bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Expandable Monobore Drilling Liner Extension Technology: Applications and Implementations Following the First Commercial Introduction and Deployment
Authors: Stockmeyer Carl F. , Storey Bryan , Emerson Alan Brent
Published: June 2014

First presented in SPE paper 102150, four "pre-planned contingency" case histories for the monobore liner extension system were outlined. As is possible in contingency applications, the enabling recess shoes were installed as an ‘insurance’ for potential well problems, but the monobore liner extensions were not required in these wells. The wells were in the Kristin and Kvitebjorn fields in the Norwegian sector of the North Sea where pressures and temperatures are considered HPHT applications with 13,000 psi (900 bar) BHP and 340° F (170° C) BHT respectively. These values were considered in the design basis of the expandable system.

As a basis of design this technology provides the option for the operator to begin well construction with one smaller casing size and conserve or increase hole size in the reservoir which may drive down costs significantly. As a contingency the system provides alternatives to: squeezing or reducing the hole size after failed leak-off or formation integrity tests; isolating trouble zones such as reactive shales, sub-salt rubble zones, and low fracture gradient transitions (Figure 1). This tool prevents the operator from being forced to reduce casing size or subsequent drilled hole size and tubular size. The realization of this technology yields immeasurable benefits when retaining hole size allows for large O.D. Intelligent Well System (IWS) components and being able to either evaluate the reservoir as fully as desired or to produce wells at rates deemed commercially necessary and optimum. The first commercial installation of the entire monobore liner extension system was accomplished and discussed in SPE paper 108331 (Figure 2).

The technology developed from collaboration between BP and Baker Oil Tools specifically to provide a one-trip, top-down expansion system, capable of deploying a monobore liner extension to prevent loss of hole size.

This paper details: ➢Key System Features and Benefits➢System DevelopmentDownhole recess shoe qualificationCasing selection qualificationZonal Isolation RequirementsMonobore liner extension selection, one trip system➢Field Trial and First Commercial DeploymentPre-planningExpansion ProcessPost deployment results➢Planned Contingency ApplicationsRecess ShoesRecess Shoes with liner➢Casing BOD (Basis of Design) Applications➢Summary
Recent Advances and Practical Applications of Integrated Production Modeling at Jack Asset in Deepwater Gulf of Mexico
Authors: Ozdogan Umut , Keating James F. , Knobles Mark , Chawathe Adwait , Seren Doruk
Published: June 2014

This paper presents an integrated production model construction and forecasting workflow along with three practical real field applications from the Jack asset located in deepwater Gulf of Mexico. Integrated production modeling is a composite modeling strategy that couples subsurface (material balance or simulation) models to a surface network model via well–bore models. The objective of using an integrated production model (IPM) is to predict the reservoir performance, while honoring mechanical design constraints of the surface network. The integrated production model construction process consists of five steps, which are framing, modeling, static quality check, initialization, and dynamic quality check followed by forecasting. An IPM was built for Jack and used as the primary forecasting method for (1) evaluation of artificial lift alternatives (gas lift, sea floor boosting, and electric submersible pumps) (2) identifying key artificial lift design parameters using Experimental Design, and (3) supporting injection facility design. In all of the studies, a black oil flow simulation model was used as the subsurface model and coupled to a surface network model.
Formulation and Implementation of Three-level Spatial and Temporal Mesh in Multiscale Simulation of Multiphase Immiscible Flow
Authors: Atan Safian , Ramirez Benjamin
Published: June 2014

Current reservoir characterization technologies allow very detailed description of the reservoir. Unfortunately, most of the time, these detailed descriptions are lost in the numerical flow simulation process because the models are required to be rescaled. This is due to the limitation of current flow simulation algorithms which could not handle very large models.

This paper proposes a multiscale numerical method that will efficiently solve flow problems of very large, multi-segmented reservoirs. This method contains three-levels of coincidental computational meshes that decouple the diffusive and convective flow problem in both temporal and spatial domains. We implicitly solve for the diffusive-pressure field in the block-scale mesh and then interpolate the solution to the coarse-scale mesh, and then finally to the fine-scale mesh. The convective-saturation solution is solved explicitly on the fine-scale mesh. The saturations are then rescaled back to the coarse-scale meshes and the block-scale mesh pressure field are re-solved.

This algorithm will preserve the flow character of the geocellular models as it minimizes the rescaling requirements. The algorithm is amenable to parallel computing and because of the non-iterative nature of the de-coupled systems of equation, will also allow better scalability for parallel computing environments.
Using Accelerated Learning to Enhance HS&E Skills Training
Authors: Knight P. J.
Published: June 2014

It has been suggested that a very low percentage of subject is retained when training using traditional teaching / presentation methods. Accelerated Learning (AL) theory evolves traditional "chalk & talk" methods by engaging the learner in active learning, encompassing emotion, all the senses and the personality. Referred to as "whole body" versus "head" learning, (AL) is not just "playing games" or "having fun". It is a structured approach that provides good retention results and minimises course preparation and planning times.

This paper describes in-house HS&E skills development with a group of multi-cultural delegates; (AL) was employed to enhance the learning experience, further understanding and improve subject matter retention.

The (AL) process was followed thus: Learner interest and curiosity were aroused before the event by personal communication to each delegate. The delegates’ management teams invited them to attend and highlighted the positive benefits of their gained knowledge.

Each part of the program centred on activity to involve delegates in the learning process – for example, touring the facility with a digital camera, photographing hazards with resultant control measures, and presenting their findings.

During the event, delegates participated in activities to help practice their learning, for example creating and presenting mind maps of key subject matter, and building a "management system Jenga tower" where questions relating to operational controls were written on the individual pieces. Each person had to answer the question correctly before moving on.

Following an examination at the end of the development event, delegates were assigned three real-world risk assessment tasks to ensure applying their knowledge in the workplace as soon as practicable.

The results of the course indicated that students had understood more core concepts of risk assessment than would otherwise be achieved using traditional methods
Modeling Flow along Fault Damage Zones in a Sandstone Reservoir; an Unconventional Modeling Technique Using Conventional Modeling Tools in the Douglas Field, Irish Sea, UK
Authors: Bentley Mark , Elliott Alison
Published: June 2014

The Douglas and West Douglas fields are part of the Liverpool Bay development in the East Irish Sea. The reservoir is a high net-to-gross, largely good quality (100-1000mD) Triassic sandstone lying in a series of fault terraces. The fields have been on production for over 10 years and whereas some wells have shown a watercut development typical for a waterflood, other wells recorded anomalous behaviour. This work addressed these anomalies as these directly influence the value of a late-life infill programme.

The subsurface team reviewed outcrops of the reservoir in NW England, addressing the possibility of vertical flow up and along damage zones of faults which may be otherwise sealing (‘fault-related fractures') - a feature not previously identified in the field. The presence of fault-related fractures, observed in the outcrops, was tested in simulation models and provided a solution to the anomalous behaviour.

A novel technique was employed to pragmatically characterise the fault-related fractures in the simulator. The technique involved installing wells as ‘pipes’ in cells around the faults, allowing flow up and along the fault damage zones without necessarily affecting fault transmissibility across the major zones. The size and location of the pipes representing the fractures was then used as a history matching parameter in the model and resulted in the improved history match of the anomalous wells and the match in general.
Case History – World's First Slim Open Hole Smart MRC Wells
Authors: Al-Amri Khalifah M.
Published: June 2014

Smart Maximum Reservoir Contact (MRC) wells have been successfully utilized extensively across Saudi Aramco to increase reservoir contact, well productivity and total oil recovery. This concept has primarily been used in newly drilled wells. It requires larger than conventional hole and casing sizes to achieve the dimensions required for the Intelligent Well System. Converting an existing well to an MRC poses a new challenge.

This paper presents a case history of two old existing dead wells in Saudi Aramco that were successfully converted into the first Slim Open Hole MRC Wells in the world. The two wells were originally drilled as vertical producing wells with 7" 23# liner set above the top of the target zone and extending to surface. To access more reserves from the field, the decision was made to sidetrack the wells to a new location and drill an MRC wells to achieve maximum productivity from those wells. The wells were planned to be a three lateral wells with a total of 12,000' of reservoir contact in each well. To maximize the long term productivity of the wells, it was decided to run Intelligent Well Systems that enables remote monitoring and control of each lateral throughout the life of the two wells. The final success of these converted slim open hole smart MRC wells are supported by more than expected production gain.
Production Optimization in an Oil Producing Asset – The BP Azeri Field Optimizer Case
Authors: Jalilova N. , Tautiyev A. , Forcadell J. , Rodríguez J. C. , Sama S.
Published: June 2014

The Azeri Field Optimizer is a modeling and optimization platform that encompasses the requirements of offshore and onshore production teams in a single, unified decision support system. The tool supports the following functionalities: data gathering and conditioning, model validation and calibration, economic process optimization and what-if analysis. The Azeri Field Optimizer uses Aspen HYSYS, PROSPER, Microsoft Excel, Aspen IP.21 data historian and ad-hoc MS SQL databases.

The heart of the tool is a high fidelity asset-wide model linked to an optimization solver that receives plant data from a centralized data historian (IP.21). The model uses a combination of first principles and bespoke algorithms to provide an accurate representation of all pressure-flow relationships, material balances and energy equations from the well bores to product delivery points.

The tool has been designed around the existing asset workflows and processes to facilitate the adoption of the technology and it has been created in such a way that allows dynamic re-configuration of the model and optimization problem by automatically capturing equipment availability indicators. This enables the asset optimization team to perform accurate day-to-day production analysis and optimization studies in a timely fashion.

The system has been tested in a number of real production situations where it has helped to: a) pinpoint hidden process behaviors that can be turned into an opportunity for economic improvement, b) identify process bottlenecks under various different production scenarios, c) co-relate offshore and onshore process constraints to find true overall optimums, and d) identify potential oil production increases averaging 3%.

This paper describes the technology and methodologies used for creating the Azeri Field Optimizer and discusses on the benefits achieved so far.
Streamline Simulation for Modern Reservoir-Engineering Workflows
Authors: Thiele M.R. , Batycky R.P. , Fenwick D.H.
Published: June 2014

Distinguished Author Series articles are general, descriptive representations that summarize the state of the art in an area of technology by describing recent developments for readers who are not specialists in the topics discussed. Written by individuals recognized as experts in the area, these articles provide key references to more definitive work and present specific details only to illustrate the technology. Purpose: to inform the general readership of recent advances in various areas of petroleum engineering.

Abstract

In this article, we present a high-level description of streamline-based flow simulation and focus on four areas in which the technology has proved valuable: reservoir-flow surveillance, flow simulation, history matching, and flood management. We highlight the advantages and disadvantages of streamline simulation (SLS) throughout the article and conclude with a look at possible SLS evolution. SLS re-emerged in the early 1990s to alleviate some computational problems faced by finite-difference (FD) simulation when confronted with high-resolution geological models characterized by heterogeneous spatial distributions of static properties. Since then, development and application of SLS has advanced the technology significantly, such that SLS complements conventional-modeling approaches in many reservoir-engineering (RE) workflows.

What Is SLS?

A streamline is defined as a line that is everywhere tangent to the local velocity field at a given instant in time. The smoke lines generated in a wind tunnel and shown in advertisements to demonstrate aerodynamic qualities of cars are a good representation of streamlines under the assumption of steady state.

Modern SLS used in the oil and gas industry has its roots in the analytical and semianalytical streamline and streamtube methods that date back to the work of Muskat and Wyckoff (1934). Since then, important early contributions were made by several authors (see Datta-Gupta and King 2007 for a reference list). Streamlines also have a long history in the areas of fluid mechanics and groundwater flow, and petroleum literature has drawn heavily from those sources.

In contrast to the early semianalytical streamtube work of the 1970s and 1980s, modern SLS generally is understood to be associated with work published after 1990 and is characterized by six important ideas: tracing 3D streamlines by use of the concept of ’time of flight?? (TOF) rather than arc length, expressing the mass-conservation equations in terms of TOF, periodic updating of the streamlines in time, solving the transport problems numerically along the streamlines rather than analytically, accounting for gravity effects, and extension to compressible flow. All of these improvements originated from the need to relax the limiting assumptions inherent in the early semianalytical streamtube methods and adapt the method to more-realistic and -complex reservoir scenarios (Batycky et al. 1997).
KM Tools for the Next Generation: New Concepts in Rig Tracking and Visualization
Authors: Blue Duncan , Sadlier Andreas
Published: June 2014

Rig counts are a critical business barometer for the drilling industry, suppliers, and the investment community. Rig count trends are governed by exploration and production spending, which is influenced by the current and future prices of oil and gas and reflects the true strength and stability of the industry. They also serve as the foremost indicator of demand for products and services used in drilling, completing, producing, and processing of hydrocarbons. Historically, there has been a primary source of rig counts within the industry. This system is the most accurate because it counts only wells actually drilling for oil and gas. However, as the industry has become increasingly more sophisticated, so has the need for new advancements in the rig count methodology.

Addressing this need, a new process has been developed to expand the capabilities of the existing "active" rig count system. This new process has, among other things, enabled checks and balances and audit trails, enhanced data accuracy even further, provided better means of communication, and has adapted to the rapid changes in technology. The transformation from a "rows and columns" visual depiction of data to an interactive mapping visualization has significantly increased the systems' ease of use as well as provided a multitude of ways to view and access the data and to produce necessary reports. Furthermore, future enhancements are planned for weather analysis, benchmarking/comparison of rig efficiencies and real-time bit inventory tracking, and the ability to download performance information for real-time optimization of drilling parameters/bit selection. Although the new interactive mapping system is in its infancy, it has been well received.

The authors of this paper will present a detailed description of the new method and how it continues to address the need for reliable reporting of rig activity information. This will include an overview of the future systems and enhancements.
Who is my Neighbor? – A Method for Optimizing Collaborative Links in Integrated Upstream Operations
Authors: Thomas James , Pandey Anil
Published: June 2014

The wave of enthusiasm for collaborative working that has swept the upstream oil and gas sector in the past 5 years, has largely been focused on better connecting existing teams and their meeting structures through the widespread deployment of technologies such as video conferencing and real-time data sharing – ‘collaborative working' has become the mantra. However, collaboration for the sake of collaboration can be more disruptive to the efficient and effective delivery of business results than teams working in discreet silos.

Creating sustainable improvement forces companies to look beyond doing things the way they have been done in the past but with collaborative technology thrown in, and connect people and groups based on their workflows. This requires moving away from discipline-focused teams attending a constant string of meetings to ‘batch process' information. Instead, workflow-focused teams should act at the necessary pace dictated by the requirements of their workflows and be provided with the appropriate enabling collaborative tools and technologies. The terms ‘necessary' and ‘appropriate' are key.

If order and discipline are to be maintained in this brave new world, then it clearly requires a firm understanding of the business workflows, the roles of the people acting within them and the toolset needed to enable them.

This paper describes ‘Collaborative Linkage Analysis', a structured approach to defining collaborative requirements. It is based on successful execution of the methodology with several upstream operators and ensures that people are working the processes interactively and collaboratively, not just attending videoconferences and team meetings.
Combining Condition Monitoring and Predictive Modeling to Improve Equipment Uptime on Drilling Rigs
Authors: Faller Karl
Published: June 2014

The offshore drilling industry has maximized utilization, stressing personnel and equipment to improve productivity. Component failure causing unplanned shutdowns is a major problem. Multiple technologies including sensors, data collection and analysis with expert software mitigates the risk of costly unplanned downtime.

Condition Based Monitoring (CBM) continuously collects relevant, near real-time and periodic, data from critical equipment components. It applies predictive analytics using decision tree analysis to build models depicting in advance the potential for failure and helps establish root cause. The purpose is to increase uptime, improve performance and reduce maintenance costs on offshore drilling rigs.

A Confluence of technologies are used, including: -Sensor engineering to extract relevant data-Data collection/processing-Expert software for Predictive, Decision Tree modeling-Actionable information distribution through internet/intranet

It is a proactive approach replacing reactive or calendar/task based systems. It is proven and well established in other industries and recognized as a "best practice".

There are many challenges in the driller environment.

Offshore drilling is remote, widely dynamic operationally, manned with over burdened personnel. Machine condition data does not exist. Some operational data is collected but it is not analyzed and trended for the purpose of eliminating downtime. The CBM/PdM technology reduces downtime with limited personnel involvement.

Solutions:

Sensor technology exists that can be applied to equipment components such as bearing sets. Detailed data collected from the lubricants can be trended and analyzed. Multiple variables (predictors) are used to establish equipment profiles, define normalcy and measure variant, deviation and trends. Regression analysis can produce decision trees forming predictive models about potential problems, well in advance of any incidents.

How a lubricant/bearing decision tree works -

Sensors are installed and collect relevant data from the bearing sets in near real-time with time/date tags. Data (content ppm, viscosity, temperature) is collected from the lubricants and is tagged, analyzed and correlated with the bearing data.

The data is fed into the predictive analytics engine (software), which performs a complex analysis and builds a decision tree that models the data.

A great advantage of decision trees over classical regression and neural networks is they are easy to interpret into actionable items with a clear understanding of how and why a downtime incident is avoided.
Bypassed Oil Detection Using Spectroscopy and Nano Technology
Authors: Jahagirdar Shruti Ravindra
Published: June 2014

Detection of the bypassed oil zones during any matured waterflood or EOR process is a critical step in planning the further applications of these processes on a field. While technically deciding whether to continue to waterflood or plug thief zones as a remedy to high water cuts, it is of utmost importance to take into consideration that the overall economics of the project governs most of the decisions not only the technical applicability.

The ‘Bypassed Zone Detection Tool’ described and proposed in this article will detect the bypassed zones and thief zones located in a reservoir precisely, by using Raman Spectroscopy. The number of such zones detected and the depth of their location can be used in planning of further waterflood or EOR process. The same tool has been described in the author's previous paper with respect to microbial detection by Raman Spectroscopy in order to detect bypassed oil zones. However, since MEOR reservoirs are very few and none commercially proven yet, this paper is aimed at direct oil detection with the same tool as also the assistance of the tool in planning an enhanced recovery process economically. This aspect has not been analyzed in the previous paper.

The tool promises applicability in a wide variety of situations and downhole areas thus proving itself as a strong candidate for commercial use in near future.
Numerical Temperature Prediction System in Injection Tubing, Bottom Hole and Reservoir Condition for Supercritical CO2 Injection into Deep Coal Seams
Authors: Yasunami Tetsu
Published: June 2014

The Japan consortium to enhance the CO2-ECBM has carried out a project on CO2 injection at Yuhbari City, Hokkaido. The targeted coal seam at Yuhbari is located about 900 m below the surface. However, supercritical condition of CO2 has not been satisfied due to heat loss along the deep injection tubing. The absolute pressure at the bottom hole is approximately 15.5 MPa and the CO2 temperature is about 28 °C before the injecting into the coal seam. Therefore, it can be assumed that CO2 is injected in liquid phase to the coal seam. Replacements of usual tubing pipes with thermal insulated tubings were carried out, however, the temperature at the bottom hole was still lower than the CO2 critical temperature. The liquid CO2 causes decreasing injectivity into the coal seam due to high viscosity and swelling of the coal matrix.

This study has provided a numerical procedure to predict the CO2 flow characteristics of pressure, temperature, supercritical or liquid in considering heat transfer from the injector to surrounding casings and strata. Present study has focused on the keeping supercritical CO2 in the tubing because viscosity of supercritical CO2 is 40 % smaller than that of liquid CO2. The CO2 temperature has been successfully predicted in order to keep CO2 in supercritical condition from the surface to the bottom for various CO2 injection rates and electric heater power. The control map showing targetted injection rate against power of the line heater with a parameter of elapsed time has been presented in order to keep the supercritical condition at the bottom hole of the injection tubing. Injected CO2 is expected to be super critical over 12 ton/day of injection rate without any heating in the tubing.

Furthermore, this study has provided numerical simulation results of temperature distribution of the coal seam after injection of CO2 using ECLIPSE. Finally, numerical predictions of CH4 production against CO2 temperature injected in the coal seam including supercritical CO2 have been presented.
Case Histories of Improved Horizontal Well Cleanup and Sweep Efficiency with Nozzle Based Inflow Control Devices (ICD) in Sandstone and Carbonate Reservoirs
Authors: Sunbul A. H. , Lauritzen J. E. , Hembling D. E. , Majdpour A. , Raffn A. G. , Zeybek M. , Moen T.
Published: June 2014

This paper discusses the PLT-correlated results of two test wells completed during 2006; one in sandstone and one in a carbonate reservoir, with the new completion technology of nozzle-based passive inflow control devices (ICD) which improves performance of wells with reservoir challenges as described:In highly productive sandstone reservoirs, horizontal wells suffer from uneven flow profile and subsequent premature cresting/coning effects. In general, there is a tendency to produce more at the heel than at the toe of horizontal wells, which contributes to poor well cleanup at the toe. Additionally, excessively increasing the rate and/or horizontal well length can increase the risk of limiting sweep efficiency, resulting in bypassed reserves1.In carbonate reservoirs, permeability variations and fractures can cause uneven inflow profile and accelerate water and gas breakthroughs. Wells with early gas or water breakthrough have to be shut-in until remedial plans are decided and implemented, resulting in deferred production.

The main reservoir objectives for applying passive ICD technology in the two test wells are:Sandstone: Decrease the influence of heel-toe effects and high permeability zones; hereby deferring water/gas breakthrough, improving well cleanup and sweep efficiency.Carbonate: Control flow rates from high permeability intervals and to limit production from each compartment based on lateral offset from the gas-oil contact to prevent premature gas breakthrough.

The test well PLT-logs were correlated to static reservoir simulations. Analyses of the well performances show that the objectives of both completions were achieved. By having proper matches of the completions with ICD, the value over standard completions can be evaluated.

Post-evaluation of the completion designs based on the PLT-log results has increased our understanding of the nozzle-based ICD performance. As a result several approaches for completing wells in both sandstone and carbonate reservoirs with ICD have been recommended in order to achieve optimized inflow performance.
Optimization of Gtl with a New Generation Catalyst and a Computer Model
Authors: Ogbonna Maureen
Published: June 2014

Gas-to-Liquid (GTL) technology is a process for the conversion of Natural Gas into liquid hydrocarbon fuels which include diesel, gasoline, LPG and waxes.

Certainly, gas utilization is a primary goal of the world's petroleum and energy policies, especially for countries where gas flaring is a major challenge. And presently, GTL is highly considered because it is a nice option for gas utilisation. Hence, the need for GTL optimisation.

This work is on the introduction of a new preferred catalyst and a promoter in the Fischer-Tropsch Technology section of the GTL process.

This new catalyst increases the yield of products by its high activity, selectivity and stability.

A mathematical model; Maureen's model is developed to calculate the actual yield of desired products in any particular GTL process.

Moreover, a software is designed to calculate the actual yield, theoretical yield and the percentage yield of these desired products before carrying out the actual process.

Software design tool is Visual basic 6.0. Software name is Petrosoft V1.0.

The existing GTL catalysts/GTL processes and other major gas utilisation projects were considered in this work, a comparison was made to point out why this work is of more value to the petroleum industry, all countries that are rich in natural gas and to the world at large.
Can UBD Flaring Reduce CO2 Emissions?
Authors: Elliott D. , Ramalho J.
Published: June 2014

One of the perceived blockers for Underbalanced Drilling (UBD) operations globally is the necessity for flaring gas in most operations. As the world becomes more aware of the impact of CO2 emissions, oil and gas producers are implementing flaring reduction targets or, in some cases, flaring bans as a key component in their corporate strategies. Project teams make often argue that due to flaring requirements, UBD is not aligned with corporate directives and is is not environmentally acceptable. Thus the technology is eliminated as a considered option when finalizing field development plans. As the UBD industry has matured, use of UBD to increase production and reserve recovery from wells, which has resulted in a reduction of the number of wells needed to develop a field. Reservoir characterization from UBD has been used to better target wells in the reservoir, reducing the chances for "junk wells" with poor or no production. UBD is also used as an enabler to slim down wells with reduced steel requirements and to drill faster with reduced rig emissions. This paper will evaluate the trade off of increased CO2 emissions from UBD flaring against reduced CO2 emissions from fewer required wells, reduced steel requirements and reduced rig time. Case studies of several Shell UBD projects will be presented to determine the "CO2 cost neutral point" and if the projects reduced or increased global CO2 emissions. Conditions under which UBD may be justified to reduce project CO2 emissions will be determined and discussed.
Maintaining an 'Evergreen' Model to Optimise a Waterflood Development in a Carbonate Transition Zone Field
Authors: Warrlich Georg M. D. , Abu-Shiekah Issa , Alexander David M. , Zhu Fuping , Goossens Peter M. , Tull S. , Al-Lamki Ali A.
Published: June 2014

Over the last three years the first stages of a waterflooding project comprising 200 horizontal producers and injectors were implemented in a thin oil column (10-15m) transition zone carbonate field (Shuaiba formation) in the Sultanate of Oman. The reservoir is composed of high porosity, low permeability matrix. Porosity and rock quality vary across the field to such a degree that wells in some areas of the field are not economic. Therefore prediction of reservoir quality is critical to a successful field development. The field development plan (FDP) that underpins this project utilised sequence stratigraphy, acoustic impedance and production behaviour of existing wells to create static and dynamic models which formed the basis for the development well patterns.

This paper focuses on the updates made to the static model since the FDP model in 2005, integrating drilling results from the first 50 wells of the project and continued reservoir characterisation and modelling work, to ensure that the planned wells remain economic and the well sequencing and placement optimised. Automated workflows were established to incorporate drilling data on a day to day basis for improved reservoir performance predications and well design. Information from appraisal wells and production behaviour from the production wells was used for improved well sequencing and property model rebuilding. Updated methodologies for rock typing, permeability and saturation height functions were established.

Keeping an ‘evergreen model’ has proven a good practice to ensure continuously optimised drilling and recovery from the field.
Real-Time Drilling Operations Centers: A History of Functionality and Organizational Purpose—The Second Generation
Authors: Booth J. E.
Published: June 2014

Two phases in the evolution of drilling operations centers are identified based upon published information. The first was examined in detail in an earlier paper. The second is examined here by way of a review of several operators' strategies over time and in different areas of operation. The first generation of centers was short lived, failing to survive the reductions in oil price and drilling activities of the late 80s. The second generation had the benefit of significant evolution of information technology in the intervening years and is part of a broader trend toward integrated operations and collaborative work processes. Common trends are identified from the case histories presented. These include a discussion of foundational capability, data and architecture standards, higher level work processes and organizational change management.
Zero is Attainable - HES Plan: An Innovative Approach to Achieving Zero Days Away from Work Incidents
Authors: Andreschefski S. , Geertsen T.
Published: June 2014

For the Ells River Appraisal Project team, the theme "Zero is Attainable" (ZIA) was and will continue to be a journey to an incident-free operation. Over three successive winter season appraisal programs, the project team progressively improved safety performance while also overcoming many operational challenges.

The appraisal programs were conducted in a remote area of northern Alberta, Canada, a harsh environment for even the most seasoned oilfield worker. Winter temperatures drop to minus 45 degrees Celsius, and with a wind-chill, the ambient temperature feels like minus 60 to 70 degrees Celsius. During the work programs, crews endured snow covered hills, river crossings, extended darkness and forested conditions. At the conclusion of the first year of operations, the Total Recordable Incident Rate was unacceptable. The project team and company management were unwilling to accept this result, and adopted the ZIA approach to health, environment and safety (HES) performance for subsequent appraisal programs.

The ZIA initiative began with a systematic analysis of the conditions that needed to be addressed, followed by a collaborative, consultative plan of action that included peer and industry-peer reviews, meetings with contractors, communication training and education workshops and ultimately, the collaborative implementation, evaluation and communication of results. The ZIA plan inspired Ells River team to work independently and collectively on a mission-critical project that required creativity, ingenuity, a deep understanding of safety as a business value, sensitivity to the business issues of contractors as a key stakeholder, and a willingness to find mutually-beneficial approaches to a common objective that if successful, would not only produce a desired business result, but enhance the capabilities of all involved.

By the end of the third operating season, the team had reduced injuries on the project to zero while still completing the exploration appraisal programs on time, within budget. The success of the ZIA strategy can be attributed to the effectiveness of what are fundamentally a leadership, communication, training, and education initiative. The ZIA strategy has clear applicability to others in the industry, and in particular, to any company operating in similar extreme seasonal, remote worksites in Canada and around the world. Aside from the applicability of the ZIA program elements, ZIA also serves to model the practical realization of what others believe to be merely a theoretical target: Zero Is Attainable!
HSE Training Station: The Challenge of Mobilization and Qualifying New Employees Using Virtual Games
Authors: Loureiro Simone Porto , Espinosa Beatriz Nassur , de Arruda Nilton Marlúcio , de Souza Cruz André Luiz , Esteves Paula Almeida , Ficher Eveli
Published: June 2014

The Company reiterates in its 2020 Strategic Plan the commitment with sustainable development based on three key factors: growth, profitability and social and environmental responsibility. To support this strategy, it has developed a plan for expansion and qualification of its employees: a group of 54,900 people that, in March 2009, comprised 36% of employees with up to 4-year tenure in the Company.

The admission of these new employees has brought the challenge of incorporating HSE culture consolidated into the organization in the last few years. In order to make them aware and qualify them, the Qualification Plan for New Employees has been developed with huge participation of several areas of the Company and with the pedagogical assistance of Corporative University.

For better effectiveness, three work fronts have been defined for the plan with the following goals: create and revise the contents of the new employees’ formation course offered at the Company; outline the structure of managers and tutors that influence or may influence the formation of new employees; identify and apply new media and multimedia tools, integrating them with traditional learning methodologies, with the purpose of enriching the learning process and facilitating the understanding of the HSE concepts.

The approach to new employees has also been defined in three distinct stages: sensibilization, qualification and arrival at the work post. In order to develop the sensibilization stage, a pedagogical methodology has been applied - Experiential Learning - - used by a foundation associated with a Federal University. An interactive environment has been built in which 24-people groups, divided into smaller subgroups, participate in situation games where they are encouraged and challenged to identify HSE deviations in virtual environments that simulate the Company environments: platforms, refineries and offices.

Applications submitted since early 2009 have proved the efficiency of the methodology, with great adherence to the new generation profile, contributing to continuous improvement of HSE performance.
Strategic Actions Aimed at Ergonomics as an Ongoing Development of Work Systems
Authors: Fernandes Rosana , Alhadeff Cynthia Mosse , Fernandes Ligia Mara , Rossato Sergio Antonio , dos Reis Marcia Sales , de Castro Maia Nora , Telles Ubirajara Ribeirinho , Garotti Luciano do , da Silva Lidia Vera , Mafra Marcia Lygia
Published: June 2014

The strategic line of ergonomic actions in the Company are aligned to Health, Safety and Environment - HSE policies to contribute to the improvement of standards set by current individual and collective labour requirements; performance and reliability of their systems; promotion of health, safety, and well-being of the workforce. This document has the purpose of presenting the implementation of the several phases of the strategic lines of action taken over the last six years.

The corporate guidelines that support the lines of action involving ergonomics use the line manager responsible for the improvement of operations in the Units; a training plan; the inclusion of ergonomics design in new projects and systems; and, the active participation of the workforce in different phases of the process. Initially priority was given to improving the work conditions considering physical and biomechanical aspects and later the analysis was extended to cover organizational work and cognitive issues, better understanding of the current aspects of work in the industry with its continuous processes and its complex systems.

Several lines of action are being developed within the Company and a new culture is beginning to emerge. The inclusion of the mentioned strategic lines of action in the Company's Strategic Plan and their implementation conditioned to managerial commitment is essential for the viability of a coordinated plan.

In addition, this document will present a number of new work practices that have been implemented in the Company Units as well as interventions in new projects of integrated operational control centres and other improvements introduced to offshore projects.

The article will also discuss the main strategies and focus of the ergonomic interventions developed in a Brazilian Company with multiple activities and international reach. In this respect, illustrating how activities are developed in a multidisciplinary way covering physical, cognitive and organizational work aspects making a successful change and improvement in the health and safety conditions while promoting the reliability of systems and processes. The study will show that the earlier ergonomic studies are considered during the conception phase of new projects, the better are the chances of implementing the recommendations and obtaining a benefit in terms of a positive financial return.
Proven Methods and Techniques to Reduce Torque and Drag in the PrePlanning and Drilling Execution of Oil and Gas Wells
Authors: Maehs Juergen , Renne Steve , Logan Brian , Diaz Nerwing
Published: June 2014

During the period of 2007 to 2009, the operator drilled several wells in the Gulf of Mexico (GOM), in which the predicted surface torque from the pre-well planning phase was higher than topdrive limitations and/or drillpipe specifications.

This paper describes the torque and drag reduction methods that were found to be effective when fully applied over a series of wells. These methods were confirmed and proven through the analysis of field data and the use of torque and drag modeling software.

This study is based on a case history of a 26,079-ft measured depth (MD), complex S-shaped well, but data from other deepwater GOM wells are presented as well to illustrate those proven techniques.

Drilling engineers, application engineers and drilling supervisors can use this comprehensive collection of torque and drag reduction methods in the pre-well planning phase, as well as the drilling execution phase, to minimize risk. Applying these methods will ensure that critical and challenging wells can be successfully drilled to total depth as intended.

The torque and drag reduction techniques discussed in this paper range from:

Modeling drillstring and BHA modifications Optimizing well path design Using non-rotating drillpipe protectors Deploying mud additives Selecting and integrating a complete drilling systems approach

These diverse techniques are proven through the use of data collected during the drilling process, and graphic representations that are discussed and explained in this paper.
Creating an Intelligent Energy Organization through Collective Learning
Authors: Korsvold Torbjørn , Madsen Bjørn-Emil , Bremdal Bernt , Herbert Mike , Nystad Espen , Danielsen Jan Eivind
Published: June 2014

This paper aims to present a holistic method for approaching processes of sharing knowledge and enhancing the critical effort to boost the capability of collective learning towards building the intelligent energy organization. The presented method focuses on how improved externalization including reflection on experiences from day-to-day operation might be an essential source in creating effective collaborative work practice across disciplines, locations and teams.

We present ongoing research that aims to create a structured method that comprises the three learning dimensions called Why-, What-, and How-learning. As dimensions of learning they interact with each other in a dynamic way implying that a balance must be established in order to pursue an optimal environment for collective learning. Management typically fails to make considerations of either of these and organizational design suffers accordingly. The method distinguishes between structuring and enabling parameters that together are believed to make a comprehensive functional characterization of collective reflection. The resulting charts supporting the three dimensions and the associated method can be used to analyze and describe collaborative arenas, tools and organizations to improve collective intelligence.

The method developed has evolved through interactions with a group of companies ranging from large scale industries to smaller high-tech companies. Preliminary tests have been performed on a set of software tools and to support analysis of collaborative arenas. In this context we present a case study on a control room simulator designed for a nuclear power plant. Based on this we hypothesize on how this experience could be transferred to an IO supported drilling scenario. Our early tests indicate that apparent strengths and certain weaknesses related to existing collaborative practices in such a complex setting can be exposed by means of the method. We also show that the balance or imbalance in terms of the three dimensions can easily be exposed through the use of the charts defined. Our early findings also seem to indicate that design of existing tools and arenas seem to be biased towards one of the dimensions, at times almost ignoring the dependencies with the others.