bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sensitive Biological Habitats and Resources in the Gulf of Mexico: Environment Issues and Concerns for the Regulation of the Petroleum Industry
Authors: Avent R. M. , Rogers R. M. 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACT
The Minerals Management Service (MMS) has oversight for leasing, exploration, and development of mineral resources on submerged Federal lands on the U.S. Outer Continental Shelf (OCS). The MMS Environmental Studies Program was initiated in 1973 to provide a management information base in support of oil and gas operations activity on the OCS. Some of the environmental issues in the Gulf of Mexico relating to biological and habitat resources of special concern are discussed here. These include "live-bottom" habitats, coral reefs, "pinnacle trends," submerged banks, seagrass beds, deep-water chemosynthetic communities, and protected species. Described here are the reasons for concern, including legal mandates and special environmental significance, and governmental action taken.
Bottomhole Assembly Design and Response on Statfjord CO2 Extended Reach Well
Authors: Tjoetta Helge , Blikra Harald , Hardman Paul , Gibbins Chris , Skjelvik Håkon 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACT
Well 33/9-C02 with its horizontal Teach of 7290m is a new world record in extended reach drilling The well was drilled from the Statfjord C platform in the Norwegian sector of the North Sea and has a total length of 8761m. The partnership established between the operator and the service company was key to the development of a successful directional drilling strategy. This paper examines bottomhole assembly design and performance in the key sections of this technically challenging well.
An Automated System for Predicting Drilling Performance
Authors: Whelehan O. P. , Thorogood J. L. 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACT
Drilling time is a major component of well cost. Accurate time forecasting is thus a prerequisite to effective performance analysis aimed at systematic improvement. This paper describes a novel time forecasting system based on a detailed and coherent model of drilling time which underlies daily reporting, performance analysis and forecasting. The methodology has been automated in a drilling information system providing engineers with a powerful analysis tool on their desktops.
Gas Kick Simulation Study for Horizontal Wells
Authors: Wang Zhihua , Peden J. M. , Lemanczyk R. Z. 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACT
This paper presents a gas kick simulation model for horizontal and conventional wells. The model is based on the solution of the appropriate mass and pressure balance equations. The unique aspect of this model is the coupling of the fluid flow in the horizontal section with the gas influx from the formation. Two particular kick control scenarios are presented. The simulation results demonstrate that the actual horizontal drilling situation, actions taken immediately upon kick detection, and operations during kick development all have an effect on the development of the kick profile along the wellbore, which in turn has significant impact on the pressure build-up during the shut-in period and the subsequent kick circulation operations.
Analyzing and Understanding the Underground Blowout
Authors: Grace R. D. 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACT
The underground blowout can be the most difficult, dangerous, and destructive situation in well control. If the blowout is shallow, cratering can result and endanger the lives of all involved. The underground blowout is often denied since the usual manifestations of a blowout is hidden from view. It is imperative that the blowout be recognized and diagnosed as soon as possible. This paper examines actual case histories of numerous underground blowouts. The techniques used to understand the blowouts are presented. Specifically, analyses of surface pressures, temperature surveys, and noise logs on these specific blowouts are presented and discussed.
The paper illustrates how the analyses of surface pressure data and temperature surveys are very definitive in understanding the underground blowout. In the cases studied, the noise log interpretation is shown to be confusing and inconsistent.
Innovative Advances in MWD
Authors: Martin C. A. , Philo R. M. , Decker D. P. , Burgess T. M. 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACT
At the 1991 SPE Forum on MWD, participants expressed the need for more reliable tools, higher data rates and lower cost operations. This paper describes the efforts of one service company to meet those needs.
A new tool was specified to meet a goal of 1000 hours Mean Time Between Failure (MTBF). Significant improvements in tool reliability have been achieved through a combination of new design, simplified maintenance procedures and operating practices. Innovative design features of mechanical and electrical components, including system testing, have nearly eliminated failures associated with manufacturing. For the first time in the industry, this tool can communicate with other downhole components through the use of wireless telemetry. This gives the ability to place other drilling tools between the MWD pulser and other measurement tools. The operating range of the tool has been extended to 175°C to be able to perform in high temperature wells. New technology has helped simplify maintenance procedures.
The recent increase in the number of downhole logging measurements, and the development of geosteering techniques, have resulted in a need to increase the real time telemetry data rate so that geologists and petrophysicists can have access to higher resolution logs in real time. An order of magnitude improvement has been achieved by a combination of new design features and data compression.
Operating costs have been reduced by:
– improved reliability which minimizes trips to change failed tools – increased data rate which means that high resolution resistivity and porosity logs can be achieved in real time at faster penetration rates – two-way communication which means that the operator can switch focus from drilling mechanics to formation evaluation without tripping to change the tool – significantly reducing downtime through innovative processing which enables directional surveys to be made while rotating
Field examples are shown from N. America and the North Sea which illustrate these points.
Improvement in Drilling Efficiency With Performance Power Head Section Motors
Authors: Dugas J. J. , Califf B. C. , Chappell J. W. 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACT
Making better use of available hydraulic power, while improving mud motor life, can result in a significant increase in ROP and reduction in overall drilling costs. This paper shows how the need for improvement in mud motor performance was addressed, using existing, proven technology in a creative new way. A new mud motor design has resulted in a dramatic ROP increase and a significant reduction in operator cost on recent wells in the Austin Chalk.
Orwell Field: Case History of a Low-Cost Subsea Development in the Southern North Sea
Authors: Swale A. M. , Vass Malcolm 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACT
This paper presents an overview of the development of the Orwell gas field in the UK Southern North Sea. The production of first gas from the field in early August 1993, only 18 months after starting conceptual design and 13 months after receiving UK Government approval, has set a North Sea record in’ fast track developments, and highlighted the benefits of combining existing drilling and subsea technology.
Underbalanced Drilling Through Oil Production Zones With Stable Foam in Oman
Authors: Kitsios Efstathios , Quaresma Vitor , Rovig J.W. , Reynolds Elaine 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
In July of 1992, Petroleum Development Oman embarked on a series of field trials to assess the operational feasibility and commercial benefits of drilling depleted oil production zones under balanced with "stable foam". These trials called for a review of standard well control philosophies and practices, and the incorporation of a flow control concept. Three trials have been conducted, the first in a vertical well and the others in horizontal wells. Two of the trials were performed successfully and productivity results are encouraging. The third foam trial had to be discontinued due to sloughing shales in the horizontal section. More trials are planned to enable the quantification of commercial' benefits.

Introduction
Within several of the existing fields in Oman, reservoir pressures have dropped substantially to levels below the hydrostatic pressure exerted by conventional water based drilling fluids, causing significant fluid filtrate invasion during drilling operations. It is known that fluid invasion into the reservoir can lead to formation damage and well productivity impairment. Furthermore, in some fields like Fahud (fractured carbonate reservoir), the large pressure overbalance during conventional drilling causes lost circulation. When this occurs, water is pumped down the annulus in addition to the water being pumped down the drill string so as to prevent gas influx while drilling.
Typically, for an 800 m 6 1/8" horizontal section in the Fahud field with lost circulation at the start of the section, about 10–25,000m3 of water and 15–25 m3 of cuttings (depending on the extend of overgauge hole) are lost into the reservoir. Consequently, the wells take between 2–6 months to produce back the drilling water and reach peak oil production. It is also believed that this formation damage leads to reduced ultimate oil production.
Fluid and solids invasion into the reservoir can be prevented by drilling at balanced or under balanced conditions. Following a study of air-assisted drilling fluid systems and the development of well control procedures, Petroleum Development Oman conducted three field trials with under balanced drilling through oil bearing reservoirs between July 1992 and September 1993.
Onshore Exploration and Development of California Offshore Resources Through Extended Reach Drilling
Authors: Starzer M. R. , Mount P. B. , Voskanian M. M. 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACT
Advances in drilling technology now enable the exploration for and development of offshore oil and gas resources without the installation of facilities and wells in offshore marine environments. This paper will discuss the resource potential for California tide and submerged lands (tidelands) and recent trends to develop this potential while providing increased environmental protection using "extended reach drilling" from existing onshore (upland) sites. Investigation of the economic feasibility as well as the regulatory and permitting process in developing California's offshore resources through this drilling method will be presented. A prototype upland extended reach drilling development will be discussed for the South Ellwood Offshore Field, Santa Barbara County. This concept, entitled "Clearview," has been endorsed by the staff of the State Lands Commission, local business groups and is actively promoted by the lessee, Mobil Oil Corporation. The aspects of the Clearview Project which make expanded development of the South Ellwood Offshore Field possible will be reviewed.
This paper will examine past trends that shaped California offshore resource development policy and recent circumstances leading to the support of upland extended reach drilling. Royalty revenue sharing with impacted coastal communities may increase the likelihood of development using extended reach drilling and is presently under consideration by the staff of the State Lands Commission (SLC), the agency responsible for the development of tideland oil and gas resources in California.
An Integrated Approach to Drilling Dynamics Planning, Identification, and Control
Authors: Nicholson J. W. 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACT
An integrated approach for eliminating or preventing severe drilling dynamics dysfunctions is presented. The method involves drilling dynamic analysis and planning, real-time monitoring, and interpretation and control of tricone bit bouncing, bottomhole assembly (BHA) buckling and lateral vibrations, and stick-slip torsional oscillations, although it is expected that this list will expand as the understanding of drilling dynamics phenomena increases. Several field examples, each resulting in improved drilling performance, illustrate the method. It is recommended that the service industry adopt an integrated approach towards drilling vibration control.
Performance Drilling: A Practical Solution to Drillstring Vibration
Authors: Gallagher John , Waller Mike , Ruszka John 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACT
Recent research has greatly enhanced the industry's appreciation of drillstring dynamic behaviour but, as is often the case, this work has raised more questions than it has answered. Now that the inherent limitations of rotary drilling are better understood, the search is on for a means of closing the ‘efficiency gap’, ie, the shortfall between the performance levels that should be achievable with sophisticated modern bits and the uncertain, frequently disappointing, results that are seen in the field.
This paper describes how contemporary mud motor technology can be applied to drastically reduce the efficiency gap by the simple expedient of providing the bit with the operating conditions for which it was designed, rather than the harsh and destructive environment imposed by rotary drillstring vibration.
Oil Mud Replacement Successfully Drills South Texas Lower Wilcox Formation
Authors: Hasley J. R. , Dunn K. E. , Reinhardt W. R. , Carter T. S. , Duncan W. M. 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACT
A water-base drilling fluid treated with a special additive has successfully replaced the diesel oil base muds (DOBM) on a series of wells drilled in the South Texas Lower Wilcox formation. Until recently, a relaxed fluid loss DOBM mud was used in this hole interval because It provided improved hole stability and higher penetration rates at favorable economics. The only problem the DOBM mud did not solve was environmental. The cuttings were coated with oil and high salinity brine and therefore had to be treated before they could be disposed of locally. Efforts to find an environmentally safe DOBM mud replacement have resulted in the development of a special additive for water base muds. It offers a significant reduction in total well cost by increasing the rate of penetration and reducing the mud and cuttings disposal costs.
This paper will discuss the field development and use of this special drilling fluid additive that provides improved performance characteristics when compared to traditional, economic, environmentally safe water-based mud systems. Over 45 wells have been drilled with this new water-base drilling fluid additive. In some areas, the average rate of penetration, including connection time, has increased 30% over the DOBM average. The rotating hours required to drill an interval from 1500 - 3000 feet in length with 14.0 - 16.0 ppg mud have been reduced accordingly. Total well costs have been reduced by 20 percent. The authors provide data on how to optimize water-base mud formulations, special additive maintenance treatments, mud solids management and bit performance utilized on this successful South Texas drilling program.
The Design and Field Implementation of a Drilling Hydraulics Application for Drilling Optimization
Authors: Swanson B. W. , Thorogood J. L. , Gardner Andrew 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
Optimum drilling conditions have to date been determined using either trial and error at the rigsite or by repetitive and time consuming calculations, generally involving a number of different PC based programs. Calculating optimum drilling fluid flowrate conditions to ensure the highest possible penetration rate for example, involves manipulating variables such as drillstring configuration, nozzle diameters and mud properties to satisfy constraints such as the ability to clean the hole, bit specific energy, system pressure distribution and rig capability. This optimization process is ideally suited to automation, however, the number of variables and constraints on the problem requires careful design of the user interface.
This paper describes the development of a Hydraulics and Hole Cleaning Application which combines the use of X-window graphical features in an interface with engineering models that faithfully describe hydraulics and hole cleaning. The application uses the engineering models, derived from extensive research, to provide a rapid assessment of operating parameters such as pump pressure, pressure at the previous casing shoe and cuttings cleaning capacity and provides a graphical summary of this information for comparison with drilling constraints. It thus provides an environment for rapid determination of optimum operating conditions.
Described in the paper are the processes employed to translate the routine drilling engineering task into an application oriented to the drilling engineer in the field. This was largely achieved through the design of the user interface. The paper describes the evolution of a number of the features of the interface from original concepts and specifications which were modified as feedback from field use became available. The structure of the current application is described together with examples of typical field output.
Matrix Stimulation: Automation of Treatment Design
Authors: Mininni Simonetta , Cherri Roberto , Cosenza Giacomo , Tambini Mauro 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
This paper presents a knowledge-based system for designing matrix stimulation operations. The two main points in carrying out such a design are to define the technical/economic objectives to be reached and the injection parameters that optimize stimulation. The system takes into consideration these points and generates a matrix stimulation program that includes treatment, spacer and displacement fluids, operating procedures, equipment, reference injection parameters and, finally, diagrams to evaluate the removal of damage during the execution of the job. Expert knowledge has been formalized and implemented using a built-in-house classification shell. The system, preliminarily validated at company headquarters, has been delivered to the operating districts where it is routinely used. The system is part of a more comprehensive project, called PROGRESS (PRoduction Optimization inteGRated Expert SystemS), aimed at providing a decision support system for well production optimization.
Neural Networks: A New Tool for the Petroleum Industry?
Authors: Ali J. K. 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACTRecent advances in neural networks have provided computers (and machines) with intuition - the ability to produce a reasonable result to a problem which is intractable, or unreasonably hard, to deal with by formal logical means. Neural networks can learn complex nonlinear relationships, even when the input information is noisy and less precise. Neural networks have made strong advances in pattern recognition, classification of noisy data, nonlinear feature detection, market forecasting and process modelling. These abilities make the neural network technology very well suited for solving problems in the petroleum industry.The aim of this paper is to give a synopsis of the areas of petroleum technology in which neural networks have been used with success, and to discuss other potential areas of application. Some of the examples include seismic pattern recognition, permeability predictions, identification of sandstone lithofacies, drill bit diagnosis and analysis and improvement of gas well production. Neural networks technology could also contribute significantly to the analysis, prediction and optimisation of well performance, integrated reservoir characterisation and portfolio management.Although there has been some advances on the design of optimal network structures, it is still largely an art to determine the best paradigm. The paper highlights key factors in the design or selection of neural networks and the limitations of the commonly used models. It also discusses the use of hybrid expert networks which combine neural networks with rule-based reasoning and fuzzy logic for general decision-making operations.
Functional Integration in Design and Use of a Computer-Based System for Design of Statistical Experiments
Authors: Larsen E. A. , Kristoffersen Steinar , Egeland Thore 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
This paper describes computer science aspects of the design of computational tools for petroleum engineers. Our research is based on three systems. We conclude that while integration may be beneficial, it should not be overdone. The user's interpretation of data should be taken into account before integrations are decided on.
Logging and Perforating Operations Utilizing Coiled Tubing in a 25,000-ft MD, High-Angle Well
Authors: Hennington E. R. , Smith Ian , MacDougall I. D. , Fordyce R. S. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
A North Sea well has been planned to recover gas/condensate reserves utilising a wellbore drilled to a depth of approximately 25,000’, reaching a maximum hole angle of 78 degrees. A monobore completion will be installed. Coiled tubing has been determined the best option to convey cased hole, electric-line logging tools and to deploy an expendable TCP assembly for under balance perforating. This paper discusses the engineering undertaken to apply proven coiled tubing technology to this difficult completion operation.
The Application of Core and Well Testing to Fracture Acidizing Treatment Design: A Case Study
Authors: Van Domelen M. S. , Gdanski R. D. , Finley D. B. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
This paper describes the design and evaluation process for a large fracture acidizing treatment performed in a high-temperature (275° F), high-closure stress (8,000 psi), limestone formation. The subject treatment was one of several that were performed in a single gas unit. Well behavior during and after each treatment was used to optimize later treatments.
Core testing was performed to evaluate the formation’s reactivity and to characterize the etching characteristics. A fracture acidizing computer model was used to simulate potential treatment options. Both pre- and post-fracturing pressure buildup tests were performed to evaluate the formation characteristics and measure the success of the fracture acidizing treatment. Treating pressure analysis was also used to evaluate aspects of the treatment such as fluid efficiency and fracture propagation.
There was excellent agreement between the predicted and achieved fracture parameters (fracture length and conductivity as indicated by post-fracturing buildup).
Based upon the simultaneous use of core and well testing, it was possible to identify the areas of improvement for future treatments.
Permeability Determination from Well Logs and Core Data
Authors: Johnson W. W. 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACT
This paper discusses a methodology for accurately estimating permeability from well log devices, with commonly available core and log data. Core permeability and porosity data are used to identify three or four different hydraulic zones (HZ's) with unique pore structures. Logging tools are selected that show different responses for each hydraulic zone. Multidimensional databases are constructed that relate three or four logging values to core permeability to provide relationships for permeability prediction from logs where core is not available. Predictions are more accurate than with other methods because permeability transforms are provided for each pore type and because pore throat size is considered. Well log permeability estimations derived by this method are used to map permeabilities for improved reservoir simulation models, to improve well test permeability estimation, and to optimize well completions. This technique can be applied in either vertical or horizontal wells.