bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Challenging Convention in Sand Control: Southern North Sea Examples C
Authors: McPhee C. A. , Farrow C. A. , McCurdy P.
Published: December 2007

Sand production is a major issue facing many operators in the mature Southern North Sea gas fields. Historically, sand control completion decisions have often been based on the assumption that sand control will occur and have been constrained by the restrictions imposed upon sand entering the gas transport pipeline. The inherent conservatism of this approach leads to significant increases in completion costs and misses potential productivity gains.

A holistic sand management strategy has been developed for the Southern North Sea to challenge the conservative paradigm. This is based on a complete understanding of SNS reservoir rock properties and sand control completion performance in gas wells and has been tuned by learnings from SNS and analogue fields. It couples sand failure prediction, methodical and structured sand control selection (including consideration of production performance, longevity and risks) with novel solids lifting and erosion assessment models to better quantify the risk and consequences of sand production on wells and facilities. Key selection criteria are utilised rather than an arbitrary decision based on limited and often unaudited data. The role of an asset focal point with clear ownership of all relevant sand production data and issues is fundamental to the success of the integrated strategy.

Tools are available to predict when, where and even how much sand will be produced; how much sand will be lifted to surface; and how much erosion it will cause. Methodologies are available to evaluate and rank the available sand control techniques in a consistent and systematic manner.

This more systematic and integrated approach to sand management has enhanced well productivity and reduced completion costs without compromising sand management or exceeding sand production constraints. Challenging sand management convention in the demanding environment of the Southern North Sea compels operators to use these methodologies to much greater effect.
Clean Development Mechanism—The SPDC Afam Power Project
Authors: Ozumba C. I. , Amam S. E. , Pepple N. E.
Published: December 2007

The Kyoto Protocol, established to address climate change issues and the impact of Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions into the atmosphere, went into effect on 16th February 2005. The Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) is a product of this Protocol and one of the three-market mechanisms set up to help nations and industries meet their emission reduction targets. The CDM is an important element of Shell's Sustainable Development efforts.

Afam CDM, the most advanced in SPDC and one of the first in Nigeria was developed as a pilot ‘learning by doing’ project to access the emerging carbon market. Afam CDM is built around the development of a power generation project involving the replacement of old inefficient generating plants with Combined Cycle Gas Turbines (CCGT). This would displace inefficient power sources and contribute to a reduction in emissions.

The project was accepted by the World Bank Global Gas Flaring Reduction (GGFR) Partnership Initiative as a CDM demonstration project. GGFR was established to supplement and strengthen efforts made by governments and companies to reduce and eventually eliminate flaring. It considers CDM an important means of achieving flare reductions and also sees such projects as central to the objectives of the Kyoto Protocol. Nigeria, as a significant contributor to global gas flaring is a signatory to the Kyoto Protocol and is deeply committed to reducing gas flares in the country.

The benefits of this project include the creation of circa 2 million Certified Emission Reductions (CER's) per annum for 7-14 years, enhanced reputation, promotion of sustainable development, amongst others. The key issues, challenges and the strategy for achieving success in this project are discussed.
New Frac-Pack Design Technique Leads to More Accurate Estimation of Tip Screenout Post-FET
Authors: Edwards W. J. , Gauthier S. R. , Clarkson Brad A.
Published: December 2007

When the first frac pack was performed in the Gulf of Mexico (GOM) over a decade ago, very little was known about the effects this form of sand control would have on the intended formation. Even less was known about how to optimize the treatment to get the most benefit for the formation. Since that time, the sand control community has learned a great deal about the effects and benefits of frac packing various unconsolidated formations throughout the world. However, most of the knowledge and design criteria have been housed within the minds of individuals and cannot be looked at as a whole to find trends and fine tune the design methods currently being used. Another complicating factor is the number of frac models being used within the industry with varying degrees of complexity. Therefore, even though thousands of frac packs have been performed globally, frac-pack redesign methods are still subjective and differ from individual to individual and model to model.

The recent creation of a database that houses selected formation evaluation test (FET) and frac data, along with model-specific parameters, allows full-scale analysis of a large number of jobs pumped in the Gulf of Mexico. With a consistent analysis procedure in place, the database, populated with numerous treatments by engineers working throughout the GOM, can be analyzed objectively. The data contained in this database include rock mechanics, net pressures, pumping trend data, tip screenout (TSO) times, etc.

This paper explains the methodology and discusses the results of the database analysis, using case studies to determine the best method for analysis of the jobs. Crossplots show the correlation between TSO prediction and actual events and suggests recommendations for more successful future design work. This paper is meant to give up-to-date guidelines to help design better frac packs.
Formation Damage by CO2-Induced Asphaltene Precipitation
Authors: Okwen R. T.
Published: December 2007

To increase productivity from crude oil reservoirs, carbondioxide (CO2) is usually injected during secondary and/or tertiary recovery. While CO2 injection significantly increases the amount of oil recovered, it causes asphaltene deposition at high concentrations. However, the presence of water reduces the extent to which asphaltene is precipitated. Thus, the aim of this report is to determine why the presence of water reduces the amount of asphaltenes precipitated during CO2 injections. Results from CT scan data on water and gas injections are also provided and are accompanied with scanned images.
Wellhead Safety Improvement at AL-Khafji Field
Authors: Al-Shammari F. A. , Arwansyah J.
Published: December 2007

For more than 30 years, AL-Khafji Joint Operations (KJO) has used experience, Knowledge and commitment to produce and process oil in safe manner. Today we continue the commitment in the ongoing wellhead safety system improvements.

Although, the oil well wellheads are secured and protected from any possibility of fire or accident, KJO intends to adopt further safety applications to meet up and fulfill the latest wellhead safety standards in oil industry.

Therefore, KJO has made an intensive development program to comply with API standards and give more protection on wellhead safety system, which can be achieved by: Replacing the old type of SSSV with new hydraulic tubing retrievable one.Replacing the old pneumatic SSV with new compact hydraulic type and control panel and re-locating the SSV from its current position down-stream the wing valve into the X-tree and up-stream the master valve.Integrating the SSV with the SSSV using control panel.Converting annular fluid flow to tubing fluid flow.

Meeting the wellhead safety standards and more, is the KJO objective and operation drive.
Formation Damage and Its Impacts on Cuttings-Injection-Well Performance: A Risk- Based Approach on Waste-Containment Assurance
Authors: Guo Q. , Geehan T. , Ullyott K. W.
Published: December 2007

With ever-tightening environmental regulations and the green initiatives of most operators, drilling waste disposal through downhole hydraulic fracturing often becomes the preferred waste management option. This is because the technology allows drilling wastes to be handled at the drilling site to achieve true zero discharge. However, formation damage due to solid-laden slurry injection can cause large uncertainties in injection well performance and waste containment assurance. Complicating the problems are the many formation damage mechanisms that are often difficult to model with confidence. A holistic approach based on Monte Carlo simulations has been developed for modeling formation damages and their competing contributions to injection well performance and waste containment assurance.

This paper presents a probabilistic approach to modeling and evaluating associated uncertainties, particularly geology and formation damage, and their impacts on waste containment assurance and risk assessment in cuttings reinjection operations. Probabilistic results are important in designing cuttings injection operational procedures, and risk management, and in obtaining regulatory approval. Examples are given to illustrate how to model formation damage caused by intermittent slurry injections and its impacts on waste containment. Monitoring and validation procedures are given to increase quality assurance through operational data evaluation and risk-based modeling result validation.
Innovative Cement Bulk Blending Solution Significantly Reduces Dust Emission and Provides a Safer Working Environment
Authors: Abbas R. , Metson J. , Diosse J. M.
Published: December 2007

Conventionally, blending cement with dry additives for the oilfield cementing applications requires several pressurized cement silos as well as multiple personnel to manage the blending process. Excessive dust emission associated with the blending process has also been an environmental concern. These conditions have classified the blending process as a relatively hazardous one for the personnel and the environment.

A dry-blending system was created to minimize the hazards related to the blending process. This efficient system has twice the capacity of a conventional bulk plant while significantly reducing the equipment and personnel involved in the blending process as well as the dust emission to the environment, offering a safer, environmentally friendlier process.

This paper will present the basic concepts of the first such system, which is operating in Abu Dhabi, UAE.
Application of Microseismic Mapping and Modeling Analysis To Understand Hydraulic Fracture Growth Behavior
Authors: Liu X. , Xu Y. , Zhao Z. , Mu L. , Liu J. , Gho Z.
Published: December 2007

This paper presents a detailed case history of hydraulic fracture treatments in tight oil reservoirs in remote onshore locations in China. For cases presented in this study, microseismic mapping and fracture modeling approaches were applied to understand fracture growth behavior. This paper provides a brief summary of reservoir background, but focuses on microseismic mapping as well as fracture modeling analysis. Results from fracture modeling and microseismic mapping were employed to understand post-frac performance.
Optimizing a Deepwater Subsalt Drilling Program by Evaluating Anisotropic Rock Strength Effects on Wellbore Stability and Near-Wellbore Stress Effects on the Fracture Gradient
Authors: Brehm A. , Ward C. , Bradford D. , Riddle G.
Published: December 2007

An understanding of geomechanics can save millions of dollars in drilling costs by reducing the likelihood of poor borehole conditions, stuck pipe and lost circulation. Basic wellbore stability modeling has been successful in the past, but may prove inadequate in some cases because the mechanism of borehole failure and characterization of fracturing is not sufficiently addressed. In these cases, a more complex geomechanical model is required. We describe an example where a complex geomechanical model was applied to address anisotropic wellbore failure due to weakly bedded rocks, and lost circulation due to equivalent annular mud weights in excess of near and far field stresses. This same model was then used to predict mud weights that should mitigate problems in future wellbores.
A New Sizing Criterion for Conformable and Nonconformable Sand Screens Based on Uniform Pore Structures
Authors: Williams C. F. , Richard B. M. , Horner D.
Published: December 2007

For decades the sand control industry has utilized Saucier’s criteria1 to determine gravel sizes with a corresponding screen size for gravel pack operations, while many stand-alone (or non-conformance) screen proponents have utilized other criteria such as Rodgers.2 Other variations of sizing criteria have also been used with some success.

Recent advances in the expandable screen market have led to an increasing interest in these screens over gravel packing and non-conformable screens due to the perceived simplicity in screen-sizing criteria and increased productivity. With continually increasing sand control options available to the operator, it is fitting that screen-sizing criteria match the particular application and not be universally employed across all applications.

This paper will study the behavioral performance of conformable and non-conformable screens versus gravel packs, relative to plugging resistance and percent of formation solids in the effluent stream. A test matrix was developed using several simulated formation materials from sand prone areas around the world, along with sand control media that was chosen based on the uniformity of its pores. The results indicate that the plugging resistance and percentage of solids in the effluent that passes through the sand control media differs greatly depending on the method of sand control used. The authors outline specific sizing criteria that are necessary for conformable and non-conformable screen applications.
Development of a Delayed-Chelating Cleanup Technique for Openhole Gravel-Pack Horizontal Completions Using a Reversible Invert Emulsion Drill-In System
Authors: Luyster M. R. , Patel A. D. , Ali S. A.
Published: December 2007

Horizontal completions in deepwater fields over the last five years have utilized gravel packing as the preferred technique for the retention of mitigating sand production in these often immature sands. Poor gravel packing, completion techniques, and/or the subsequent cleanup of deepwater, openhole completions can result in relatively high intervention costs when less than expected production is realized. Recent literature details the advantages of using an oil-based (OB) or water-based (WB) reservoir drill-in fluid (RDF) as well as the potential problems and concerns associated with both systems. The literature also discusses, in varying levels of detail, the need for cleanup of the residual filter cake, either immediately after completing the gravel pack, or with a post-intervention technique, usually coiled tubing.

The authors will discuss the development of a water-based cleanup system that was utilized in an openhole gravel-pack fluid and as the cleanup system for recent deepwater horizontal wells in a West African field. This developing technique utilizes a chelant and an amine surfactant for dispersing the residual oil-based filter cake. This cleanup is an aqueous system that has demonstrated compatibility from a reversible invert emulsion system. This system has exhibited a delay-period, whereby, the gravel-pack and subsequent isolation of the lateral section can be completed with minimal losses. To date, no post-intervention has been required to clean up serious skin damage and production histories, from these wells, have been impressive.

This paper details the laboratory development of a chelating cleanup system for a reversible RDF. Discussion of the placement of this cleanup system is included. The optimization of the chelating chemistry is discussed with respect to providing a reversal of the invert emulsion filter cake. The need for delaying the reversal is discussed with respect to the evolving completion style, thereby, providing flexibility for future designs. In addition, three field trials are presented for this novel cleanup system.
Fracture Stimulation in Waterflood Fields of Western Siberia: A Case Study of Water Prediction and Oil-Production Optimization Using Multiphase Reservoir Simulation Techniques
Authors: Guglielmo D. , Soliman M. V. , Kontarev R. , Latkin K. E. , Faizullin I.
Published: December 2007

Hydraulic fracturing in Western Siberia is continually evolving into larger and more aggressive fracture treatments to achieve higher conductivity than conventionally planned. At the same time some of the fields that have been waterflooded for 20 years or more for pressure maintenance, have become highly water-saturated. In the past, stimulation treatments were designed based on old log interpretations showing water saturation at original conditions and post-fracture water production was frequently under-estimated, while over-estimating oil production.

A comprehensive study was conducted into the water-flooding pattern of a Western Siberia oil field, and water-cut maps were generated to determine which areas of the field were more water-saturated. This study included a statistical analysis of the effect of various fracture parameters on the post-fracture water-cut. Also the relationship between nearby water injectors and post-fracture water production was analyzed. It was found that injectors in a NNW proximity to the fractured well contributed higher post-fracture water rate. Generally, fractures grow in this direction, which is the maximum principal stress orientation across much of the Western Siberian Basin. This paper presents and discusses the statistical approach we developed.

A new method of predicting post-fracture production involving a multi-phase reservoir simulator, was employed. The water and oil production match achieved using this simulator allowed us to re-calibrate the layer information from the original log interpretations, resulting in highly accurate production forecasts. A brief discussion of the simulator is also included in the paper.

The trend toward larger treatments and coarser proppant has (1) produced higher-conductivity fractures and (2) significantly improved production from fields in western Siberia. At the same time, the trend has created longer effective fractures and in some instances increased access to water through inter-well communication. This development has underlined the importance of understanding reservoir saturation and waterflood patterns, so that full advantage can be taken of the increased conductivity through gain in oil productivity.

These techniques of reservoir simulation and studying injector proximity were then employed in the field for candidate selection. The result has allowed fracturing to be performed in this field with greater confidence in predictability of post-fracture productivity. This paper presents the field study illustrating the developed methodology.
Lightweight Proppants: Solution for Gravel Packing Horizontal Wells Under Extreme Conditions
Authors: Pedroso C. A. , Sanches E. D. , Oliveira N. S. , Fernandes L. H. , Gomes M. , Farias R. , Mendez A. , Frata F. M.
Published: December 2007

When gravel packing horizontal wells, operators usually deploy conventional, and commercially available gravel pack proppants in the industry. Several jobs have been successfully completed up to date with no considerable concerns. However, under certain unfavorable conditions, a better option to gravel pack these wells is ultra-lightweight proppants.

Deepwater well, extended reach horizontals, low fracture gradients, washed out zones, and insufficient fluid returns to circulate conventional proppant in place are good examples where lighter weight proppant is needed to assure the complete packing of the open hole.

This paper summarizes the development and application of the ultra-lightweight media and associated technologies for horizontal well gravel packing. Pioneering case histories will also be reviewed from the initial wells treated. The wells were completed on a field in the Campos Basin, offshore Brazil, where the reservoirs are sandstones, highly unconsolidated and therefore require a method of sand control.
A Breakthrough Fluid Technology in Stimulation of Sandstone Reservoirs
Authors: Tuedor F. E. , Xiao Z. , Fuller M. J. , Fu D. , Salamat G. , Davies S. N. , Lecerf B.
Published: December 2007

Challenges in sandstone acidizing still exist, although great improvements have been made in the last decade. Factors that contribute to these challenges include: multiple types of co-existing formation damage; uncertain rock mineralogy; multiple fluids and pumping stages; complex chemical reactions between fluids and formation minerals; and fast reaction kinetics at elevated temperatures. Others are: inadequate zonal coverage; limited live acid penetration; rock deconsolidation due to acid-rock interactions; acid emulsion and sludge tendencies; corrosion; and health, safety, and environmental (HSE) concerns. These factors contribute to the low success rate of sandstone acidizing treatments especially in acid-sensitive, and clay- and carbonate-rich sandstone formations at high temperatures.

In this paper, we review some current practices used to address these challenges in the industry and present a new multi-pronged approach that would improve the success rate of sandstone acidizing treatments. The system requires the use of a geochemical simulator to "design for success" by selecting the safest fluid for the formation and for optimizing the fluid volumes and injection rates, and a breakthrough fluid that uses novel chemistry to simplify treatments and minimize the risk of acid-induced formation damage.

Batch reaction studies indicate that the new fluid reacts more slowly with aluminosilicates than conventional mineral acids, thus preventing secondary and tertiary precipitates. Core flow tests demonstrate that the new fluid prevents the near-wellbore deconsolidation problems generally experienced with HF-based systems in high-temperature sandstone acidizing treatments. These laboratory results were corroborated with field core samples and geochemical simulations, especially with high-clay and high-carbonate sandstone formations.

Extensive laboratory tests also demonstrate that the fluid results in less emulsion and sludge tendencies; lower corrosion rate to tubulars and equipment; better HSE footprint due to its almost neutral pH; and better tolerance to damage and formation uncertainties.
Optimized Frac-Pack Completion Requires an Appropriate Execution Pace
Authors: Baycroft P. D. , Webster K. P. , Mathis S. P.
Published: December 2007

In recent years, frac-pack completions have been proven to be a means for obtaining highly efficient completions in high-permeability, unconsolidated formations. The success of this completion technique has been attested to by it's moving into a strong lead as the most common sand control completion. Along with its wide-spread acceptance, care must be exercised to insure that we, as an industry, are not becoming too complacent concerning proper procedures.

For example, it is becoming increasingly common to "cut corners" during frac-pack execution, and eliminate pre-job field evaluations of mini-frac tests. These short cuts are typically taken in well-developed areas where it is thought little can be learned from the additional data, and the time savings are seen as significant. However, the difference in conditions as well as specific fluid characteristics from well to well, can cause less than optimal treatments being pumped if appropriate pretreatment evaluations are not performed.

This paper contains two field cases where the frac pack treatments resulted in exceptionally good production rates, low sand-face draw-downs and complete sand control. These were not straight-forward, hit and run type exercises, and both required extensive effort and forethought in terms of design, applied technology and operations. This suggests that the time spent in aligning the treatment scope with a particular reservoir needs during the execution phase of the Frac Pack completion played a significant role in the success of these completions. Therefore, when considering the use of pretreatment evaluation procedures the cost should not be viewed as "thousands of additional dollars spent" but indeed as "millions of dollars not left on the table" through optimized productivity.
Evaluation of Nonlinear Fracture Relative Permeabilities and Their Impact on Waterfrac Performance in Tight Gas Sands
Authors: Sullivan R. B. , Rushing J. A. , Bachman R. C. , Settari A. , Conway M. W. , Barree R. D.
Published: December 2007

This paper presents the results of a simulation study to evaluate the effects of gas-water fracture relative permeabilities on post-fracture performance for a well stimulated with a water-frac. More specifically, we investigate the effects of the fracture relative permeability curve shape on both short-term and long-term post-fracture production performance. We utilize a reservoir flow simulator coupled with a geomechanical model which allows us to account for fracture growth during the stimulation treatment and to model realistic fluid distributions in both the reservoir and fracture. We also incorporate new fracture relative (gas-water) permeability data measured in the laboratory for a range of proppant types. Unlike many previous studies that simply assume a linear shape, the new measured fracture relative permeability data are quite non-linear.

We compare short-term fracture cleanup and long-term water frac production performance using both the measured non-linear as well as hypothetical linear gas-water fracture relative permeability curves. Generally, the non-linear relative permeability data—combined with low initial absolute fracture conductivities—create very low effective fracture conductivities to gas and cause ineffective fracture cleanup. Although fractures with high absolute conductivities clean up more effectively, we still observe significant residual water saturations—even after several hundred days of production. We also observe differences in the longer-term production performance caused by residual fracture water saturations that are much higher than originally thought. Finally, we assess the effects of relative permeability curve shape on post-fracture diagnostics using pressure transient testing. Evaluation of simulated pressure buildup tests suggests the computed fracture half-lengths are essentially equal to the model inputs, but the computed effective fracture conductivities are much lower.
Encouraging Results With a New Environmentally Acceptable, Oil-Soluble Chemical for Sand Consolidation: From Laboratory Experiments to Field Application
Authors: Kotlar H. K. , Haavind F. , Springer M. , Bekkelund S. S. , Moen A. , Torsæter O.
Published: December 2007

The conceptual idea of chemical sand consolidation is to give the formation some additional residual strength in order to enhance the maximum sandfree rate (MSFR).

Sand production in weakly consolidated reservoirs will occur when stresses in the well/perforation tunnel walls are large enough to disrupt the binding between the individual sand grains. This will generate a plasticised layer of sand in the near well bore area. The layer will erode by the produced fluid and may be transported to the surface. The rate of erosion will depend on the residual strength of the plastified material and the fluid rate.

There is field evidence indicating a residual strength corresponding to the capillary force in water-wet sand to be sufficient in stopping or limiting the sand production substantially. Thus, only a small increase in residual strength of the plastified sand would make large contribution for enhancing the MSFR. This will have large economical implications in fields with wells controlled by MSFR.

As the criteria for strength are quite low, search for potential treatment chemicals could be done in areas completely different from the traditional chemicals used in sand consolidation. Three different chemicals have been investigated and one has been brought further for laboratory qualification and field use.

An important property is that the treatment system is oil soluble. In contrast to water soluble systems, it will not alter the relative permeability in the oil bearing zones, thereby reducing the risk of increased skin due to changes in saturation. This oil-soluble system will be beneficial in fields with low reservoir pressure. The method is employed by simple bull-heading and will have a kind of self-diverting property.

A team of engineers and scientists from different Statoil organizations were put on the job. New challenges regarding high water contamination, wells with difficult placements and zonal coverage, and a complex polymerization mechanism in the carrier fluid had to be solved. These experiences will be presented and discussed to gain valuable knowledge for future chemical sand consolidation operations.

In this paper, the experimental data and field applications will be presented. In one well, oil production was doubled as a result of the treatment.
Formate-Based Reservoir Drilling Fluid Resolves High-Temperature Challenges in the Natuna Sea
Authors: Bradshaw R. , Hodge R. , Wolf N. O. , Knox D. , Hudson C. , Evans E.
Published: December 2007

Selecting the components of fluids for reservoir drilling and completion can require extensive laboratory work to determine the most compatible fluid. Well temperatures in excess of 300°F (150°C) create additional challenges, as the additives required to give water-based reservoir drilling fluids the rheological and fluid-loss characteristics needed to successfully drill and complete long horizontal wells degrade at such elevated temperatures. In addition, supplying the necessary additives to a drilling operation in a remote location can be a major logistical burden, leading to a compromise in the fluid formulation.

The Belanak field lies off the coast of Indonesia in the Natuna Sea. The reservoir temperature is high (315°F), and the reservoir sections are drilled horizontally, typically between 3,500 and 4,500 ft and often feature particularly tortuous well paths. A low-solids, brine-based reservoir drilling fluid was required because the wells use premium screens for sand control.

Six wells were drilled using the sodium formate-based reservoir drilling and completion fluids. The particle size distribution and concentration of the calcium carbonate bridging solids were monitored closely while drilling to ensure that filter cake quality was not compromised. A chelating agent-based breaker was used to break down the filter cake prior to the onset of production.

The laboratory work required to optimize the fluids for this project had to take into account not only the requirements for the best fluid technically, but also the effect of the limitations created by working in a remote location. Considerations included minimum loading of calcium carbonate required to deposit a clean, high-quality filter cake and the effect of mixing brine for the reservoir drilling fluid or completion using seawater in case of a shortage of drill water.

Fluid testing carried out in the laboratory included drilling performance at temperature, fluid compatibilities, bridging solids optimization, scale inhibition testing, and breaker selection. The fluid selected was based on sodium formate – the first application of a formate-based fluid in Indonesia.
Next Generation of Mulitpath Screens Solves Deepwater Completion Challenges
Authors: Iversen M. , Broome J. , Mohamed O. Y. , Ratterman E. E.
Published: December 2007

A major issue for deepwater high rate wells is delivering completion reliability and performance that ensures well life sand control and operational simplicity. Multi-path screen systems are designed to ensure placement of the annular gravel pack in frac pack applications by transporting proppant slurry past annular bridges or by filling voids within the pack and in open hole by bypassing areas of formation collapse. The next generation of multi-path screen technology has been optimized to reduce rig time, eliminate excessive fluid velocity and provide enhanced proppant placement by incorporating a spiral design. This paper reviews the design improvements, testing and development process for technology advancement, as well as the field installation process and results of delivering void free annular gravel placement in high rate wells.

The first field installations of the next generation multi-path screen were in the deepwater subsea development, Simian/Sienna, offshore Egypt. The application of this technology was driven by the need to have placement of an effective sand control completion in the presence of highly reactive shales. Analysis showed that the most productive completion method was an open-hole completion. This completion type was challenging given that water based fluids were to be used for drilling and completing with exposed reactive shales. The operational risks were centered around completing the wells from a floating rig while experiencing hole instability during completion equipment placement and while placing the annular gravel pack.

To ensure well life sand control, the latest state of the art multi-path screen system was chosen because of its ease of assembly, ability to transport proppant slurry past annular blockages, and the minimization of multi-path tube slurry exit velocity. For proppant transport, the latest non-ionic viscoelastic surfactant (VES) was selected for its shale stabilizing properties, excellent sand suspension and transport properties, and high return permeability characteristics.
Managing Expatriate Health at Remote Locations—The Nigeria Experience
Authors: Okorocha U.
Published: December 2007

In the oil and gas industry, people from all over the world not only visit but also have to live and work at locations that present great challenges to their health and to that of their families. This paper looks at how an oilfield service company in Nigeria, with an expatriate population of 200 to 250, has minimized the health risk of this population.

The result is an expatriate population that is not anxious about their health and is able to work better. There have been no expatriate deaths over the past four years.
Creating a Culture of Safe Driving Behaviors
Authors: Karowich P. , Mallett C. , Woods C. , Cowie H.
Published: December 2007

Within the oil and gas industry, and in particular Canada, driving to and from the lease site poses the greatest risk to employees. Given the variety of driving terrains, changing weather conditions, remoteness of the wellsite and driver complacency, the driving risk also represents the greatest challenge for making improvements.

At Halliburton Group Canada, several approaches have been used in an attempt to reduce both the severity and frequency of motor vehicle collisions. The approach taken involved primarily behavior-based strategies, but also utilized traditional approaches to driver related behavior management such as policies and driver education.

By examining the lagging indicators related to our various product service lines, we have observed a continued decrease year over year in the number of severe collisions. In 2000, Halliburton Group Canada was driving approximately 400,000 miles between serious wrecks. Today, with the systems in place, this number has significantly increased to over 2,500,000 miles.

With these statistics in mind and utilizing a more traditional or compliance-based approach to driving-related issues, a decrease in the overall number of motor vehicle-related issues would also have been expected. However, with the positive behavioral approach taken, the opposite has been observed. During the same time, a significant increase in the reporting of the more minor fender benders and near misses was observed. In a completely compliance, or traditional approach, these types of incidents would have gone unreported and been dealt with on a reactive basis.

This case study will provide evidence supporting our belief that creating a culture of acceptable driving behaviors through behavior-based changes can have a significant, longer-term impact that provides sustainability.
Joint Company and Community HIV/AIDS Issue Management on Sakhalin Island
Authors: Boelens P. R. M.
Published: December 2007

This paper provides information on the SEIC Phase 2 project, its potential impact on social and health community issues, in particular the issue of HIV/AIDS, and the progress on the Company's approach regarding how to pro-actively manage this issue in partnership with important stakeholders.

Following the completion of the Health Impact Assessment (HIA) in 2003 and joint community and company agreed Health Impact Assessment action planning, significant progress has been reported in the years 2004 and 2005. The most important action plan elements are; establishment of official joint community-company committees, completion of issue related workshops, an official Resolution signed by the Vice Governor for Social and Health Affairs of the Sakhalin Oblast, implementation of a Hospital Infrastructure Upgrade (HIU) focusing on emergency care at four key hospitals on the Island with improved control of Blood Borne Pathogens, camp management focus on STD/HIV/AIDS and Alcohol and Drug issues, support for school awareness programs, support for sex workers awareness program and training of volunteers.

The Sakhalin 2 project can be considered as a pilot project with implementation of a ‘Standard for Management and Prevention of HIV/AIDS’ in an environment with a still low incidence and prevalence of HIV/AIDS. A key factor in the campaign is the large contractor work force which increases risk factors and needs to be engaged to follow the lead of the company in managing the issue, and to be involved in continuous sustainable development.
Injury Prevention Program Implementation
Authors: Djamal H. , Dwimaryanto A.
Published: December 2007

The Schlumberger Injury Prevention Program (SIPP) consists of five modules: introduction and body mechanics, body protection techniques, hands, handling and lifting, and stepping. It strengthens injury-prevention behavior through demonstration, practices, and quizzes. Trainers are certified internally through a comprehensive five-day program that includes theory and practical sessions. An implementation by one geographical area is not only decreasing incident rates, but is also increasing the use of good working habits by employees.

This paper shares best practices based on the program implementation, including the experiences of how the training works by introducing the program to employees, developing trainers, participating in the workshops, mentoring activities, and by active participation in observation, auditing, and campaigning. In addition, the paper addresses the issue of providing the training program to clients and several universities to help them prevent injury.

The direct result is a decrease in the average number of injury incidents since implementation began. The indirect result is the employee's awareness of reducing risk in daily activities. They know that what they do at work will affect their quality of life off the job.
Improved Oil Recovery in Fractured Carbonate Reservoirs: Don't Give Induced Fractures a Chance!
Authors: Ligthelm D. J. , van den Hoek P. J. , Hos P. , Faber M. J. , Roeterdink R. C.
Published: December 2007

In a naturally fractured carbonate reservoir in Oman, three injector-producer pairs were identified for fracture shut-off treatments to improve on their oil production. For these well pairs, the oil production process was inefficient due to short- circuiting of injection water to production wells along fracture paths.

The field-observed response on fracture shut-off by gel injection into the water injectors provided a good opportunity to learn more on the fracture geometry, aiming for the formulation of general guidelines for an efficient water flood in naturally fractured reservoirs. The fracture shut-off job was analysed by the combined use of a fracture growth simulator and a reservoir simulator.

The response was explained by the combination of an induced fracture in the water injector in the direction of the main fracture trend, in which the gel is destroyed after resumption of water injection and a natural fracture in the direction of a secondary fracture trend, which remains shut-off by the gel. For such fracture geometries water floods can be optimized by minimization of the risk of short-circuits between injectors and producers. This can be achieved by using injection and production patterns, aligned with the dominating fracturing direction and by keeping induced fractures small to prevent or minimise intersections with natural fracture corridors by proper management of injection rate and water quality.

The analysis of the fracture shut-off treatment demonstrates the technical potential of analysis of field performance by combination of fracture growth models and reservoir simulation.
Making the Most of Data Collection—Mining HSE Incident Information for Hidden Relationships
Authors: DeVol E. C. , Knode T.
Published: December 2007

The implementation of a global HSE data gathering system has many benefits. Oversight of data quality and and harmonized collection methods must be implemented before full visibility of performance can be realized.

Evaluation of the data can bring insight into relationships such as between years of service and incident frequency and how employees are being injured and what part of the body is most susceptible. All of this information is fairly standard and will help a company improve safety performance. The question then can be asked, "What more can we learn so we can target our interventions?"

But many times no hidden special relationships are readily apparent. Is there still value to be realized in the resource of a vast amount of HSE data? Thanks to the inquisitiveness of a senior manager in one of our product service lines (PSL), the answer is yes.
Government/Industry Partnership on the Security of Radioactive Sources
Authors: Cefus G. , Colhoun S. C. , Freier K. D. , Wright K. A. , Herdes G. A.
Published: December 2007

In the past, industry radiation protection programs were built almost exclusively around radiation safety and the minimization of radiation dose exposure to employees. Over the last decade, and especially the last few years, the emphasis has shifted to include the physical security and enhanced control of radioactive materials. The threat of nuclear and radiological terrorism is a genuine international security concern. Terrorists are actively seeking the necessary materials, expertise and technology needed to develop weapons of mass destruction including a Radioactive Dispersal Device or "dirty bomb". In May 2004, the U.S. Department of Energy/U.S. National Nuclear Security Administration unveiled the Global Threat Reduction Initiative (GTRI) to respond to a growing international concern for the proper control and security of radioactive and nuclear materials. Large quantities of nuclear and radioactive materials located throughout the world are not adequately secured against today's proliferation and terrorist threats. The goal of GTRI is to cooperate with concerned nations and industries to enhance the security of vulnerable nuclear and radioactive materials.
Lifting Operation Accidents: Root Causes and the Application of HAZOP Techniques in Controlling the Lifting Risk
Authors: Huse J. R.
Published: December 2007

Falling objects are one of the major hazards in our industry. This situation is recognized by the industry, and major efforts are being implemented to improve the situation. The largest risk contribution elements are related to organization of the work, ergonomics and working practices/individual factors. The issue of lay down and storage areas needs to be addressed in the early conceptual assessments in a more conservative and realistic manner, defining the peak load situations for the special operations, The design must allocate for these needs or the project must be very strict in defining the operational limitations and get top management to sanction the limitations.

The assessment by a team of experienced risk consultant and an industrial psychologist following a HAZID approached has proved effective in mapping the risk elements on offshore installations. The key to success is first to get the personnel involved positive to the assessment, secondly to spend time at their workplaces. The documentation by photos and the discussions in an open atmosphere characterized by thrust are important in arriving at conclusions that are accepted by all parties as a "true picture" and then becomes a basis for improvements.
Assessment of a Targeted Approach to Preventing Malaria in the Oil and Gas Industry: Responses to a Web-Based Questionnaire
Authors: Barbey A. , Roukens A. H. E. , Berg J. , Cannegieter S. , Visser L.
Published: December 2007

Following the death from malaria of four of its expatriate employees while they were in nonmalarious countries, an oilfield service company developed a targeted, multi-component malaria prevention program.

The program consists of two levels of malaria training, malaria arrival and departure quizzes, a Malaria Hot Line, and a curative malaria kit (CMK). The cornerstone of the program is the CMK, which contains a diagnostic test that employees can use to diagnose malaria in minutes and standby (emergency) curative medication. Completing training in malaria prevention and using the CMK are mandatory for all employees and dependents living or working in or transiting through any malarious area, even if for only a few hours. The complementary 24/7 Malaria Hot Line was set up by the company to assist employees with questions or problems.

This paper presents the preliminary analysis of employees' responses to a Web-based questionnaire to review the effectiveness of the company-mandated training, CMK, and Malaria Hot Line in preventing illnesses and deaths from falciparum malaria.
Analysis of Risk in Manned Underwater Operations
Authors: Sagvolden T. , Olshausen K. D. , Jørgensen R.
Published: December 2007

A risk evaluation of professional petroleum-related offshore diving in the Norwegian Sector has been carried out. The complete study is documented in the report, Ref. /1/, and this paper presents the results of the work.

The study covers risk to life and health for divers both during diving and as long term health effects. The main focus is on saturation diving since this is the diving method most widely used today.

This paper describes the work including conclusions and observations made in the study. Proposed risk-reducing measures are not included.
Corporate Preparation for Carbon Markets
Authors: Mingst A. , Lee A. , Cain J.
Published: December 2007

In response to concerns about global climate change, the European Union (EU) has imposed mandatory constraints on carbon dioxide emissions from thousands of industrial facilities across Europe, including several of Chevron's upstream and downstream oil and gas operations in the United Kingdom (UK) and the Netherlands. Driven by these regulations – and the possibility of additional requirements in countries such as Canada and Japan by 2008 – carbon emissions and emissions reductions now have significant economic value in emerging global markets.

Companies are responding to these markets in a wide variety of ways depending, in part, on their perceived exposure. This paper broadly reviews the key business functions of Chevron's Carbon Markets team and describes the application of tools used to support these functions. Taken together, the functions help to support the broader range of actions that the corporation is undertaking to cost-effectively manage greenhouse gas emissions.