bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New Hydrocarbon Potential in Jurassic (Hith - Gotnia) Over Burgan & Magwa Structures SE- Kuwait
Authors: Moustafa Alaa , Al-Wadi Meshal , Abu-Hebail Hanan , Amer Aimen , Li Inna , Maddipudi Venkateswara Rao , Nohut Omur
Published: October 2015

Exploration in Kuwait have been conducted since 1934 with the opening of the Burgan field. Subsequent discovering new oilfields has left unattended Jurassic evaporitic Gotnia and Hith sequence that initially was considered as the main hydrocarbon seal for the underlying Jurassic reservoirs. This understanding has changed following the latest hydrocarbon discovery in Raudhatain field in the North of Kuwait.

In addition, the studied Gotnia and Hith formations are equivalent to the Arab Formation, which is the main oil-bearing stratum with highly porous limestone reservoirs, distributed in neighboring Saudi Arabia and UAE. The discovery in Raudhatain field could imply that the evaporites of Gotnia and Hith formations are part of the regional hydrocarbon play system within the Arabian Peninsula and it has opened up a huge opportunity for exploration and production of oil and gas from untapped reserves over entire Kuwait.

To continue investigation, detailed mapping of Gotnia and Hith sequences over Burgan and Magwa areas in SE of Kuwait showing the similar four-way closures as the Raudhatain field, which are dissected by set of faults NW-SE, E-W and N-S orientations. Fault system interpretation has been carried out with the help of seismic structural attribute analysis; detailed geological correlation of available well logs (limited openhole logs) allowed defining thin limestone layers in anhydrite and estimating their distribution through Burgan and Magwa structures.

Integrated G&G study has shown that most hydrocarbon potential in Gotnia and Hith formations is directly linked to limestone thicknesses. Thin limestone layers imbedded within the anhydrite units act as the reservoir, the main challenge is the estimation of these beds continuity from a seismic scale. Well logging in the mentioned formations was also challenge due to high pressure/temperature nature of these rocks but to date wireline logging has been adopted.

This study will show the workflows used in identifying and mapping the various hydrocarbon bearing units over Burgan and Magwa areas, which will make substantial contribution increasing the Jurassic hydrocarbon potential in Kuwait.
Successful Utilization of E-line Tractor in Horizontal, High Pressure and High Temperature Gas Wells
Authors: Al-Buali Muhammad Hamad , Al-Mulhim Abdullah Abdulmohsin , Sethi Neeraj , Sagr Hani Hatem , Solano Jose
Published: October 2015

Growing gas resource exploitation in Saudi Arabia has increased activity in drilling deep, high pressure gas reservoirs with marginal to low permeability. Such wells generally require stimulation operations to induce production. To increase the reservoir contact area, a significant number of wells are constructed with long reach horizontal sections. Multistage fracture operations are primarily conducted using plug and perforation technology to establish reservoir connectivity and production. The stimulation work involves multidisciplinary teams conducting simultaneous operations in a limited workspace and time. The primary well intervention challenges include the following: Effective deployment of cement and casing inspection tools in the horizontal section.Safe, reliable, and efficient technology to convey the perforating bottom-hole assembly (BHA) to the target depths in the long horizontal section during some stages of the plug and perforation operations.Available, reliable, and readily deployable contingency perforating option for plug and perforation operations.

High-pressure, high-temperature (HPHT) horizontal gas wells have traditionally been challenging for performing tractor operations because of reliability issues. Recent technical improvements have enhanced the operating range of the tractor, enabling more consistent and dependable operations in these environments.

Based on the experience of conducting several plug and perforation stimulation jobs in Saudi Arabia, the electric-line (e-line) tractor has proven to be a reliable and consistent well intervention solution. The tractor-conveyed cement evaluation tools have produced high quality interpretable data used to design the multistage fracture job. Post-fracture diagnostic work has also been successfully performed in the horizontal sections to evaluate tubular integrity, providing valuable information for future fracture design. Moreover, tractor-conveyed perforating has proven to be an effective solution for conducting stage-1 toe perforations in comparison to other options from several aspects. The option of contingency perforating in a closed system without fluid injectivity into the previously perforated stages has helped to maintain the continuity of operations. Successful tractor interventions have been performed in wells with more than 3,000 ft. of horizontal sections, total depth (TD) of more than 17,000 ft., temperatures greater than 325°F, and pressures greater than 10,000 psi.

This paper describes how the state-of-the-art technology has helped to meet the technical objectives of, and had a positive effect on, large rigless production enhancement.
Compact In-Line Bulk Water Removal Technologies - A Solution to the High Water Cut Challenges
Authors: Rehman Abdullah , Peeran Syed , Beg Dr Najam
Published: October 2015

The natural depletion of reservoirs with increased water-cut and aging facilities has forced the oil and gas industry to improve methods and technologies for the ultimate hydrocarbon recovery. A compact patented in-line cyclonic separator, called the Wx, has been developed as a solution. The unit is a single passive device used to separate bulk-water from a water continuous (oil-water) mixture. It is capable of recovering up to 60% of inlet total water production at a quality of 1000 ppm or less. Wx technology has been extensively tested in the UK and has also been successfully deployed onshore and offshore in Norway.

This paper discusses how Wx oil/water compact separator can be used with existing technologies to address the issues of ‘High Water cuts’, in order to recover maximum hydrocarbons. It also discusses the performance of the Wx unit in terms of pressure drops, flow turn-down/turn-up, sensitivity to inlet water cut, tolerance to gas, separation quality including operation, control, capacity, applications and some of its key features.
Internal Corrosion Management Of Process Vessels
Authors: Bateman Colin , Blackwell David
Published: October 2015

Managing the anticipated internal erosion and corrosion in process vessels is a challenging task for the equipment designer and operator. This paper discusses a number of alternative solutions and focuses on the use of organic lining technologies, reviewing material acceptance and performance criteria, application techniques and control and addresses issues commonly faced by the designers, applicators and ultimately the asset owner.
Chemical and Miscible Gas EOR Field Development Strategies Based on Integrated Surveillance Interpretation
Authors: Zwaan Marcel , Valdez Raul
Published: October 2015

At the early phases of EOR developments, small scale pilots are commonly used to obtain information of the EOR field development mechanisms. The lessons learnt from these early pilots are subsequently used to de-risk and improve the full field developments.

In initial phases, well and reservoir surveillance plays an important role to increase the understanding of the effectiveness of the EOR processes in the various reservoirs. Well-planned and executed reservoir surveillance has proven in the past to de-risk and optimise production and ultimate recovery from reservoirs significantly.

Successful projects are characterized by a high level of cross discipline integration.

This paper discusses the important field development decisions of Miscible Gas, and Chemical projects, that have been based on well and reservoir surveillance results that will be presented in this paper. A clear strategy is presented to select surveillance strategies dependent on the field development decisions that need to be taken.

Moreover, field case examples of these decisions are presented in the remainder of the paper.

For the chemical injection project in a clastic field a new workflow was developed to analyse well-tests of for polymer injection. The field management decisions to adapt rates, effective viscosities and change water treatment requirements are supported by an integrated modeling and surveillance effort. This fracture monitoring workflow plays a role in the regular pattern management evaluations to manage the field in a holistic manner.

Two examples of a miscible gas flood will be presented. In the first one, the pattern geometry of a miscible gas flood was changed from an inverted 9-spot to a line drive based on surveillance information. Additional development opportunities and reserves were identified through extensive surveillance, performance monitoring and data gathering pilots. In the second example, we present the field outline with a surveillance plan, with magnetic resonance and other new saturation tools. Moreover vertical conformance is demonstrated to be measurable through distributed temperature sensing.
Thermal EOR Field Development and Well and Reservoir Management
Authors: Zwaan Marcel , Lopez Jorge , Landman Anke-Jannie
Published: October 2015

At the early phases of EOR developments, small scale pilots are commonly used to obtain information of the EOR field development mechanisms. The lessons learnt from these early pilots are subsequently used to de-risk and improve the full field developments.

In initial phases, well and reservoir surveillance plays an important role to increase the understanding of the effectiveness of the EOR processes in the various reservoirs. Well-planned and executed reservoir surveillance has proven in the past to de-risk and optimise production and ultimate recovery from reservoirs significantly.

This paper discusses the important field development decisions in Thermal Injection projects, which have been based on well and reservoir surveillance results. A clear methodology is presented to select surveillance strategies dependent on the field development decisions that need to be taken.
Applications of Multifrequency Dielectric and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Diffusion Measurements in the Burgan Field, Kuwait
Authors: Rashaid M.. , Mohamed A.. , Al-Ibrahim M.. , Naik V.. , Van Steene M.. , Sangani P.. , Eid K.. , Paramatikul R.. , Ayyad H.. , Jamal S..
Published: October 2015

The Greater Burgan field has been producing since 1946 from a series of highly permeable Cretaceous reservoirs. Recently, a series of more complex reservoirs has been reassessed using advanced logging and wireline formation tester (WFT) technologies.

The techniques employed in the reassessment include fluid-quality (viscosity and presence of tar) mapping using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) log data and shallow invasion measurements using multifrequency, multispacing dielectric data. In addition, the dielectric logs provide a direct measurement of the Archie m exponent in water zones. Improvements in formation evaluation achieved by integrating these results with conventional logs included better differentiation of moveable from residual hydrocarbon, identification of variations in formation water salinity, and maps of oil-quality variation versus depth and across the field.

These techniques were applied to three case studies. In the first case study, formation evaluation was conducted in an Upper Cretaceous carbonate formation of unknown water salinity. The combination of dielectric logs and NMR enabled identification of water-bearing and residual oil zones where formation water salinity could be determined. The analysis revealed increasing water salinity with depth. Dielectric logging also provided a direct evaluation of Archie's m exponent in the water zones, in the absence of special core analysis. The NMR highlights variations in oil quality from one well to another.

In the second case study, a viscous oil layer located in the middle of a water zone in a Middle Cretaceous reservoir was evaluated. Moveable oil was identified by radial oil saturation variation close to the borehole detected by the dielectric log measurement. The interpretation was verified by the first oil sample ever recovered in this layer.

In the final case study, in a Lower Cretaceous reservoir, dielectric measurements provided accurate estimates of residual oil saturation required for planning enhanced oil recovery projects.

The results obtained from the application of the multifrequency dielectric dispersion and diffusion-NMR as confirmed with WFT sampling bring new insight to the evaluation of challenging formations within the Burgan field.
Seismic Attributes & Wave Form Classification: An Emerging Tool for Exploration of Shallow Oil Play, Kuwait
Authors: Singavarapu Anjaneyulu , Singh Sunil Kumar , Al-Rashidi Sarah , Al-Ajmi Afrah , Al-Owihan Hanan
Published: October 2015

Lower Fars Formation of Middle Miocene age has become focus of exploration in North Kuwait area after the recent discovery of hydrocarbons in the North Western Kuwait. Being a shallow reservoir with depths ranging from 400ft to 1200ft, identifying and characterizing of this Lower Fars play with the sparse well data, lack of E-logs and with seismic data acquired for evaluating the deeper targets make this task highly challenging. A detailed analysis of the mapped structure with the hydrocarbon indications in Lower Fars Formation observed in the mud logs of wells drilled for deeper Jurassic targets in the study area indicates that the present day structural configuration has a limited role in these hydrocarbon accumulations and the play appear to be primarily strati-structural in nature. Keeping this in mind an integrated approach had been adopted in relating the seismic data with hydrocarbon indications in wells and subsequent correlation through a combination of seismic attributes as well as waveform classification. A suitable geologic model has been postulated with seismic and well analysis which has resulted in identifying a target area for exploration. The exploratory well drilled to validate the model had encountered hydrocarbon bearing reservoirs as predicted and successfully established the shallow Lower Fars play opening a large area for active exploration and development in North East Kuwait area. The integrated approach has validated the crucial role of seismic attributes, seismic facies analysis through waveform classification in defining reservoir geometry and hydrocarbon charging in a new area with limited well data.
High Resolution Sequence Stratigraphy and Seismic Data Integration Aid on Achieving Successful Horizontal Wells in Challenging Wara and Upper Burgan Reservoirs of Minagish Field, Kuwait
Authors: El Gezeery T. M. , Ebaid A.. , Ismael A.. , Silambuchlvan J. K. , Padhy G. S. , Abdul-Latif A.. , Das O.. , Al-Anezi K.. , Elsherif A. I. , Ahmed A. M.
Published: October 2015

The Middle Cretaceous Upper Burgan and Wara sandstone reservoirs in the Minagish field are exhibiting variable clastic depositional settings ranging from fluvial, fluvio-tidal to tidal wave sands. The sand bodies are highly heterogeneous in terms of the stratigraphic architecture implying extensive lateral facies variations, stacked sand bodies and varying petrophysical properties. Modeling the target sand channels and optimizing subsurface well placement and geo-steering requires high resolution geological and seismic data integration in order to minimize uncertainities related to correlations of multiple auto-cyclic ravinement surfaces, channels geometry and sub-seismic fault network.

Within Upper Burgan and Wara sand bodies there are different lobes that have varying degree of minerals like glauconite, pyrite and hematite with other cementing materials such as calcite and dolomite. The presence of glauconite has a strong impact on petrophysical evaluation, whereas the presence of shale poses several challenges during geosteering.

Geostatistical modeling for sand distribution were integrated using seismic data, core and sedimentological models, electrofacies and petrophysical intrepretations. High resolution seismic data including pre-stack depth mighration and pre-stack simultaneous inversion have been utilized with well log curve shales and elastic impedance to trace accurately the good quality sand. High resolution sequence stratigraphic model were attempted on this complex Upper Burgan and Wara formations. The formation evaluation and geosteering challenges were addressed to ensure the successful drilling and completion of horizontal producers.

The wells drilled in this complex settings are geostreed with high definition inversion based distance to boundary technology having a higher precision and accuracy of resistivity contrasts. Formation capture cross section (sigma) saturation was of great value in "mixed lithologies" of Upper Burgan and Wara as resistivity frequently polarized from the proximity to bed boundaries and in these portions traditional resistivity logs proved ineffective for saturation evaluations. In addition the real time permeability estimation using spectroscopy analysis was very beneficial to ICD design.
A Comparative Analysis between Perforation Techniques Applied to a Super-Giant Depletion Oil Reservoir in North Kuwait for Productivity Effectiveness
Authors: Al-Ajmi Moudi Fahad , Omar Mohammad , Das Ghanashyam Mriganga , Elanany Sayed
Published: October 2015

Raudhatain-Mauddud, a super-giant depletion oil reservoir in North Kuwait, consists primarily of two areas: the crest of the reservoir with good rock/fluid quality and the flank area with poor rock/fluid quality. In some areas of the reservoir, however, especially in the flanks, the rock attributes are not fully mapped. The typical perforation that is being followed while completing the wells in the flank area of the reservoir uses either wireline-conveyed perforation or the underbalance firing TCP shoot and pull technique. The wells are then often acid stimulated to improve the injectivity/productivity profile of the injector/producer wells, respectively.

A new approach involving the propellant-assisted perforation technique was applied in five wells in the flank area of the Raudhatain-Mauddud reservoir. The results show a significant improvement of injectivity/productivity. Because this technique was being used for the first time in this reservoir, and probably for the first time in Kuwait, several variations were tested to perforate these wells in the flank area of the Raudhatain-Mauddud reservoir.

The propellant-assisted perforation was initially performed in an underbalanced environment; results of the well post-workover were compared with simulation runs. In the second trial, these guns were fired in an overbalanced condition with an extra overbalance added by pumps over the hydrostatic, and the results after the workover of the well were compared with the simulation trials. Extending the encouraging results obtained in these trials, an innovative approach was tried when the normally used post-perforation treatment acid was used as an incompressible spearhead against the perforations. The results of this approach showed that this technique can provide an effective stimulation method across the perforated interval and eliminates the need of separate acid stimulation run, reducing rig time and costs. This paper presents the comparisons between the productivity/injectivity improvements for these wells in the flank area of the Raudhatain-Mauddud reservoir using these different approaches of the propellant-assisted perforation technique in different conditions.
Use of Distributed Temperature Sensors and Permanent Gauges in Shallow Wells to Monitor Real Time Fluid Movement to the Surface and Within the Well Bore
Authors: Gazi Naz H. , Al-Humoud Jamal , Kotecha Rohit , Al-Sabea Salem , Behera Prasanta , Attar Imad , Shafiq Muhammad , Al-Mutairi Fajhan
Published: October 2015

In the recent past four shallow wells were drilled in the Ahmadi Area and the purpose of these wells was to observe the fluid movement in these wells, either to the surface or communication between the zones in the down-hole. These unconventional wells were designed for unrestricted inflow of fluids into the wellbore as appreciable commercial flow was never expected.

The challenge was also to log the flow and pinpoint the fluid entry points. Conventional PLT tools were not suitable as spinners threshold velocity could not be achieved in such feeble flow. Research was done to find the most suitable tools and equipment that are available in the industry and most useful to this project at very shallow depths and in real-time monitoring. It was decided that the minor temperature variation against the contributing zone could be captured real-time by DTS (Distributed Temperature Sensors) and Permanent Down-hole Gauges will give the real-time pressure and temperature readings at the point of its installation in the wellbore. These data can be analyzed to quantify the flow contribution and fluids entry points. At this shallow depth the effect of diurnal temperature change was also a main factor.

The DTS and Permanent Down-hole Gauges were installed in all 4 wells, 3 of these are 250’ deep and the fourth well is 1000’ in depth. The performance of these tools gave very distinctive results that benefitted in the investigation of the fluid movement in these wells and in the surrounding. This paper and presentation will show the details of this project for the 4 wells and the installation and performance of these tools and how it benefitted the project. The real-time monitoring of these data and the challenges encountered will also shared.
It is High Time for Oil & Gas Companies to Delve into the World of MOOCs
Authors: Vaidyula Srinivas Kumar , Al-Khaledi Sadoun , Al-Otaibi Musleh
Published: October 2015

This paper aims at exposing oil and gas companies, contractors and service providers, to inspire and urge them to delve into the exciting and exponentially expanding world of MOOCs – Massively Open Online Courses. They have immense potential of vastly improving the process of workforce learning and knowledge growth. The benefits of the MOOCs are simply too great to ignore and continue to tread on the traditional training path only. Already several corporates have made a paradigm shift and redefined their training models.

The paper presents the platforms, tools and opportunities available in both technical and non-technical fields, and how one can access these digital education processes from some of the world's best universities, professional forums and institutions, available often free of cost on the World Wide Web. This is the age of digital information, actively pursued by the current generation aptly named as "digital natives". The humankind has gone through several revolutions through the centuries and currently is undergoing through a very large, powerful and rapidly evolving e-learning transformation all over the world on the virtual platforms. Therefore, it is essential that everyone is made aware, understand and be part of these sweeping transformations in these learning mechanisms.

MOOCs will empower the large community of oil and gas professionals to various self-learning technical, managerial, HSSE and personality development courses, while providing them accessibility sitting in their cozy confines of home. The Authors through this paper would like to bring and share their MOOCs experience to the SPE community. The paper discusses the essential attributes of the learning processes, and analyses both the traditional classroom based learning and MOOCs based learning opportunities. The focus is from a point of an engineer working in the oil and gas industry. However, the mechanisms and the approach methodology is beneficial for all the professionals, technical staff, managerial and administration personnel in the oil and gas industry as well outside it.

The paper lists MOOCs providers, websites and resources under different categories such as universities based open source learning, institutional agencies, technical forums, libraries, general learning etc. where one can benefit from the tools such as MOOCs, video lectures, notes, books, standards, and technical spreadsheet based calculations etc.

MOOCs have come into prominence very recently in the late 2012. Within these three years, they have caught the imagination of people, universities and the corporates alike defying the boundaries of nations, class, and abilities. It is no longer a fad but well established new trend of training and learning – anyone, anything, anytime, any rate, anywhere at no or insignificant cost. The authors are confident the resources and the information provided through this presentation will enlighten the oil and gas professionals with this new training trend.
EOR Pilot Design Through an Integrated Laboratory Evaluation and Reservoir Modeling Study for a Large Carbonate Field in Kuwait
Authors: Koyassan Veedu F.. , Nebrigic D.. , Smallwood A.. , Hickey J.. , Wang P.. , Pope G. A. , Delshad M.. , Al-Maraghi E.. , Singh B. B. , Al-Matar B. S. , Al-Saad B. A. , Al-Qahtani M. M. , Tiwari S..
Published: October 2015

A study involving laboratory experiments and reservoir simulations of gas and chemical EOR processes was performed to evaluate the EOR viability in the Mauddud reservoir of the Sabiriyah field (SAMA) in Kuwait. The subject reservoir has been under pattern waterflooding for more than 10 years. Positive response with an increase in overall oil-rate was observed during the waterflooding period until recently several wells started water production with considerable increase in overall water-cut. High degree of heterogeneity and adverse mobility ratio were the key factors contributing to the fast water-cut increase, which reduces the waterflooding recovery efficiency. Pilot simulations of EOR recovery techniques such as miscible CO2, WAG and chemical EOR processes indicated significant potential in recovery efficiency over waterflooding for the reservoir. This paper presents methodologies in designing laboratory experimental and reservoir modeling studies of EOR processes and pilot simulation design for the selected EOR process in SAMA.

One of the challenges in developing the simulation model for SAMA was to capture heterogeneity of the reservoir which impacts the fluid flow. In this paper, we show the importance of generating fine-grid model and calibrating the model with the historical production, pressure data, production logging tool (PLT) data, repeat formation test (RFT) pressure profiles, and tracer breakthrough data, to tackle the issue of capturing those details related to fluid flow behavior in the reservoir.

Data necessary for studying the surfactant-polymer (SP) chemical EOR process were collected and the suitable surfactant(s) and polymer were identified through an extensive laboratory program, which were critical in designing a chemical formulation suitable for this high temperature and high salinity carbonate reservoir. The single well chemical tracer (SWCT) tests1 performed at SAMA indicated substantial reduction in the residual oil saturation by the chosen chemical formulation. The results of the SAMA SWCT tests were incorporated in the pilot simulation model.

A field pilot program was recommended through pilot-scale simulations. A regular 5-spot pattern on approximately 5 acres is recommended in waterflooded area. The objectives of the field pilot are to 1) Identify the EOR process efficiency in terms of residual oil saturation reduction and sweep, 2) test injectivity and handling of injection and produced fluids, and 3) collect data for analyzing EOR process efficiency and for model calibration.
Technology Management - Speeding up Technology Implementation Through a Structured Approach
Authors: Clayton Francis , Qasem Dashti
Published: October 2015

The Kuwait Oil Company is developing the North Kuwait Jurassic Gas fields in order to increase domestic gas supply. The reservoirs are difficult with deep, poor quality reservoirs under high pressure containing H2S and CO2 leading to significant technology challenges. KOC entered into an Enhanced Technical Service Agreement (ETSA) with Shell in order to benefit from IOC expertise and to optimize the development. Some 40 Shell staff work with KOC. A core element of the ETSA is to bring to bear technologies that can be applied within the North Kuwait Jurassic Gas fields. These technologies may be processes, software or hardware.

It was clear that the technology management and implementation needed to be structured and a Technology Taskforce was created for this purpose. The taskforce is managed by both parties of the ETSA and contains members of KOC departments who support the Jurassic Gas Asset as well as Asset members themselves. The paper will describe how the Taskforce operates and how the technologies are selected and are introduced into the workplan. It will also describe how technology implementation is measured. To illustrate the process examples of actual technology implementations will be given.

The Taskforce has been in operation for 1-1/2 years and results to date show that technology implementations over the last year have increased significantly compared with the previous year. In addition it has made the process of technology implementation progress very transparent so that performance can be tracked on a regular basis and measured against Key Performance Indicators allowing remedial action to be taken if necessary.

The paper will show that a simple but structured approach to technology management leads to tangible benefits both in the immediate speeding up of technology implementations but also making it more visible how further improvements can be made. This approach can be applied to any company in the industry allowing benefits to be widely realized.
Complex Carbonate Evaporite Reservoir Description Using Isotope Geo-Chemistry and Ichno-Facies to Fine Tune a High Resolution Sequence Stratigraphic FrameWork Model of Marrat Reservoirs with an Emphasis on Flow Zone Characterization for Middle Marrat in North Kuwait
Authors: Nilotpaul Neog , Narahari Srinivas Rao , Al-Darmi Areej , Al-Dousiri Musaed Yaseen Makki , Rawan Hussain Al-Mayyas , Tom De Keyzer , Peter Swart , Kendall Christopher G.St.C.
Published: October 2015

Field development in complex carbonate evaporite reservoirs has been a challenge for geoscientists by using simple sedimentology based geological models. A high resolution sequence stratigraphic framework has been designed from a conceptual 3D depositional model to a deterministic predictable model. In this process framework boundaries have been fine-tuned with carbon and oxygen isotope signals and defining ichno-facies associations to map lateral continuity of member formations within Marrat sequence. As dolomites and porous grain stones are the key reservoir quality rock types for Marrat Group of formations, position of precursor lithofacies in sequence stratigraphic frame work is found to be crucial. Dolomite samples are analyzed for d13C and d18O. Upper and Lower Marrat members are characterized by thinly laminated, micro crystalline exposure dolomites and high in d18O signal which are associated to low stand packages, whereas Middle Marrat dolomites are relatively low in d18O and high in d13C are associated to high stand precursor facies. Moreover, typical ichnofacies association of porous dolomites defining vertical heterogeneity and lateral connectivity of flow zones in Middle Marrat reservoirs. The reliability of this model has been established through recent tested intervals, with production logging and formation pressure tester data integration demonstrates predictability of flow zone connectivity.
Subsurface and Wells Technical Data Architecture and Flow
Authors: Nazir Nancy , Dashti Qasem , Al Ashwak Samar , Al Ajmi Neema
Published: October 2015

Objectives/Scope

This architecture is a result of a study completed for the Kuwait Oil Company under the Enhanced Technical Services Agreement with Shell. Specifically this covered subsurface data management. Several visits to Kuwait were required and during interviews with key stakeholders gaps where identified and many issues highlighted. The recommended architecture was modified to incorporate these requirements and finally agreed and approved.

Methods, Procedures, Process

This architecture was centered on having a QCed data store with seamless integration to KOC current existing systems. This reduced cost by the elimination of the need to introduce a new database. Further, this structure built on the existing knowledge base in place was a key factor in the architecture approval.

The existing fragmented systems were characterized by different data values and data in several locations. There was a clear need for an integrated QCed data store. The need for clear accountabilities and for different disciplines to work together more closely was very much evident. The concept is derived from our Shell architecture structure concept but utilizing KOC existing systems. The focus in this architecture is on the seamless integration and defining clear data flows and roles and accountabilities.

Each data type is covered by flow charts to specify the flow of data and the assigned focal points responsibilities and how the data is managed throughout the process.

The structure and process is intended to keep the master data store always current with the latest QCed data. Uploading and quality review of the initial data set is therefore a key first step.

Results, Observations, Conclusions

With clear accountabilities and responsibilities defined and a clear data workflow the data store will be always in good shape. Having the QCed assured data at your fingertips saves a lot of time and money.

Novel/Additive Information

Having the technical user in ownership of his data and resposible on it's evergreening will assure the rest of the technical community they are using the latest most QCed data.
Developing Performance Estimates of the Heterogeneous Upper Sands of the Greater Burgan Field Using Part Field Models (Part 2)
Authors: Ortegon L. R. , Muhammad Y.. , Ibrahim M. N. , Burman K.. , Datta K.. , Dashti L.. , Bond D. J.
Published: October 2015

The Burgan Sand reservoir is the largest and most prolific reservoir in the Greater Burgan field in Kuwait. As development of this reservoir proceeds, greater attention is being paid to the more heterogeneous upper part of the reservoir, the Burgan Upper Sands, which contain significant, multi-billion barrel resources. A conceptual Field Development Plan was developed to enable an assessment of performance under waterflooding.

Due to the complexity of the Burgan Upper Sands and the very large areal extent of the Greater Burgan field, it was considered impractical to model the reservoir in appropriate detail in the full field simulation model. An alternative modeling approach was adopted. This involved developing a number of part-field geological models which were subsequently used to develop high resolution dynamic simulation models.

This paper describes the challenges of choosing an appropriate range of part field models that capture variation in geological characteristics and of hydrocarbon properties, conditioning these models to available dynamic data and accounting for the historical production.

Particular attention is paid to three problems. First, to rank the models in terms of key features that would be expected to govern reservoir performance. These included internal heterogeneity, average reservoir quality, connectivity to the underlying Middle Burgan Sands and variation in fluid properties. Second, to assign the selected models to represent different parts of the reservoir. Third, to ensure that historical performance, including water influx inferred from surveillance data, is accounted for in predicting future performance.

The estimates were determined by a hybrid formulation, combining an analytic and simulation approach, suited for rapid computations and multi-scenario generation. Simulation results of water-cut versus recovery have been integrated with standard analytic expressions for fully developed pattern waterfloods. Scenarios investigated include the determination of ultimate recovery, a phased out recovery according to production and sweep of lower intervals, sensitivities to drilling rate, and a waterflooding scheme prioritized on area production potential.

Based on the results from the part field models, performance estimates of the Burgan Upper Sands reservoir have been made. Volumes forecasts and associated well numbers have been predicted.

A new reservoir simulation and analytical formulation has been developed to enable rapid predictions of waterflood scenarios. The hybrid formulation has proved to be significantly faster, resulting in a much quicker turnaround time compared to a traditional simulation study.
The Well Simulation Modeling Studies for Field Development of Wara Reservoir, Greater Burgan Field, Kuwait
Authors: Dashti Laila , Banagale Merlon R , Zhang Michael Q , Bond Deryck , Filak Jean-Michel , Ali Farida Mohammed
Published: October 2015

The Greater Burgan oilfield is the world's largest sandstone oilfield, it was discovered in 1938. It is located in southeastern Kuwait covering a surface area of about 800 square kilometers. It is ranked as the largest clastic reservoir in the world. The Greater Burgan oilfield comprises six main reservoir units, namely Wara (WAS), Mauddud limestone (MAS), Upper Burgan Sands (BGSU), Middle Burgan Sands (BGSM), Lower Burgan Sand 1 (BGSL1) and the Lower Burgan Sand 2 (BGSL2). The main focus of this study is the Wara reservoir.

The Wara reservoir was discovered as one separated producing reservoir from the Burgan reservoirs in 1948; it is highly heterogeneous and further divided into seven layers based on the petrophysical interpretation. Those seven layers are grouped as three zones based on their depositional environment, namely Wara Sand Upper (WASU), Wara Sand Middle (WASM) and Wara Sand Lower (WASL). Due to the heterogeneity and the lack of the pressure support, most part of the reservoir is not being produced; the Wara Pressure Maintenance Project (WPMP) is planned to drill massive numbers of producers and injectors.

In order to plan the wells in a way that maximizes the productivity and optimizes the economy; the Well Type Modeling study was initiated to study the effect of different well type angles on the oil recovery. The common belief is that the horizontal and slanted wells are better than those of the vertical wells, as they have better exposure to a reservoir. In a homogenous reservoir system it is certain that the horizontal and slanted wells have higher productivities; however for the heterogeneous and layered Wara reservoir the advantage of the horizontal and slanted wells are not guaranteed.

This comprehensive study was conducted in three selected sectors in the field. Different scenarios represent different well types, patterns, well spacing, well constraints, oil types and other sensitivities were implemented and the economic revenue and recovery factor were evaluated. The results of this study will guide on the future planned massive drilling plan for the WPMP and the infill drilling.
Shifts in Ownership Composition and Changes in the Implied Cost of Equity Capital for Dividend and Non-Dividend Stocks Following JGTRRA03
Authors: Stinson Shane R. , Ricketts Robert C.
Published: October 2015

Prior studies of the Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2003, which cut individual tax rates on both dividends and capital gains, unexpectedly find that non-dividend firms were more favorably affected by this legislation than dividend firms. We address this apparent inconsistency by extending prior research to account for significant shifts in institutional holdings for non-dividend stocks relative to dividend stocks following the tax change. These clientele shifts were especially concentrated among high-risk firms and provide a plausible explanation for the results reported in prior literature. Specifically, we find that significant increases in institutional ownership for high-risk firms led to larger reductions in the implied cost of equity capital compared to other firms that were more heavily favored by individuals following the reduction in shareholder tax rates.
Sourcing Sustainable Finance in a Globally Competitive Market: An Instructional Case
Authors: McGuigan Nicholas , Sin Samantha , Kern Thomas
Published: October 2015

The role of accountants in business has been extended recently with a strong need to incorporate a broader public interest of sustainable, social, and environmental business practices into its projects, financial planning, and decision-making. In order for this to occur, a real integration of such perceptions and skills development into the accounting curriculum needs to take place. This instructional project aims to achieve this by providing students with an opportunity to apply theoretical and social accounting concepts to the practical design and creation of a business loan application intended to procure finance for an investment that benefits society or the environment. The primary objective of the project is to expand students' awareness of the broader societal demands of and business responsibility for sustainable practices. A secondary objective is to expose students to a complex business activity requiring high-order analysis and communication skills; the learning task involves writing a business loan application. This paper describes the design of the project that incorporates group-processing skills, peer review, written and oral communication, and accounting-related content within an introductory accounting decision-making course.
Contextual Interference and Introversion/Extraversion in Motor Learning
Authors: Meira Cassio M. , Fairbrother Jeffrey T. , Perez Carlos R.
Published: October 2015

The Introversion/Extraversion dimension may interact with contextual interference, as random and blocked practice schedules imply distinct levels of variation. This study investigated the effect of different practice schedules in the acquisition of a motor skill in extraverts and introverts. Forty male undergraduate students ( M = 24.3 yr., SD = 5.6) were classified as extraverts ( n = 20) and introverts ( n = 20) by the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire and allocated in one of two practice schedules with different levels of contextual interference: blocked (low contextual interference) and random (high contextual interference). Half of each group was assigned to a blocked practice schedule, and the other half was assigned to a random practice schedule. The design had two phases: acquisition and transfer (5 min. and 24 hr.). The participants learned variations of a sequential timing keypressing task. Each variation required the same sequence but different timing; three variations were used in acquisition, and one variation of intermediate length was used in transfer. Results for absolute error and overall timing error (root mean square error) indicated that the contextual interference effect was more pronounced for introverts. In addition, introverts who practiced according to the blocked schedule committed more errors during the 24-hr. transfer, suggesting that introverts did not appear to be challenged by a low contextual interference practice schedule.
Atypical Presentation of Sub Acutesclerosing Pan Encephalitis With Short Onset Latency
Authors: Wardhane S , Oswal J , Shrivastava K
Published: October 2015

The most severe sequel of measles virus infection is sub acutesclerosing pan encephalitis (SSPE), a fatal disease of the central nervous system that generally develops 7–10 years after infection. A 7 ½ year old boy presented with gradual difficulty in walking and speech along with jerky movements of right upper limb which progressed to become generalized and progressive loss of cognition was also observed within days of onset of symptoms. Diagnosis of SSPE was made on the basis of burst suppression pattern on EEG and anti measles antibody in CSF. A differential diagnosis of SSPE should be considered in all forms of acute encephalopathy for early diagnosis and treatment.J Nepal Paediatr Soc 2015;35(1):62-63
Opsoclonus Myoclonus Ataxia Syndrome
Authors: Kunchapudi SK , Kumar P , Sabharwal RK
Published: October 2015

Opsoclonus myoclonus ataxia syndrome (OMAS) is a rare neurological disorder predominantly affecting young children and causing severe neurological disability. Its early identification and treatment is advocated. Here we report a two year old child presenting with abnormal movements and subsequently developed features of OMAS and responding favourably to Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH).J Nepal Paediatr Soc 2015;35(1):70-72
Atopic Dermatitis or Hyper IgE Syndrome?
Authors: Ahmed M , Kumar A , Raj D
Published: October 2015

Eczema and skin infections are commonly encountered in children in the outpatient department. However, presence of both recurrent dermatitis and skin infections should alarm one to consider Hyper IgE syndrome (HIES) as a differential. Here we present a case of HIES in a two and a half year old female child with history of recurrent dermatitis and skin infections in the form of cold abscesses. Laboratory investigations showed markedly elevated IgE levels and high absolute eosinophils counts. Patient was treated with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and supportive care. The current report highlights the fact that HIES can present in early childhood with just skin manifestations and without any significant pulmonary manifestations.J Nepal Paediatr Soc 2015;35(1):59-61
Idiopathic Chylothorax in Infants - Is Octreotide Alone Enough?
Authors: Maralihalli MB , Matti MR , Joshi SN , Annigeri VM
Published: October 2015

Five month old female baby presented to us for evaluation of asymptomatic right sided pleural effusion. Pleural fluid analysis revealed it as chylous effusion. Radiological investigations revealed gross right side pleural effusion with partial collapse of right lung. After investigations, diagnosis of asymptomatic idiopathic chylothorax was made. Baby was treated with Inj. Octreotide alone. Pleural drain was not placed. After three doses of Octreotide, there was complete clearance of pleural effusion.J Nepal Paediatr Soc 2015;35(1):64-66
Home Ventilation in Children
Authors: Gupta D , Sachdev A , Gupta N , Simalti AK
Published: October 2015

Introduction: Home mechanical ventilation (HMV) can prolong survival and improve quality of life. The objectives were to review the challenges, clinical conditions and outcome of children who were discharged from the hospital on respiratory support.Material and Methods: Twenty four patients, who were electively discharged from PICU and had received home ventilatory support for more than 15 days, were enrolled over 11 year study period. Patients were followed up monthly, for two years, for ventilatory requirements, any problems encountered during previous month and for any complication.Results: Twenty four patients with a median age of 3.5 years were discharged home with ventilatory support. HMV was started in 2001 at our hospital. Patents received home ventilation for a median period 5.4 months. Twenty (83.3%) patients received invasive mechanical ventilation via tracheostomy and four (16.7%) patients received non-invasive mechanical ventilation. Twelve (50%) patients received ventilatory support for more than 20 hrs a day and twelve (50%) patients received only during sleep. On follow up for two years for each patient, twenty (83.3%) patients successfully came off from ventilatory support while, two (8.3%) patients died and two (8.3%) lost to follow-up.Conclusion: HMV can be safely applied in selected children with CRF after providing adequate training to the care givers. For its more efficient use, we need to have good social support and medical assistance which can be extended to their homes to meet their complete health care needs.J Nepal Paediatr Soc 2015;35(1):85-88