Wahba, M. Jadid, I.B. Subari, M.N.B. Abu Talib, P. von Pattay and D. SaenzAs production declines and watercut increases, wells are often converted from gas lift to electrical submersible pumps
(ESPs). ESPs are an attractive alternative since they can achieve lower bottom hole flowing pressures. This can accelerate
production and improve recovery.
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Improvements in the Management of Structured and Unstructured Data
Authors M. Garbarini, R.E. Catron and B. PughWe describe business practices and IT tools that we deployed to reduce the time that Engineers and Geoscientists spend
looking for, gaining access to, and manipulating data and information. Various sources have estimated that technical
professionals spend up to 30% of their time searching for data and information. Less well measured, but estimated to be just
as large, is the time spent gaining access to data, moving it into and between technical applications and dealing with data
quality problems. We share our analyses and classification of how this time is being spent.
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Hydrajet (Abrasive) Perforating Can Improve Success of Fracturing Stimulations
Authors B.W. McDaniel, J.B. Surjaatmadja and L.E. East Jr.At least as early as the 1960s, many well operators knew that hydrajetting perforations, or slots through cemented casing,
could often “bail-out” a problem well that otherwise seemed completely resistant to hydraulic-fracturing attempts. However,
for more than 50 years of fracturing applications, there was insufficient demand for this process to make it a commodity
service, especially before the advent of coiled tubing (CT) services in the 1980s. With very sporadic use, this type of well
service was costly because abrasive mixing and high-pressure pumping were both needed, and efficiencies of repetitive use
were not developed. Conventional explosive shape-charge perforating was usually lower-cost and seemed sufficient for most
wells.
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First-Ever Vessel-Based Large-Scale Propped Fracturing Treatment in a Tight, Deep, Hot Formation in Bohai Bay Yields Multiple Fold Oil Production Increase
More LessBohai Oilfield, CNOOC's offshore oilfield in northern China’s Bohai Sea, is China’s third largest oilfield in terms of oil &
gas production. Most of the offshore shallow, high permeability reservoirs have been developed since early eighties.
Recently, attention has been shifted to the deep, and low permeability reservoirs in the offshore Bohai Bay area.
The BoZhong (BZ) field, an important petroleum district in the Bozhong Depression, has a complex history of structural and
depositional evolution. The Shahejie (SHJ) reservoir shows general characteristics of deep (~13,000ft), low to medium
permeability; light crude; high temperatures; and overly pressured. The natural flow capacity of the formation without
stimulation is around 60–190 BOPD, at a high drawdown pressure of 1,500 psi.
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Fractured Basement Characterization from Multi-Attributes Guided Integrated Continuous Fracture Modeling
Authors M. Lefranc and A. CarrillatThis paper demonstrates an integrated approach to
conditioning models for fractured basement reservoirs
(granite) through application of Continuous Fracture
Modelling (CFM). The approach is built on two main steps:
1) the interpretation and analysis of FMI, log and core data
which provide high vertical resolution information for a
limited number of locations and, 2) the prediction of the
fracture intensity in the inter-well space.
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The HR Group as a Strategic Business Partner, A How to Case Study
Authors J.F. O‘Callaghan and A.A.A. Al-BannayAs part of its 2020 strategy, a major Middle East oil company is expected to face significant employment challenges in its
heavy oil and gas businesses due to competiveness within global recruitment markets. Its HR Group is forging a strategic
business partnership role with management and employees and incorporating this concept into its new strategy.
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Early Bed Boundary Detection While Drilling - Testing and Application of a Bit Resistivity Device
Authors A. Hartmann, M. Gorek, C. Fulda and K. KrafEarly detection of a change in formation is often key to making safe and efficient decisions while drilling. Where sudden
changes in pore pressure or wellbore stability relating to lithology are expected, reducing bottomhole assembly (BHA)
penetration into these zones allows either changes to mud parameters or casing seat selection to be made with reduced risk.
Where reservoirs are intercepted, early reservoir detection offers the chance to maximize the productive interval by placing
the casing the top of the reservoir, which is often most important for production. It also allows to perform conventional
coring instead of bypass coring or to change the mud system to avoid damge of the reservoir.
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4D Seismic in Carbonates: From Rock Physics to Field Examples
We have carried out 4D seismic research on two giant carbonate fields in Abu Dhabi, UAE, employing an integrated
approach. Our work process started from fundamental rock physics analysis. The Xu-White rock physics model, originally
designed for clastic rocks, was extended to carbonates. With this model, we characterized the reservoir interval by different
(geophysical) pore types, related them to petrophysical (sedimentalogical) pore types, and performed log conditioning to
improve well to seismic ties. Laboratory ultrasonic measurements of core plugs and log analysis were conducted in
combination with the rock physics model to examine the fluid and pressure sensitivities.
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Novel Signal Enhancement Approaches and Advanced Seismic Imaging as Applied to a Land 3D Seismic Survey
Authors J.M. Reilly, P. Traynin, R. Neelamani, D. Hinkley, G. Skeith, P.D. Silitonga and S. ChackoRecent advances in understanding the physics of surface waves, coupled with innovative transform methods, can improve
land seismic data quality sufficiently to justify the application of more advanced imaging algorithms. This paper presents the
results of an effort to improve the imaging of an Oligo-Miocene isolated carbonate platform in a land seismic acquisition
setting.
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Origins and Deep Water Exploration Potential of Natural Gases in the Offshore South China Sea
More LessMore than ten gas pools in the shallow water region of the Pearl River Mouth (PRM) Basin and the Qiongdongnan (QDN)
Basin, the Offshore South China Sea have been discovered since 1983. Gases produced from QDN Basin are characterized by
high contents of benzene and toluene and relatively heavy delta13C2 values (-25- -27 permil), and the associated condensates
by high abundance of bicadinanes and oleanane, which indicate a good correlation with the coal-bearing sequence of the
Oligocene Yacheng Formation in the Basin.
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Theory and Application of Integrated Pore Pressure Prediction in Deepwater Exploration
By A.L. LiawAn integrated pore pressure analysis technique has been applied to reduce the uncertainty of risks in exploration prospects
in deepwater Gulf of Mexico, West Africa, and offshore Brazil. Pre-drill predictions of pore pressure related attributes
have not only enhanced the success of exploration programs, but also have optimized the design of deepwater drilling
programs. The pore pressure analysis technique is based on the integration of 3D high resolution and high density velocity
field derived from seismic pre-stack migration gathers and acoustic impedance inverted from a calibrated seismic
migration volume. Case studies have revealed that 75% of pre-drill predictions, using 3D high resolution seismic
velocities, fall within 1 ppg accuracy. In conjunction with the application of real-time analyses, we have further improved
prediction accuracies.
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The State of Optimum Value Testing - The Vision and the Reality
Authors H. Elshahawi, R.H. Hite and M.P. HowsSince the turn of the century, Shell has had a vision that Optimal Value Testing (OVT) will replace conventional drill stem
tests for in-situ measurement of dynamic reservoir properties such as permeability and drainage volume. The term OVT
refers to as any testing method that yields fit-for-purpose results at the lowest cost and HSE impact.
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The Potential of Compressed Natural Gas Transport in Asia
Authors X. Wang and M. Marongiu-PorcuNatural gas use is expected to increase dramatically in the world over the next two decades, especially in the two fastest
growing countries in Asia: China and India. Japan is already greatly dependent on natural gas. In connecting sources with
markets, natural gas is transported with two well-established technologies: 70 percent by pipeline and 30 percent by liquefied
natural gas (LNG). Pipelines traversing land masses, when feasible, are the obvious option. However, offshore pipelines have
a distance limit and a terrain restriction. LNG facilities (both the liquefaction process at the source and the re-gasification
process at the receiving end) are expensive to construct and the entire process is complicated, costly, and energy wasteful. It
is applicable for long haul sea distances and large volumes of gas.
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Integrated Modeling of Fractured Low Permeability Reservoir, Sangonghe Formation, Baolang Oilfield, Northwest China
Authors F. Zhou, G. Yao, G. Wang, O.D. Orodu and Q. YangThis paper integrated Flow Zone (FZ), single sandstone sequence, with the study of fracture, and gave a fine characterization
and modeling of fractured low permeability reservoir. It pointed out that calculating the porosity and permeability for low
permeability reservoir based on FZ and building the 3D discrete fracture network (DFN) distribution model integrated with
the static fracture character and the density distribution of high angle fracture (HAF) and low angle fracture (LAF) are
efficient methods for fractured low permeability reservoir.
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Bioremediation Techniques for Oil Sludge Treatment at the Arun Field
Authors S. Radhi, N.S Khanim and A.D. SyaktiSlurry sludge that contains hydrocarbons and heavy metals compounds were generated from drilling activities and production
processes in the Arun Field in North Aceh. The sludge was categorized as a hazardous and toxic waste, and it required special
handling and treatment.
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Replacing Wireline Formation Pressure With Formation Pressure While Drilling in Long Horizontal Wells
Authors J.K. Larsen, C.J. Maeso, F. Liu, R. Narayanan and R. NomanThis paper presents a case history of how Formation Pressure While Drilling (FPWD) technology has effectively replaced
traditional pipe conveyed wireline technology in long horizontal wells.
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Integrated Data and Information Management System from SubSurface to Surface to Enhance Production Activity and Business Decision – Driving Cross Disciplines Integration through Data/Information Management
Authors T. Magdalena and N. SwatikaToday, it is so often we heard the words of “data or information”. Furthermore, it becomes the data or information
management process, where three important parts should be involved: input – process – output. From those
three, data become the “input”, and running systems or applications are the “processes” which will deliver
information as the “output”. Those three basic parts are essential for running continuously and simultaneously in a
daily operation by implementing the data or information management system practices within the company.
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Improved Techniques for Acquiring Pressure and Fluid Data in a Challenging Offshore Carbonate Environment
Authors K.D. Contreiras, F. Van-Dúnem, P. Weinheber, A. Gisolf and M. RuedaThe combination of low permeability, oil base mud and near saturated oils presents one of the most challenging environments
for fluid sampling with formation testers. Low permeability indicates that the drawdown while sampling will be high but this
is contra-indicated for oils that are close to saturation pressure. A logical response is to therefore reduce the flow rate but in
wells drilled with OBM an unacceptably long clean-up time would result.
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LNG Technology Advances and Challenges
Authors R.R. Bowen, M.R. Miller, J.L. Planteen, O.W. Tredennick, G.M. Norman, C.M. Duke and M.N. GreerThis paper outlines the development and implementation of technologies that have led to a significant growth in the worldwide
LNG business and offers a look at technology directions that may hold promise to help continue future growth. Among
the key technical enablers has been the evolution in the size of LNG trains over the past twenty-five years, resulting in
significant unit cost reduction. Similar to liquefaction facilities, LNG ships have also been increasing in size to achieve
similar reductions in unit cost of LNG transported. Lessons learned in the design, execution, and implementation of large
LNG trains and ships, as well as the overall changes of LNG liquefaction trains over the past twenty-five years, have been
key to the evolving design of the LNG value chain.
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A Compositional Wellbore/Reservoir Simulator to Model Multiphase Flow and Temperature Distribution
Authors P. Pourafshary, A. Varavei, K. Sepehrnoori and A. PodioProduction of hydrocarbon often involves gas and liquid (oil/water) concurrent flow in the wellbore. As a multi-phase/multicomponent
gas-oil mixture flows from the reservoir to the surface, pressure, temperature, composition and liquid holdup
distributions are interrelated. However, nearly all two-phase wellbore simulations are currently performed using “black oil”
simulators.
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Express-Technology for Direct Searching and Prospecting of Hydrocarbon Accumulation by Geoelectric Methods
Authors N.A. Yakymchuk, S.P. Levashov and I.N. KorchaginThe late publications testify that now the scientific institutions and service companies give the important attention to
geoelectric and electromagnetic methods (EM) of prospecting and exploring of oil and gas fields. New EM methods are
actively developed and the known ones are improved, the more wider application of these methods is observed during
investigation for oil and gas, both onshore, and offshore, and the aspiration of the companies to purposeful integration of EM
methods with seismic is marked also.
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BTX Plant Performance Tests (Best Practice)
Authors M.H. Al-Abdullatif and M. Al-GhamdiFor years Saudi Aramco faced rapid and chronic Claus catalyst deactivation induced by aromatics (BTX) in feed acid gas (lean
acid gas). This catalyst deactivation resulted in low sulfur recovery and frequent shutdowns to replace the catalyst. After
completing an exhaustive process selection study to identify the most cost effective solution to the problem, the company
proceeded with installation of regenerable activated carbon beds upstream of sulfur recovery units (SRUs) to remove
aromatics contaminants before they reach the converter beds.
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Improving the Detection and Analysis of Seafloor Macro-Seeps: An Example from the Marco Polo Field, Gulf of Mexico, USA
Authors H. Dembicki Jr. and B. SameulThe hunt for seafloor hydrocarbon seeps has become an important component of many deepwater exploration
programs. Finding thermogenic hydrocarbons at the seafloor is evidence of a working petroleum system and the
recovered hydrocarbons can be used to give insight into the contents of the subsurface reservoir. But
hydrocarbon seeps are often small features not easily recognized on conventional seismic data and sampled
seep oils often mix with recent organic matter and experience biodegradation that hamper the interpretation of
thermogenic hydrocarbons.
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Assessment of the Fisheries Impact of Seawater Use by Offshore Facilities
By J.P. SmithProposals to construct multiple offshore liquefied natural gas terminals (LNG) in the United States that planned to use
seawater as a heat source for vaporization of LNG have prompted assessments of the potential for entrainment of marine
organisms in seawater intakes to impact fisheries. The publication of multiple impact assessments for facilities in the same
region facilitated a critical review of the techniques currently in use and led to research on improvements in assessment
methodology.
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Paraffin Inhibitor Applications in Deepwater Offshore Developments
Authors D.W. Jennings and M.E. NewberryParaffin inhibitors can have a significant impact on crude oil production for some developments. Paraffin inhibitors are used
for reducing wax deposition in flowlines and/or for improving the flow properties of waxy crude oils. The effectiveness of
the paraffin treatment is dependent on the crude oil chemical composition, inhibitor chemistry, inhibitor dose rate, and the
production conditions.
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