The Segment Team Concept
Authors: Eubanks J.M. , Stokes W.P. , Smith J.B. 
Published: December 2007

A method of oil and gas property operation is described which blends the experience and know-how of foremen and engineer technicians with the technical knowledge and abilities of engineers. The concept discussed attempts to maximize the effectiveness of the personnel by utilizing shared responsibility in securing highest production rates, ultimate recoveries and income contribution. Application of the concept in the clerical function of field operations is also discussed.

Introduction

Every year the value and producing costs of oil and gas continue to increase, and each barrel and MCF become more difficult to obtain. Because of this, it becomes even more desirable to have technically strong and highly experienced personnel involved in daily "hands-on" supervision of producing operations. Unfortunately, this type field supervisor is not always readily available for field operations. This, coupled with trends toward engineering staffs housed in central offices remote from field operations, has created many operating inefficiencies.

To cope with the challenge of conducting effective oil and gas operations under the above conditions, Sun Production Company evolved the segment team concept. Under this concept a segment, which is a geographic area containing one or more producing property or gas plant, is jointly operated by a team consisting of a foreman, an engineer and an engineer technician. They have shared responsibility for the overall performance of the segment but with differing individual performance of the segment but with differing individual responsibilities. The following discussion will address the interrelated duties and responsibilities of each team member as well as their relationships with Sun's district, region and laboratory organizations.

Recently the concept of individuals being responsible for activities concerning specific properties has been expanded to include clerical properties has been expanded to include clerical functions such as proration. This inclusion of clerical personnel in the segment team concept will also be discussed.

Discussion

Evolution of Field Engineering

When field production engineering was first introduced to Sun's operations, the primary functions of the engineer were fourfold:he was responsible for conducting and analyzing tests of new completions and active producing wells;he was responsible for developing and designing well work and artificial lift installations;he was responsible for designing and supervising stimulation operations such as acidizing and fracturing; andthe engineer assisted the field foreman by designing, implementing and troubleshooting installations of mechanical technology such as gas compressors, LACT units and artificial lift equipment.

During this time the field production engineer was responsible for specific assignments and projects, but the overall responsibility for effectively producing oil and gas belonged to the production superintendent and foreman. Over the years the role of the engineer grew as the utilization of technology increased. An ever increasing number of improved recovery projects were installed, and plans for increasing operating efficiencies were implemented. The foremen and superintendents confidence in and dependence on the engineer also increased and resulted in many hours being spent by engineers assisting in field operations. In addition, many engineering hours were spent in the field gathering data for various studies and projects.

This direct involvement of the engineer resulted in very good "hands-on" field operations but restricted the time available to the engineer for analyzing data and developing new projects to increase hydrocarbon recovery or improve operating efficiencies To provide the field foreman with much needed technical assistance and to help the engineer in gathering basic data necessary in the solving of field operating problems, the classification of engineer technician problems, the classification of engineer technician was developed.