bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
New Roller Cone Bits with Unique Nozzle Designs Reduce Drilling Costs
Authors: Moffitt S. R. , Pearce D. E. , Ivie C. R. 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACT
Selection of the optimum rock bit design to achieve the lowest drilling cost in a given application is often difficult due to a large number of rock bit performance considerations. However, in a majority of applications increased penetration rate is the key consideration in reducing drilling costs. Discovery of a new bit design concept has led to the development of roller cone bits that achieve significant penetration rate increases using superior hydraulic nozzle designs.
Prototype designs have achieved 20 to 40% increases in penetration rate with comparable footage drilled when tested in 6½, 8½, 8-3/4, 9-7/8 and 12¼ IADC 437, 517 and 537 type bits in the U.S., North Sea, Italy, and Oman. Second-generation designs tested in a full-scale drilling laboratory have delivered 70% increases in penetration rates.
Analysis of Buoyancy-Assisted Casings and Liners in Mega-Reach Wells
Authors: Ruddy K. E. , Hill Douglas 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACT
This paper presents an analysis of the drag in extended- and mega-reach wells. An extended-reach well has been defined as any well with a measured depth to true vertical depth ratio (MD/TVD) greater than 2.0. A mega-reach well has a MD/TVD ratio greater than 3.0.
The drag while running casing in the mega-reach well can be excessive. This paper investigates various applications of selective floatation devices to reduce the drag on the casing.
First, the theoretical foundations of drag analysis for directional wells are reviewed. A methodology for analyzing buoyancy-assisted casing designs is presented. This methodology is used to analyze casing run fully filled with mud, partially filled with mud, and completely floated in mud. In addition, the friction forces during cementing operations are studied.
While previous papers were presented on selectively floated casing designs for extended-reach wells, this study goes further to include an analysis of fully and selectively floated liners. In addition, a liner/tie-back combination is compared with the alternative long string casing design.
The study concludes that completion of some high angle wells, previously thought unattainable due to high drag, can be achieved using buoyancy-assisted casing programs.
Real-Time Downhole Shock Measurements Increase Drilling Efficiency and Improve MWD Reliability
Authors: Rewcastle S. C. , Burgess T. M. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
Many BHA and MWD failures are the direct result of high shock and vibration produced by the drilling process. Shocks resulting from high lateral vibrations have been shown to contain the most energy and do the most damage to downhole electrical components. High lateral and torsional vibrations can result in tool joint fatigue and twist-offs, and can be shown to reduce roller cone bit bearing life and damage PDC bit cutters.
Many published attempts have been made to model downhole vibrations from surface measurements so that rotary speeds can be selected to minimize vibration. However, downhole data shows that currently these models have limited application in practice. Contact between the drillpipe and wellbore damps outs the transmission of vibrations in directional wells. In vertical wells, most models are highly sensitive to boundary conditions (e.g. BHA/wellbore contact points, hole size, bit/rock interaction) which result in limited predictive value.
A simple, practical and cost-effective solution to the problem has been found. An accelerometer has been installed in MWD systems to count lateral shocks above a programmable "normal" value. A "normal" value of 25 g's has been found to give good field results in offshore environments. The number of shocks is transmitted to the surface every one or two minutes. This enables the driller to modify the rotary speed, and weight-on-bit, to eliminate or significantly reduce the downhole vibration. Eliminating lateral vibrations is expected to minimize axial and some torsional vibrations because there appears to be significant mode coupling.
Examples from the field show that:
– changes in rotary speed can have an enormous effect on the downhole shock environment. – surface measurements of vibration are a poor indicator of the downhole environment. – downhole shocks often correlate well with lithology as indicated by the MWD gamma ray. – PDC bit damage can be avoided by using the shock measurement. – MWD reliability has been improved.
As a result of the improvements, the shock measurement has been made a standard component of all new MWD tools.
Technology and Technique for Scientific Drilling in Crystalline Rocks: Experience and Perspectives
Authors: Mnatsakanov A. V. , Gelfgat M. Y. , Alikin R. S. 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACT
Continental and offshore scientific drilling is one of the most effective methods of earth investigation. The experience of realization of such wells drilling programs obtained in the last few years points to the fact that there are a number of problems, particularly when drilling crystalline rocks. Simultaneous analysis of deep water and continental drilling results allows to draw up general principles of drilling and coring technology.
In the paper there are given the results of tests and field use of coring technology and technique in crystalline rocks without pulling out the drill string, developed by VNIIBT. Onshore drilling strategy consisted in coring with retrievable tool and research of the pilot slim hole for one drill string running, and then drilling’ the main borehole with minimum vertical deviations.
In offshore drilling without re-entry equipment with retrievable down hole motors and retractable bits it was possible to spud and core the well on the sea floor into bare rocks. On the paper the information about the characteristics of technical means for the technology realization is given. From the onshore and offshore drilling of more than two thousand meters with retrievable down hole motors and core barrels in crystalline rocks there are shown the advantages and perspectives of using drilling technology without pulling out drill string in different conditions.
Economic Environmental Management of Drilling Operations
Authors: Longwell H. J. , Akers T. J. 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACT
This paper presents significant environmental and regulatory initiatives developed by Exxon's New Orleans Drilling Organization. Specifically, the paper will cover drilling waste minimization techniques and disposal options, recycling of drilling waste streams, and environmentally managed drilling location design considerations. The implementation of some of these initiatives at Exxon's Chalkley field land locations have resulted in a fifty percent reduction in drilling location waste management costs. Some of these same initiatives have been successfully applied to Exxon's barge drilling locations. For operations at the environmentally sensitive Mobile Bay, Exxon contracted with a local company and assisted in the development of an economically and environmentally superior drilling waste disposal and treatment system. In summary, it is possible for drilling operators to pro-actively manage escalating environmental and regulatory challenges through the implementation of economic and practical initiatives.
The Environmental Compliance Audit and Its Cost
Authors: Haffner D. J. 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACT
The objective of this presentation is to present a decision making flow chart for use in preparing, conducting, evaluating, and responding to an environmental compliance audit. The necessity for an audit emanates from a vast array of federal and state environmental legislation and regulations. Each step of the flow chart is addressed in light of the appropriate legislation. An application model has been constructed to illustrate the use of the flow chart. The model incorporates environmental issues typical of an oil and gas facility used to store and maintain equipment. This information should be sufficient for the uninitiated to be convinced of the need for conducting an audit and made aware of its associated costs.
Minerals Management Service Regulation of Floating Drilling Unit Operations in the Beaufort and Chukchi Outer Continental Shelf
Authors: Regg J. B. , Kuranel R. Y. 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACT
This paper describes the environmental conditions, exploratory drilling experiences, types of monitoring programs and defense systems, and Minerals Management Service (MMS) regulations for floating drilling systems operating in the Arctic Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) of the Beaufort and Chukchi Seas. The MMS's regulatory requirements for drilling unit and wellbore safety, how the industry has addressed these requirements, and specific information and performance requirements to obtain approval to operate during periods when sea ice and severe weather conditions could be present are emphasized. The effectiveness of contingency plans, including shutdown criteria, and ice monitoring and management programs proposed by operators and previous experience for floating drilling units used in the Beaufort and Chukchi Seas are also discussed.
Rapid and Reliable Gas Influx Detection
Authors: Codazzi Daniel , Till P. K. , Starkey A. A. , Lenamond C. P. , Monaghan B. J. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
A new and reliable method for early gas influx detection is described. It is based on the increase in sonic propagation time which is observed when gas is present in the annulus. Unlike detection methods based on differential flow or pit gains, the instrumentation required for this technique is simple, reliable and cost effective. Pressure transducers which are mounted on the standpipe and on the annulus a few feet below the flowline monitor the sonic pressure waves generated by the mud pumps. The output from the pressure transducers is used to measure the rate of change of sonic propagation time around the circulating system. This quantity is strongly influenced by the presence of gas. In addition to the theory behind the technique, the paper describes controlled tests and field examples from around the world.
Evaluating Horizontal Well Potential in the Spraberry Trend
Authors: Barba R. E. , Cutia A. S. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
Eight attempts have been made to drill and complete horizontal wells in the Spraberry trend of West Texas. The results have been disappointing to date. The production history of each attempt will be discussed, along with an economic analysis. By using the drainhole production and results from vertical well completions, a model for predicting the performance of these wells will be proposed. The key input to the model is a modified Coates-Denoo relationship between porosity and permeability that utilizes openhole wireline inputs. The model predictions will then be compared to actual performance and used to help predict the optimum completion strategy for wells in the Spraberry trend.
Jennifer Queen Unit Waterflood – A Textbook Example
Authors: Vanorsdale C. R. , Hickman T. S. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
The Jennifer (Queen) Unit produces from a northeast extension of the Concho Bluff, North Field of Ector County, Texas within a Queen producing trend containing four separate reservoirs. The three adjacent reservoirs have been successful waterflood projects due to very favorable rock and fluid properties. The Jennifer (Queen) Unit reservoir was an obvious candidate for waterflooding shortly after discovery in 1984 as its areal extent became apparent. Extensive data gathering enabled reservoir modeling to assess the efficiency of a waterflood project. When installed, the project raised production from 120 BOPD to 2500 BOPD in 5 months. Intense waterflood surveillance has identified operational problems at an early stage and provided data for an updated reservoir model. The enhanced simulation will help manage the flood for optimum recovery.
Seismic Imaging of Porosity and Hydrocarbon in Consolidated Formations
Authors: Neidell N.S. , Landwer W.R. , Smith Maggie 
Published: December 2007

SPE Members

Abstract
Consolidated reservoir formations are defined here as those formations of significant thickness having acoustic impedance (density-velocity product) which is consistently greater than or equal to that of similarly aged, normally pressured shales. For such formations, porosity and hydrocarbon presence can be effectively imaged via seismic velocity changes over a presence can be effectively imaged via seismic velocity changes over a substantial range of depths (to 16,000-plus feet). Here we shall note consolidated sand and carbonate reservoirs from East Texas, the North Sea and Oklahoma. Plays of current interest encompassing such reservoirs would included the Austin Chalk, Alaskan formations, Niobrara and Frio-Vicksburg, as well as others. Starting with a brief summary of requirements for definitive seismic imaging of consolidated reservoirs we move on to the technology for interpreting, calibrating, and using such displays. The effectiveness of spatially dense seismic-velocity measurements and color inversion sections scaled in velocity is clearly demonstrated by the variety of successful examples reviewed. These approaches and the positive results obtained suggest that, in the future, seismic techniques will be even more definitive in addressing consolidated reservoirs for both exploration and production applications.

Introduction
Our approach to hydrocarbon exploration and reservoir definition rests principally on sound basic geology and refined seismic methods. There are principally on sound basic geology and refined seismic methods. There are two themes which are applied in parallel to the seismic data. Significantly improved and definitive seismic imaging constitutes one of these directions. Use of a unified framework, an organized sequence of high technology procedures, to identify and qualify key anomalies and subsurface characteristics is the second theme.

Enhanced Seismic Imaging and Display
It was recognized more than 10 years ago that as much as 80% of the stratigraphic information contained in seismic data presented in conventional black and white displays was lost due to inappropriate processing and limitations in visual dynamic range (see references). processing and limitations in visual dynamic range (see references). P. 269
North Riley: Integrated Evaluation of a Heterogeneous Reservoir
Authors: Howell E. P. , Gutberlet S. S. , Glossa J. M. 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACT
An integrated study of the North Riley Unit has been made in order to quantify engineering parameters needed to justify improvements in a secondary recovery system. Data available included well logs from more than 200 wells, approximately one third with open-hole logs; cores along with special core analysis, depositional facies descriptions, diagenesis evaluation, and standard core measurements; as well as production history and wellbore completions. These data were used to calibrate well logs, first to predict geologic parameters, and then to calculate physical properties for individual reservoir facies. Separate porosity equations were developed for each facies. These were followed by saturation and permeability assessments which were calibrated with field-wide data.
Well logs were used to extrapolate the core and production data to the entire field with resulting geological and engineering parameters mapped on a zone-by-zone basis. Results included oil in place, Rw (which varies systematically across the field), water cut, permeability and an estimate of producibility. Using these maps and summary tables, engineering efforts are now underway to increase sweep efficiency and productivity in a cost effective manner. Specifically, recovery from this very heterogeneous reservoir can be improved by increasing well-to-well continuity with additional wells and by greater selectivity in choosing production or injection intervals within each well.
The Generation of Reservoir Property Distributions in Cross Section for Reservoir Simulation Based on Core and Outcrop Photos
Authors: Hardy H. H. 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACT
A technique to statistically generate distributions of reservoir properties in cross section for reservoir simulation is presented. This technique is based on statistical studies of well logs and core and outcrop photos. Both horizontal and vertical statistical measurements of well logs and core and outcrop photos confirm fractional Gaussian noise (fGn) as a good model for distributing reservoir properties. A spectral density model of core photos does a good job of reproducing many core photos. This model is used to generate the cross sections of reservoir properties conditioned to well data. The cross sections are then scaled in porosity and permeability to fit into reservoir simulators. A renormalization technique called FRACTAM is used to scale permeabilities.
Three-Dimensional Conditional Simulation of Schneider (Buda) Field, Wood County, Texas
Authors: Ravnaas R. D. , Strickland R. F. , Lake L. W. , Yang A. P. , Malik Mohammad , Prezbindowski D. R. , Mairs Tom 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
A three dimensional conditional simulation model, integrating a comprehensive data base coupled with engineering, geological, and petrological studies, has significantly enhanced reservoir management capabilities in the Schneider (Buda) Field. Presented are the results of a series of conditional simulations of the Schneider (Buda) Field. The Schneider (Buda) Field is developed in a Buda reef complex. Porosity types change significantly between reservoir facies. A three dimensional conditional simula-tion generated using only well control points did not adequately characterize the reservoir. An intermediate two dimensional conditional simulation using additional assumptions was then generated to refine and control the final three dimensional conditional simulation. The resulting three dimensional conditional simulation delin-eates permeability distributions that better: 1) represent the calculated heterogeneity, 2) match the available core data, and 3) model the geologic characterization, including the defined facies. The resulting distributions have been applied to a three dimensional fluid flow simulation to better predict fluid movement through the reservoir.
Analysis of Tertiary Injectivity of Carbon Dioxide
Authors: Roper M. K. , Pope G. A. , Sepehrnoori Kamy 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
Tertiary carbon dioxide injectivity is not always greater than brine injectivity during an initial cycle of CO2 injection above its minimum miscibility pressure (MMP), even though CO2 has a much lower viscosity than brine. This paper goes beyond the approximate analytical models used for previous investigations by examining the effects of dispersive mixing, crossflow between layers, viscous instability and phase behavior on injectivity for reservoir-scale displacement conditions in the limit of large permeability correlation length. A more realistic and comprehensive analysis of the influence of relative permeability on injectivity that does not rely upon simplifying assumptions regarding mixing and phase behavior is also provided in the form of a systematic sensitivity study. The sensitivity calculations incorporate recently reported high-pressure two- and three-phase flow relative permeabilities measured at elevated temperature with CO2, decane, and brine in a Guelph dolomite core as a base case.
This paper compares analytical calculations with numerical results obtained using a finite-difference, compositional, equation-of-state simulator. Compositional simulations that model reservoir-scale physical dispersion and crossflow are numerically difficult to make accurately, so careful attention has been paid to this aspect of the problem. First, a numerical dispersion control scheme based upon a third-order-correct finite-difference method that has been extensively tested and compared with simple analytical solutions is used. Second, the work presented here is validated by mesh refinement studies that evaluate truncation error and demonstrate that the grid used is adequate for this purpose.
The most important conclusion is that the mixing phenomena due to dispersion, crossflow and viscous instability that simple analytical models neglect can significantly influence injectivity. The results indicate that three-phase flow of gas, oil and brine needs to be modeled and that, contrary to the conclusions of other investigators, three-phase flow effects can have important influences on injectivity, even when CO2 is injected aoove its MMP. In addition, the most sensitive relative permeability parameters for reservoir-scale, tertiary CO2 flooding conditions in the presence of correlated permeability heterogeneity are identified. Sensitivity to the relative permeability parameters can also be substantial, even at low permeability contrast. The results presented in this paper are particularly pertinent to the hybrid-WAG displacement process since they provide information about the first cycle of CO2 injection.
Permian Basin Operators Seal Casing Leaks With Small-Particle Cement
Authors: Lizak K. F. , Zeltmann T. A. , Crook R. J. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
Permian Basin operators who need to seal casing leaks to pass Texas Railroad Commission mechanical integrity tests have successfully applied small particle-sized cements, which penetrate casing cracks and very small channels to effect a seal.
Small casing leaks plague injection operations when integrity testing results in pressure bleedoff, which indicates presence of leaks. A batch-mixed volume of 25 to 75 sacks of fine particle cement is the typical application used to seal these leaks. There are some critical steps that must be taken to help ensure job success; these are discussed. The paper also presents a discussion of small particle-size cements, including accounts of laboratory testing. Case histories describing techniques of casing leak repair with small particle cements are recounted.
Improved Cementing Operations: A Field Study
Authors: Calvert D. G. , Webster W. W. , Lafleur K. K. 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACT
In its continuing effort to improve overall cementing job guality and results, Mobil Oil has been involved in all facets of cementation. In this endeavor, it was long recognized that conventional type cementing heads have inherent limitations and restrictions that require job interruption to drop plugs. This is known to cause or enhance (1) interruption in placement flow regimes, (2) sticking of pipe, (3) interruption of pipe movement and (4) slurry composition variances.
This paper will show field examples of improved job results by elimination of these restrictions through use of a remote controlled cementing head that has the ability to launch plugs without stopping fluid flow or pipe movement.
During these field studies, it was also noted that job safety was greatly enhanced. The paper will discuss these safety aspects.
Clean Air Act Title III and the Oil Industry
Authors: Frederick J. D. , Tulloh B. T. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
Title III of the federal Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 (CAAA) substantially changes the way hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) are to be regulated. These changes include many significant considerations for the oil and gas industry, despite some favorable language on the "aggregation" of emissions from oil and gas exploration and production (E&P) sources.