bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development and Field test of a Stabilizer with FGM Blades
Authors: Suehiro Y. , Ikegaya A. , Tsuda K. , Miyagawa T.
Published: December 2007

Functionally Graded Material (FGM) has the potential to endure in a deep well and sour environment. Japan National Oil Corporation (JNOC), Japan Research and Development Center for Metals (JRCM) and Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd. (SEI) applied FGM to a stabilizer blade and then developed a prototype stabilizer with it. This FGM is composed of Cobalt- composition graded cemented carbide layers and a steel substrate with lower Co composition in the surface. The graded cemented carbide powders stacked on steel were sinter-bonded by pulse-current resistance heating. We manufactured the desired structure and confirmed the stress relief, high bonding strength, and distribution of functionality of coated layers between the surface (with high wear resistance) and the inside (with high toughness). The new stabilizer, with FGM blades composed of WC-25%Co (thickness of the layer is 1.5mm) and WC-40%Co (thickness of layer is 1.5mm), was tested in the Kashiwazaki Test Field (KTF) well and in the Ministry of International Trade and Industry's (MITI) Sanriku-oki well in Japan. To compare a conventional type of stabilizer which has cemented carbide buttons with this new stabilizer, we drilled with both stabilizers for about 270m in the KTF well and for about 980m in the MITI well. The wear resistance of FGM blade was more than 2 times that of the conventional blade in the KTF well and more than 20 times higher in the MITI well. These results suggest that we might expect the new stabilizer to have high performance in deep wells and to achieve at least twice the tool life of conventional stabilizers while drilling.
Development of an Integrated Reservoir Model for a Naturally Fractured Volcanic Reservoir in China
Authors: Abbaszadeh Maghsood , Corbett Chip , Broetz Rolf , Wang James , Xue Fangjian , Nitka Tom , Zhang Yong , Liu Zhen Yu
Published: December 2007

This paper presents the development of an integrated, multi-discipline reservoir model for dynamic flow simulation and performance prediction of a geologically complex naturally fractured volcanic reservoir in the Shang 741 Block of the Shengli field in China. The reservoir contains a series of vertically separated fractured volcanic reservoirs with different size and fracture intensity. A static geological model of the reservoir is developed based on integration of principles of lithological depositional setting, petrophysics, fracture analysis and stochastic fracture network modeling using FormationMicroImager (FMI) log data, a 3D seismic survey and advanced seismic interpretations.

A simulation model for the reservoir is constructed in a step-wise fashion by properly combining multi-disciplinary data sources, anchored with sound principles of reservoir engineering and geoscience. Information from single well and interference pressure transient data as well as water cut information from wells help assign key dynamic controls on the reservoir. These include effective fracture permeability magnitude, quantification of fracture-matrix interaction, reservoir unit compartmentalization, and flow transmissibility characteristics of conductive faults. As a result of synergy and multiple iterations among various disciplines and utilization of integrated project teams, a reliable history matched dynamic reservoir model capable of future performance prediction for optimum asset management is constructed. Among many scenarios investigated, it is found that implementation of water injection schemes would provide optimum recovery mechanism for the Shang 741 Block field.
Portfolio Optimization using Efficient Frontier Theory
Authors: Merritt Don , Miguel Andre de San
Published: December 2007

In an oil and gas industry full of acquisitions, divestitures and mergers, it is now more important than ever for an oil and gas producer to carefully plan its portfolio of assets. Efficiency and profitability must be balanced against overall risk. This paper re-introduces portfolio optimization via the efficient frontier theory and also investigates a worked example of portfolio optimization.

Petroleum companies are constantly faced with difficult investment decisions. Made in isolation, these investments will only maximize the value of the individual asset. In order to balance the risk and exploit project synergies, investment decisions should be made collectively. Portfolio optimization using the efficient frontier analysis is an investment decision making technique that quantifies the selection of multiple investment opportunities such that risk is minimized, and value is maximized – over a complete portfolio.

Modern portfolio theory is regarded as among 20th-century finance's most important analytical tools. Portfolio optimization was originally created as a securities investment optimization tool. This is based on the theory that given the expected return and risk of a security, along with its correlation with other securities in a portfolio, a selection of stocks can be chosen that maximizes the return for any level of risk.

Harry M. Markowitz, an economist at the University of Chicago, and William F. Sharpe at Stanford University, were awarded the Nobel Prize in 1990 for over twenty years work with modern portfolio theory. Markowitz’ original 1952 paper1 suggested that each portfolio of assets would have a given level of risk and reward, but that for any level of risk, there was only one portfolio that would return an optimum reward. Conversely, for any level of reward, there would be only one portfolio that would minimize the risk.

The discussion that follows presents the portfolio optimization theory as applied to an oil and gas portfolio of investments.

The worked example will look at a small collection of assets ranging from existing production to wildcat exploration opportunities. In the context of this example, the paper will explore the questions of:

➢ What is the best mix of exploration opportunities vs. development opportunities? ➢ What is the spectrum of possible outcomes of the portfolio? ➢ What is the mixture of return/reward for the different portfolios?

The paper will also present a technique for the empirical generation of the efficient frontier via Monte Carlo simulation.
Applications of Xanthan Gum in Fluid-Loss Control and Related Formation Damage
Authors: Navarrete R. C. , Himes R. E. , Seheult J. M.
Published: December 2007

Xanthan gum has been used extensively in the oil industry as a viscosifier for different applications due to its unique rheological properties. In this paper we explore how the rheological behavior of xanthan-based fluids can be used to control fluid loss. Linear and radial flow tests were performed in 100-1,000 md rocks. The rheological characteristics of xanthan gum were measured in linear core flow tests. This constitutive flow behavior was used in a radial flow simulator to predict the invasion profile of xanthan gum in the formation. Radial flow tests were performed to validate the predictions from the simulator and to observe the effect of fluid loss additives such as starch and ground Berea.

A laboratory scale drilling simulator was used to determine the leakoff and formation damage of xanthan-based drilling fluids. The fluid was circulated through tubing and cuttings were removed from the annulus. Thin section analysis and environmental SEM were performed on rock samples taken at different distances from the wellbore to determine the nature and depth of the damage.

Results show that fines generated during the drilling process form an external filter cake which in combination with xanthan gum results in considerable fluid loss reduction. Damage due to xanthan gum is small and limited to a narrow thickness around the wellbore, resulting in negligible skin factors. The use of starch can lead to considerable damage and large skin factors if allowed to invade the formation.
Analysis of Production Data to Improve Characterization of In-situ Megascopic Reservoir Permeability
Authors: Chugh Shelin , Herweijer Joost , Kuppe Frank
Published: December 2007

Critical to the success of history matching a 3D geoscience model is a link between coreplug scale permeability and megascopic scale reservoir permeability. This paper demonstrates how permeabilities derived from production data, complement core data and relatively short duration pressure transient analysis.

Heterogeneities related to the fluvial deltaic geology typically result in spatially heterogeneous permeability patterns that degrade or enhance the average permeability within the area of influence. In addition, the area of influence may not be radial (or elliptical) but rather a network of connected channels. The analysis presented for a tight multi-layered gas reservoir in the South Australian Cooper Basin shows aspects that reflect all these issues, hence contributing to further understanding of the dynamic behaviour of the 3D geo model.

Modelling the productivity and recovery in such heterogeneous reservoirs requires a good understanding and representation of the permeability distribution. Analytical work done prior to simulation of a multi-layered tight gas field in the South Australia Cooper Basin shows that the permeability is a function of the scale of measurement. Advanced decline methods such as the Inverted Decline Curve1 (IDC) and the Reciprocal Productivity Index2 (RPI), which use production data, have been used to estimate the megascopic reservoir permeability. This is particularly useful when little pressure transient analysis is available.

Furthermore, conventional pressure transient analysis can be misleading in tight gas reservoirs with heterogeneities.

Specifically, the work done demonstrates how to:

Interpret core and well test kh relative to production kh Generate effective kh values for a megascopic scale in fluvial environments Take into account hydraulic fractures and/or naturally occurring high permeability streaks Properly upscale the core plug permeability to the megascopic simulation scale

so that the reservoir simulation model can be pre-conditioned thereby reducing the time required to achieve a history match.
New Scale Inhibitor for Harsch Field Conditions
Authors: Pirri Rosangela , Hurtevent Christian , Leconte Philippe
Published: December 2007

The aim of the work presented in this paper is to developp the best polymer usable for BaSO4 and CaCO3 scale inhibition in harsh field conditions (3 ≤ pH ≤ 6, 130 °C ≤ T°C ≤ 200°C, 2 ≤[Ca2+] ≤ 20 g/l, adsorption on the reservoir to allow injection by squeeze). The first objective was the thermal stability. It is known that sulfonated group permits to obtain it. Thus homopolymers made with different sulfonated monomers have been aged three week at 200°C and it has been checked by Infra Red measurements that their structure were not damaged by the test. Because in some cases after degradation of the polymer, the obtained oligomers can have scale inhibition behaviour but not adsorption. Then the monomers leading to the more stable polymers have been copolymerized with monomers bearing carboxylate function and their thermal stability have been checked. The second objective was the scale inhibition and the third was the neutral behaviour in contact with high levels of Ca2+. Series of copolymers have been synthesized in order to define what compositions and molecular weights were convenient to obtain the simultaneous inhibition of BaSO4 and CaCO3 scale and no precipitation when in contact with high levels of calcium ions. The last objective but not the least is the adsorption of the copolymer on the rock. This property is necessary for using the anti-scale additive in squeeze. For the polymers which answered at the first three conditions, injections in rock sample have been made to check the adsorption ability.
High-Pressure/High-Temperature Coiled Tubing Casing Collar Locator Provides Accurate Depth Control for Single-Trip Perforating
Authors: Connell Michael L. , Howard Robert G. , Glennon Christopher J. , Ligertwood John
Published: December 2007

A North Sea operator required a precise depth control method to enable coiled tubing (CT) conveyed perforating guns to be deployed in a single trip on a HPHT development project. During the initial development phase, the preferred method identified was to use CT logging reels to convey the perforating guns. This solution was however considered expensive and had associated concerns regarding electric-connection problems. It was determined that the use of a wireless coiled tubing collar locator (CTCL) would eliminate the need for CT logging reels. However, the CTCLs available at that time were not suitable for operation in these extremely high pressure/ high temperature (HPHT) wells.

This paper discusses the perforation technologies available to the operator, and the development of a wireless (HPHT) CTCL which solved the operator’s depth-control concerns.
Bit and Mill Selection and Design for Coiled Tubing Applications
Authors: Portman Lance , Short Bill
Published: December 2007

This paper will identify the increasingly stringent requirements of bit and mill design associated with small holes (particularly <3½") for use with coiled tubing. Recommendations are made on the correct slim hole bit/mill design to use when drilling a variety of different targets. In essence, this paper will show that as the bit/mill size decreases, the bit/mill choice becomes driven more by coil and downhole motor considerations; as the bit size increases, the bit choice becomes driven more by the properties of the target to be drilled.
Controlling Small Positive-Displacement Motors when used with Coiled Tubing and Compressible Fluids
Authors: Portman Lance , Ravensbergen John , Salim Paul
Published: December 2007

This paper presents a method of overcoming some of the problems associated with drilling with positive displacement motors (PDM’s) using compressible fluids. The specific problems addressed are:

motor over-speeding resulting from sudden drops in motor load, often leading to stator "chunking". repeated stalls resulting from poor feedback of motor performance to the operator, resulting in poor effective rates of penetration (ROP’s) and reduced motor life.

Transient flow conditions dictate the phenomena listed above. This paper explains the theory behind the transient conditions that occur when the load on the motor suddenly changes due to inevitable changes in drilling conditions. A methodology is given that predicts the PDM’s rotational speed resulting from these sudden load changes. A solution is put forward that ensures that the total drilling "system" of the coil, the bottom hole assembly (BHA) and the motor is stable, efficient, controllable and not liable to self-destruct.
The Implementation of an Integrated Environment, Quality, Health and Safety Management System in the Brazilian Oil Industry
Authors: Amaral Sergio Pinto
Published: December 2007

The implementation of an integrated Environment, Quality, Health and Safety Management Systems (EQHS) in an organisation is a rational and efficient manner of increasing performance and optimising resources in the management of these functions. In Brazil, the subject is new and has aroused controversy, and only a few enterprises are adopting integrated management systems. In this paper are presented some examples of integrated EQHS management systems that are being implemented in the Exploration and Production (E&P), Transportation, Refining and Distribution sectors of the operational units of Petrobras, the State-Owned Brazilian Oil Company. Corporate actions about the integration of EQHS management systems being adopted by the Company, including policies, guidelines, manuals and audits, are discussed. In our Company, the certification process will for the time being continue independent, with separate certifications, until ISO adopts a single integrated management system standard that is well accepted world-wide. Finally, our intention in this paper is to encourage the use of integrated environment, quality, health and safety management systems by companies inside and outside the oil business.
Safety Control in Offshore E&P Contractor Operations
Authors: Gourh Ramesh C. , Chakraborty Ashok B.
Published: December 2007

Safety and Environment Protection are not only critical but also extremely important in the offshore exploration and production operations. A large number of offshore operations particularly in the area of engineering, construction, drilling and production, repair, maintenance, logging, house keeping / catering and O & M contract of supply vessels etc. are some major activities which are undertaken by the contractors and their employees. Engagement of contractors and contracting out the activities / services, maintained an upward trend which is likely to continue in future as well. The overall safety of offshore operations are dependent significantly on ensuring safety control which is required to be exercised by the E & P contractors. In the absence of offshore statutory regulations or with the existing minimal legal requirements, the task of monitoring and controlling the contractor activities to ensure safety control becomes an onerous task.

In this paper, the execution, monitoring and the control of safety and environment aspects pertaining to the contractor activities at the operational sites of engineering & construction have been covered. The areas requiring control, assessment of the situation, its analysis and control procedures / mechanism, were reviewed and studied. Based on the review, the changes required in the procedures and practices were initiated for an overall improvement. The nature of work undertaken during the improvement process, was to ensure that the thrust on safety control was mainly performance oriented instead of a prescriptive one. The other related aspects were the issuance of guidelines on the preparation of safety report by the contractors of offshore activities and its implementation.

Both, the company engaging the contractors and the contractor company, attached great importance to the health, safety and environment management at its project sites which resulted in considerable reduction in the accident rate and near miss incidents. A "Booster Compressor" project in ONGC, costing 316 million (approx.) and engaging 1200 persons during construction has been completed recently without any hazard incident. The emphasis was laid mainly on the assessment of hazards, its control measures and the emergency preparedness. The main thrust in this paper is on the sharing and review of experience.
Field Trial of Alternative Weight Material with Improved Occupational Hygiene and Environmental Performance
Authors: Fjogstad A. , Saasen A. , Hagen R. , Tanche-Larsen P. B. , Ree R. , Melgren H. , Rostad E. , Hoset H.
Published: December 2007

Barite has to date been the most common weighting material for drilling fluids. Several heavy metal components are associated with the barite. During discharge of drilled cuttings from the use of water based drilling fluid some parts of these heavy metals can be dissolved into the sea. If oil based drilling fluid is used no discharge of drilled cuttings is allowed into the sea on the Norwegian Continental shelf. This cuttings can be re-injected into the formation or can be brought onshore for treatment. If barite is heated to more than 850°C during this treatment, the toxic component barium oxide may be released. The negative impacts from the use of barite in drilling fluids can be avoided if an alternative weight material is used.

On the Norne field in Norway a field trial was performed using ilmenite as the weighting material. The paper describes the improved heavy metal content of the ilmenite compared to the barite. Furthermore, it is shown that the heavy metals present are not as biologically available in ilmenite as in barite.

The paper describe how the ilmenite improved the ability for the fluid to be recycled and reused. Ilmenite is more resistant to grinding during the drilling process, resulting in more stable particle size distribution. This implies a reduced need for dilution of the drilling fluid. This leads to reduced discharges to the sea if water based drilling fluid is used, and less volume to handle and treat in the case of oil based drilling.

The dark color of the ilmenite made it easier to detect and repair any leaks in the transport and bulk handling systems offshore. This will lead to reduced dust problems and an improved occupational hygiene. No significant dust problems were observed during the test at Norne.
Prioritising Environmental Investment through Sustainable Development Targets
Authors: Holgate M. J. M. , Kerr S. A. , King A. , Wilson J. L. J.
Published: December 2007

Which is worse - emitting 100 tonnes of CO2 into the atmosphere or discharging 1 tonne of oil into the sea? This paper will show how sustainable development targets can provide a common basis for comparing different types of environmental impact. The cost of meeting corporate sustainable development targets for different environmental themes is derived. The results are then used to prioritise environmental investment decisions. Specifically, this paper describes: the use of environmental effects (such as Global Climate Change) rather than activities (such as flaring) for measuring environmental performance;how to derive corporate targets for exploration and production operations from sustainable development targets in international and national sources;the determination of annual environmental budgets by spreading the implementation cost of a sustainable development programme over an agreed timeframe;attracting support from business units and using their input to estimate the cost of meeting sustainable development targets for current and planned activities;deriving a price tag for different environmental themes;the use of results to prioritise environmental investment decisions.
Use of a Recently Developed Model System in Oil Spill Response Analysis
Authors: Singsaas Ivar , Reed Mark , Daling Per S.
Published: December 2007

This paper describes how simulations with a recently developed model system have been used as input to a Net Environmental Benefit Analysis, to evaluate a strategy for use of chemical dispersants as an integrated part of the initial response at two Norwegian oil fields. A scenario with release of 100 m3 crude oil has been used as an example.

The results indicate that the use of chemical dispersants generally gives a faster removal of oil from the sea surface, as compared to mechanical recovery. On the other hand, dispersant application increases somewhat the concentrations of dispersed oil and dissolved oil components in the water column. The dispersed and dissolved oil dilutes to low levels within a few hours in deep water. Based on a NEBA evaluation it is suggested that mechanical recovery be given priority during the fish spawning season, while dispersant application should be prioritised during periods with high sea bird activity in the area.
Bilateral Russian-Norwegian Co-Operation on Environmental Impact Assessment
Authors: Dahle S. , Shagarova L. , Sander G. , Larsen L-H.
Published: December 2007

Major hydrocarbon reserves have been identified offshore in the Russian part of the Barents Sea, and hydrocarbons have also been discovered in the Norwegian sector. Sharing environmental responsibility of the Barents Sea, and with the ESPOO convention of transboundary pollution impacts in mind, a need for common understanding and addressing the environmental challenges connected to offshore petroleum development in this region became apparent. As part of the ongoing environmental co-operation between Russia and Norway, the Norwegian - Russian environmental commission in 1998 initiated a process aiming at exchange of experience and knowledge, and harmonisation of the two countries' guidelines and practise within Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of offshore oil and gas activities.

During spring 1999 two expert seminars were carried out, one in Archangel and one in Murmansk. The seminars were attended by a broad spectre of representatives from several levels of Russian and Norwegian environmental administration, environmental specialists and representatives from oil companies. At both seminars the two countries' guidelines and regulating systems were thoroughly presented and evaluated. Working groups summed up strengths and weaknesses in the two systems, and four major themes were pointed out for further studies:

Comparison and evaluation of a specific Norwegian and a specific Russian EIA of an off-shore oil or gas development project Conduct a joint EIA of a model field development in the Barents Sea Feasibility study for a joint Russian - Norwegian regional EIA for the Barents Sea Develop a regional Norwegian - Russian oil spill contingency plan
Systematic Analysis of Operational Safety of FPSOs Reveals Areas of Improvement
Authors: Vinnem J. E. , Hauge S. , Huglen Ø. , Kieran O. , Kirwan B. , Rettedal W. K. , Skåren T. , Thomas J. J.
Published: December 2007

Floating installations in general and FPSO systems in particular, combine traditional process technology with marine technology, and are thus quite dependent on operational safety control. It is essential that scenarios involving potential loss of operational control are assessed at an early stage in the design of new facilities, in order to optimise technical and operational solutions. The paper briefly reviews the safety characteristics and records for FPSOs, focusing on operational safety aspects. This is followed by a discussion of possible approaches to predictive assessment of operational safety.
Integrated Environmental Risk Management of Future Produced Water Disposal Options at Draugen on the Norwegian Continental Shelf
Authors: Vik E. A. , Bakke S. , Stang P. , Edvardsson T. , Gadeholt G.
Published: December 2007

Cost/environmental benefit comparisons of different produced water disposal options were performed for the Draugen platform on the Norwegian Continental Shelf. Comparison of the environmental risk for the year of maximum water production, as well as the integrated environmental risk for the predicted lifetime of the field was made for the different produced water disposal options. Discharges of natural constituents, as well as residual production and injection chemicals in produced water were included in the risk assessment. High level cost environmental benefit evaluations have been carried out. A Base Case, meeting the present oil in water discharge permit was defined. Differences in cost/environmental benefit of the potential disposal options were quantitatively compared to the Base Case. Uncertainties in the figures are discussed. The work presented here is one of the inputs to the Draugen produced water disposal programme. Feasibility studies will develop more reliable cost and performance data. Decisions on future produced water disposal at Draugen will be based on the final results and recommendations in the produced water programme. An approach has also been suggested and used for weighting potential long-term effects of the discharges. This provides important additional information to the risk assessment results.
Competency Based Training for Drilling Contractors
Authors: Ahern Dan
Published: December 2007

The difficulties of demonstrating competency of drilling personnel are discussed as well as the opportunity to improve the level of competency assurance within the industry. The benefits of competency based training are explained in terms of cost effectiveness, practicality, safety and productivity. A brief description is given of the various competency assurance schemes, and an argument is put forward to develop internationally recognised standards of competency for the drilling industry.
Crew Resource Management for Offshore Teams: Development and Evaluation
Authors: O'Connor P. , Flin R. H.
Published: December 2007

This paper describes a project sponsored by 13 companies and the HSE (OSD) to apply a form of human factors training called Crew Resource Management (CRM), which is widely used in aviation, to the training of offshore platform teams. The aim of the project was to design, deliver and evaluate the training. 104 offshore workers from five different production platforms have participated in the course. Their feedback was generally positive. However, it also indicated a need to incorporate more offshore case studies and to place emphasis on the skills, rather than the theoretical concepts of the topics covered in the training.
10 Years of Environmental Monitoring at Danish North Sea Platforms
Authors: Robson M. , Petersen S. , Birklund J.
Published: December 2007

In 1989 Mærsk Olie og Gas AS (Maersk Oil) initiated a monitoring programme at selected North Sea platforms, focusing on sediment chemistry and benthic fauna composition and abundance. In 1998 the results of the first 10 years' monitoring were reviewed and analysed.

The main conclusions of the study are:

– drilling discharges are the cause of local impact at the localities investigated, but the major changes in the bottom fauna during the 10-year period are linked to natural factors varying in space and time. – variations in bottom fauna composition are correlated to barium and hydrocarbon concentrations in the sediment, leading to a characteristic zonation pattern with major impacts mainly at the 100 m and some 250m stations, and minor impacts observable at some 750m and 1500m stations. – spreading and mixing of the bottom sediment reduce chemical contamination after cessation of discharge. Hydrocarbon levels decline more rapidly than barium levels, possibly due to natural degradation of hydrocarbons. – the reduced contamination after cessation of discharges leads to reductions in the biological impact, but the recovery of some species such as the brittle star Amphiura filiformis is slow. This species appears to be the most sensitive to contamination.
A Web Based System for Regional Oil Spill Contingency and Emergency Response Planning
Authors: Skeie G. M. , Johansen F. W. , Østby C. , Brude O. W. , Rødal J. , Moe K. A. , Torp O. -J.
Published: December 2007

In 1998, the Norwegian Clean Seas Association for Operating Companies (NOFO) initiated the development of a regional system for oil spill contingency and emergency response plans.

The aim of the project was to establish a cost-effective, flexible and documented system allowing Norwegian operators to analyze, evaluate and implement measures at sea, in coastal waters and at the shore.

Key elements in the approach comprise:

– A systematic review of relevant reports and analyses prepared by individual operators – Identification, discussion and agreement on key factors, relevant data and assumptions in the analyses – Design standard methodology for use of data, analyses and documentation of results, as well as standards for reporting data to the system – Identification of information types, analytical tools and sources for successful implementation of the system – Development of tools, web databases and interfaces – Communication and coordination with other relevant ongoing processes within the industry and regulatory bodies

At the completion of the first phase, a knowledge base, a web-based interface and a GIS tool kit are developed, allowing all offshore operators on-line access to relevant information for analysis, planning and response.

Main elements of this knowledge base and toolkit include:

– General and specific technical and environmental background information – Basis for establishing regional plans – Regional plans – Overall action plan

As a supplement to the system, a suite of GIS tools and datasets have been developed and compiled, enabling users to visualize and analyze response strategies, results from oil drift modeling, distribution of sensitive environmental resources and priority sites for oil spill combat. This ContAct GIS toolkit is available for all operators, as well as the Norwegian Pollution Control Authority (SFT).

The geographical extent, information content and range of tools applied are significant. NOFOs system will be further refined and developed throughout the year 2000, with a schedule for full implementation by the second quarter of year 2001.
HSE Management Regulatory Aspect: International/National/Local
Authors: Subhani N. A. , Khushnood S. S. , Ullah Z.
Published: December 2007

The proposed work is a review of experiences related to HSE in the field of oil & gas exploration and production in Pakistan. The comparative study is based on the local, National and International Regulatory requirements, standards and practices. It has been proposed to assess the impact of deviations in the application of Regulatory requirements, particularly related to job hazards, risks and accidents.

One of the major objective of the current study is to narrow down the gap in implementing the HSE Regulations by pointing out the critical barriers and to suggest ways and means in order to overcome these barriers, so that Regulatory requirements are fulfilled to a reasunable degree. The gap, however, varies among state owned and multinational E & P companies.

It is proposed to educate the personnel of regulatory and implementing authorities especially in developing countries like Pakistan by formulating appropriate HSE strategies. This could prove to be a major factor in overcoming the problems related with HSE-MS at local as well as National Level.

The constraints in implementing the HSE regulations are the state economic condition, its priorities, policies, social setup, relative experience in the field of HSE and access to new emerging technologies. The legislative bodies could play a pivotal role in overcoming HSE regulatory problems which ironically has not come up positively till yet.

A good first step towards HSE awareness could be the introduction of HSE courses for graduate level classes, in all educational institutions of he country. The graduates having HSE knowledge would be the ultimate key players in developing HSE culture in a country like Pakistan.

The HSE regulatory work in Pakistan needs lot of attention on the part of E&P companies and state as well. The existing regulations need to be updated in order to cope with the global standards and new regulations be made to cover whole HSE. Hence the proposed study is expected to point out the deficiencies and overcome the same by formulating HSE based strategies consistent with the findings and recommendations of the current work.
Indicators for Sustainable Development
Authors: Wolff R. , Zaring O. , Furuholt E. , O'Leary H. , Gaasbeek A. P. , Thoem T.
Published: December 2007

In 1996 Statoil, Amoco, BP, Conoco and Shell wished to benchmark how companies in the oil business deal with the issues of the environment and sustainable development. The initial conclusion was that a methodology or process had to be developed first. It was decided that the principle focus of the process should be the management systems that each company had in place and the sharing of best practice. A four year journey of discovery began.

The process included the following elements:

an agreement on assessing sustainable development through a process of mutual learning an agreement based on trust and openness to enable learning definition of relevant sustainable development indicators along the value chain a description of an implementation chain for management processes measuring management processes comparing and discussing results of measurement using case studies to modify and/or verify indicator definitions used in the process.

GRI, Gothenburg Research Institute acted as facilitator and was primarily responsible for the format and organisation of the many project meetings.

In 1997 the process that included what we called "Environmental Management Indicators" (EMI) for the oil industry was concluded. A final report was prepared, discussed and agreed upon. However, this final report became the first phase in applying the same process to consider the sustainable development issue.

This second phase was more difficult and ambiguous, compared with the environmental management indicator exercise. No ready-made standards are available with regard to the definition and measurement of Corporate Social Responsibility. Although there is some more or less theoretical literature at hand, this literature is of relatively little use when it comes to definitions and measurement of management systems that deal with sustainability issues on a company level, specifically in the oil industry. Much effort went into defining indicators, measurements and profiles for single indicators and the management systems that control sustainable development issues in the companies.

The exercise resulted in a methodology and a set of indicators for assessing a company's management of sustainable development, which probably is in the forefront of the development in this area. The process has been extremely interesting and proved valuable but there is still room for improvement.

The benefits of this methodology have included:

learning from the sharing of best practice providing a framework for discussions with others assessing where a company's strengths and gaps are
Water-Fracs Provide Cost-Effective Well Stimulation Alternative in San Joaquin Valley Wells
Authors: Mathis Stephen P. , Brierley Gary , Sickles Kurt , Nelson Don , Thorness Rick
Published: December 2007

The low production rates of high viscosity crudes associated with wells in the Kern County California area lead to difficulty in achieving production enhancement through cost-effective well stimulation practices. The tight economics also lead to difficulty in finding a stimulation technique that can be effectively applied to injection wells associated with these same fields. Following the successful application of waterfracturing to increase the injectivity of a water injector well in the Edison Field, water-fracturing was introduced to the Tejon Oil Field near Bakersfield California in hopes of providing stimulation to an oil well. Previous gel fracs in the Tejon Oil Field proved to be uneconomical due to high treatment costs associated with increased equipment requirements, combined with poor results.

This paper describes how a small-scale water-frac treatment provided productivity improvements from 6 bopd to initial rates of 30 - 50 bopd and sustained rates exceeding 20 bopd for one well in the Tejon Oil Field. Comparison is provided of the water-frac well performance over its first year of production to a gel-frac in the same well, and two offset openhole completions (one gravel packed and one non-gravel packed). The surface pumping equipment requirements for a treatment of this type are described, as are the procedures used to obtain a successful treatment. The paper concludes with a discussion of the geologic conditions that likely led to the successful result achieved here, and suggests other applications where this technique should be attempted.
Closure Behaviour of Natural Rock Fractures
Authors: Duan Yuting , Jing Xudong , Meng Yingfeng , Luo Pingya
Published: December 2007

In order to investigate the closure behaviour of natural rock fractures, a surface measurement system called as photoelectric surfometer was developed. It can survey and calculate automatically topographies of rock surfaces, being especially effective on natural rock surfaces which have larger heaves compared with polished rock surfaces widely used in previous publications. Computer simulation is then applied to mimic the closure behaviour of natural rock fractures by utilising both elastic and plastoelastic contact theory between rough surfaces. Experimental results confirmed computer simulation. Simulation and experiments show that plastic flow can be ignored for natural fractures within most concerned reservoir formation rock (carbonate rock and tight sandstone). An empirical model based on simulating results is then proposed, which includes rock properties, initial aperture and surface topographies. This model, being different from any other models proposed in previous publications, can be used to explain the different phenomena found both at laboratory experiments and in situ reservoir formations.
New Petrophysical Process Improves Reservoir Optimization by Linking Stimulation Design, Reservoir Modeling, and Economic Evaluation
Authors: Kessler Calvin , Frisch Gary , Hyden Ron , Neil Stegent P. E.
Published: December 2007

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) permeability combined with newly developed petrophysical analysis improves the candidate selection process for production-enhancement treatments such as matrix acidizing, acid fracturing, and traditional hydraulic proppant fracturing. The new petrophysical model allows automatic zoning based on log data such as permeability, stress contrasts, or lithology. The automatic zoning provides information for stimulation design, reservoir simulations, and economic forecasting.

Traditional stress zoning, which has enabled widespread usage of 3D modeling for the design of stimulation treatments, is now enhanced by an accurate permeability profile and automatic zoning. NMR logging provides a continuous, high-quality permeability that falls within the accuracy range required for 3D hydraulic-fracture design programs and reservoir simulators to predict production.

Combining the stimulation design and productivity calculations allows the operator to select the ideal stimulation treatment for the highest return on investment. The automatic zoning enhances both the stimulation design and reservoir simulations with minimal time and effort, allowing the operator to determine the most economical production enhancement scenarios, such as treatment type and job size.

Once the stimulation is performed, operators monitor the production rates and declines to enhance the process. Production data can lead to an improved NMR permeability by optimizing the permeability coefficients for area-specific permeability equations. The process is repeated for additional wells in the reservoir with the ultimate goal of optimizing the reservoir development.
Post-Steamflood Reservoir Management Using a Full-Scale 3D Deterministic Thermal Reservoir Simulation Model, Wilmington Field, California
Authors: Mondragon J. J. , Yang Z. , Ershaghi I. , Hara P. S. , Bailey S. , Koerner R.
Published: December 2007

This paper describes the successful application of a simulation based reservoir management approach to handle a complicated fluid injection conversion process in Fault Block IIA of the Wilmington Field, CA. Conversion process required careful planning and implementation of injection location and volumes in a stress sensitive formation. Concerns for the compaction associated elevation changes as a results of steam chest collapse and proximity of the field to urban areas of Long Beach, necessitated a careful monitoring and management of reservoir pressure. Prior to the implementation of the conversion, the area was under high pressure-high temperature steam injection. Taking into account the heat losses and various processes associated with extreme temperature changes caused by conversion from steam injection to cold water injection, a simulation approach was the only tool left for prudent management of the process.
Influence of Stress and Lithology on Hydraulic Fracturing in Hassi Messaoud Reservoir, Algeria
Authors: Koceir M. , Tiab D.
Published: December 2007

Understanding the rock mechanics aspects of Hassi Messaoud (HMD) reservoir is extremely important, not only for hydraulic fracturing purposes but also for planning horizontal well drilling and completion. Analysis of the data generated from the hydraulic fracturing experience in Hassi Messaoud shows that fracturing is strongly lithology dependent. The magnitude and the orientation of the stress characterize the stress field. The stress magnitude in HMD is correlated to Young's modulus and shaliness. A new correlation is proposed relating minimum horizontal stress, shaliness and porosity.

The stress field orientation in Hassi Messaoud is similar to that observed in other locations throughout Algeria. The maximum principal stress is in the azimuth direction between 135-140° azimuth, perpendicular to HMD anticline trend. The iso-fracturing gradient map of HMD structure confirms the compartmentalization of the reservoir into two main compartments. The eastern compartments, has a relatively low fracturing gradients, while the western compartment has very high fracturing gradients.

The results of this study could be used in the selection of candidate wells for hydraulic fracturing as well as drilling horizontal wells.
A New Cost Effective Approach to Comprehensive Gravel Pack Completion
Authors: Caretta Fausto , Young Gary , Fox Phil
Published: December 2007

With the introduction of new technologies, the energy industry is continually challenged to explore all potential applications. An additional responsibility lies in optimizing the combination of new and existing technologies in highly deviated and horizontal wells to provide useful solutions. This paper highlights two case history examples of this undertaking.

The pilot study case at hand will demonstrate how such a technology combination provided savings in both money and time spent diagnosing wellbore conditions and performing remedial work. Logging tools were deployed using a tubing-conveyed method without the usual direct mechanical attachment of the logging tool to the string itself. This method minimized the risk of damage to the smaller-sized toolstrings and reduced the time required to log these tools by eliminating tripping of the complete workstring back to surface after each logging run.

Included within are descriptions of job planning, acquisition methods, and decisions utilizing an optimized mixture of evaluation technologies to provide results that far exceed previous achievements. The combination of log measurements included a gravel pack density tool and a downhole video surveillance camera. As a result of this approach the following information was made available to design downhole remedial operations: areas of loss or lack of gravel pack materialindication of high water influx zoneswellbore mechanical integrityscale and debris detection

The recompletion design has been enhanced with utilization of information provided by the logging program, including a previously unsuspected corrosion problem. Better decisions can now be made with greater confidence based on higher quality evidences.