bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Safe and Efficient Approach to 35/8" Coiled Tubing Reentry Drilling in Deep Gas Applications in Saudi Arabia; Successful Introduction of a New Wired CTD System
Authors: Khamees Shaker , Amri Khalifah , Khalil Mohamed , Humood Malik , Rangel Pedro , Cain Pat , Mehmood Khalid , Ganda Sukesh , Al-Herz Mohammad , Fuenmayor Luis , Al-Hajji Nawaf 
Published: September 2013

Abstract
Through tubing reentry drilling (3⅝") operations were first commenced in Saudi Arabia in 2008. Since then the application has proven to be an efficient and reservoir friendly method of reentry drilling. Old vertical and sometimes deviated candidate wells are screened and worked over bysetting a through tubing whipstock in the 4½", 5½" and 7" casings then exiting in a 3⅝" hole size. A curve section is then drilled at 20° to 35°/100 ft build up rate (BUR) and subsequently, lateral sections of 2,000 to 3,000 ft are drilled in the reservoir.
Despite the good learning curve, certain technical challenges are limiting the operating envelope of 3⅝" through tubing re-entry drilling (TTRD). Some of these challenges are: surface setup and pressure deployment, inefficient tool face control, vibration, releasing a stuck bottom-hole assembly (BHA), etc. Other challenges related to drilling snadestone reservoirs.
Keeping these challenges in mind, Saudi Aramco and Schlumberger (SLB) embarked on a project to develop a new drilling system, which would prevent and mitigate the risks highlighted above and allow safe application of 3⅝" TTRD to areas and fields where it was previously not practicable. This new drilling system was successfully deployed to the field in June 2012.
The paper will cover some of the key features of the new drilling system, which were proven during the first job.
Shorter BHA coupled with a customized tower, thereby eliminating the need for pressure deployment, greatly enhances safety and efficiency.
Secondary release mechanism allowing for 90% recovery of BHA in case of a stuck bit. High precision and variable speed orienting system for more precise tool face control. A single ball valve in the upper BHA eliminates the need to bleed off the coil tubing (CT) pressure during deployment operations when drilling with nitrogen, saving time and money. Ultra-sensitive vibration sensors coupled with a 2-3 second update rate allows for quick identification of performance drilling motor (PDM) or turbine stalls. Coupled with high buildup rate turbodrills, the new drilling system is capable of drilling tight curves and laterals through compact and abrasive pre-Khuff sandstones at more than double the rate of penetration (ROP) previously possible with PDMs in a reduced number of trips.
Wider deployment of this new drilling system would potentially unlock the true potential of the tight and abrasive pre-Khuff sandstone reservoir.
Offshore Field Completion Evolution Overcomes Field Challenges and Optimizes Multilateral Wells Production
Authors: Al-Amri Nami , Al-Yateem Karam , El-Fattah Mahmoud Abd , Gottumukkala Varma 
Published: September 2013

Abstract
Producing from a high-permeability sandstone reservoir such as in Saudi Arabia’s offshore fields has unique challenges, which include sand production, high-water production, and early water breakthrough due to active water drive and reservoir heterogeneity. These challenges add to the difficulty in the use of artificial lift where wells in different segments of the field were recently equipped with electrical submersible pumps (ESPs). This offshore field had seen an evolution of completion practices directed to resolve each challenge independently, until recently where an optimum integrated completion design was developed to overcome all challenges and optimize production, extend the producing life of the wells, and enhance recovery for the long term.
The subject wells were completed with multilaterals targeting different layers in the reservoir. Inflow control devices (ICD) were used in the open hole completion for each lateral to enhance the well’s influx balance and control/delay water production. The intelligent completions (IC) solution, which consists of inflow control valves (ICVs), permanent downhole monitoring system gauges, and multiport packers, are employed to control lateral production. In addition, a hydraulic line wet mate (HLWM) connect system is used to combine an ESP Pod system with an intelligent completion in multilateral wells. In most cases, due to the limited run life of an ESP, the pumps need to be replaced every few years. The HLWM connect system provides the flexibility to replace the ESP without having to retrieve the intelligent completion (ICVs, multiport packers, etc.), which saves cost and time.
This paper describes the integrated completion design used to overcome the subject field’s production challenges and will illustrate by an example how ICDs, ICVs, HLWM, and ESPs accomplished that goal. The integrated completion system helps enhance/optimize well production, allowing for efficiently draining the reservoir; and maximizing production and recovery. This paper will also summarize adapting the IC solution to practice and field example tests of such an IC solution design.
Enhancing Reservoir Understanding by Utilizing Business Intelligence Workflows
Authors: Al-Taiban Ali , Al-Zawawi Ahmed S. , Al-Ghamdi Tareq , Abouheit Fouad , Al-Harbi Badr , Baier Uwe 
Published: September 2013

Abstract
Saudi Aramco Upstream data volumes have been exploding exponentially over the past few years. Reservoir engineers need to quickly analyze huge volumes of multidisciplinary data coming from multiple sources scattered across the upstream business, such as simulation, seismic, corporate database and real time data from intelligent fields. In addition, it is crucial to capture the scattered multidisciplinary experience that Saudi Aramco has across the upstream business. Multidisciplinary professionals are utilizing many expert systems that require specialized experience in their areas. It is very important to break these silos and bridge the gaps to capture all the scattered knowledge and experience in an integrated media to build shared understanding within multidisciplinary teams. Business intelligence provides a platform for guided processes and workflows that help to overcome these challenges.
The developed reservoir engineering business intelligence workflows will help engineers to analyze, visualize and report reservoir simulation results, production development scenarios and economics to enhance decision making process. This paper will discuss the Saudi Aramco methodology to develop reservoir engineering business intelligence workflows that utilize advanced data mining, visual analytics, and predictive analytics techniques. In addition, we will review several workflows that improve the process of history matching and prediction by rapidly identifying trends, anomalies, outliers and patterns in the reservoir simulation results.
A Practical Method of Predicting Chemical Scale Formation in Well Completions
Authors: Hamid Syed , De Jesus Orlando , Jacinto Carlos , Izetti Ronaldo , Pinto Hardy , Droguett Enrique , Edwards Chris , Cassidy Juanita , Zhang Haoyue , Dagenais Pete , Batocchio Marcelo 
Published: September 2013

Abstract
Scale formation in downhole tubular-flow passages can cause partial to complete plugging that will affect production or injection rates adversely. In an intelligent well completion in which the interval control valve (ICV) positions must be changed in order to control flow rate; the completion will become ineffective, if plugging of clearances prevents valve actuation. To mitigate these problems, a method to predict the potential rate of scale formation under realistic conditions has been developed.
This paper describes this method, which allows prediction of tool performance under scale-forming conditions for downhole applications. This semi-empirical method uses chemical data and flow fields generated by computational fluid dynamics (CFD) models for downhole tools. Chemical data are obtained from laboratory tests on coupons using brines matching the chemistry of connate fluids. Tests in a high-pressure, corrosion-resistant vessel over a range of high pressures (100 to 10,000 psi) and high temperatures (75 to 150°C) to simulate downhole well conditions have been conducted. Two test sets each with fluid at rest and where an impeller generates low velocity in the reaction vessel were conducted, ranging from 4 hours to 4 days with scaling rates determined from coupon weight gain. Concentrations in the range of 50% to 125% of the typical connate fluid concentration were used.
The laboratory test data are used with velocity field data to develop an artificial-intelligence-based mathematical model to determine scale formation rates. The model can be applied to any tool geometry as long as the operating conditions are within allowable limits of the model. The model also provides some insight into the mechanism of scale formation.
To verify accuracy, scale formation in a 4.5-inch interval control valve was predicted at high-pressure, high-temperature conditions at a low flow rate. Laboratory tests on the valve matched the model predictions reasonably well, enabling Petrobras to design a better completion and fluid-handling system for a pre-salt well.
Practical Considerations for Pressure Transient Analysis of Multi-Stage Fractured Horizontal Wells in Tight Sands
Authors: Buhidma Ismail M. , Habbtar Ali , Rahim Zillur 
Published: September 2013

Abstract
Multistage propped hydraulic fracturing is applied to horizontal wells in tight sand reservoirs to increase the productivity and ultimate recovery per well. This technique is credited with the increased contribution of tight gas portfolio as part of the unconventional gas revolution in the United States. Horizontal wells and hydraulic fractured wells alter the flow geometry around the wellbore, and their expected flow regimes are well documented in the pressure transient analysis literature. The two geometries have some common characteristics such as linear flow behavior. The combined effect of horizontal wells and multistage fractures adds to the degree of freedom in test interpretation and makes more difficult to get a unique interpretation. Therefore it is critical to get a pre stimulation flow capacity from pre frac test on vertical pilot hole or a post frac test of the same.
In this paper we compare and contrast the pressure transient response of the multistage fractured horizontal well to that of vertical fractured and un-fractured horizontal well. We show that multistage fractured horizontal well response can often be matched with either vertically fractured well or with fractured horizontal well. Our simulation show that the long term response of the different interpretation are similar as long as we use drainage area with the same gas in place.
The above discussion will be presented in light of our expereicne with several case histories from tight gas wells. In particular, an example depicted in the paper where three buildup tests are available: pre-frac and post-frac tests on the vertical hole and post multistage frac test on its horizontal side track shows the flow behavior, reservoir and fracture properties, long-term flow response and performance, and the importance and impact of correct modeling of the well configuration.
The paper contributes to a better understanding of the pressure transient behavior of the complex multistage fracture system and provides practical guidelines for the correct analysis and interpretation of its well test data.
Minimizing Asphaltene Precipitation in Malaysian Reservoir
Authors: Ali Buriro Muhammad , Shuker Muhannad Talib 
Published: September 2013

Abstract
Unstable Asphaltene is major concern in oil reservoir under CO2 Water alternating Gas injection due to its unrecoverable damage to reservoir and expensive treatments for production system. Therefore, the effective strategy to control Asphaltene precipitation should be the part of reservoir management. Dealing unstable Asphaltene in Malaysian reservoir was divided into three main parts that were evaluating Asphaltene colloidal stability, Asphaltene Prediction and Asphaltene prevention.
Solid Detection System was used to measure the stability and onset pressure of crude oil under reservoir conditions with different amount of gas injections. Various PVT experiments were performed in the laboratory using the PVT cell. PVT data obtained from PVT cell is then fitted with the reliable equation of state (EOS) to generate the Asphaltene phase envelopes.
An inhibitor design program was initiated and four inhibitors, Inhibitor A, Inhibitor B, Inhibitor C and Inhibitor D were selected to evaluate their performance in neutral, acidic and basic environment. Titration Test was performed to evaluate the inhibitor efficiency. Inhibitor B in acidic environment was then selected as efficient inhibitor to inject in situ to control Asphaltene precipitation with injection gas.
Using this strategy, Asphaltene precipitation is expected to be minimized which will keep the reservoir undamaged and will save large amount of remedial cost.
Successful Optimization of Utilizing Multiphase Flow Meters (MPFMs) for Multiple Wells with a Wide Range of Fluid Properties in South Ghawar
Authors: Al-Sheri Ayedh M. , Al-Buhassan Shaker A. , El-Zefzafy Ibrahim M. , Al-Khalifah Hamzah A. 
Published: September 2013

Abstract
As the overhead expenses for production was beginning to increase in the South Ghawar oil field, an operation optimization opportunity became a basic need to fully utilize resources. The optimization called for shutting down and mothballing of three gas-oil separation plants (GOSPs) and rerouting wells production to the nearest respective GOSP. This process was expected to have minor effect on the production potential of individual wells, due to subsequent increments in the length of the flow line. Evaluation of production potential for all the rerouted wells within a very short time was made possible through the installation and commissioning of two multiphase flow meters (MPFMs) per GOSP to cover low and high flow rate range producers. In a well-planned and executed campaign, each group of wells were rigorously tested through their designated MPFM, the results analyzed, compared with historical data and further assessed against results of downhole production logging and wellhead samples for validation 4.
This paper discusses the unique experience gathered and lessons learned during this major resource optimization program, starting from the selection of MPFM type to the fine-tuning of the MPFM parameters to fit a relatively wide spectrum of flow ranges by using appropriate geochemical and pressure-volume-temperature (PVT) data and to finally arrive at a fairly accurate production rate measurement for the field. Each step in this process presented a challenge for the implementation team that mandated tremendous analysis and teamwork to overcome these challenges.
Applying Artificial Intelligence Techniques to Develop Permeability Predictive Models using Mercury Injection Capillary-Pressure Data
Authors: Nooruddin Hasan A. , Anifowose Fatai , Abdulraheem Abdulazeez 
Published: September 2013

Abstract
Since the early stage of the oil industry, many authors have recognized the importance of capillary pressure measurements using the mercury injection method (MICP) method in estimating permeability values. For that reason, numerous permeability models have been developed and proposed in literature. MICP is a very popular technique to determine pore size distributions and pore-throat properties. The capillary pressure profiles determined using this method are influenced generally by certain parameters that are controlled by permeability, including: degree of sorting, pore size distributions and pore throat properties.
Since MICP offers direct relation to permeability-related information, a good estimation of permeability should be obtained. Most of the available correlations produce high errors when compared to actual permeability measurements. To address this issue, a feedforward neural network (ANN) model was developed to predict permeability from the MICP measurements. The neural network consists of two hidden layers with 15 neurons each and one output layer.
A dataset of 206 core samples were used to train the ANN model. The dataset was divided into three sets: 70% for training, 15% for internal validation, and 15% for blind testing. A variety of parameters — porosity, displacement pressure, Swanson parameter, Winland parameter, Dastidar parameter, Pittman parameter, and Purcell integration — were extracted from the MICP data and inputted to the ANN model. In the analysis to evaluate the developed model against conventional models, graphical and statistical comparisons were used to determine the best technique for use.
Comparison between permeability models available in literature and the developed ANN model indicated significant improvement with the proposed model. Error measures — including: maximum absolute percent error (MAE), average relative percent error (ARE), average absolute relative percent error (AARE), correlation coefficient (R2), standard deviation (SD) and root mean squares (RMSE) — were used as the basis for interpreting the results and evaluating the comparative performance of the models. The developed ANN model demonstrated a reduction of about 50% in AARE and RMSE. Correlation coefficient also improved from 0.91 for the best conventional model to 0.98.
Assessment and management of health risks related to the recycling of filter backwash water in drinking water production
Authors: Loret J. F. , Cossalter L. , Robert S. , Baudin I. , Conan M. , Charles P. 
Published: September 2013

Analytical campaigns were conducted on different drinking water treatment lines in order to characterize filter backwash water and assess the impact of recycling this water at the head of the plant. The pollutants identified in this water are essentially in the form of particles. Recycling this water may consequently increase the concentration of parameters such as turbidity, suspended solids, metals from coagulants and protozoa. On the other hand, no release of pesticides nor significant generation of disinfection by-products was observed during filter backwash with chlorinated water, in the conditions applied in France for chlorination.
A modeling approach based on the mass balance of Cryptosporidium oocysts was applied to estimate the impact of recycling on oocysts concentration in the inlet water. A risk of infection was then assessed for each recycling scenario. A similar approach was also applied for amoebae, which have the capacity to colonize filter media, and for metal residues from coagulants.
The results of this study demonstrate that two different situations have to be considered separately:
• In the case of treatment lines composed of separate sedimentation and filtration steps, recycling at the head of the treatment process, even with no treatment, has no significant consequence on the microbial quality of the inlet water, and generates no additional health risk for the consumer.
• In the case of treatment lines with no sedimentation step (direct filtration or UF used alone), recycling untreated water generates an excess of risk for the consumer which is not acceptable. Adding a coagulation / sedimentation step in the recycling circuit is sufficient in that case to keep the risk within acceptable limits.
Food Waste Disposal Units and their possible impact on sewer rat populations in the United Kingdom
Authors: Channon D. , Calderon S. , Groves L. , Torrance F. 
Published: September 2013

Sewer Rats (Rattus norvegicus) are opportunist occupiers of parts of underground sewerage networks. Their occupation in part depends upon their ability to scavenge food particles from faecal matter in the sewer flow. Food Waste Disposal Units, also called Garbage Grinders or Waste Macerators, are relatively uncommon in the United Kingdom (UK) but may become more common as pressure is put on other methods of waste disposal. Since these units put undigested food into the sewer network, some assessment needed to be made on any potential impacts on the sewer rodent population. This is important since policy relating to the acceptance of waste disposal units (WDUs) was based upon outputs. A selection of WDUs were acquired and a series of standardised tests were performed on a variety of food groups to assess whether the output of these units would represent a potential food resource for rats in sewers.
These results are presented graphically in the text, and show that a large proportion of the output would be available to rats.
Pre-Operative Assessment and Post-Operative Care in Elective Shoulder Surgery
Authors: Akhtar Ahsan , MacFarlane Robert J , Waseem Mohammad 
Published: September 2013

Pre-operative assessment is required prior to the majority of elective surgical procedures, primarily to ensure that the patient is fit to undergo surgery, whilst identifying issues that may need to be dealt with by the surgical or anaesthetic teams. The post-operative management of elective surgical patients begins during the peri-operative period and involves several health professionals. Appropriate monitoring and repeated clinical assessments are required in order for the signs of surgical complications to be recognised swiftly and adequately.This article examines the literature regarding pre-operative assessment in elective orthopaedic surgery and shoulder surgery, whilst also reviewing the essentials of peri- and post-operative care. The need to recognise common post-operative complications early and promptly is also evaluated, along with discussing thromboprophylaxis and post-operative analgesia following shoulder surgery.
Fractures of the Clavicle: An Overview
Authors: Donnelly Thomas D , MacFarlane Robert J , Nagy Mathias Thomas , Ralte Peter , Waseem Mohammad 
Published: September 2013

Fractures of the clavicle are a common injury and most often occur in younger individuals. For the most part, they have been historically treated conservatively with acceptable results. However, over recent years, more and more research is showing that operative treatment may decrease the rates of fracture complications and increase functional outcomes. This article first describes the classification of clavicle fractures and then reviews the literature over the past decades to form a conclusion regarding the appropriate management.A thorough literature review was performed on assessment of fractures of the clavicle, their classification and the outcomes following conservative treatment. Further literature was gathered regarding the surgical treatment of these fractures, including the methods of fixation and the surgical approaches used. Both conservative and surgical treatments were then compared and contrasted.The majority of recent data suggests that operative treatment may be more appropriate as it improves functional outcome and reduces the risk of complications such as non-union. This is particularly evident in mid shaft fractures, although more high grade evidence is needed to fully recommend this, especially regarding certain fractures of the medial and lateral clavicle.