bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An Interpretation of M-Site Hydraulic Fracture Diagnostic Results
Authors: Warpinski N. R. , Branagan P. T. , Peterson R. E. , Wolhart S. L. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
Experiments at the GRI/DOE M-Site have shown that hydraulic fractures have a considerable degree of complexity that is difficult to account for using current understanding. Several of the key features are reviewed and an attempt is made to examine them relative to fracture mechanics, elasticity, and fluid-flow mechanisms. Key features include unexpected fracture containment, multiple fracture strands, secondary and T-shaped fracturing, large pressure drops down the fracture, significant differences in microseismically imaged geometry as a result of fluid-system changes, unexpectedly large residual width/deformation measurements after unpropped fracturing, large discrepancies in fracture area (and, thus, volume) between imaging and modeling results, evidence of complexities in proppant transport, and measurement of a clearly defined fracture closure pressure using a pressure independent technique.
Evaluation of Fracturing Treatments in the Hassi Messaoud Field, Algeria
Authors: Bouazza L. , Ziada A. , Ramses W. , Boulatsel A. , Fragachan F.E. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
The Hassi-Messaoud field is a low permeability (0.5 - 10 md) average thick sandstone (Cambro-Ordovicien) reservoir covering an area of approximately 2500 km2. It is a flattened anticline and it is located on the north of the El-Biod - HassiMessaoud elevation formed by a sequence of horsts and grabens contained by faults in a submeridiene direction. The faults are in general SSW to NNE oriented and cross all the producing reservoir.
The producing reservoir is at a depth of 11,000 ft and consists of four distinct formations : R3, R2, Ra, in addition to a "zone d'alternance" (transition zone). The Ra is the main producing formation and it is subdivided into five different drains (layers) characterized by distinct petrophysical properties. Overall the field consists of 25 separate zones under pressure maintenance by means of water and/or gas injection. Fig. 1 shows the field different zones and a cross section of the Cambro Ordovicien formation.
Fracturing activities started in the Hassi-Messaoud field in the early sixties as a mean of increasing production. Few massive fractures were performed during the seventies and early eighties. Results were less than satisfactory.
Fracturing activities stopped from 1983 until 1990. This was a period for evaluation and understanding of the results. Activity resumed in 1990 and since over 150 wells have been fractured in the field.
This paper addresses the fracturing activities since it resumed in 1990. It briefly reviews the evolution of fracturing practices. It discusses the existing field limitations and challenges and their effects on fracturing treatment outcome.
An effort is made to match actual job pressures against model. The after fracturing production is presented including efforts to validate post fracture well performance using available pest fractures well tests. Decline rates are grouped in accordance to their severity and the reservoir conformance behavior. Finally, overall conclusions are presented together with recommendations for future treatments.
P. 459
Three-Dimensional Transport in Acid Fracturing Treatments: Theoretical Development and Consequences for Hydrocarbon Production
Authors: Romero J. , Gu H. , Gulrajani S.N. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
While the effect of two-dimensional (2D) proppant transport during hydraulic fracturing has been extensively studied and frequently debated, relatively little attention has been given to a similar consideration for acid fracturing treatments. In addition to fluid density differences and gravity-driven segregation, spatial variation of the acid temperature and of the rock chemical properties result in more complicated physical phenomena for acid fracturing. In addition, the acid diffusion in the fracture has been estimated empirically with no considerations being made to correctly model the acid flow across the fracture width. The etched width profile resulting from three-dimensional (3D) flow could be significantly different from that predicted by the one-dimensional (1 D), piston-like displacement normally included in acid fracture simulators. An important consequence of this variation in the etched pattern is a substantially different prediction of the fracture conductivity, and hence the post-stimulation hydrocarbon production. The acid flow in the fracture thus can affect the outcome of reservoir stimulation and must be considered when designing acid fracturing treatments.
The equations governing fluid flow are initially developed for a 2D pressure profile. These equations are coupled with the formulations for acid wall reaction, heat transfer and diffusion within the framework of a pseudo-3D hydraulic fracturing simulator. The theoretical formulation for acid transport across the fracture width is then presented and coupled with the equations for 2D acid flow. The equation of acid diffusion is then solved across the fracture width, hence solving the equations of fluid flow for three dimensions in the fracture. The resulting fracture geometry and conductivity are subsequently used with a reservoir simulator to illustrate the consequences of the 3D acid formulation on hydrocarbon production.
P. 475
Gel Dehydration During Extrusion Through Fractures
Authors: Seright R.S. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
Some of the most successful water shutoff treatments in fractured reservoirs used relatively large volumes of gel that extruded through fractures during the gel placement process. Laboratory experiments show that gel extrusion through fractures occurs at an unexpectedly low rate if the fracture conductivity or width is sufficiently small. This paper demonstrates that this low rate of gel propagation occurs because the gel dehydrates as it extrudes through fractures. Our experiments used a Cr(III)-acetate-HPAM gel that is commonly injected during field applications. In fractures with conductivities between 1 and 242 darcy-ft (effective average widths between 0.006 and 0.04 in.), the gel was concentrated (or dehydrated) and gel propagation was delayed by factors typically between 20 and 40 during the extrusion process. The gel dehydration effect became less pronounced as the fracture width increased. However, a fracture width around 0.4 in. was required to completely eliminate the effect.
For a given fracture conductivity, a minimum pressure gradient (i.e., a yield stress) was necessary to extrude gel through the fracture. A correlation was developed that provides a good estimate of the required pressure gradient for gel extrusion for a wide range of fracture conductivity and width values. For example, to extrude the gel with a pressure gradient less than 1 psi/ft, the fracture width should be at least 0.1 in. During gel extrusion through fractures of a given width, the pressure gradient and degree of gel dehydration were nearly independent of position and velocity during both radial and linear flow. During brine injection after gel placement, no significant gel washout occurred for fracture widths up to 0.4 in.
P. 487
High Velocity Gas Flow Effects in Porous Gas-Water System
Authors: Grigg Reid B. , Hwang Myung K. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
This paper deals with high-velocity gas flow behavior in gas-liquid systems. It reports results of non-Darcy flow experiments in single and two-phase flow in porous media. The effect of both mobile and immobile liquids is significant in both decreasing the effective permeability Keff and increasing the effective non-Darcy coefficient Beff. Mobile liquid seems to have greater effect on Keff and Beff than does immobile liquid, but the values are much more difficult to quantify. The Pe~ value for a serially connected composite core, as determined from a simple averaging equation, is experimentally validated. Finally, it is shown that resistivity measurement with material balance can be used to determine the brine saturation distribution along a composite core during an oil-going core flood test.
P. 203
An Abrasive Jetting Scale Removal System
Authors: Johnson Ashley , Eslinger David , Larsen Henrik 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
We describe a novel abrasive jet cleaning system for removing scale from production tubulars. By careful selection of abrasives we can remove the mineral growth without damage to the steel. We also describe a field test for the system where it ran back to back with mills, an impact hammer and water jetting tools.
The abrasive selection is a critical parameter in the performance of the system. Pure water jets will clean certain soft scales, although they tend to lift the growth off the tubular in large pieces which are not conducive to good hole cleaning. Some water jetting systems use acid to soften the scale, but this limits the applicability of the system. The use of sand as an abrasive is common for certain jetting applications, however this can damage the tubing of jewelery. We discuss the selection of the Sterling Beads to clean the scale without damaging the steel.
We also describe the first field test of the system, where it was run in a well to clean Aragonite scale from 2 3/8 in. tubing. Numerous milling and tools had been tried, but all had failed to clean the tubing, and most had been destroyed. As had other mechanical and water jetting systems. The new abrasive jetting system using Sterling Beads was run and cleaned the tubing at a high penetration rate with minimal damage to the plastic coating which had originally coated the production tubing and no damage to the steel itself.
P. 105
Effective Management of Coiled Tubing Workstrings
Authors: Conrad A. Bruce , Morrison Dan W. , Mullins Rufus 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
This paper discusses methods for prolonging the life of coiled tubing (CT) workstrings. The paper focuses on six consider?ations: fatigue management, string design choice, data acquisi?tion systems, corrosion prevention, mechanical damage preven?tion, and equipment choice.
This paper also presents case histories demonstrating that a focused tubing management program (TMP) can significantly reduce tubing failures. A TMP that was implemented in the Gulf of Mexico (GOM) area of operations reduced the tubing failure rate by 300%. The combined efforts of research, training, and field operations personnel helped prevent three predominant failure mechanisms: cycle fatigue, internal corrosion, and exter?nal corrosion. Computer programs based on derived fatigue algorithms were used to track the fatigue of all the strings in the theatre of operations.
This paper discusses the influence that high- and low-pressure applications can have on string design choice. The paper concludes by discussing ways in which the proper choice and maintenance of equipment can minimize cycle fatigue and prevent mechanical damage to coiled tubing.
High Strength Coiled Tubing
Authors: Badrak Robert P. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
An overview of higher strength coiled tubing is presented with the advantages and disadvantages associated with the higher strength grades. The advantages include increased tensile load, torsion, burst and collapse limits. These increased limits permit coiled tubing to be used to higher pressures, longer lengths and increased applications. The disadvantages include decreased ductility and toughness with increased susceptibility to environmental cracking.
Knowledge of these advantages and limitations permit safe use of these higher strength grades of coiled tubing. Data is presented on a commercially available 90 ksi minimum yield strength grade with initial test results of a new generation 100 ksi and 110 ksi yield strength grades.
P. 209
Neural Network Knowledge-Based Modeling of Rock Properties Based on Well Log Databases
Authors: Nikravesh Masoud 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
Analyzing data from well logs is often a complex and laborious process because a physical relationship cannot be established to show how the data are correlated. In this paper, we will develop the next generation of "intelligent" software that will extract rock properties and relevant reservoir information from well log databases. Our objective is to develop the next generation of "intelligent" software tools that will extract information from well log databases. The software will use fuzzy logic techniques because the data and our requirements are imperfect. In addition, it will use neural network techniques, since the functional structure of the data is unknown. In particular, the software will be used to group data into important data sets; extract and classify dominant and interesting patterns that exist between these data sets; discover secondary, tertiary and higher-order data patterns; and discover expected and unexpected structural relationships between data sets.
Permeability Modification of Diatomite During Hot Fluid Injection
Authors: Bhat S.K. , Kovscek A.R. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
One area of concern that has accompanied steam injection into diatomite for oil recovery is the evolution of permeability and porosity as silica dissolves in hot steam condensate and is redistributed on rock surfaces as condensate cools. Since grain size is quite fine and typical pore throat dimensions in diatomite range from roughly 1 to 6 m, dissolution of silica near pore throats should increase permeability drastically. Likewise, a small amount of deposition at pore throats will cause clogging.
Our goals are to improve understanding of the effects of mineral dissolution/reprecipitation in diatomite and to formulate permeability versus porosity relationships necessary for reservoir simulation. We employ a network model to gauge how evolving pore topology affects permeability and porosity. Hence, we calculate macroscopic trends by incorporating pore-level physics. The model is anchored to real rock through actual pore-throat and pore-body size distributions. Results indicate that plugging of the network and a corresponding decrease in permeability occur when moderate amounts of silica precipitate. Plugging is most severe for small values of network connectivity and large values of the pore-body to pore-throat aspect ratio.
When porosity change from 0 to 10 % is examined closely, it is found that permeability decrease correlates with porosity decrease according to a power-law expression with power-law exponents in the, range of 8 to 9. Such a power-law dependence has been measured previously by experiment. These values confirm the strong dependence of permeability on deposited silica. The dissolution process displays an equally strong dependence on porosity change and again permeability increases most dramatically for dissolution in networks with small values of connectivity and large values of the pore-throat to pore-body aspect ratio. Again, power-law expressions adequately describe permeability increase as a function of porosity for a moderate range of dissolution.
Improved Pump Run Time Using Snow Auto-Rotating Plunger (SARP) Pump
Authors: Houghton J.E. , Snow J.M. , Holland R.B. , Gibson H.L. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
Snow Auto-Rotating Plunger (SARP) pumps improved sucker rod pump performance at Aera Energy LLC's North Midway- Sunset Field. A program to install the SARP (a patented adapter that hydraulically rotates the pump plunger on each down stroke) was instituted in order to reduce subsurface maintenance costs associated with pulling and repairing worn down-hole pumps. The SARP induces random rotation of the plunger on each stroke promoting uniform wear. The pump's ability to wipe sand from between the plunger and barrel is enhanced by the rotation of the plunger, reducing the odds of the plunger galling or becoming stuck because of solids. When the pilot test was initiated in April 1995, the well pulling frequency was 2.04 pulls/well/year. In two years, pull frequency was reduced by 51% and pump repair costs were reduced 37%.
Increasing Heavy Oil Production Utilizing Dual String New Technology
Authors: Evans B. L. , Muth G. M. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
Increasing demand for heavy oil production worldwide has resulted in a strong effort by the petroleum industry to develop, through new technology, improved methods of pumping heavy (8–20 degrees API) oil producing wells. Recent technological changes in downhole pumping systems have shown that heavy oil production can be significantly increased through the use of modified conventional downhole pumps and dual tubing strings. In this system, one tubing string acts the "power string" and the second string serves as the "production string". This system utilizes modified conventional API insert pumps, tubing pumps and positive cavity pumps (PCP's). Reduced frictional forces can increase oil production, lower the loads on rods and surface equipment and decrease operating costs. High volumes of sand production are also possible with this new system. Rod corrosion can also be eliminated.
This paper describes the features of this new pumping system and presents the results of actual field installations in California and Venezuela.
Effects Of Grid Systems on Predicting Horizontal Well Productivity
Authors: Wan Jing , Penmatcha V.R. , Arbabi Sepehr , Aziza Khalid 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
This paper compares horizontal well performance simulated by a uniform coarse grid, a uniform fine grid, a nonuniform fine grid using the Peaceman's well model, and a non-uniform fine grid with explicit well modeling. An analytical solution is used to evaluate numerical solutions. We find that when a coarse grid is used to simulate a partially penetrating horizontal well, the fiow rate of the well is under-predicted, which means the well index calculated by Peaceman's method needs to be increased for the numerical simulator to predict the well productivity correctly. Peaceman's well model was developed for two-dimensional flow problems. Since these assumptions are violated for a partially penetrating horizontal well, Peaceman's formula does not accurately predict well performance. On the other hand, explicit modeling is a technique where the well blocks are of the same size as the well so that the well block pressure can be considered as the wellbore pressure. This eliminates the need for using a well index. However, our analysis shows that the non-uniform fine grid used for explicit modeling of wells, as reported in a recent paper, can lead to incorrect results. This is mainly because nonuniform grids can introduce large numerical errors into the computation of well block pressure which is made to be the same as the wellbore pressure, which is the explicit modeling technique. We demonstrate that the best way to obtain the correct well productivity is to use an appropriate analytical solution. When an analytical solution is not available, a uniform fine grid plus explicit well modeling can also yield correct results, but with large computational expense. We show that for such situations, use of non-uniform grids plus explicit modeling with uniform local grid refinement gives satisfactory results with reasonable computational costs. In this paper we also propose practical methods for calculating the correct well index.
A New Technology for the Metering of Low Quality Steam
Authors: Gagliano Thomas , Medizade Mason M. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
The use of saturated mixtures of water for the purpose of steam flooding is common to heavy oil production operations. These multi-phase flows require the implementation of technology to simultaneously meter the saturated gas and saturated liquid fractions comprising the flow to obtain accurate thermal allocation information. A new technology has been developed to serve this purpose. We have designed a measurement system to measure two phase fluid flows whose total volume flow rate is 85 to 100% gas (85-100 gas volume fraction (GVF)).. By carefully designing a system that is non-intrusive and flow regime independent, we have produced a metering technology that can accurately meter wet steam flows over a wide range of flow rates.
Field Testing of Dielectric Steam Quality Sensor
Authors: Griston Suzanne , Hutchinson Dan 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
Proper management of steamflood projects requires accurate information about the amount of heat input into the petroleum reservoir. A logical step toward obtaining this information is to meter the steam flow rate and quality directly at the injector wellhead. Numerous devices and methods have been developed and marketed over the past few decades to measure two-phase steam rate and quality.
Steam quality metering devices include a two-phase separator, orifice-choke in series, densitometers, dielectric sensors, and radiation detectors. Over the past ten years, with the exception of separator vessels, no steam quality metering device has proven to be commercially viable. However, recent application of dielectric (or impedance) sensor technology to steam quality measurement has shown promising results.
This paper presents results of field testing to evaluate the performance of a commercially available dielectric steam quality sensing device over an extended range of conditions. Overall accuracy of the device compared to separator vessel measurements is discussed. Recommended guidelines for sensor sizing and installation at injectors, to ensure reliable performance, are also presented.
Two-Phase Flow Splitting at Side-Branching Tees
Authors: Griston Suzanne , Choi Jai H. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
The primary function of a steam distribution system is to deliver uniform-quality steam at the desired rates to each injection well within a steamflood project area. Historically, the distribution system has included either side-branching or impacting tees to split the steam. However, both of these standard pipe junctions have been found to be inadequate for the distribution of two-phase steam.
Field tests were conducted to evaluate steam flow splitting through side-branching tees with and without a reduced diameter side-branch. The main objective was to obtain a better understanding of two-phase flow splitting at side-branching tees over a wide range of steam conditions. In addition, tests were conducted to evaluate the performance of modified side-branching tee designs.
This paper presents field test results for several different side-branching tee configurations, compares test results to other published studies, and discusses the relative merits and limitations of side-branching tees for steam flow splitting.
Disposal of NORM Waste in Salt Caverns
Authors: Veil J. A. , Smith K. P. , Tomasko D. , Elcock D. , Blunt D. , Williams G. P. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
Some types of oil and gas production and processing wastes contain naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORM). If NORM is present at concentrations above regulatory levels in oil field waste, the waste requires special disposal practices. The existing disposal options for wastes containing NORM are limited and costly. This paper evaluates the legality, technical feasibility, economics, and human health risk of disposing of NORM-contaminated oil field wastes in salt caverns. Cavern disposal of NORM waste is technically feasible and poses a very low human health risk. From a legal perspective, there are no "fatal flaws" that would prevent a state regulatory agency from approving cavern disposal of NORM. On the basis of the costs charged by caverns currently used for disposal of nonhazardous oil field waste (NOW), NORM waste disposal caverns could be cost competitive with existing NORM waste disposal methods when regulatory agencies approve the practice.