bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fracture Orientation In A Gas Storage Reservoir In West Virginia
Authors: Kotb A.K. , Araktingi R.
Published: December 2007

This paper was prepared for presentation at the 47th Annual Fall Meeting of the Society of Petroleum Engineers held in San Antonio, Tex., Oct. 8–11, 1972. Permission to copy is restricted to an abstract of not more than 300 words. Illustrations may not be copied. The abstract should contain conspicuous acknowledgment of where and by who the paper is presented. Publication elsewhere after publication in the JOURNAL paper is presented. Publication elsewhere after publication in the JOURNAL OF PETROLEUM TECHNOLOGY or the SOCIETY OF PETROLEUM ENGINEERS JOURNAL is usually granted upon request to the Editor of the appropriate journal provided agreement to give proper credit is made. provided agreement to give proper credit is made. Discussion of this paper is invited. Three copies of any discussion should be sent to the Society of Petroleum Engineers office. Such discussion may be presented at the above meeting and, with the paper, may be considered for publication in one of the two SPE magazines.

Tests to increase knowledge concerning the orientation of hydraulic fracturing have been performed on an Oriskany gas field in West performed on an Oriskany gas field in West Virginia using production and pressure analysis data.

A possible pattern of induced fracture orientation has been determined in the gas field to be most likely in the northeast-south west direction.

To confirm the possible fracture orientation, the system of zones of joint surrounding the storage field was studied; a rose diagram of the system of joints shows that the major trend of joints in this area is orientated between the range of 30 deg. to 35 deg. east.

Introduction

Hydraulic fracturing of petroleum reservoirs is an important stimulation method to improve flow capacity of hydrocarbons.

The initiation, orientation and extension of hydraulically induced fractures has received considerable attention in the technical literature. The quantitative physical factors involved in hydraulic fracturing appear to be fairly well understood; however, field results differ sometimes from theoretical models depending on the approximations made in the analysis.

The fracture orientation and its physical appearance was determined using an instrumental approach. However, results obtained by this method can be used to determine the orientation of the induced hydraulic fracture more accurately at the vicinity of the wellbore.

Recently the U. S. Bureau of Mines has initiated explanatory research to detect surface expressed fracture patterns over large areas of the Appalachian Plateaus Province, by radar imagery. It is believed that the majority of these lineaments manifest structurally controlled fracture zone. All lineaments checked by U.S. Bureau of Mines were found to be joint zones, rather than faults.
Large Scale Waterflood Performance Sprayberry Field, West Texas
Authors: Elkins Lincoln F. , Skov Arlie M.
Published: December 2007

First response to large scale water flood in the fractured milli-darcy Spraberry sand has led to a new unique cyclic operation. Capacity waterinjection is used to restore reservoir pressure. This is followed by a few months production without water injection and the cycle repeated. Expansion of the oil, rock and water during pressure decline expels part of the fluids but capillary forces hold much of the injected water in the rock. Field performance has proved this cyclic operation is capable of producing oil from the matrix rock at least fifty per cent faster and with lower water percentage than is imbibition of water at stable reservoir pressure.

Introduction

The Spraberry Field of West Texas presents unusual problems for both primary production and water flooding. Extensive interconnected vertical fractures in the fractional-millidarcy sandstone permitted recovery of oil on 160-acre well spacing, but they made capillary end effects dominant; primary recovery by solution gas drive is less than 10 per cent of oil in place. The concept of displacement of oil from the sand matrix by capillary imbibition of water has led to field techniques which promise greatly increased oil recovery. Free exchange of laboratory research, reservoir information and results of field pilot tests among the various companies has been very important in development of this technology.

Four units covering a total of 125,500 acres have been formed for waterflooding and eleven other areas covering an additional 220,000 acres are in various stages of unitization. Part of the Driver Unit reaching fill up first has demonstrated very unusual water flood behavior and indicated numerous operating problems that will develop within and among the various units.
A Simulation Model For Undersaturated Oil Reservoirs
Authors: Hopkinson J.L. , Natanson S.G.
Published: December 2007

Publication Rights Reserved

Discussion of this paper is invited. Three copies of any discussion should be sent to the Society of Petroleum Engineers office. Such discussion may be presented at the above meeting and considered for publication in one of the two SPE magazines with the paper.

A mathematical simulation model for undersaturated oil reservoirs has been designed, which, from an analysis of past performance, provides predictions of the future pressure decline in individual wells or in localized areas of a field; such a field may include a number of reservoirs producing from a common aquifer.

The selection of field production rate and the distribution of production between wells are treated in & number of ways which lead to a quantitative mapping of the field's response to different modes of operation.

The model consists of an assemblage of computer programs which are linked and controlled by & master program. The reservoir system is characterized by a matrix. The elements of the matrix which describe the response of the reservoir to unit production at discrete locations are derived from numerical solutions of finite difference equations describing flow in a porous medium.

The use of the model in production and development planning is illustrated by a number of examples selected from an application to an existing reservoir.

Introduction

The development of certain large undersaturated reservoirs in the Middle East gave prominence to the usual problems concerning the number of wells to be drilled, their location, and their future production schedules. On an operational level, advice was sought on a systematic method of specifying current well production rates when the demand from the field could be expected to vary widely at short intervals.

The first requirement in answering such questions is the provision of the necessary technical information. The reservoir engineer should provide this by mapping in a systematic manner as wide a range of production strategies as possible. This paper describes a specific mathematical model which has been designed for this purpose and illustrates its use for a particular reservoir.

OUTLINE OF MODEL

The basic feature of the model is the use of a matrix to represent the response of an undersaturated reservoir to production. This can be extended, as required, to a number of such reservoirs with a common aquifer. The bulk of the model consists of the system of computer programs which were written to construct and handle this matrix.
Improvement Of Reservoir Studies Through Use Of Two-Dimensional Mathematical Analysis
Authors: Sheffield M. , Brinkman F.H.
Published: December 2007

Publication Rights Reserved

Discussion of this paper is invited. Three copies of any discussion should be sent to the Society of Petroleum Engineers office. Such discussion may be presented at the above meeting and considered for publication in one of the two SPE magazines with the paper.

This paper illustrates the many types of reservoir predictions which can be made using two-dimensional analyses. These advanced techniques will enable engineers to improve reservoir predictions; and more accurate predictions will, of course, provide a better basis for management decisions.

Specifically, the two-dimensional techniques have proved valuable in predicting the following types of reservoir behavior:Irregular advance of gas or water and its arrival time at specific reservoir locations.Gas overriding or water underrunning oil.Cross flow between reservoir layers and water imbibition into tight layers and lenses or from a fracture into a matrixblock.The coning tendencies of a single well.The saturation distribution behind a front.

Examples of these types of behavior presented in this paper are: a detailed study of a large gas injection project; pattern waterflood studies of both 5-spot and modified 9-spot patterns; and a study of oil recovery by imbibition from a fracture matrix system. These studies were made using a two-dimensional, two-phase, immiscible fluid-flow analysis that considers viscous, gravitational, and capillary forces.

Also shown is a recent comparison of the observed and mathematically predicted behavior of a laboratory model. This provides additional verification of the mathematical techniques.

Introduction

Most reservoir studies are made to compare various methods of reservoir depletion and to aid management in determining optimum development or operation of an oil field.
California Oil's Past, Present and Future: Coastal District
Authors: Richardson Robert L.
Published: December 2007

Discussion of this paper is invited. Three copies of any discussion should be sent to the Society of Petroleum Engineers office. Such discussion may be presented at the above meeting and, with the paper, may be considered for publication in one of the two SPE magazines.

Oil and gas exploration and development in the California Coastal District starts with the first well drilled in southern California in 1865 and progresses from an early period of exploration adjacent to surface oil seeps, through a 50 year period of giant oil field discoveries and up to present day offshore exploration in 1,300 feet of water from floating vessels. Exploration of the major geologic structures onshore has been extensive by not exhaustive, while many major structures offshore await penetration by the bit.

There are 130 designated oil and gas fields in the District with a total estimated ultimate recovery of 3.260 billion barrels of oil, of which 2.659 billion barrels have been produced, leaving an estimated future recoverable oil of 600.3 million barrels using present known techniques. An estimated 17.3 billion barrels of oil in place are yet to be discovered.

The District is just a few years into an active era of secondary recovery by waterflooding which is expected to grow in number of floods and secondary oil recovery in the near future. Steaming is an active contributor to the present District production, particularly in the San Ardo oil field. Tertiary particularly in the San Ardo oil field. Tertiary recovery processes do not look promising, at least not until the heterogeneity of the thick reservoir sands can be controlled.

Past exploration and discoveries indicate Past exploration and discoveries indicate that the future discoveries onshore are going to result from deep exploration of known structures and in the deeper parts of the basins. The final disposition of the Ventura-Santa Barbara Basin offshore area will bear heavily on the future of the oil industry in the District. Industry has spent large sums of money and made impressive strides in overcoming the deficiencies criticized at the time of the Dos Cuadros blowout. The development of oil spill containment devices and techniques and the proposed ocean floor completion systems answer the major objections to opening the Channel to further exploration and development.

Introduction

The California Coastal District extends from the western portion of Los Angeles County into San Mateo County just south of San Francisco and encompasses all of the coastal counties along this stretch of the Pacific Coast.
California Oil's Past, Present and Future: San Joaquin Valley and Sacramento Valley
Authors: Matthews John F.
Published: December 2007

Discussion of this paper is invited. Three copies of any discussion should be sent to the Society of Petroleum Engineers office. Such discussion may be presented at the above meeting and, with the paper, may be considered for publication in one of the two SPE magazines.

The Great Valley of California is one of the major geographic provinces of the state. It is divided into two basins, the San Joaquin Valley and the Sacramento Valley. Numerous productive oil traps in the San Joaquin Valley are located along the major trends and many dry gas accumulations are found in the Sacramento Valley.

The most favorable areas to be explored for new reserves are in the deeper zones, in areas of probable lenticular sands, and in extensions of present producing trends, although the best record is compiled by those who drill edge wells on the perimeters of the present producing fields. The future of present producing fields. The future of California development will change rapidly if the price of energy sources rises and if and when the exploration attitude of oil operators, small and large alike, reverts to the more positive attitudes of the past.

Introduction

The Great Valley of California is one of the major geomorphic provinces of the state (figure 1). It extends northwesterly some 400 miles from the San Emigdio and Tehachapi Mountains to the Klamath Mountains, and its 50-mile width is bounded on the west by the Coast Ranges and on the east by the Sierra Nevada. The surface of the valley is a relatively flat alluvial plain, although there are some surface expressions of subsurface anticlinal structures.

The Stockton Arch, for purposes of this report, will be considered the dividing line between the San Joaquin Valley to the south and the Sacramento Valley to the north, although there is no definitive separation point and the subject is open to controversy. point and the subject is open to controversy. The arch is actually a fault zone which runs in a northeast direction. It consists of one or more reverse faults which are upthrown on the south side, and there are several gas accumulations on this side.

There are some 35,000 wells capable of producing in the San Joaquin Valley. To producing in the San Joaquin Valley. To date some 6.5 billion of the state's 19.1 billion total barrels of oil has been produced from these wells which have been produced from these wells which have been completed from 110 fields.

There are 100 dry gas fields in the Sacramento Valley and some 1,200 productive wells. The wells have produced 5.2 × 10(9) Mcf. of gas. This is eighty percent of the total dry gas produced to date, although the state total, for both dry and that produced with oil, is in excess of 25 × 10(9) Mcf.
California Oils Past, Present and Future: Los Angeles Basin
Authors: McFarland Lee C. , Greutert Raymond H.
Published: December 2007

Discussion of this paper is invited. Three copies of any discussion should be sent to the Society of Petroleum Engineers office. Such discussion may be presented at the above meeting and, with the paper, may be considered for publication in one of the two SPE magazines.

The Los Angeles Basin could be classified as a mature petroleum province, from the standpoint of the explorationist, the development engineer and the production department. Most of the large fields are in advanced stages of depletion and secondary recovery procedures have been in effect for a number of years in the more prolific reservoirs.

Nevertheless, it is likely that 1 to 3 billion barrels of additional oil will be found in this basin from new fields, if and when the current Problems of compatibility can be solved and when the price of the product can justify the added costs which product can justify the added costs which the special conditions dictate.

Likewise, it seems apparent that production engineers will be able to add production engineers will be able to add significantly to remaining reserves within proven reservoirs by means of secondary and proven reservoirs by means of secondary and tertiary recovery techniques. This increase will also be dependent upon the price-cost structure as well as the ability of cur industry to come to workable terms with ecological and environmental forces active in this most highly urbanized producing province. province

Introduction

The Los Angeles Basin has been alternately extolled and castigated by Majors, Independents, and Consultants, as being:(a)The most prolific oil producing province for its geographic size in the world.(b)Over-explored, over-developed and depleted.(c)A good place to live while pursuing our profession.(d)One of the pursuing our profession.(d)One of the most difficult areas in the world for any Oil Company to make a buck, due to high costs of exploration and production, low product prices in relation to market needs product prices in relation to market needs and environmental pressures, reasoned and unreasoned.

The location and geology of the Los Angeles Basin are well-known to you, we feel sure, and we refer you to the many excellent papers which have been written on the geology and the oilfields in the area, excerpts from some of which have been included herein as Table 1 and as Figures #1 thru 5:

Table 1: A statistical summary of L.A. Basin production and reserves.

Figure 1: An updated Index Map showing oilfields and distribution of exposed basement rocks.
Progress in the Use of TL to Measure Strain in Rocks
Authors: McDougall David J.
Published: December 2007

The amplitude of certain thermoluminescence light emission peaks is closely related to the number of crystallographic peaks is closely related to the number of crystallographic dislocations in crystals. On an empirical basis, this has been repeatedly demonstrated for a variety of rock types in and near faults, fold structures and meteorite craters as well as from material from the vicinity of underground nuclear explosions and artificially deformed samples. Since what are being measured are the relative concentrations of crystallographic defects, it can be anticipated that the ratio of thermoluminescence to strain is not a straight line relationship. However, various studies in Canada, the United States and France, during the past ten years have indicated that the rock itself can be used as a natural strain gauge, for at least semiquantitative measurements.

Analogous to solid-state studies in metallurgy, the principal variables which will change the thermoluminescence emission peak heights are: the type and composition of the crystal; impurity elements; grain growth; heat treatment; and amount and rate of deformation. Work done in the writer's laboratory since 1964 permit some generalizations on these variables. Rock types containing quartz, feldspar and/or carbonates have been found to be the most satisfactory to work with, but measureable differences in the amount of strain have been obtained from very unsatisfactory materials, such as serpentine, using sensitive equipment. Variations in TL due to impurity or "trace" elements are negligible compared to other variables. Grain growth tends to eliminate TL by the elimination of crystal imperfections, while high temperatures such as would occur near igneous contacts tend to increase TL by the creation of various types of imperfections. TL due to strain tends to increase in rough proportion to the amount of "work hardening" and cyclical loading may raise the emission to very high levels. Subsequent plastic deformation or failure tend to reduce the emission. Analysis of the emission curves often serves to distinguish which variable has been changed.

In its simplest form, the instrumentation for measuring thermoluminescence consists of a photomultiplier tube and a method of controlled heating of the sample to temperatures near 400 degrees C. More elaborate instrumentation may include facilities for artificial irradiation, measurement at very low temperatures or measurement of the wave lengths of emission.
A New Method For Determination Of Formation Water Resistivity From The Spontaneous Potential Curve
Authors: Henry James D. , Cunningham Wm. A.
Published: December 2007

Publication Rights Reserved

Discussion of this paper is invited. Three copies of any discussion should be sent to the Society of Petroleum Engineers office. Such discussion may be presented at the above meeting and considered for publication in one of the two SPE magazines with the paper.

A study has been made to try to improve the determination of water saturation of a given zone by use of the SP log. A method has been derived which appears to be an improvement in previous methods.

Previous studies have shown that the formation water resistivity, a needed factor in the Archie equation for determining water saturation, is related to the magnitude of the SP deflection and to the mad filtrate resistivity by a coefficient which is a function of formation temperature. Evidence has indicated that this coefficient also varies with geographical location.

An attempt was made to find a variable which would express this apparent variation in geographical location. The formation resistivity factor was selected and found to be satisfactory. The resulting empirical correlation relates the SP coefficient, formation temperature, and the formation resistivity factor. For the data used, this method produced results which were better than those of previous methods. An experimental study has been made which tends to confirm the trends and influences discovered in the empirical work.

Introduction

In order to calculate the formation water saturation using the familiar Archie equation,

................(1)

the formation resistivity factor, F, the formation water resistivity, Rw, the true formation resistivity, Rt, and the saturation exponent, n, must all be determined or estimated. Values for Rw and Rt may be estimated by use of logs and correction and correlation charts. Values for F and n are usually determined from core analyses, or they may be estimated from logs and/or correlation charts. The accuracy of the estimated values of Rt, F, and n is usually 30%, but the approximated value of Rw is often in error by more than 100 percent. An incorrect assumption of Rw may lead to a very large error in Sw.

Many times water resistivities can be measured from DST samples from the well in question or from the same zone in nearby wells.
How A Utility Views SNG
Authors: Warner Jerry J. , Seabold Carl A.
Published: December 2007

This paper was prepared for the 48th Annual Fall Meeting of the Society of Petroleum Engineers of AIME, to be held in Las Vegas, Nev., Sept. 30-Oct. 3, 1973. Permission to copy is restricted to an abstract of not more than 300 words. Illustrations may not be copied. The abstract should contain conspicuous acknowledgement of where and by whom the paper is presented. Publication elsewhere after publication in the JOURNAL OF PETROLEUM TECHNOLOGY or the SOCIETY OF PETROLEUM ENGINEERS JOURNAL is usually granted upon request to the Editor of the appropriate journal provided agreement to give proper credit is made.

Discussion of this paper is invited. Three copies of any discussion should be sent to the Society of Petroleum Engineers office. Such discussion may be presented at the above meeting and, with the paper, may be considered for publication in one of the two SPE magazines.

Introduction

Normal growth patterns established by United States gas utilities were disrupted in recent years by our national energy shortage. The business as usual approach of adding yearly increments of pipeline supply gas evaporated along with the concept that 20 year, long term contracts, were sacrosanct.

Almost overnight, gas utilities were forced to turn to forms of Supplemental Natural Gas (SNG) processes to preserve their current markets and establish possible avenues for growth. This expensive new gas has caused many utilities to wonder where the next increment of gas will come from, and what price must be paid. price must be paid. This paper outlines the steps Northern Illinois Gas (NI-Gas) took to study the various alternatives to alleviate the supply problem, and why the Catalytic Rich Gas problem, and why the Catalytic Rich Gas (CRG)-SW, approach was selected.

THE COMPANY

Four transmission companies supply NI-Gas with a total daily natural gas contract of approximately 1.5 billion cubic feet per day, to the NI-Gas service area which covers over 17,000 square miles in the northern portion of Illinois. The Natural Gas Pipeline Company of America provides more than 75 percent of the total gas supply to NI-Gas which comes from both the Gulf Coast and the Southwest.

Changing seasons in our service territory give many jumps and dips to our temperature which means uneven demands on natural gas consumption. NI-Gas, which serve more than 1,200,000 customers, distributes more than five times as much natural gas in winter as in summer.

Vast underground storage facilities have solved our winter peaking problems. NI-Gas explored for and developed aquifer type storage reservoirs since 1957.
Acoustic Wave Propagation In Bonded And Unbonded Oil Well Casing
Authors: Riddle George A.
Published: December 2007

Publication Rights Reserved

Discussion of this paper is invited. Three copies of any discussion should be sent to the Society of Petroleum Engineers office. Such discussion may be presented at the above meeting and considered for publication in one of the two SPE magazines with the paper.

Full scale model studies in free and clamped pipe have resulted in many observations concerning the character of acoustic wave propagation in water, casing, cement and formation. Primary interest is centered in the detection of a cement sheath wave velocity. From measurements made of acoustic velocity in cement it is evident that a considerable range in longitudinal wave propagation velocity exists during the curing time. At atmospheric pressure with neat A.P.I. cement tests show that the range is from 3000 to about 12,000 feet per second. Tests run show the possibilities of cement wave interference in analysis of acoustic wave propagation in a three phase system composed of casing, cement, and formation. The physics-chemical aspects of cement hydration and cure are related to changes in velocity and signal attenuation.

Representative amplitude readings in three casing sizes are plotted and tabulated with respect to the loading factor imposed by nine cement sheaths ranging in thickness from .19 to 3.25 inches. From this data a plot of Amplitude versus Propagation Wave Time reveals the optimum length of amplitude build-up of the pipe wave. Differences are noted with change in casing size. The effects of centralization and decentralization of the acoustic assembly are shown to be critical elements in making velocity amplitude, or other measurements related to acoustic wave propagation within concentric cylindrical boundaries.

Acoustic wave propagation photographs made during model studies are reproduced with similar photographs made at field wells for comparison of the effects discussed.

Introduction

From measurements made of acoustic velocity in concrete it is evident that a considerable range in wave propagation velocity exists during the curing time.
Subsurface Hydraulic Pumping Diagnostic Techniques
Authors: Nolen K.B. , Gibbs S.G.
Published: December 2007

This technique is based on a computerized mathematical model of a hydraulic pumping system. Mechanical equipment performance and capability of the well are evaluated jointly. The computer program is also used to evaluate changes that are needed to optimize production from a well. This method is implemented with a portable computer system and electronic data gathering equipment. Thus, results can be made available on the well site in a matter of minutes.

Introduction

Hydraulic pumping made its appearance as a method of oil well artificial lift in the early 1930's. Since that time this method has found wide acceptance, especially in deep, high volume pumping. Because the unit is located near the pumping. Because the unit is located near the bottom of the well, understanding the operation and condition of the downhole unit can often be a problem for the producer. This paper presents a well-site analytical method using pressure and production data to determine useful information about the overall condition of the hydraulic pumping system along with the well's potential. Thus, by thoroughly understanding equipment and well conditions, the producer is in a better position to reach his goal of producer is in a better position to reach his goal of maximizing profit.

The hydraulic pumping system analyzed in this paper consists of a downhole hydraulic reciprocating engine directly connected to a reciprocating pump which functions as a unit. There are many configurations of downhole units available such as tandem engines with single pumps, tandem pumps with single engines, tandem pumps with tandem engines, and a large selection of power ratios. Also downhole tubular arrangements vary depending on application such as casing free, fixed casing, parallel and fixed insert. Since the operation is basically the same, the method discussed in this paper applies generally to all. Also of importance are the two types of power fluid arrangements, i.e. open and closed systems. The closed system keeps the power fluid separate from produced fluids as compared to the open system which produced fluids as compared to the open system which mixes produced fluid and power fluid as they are discharged from the unit. Most systems are of the open type because of simplicity of design and reduced equipment costs. This paper discusses the open type only but with minor modifications, the closed power fluid arrangement can be analyzed as well.
Estimation of QT-800 Fatigue Lifetime through the Use of Magnetics
Authors: McCoy Terry , Negley Mark
Published: December 2007

Nondestructive magnetic testing indicates that the fatigue life of coiled tubing may be successfully estimated. Grade QT-800 coiled tubing (1 1/4-in. OD with a 0.087-in. wall) was fatigued in bending to 25%, 50%, 75% and 90% of its predetermined fatigue life. Variations in the tubing's magnetic properties were then determined with Magnescope and Magneprobe instruments. The results were then compared to an unfatigued sample. The results show that changes in magnetic hysteresis and Barkhausen measurements occur because of fatigue damage, and these changes can be correlated with fatigue life of the coiled tubing.

P. 71
Job Tracking Using Local Friction Profile to Minimize Risk in CT Operations
Authors: Schamp J.H. , Suryanarayana P.V.R.
Published: December 2007

In this paper, the use of friction factor profile trends to predict downhole problems in Coiled Tubing and other pipe-running operations is discussed. A simple method to calculate the effective and local friction profile is presented. The relationship between the profile trends and downhole problems is discussed. The simpler technique of using a surface weight vs depth chart for a range of realistic friction factors, with superimposed limiting conditions, is discussed in detail. It is shown how pull tests and running loads can be tracked on this chart, and trend departures used to predict potential problems downhole. Three field examples are used to illustrate the use of the techniques described in this paper. It is shown that these techniques are not limited to Coiled Tubing operations, and can be applied to a variety of pipe-running operations. This paper concludes that such charts, or on-line friction prediction methods are invaluable tools, and should become standard operating procedure in CT operations worldwide.

P. 119
Coiled Tubing as an Alternative to Service-Rig Completions for Multifractured Horizontal Wells in the Westerorse Gas Fields in Alberta
Authors: Abdulkadir R. , Kreuger S. , Aunger D. , McMullen J.
Published: December 2007

This paper presents a case study of horizontal-well completions in the Westerose field in Central Alberta in which coiled tubing was used in multiple hydraulic-fracture stimulations. Coiled tubing is cost effective, and offers many operational advantages over the conventional workover rig. The design of the well-completion program, including risk analysis and contingency plans, is discussed. A bottomhole assembly (BHA) that allows running and setting a bridge plug to isolate a lower section of the well and perforating the next section in one trip is discussed. PanCanadian's experience with coiled tubing and conventional workover rigs is also presented.

P. 149
A Proposal for a NORM Management Guideline
Authors: Bassignani A. , Fantoni R. Fresca
Published: December 2007

The accumulation of Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material (NORM) in extraction, treatment and hydrocarbon transportation plants, material that originates in the reservoirs and is subsequently transported to the surface by the extracted fluids, is something that requires very careful consideration because of the potential radiological risks involved.

In those cases where an appropriate program of periodical radiometric plant control is not envisaged and where the right forms of corrective intervention are not implemented, then the accumulation of NORM can lead to complex and delicate management problems.

This paper describes the AGIP NORM management program.
Evaluation of Hydrological Contamination in an Oil and Gas Production Area Including Different Anthropic Activities. Yacimiento Centenario, Neuquén. Argentina
Authors: Martinez S. G. , de Galarreta V. A. Ruiz , Noriega R. B. Banda
Published: December 2007

The southern sector of Centenario Field, gas and oil exploration and exploitation area, is located on the flooding flat "sensu lato" of Limay river, reaching also scree deposits. The natural environment is of semi arid type, with high excess of evapotranspiration. The extracting activity coexists with farms dedicated to fruit-horticulture, as well as other activities such as quarries, artisan brick manufacturing, poultry farming, etc., together with the recent urbanization.

In this sector of the Field the intensive use of surface and ground water resource occurs, both as drinking water and irrigation and drainage systems.

From 1975 until 1994 some 250 m3/day of production water with total salt concentrations greater than 80.000 mg/l, were superficially discharged to a drainage channel which crosses the area in question, being later discharged directly to the Limay river.

Due to the salinization increase and quality decrease of the ground water, the inhabitants of this sector of the field (Colonia Valentina Norte), made complaints relating it to the former production water discharging.

In this frame the basic environmental geohydrological study was carried out, defining the hydrodynamics and hydrochemistry of the hydrologic system, including the determination of some specific heavy metals.

According to hydrogeology, hydrodynamics and hydrochemistry of the system, it was verified that the hydrocarbon activity by means of its saline produced waters has not been the areal pollution source of the ground waters, according to salt analysis such as heavy metals, without noticing an expectable, fast and clear diffusion of chlorates according to the speed and course of the underground flow determined by the field measurements.
The Hazard Register
Authors: Dujmovich Thomas J.
Published: December 2007

Recognizing the opportunity to take a proactive position in the identification, assessment, control and recovery of unsafe acts and incidents, the seismic safety work group of the E&P Forum chartered a task force to develop a generic hazard register which would identify the various activities around geophysical operations and assess them for possibilities for what could go wrong. In short, the hazard register documents the identification, assessment, control and recovery for each hazard present during execution of any tasks. Emphasis is placed on early identification, assessment and controlled during planning and survey design.

The intent of this generic hazard register is to help individual contractors and companies to identify the specifics around their particular terrain and environment which have the potential to be a part to an unsafe act and the possible major catastrophic incident. We agree upon terms of reference which stated: to develop a generic hazards register, for safety, health and environment on the identification, assessment, control and recovery of the hazards that are inherent in land and marine operations.

While much discussion focused on the various approaches that could be used to develop a generic hazard register, consensus was reached early concerning what the intent of the hazard register would be… that is, to reduce and/or eliminate the number of incidents that were occurring on geophysical crews and thereby improve overall safety, health and environmental performance.
Workplace Hazard Management in the Drilling Industry
Authors: Clyne N , Bonsall D
Published: December 2007

In the oil and gas industry it is vital that personnel have the necessary hazard awareness and detailed knowledge to allow them to perform their work safely and efficiently. Hazards associated with workplace tasks lead to the majority of accidents occurring in the offshore industry. These hazards will normally be managed through controls embedded in procedures, personal competence, a permit to work system or a combination of all of these items.

Ensuring that work is controlled effectively requires the sound integration of hazard identification, risk assessment, the permit to work system, and procedural and competence controls, together with a method of ensuring the continuous improvement of the whole process. These systems need to be applied in a structured manner, so that the degree of risk assessment and control is related to the level of risk involved in an activity.

A key part of this approach is the minimisation of duplication of effort when carrying out risk assessments for similar activities on similar rigs. This has been done by means of a database relating activities, hazards and controls, which can output checklists identifying control measures necessary for an activity, making use of everyday worksite terminology and clearly targeted at the persons doing the work.

This paper provides information on experience in the practical application of these techniques in the offshore environment, and the benefits that accrue.
Using EHS to Add Business Value in International Petroleum Industries: Some Current Benchmarking Results
Authors: Slocum Dean A. , Willson John S.
Published: December 2007

The age of re-engineering has cut deep into international petroleum industries, altering the shape of virtually every line and support function, including Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS). Gone are the days of large EHS staffs evaluated primarily according to the quality of the company's environmental performance or the reduction of lost time incidents. Today's typical major petroleum company has a streamlined EHS function which must demonstrate that it is creating value for the company.

In 1997, an environmental consulting team benchmarked 21 "peer" companies for a leading international petroleum company to determine how they leverage their EHS capabilities to create business value and marketplace advantage. The study looked carefully at issues such as: How can EHS impact a company's competitive positionHow is EHS aligned with business strategiesWhich EHS services add the most value, which are best to outsourceAre different EHS services of higher value to some business lines than othersHow can EHS create value for business partners and customers
Taking Care of the Next of Kin after a Major Accident. The Role of Information
Authors: Ulven Arne
Published: December 2007

It is of crucial importance to be able to deal with all spects of a major accident including the care of the relatives of involved personnel. A center is often established where the next of kins are gathered and health personnel, psychologist, chaplains and others are at their disposal. Experience shows that up to 20 relatives per involved person may come to such a center. The center may function for an accident involving 10–30 persons. The challenge is to cope with a disaster striking a major offshore installation involving a mixture of dead, missing, injured and uninjured personnel totaling up to 350. Under such circumstances a center for relatives will most certainly collapse. The urge for information makes the relatives travel to such a center. To make them stay at home, it is necessary to give them information at home as soon as possible and at regular intervals.

It is feasible to manage the task of regularly informing one next of kin for every person affected by the disaster. This implies the use of volunteers from the onshore administration. It is necessary to achieve a ratio of volunteers to next of kins equaling at least 1:4. This will make it possible to call every next of kin every hour. The volunteers will become important contacts for the relatives in the difficult weeks to follow a disaster. The volunteers will need 1–2 days of training in advance. Arrangements must be made to distribute information to them and to ensure that they will be calling from telephones that will not be affected by the possible breakdown of the telephone-central serving the company.

The described method involves a very low cost and is important if disaster strikes.
Wellness Program in GUPCO, A Way for Good Health
Authors: Akher Omar A. , Hamdy A. Moneim
Published: December 2007

To be an effective member in the society, we have to take care of our health. Over the age of 30, we have to know that some of our habits are bad and have dangerous effects on health. Smoking, fatty meals, long settings, lack of physical activities (sports, exercises, …etc.) are examples of these bad habits. We cannot be young for ever, yet we could live healthy for a long time.

One of the most important goals of Gulf of Suez petroleum Company (GUPCO) is to improve environmental health, and safety performance because this improvement positively impacts the society in which we live. So, the implementation of the Wellness Program in our Company benefits both the employees and their community.

In this program, several steps have been taken. One of these steps is to spread the awareness of healthy diet through lectures and video tapes. Also, new diet programs have been introduced to employees at different Company locations; examples of these healthy programs are fat-free meals and low-salt meals, coupled with fitness exercises, medical control of chronic illness, etc.

It is worth mentioning that five years ago, GUPCO had taken a leading role in Egypt, when smoking has been prohibited in the Company premises closed areas.

Major studies are currently underway to know the feedback of introducing such wellness programs, and their direct effect on GUPCO community. Remarkable decrease in the number of both sick leaves and back pain cases has been noticed as well as the number of smokers. The number of employees who attended the wellness training programs is increasing, which is a good indication of awareness improvement among GUPCO employees and their families.
Health Risks in Remote Regions—Experiences with the Development and Use of an Inspection Tool
Authors: Zampello F. C. , Lindemann K. C.
Published: December 2007

Exploration and production activities continue to expand to more remote regions. A health inspection guideline defining preventive control measures for occupational and public health concerns at remote sites was developed. The program was introduced in the company's drilling organization for selected operations in Africa and Asia. This paper describes the primary health risks facing multi-national petroleum companies in remote regions. Results and findings from the trial use of the inspection guidelines are presented. Additionally, the authors provide recommendations on how a preventive health inspection program can be integrated into existing systems established for managing safety and health to insure that health issues are consistently addressed from project planning through operations.
Petroleum Exploration and Production Environmental Standards in Emerging Markets: The Peruvian Model
Authors: Mosquera G. C. Bianchi , Kent B. , Castillo J. Mogrovejo
Published: December 2007

The Peruvian government's approach for environmental regulation of petroleum exploration and production activities is based on a sectoral model. The office for the hydrocarbon sub-sector establishes effluent limits specific to exploration and production, but other regulations, such as water quality standards to protect receiving waters could also apply. An evaluation of these norms and standards suggests that application of regulatory criteria on a case-by-case basis within a general environmental framework could also be considered.
Flight Safety in Campos Basin Offshore Activity
Authors: Ayres C. A. C. , Oliveira J. C.
Published: December 2007

PETROBRÁS's exploration and production operations in Campos Basin, is the biggest offshore activity supported by helicopter in the Brazilizan coast.

With the increment of the activities, the number of platform, rigs and drilling ships are increasing and it is necessary a great number of helicopters to accomodate all passengers.

Quality and safety are the most important aspects of this mean of transportation and PETROBRÁS works hard to maintain them. To obtain the expected results PETROBRÁS has:

· Safety flight policy: ·Periodical meetings among PETROBRÁS and Flight Companies;·Regular inspections in all aircrafts; · Database containing all informations concerning flight safety; · Daily analysis of each anomalous situation.

This paper has the objective to show some data and information about offshore activity in Campos Basin and PETROBRÁS flight safety policy.
Guidelines for HSE Auditing in the Geophysical Industry
Authors: Smith Gordon R. , Dujmovich Thomas J
Published: December 2007

Recently, the E&P Forum issued guidelines for HSE auditing in the geophysical industry. These guidelines place the expectation that geophysical contractors will take the lead in commissioning and conducting audits and subsequent follow-up reports.

The guideline has several purposes: To help reduce the incidence of excessive client auditing, especially of seismic vessels and to create consistency across land and marine geophysical operations.To help ensure compliance with operational policies, procedures and applicable regulations or guidelines on HSE and to analyze the experience and effectiveness of management controls.To provide guidance for the geophysical industry on how to implement audits that are consistent with the E&P Forum's existing Guidelines for the Development and Application of HSE Management SystemsTo improve acceptability of audits across client and company boundaries.To help verify that the contractor's operating systems optimize the well being of all personnel, clients, contractors, sub-contractors, communities and the environment, and that these systems are aligned across client, contractor and sub-contractor boundaries.To identify areas of potential improvement in the auditee's HSE management system.To assess the ability of the internal management review process to assure the continuing suitability and effectiveness of the auditee's HSE management system.To evaluate the contracting process and system.

The HSE audit guideline is applicable to all geophysical operations worldwide.