bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Improved Solids Control Technique for Onshore Drilling Operators in Trinidad
Authors: Sinanan Burt 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
For the first time in Trinidad's onshore drilling history, a "closed loop" chemically enhanced centrifugation has been added to a drilling rig's solid's control system. This technology termed "Dewatering" was implemented to achieve environmental, waste minimization and drilling operations benefits on the Carapal # 1 and Corosan #1 wells in the Catshill field, Central Block, Trinidad.
Data from Corosan #1 is presented and analyzed in this paper. Savings on waste minimization amounted to 3.2% of the well cost and savings on non-productive time / drilling operations amounted to 1.4% of the well cost. A total of 4.6 % of the actual well cost has been saved though dewatering of drilling mud and drilling waste.
This innovative means of solids controls and its results has sparked interest among many onshore Trinidad operators whose drilling programs target deeper than usual prospects. This project clarifies the methodology implemented and benefits attained in a locally novel approach to managing drilling mud and waste.
Towards Sustainabilty: The Trinidad and Tobago Scenario, focusing on Strategic Environmental Planning and Energy Policy
Authors: Rajnauth Jerome J. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
Sustainable Development is often viewed as economic entity and emphasis has been placed on fostering production growth, investment and market depth and breadth. The environmental, political and social dimensions have frequently been neglected. Therefore sustainable development should be viewed as a concept that frames the relationship between economics, environment, social and political dimensions in a radical new way. It demands both new ways of thinking and new designs for organizing at the international, national, organizational and individual level.
Trinidad and Tobago as a developing nation has been encouraging sustainability but key strategic environmental planning and energy policy issues are often neglected. These strategic environmental planning and energy policy issues are important to encourage not only the economics but also environmental, social and political dimensions of sustainable development.
This paper seeks to address some of the strategic environmental planning and energy policy issues that are pertinent in accomplishing sustainability. Strategic Environmental Planning issues of risk management, collaboration, business strategy and competitive advantage would be addressed as well as energy policy issues such as integration, renewable resources, efficiency in energy consumption and energy security.
Resolving Uncertainties in Historical Data and the Redevelopment of Mature Fields
Authors: Agbon I. S. , Aldana G. J. , Araque J. C. , Mendoza A. A. , Ramirez M. E. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
In Venezuela, a new national hydrocarbon policy has revitalized interest in increasing gas production. Activities have included the recovery of gas from matured fields, especially those with a history of pressure maintenance by gas injection. In some cases, there exist high uncertainties in the accuracy of the historical data (fluid production and injection, initial fluid properties and composition, etc.), leading to difficulties in estimating remaining gas reserves and the formulation of reliable field re-development plans.
This paper examines the problem of historical data uncertainties in the rejuvenation of mature fields. A volumetric balance analytical method is developed for estimating remaining field gas reserves in the face of data uncertainties. A matured field from San Tome, Venezuela is used as a case study. The paper concludes that the volumetric balance analytical method can be used to narrow the range of uncertainties in gas reserves estimation in addition to Monte Carlo simulation.
Scratching Additional Oil in South Sumatra Matured Oil Fields, Indonesia
Authors: Aprilian Salis , Kurnely Kun , Novian Kiagus 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
This paper disscusses a comprehensive study on scratching additional oil in the matured fields of Pertamina South Sumatra, Indonesia, by employing an integrated multidisciple synergy team and project management approaches. The teams consist of geophysicists, geologists, reservoir engineers, operation/production and facility engineers, and ones from supporting department such as finance, logistics, HSE, HRD, IT, etc. The project called Production Enhancement Projects (PEP) was established in 2001 and divided into phases.
The first phase of PEP that was assessing detailed subsurface and surface facilities data has been done successfully resulting in 45.6 MMBO of additional oil reserves within 12 selected existing matured fields. Besides, the upside potentials are identified as a surprising result of the study1). An extra investment was spent in developing appropriate plan and rejuvenating production infrastructures. However, a significant gain production was obtained through several successful twin drilling wells, outsteping, deepening, and workovers.
Plan of further development for each field has been proposed including the evaluation of economics and environment aspects by considering in-depth GGRP (geophysic-geology-reservor-production) study and intensive discussion among team leaders, team members, and management. After prioritizing the proposed work plan, several implementations of well work (such as: reopening; re-perforating; reparation; sidetracking, twin drilling; etc.) showed some successful results. In year 2002 two wells were drilled and resulted additional oil reserves up to 100 MMBO that proved the upside potentials of oil located in deep zones of the existing fields.
Optimizing the Number of Components in Tuning the Peng-Robinson Equation-of-State for Trinidad's Gas Condensates
Authors: Raffie Hosein , Tennyson Jagai 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
The volumetric performance of gas condensate reservoirs is needed for designing processing facilities. A tuned Equation-of-State can be used for suitable evaluations. The required data for tuning are dew-point pressure, gas produced, liquid dropout and gas deviation factor, which are experimentally derived from Constant Volume Depletion Tests. Tuning by regression is the most common form and involves adjustment of the questionable Equation-of-State Parameters so as to obtain the best match between predicted and experimental data. Publications on tuning have not demonstrated the effect of using varying number of components and fixed weight factors to apply for best prediction.
The Peng-Robinson Equation-of-State was tuned to match Constant Volume Depletion data for several Trinidad gas-condensate samples. The optimum number of components required for best prediction was investigated in stages, starting from C7+ and using three sets of tuning parameters. The upper and lower bounds for each tuning parameter were fixed so that they remain physically realistic. The weight factors assigned to each experimental data set were kept constant for every sample. Apart from liquid drop out, excellent predictions were obtained when Binary Interaction Coefficient between methane and the heavy carbon groups were tuned to match dew point pressure. By including the parameters of Oa and Ob for methane and Oa and Ob for the last carbon group excellent prediction of liquid drop out was attained.
This paper demonstrated that an optimum number of components are required for best prediction of Constant Volume Depletion data, with errors less than 10 %. The required number was different for each sample studied and varied from a minimum of C15+ to a maximum of C25+. A higher number can reduce this accuracy of prediction. Some consistency in tuning, with regards to tuning parameters and weight factors was also demonstrated and resulted in less time and effort required. This approach can be equally applied to other gas condensate samples.
A Look at Batch Drilling in Trinidad and Tobago
Authors: Boodoo Craig , Dwarkah Denison , Rajnauth Jerome 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
Over the last decade, batch drilling has become increasingly prevalent in the petroleum industry as large and small investors alike seek to increase their profit margin. The perception of many of these oil companies was to drill and complete wells in batches with the hope of significant reduction in developmental cost for the field. That is, similar hole sections of different wells were drilled one after the other, the thinking being that efficiency and profits would be greatly increased.
One would therefore ask the question: Could batch drilling be used to develop marginal amounts of petroleum reserves anywhere in the world?
With respect to the experiences in Trinidad and Tobago, we have seen from several batch drilling projects that this type of drilling exercise may not be economical because of the geological makeup of our reservoirs.
This paper looks at the experiences of two such batch-drilling projects in Trinidad and Tobago and explores the cost effectiveness of such drilling, in our very complex and uncertain geology.
Knowledge Management: Key Drivers For An E&P Program
Authors: Caligari Rubén 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
In many organizations, knowledge management (KM) plays a central role in the process of value creation, and terms such as "intellectual assets" are now popular in business literature. Sometimes, however, companies find it difficult to shape KM concepts into a specific program.
This paper presents a KM program developed and implemented for an E&P company. With solid management commitment, the program utilized currently available human resources and existing, installed technology. Three key drivers led to the program's success:
Moving from the abstract to the concrete: Identify KM advocates, and choose knowledge examples clearly linked to the bottom line.
Focusing on content rather than platforms: Define knowledge that is critical to the business, and identify those within the organization who can furnish that knowledge.
Promoting cultural change: Transform the cultural paradigm by redefining everyone's value in the organization.
Specific programs developed for knowledge sharing are discussed, as well as use statistics and the importance of incentives. In spite of the difficulties in identifying program results, the need to define metrics is also addressed. Finally, results, difficulties and challenges faced during the first year of implementation are described.
The Top 10 Lost Circulation Concerns in Deepwater Drilling
Authors: Power David , Ivan Catalin D. , Brooks Steve W. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
Many of the technical challenges of drilling in deepwater have been well documented in the literature. One of the primary concerns is the narrow operating window between pore pressure and fracture gradient that often results in major fluid losses when drilling, running casing, and cementing. Deepwater fracture gradients are typically much lower than those encountered onshore or in shallow water (Fig. 1) thus preventing losses in deepwater can be more difficult.
Failure to minimize lost circulation can greatly increase the already high cost of drilling, as well as risking loss of the well. Successful management of lost circulation in deepwater should incorporate identification of potential loss zones, optimization of drilling hydraulics, and clear, easy to follow procedures should lost circulation be encountered.
The aim of this paper is to review the top 10 concerns associated with lost circulation in deepwater environments. This top 10 list addresses the causes of lost circulation and recommended solutions for managing these problems. Based on experience in various deepwater basins around the world, including the Gulf of Mexico, Brazil, and West Africa, the top 10 concerns are (1) sub-salt rubble zones, (2) locating loss zones, (3) seepage losses, (4) drilling, running casing and cementing with synthetic-based drilling fluid, (5) drilling practices, excessive rate of penetration and hole conditions, (6) wellbore breathing (ballooning), (7) low temperature drilling fluid rheology, (8) inadequate shoe tests, (9) synthetic-based fluid compressibility, and (10) well control.
Improving Desalting Performance By Installing Proprietary Internals In An Existing Vessel- A Case History
Authors: Movafaghian Shaya , Chen James , Collins Tom 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
An existing desalting train at U.S. Golf Coast region refinery was consuming excessive chemicals and encountering frequent operation and maintenance problems. Effluent water from the desalter also contained high oil concentration which overtaxed refinery's waste water treatment plant.
After careful evaluation and analysis of the existing desalting system, replacement and modification of the vessel internal was recommended.
This paper is a testimony to the performance of the Bilectric™* desalter and its operational and economic advantages. The payback for the capital investment was less than one year and economic justification was proven by several months of actual operating data. Some of the saving sources reported by the refiner were, lower chemicals usage, lower power consumption, lower oil concentration in the effluent water and lower maintenance cost.
Improving Wellbore And Formation Cleaning Efficiencies With Environmental Solvents And Pickling Solutions
Authors: Curtis James , Kalfayan Leonard 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
The purpose of a chemical stimulation treatment, be it based on acid, solvent, or other systems, is to remove formation damage and increase productivity/injectivity, by restoring or improving the reservoir permeability in the near-wellbore region. A fundamental preliminary step in most successful matrix stimulations is a tubing cleanout commonly referred to as a pickling treatment. A tubing pickle is often necessary to remove mill scale, rust and other iron deposits from the tubular walls, in order to prevent their injection into the reservoir with detrimental effects to permeability. The pickling treatment also prevents the spending of the subsequent chemical treatment; the creation and injection of damaging precipitates; and the formation of iron-induced sludge in the reservoir. Common pickling solutions include corrosive hydrochloric or acetic acid. Additionally, the pickling solution often contains a hazardous organic solvent and surfactants to remove asphaltene or wax deposits and damaging pipe dope residues.
Such hazardous pickling solution is reversed out of the tubing and recovered at surface where it must be neutralized, treated and properly disposed of. The surface handling of the recovered pickling solution poses significant safety and environmental hazards, due to its acidity and toxicity. A very common hazard is the release of deadly hydrogen sulfide gas in the return tank due to the reaction of the acid with iron sulfide scale deposits in the tubing.
This paper discusses the use of a neutral pickling solution, containing environmentally favorable derusting oxidizers, surfactants and solvent solutions/dispersions, which also prevent the liberation of hydrogen sulfide gas. This paper also presents an analysis of the chemical mechanisms of this solution, some treatment design guidelines, and its technical, safety, environmental and economic benefits, compared to conventional pickling solutions. An environmentally-favorable solvent replacement for the conventional aromatic solvent will also be discussed. Successful case histories in a variety of environmental pickling and other applications will be reviewed.
Effects of Permeability and Wettability Heterogeneities on Flow in Porous Media
Authors: Marcelle-De Silva Jill , Dawe Richard A 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
Waterflooding is the most widely used form of enhancing oil production from oil and gas reservoirs. Since all hydrocarbon reservoirs are heterogeneous, it is necessary to understand the physics associated with flow in these reservoirs to better predict production performance, and to allow for the proper placement of injection and production wells. This paper focuses on effects of well-defined heterogeneities on the immiscible displacement processes.
Flow experiments were performed using two-dimensional visual models packed with unconsolidated glass beads, and having carefully controlled permeability and wettability heterogeneities. The immiscible displacement experiments demonstrated the significant effect of such permeability and wettability heterogeneities on flow patterns, residual saturations and recoveries. In some instances, during waterflooding experiments, high permeability regions were bypassed due to capillary pressure differences. Nodal crossflow was also observed.
These results can be used to validate the results of numerical simulators and x-ray CT scanning. They can also be used to assist in the understanding of actual reservoir production performance under immiscible type displacement processes.
Advanced Cutting Structure Improves PDC Bit Performance in Hard and Abrasive Drilling Environments
Authors: Mensa-Wilmot Graham , Penrose Bill 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
The performances of PDC bits in hard formations, especially when these formations are also abrasive, still lack effectiveness and consistency. In such applications, the industry has usually resorted to the use of "insert type" roller cone (RC) and impregnated diamond bits (ID) – due primarily to their performance consistencies.
Impregnated bits, usually, exhibit the durability characteristics needed to drill long footages in hard and abrasive formations. However, due to their grinding rock removal action, penetration rates (ROP) are typically low, commonly in the (3 – 9 fph) range. These low ROPs experience rapid deteriorations, once argillaceous and/or shale bearing formations are encountered. These conditions reduce the operational efficiency of impregnated bits, driving up drilling costs.
From an ROP perspective, roller cone bits perform better (6 – 12 fph) than impregnated bits in hard and abrasive formations. In addition, the ROPs of RC bits experience minimal decay in argillaceous and/or shale bearing formations. However RC bits are commonly tripped on hours and, do not exhibit the longevity needed for hard and abrasive environments. Considering the depths at which such hard and abrasive formations are usually encountered, trips increase operational hours, HSE risk and thus substantially add to drilling cost.
Due to their depositional depths, hard and abrasive formations are sometimes encountered in HP/HT environments. This condition often necessitates the use of high mud weights, or BHA's that incorporate high speed drive mechanisms - PDMs or turbo-drills. Such conditions, necessary to improve operational efficiency, further complicate the drilling environment - affecting the ROP and/or durability of all drill bits.
This paper discusses an innovative PDC bit, which has specifically been developed to improve operational efficiency in hard and abrasive formations. This new generation PDC bit effectively addresses the ROP limitations of impregnated bits, as well as the footage deficiencies of roller cone bits. In addition, these bits have been developed to be effective, even when hard abrasive formations are drilled with high mud weights and/or with high speed drive mechanisms.
The Ocean Drilling Program: Leg 207
Authors: Radford T. S. , Radford S. S. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
The Ocean Drilling Program, ODP, will end in 2003 when it will be replaced by the Integrated Ocean Drilling program.
Leg 207 is the first of the last group of 4 legs to be drilled by the ship JOIDES RESOLUTION.
From January to March 2003 4 sites are being explored on the Demerara Rise on the Surinam Margin, Western Equatorial Atlantic Ocean.
Water depths range from 1895 to 3215 metres. The sites have been imaged with high resolution, multichannel seismic lines supplemented by industry lines.
Stratigraphic control is provided by Site 144 of the Deep Sea Drilling Project Leg 14, Shell well Demerara A2-1 and Paleogene cores from the METEOR cruise 49/4.
Oozes, chalks and black shales from an expanded Cretaceous - Paleogene section at shallow burial depths are being investigated for stratigraphic boundaries and Oceanic Anoxic Events.
These results will be of significance to deepwater exploration for hydrocarbons offshore Trinidad, Venezuela and the Guianas.
A Novel Approach to Hydrogen Sulfide Removal From Natural Gas
Authors: Fidler Brandy R. , Sublette Kerry L. , Jenneman Gary E. , Bala Greg A. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
Sulfide removal is a significant problem in the oil and gas industry. Some of the problems presented by sulfides include environmental compliance, toxicity, corrosion, reduced efficiency of fluid handling equipment, offensive odor, reduced value of products, and increased operation costs. Microbial oxidation of sulfides offers the potential for a safe, cost-effective method of removing sulfides from natural gas, sour water, spent-sulfidic caustic, etc. The purpose of this study is the development of an efficient and economically viable bioreactor system for sulfide oxidation. The application of immediate interest is the removal of H2S from "stranded" natural gas.
The immobilization matrix Bio-Sep® has previously been used for successful biotreatment of BTEX-contaminated groundwater. In this study, a special sorbent has been added to Bio-Sep® to adsorb sulfide while still maintaining the desirable physical properties of the original beads. Thiobacillus denitrificans is a sulfide-oxidizing autotroph which may use either oxygen or nitrate as a terminal electron acceptor. Thiosulfate, elemental sulfur, or sulfide may be used as an energy source for T. denitrificans and each are oxidized to sulfate. Previously, suspended cultures of T. denitrificans were shown to remove H2S from a gas stream with 1-2 s of gas-liquid contact time. However, the volumetric productivity of suspended cultures was insufficient to lead to an economically viable bioreactor design due to low biomass concentrations. In order to increase biomass concentration and volumetric productivity T. denitrificans has been immobilized in both standard Bio-Sep® and the new sulfide-sorbing version (Bio-Sep®S). The two matrices will be compared according to their ability to immobilize this sulfide-oxidizing culture and increase biomass concentration and volumetric productivity.
In-Situ Thermal Remediation of Contaminant Below the Water Table
Authors: Elliott Lucas J. , Pope Gary A. , Johns Russell T. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
In-Situ Thermal Desorption (ISTD) is a soil heating remediation technology currently applied primarily to remove organic contaminants from the vadose zone. It has been shown to be effective in the clean up of a wide range of contaminants from volatile organics to heavy oils. A removal on the order of 99.99% of the contaminants has been documented in several field tests. This is a very robust technology that could prove invaluable in the remediation of saturated zone contamination. To date, however, there has been little research into the feasibility of its application when contaminants are located in the saturated zone. To this end, two-dimensional numerical simulations using a commercial reservoir simulator were performed. The contaminant type, aquifer permeability, and hydraulic gradient are some of the factors that may affect the use of ISTD in the saturated zone. Simulations were run varying these parameters to ascertain their effects upon process performance. The results show that it is possible to use ISTD in the saturated zone and that the remediation time is dependent upon these factors.