bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Completion Technology Milestone: A HPHT Ultra-High Expansion Openhole Packer for Multi-Stage Completions
Authors: Deng Guijun , Kendall Alexander , Cook Christopher , Wakefield John , Maenza Frank , Tom Andy , Knebel Mark 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
This paper is a continuation of a previous work, SPE191734 (Deng, 2018) which focused on integrating additive manufacturing into completions technology to develop a packer of ultra-high expansion with a 10,000 psi pressure rating at 300°F. This paper presents the work that further extends the packer's capabilities to withstand pressures of 15,000 psi and temperatures up to 350°F while maintaining high expansion, tested to ISO 14310 V3 pressure acceptance criteria.
Three factors primarily contributed to its successful qualification. First, new backup technology eliminated traditional design limitations imposed by conventional manufacturing and enabled us to design and print a backup system with ultra-expansion capacity and superior conformability. Second, an internally developed polymer that exhibits great elongation and extrusion resistance played a key role in holding the 15,000 psi pressure reversals at 350F in the ultra-expansion states. Finally, a state-of-the-art design process seamlessly integrated design, material characterization, design optimization, and test validation, enabling rapid failure diagnosis and design iterations to ensure rigorous customer requirements were satisfied. This integrated process reduces development costs and shortens time to market.
An ultra-high expansion openhole HPHT packer was developed as a result of advances in Additive Manufacturing technology, polymeric materials, and a holistic design process. Physical test validation demonstrated:
15,000 psi pressure reversal and 15 minute hold at 350°F. Displacement of 0.5 in and 15,000 pressure reversal at 350°F. Elastomer element system remained in good visual condition in post-test inspection.
This is the industry's first commercial completion packer with an Additive Manufactured element containment system. It is also the industry's first ultra-expansion packer to demonstrate HPHT capability.
Evaluation of Air Injection into Mature SAGD Chambers as a Follow Up/Wind-Down Strategy, Using a Novel Large Scale 3-D Physical Model
Authors: Aminfar Ehsan , Sequera-Dalton Belenitza , Mehta Sudarshan Raj , Moore Gordon , Ursenbach Matthew 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
The injection of air into mature steam chambers is a promising technology to reduce the steam-to-oil-ratios (SOR) in late stages of the Steam-Assisted-Gravity-Drainage (SAGD) recovery process in Athabasca oil sand reservoirs in Alberta, Canada. Air injection allows sustaining steam chamber pressures with reduced steam injection rates. The steam capacity that becomes available due to the replacement of steam with air in mature well-pairs or pads could serve new pads optimizing steam utilization and decreasing the overall environmental footprint of the project. A novel large scale three-dimensional (3-D) physical model was designed to evaluate the prospect of the "hybrid" air and steam injection technology in a SAGD configuration utilizing up to three well-pairs. This paper discusses the 3-D model design, commissioning, experimental procedure and main results of the first tests.
For each test, the 3-D model was packed with a low oil saturation core or lean zone, representing the reservoir portion swept by steam, and a high oil saturation core or rich zone representing the un-drained zone between two coalesced steam chambers. These zones were made with preserved native "lean" and "rich" cores from Athabasca reservoirs. Once the model was packed, it was placed inside a pressure jacket where it was pressurized to reservoir pressure. Steam was injected into the model to develop a representative steam chamber in the lean zone. Once steam conditions were attained in the lean zone, steam injection was switched to air injection. Temperatures distributed in the 3-D model as well as injection and production pressures and produced gas compositions were monitored constantly and recorded during the test. Produced liquid samples were regularly captured and stored for subsequent analysis. Post-processing analyses of produced fluids and residual extracted core material allowed for determination of clean-burned zones, material balance, upgrading of the produced bitumen samples and efficiency of the process.
High peak temperatures, gas compositions, clean-burned sand in post-test cores and significant oil production indicate the development of a high temperature combustion front in the 3-D experiments. The test results confirm the injection of air into mature SAGD chambers is a very promising method not only to reduce the cumulative steam-to-oil-ratios (CSOR) and to sustain the steam chamber pressures but also to increase oil production in SAGD late life.
Drilling Optimization Using Model-Based Design and Stratigraphic Zonation: Successful Application in Brazilian Deep Water Pre-Salt Carbonate Reservoir
Authors: Aguiar Romulo , Tocantins João Pedro , Marquinez Victor , Baines Victoria , Barreto Diogo , Gozzi Danilo , França Rafael 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
After findings were made in the pre-salt province that represented a major discovery for the oil industry, drilling activity in Brazil has been focused primarily on economically viable ways to develop these reserves. The pre-salt cluster is a geological formation that consists of organic microbial carbonates and other sediments. The reservoir poses innumerous drilling challenges, including hard silicate nodules and low-porosity layers, which make the formation strength extremely high. Also, the heterogeneity level of such carbonates (within centimeters) imposes extra challenges, especially on drilling shock & vibration, with low rates-of-penetration (ROP), raising pre-salt well construction costs. To offer a technical solution, the service provider applied an innovative approach based on two pillars: a model-based design approach, leading to two drill bit designs with improved cutting structure resistance, with dynamic stability, delivering the entire section in one bit run with higher ROP. Along with the technology, a new workflow called "stratigraphic zonation for drilling" was implemented. This paper reviews the work covering this new stratigraphic zonation workflow, the development of this virtual drilling scenario and some field results with lessons learned and way forward.
The Stakes of Foam Stability in Foam-Based EOR Processes Designed for Naturally-Fractured Reservoirs
Authors: Pedel Nicolas , Delbos Aline , Batot Guillaume , Chevallier Eloise 
Published: September 2019

Abstract

Objective/Scope
Enhanced-Oil-Recovery processes for Naturally-Fractured Reservoirs usually require fluids mobility control in the fractures, which can be ensured by foam-based processes. The latters have to demonstrate stability over very long distance as their efficiency rely on the pressure increase in the fractures network. Despite their potential, the ability of foams to propagate and regenerate in fractures, but also the most adapted design of foaming-surfactant formulations, are poorly documented. These issues are addressed in this experimental paper.
The propagation of foams over long-distance fractures (from 100 to 1000 meters) is modelled at the lab-scale by a flow of pre-formed foams in long vertical and horizontal tubings (from 0.01m to 10 meters). The visualization of the flowing foam and the measurement of pressure allow identifying the physical phenomena which account for foam evolution in horizontal and vertical configurations. Comparison of performances is also conducted for several formulations differing by their foam performances in sandpack and by their wettability alteration properties.
A preliminary test shows that co-injection of gas and liquid in a representative oil-wet fracture generates very poor foams, unlike classical porous media (sandpacks, rock core samples). This poor rejuvenation of foam evidences that foam flow in fracture strongly differs from observations in porous matrix and highlights the need for long-term foam stability. In long tubings, characterization of different formulations first shows that the most efficient foams do not correspond to the best formulations identified for porous media. Criteria to optimize a foam formulation for fracture network seem specific. Second, the evolution of flowing foams highly differs from static foams and highlights the difference of performances brought by the flow. The local foam flow structure is different from one formulation to another. These results suggest that the ability to create a high pressure gradient depends on wettability properties of formulation, due the strong interaction of foam lamellae with walls along the flow.
To ensure an efficient foam-based process in a fractured reservoir, long-term stability is crucial yet not predicted by classical criteria based on porous media experiments. Besides, the best foaming-surfactant formulation for fractured systems corresponds to new criteria, likely related to wettability instead of apparent viscosity. This work has important implications on the design of foam injections in naturally fractured reservoirs regarding the calculation of liquid volumes, injection strategy to ensure foam propagation over long-distance.
Laboratory Development to Successful Field Application of Unconventional Non-Beaded Micromaterial for Making Lower Permeability Lighter and Stronger Cements
Authors: Pernites Roderick , Brady Jason , Padilla Felipe , Clark Jordan , Ramos Gladyss , Callahan Jaron , Garzon Ricardo , Sama Raymond , Embrey Mark , Fu Diankui , Johnson David , Richey Nicolas 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Increasing horizontals, narrowing annular gaps, more stringent cement regulations, fracturing with more stages and high pumping rates on top of more cost-efficient well completion are raising demand for lightweight cements, which are designed to prevent damage and lost circulation problems in weaker formations. However, many alternative lightweight materials that are more cost effective than glass beads, which are known to provide superior strength, are increasing waiting-on-cement time, thus delaying further drilling. They also struggle to deliver the required compressive strengths. This paper presents (1) recent case histories of successful field applications of new stronger non-beaded lightweight cement, (2) extensive laboratory data of various field designs with new lightweight cement versus premium commercial lightweight cements, and (3) detailed scientific study explaining how the innovative lightweight cement has provided superior fluid stability and set cement mechanical properties.
The successful field trials occurred in the Permian basin for all four wells on the same pad. About 400 bbl of the new lightweight cement at 10.5 lbm/gal density was delivered to complete each cementing job with 134°F BHST and 6,000-ft measured depth. The four wells were completed with the new lightweight cement, remarkably having no glass beads despite the extremely low density. Unlike the previous job designed with commercial lightweight cement, the new cement has provided far greater compressive strength and has shown faster (18 to 24 hr) strength development. During placement, the new lightweight cement slurry has demonstrated exceptional stability with fewer additives than the previous design, thus simplifying field operations. Multiple laboratory test data at different cement densities (10.5 to 14.5 lbm/gal) for other regions confirmed the enhanced performance of the new lightweight cement in both slurry form and set cement over conventional lightweight technologies. Detailed scientific study via X- ray Diffraction (XRD) explained how the new lightweight cement provided superior set cement performance.
The novelty of this work and invaluable contribution to the industry is the first successful field application of a newly developed micromaterial that provided a lighter, stronger, low-permeability, non-beaded cement that enhances wellbore integrity and provides better zonal isolation. New findings from XRD and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) imaging techniques about the new micromaterial lightweight additive may provide insights for improving the performance of traditional materials.
Use of Wavelet Transform and Signal Processing Techniques for Inferring Interwell Connectivity in Waterflooding Operations
Authors: Unal Ebru , Siddiqui Fahd , Rezaei Ali , Eltaleb Ibrahim , Kabir Shah , Soliman Mohamed Y. , Dindoruk Birol 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Inter-well connectivity (IWC) is one of the most significant properties when evaluating the success of a waterflood. This connectivity has been obtained from various physics-based methods such as simulations, tracers and using heuristics and semi-analytical tools like capacitance-resistance model (CRM). Production and injection data are a key piece of information required to compute the IWC. In this study, we present a new method for estimating IWC using signal processing techniques on the wavelet transform of the injection and production rate data.
First, the injection and production rates are subjected to multiresolution analysis using the wavelet transform to determine the detail coefficients. The variance of the detail coefficients is then computed and is ready to be processed using various signal processing techniques. Signal processing techniques such as cross-correlation, time lag, Spearman correlation, and Kendal correlation are used to identify the level of relationship between the processed injection and production data in wavelet scale space. Based on the correlation coefficients, a new IWC link parameter is proposed for characterizing the IWC between well pairs. The IWC link parameters between well pairs are then plotted for visual representation.
We created several simulation models for multi-well systems, established water-flood patterns, and for randomly placed wells to establish the new IWC link parameter. The resulting injection and production rates were analyzed using the methodology above and the new IWC link parameter is established in terms of cross-correlation coefficient. We also performed several simulations for a heterogenous reservoir to compute and compare the accuracy of the new IWC link parameter. Finally, the methodology is subjected to real field waterflooding, and compared against the CRM results, which shows a good agreement. The visual representation gives new insight into whether the connectivity is being affected by the reservoir or from near wellbore events (such as changes in skin).
This study integrates signal processing techniques and waterflood IWCs. Novel use of wavelet transforms coupled with variance for processing the injection and production rate data is proposed. It must be emphasized that wavelet is used in this context for processing and not for smoothing or data compression. Ultimately, this method can be implemented as a real-time automated monitoring system. Moreover, the new IWC link parameter provides insights by identifying problematic IWC, well-completion issues, and high perm channels for taking timely operational decisions.
Risk-Based Audit as a Strategic Tool for Improving Accountability in PSC System
Authors: Arifianto Hafidh , Putra Iswahyudi Sondi 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Cost recovery is an integral part of Indonesian Production Sharing Contract (PSC). The mechanism function as an incentive to attract investment in oil and gas exploration and production. The separation of function in PSC between the government and the contractor leads an information asymmetry over cost recovery. This issue makes the cost recovery calculation vulnerable to manipulation. In the context of the agency problem, the audit on cost recovery is deemed crucial as the government procedure to secure its share from inappropriate reimbursed cost.
The paper presents the challenge of traditional cost recovery audit, and a proposal to implement a Risk-Based Audit (RBA) approach as a strategic monitoring tool over cost recovery. The RBA provides an efficient and effective audit practice to maintain audit quality. The paper also adds to the literature on the government practice in addressing agency problem in PSC's cost reimbursement system based on a case study in Indonesian PSC environment.
Laboratory and Field Testing of a Steam-Limiting Flow Control Device Developed for Thermal Applications
Authors: Lastiwka Marty , Burke Lyle H. , Booy Daniel , Chineme Emeka C. , Gaviria Fernando , Ortiz Julian D. 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
A review of laboratory and field testing of a new flow control device is presented in this paper. The device is designed specifically to limit steam breakthrough in thermal operations.
For the past few years, four companies operating Steam Assisted Gravity Drainage (SAGD) facilities in Alberta's oil sands have come together to study downhole Flow Control Devices (FCDs) in a laboratory setting and to share field data of the application of such devices. Within this collaboration, a new device was designed to address the challenge specific to thermal operations, namely limiting steam breakthrough into production wells. Laboratory tests were undertaken to define the steam-limiting characteristics of this device under field representative SAGD conditions at full scale rates, temperatures and pressures. Tests were performed with oil to gauge viscosity sensitivity, as well as with water and steam at various inflow rates, temperatures and steam qualities. Testing was also performed with Non-Condensable Gas (NCG) to help assess how methane production may affect performance under both low and high Gas Volume Fraction (GVF) conditions. Finally, three-phase erosion testing was performed using water, quartz and air, allowing a realistic, scalable assessment of the device's long-term reliability.
Highlights from these tests are reported and compared to results from testing of conventional, commercially available devices. The new device has shown superior performance relative to other devices designed for non-thermal applications. Thus, it inhibits the influx of steam while allowing the flow of emulsion into a production well. Based on the results of laboratory testing, the device is currently being tested in field operations. Early indications are that the device is performing as expected. Preliminary field data are presented.
Laboratory testing of thermal flow control devices is especially challenging and unique when compared with similar testing for conventional flow control devices. This becomes more evident when testing devices designed specifically to limit steam breakthrough. Furthermore, in thermal operations, the phase change potential that is inherent when operating near the saturation point of water opens new possibilities in the design of flow control devices. A successful, practical implementation of this phase change characteristic was achieved in a collaborative environment.
Critical Sand Deposition Velocity in Intermittent Flow – Models Evaluation
Authors: Dabirian Ramin , Mohammadikharkeshi Mobina , Mohan Ram , Shoham Ovadia 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Sand transport in multiphase flow has recently gained keen attention of the oil and gas industry owing to the negative effects associated with it. These include partial pipe blockage, pipe corrosion, excessive pressure drop and production decline. To date, no comprehensive literature review and models evaluation have been published, which compare the experimental data collected for the prediction of the critical sand deposition velocity under intermittent flow with the related model predictions. This study can be used by engineers and researchers to determine the conditions under which the developed models perform the best.
The intermittent flow critical sand deposition velocity data acquired by Najmi (2015) are presented in detail. Next, the effects of important parameters such as phase velocities, liquid viscosity as well as particle size and concentration on the critical velocity are investigated. The collected data are utilized to evaluate the performance of the models developed by Salama (1998), Hill (2011), Stevenson et al. (2001) and Danielson (2007), in order to determine the best model for the prediction of the sand critical velocity.
The experimental data of Najmi (2015) indicate that higher critical velocities are required with increasing the liquid viscosity, particle size and particle concentration. However, the predictions of the models of Salama (1998), Stevenson et al. (2001) and Danielson (2007) demonstrate that these models do not take into account the effect of particle concentration. Depending on the liquid viscosity, Stevenson et al. (2001) model significantly over-predicts or under-predicts the critical velocity over different ranges of the phase velocities, while Salama (1998) model under-predicts the critical velocity under all experimental conditions. An overall comparison of the data with the published model predictions confirms that the Hill (2011) model has the best performance capturing the physical phenomena, including the effects of phase velocities, particle size, particle concentration and liquid viscosity.
Deep Learning-Based Automatic Horizon Identification from Seismic Data
Authors: Gupta Harshit , Pradhan Siddhant , Gogia Rahul , Srirangarajan Seshan , Phirani Jyoti , Ranu Sayan 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Horizons in a seismic image are geologically signficant surfaces that can be used for understanding geological structures and stratigraphy models. However, horizon tracking in seismic data is a time consuming and challenging task. Saving geologist's time from this seismic interpretation task is essential given the time constraints for the decision making in the oil & gas industry. We take advantage of the deep convolutional neural networks (CNN) to track the horizons directly from the seismic images. We propose a novel automatic seismic horizon tracking method that can reduce the time needed for interpretation, as well as increase the accuracy for the geologists. We show the performance comparison of the proposed CNN model for different training data set sizes and different methods of balancing the classes.