bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fully Dissolvable Frac Plug Using Dissolvable Elastomeric Elements
Authors: Fripp Michael , Walton Zachary
Published: February 2017

A new degradable elastomeric element has been developed for frac plugs that enable a fully dissolvable frac plug to be used in "plug-and-perf" style hydraulic fracturing applications. The dissolvable frac plug operates similarly to a traditional frac plug and can be set anywhere in the wellbore to isolate individual zones. The performance of the degradable element has been demonstrated in laboratory testing and in field runs.

Traditional frac plugs are constructed with a traditional elastomeric rubber as the sealing element. After hydraulic fracturing is complete, traditional frac plugs restrict production flow and must be removed. Consequently, a separate intervention is required to mill out the traditional plugs after fracturing. Dissolvable metal has been developed to enable the dissolution of the rigid structural components of the frac plug. A hydrolytically degradable elastomer enables the complete elimination of all of the components of the frac plug. As a result, the novel dissolvable frac plug eliminates the need for a separate mill run intervention into the wellbore and leaves an unrestricted wellbore for production. The high-strength dissolvable elastomer enables dissolution of the seal in water-based wellbore fluid, formation fluid, or production fluid.

Comprehensive laboratory testing and field jobs have been performed with the new degradable elastomer for the dissolvable frac plug. The degradable elastomer is a polymeric material that can be compression set like a traditional element to form a seal between the mandrel and the casing. The elastomer is a hydrolytically degradable polymer, and the dissolution occurs as the wellbore fluid interacts with the crosslink bonds in the polymer. Dissolution is further enhanced by the elevated downhole formation temperature. The high-strength dissolvable elastomer enables the creation of a seal anywhere in a wellbore. The result is a new dissolvable frac plug that operates like a traditional frac plug and can be set at any position within the wellbore. Dissolvable frac plugs with degradable elastomeric seals have been used successfully in multiple shale zones in multiple countries.

The novel frac plug is designed for plug-and-perf applications and provides sealing with a new high-strength engineered elastomer that will degrade in wellbore fluid. The complete dissolution of the frac plug eliminates the need for a separate mill run intervention into the wellbore, reducing operational costs, time and risk. This paper discusses the development of the dissolvable elastomer, performance testing of the elastomer as a frac element, dissolution behavior of the elastomer, and the use of the frac plug in field applications.
The Unconventional Shale Reservoirs of Jafurah Basin: An Integrated Petrophysical Evaluation Using Cores and Advanced Well Logs
Authors: Al-Sulami Ghadeer , Boudjatit Mohammed , Al-Duhailan Mohammed , Simone Salvatore Di
Published: February 2017

The Jurassic mud rocks of Jafurah Basin are one of the most promising shale gas reservoirs in Saudi Arabia, retaining considerably high total organic content (TOC) values, and being the source rock for the world-class oil fields of the Kingdom. The purpose of this study is to build a calibrated model with core data using an integrated formation evaluation approach. The model then is frequently used to estimate reservoir properties, minimize uncertainty, and influence decisions on better well placements.

The Tuwaiq Mountain shale play is mainly composed of mudstone with few fraction of dispersed detrital minerals. The Tuwaiq Mountain Formation is divided into two parts: Upper and Lower, where the Lower Tuwaiq Mountain contains higher organic matter and so better reservoir quality as compared to the Upper Tuwaiq Mountain.

The formation evaluation of unconventional shale gas reservoirs presents numerous challenges. The conventional porosity logs, density neutron, and sonic, are heavily affected by the presence of organic matter. The estimation of initial hydrocarbon in place requires accurate estimation of formation water saturation. The conventional equations used to estimate the formation water saturation are subject to a high degree of uncertainty, mainly related to a complex wettability system and unknown formation water resistivity. Therefore, these challenges require the use of advanced and calibrated well logs. The advanced well log technologies used in this study are pulsed neutron elemental spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). The analysis can only be achieved through comparison and calibration with micro and nanoscale core data to help building an accurate petrophysical model. The use of the pulsed neutron elemental spectroscopy tool allows the estimation of rock composition, the evaluation of the amount of total carbon present in the system, and consequently, the amount of organic matter in the formation.

Natural magnetic resonance tools are lithology independent and provide an accurate estimation of total porosity. In unconventional shale gas intervals, the T2 distribution is mainly controlled by the surface relaxation factor, and so can be directly linked to the pore size distribution. By applying an appropriate cutoff, based on SEM results, continuous estimation of organic and inorganic porosity can be directly derived from NMR T2 distribution. A saturation model can also be built from a function, linking formation water saturation and organic carbon porosity. The core analysis data are used to understand the pore structure and calibrate the well logs.

The study has proven that the NMR technology works effectively in determining the total porosity, pore system distribution, and estimates of formation water saturation. The nanoscale core analysis is then used to understand the pore structure and to calibrate the well logs.
Evaluation of Multistage Fracturing Stimulation Horizontal Well Completion Methods in Western Desert, Egypt
Authors: Salah Mohamed , Gabry Mohamed , El-Sebaee Mohamed
Published: February 2017

During the past few years, Khalda Petroleum company (KPC) are looking forward to significant steps toward improving the economic performance of hydrocarbon producing wells in the low-permeability, heterogeneous reservoirs through the application of high impact technologies used in unconventional wells for drilling, perforating, zonal isolation, fracturing and flowback that unquestionably helped improve well performance in an efficient and economical manner. Recently, the well architecture was changed from vertical completion profile to horizontal multistage fracturing, to increase the reservoir contact.

This paper reviews and discuss the well completion and stimulation methods being implemented in horizontal wells fracture stimulation in Western Desert of Egypt allowing for multistages to be fractured in one continuous pumping operation including plug-n-perforation, cemented sliding sleeves with degradable isolation drop balls and Coiled tubing deployed abrasive jetting perforating on coiled tubing with annular path pumping of the fracturing treatment and sand plug isolation.

This paper provides a comprehensive evaluation and comparison of these different techniques including an overview of these completion types, detailed engineering, post-stimulation flowback/clean out, discuss the benefits and considerations, and comparison of results from the multistage stimulation methods that were applied to improve the efficiency of multistage fracturing operations. Case histories are provided to support the obtained benefits and advantages, and lessons learnt are discussed along with recommendations and what to avoid in field operations.

The case history will discourse the completion strategy, operational procedures, adeptness of the isolation and time frame used. On the other hand, operational setbacks encountered during the execution of the multistage fracturing treatment will also be encompassed in the paper; to allow for future improvement; and recommendations for future field operations to achieve faster fracturing and quicker production.
Ultra Deepwater Cementing Development and Field Applications in Western South China Sea
Authors: Liu Hexing , Li Zhong , Huang Yi , Fang Manzong , Liu Zhiqin
Published: February 2017

Cementing operation of ultra deepwater well in western South China Sea is notoriously difficult due to low temperature, soft seabed and shallow water flow. Novel ultra deepwater early-enhanced strength additive PC-DA92S and PC-DA93L developed with monomer complex technology and filtrate reducer PC-DG72S developed with suspension polymerization technology have been introduced in order to cope with aforementioned problems. According to the actual conditions in western South China Sea, two sets of suitable cement slurry system have been developed. Properties of cement slurry systems have been analyzed and evaluated. After being applied in Well LSX-1-1 in western South China Sea, it is concluded that these two sets of cement slurry system are characterized by early-enhanced strength, low filtrate, outstanding anti-channeling capability, user-friendly in adjusting thickening time, and stable cement slurry rheological properties at low temperature. Therefore, the outcomes reveal these two sets of low density with early-enhanced strength Class-G Portland cement slurry system can successfully meet the requirements of cementing operation for ultra deepwater region in western South China Sea.
Improving Performance of DCS Alarm System by Implementing Effective Alarm Management Philososphy
Authors: Parikh Chirag , Al-Saeed Abdulaziz , Rajab Hamad , Al-Khaldi Bander
Published: February 2017

The DCS (distributed control system) alarm system at Gathering Centers of Kuwait Oil Company was not functioning as required. DCS alarm system was generating high no. of alarms which was out of operator's alarm handling capacity. This was highlighted as one of the key contributing factors resulting in process upsets & incidents. A detailed investigation revealed lack of alarm management philosophy during design & operation stage as main cause of this poorly functioning system.

This paper shares field experience of analysis of DCS alarm system and explains main root causes which resulted in such poorly functioning alarm system at oil and gas gathering centers.It provides guidelines to carry out alarrm management exercise for improving DCSalarm system & for developing alarm management philosophy to implement and sustain efficient DCS alarm system.It also shares some of the actual alarm data and their analysis, which supports need of well-developed alarm management philosophy and continuous alarm management exercise for efficient DCS alarm system.

It was observed that majority of problems of alarm flood is contributed by selective alarm tags which generate huge number of alarms under category of frequent alarms, duplicate alarms and chattering alarms. The DCS alarms system improves significantly by resolving these alarms. It was concluded that a well-developed Alarm Management Philosophy and execution of well-defined alarm management approach is essential to ensure proper configuration of alarms starting from project stage and sustain it during operation stage of facility.

The paper provides guideline to develop and implement Alarm Management Philosophy and justifies need for Alarm management philosophy to ensure implementation of efficient DCS alarm system and thereby achieving safe and smooth operation of facility.
Acid-Soluble Lost Circulation Material for Use in Large, Naturally Fractured Formations and Reservoirs
Authors: Savari Sharath , Whitfill Donald L. , Walker Jonathan
Published: February 2017

Lost circulation is an extremely difficult challenge to overcome in areas with large natural fractures. Few lost circulation materials (LCMs) are capableoftreatingsuch zones where severe to total losses occur, particularlyin the reservoir sections. Particulate-based LCMs are commonly used to help mitigate losses but mightnot contain the proper particle size distribution (PSD) or acid-solubility characteristicsfor useful application in production zones.

This paper discusses a novel particulate-based LCMthat is an engineered composite solution (ECS) with a multimodal PSD comprised of acid-soluble components. The multimodal PSD provides the necessary particle sizes to seal a range of fracture widths, including large fractures where total losses canoccur. The acid solubility of the LCM can enable proper removal to help prevent hindering well production. Laboratory results are explained todemonstrate the potential effectiveness of the LCM forsealing large natural fractures.

Acid solubility in a reservoir or production zone is important. LCMs used in these zones have tobe removed to permit maximum formation production. For large natural fractures, large particulates are necessaryto effectively mitigate losses. TheECS was designed to include particulates and fibers of various sizes and shapes to plug large-width fractures while retaining the ability to plug smaller- to intermediate-width fractures. This blend can plug laboratory simulated fractures up to 5,000micronsin width.When supplemented with an additional chip particulate, it can plug fractures up to 7,000 microns. The acid-soluble component of this blend is degradable in both 10% hydrochloric (HCl) and 10% formic acids. This paperdiscusses product specifications, such as PSD, recommended treatments, and laboratory performance test results, including acidizing treatment of anLCM plug contaminated with invert emulsion fluid.
Method of Water Influx Identification and Prediction for a Fractured-Vuggy Carbonate Reservoir
Authors: Yong Li , Chunxia Jia , Hui Peng , Baozhu Li , Zhiliang Liu , Qi Wang
Published: February 2017

Naturally fractured-vuggy carbonate reservoirs in China have some distinctive characteristics, which reservoir is a discontinuum and isolated developed. And these reservoir usually have strong aquifer support. So one of the most important things for these reservoirs is to avoid too early water breakthrough, because water breakthrough explicitly reduce oil productivity and recovery. Therefore, how to identify aquifer influx in advance are important in order to guide well production rate optimization and improve reservoir performance.

This paper proposes four diagnostic curves to identify aquifer influx phase for producers with aquifer support, which are mainly based on well daily production and pressure data. And whole production period of a producer can be classified into 3 phases based on the curves: no aquifer influx phase, early aquifer influx phase, and middle-late aquifer influx phase. The methods are validated by reservoir simulation and well performance data. Then aquifer influx phases of all wells in a fractured-caved carbonate reservoir are classified, and a correlation for well oil cumulative production prediction is established.

This new method has been applied to K fractured-vuggy carbonate reservoir in China. The mid-depth of K reservoir is 6000m, and current oil recovery is only around 7% of OOIP with primary depletion and more than 100 producers. Around one third of producers have been water flooded, most of which water cut increased from 0% to more than 60% within only one month. The four proposed diagnostic curves for aquifer influx identification are tubing pressure drop vs. cumulative oil production curve, flowing material balance curve, Blasingame type curve, and dimensionless expansion production ratio curve. And how to use diagnostic curves to identify aquifer influx are detailed illustrated based on the reservoir simulation data and actual well production data. Then production phases of all wells are identified and classified. Furthermore, based on performance of water flooded wells, correlation between oil cumulative production and dimensionless expansion production ratio are established, which are used for well performance prediction.

This paper offers a new method and a case study of aquifer influx identification and prediction for aquifer drive carbonate reservoirs. It also provides a methodology and reference case for other similar oil fields.
Numerical Study of Wall Roughness Effect on Proppant Transport in Complex Fracture Geometry
Authors: Huang Xu , Yuan Peng , Zhang Hao , Han Jiahang , Mezzatesta Alberto , Bao Jie
Published: February 2017

During the fracturing treatment, fracturing fluid is pumped to generate fractures and then followed with a large amount of proppant to provide enough conductivity for reservoir fluid to flow to the wellbore. The ultimate proppant distribution in the fracture system directly impacts well productivity and production decline rate. However, it is very challenging to predict how far proppants can go and where they will settle because of the complexity of the fracture system. Previous modeling and experimental studies were usually based on simple proppant settling velocity models and limited only to planar fracture cases. In a recent numerical study, proppant transport in different complex fracture geometries was modeled. However, the fracture walls in the model were considered to be perfectly smooth.

In this study, proppant transport in complex fracture geometries with different wall roughnesses was investigated using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model, in which the interaction between proppant particles, the carrying fluid phase, and the rough fracture wall was fully coupled. A planar fracture case with smooth fracture wall was first investigated using a CFD model and benchmarked with results from commercial software. The CFD models were then used to simulate the proppant transport in T-junction and crossing-junction scenarios with different fracture wall roughnesses, which are often seen in unconventional reservoir fracture systems.

The results from the CFD models indicate that proppant transport within complex fracture geometries is significantly affected by fracture wall roughness. Rough fracture wall can exert resistant drag force to proppant particles and carrying fluids and hence influence the proppant transport behavior and particle distribution. It is found rough fracture wall decreases both proppant horizontal transport speed and vertical settling speed which can lead to a better vertical coverage of proppant particles in the fracture. However, more pumping energy and time are required to transport the proppant particles to the same fracture length with rough fracture surfaces compared to smooth fracture surfaces. Studies on proppant density show light weight proppant has a better vertical distribution in fractures with rough walls due to more pronounced drag force effect. With high viscous carrying fluids, proppant in both smooth and rough fractures can transport further at the same transport time.

Proppant transport models developed in this work fully incorporate the interaction between proppant particles, carrying fluid dynamics, and rough fracture surfaces. This study extends the current understanding of proppant distribution in complex fracture geometries and helps optimize hydraulic fracturing design to improve unconventional well production performance.
Risk Management of IT Projects
Authors: Aldirbas Abdulmajeed S.
Published: February 2017

This research paper is aimed at explaining how information technology projects are effected by good risk management. Consequently, it can be used as reference for IS managers. It answers our concern of how risk management contributes to IT project success. Obviously, we investigated how project risk management effects IT projects, which is essential in various industrial activities. We looked into some estimates of the effects of risk management in IT projects. Our methodology approach showed how performance evaluation can be utilized to assess the impact of risk management on such projects.
Evaluation of Pore Size Distribution Effects on Phase Behavior of Hydrocarbons Produced in Shale Gas Condensate Reservoirs
Authors: Li Baoyan , Mezzatesta Alberto
Published: February 2017

This paper presents a novel method that quantifies the pore confinement effects on fluid properties and phase behavior of hydrocarbons produced in shale gas condensate reservoirs. This method takes into account the rock pore size distribution derived from core or log measurements. The new method is applied to quantify the effects of pore size distribution on saturation pressures, fluid saturations, and molar fractions of components in liquid and vapor phases for a constant composition expansion (CCE) process of confined hydrocarbons. The pressure/volume/temperature (PVT) data of reservoir fluids for constant volume depletion (CVD) processes are generated and analyzed, including condensate windows of Eagle Ford and Marcellus shale formations. Primary modeling and analysis results show that the pore confinement has no significant effects on the phase behavior and fluid properties of hydrocarbons produced in shale gas condensate reservoirs.
High Fidelity Dynamic Simulation of Turbo-Compression Trains in Pipeline Applications
Authors: Martyna Marcin , Cionini Filippo , Fedorenko Denys
Published: February 2017

This paper focuses on the ‘High Fidelity’ (HiFi) simulation of process transients relevant to multiple turbo-compression trains in pipeline gas-boosting applications – parallel operation of Centrifugal Compressors (CC's) driven by Gas Turbine (GT's).

The ‘HiFi’ dynamic simulation concept is developed around the needs of an actual gas-boosting plant; specific reference is therefore made to the peculiarities of a facility located in the Middle East. Single/multiple train simulations are addressed, with a description of the main goals/assumptions and of the main advantages (vs. ‘Basic’ and ‘Advanced’ simulations) in terms of train performances verification and control software debugging/optimization.

Finally, the usage of cloud-based industrial-internet solutions for connecting dynamic simulation models running on dedicated, distributed platforms is also presented.
Sourceless Well Placement and Formation Evaluation with Logging While Drilling Technologies
Authors: Abdul Azim Shaikh , Chen Chao , Abdulkarim Anar , Aki Ahmet , Samie Mohamed
Published: February 2017

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and acoustic logging while drilling (LWD) sensors have recently been used in a bottomhole assembly (BHA) to evaluate the viability of sourceless formation evaluation in comparison to density-neutron data subsequently acquired in a wipe run in the same well across a clastic sequence.

Borehole deterioration and significant pore pressure variations across this sequence pose wellbore stability risks during the drilling phase, which have historically required the drilling of deviated pilot hole sections for evaluation purposes, which were then plugged back and sidetracked.

Previous experiences in the same geological setting encountered extreme borehole enlargements. LWD helped to bypass this issue and to acquire high-quality data before borehole enlargement occurred. In addition, indications of the presence of possible rock anisotropy were observed and rock mechanical moduli were derived. The results were then correlated and matched to the offset well data, as well as with existing field geomechanics knowledge.

LWD NMR and azimuthal acoustic tools, free of radioactive sources, were run in an LWD tool combination, with the primary objective of measuring porosity, pressure prediction, and possible anisotropy using a centralized four-axis acoustic caliper.

This paper discusses planning, designing, and drilling using LWD NMR and azimuthal acoustic tools in this well. It also describes the viability, integrity, and robustness of logged data, as well as the interpreted results. The optimization of real-time drilling operations and petrophysical data acquisition requirements are also investigated to help improve future field development and overall reservoir management strategies.
Issues of Material Compatibility in Artificial Lift Completions: Case Study of Harsh Water Wells
Authors: Kalu-Ulu Torty C , Salameh Alaa Edin
Published: February 2017

Material compatibility is key to proper equipment design, operation and reliability in both well and artificial lift completion. This paper addresses material compatibility lessons learned from well completion components exposed to harsh hydrocarbon and saline subsurface environments.

Dismantle Inspection Failure Analysis (DIFA) was utilized to ascertain the failure root cause for 25 water source wells utilizing Electrical Submersible Pumps (ESPs). Positive Material Identification (PMI) testing was used to identify the cause of 17 of the failed completions — incompatible material selection resulting in completion workover after an average of 562 days of production. Moreover, X-ray Power Diffraction (XRD) and Energy Dispersed Spectroscopy (EDS) analysis were used to characterize deposit samples from the pulled equipment.

It was discovered, upon pulling of the failed completions, the tubular pup joint above the ESP pump discharge head contained holes due to corrosion. From the various analysis and tests, it was determined the pup joint (a 7″ tubular) was made of carbon steel while the ESP was made of super duplex steel. Laboratory analysis further proved these two metal materials were not compatible in the harsh high chloride environment, which resulted in galvanized corrosion of the pup-joint above the pump discharge head. Galvanic corrosion is an electrochemical process in which one metal corrodes preferentially to another when both metals are in electrical contact in the presence of an electrolyte. A geochemical analysis of the water from these wells indicated a high concentration of aggressive species including elevated Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), chloride, sulphate and carbonate. The composition is considered highly conductive and highly corrosive to bare carbon steel. Energizing of the ESP power cable provided the electro-magnetic field that aided migration of electrons across the carbon steel of the tubular pup joint and the duplex stainless steel of the pump discharge head. A guideline for selecting two dissimilar metals based on the volts differential across the metals and higher grades of tubular materials were recommended for such a harsh environment.

A guideline for selecting dissimilar metals for compatibility — based on the lessons learned from the ESP completions and the recommendations made to improve runlife of ESP completions in harsh high-chloride environment — is presented in this paper. The recommended approach was applied in recompleting the failed and pulled 25 ESP completions utilizing L80 modified 13-chrome and Glass Reinforced Epoxy (GRE) lined tubular according to the guideline work detailed in the paper.
Acquisition Using Autonomous Marine Vehicles: Wave Glider Field Test, Offshore Abu Dhabi
Authors: Benson M. A. , Lecoq T. , Mercado G. , Nakayama S. , Moldoveanu N. , Caprioli P. , Nyein G. , Pai S. , Yandon E.
Published: February 2017

A field test was conducted utilizing autonomous marine vehicles (AMVs) and 3D sensor arrays (3DSAs) to record and compare seismic data generated during an ocean-bottom cable (OBC) survey. The test was a field verification to check that the AMV platform and the sensor array can deliver high-quality seismic data in a form that can be successfully processed and compared to ocean-bottom fixed-receiver data.

Three AMVs, each towing a 3D sensor array, were deployed during the acquisition of an OBC 3D survey in shallow water, offshore Abu Dhabi. The test was conducted to (a) assess the feasibility of seismic acquisition using AMVs and 3D sensor arrays including safe deployment and retrieval, (b) evaluate the performance of the 3D sensor arrays based on holding station capability, maintenance of desired depth, and accuracy of measurements of pitch and orientation, and (c) compare the quality of the acquired seismic data with the pressure data recorded in the OBC survey.

The water depths across the acquired survey area average approximately 20 m. Due to the very shallow water depths, towed-streamer acquisition is seldom used offshore Abu Dhabi, limiting the marine seismic acquisition methods to either OBC or ocean-bottom nodes (OBN). The AMV and 3D sensor array are ideally suited to operate and record seismic data in this shallow-water environment, providing a potentially viable alternative for off-bottom recording or as a method to supplement OBC or OBN data acquisition.

The feasibility test conducted in offshore Abu Dhabi demonstrated the successful and safe deployment, seismic data acquisition, and retrieval of the AMV and 3D sensor array. The evaluation criteria indicate the consistent performance of the AMV and 3D sensor array, and that the recorded data are comparable to the OBC component data in terms of signal-to-noise ratio and frequency bandwidth. The processing flow that may typically be applied on the OBC data for signal processing, velocity model building, and imaging may also be applied to the 3D sensor array data.

Marine seismic data can be acquired using towed-streamer arrays, ocean-bottom cables, or nodes in which the receivers are placed in fixed positions on the seafloor. Limitations to acquisition in each case may be determined by water depth and seafloor topography, or operational constraints due to in-situ infrastructure and obstructions. In the cases where these sorts of limitations arise, a loss in operational efficiency may easily result, which will ultimately drive the acquisition cost up, or may even result in poor or no data coverage. Using the AMV offers the potential to acquire seismic data in these cases where adverse existing factors may hamper standard acquisition methods.
Systematic Evaluation of Shale Play by Introducing Integration of Inversion Geophysics, Petroleum System and Reservoir Simulation Workflows
Authors: Dubey Siddharth , Chakraborty Dibakar , Mishra Shubham , Fredd Christopher
Published: February 2017

Recent focus in exploitation of unconventional hydrocarbons like shale gas and shale oil have brought numerous exploration and production challenges worldwide. Unconventional exploration of hydrocarbons, over the past decade has seen a lot of improvement in use of multi domain technology like inversion geophysics, petroleum systems modeling, reservoir characterization, fracture geomechanics and production stimulation. However, identification of sweet spot for drilling wells is one aspect of the unconventionals, production of hydrocarbon is another major challenge which industry faces. Due to lack of integrated studies, a well drilled in a shale reservoir can end up in producing little or no hydrocarbons, or can have rapid decline rate of hydrocarbon production. Till date no attempt has been made to combine inversion geophysics, petroleum system modeling, fracture geomechanics and production optimization to make an integrated earth model, which can predict the sweet spots and help in predicting production optimization scenarios in shale reservoirs. In this study, an integrated workflow has been developed, which combines all three domains (Inversion Geophysics, Petroleum System Modeling & Reservoir Engineering) in a systematic manner, which can help in robust exploitation of sweet spots to generate optimum production profile which is economically most viable. In addition to the novelty of integrating seismic, basin modelling and reservoir engineering; this invention involves optimized hydraulic fracture (HF) design and production performance generated from an unstructured grid. Combination of hydraulic fracture optimization on an unstructured grid with sweet spot and natural fracture propagation by seismic inversion and basin modelling workflow, further strengthens the novelty of the workflow.
Low Injection Squeeze to Reduce Gas Oil Ratio & Gain Significant Crude Production using Epoxy Resin Technology
Authors: Tiwari Shobhit , Deo Aniket , Kumar Amit , Anand Prem , Singhal Ashish , Kumar Animesh , Gillies James , Li Jason
Published: February 2017

NI-5 is a first-stage development well in the NI field, Rajasthan. After bringing it on production, a high gas/oil ratio (GOR) of approximately 2,500 scf/STB was observed. In comparison, offset wells in the same field commonly had GORs of 250 to 300 scf/STB. The well was taken off production and shut-in as a result. This paper presents a remedial cementing operation including the development of a synthetic resin-based sealant to bring this well back onto production.

Identification of the ideal treatment zone used open hole logging techniques combined with a cement bond log (CBL) to locate the gas/oil contact (GOC) and determine the condition of the cement sheath. These results indicated only minimal injection would be achievable, and to seal the suspected leak, a material would need to be placed to establish isolation between the GOC and the producing perforation. The chances of success with a conventional cementing solution were low. In addition, potential contamination could compromise strength development.

An epoxy resin system was selected for this gas shutoff treatment because of its high-penetration ability, strength once set, and ability to resist contamination. Strategic placement of a low-volume sealant focused on accessing the zone of interest through perforation, cleanout, zone preparation to receive the treatment, multistage squeeze techniques, and treatment removal from the casing by drilling. Conventional cement testing equipment was used to customize the resin formulation to the downhole conditions. After placement and solidification of the resin, a reliable barrier was formed, and the resin remaining in the casing was able to be successfully drilled. The well was brought back online and is currently producing approximately 1,000 BOPD with GOR on par with other wells in the same field.

The epoxy resin technology has unique properties, which makes it best suited for gas shutoff especially in tight geometries such as in this case of micro-annulus channel in cement sheath. The resin system is solids-free (Newtonian fluid in a liquid state) and can provide a high-pressure seal. The system also withstands contamination (overcomes inefficient mud displacement). In addition, this drillable system develops compressive strength ranging from 5,000 to 15,000 psi.
Geomechanics Aided Solutions for Improving Drilling and Completions by Integrating Advance Acoustics Measurements: A Case Study from Malleswaram Field, Onshore KG-PG Basin, India
Authors: Reddy S. S. , Anjaneyulu J. V. , Lal Abhay Kumar , Rao E. J. , C H Ramakrishna , Talreja Rahul , Bahuguna Somesh , Zacharia Joseph , Chatterjee Chandreyi , Basu Jayanta
Published: February 2017

Malleswaram field in Krishna-Godavari (KG) basin has proven gas reserves in the late Cretaceous Nandigama formation. Many drilling challenges were faced, including losses, tight hole, and stuck pipe in the Raghavapuram and Nandigama formations overlying the reservoir interval. This study was conducted to provide a solution for drilling optimization by mitigating drilling-related nonproductive time (NPT). Integration of acoustic and geochemical data for geomechanics study provided a new insight into cause of overpressure and need for revamping of casing policy to significantly improve wellbore stability, mitigate risks, and ensure future drilling success. Generated stress models can be used to optimize hydraulic fracturing in these reservoirs. A completion quality based on stress model indicates the need for multistage fracturing due to the presence of stress barriers inside sand units in Nandigama formation.
Efficient Low Maintenance Natural Ceramic Technology to Treat Sea and Produced Water
Authors: Batarseh Sameeh I. , Al Harith Abdullah , Othman Haitham , Kumaoka Shunichi
Published: February 2017

The objective of this work is to treat seawater and produced water by utilizing natural ceramic materials for different applications such as water injection, water disposal, hydraulic fracturing and steam generation. Research has discovered efficient low maintenance natural ceramic materials with unique properties like having a long life of 10 years and very low maintenance — once every 2 years. This paper presents several successful water treatments from different reservoirs with consistence in treatment percentage in all the reservoirs.

Natural ceramic earth materials are used to treat seawater and produced water as these materials break down the compositions of the contaminations by adsorption. The lab setup and experimental work has demonstrated the efficiency of this technology by treating several samples. The principle is using treatment stages that the water will pass through. These stages have natural ceramic materials and when they interact with water, it break downs contaminates of produced water such as hydrogen sulfide (H2S), radioactive, sulfate, dissolved solids and depressed oil in water.

There are several issues associated with produced water such as H2S contaminations, including safety, formation damage, scaling and corrosion. That increases the operational cost and workover, increases downtime, and killing and coiled tubing intervention. The water treatment eliminates or reduces surface facility costs. The system treated different contaminations such as radioactive (79%), sulfate (89%), chloride (80%) total dissolved solids (TDS) (80%), and others.

The success of the treatment is due to the unique ceramic materials' properties, which make them an excellent candidate for treatment, such as 80% continuity, a large surface area, adsorptivity and adsorption rate, heat resistance up to 1100 °C, chemically stable (will not react with acid and alkaline), lightweight (sp 0.4 to 0.45), 10 years life time and 2 years maintenance. Based on the result, the current plan is to treat 190,000 barrels per day (BPD).
Urinary Tract Injury at Gynecological Surgery: Results from a Tertiary-Care Institution
Authors: Toptaş Tayfun , Uysal Aysel , Karataş Selim , Üreyen Işın , Erol Onur
Published: February 2017

Objective: To identify clinical features of urinary tract injuries detected during or after gynecologic surgeries, with a specific focus on incidence and role of surgeon and surgical route on urinary injury.Study design: The institutional database from January 2009 to January 2017 was reviewed with respect to gynecologic (non-obstetric) surgeries and urinary injuries.Results: A total of 8719 gynecologic surgeries were identified. Of these, 46 (0.52%) were found to be complicated with a bladder (N=34, 0.38%), ureteral (N=11, 0.12%) and/or urethral injury (N=1, 0.01%). Bladder injuries occurred mostly at the superior part of the bladder, while ureteric injuries at the most distal part of the ureter. Ureteric injuries were mostly delayed (81.8% vs. 5.9%, P<0.001) and were more related to thermal injury than bladder injuries (45.5% vs. 8.8%, P=0.029). Among all surgical procedures, radical hysterectomy had the highest incidence for the ureteric injury (8.53%), while Burch colposuspension via minimally invasive route had the highest incidence for the bladder injury (16.6%). Cumulative incidence of urinary injury significantly differed according to the surgical route preferred (P=0.032), with the vaginal surgeries were associated with the highest incidence (0.96%). However, there was no such a difference in injury rates between the low-volume (0.55%) and high-volume (0.52%) surgeons (P=0.328)Conclusion: Overall incidence of lower urinary tract injury at gynecologic surgeries is low, does not differ according to annual number of surgeries performed, but increases with the vaginal surgeries.
Why isn't IWRM working in the Caribbean?
Authors: Cashman Adrian
Published: February 2017

At the global level, it appears that acceptance for integrated water resources management (IWRM) has been growing. In a status report by the United Nations in 2012, 82% of the 134 nations which responded indicated that they had embarked on reforms to achieve integrated approaches to water resources management. Over the last decade in the Caribbean there have been similar IWRM agendas. However, so far efforts to embed IWRM in the region have yielded few results. Hence it is appropriate to ask what has been the progress with adopting an integrated approach to water management in the Caribbean and are there lessons that can be learnt? The paper seeks to provide some answers to those two questions. An overview of the various national and regional IWRM initiatives over the last decade provides the basis on which the evaluation of the successes or otherwise is made. This is complemented by an assessment of the enabling conditions and the extent to which they have been able to support developments. The analysis of contributing factors uses a stakeholder characterisation typology developed by Mitchell and Agle. Finally, the need for ‘brokering’ actors as an integral part of policy reform is identified as a necessary element of success.
Vortex-assisted liquid–liquid microextraction combined with spectrophotometry for the determination of trace nitrite in water samples
Authors: Jiao Yang , Yu Jianping , Yang Yaling
Published: February 2017

A vortex-assisted liquid–liquid microextraction (VALLME) method using isooctanol as extractant followed by spectrophotometry was developed for the extraction and determination of trace nitrite in water samples. The method is based on selective ion-pairing complex (I3− MG+) formation of triiodideanion I3− with cationic dye malachite green (MG) at pH 3.0, and its subsequent extraction in an organic solvent. The extracted organic solvent-rich phase is diluted with methanol, and its absorbance is measured against an analyte blank at 630 nm. The variables affecting VALLME efficiency were investigated, and a set of optimized conditions was obtained. Under the optimum conditions, the linear range of nitrite was from 1.0 to 100 ng mL−1. The relative standard deviations (n = 10) were 2.1–3.9% and the limit of detection was 0.5 ng mL−1 and was successfully applied to the determination of nitrite in environmental water.
The analysis of digital images through the Exif-standard
Authors: Smirnov Konstantin Olegovich
Published: February 2017

The researcher of this article describes the digital image as an object of judicial phototechnical examination. The work presented the possibilities of tags with metadata, which are included in the Exif-standard.
Indicative planning in strategic management of territorial development
Authors: Pechkina Ekaterina Viktorovna , Zagoruiko Igor Yurievich
Published: February 2017

The article deals with the concept of indicative planning. Problems of contemporary regional policy are described. The paper explores the use of indicative planning in strategic management of socio-economic development of the region.
The strategy of corporate culture
Authors: Kolesnikov Anatoliy Viktorovich
Published: February 2017

This article presents the material illustrating features of long-term plans on creation of an effective corporate culture, describes the tool aspect of long-term plans on forming a corporate culture on the basis of a matrix of assessment of cultural risk of G. Schwartz and S. Davies. The author provides a graphic interpretation of degree of compliance of a corporate culture and the strategy, implemented by the company.
The application of private international law in the field of labor relationship complicated by a foreign element in the Russian Federation
Authors: Matorina Tatiana Anatolievna , Bedredinova Natalia Aleksandrovna
Published: February 2017

The article analyzes urgent issues of application of international law in the field of labor relations. The inclusion of international law in the Russian legal system has become a necessity because at the present time the most universally recognized norms of international law and international treaties can actually be achieved and implemented solely through the judicial system. The main domestic legal norm permitting courts of the Russian Federation to be guided by the provisions contained in international law is set out in part 4 of article 15 of the Constitution of the Russian Federation.
The development of scientific restoration and preservation of architectural heritage in Russia
Authors: Alfazhr Mokhamad Abdul Karim , Osama Elservi
Published: February 2017

The principle of science in the scientific restoration is the availability and provision of specialists with reliable information and modern advances in construction. The relevant tasks are to implement new developments on restoration of bearing capacity of structures and the use of modern composite materials. Innovative developments in the field of restoration are a specific form of management of development of construction processes and technologies allowing to change the structure, organization and content of the reconstruction process as a whole. The subject of research are the new technological developments in the field of chemical and construction industry. The use of such developments allows us to solve the difficult tasks to prevent the destruction, and to give the historical uniqueness to the architectural monuments of world importance.
Problems of restoration of carrying capacity of historical structures in open conservation
Authors: Alfazhr Mokhamad Abdul Karim , Osama Elservi
Published: February 2017

The research of rational integrated solutions for the preservation of historic sites in Russia today is a priority in the restoration, for the purpose of successful implementation of new methods and modern international developments on the restoration and conservation of monuments. Inner reinforcement discussed in this article shall be the most efficient and technologically advanced method of strengthening the internal structures of architectural monuments in their conservation. The subject of research are the prospects for the maximum preservation of the historic appearance of the building with an open conservation, using modern methods of carrier recovery capacity of the structure. Eliminating all possible deformations of structures, leading to the destruction of the building must be carried out with the least interference, without external amplification of facades.
Suspen-Dome System: A Fascinating Space Structure
Authors: Olofin IfeOlorun , Liu Ronggui
Published: February 2017

With the recent trend in long span space structures, suspen-dome as a roof structure is becoming popular. Therefore, as the construction of long span structures increases in the world today, the effectiveness of suspen-dome structure should be considered in order to undertake further development of the system which may be required to improve its design and construction. One direction of the improvement of such structures is to seek new materials other than using the traditional steel to yield better results. This paper is a review of the suspen-dome system, including its characteristics, its use in space construction, its success as well as the possibility of replacing steel with other materials for better results. From the review, it is found that using steel cables in suspen-dome structure has some shortcomings which can be eliminated by the use of other materials. It is suggested that Carbon Fibre Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) can be the material because of its advantages over steel as indicated in the paper.