bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Royalty Trusts: Who Benefits and Who Suffers?
Authors: Goff W. R. , Dutton G. 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACT
The merger's which have been arranged to avoid takeovers from groups whose announced intention was to spin off a royalty trust have had a greater economic impact than the trusts actually formed. The obvious and immediate beneficiaries of these mergers have been the stockholders of the merged companies who were able to sell their stock at substantially higher prices than the values perceived by the stock market. Apparently the owners of the acquiring companies also benefitted since the purchases provide clear evidence of their desire to have the assets of the merged companies rather than the price which they paid.
In those cases where the trusts were actually formed, the visible beneficiaries are the recipients of the trust shares. Since these distributions usually represent a taxable transaction, government initially benefitted directly and other taxpayers indirectly. However, after this "windfall" of tax revenue, the tax collector begins to lose tax revenues on the royalty income placed in trust since double taxation of corporate dividends on royalty income is eliminated.
Two potential sufferers deserving more sympathy than the tax collector are the employees of the companies involved and the consumer. The harm to the latter would occur if the creation of the royalty trust – or the merger – reduced exploration and development substantially. Such a reduction of funds and the resultant decrease in activities could also harm the employee as a result of personnel decreases.
This paper examines the above facets of the royalty trust issue and provides an evaluation of the causes for the formation of one such trust and the effects on the parties involved.
In addition, it describes the exploration and development activities of the company which spun off the trust before and after the spin off. The future of royalty trusts and the part they could play in further mega-mergers is also discussed.
Reserves Acquisition: A New Phenomenon?
Authors: Lipari C. A. , Cailleteau L. P. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
This paper reviews the growth of the public oil and gas reserves acquisition industry and the underlying economic fundamentals that create buying opportunities. It presents an analysis of the methods and techniques used in the acquisition of oil and gas properties including the identification of properties to be acquired, their sources, the selection and screening process, predicting and developing ranges of expected reserve recovery. Program "deal structure" objectives and the predominant types available and the resultant economic impact are examined. In addition, general and specific investment criteria are reviewed along with the risk factors applied to cash flow predictions. The role of financial ratios and tests such as "income to investment ratios", "payout determinations", internal rates of return, pricing sensitivity analysis and other types of financial and economic analysis in the acquisition process. The impact of price escalation on "risked" reserves for the purpose of determining a range of acceptable purchase values. Also, a review of the role of land, accounting/financial, geology, engineering and operation disciplines in property acquisition will be included in the paper.
Oil and Gas Lending Practices
Authors: Cecil R. E. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
Lending to an oil and gas producer requires a fine blend of both credit and technical analyses. The primary asset, and often the only asset is oil and/or gas in the ground. A loan to the producer is dependent on the valuation of these assets. Determination of reserves is necessary, but more often than not, of greater importance is the rate of production of these reserves and the corresponding cash flow. Wells may be capable of producing at rates greater than pipeline capacity or higher than the ability of the economy to absorb the production. With the technical and economic analyses, a thorough financial review is necessary.
Concentration of Assets in Petroleum Reserve Financing
Authors: Cochran R. J. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
The concentration of assets in hydrocarbon financing is critical in the determination and elimination of risk associated with this form of financing. It is the purpose of this paper to present a method to define this risk, to measure its degree of severity and to illustrate methods of diminishing this risk to the lender and the borrower.
The risk associated with concentration of assets is that the increasing loss of the major asset will result in a financially untenable situation for the lender and borrower. Therefore, it is necessary to recognize this concentration, measure its magnitude and take steps to prevent its creating a problem for the lender and the borrower.
Pattern Recognition and Tomography Using Crosswell Acoustic Data
Authors: Albright J. N. , Terry D. A. , Bradley C. R. 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACT
Measurements of the travel time of acoustic signals transmitted between wells at the Department of Energy Multi-Well Experiment site (MWX) near Rifle, Colorado, are processed and analyzed. Interpretations relevant to sand geometry and continuity have proved possible through inspection of the signal travel time plotted against the coordinates of transmitter and receiver wellbore positions, or against the depth of receiver and ray path inclination. The continuity of several sands between wells is corroborated. A major lenticular sand terminating between wells could be inferred.
To explore the possible distortions in tomographic images derived from crosswell data, synthetic tomographs are constructed from computed travel times of signals transmitted through idealized models from stratigraphy thought to be present at the MWX site. The synthetic tomographs, although preserving the general character of the model stratigraphy, are distorted enough that detailed interpretations are not possible. Horizontal distortions predominate in reconstructions of flat-lying stratigraphy.
A Model of the Hydraulic Fracturing Process for Elongated Vertical Fractures and Comparisons of Results With Other Models
Authors: Palmer I. D. , Luiskutty C. T. 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACT
A summary is given of a fracture model that calculates fracture height as a function of distance from the wellbore for the case of a continuous payzone bounded by zones in which the minimum in situ stress is higher. The model is applicable if the vertical fracture is highly elongated, with length/height ratio ≥ 3.5. The fluid flow therefore is essentially one-dimensional along the fracture length. The flow can be non-Newtonian. Leak-off is included, as well as spurt loss, but pumping rates and injected fluid properties are constant with time. Elastic properties do not vary from one zone to another. The model calculates width profiles in each vertical section of the fracture. Finally, both fracture height and bottomhole pressure are calculated as a function of time.
A comparison is made between the results of this model (ORU model) and the AMOCO, MIT, and TERRA-TEK variable-height models. There are areas of agreement and disagreement. A critical assessment is made of assumptions that differ in the models in an effort to reconcile the models. The conclusion is that the ORU, AMOCO, and TERRA-TEK models are in basic agreement for highly elongated fractures.
In-Situ Physical Properties Using Crosswell Acoustic Data
Authors: Johnson P. A. , Albright J. N. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
Crosswell acoustic surveys enable the in situ measurements of elastic moduli, Poisson's ratio, porosity, and apparent seismic Q of gas-bearing low-permeability formations represented at the Department of Energy Multi-Well Experiment (MWX) site near Rifle, Colorado. These measurements, except for Q, are compared with laboratory measurements on core taken from the same depths at which the crosswell measurements are made. Seismic Q determined in situ is compared to average values for sandstone.
Porosity was determined from crosswell data using the empirical relationship between acoustic velocity, porosity, and effective pressure developed by Domenico. in situ porosities are significantly greater than the core-derived values. Sources of the discrepancy may arise from (i) the underestimation of porosity that can result when Boyle's Law measurements are made on low-permeability core and (ii) the application of Dominico's relationship, which is developed for clean sands, to the mixed sandstone and shale lithologies represented at the MWX site.
Values for Young's modulus and Poisson's ratio derived from crosswell measurements are comparable to values obtained from core. Apparent seismic Q measured in situ between wells is lower than Q measured on core and clearly shows the heterogeneity of sandstone deposited in a fluvial environment.
Impairment Mechanisms in Vicksburg Tight Gas Sands
Authors: Abrams A. , Vinegar H. J. 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACT
The flow of nitrogen and brine in tight Vicksburg "P" Sand cores was studied under field stress conditions. The experiments simulated various stages of a hydraulic fracturing treatment. Measurements were made of critical gas saturation, gas flow vs pressure gradient, and gas permeability vs brine saturation. Brine saturations were imaged with a medical Computerized Tomography (CT) scanner.
The laboratory results suggest that water block is not important when drawdown pressures at the fracture face exceed the capillary entry pressure by several hundred psi. The addition of alcohol or an alcohol/surfactant package to the brine does not significantly increase final gas flow.
Proppant Settling Velocities in Nonflowing Slurries
Authors: Kirkby L. L. , Rockefeller H. A. 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACT
This paper examines the influence of proppant concentration and fracturing fluid rheology on the settling velocity of nonflowing (static) slurries. Static sedimentation behavior is important in proppant transport not only during closure, but also during pumping since a large fraction of the proppant slurry resides in regions of low shear rate.
Slurry settling-velocity measurement technology was devised, enabling velocity determinations to be made in simulated vertical fractures at sand concentrations from 0 to 12 pounds per gallon of fluid (lb/gal). Fluids examined included crosslinked and uncrosslinked fracturing fluids, plus a Newtonian fluid. Sedimentation behavior in fracturing fluids was dominated by a particle clustering phenomenon. Settling velocity was found to depend on proppant concentration in a very different manner than generally assumed by proppant transport models. Although all fluids had similar viscosities at typical rheological characterization shear rates, static slurry settling velocities differed by a factor of more than 100. Differences in fluid viscosities at very low shear rates explain the observed diversity of settling velocities.
Chemical Utilization and Discussions of Treatment Options at Gocon's Facility
Authors: Adeniji C. A. 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACT
GOCON production operations utilize various chemicals in enhanced oil recovery projects, production of potable water and demulsification of crude oil. Decline in 1983 crude oil production was accompanied by an increase in treating cost. Alternative treating methods are discussed in this paper. Also included are tables showing crude production and chemical consumption for 1980 and 1983, flow diagrams showing proposed treating alternatives, and figures showing GOCON's location pf Production and Pipeline Facilities.
Selective Up-grading Provides Rigs for Deep Drilling
Authors: Muscovalley J.N. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
The drilling contractors of the Permian Basin have been hard-pressed to meet the demand for 20,000-ft drilling rigs since the discovery of the prolific gas reservoirs in the deep Delaware Basin. The demand came at a time when the contractors of the area had felt the economic squeeze to the point that they did not have the capital to purchase new rigs for this class of work.
Now, three years later, it is obvious that the contractor has met this demand. By maximum utilization of his existing equipment, he has spent a minimum of money. This has required a careful analysis of each of the major rig components to determine what demands a 20,000-ft well will impose. New equipment has been purchased only as a last resort and most of the rigs in service today on these wells are the products of a process of selective up-grading of older rigs.
By discussing each of these rig components, this paper will show what is required, when and where the horsepower is needed, and how and why the rigs that are working today have been assembled. The contractors have proven that these rigs are adequate and capable of successfully drilling deep wells.

Introduction
In Dec., 1965, there were 23 rigs in the Delaware Basin at work on wells scheduled to drill below 20,000 ft. An investigation of these 23 rigs surprisingly would show that just one of this number is a completely new rig. The remainder, although perhaps carrying a new company number, are the results of a process of selective up-grading of used equipment by the contractor.
Through Bore Subsea Christmas Trees
Authors: Huber D S , Simmers G F C , Johnson C S 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
The workovers of subsea completed wells are expensive and time consuming as even the most routine tasks must be carried out by a semi-submersible. This paper describes the economic, safety and operational advantages which led to the development and successful first installation of ‘through bore’ subsea production trees.
The conventional wet subsea trees have proved to be very reliable over the past ten years of operation in the Argyll, Duncan and Innes fields, however the completion strings require pulling on the average about once every three to five years. The conventional subsea tree/tubing hanger set up design requires the tree to be tripped and a rig BOP stack run to pull the tubing. This operation is time consuming, very weather sensitive and leaves the well temporarily without a well control stack on the wellhead.
The 7 1/16″ ‘through bore’ subsea tree was developed to minimize the tubing pulling workover time and several trees have been run successfully since the latter part of 1984. The time saving on a tubing pulling workover is three days. In addition, the design considerably reduces the hazards and equipment damage risks inherent in the conventional design. Hamilton Brothers and National Supply Company in Aberdeen designed the equipment which must be considered a new generation of subsea production trees.
Some Practical Considerations For Southern North Sea Gas Testing, – An Integrated Approach
Authors: Clark D G , le Foll P , Harding A 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
Testing gas wells in the southern North Sea area can be a time consuming affair, often involving fracture stimulation. Since a good assessment of reservoir characteristics and long term well productivity are essential design parameters in any development plan, test analysis, including post fracture test analysis, is of great importance. BP's extensive experience over recent years in the southern North Sea area has led to the development of a practical approach to well testing, which provides great flexibility yet has proven to be very reliable.
The design philosophies and details are discussed in this paper along with the hardware which incorporates some of the latest Flopetrol developments, such as the EZ Valve™, MUST™ AND COMPUTEST™ data acquisition system. Some of the more important advantages are considered with respect to actual tests performed.
Onshore Preparation of Hutton TLP to Minimise Offshore Hook Up
Authors: Repon J G , McDonell T E 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACT
The Conoco Hutton TLP achieved first oil production twenty two days after being tethered at its North Sea location (see Figure 1) A significant contribution to this offshore hookup record was due to the onshore completion of the deck prior to loadout. This paper describes the countdown to loadout and the work that was necessary to produce an essentially operational facility, prior to the mating of the deck and the hull.
Cathodic Protection of Offshore Structures – Problems and Solutions
Authors: Robson D. N. C. 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACT
The paper outlines the three basic options for cathodically protecting offshore structures; namely impressed current or sacrificial anodes protecting a bare metal structure or sacrificial anodes on a totally painted structure.
Some of the problems encountered by these systems are described and some specific examples experienced by Britoil structures are discussed in more detail.
Various solutions for overcoming these problems are discussed and comparisons made of their respective costs and ease of implementation.
Finally, some solutions to CP problems adopted by Britoil are described with emphasis on the difficulties in implementation.
An Overview of Recent Advances in Hydraulic Fracturing Technology
Authors: Veatch R. W. , Moschovidis Z. A. 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACTThere have been significant advances in the application and development of hydraulic fracturing technology in the past several years. This paper presents an overview of some of these advances to provide the reader with a perspective of the current fracturing state of the art. The discussion addresses economic design considerations; fracturing material behavior (propping agents, fracture conductivity, fluid loss, fluid rheology and proppant transport); field acquired fracture design, diagnostic and analysis technology (in-situ stresses and stress profiling, downhole fracturing pressure and pressure decline analysis, real-time on-site monitoring and control, and fracture mapping); and three-dimensional fracture propagation simulation. A comprehensive bibliography is provided as a resource for in-depth perusal of each area by the interested reader.
The Effects of Clay on the Displacement of Heavy Oil by Water
Authors: Martin John C. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
The effects of clays on the displacement of heavy viscous oil by water are considered. Based on the assumption that the connate water is displaced ahead of the injected water in a waterflood, the theoretical flooding behaviour of homogeneous sands with small amounts of clay intermixed in the sands is investigated. Attention is given to the case where the relative permeability curve for the displaced connate water is higher than the relative permeability curve for the injected water. Under these conditions a simple graphical representation of the flooding behaviour is developed. Calculated results are presented which indicate that for highly viscous crudes displaced by fresh water the effects of small amounts of clays in the sands can cause large increases in the efficiency with which water displaces oil. Based on the calculated linear flooding behaviour a discussion is presented of the effects of clays on pattern waterfloods in which fresh water is injected. The report contains a considerable amount of evidence that indicates the effects of clays can cause large increases in the efficiency with which fresh water displaces oils with high viscosities. It is concluded that in spite of the difficulties encountered in injecting fresh water it may be a more desirable injection fluid than brine in some highly permeable reservoirs containing high viscosity crudes. The report also contains a review of the evidence of the effects of clays on core analyses and some speculations on the physical mechanisms by which clays affect the permeabilities of sands to water and oil.
Gravel-Pack Logging Experiments
Authors: Sollee S. S. 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACT
Gravel pack logging experiments were conducted in a full-scale test well to define the factors that affect tool response and to determine if quantitative log interpretation is practical. Gamma-gamma and compensated neutron gravel pack logging tools from five major service companies were used in the study. Results show that these logging tools are sensitive to varying conditions in the gravel pack environment. Quantitative interpretation of the amount of gravel in the pack is possible as long as borehole conditions such as casing size, liner configuration and wellbore fluid density are known.
Productivity Loss in Gas Condensate Reservoirs
Authors: Hinchman S. B. , Barree R. D. 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACT
Gas condensate wells, producing at a flowing bottom-hole pressure below the dewpoint suffer a more rapid decline in productivity than that predicted in theory for dry gas wells. The loss in productivity is caused by a liquid hydrocarbon accumulation near the well bore.
A compositional one-dimensional radial model has been used to predict the performance of a gas condensate well. The effect of composition (fluid properties, liquid dropout rate) and gas-oil relative permeability on gas productivity have been investigated.
Results show that relative permeability data is the most sensitive parameter in determining productivity loss. The predicted productivity decline of a gas condensate well using drainage and imbibition relative permeability data vary considerably.
An Analysis of and Correction Method for Gas Deliverability Curves
Authors: Corbett T. G. , Wattenbarger R. A. 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACT
This paper shows the effects of changing gas properties and non-Darcy flow on conventional deliverability plots. Changing gas properties cause the conventional deliverability plot to bend downward and to shift downward with time. Non-Darcy flow causes the conventional deliverability plot to bend upward. The commonly used deliverability equation does not adequately describe these effects. The real gas pseudo-pressure approach should be used to analyze backpressure tests and forecast gas well performance. A simple method of correcting existing backpressure test data to a real gas pseudo-pressure basis is presented along with a step-wise procedure of forecasting future gas well performance.
Development, Laboratory, and Field Test Results of a New Hydraulic Design for Roller Cone Rock Bits
Authors: Slaughter R. H. 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACT
This paper describes the development of a new hydraulic design for three cutter rock bits which has shown a substantial rate of penetration improvement in laboratory and field testing. The new design utilizes an integral nozzle extension which has been precisely directed toward the leading edge of the cutter and toward the formation face just prior to cutter contact. The results are improved cutter cleaning, more efficient bottom hole cleaning and improved rate of penetration.
Numerical Simulation of CO2-Heavy Oil Interactions in Fractured Medium: An Interfacial Film Concept
Authors: Ravel F. , Anterion F. 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACT
Laboratory experiments simulated static CO2 drainage without any forced sweep in fractured media of various permeabilities saturated with heavy oil. They emphasized the influence of complex thermodynamic phenomena in oil recovery processes such as CO2 dissolution and hydrocarbons vaporization.
The numerical simulation of the experiments was completed with a compositional simulator. A concept of interfacial film was developped and implemented to represent mass transfers at the matrix wall which are ruled by irreversible thermodynamics. The simulations cleared out the respective influences of various phenomena: oil swelling, stripping, gravity, capillarity. The diffusion coefficients were correlated with the porous medium characteristics and a good match was obtained.