bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
PRD12,000 Drill Ship; Increasing Efficiency in Deep Water Operations
Authors: Fossli Børre , Hendriks Sjoerd 
Published: March 2008

Abstract
In the deep water environment large and expensive to operate 5th and 6th generation drilling rigs are utilized to drill exploration wells, drill development wells, perform completion activities and intervene and work over development wells. In the current market with spiraling day rates new drilling systems and improved functional specifications have been incorporated into a new build vessel of a reduced size, with improved capabilities and with functional specifications that will make drilling and work over intervention of subsea wells more efficient and cost effective against the traditional MODU.
The new vessel has the characteristics in size of an earlier generation, but the functionality of the next generation vessel.
The application areas are: Drilling subsea wells with a conventional subsea BOP and marine riser system in up to 5,000 ft water depth and ability to drill deepwater exploration wells with a split BOP and High Pressure (HP) riser system in up to 12,000 ft water depth.With a unique HP riser and split BOP, coupled with a system for Managed Pressure Drilling (MPD) particularly developed for deepwater subsea drilling, operations are enabled to cover all deepwater areas around the world.Underbalanced intervention work over and drilling performed through the same HP riser and BOP system.Motion characteristics of the vessel while in DP over a subsea well that will not compromise activities such as retrieving/landing Xmas trees or completions and/or through tubing drilling.High transit speed of 12-14 Knots for quick mobilization.
New drainage holes can be drilled with this system in mature areas often made inaccessible with conventional drilling technology due to depleted and variable formations pressure.
The drilling technology and the fit-for-purpose drilling unit combined may lead well up to 50% well cost reduction compared to 5th or 6th generation MODU's and traditional drilling methods.
Safety and Maintenance—Benefits of Applying Them Together
Authors: Lanza Mario 
Published: March 2008

SYNOPSIS
The following report shows the relationship between safety and maintenance. Applying them together has resulted in the improvement of the safety conditions of the equipment, a decrease in lost working hours, and a decrease in the quantity of man-hours in hazardous jobs.
In order to maintain this improvement, these results are recorded to redesign maintenance routines and safety procedures.
Our goal is to break the paradigm that divides safety from maintenance systems and thus, we will reach our zero accidents and zero failures objective.
Multiple-Layer Completions for Efficient Treatment of Multilayer Reservoirs
Authors: Rytlewski Gary 
Published: March 2008

Abstract
A new method of completing multiple-layer formations has been successfully tested in the United States and Canada. This new method places sliding sleeve valves in the casing string and completes the well with normal cementing operations. The sliding sleeve valves are opened one at a time to fracture layers independently without perforating.
Completions using these casing valves are called Treat And Produce (TAP) Completions and have a unique design feature in the valves that allows a theoretically unlimited number of valves to be placed in a single well without incremental reductions to the internal diameter (ID). This near full bore feature allows normal cementing operations to be preformed with a special cement wiper plug. A control line is connected between sequential valves. When the bottom valve opens, the control line becomes pressurized and transfers the bore pressure to a piston in the valve immediately above. This piston squeezes a C-ring and makes the ID smaller. At the end of the fracture treatment to the lower valve, a dart is dropped during the flushing operation. This dart lands on the squeezed C-ring and seals the bore inside the sliding sleeve. Pressure is then increased until the next valve is pumped open. When this valve opens, the next control line is pressurized, squeezing the next C-ring.
The main feasibility issue with this cemented sliding sleeve concept was fracture initiation pressure through the cement and into the formation without perforated holes. Significant laboratory testing was conducted which predicted fracture initiation pressure to be similar to that encountered in openhole or even lower. Fracture initiation pressures were closely monitored during several field installations and confirmed that perforations were not needed to initiate fractures in the formations.
This paper describes TAP Completions, how the TAP valves work, and how the valves performed. Information on a TAP Completion with 6 layers is presented in detail and an overview of all installations to date.
H.S.E. Culture—One from Many
Authors: Crochet David , McClaine Rick , Offshore Hercules , Callen Kris 
Published: March 2008

Abstract
In three years, Hercules Offshore, Inc. went from a privately held company with five jack-up drilling rigs and 22 liftboats to a publicly held corporation with 73 drilling rigs, 64 liftboats, and a workboat fleet. This rapid growth has left the challenge of growing one HSE or safety culture from 10 different parts. Initially we counted on the talent of the teams with only a basic safety management system as a framework. Leaving people to do what they have always done fostered a protective or closed culture rather than the culture of open dialogue and reporting desired in a robust safety culture.
We intend to share the methodologies being currently used to grow one safety culture from many. Best practices are only a starting point. Often safety professionals attempt to grow a safety culture by adding to what is already in place, looking for more tools, and complicating the basic tools. This operates under the assumption that most understand the purpose and workings of the basic tools in their safety management system.
Our observation has been that not only have some of our tools turned into paper exercises, but many do not even get that they might be something more. We are now working under the assumption that the basic safety tools like Job Safety Analysis, Permits to Work, Time-Out and Hero (our behavioral observation tool) are not obvious. They are the building blocks of a safety management system requiring understanding. Through immersion training involving everyone, we are getting back to purpose by simplifying and streamlining, and creating belief and accountability.
Over the years we have over-complicated simple concepts. Our goal is to simplify the basic safety tools, so that when people are using them, they are using them well and for the right reasons.
Well-Integrity Issues Offshore Norway
Authors: Vignes Birgit , Aadnoy Bernt S. 
Published: March 2008

Abstract
A number of serious well failures in recent years led to investigations of well integrity issues. The Petroleum Safety Authority Norway (PSA) performed a "pilot well integrity survey" based on supervisory audits and requested input from 7 operating companies, 12 pre-selected offshore facilities and 406 wells. The wells were a representative selection of production and injection wells with variation both in age and development categories.
The pilot project indicates that 18% of the wells in the survey have integrity failure, issue or uncertainties and 7 % of these are shut in because of well integrity issues. The selection of wells and the companies indicate that the statistics is representative.
The well incidents in the past and the results of "pilot well integrity survey" revealed that the industry needs to increase focus on the barrier philosophy. Control of barrier status is an important SHE factor to avoid major incidents caused by e.g. unintentional leaks and well control situations. Knowledge of well integrity status at all times enables the companies to take the right actions in a proactive manner and thereby prevent incidents.
The paper presents the results and the conclusions from the pilot survey. In addition a number of technical well failures will be presented, identifying critical elements such as corrosion, leaks and operational factors. In particular, the understanding of barrier regulations, standards and implementation was found inadequate.
Ad-Equation between a Second Generation Semi and Drilling Extended Reach Well In Tunisia
Authors: Dupuis Dominique , Forasol Pride , Hancock Shaun 
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT
To develop its Miskar field offshore Tunisia, BG Tunisia made a call for tenders in 2005 during tight market conditions prevailing at the time.
After further study review of the MODU characteristics a second generation Semi Submersible from Pride International "Sea Explorer" was selected. This unit was designed in late 70's & did not have all necessary features and capacities to drill a High Temperature and extended reach well (range: TMD 6.740 m (22.200 ft) and TVD 3.400 m (11.150 ft)). Some minor modifications had to be made to the unit as well as some specific procedures in order to drill such wells in accordance with rigorous standard practices.
The paper will highlight: –The drilling constraints, hazards of such a well, not limited to the well architecture but also the geology where fractured zones imply a strict monitoring of mud weight and methodology to contain some rather shallow high pressure gas, high temperature 200°C (400°F).–The necessary adaptation made to the rig in order to meet the constraints: drill pipe selection to limit pressure losses, torque & drag. Implementation of a racking arrangement, mud cooling system, increase of mud tank capacity, cuttings treatment (no discharge to sea is allowed in the Mediterranean basin ), handling system for Subsea Xmas tree had to be revisited and upgraded.–Crew training and dedicated procedures especially in respect of Kick Control, and improved practices for drilling compensator to avoid exceeding its capacity while drilling.
This paper will present a brief well history, the drilling campaign results and highlights the lessons learnt.
Following the successful completion of the actual drilling campaign, this Paper concludes on the upgrade potential and capacity for a second generation semi to match the challenges of today's high profile wells. It also highlights the benefits of close-collaboration between operator and contractor.
Accelerated Training and Competency Program
Authors: Tinchon Philippe 
Published: March 2008

Abstract
One of the major challenges we face today is recruiting and retaining the workforce necessary to support the growth the entire oil and gas industry is experiencing. Compounding this challenge is the enhanced training and development required for new and less-experienced employees in light of the retiring generation, the increase of drilling activity and the arrival of more than 130 new offshore units
Pride International will address these challenges by accelerating the development of green hands and high potential employees, as well as maintaining and improving the level of personnel qualifications.
Pride has moved forward from a Training Management System to a Competency Management System, (Competency modeling and reporting process). This system deals with each skill on board including Safety, Drilling, Mechanics, Subsea, Electric, Marine, etc. Each employee is cycled through three groups of competencies: QHSE, operations and personal values – which include behavioral and soft skills.
Employees can be cycled through normal, Intensive training programs, such as our Rig Intensive Development Program and Management Training Program. These programs include not only theoretical and practical training (as well as certification), but also leadership attitudes, safety team spirit, team building, etc
The Core Competency program of the Competency Management System will be used for all employees, only the accelerated process will be used for the fast track employees.(National RIDP*, expatriate RIDP* & MTP*).
To support these accelerated development programs and ensure the high quality of position qualifications, Pride has focused on in-house training capabilities through its regional training centres in France, Angola, and Brazil.
In order to benchmark and assess the competencies of the personnel, a Quality Control System has been implemented. This system, SkillsXP*, will track qualified personnel for various assignments as well as specific competencies demonstrated by the individuals.
The paper outlines the Competency Management System and will include how the accelerated drilling program for new hires and National employees is implemented, what the goals are in respect to competencies and the time for employees to achieve the goals, the mechanism to benchmark, and ensure the QAQC of the Competency Management System. The paper will highlight the following aspects:
Results from Systematic Rotary-Steerable Testing with PDC Drill-Bits Depict the Optimal Balance between Stability, Steerability, and Borehole Quality
Authors: Jones Steve , Sugiura Junichi , Barton Steve 
Published: March 2008

Abstract
There is significant discussion concerning what type of Rotary Steerable System (RSS) provides the best-quality hole, and which key characteristics of the drill bit, along with a particular RSS, will produce the optimal balance between stability and steerability in directional wells. Although some evidence can be drawn from field performance with various tools and customized drill bits, these results can often be inconclusive due to the large variance in factors involved with commercial drilling.
This paper describes an extensive series of test wells drilled in a controlled and non-commercial environment, allowing single step changes in both the drill bit features and Rotary Steerable (RS) configurations. The testing is unique in that the specific RSS works in shop-configurable point-the-bit and push-the-bit modes. Between two distinct RSS operation modes, consistency in stiffness, weight, force applying capability, and control systems lead to a direct comparison of bit performance.
A unique sensor system, integrated into the specific RSS, provided real-time measurement of near-bit borehole caliper and near-bit stick-slip and vibration. This feature allowed real-time evaluation of bit and BHA stability and borehole quality. After each test run, memory data was retrieved and used for more detailed assessment of bit performance.
Drill bit tests were systematically structured in a controlled environment so that the relationship between gauge geometry and configuration could be examined without alteration of the cutting structure. As a result, comparison between stability, dogleg capability, torque and drag, and borehole quality was solely dependent upon gauge length and geometry. Further, the systematic testing led to the conclusion that a specific gauge design related to effective side cutting and gauge stabilization is crucial for optimized RS drilling in both point-the-bit and push-the-bit configurations.
Full Field Development of a Remote Oilfield in East Siberia with Four Rigs Simultaneously Delivers Field Record in Drilling
Authors: Drnec M. L. 
Published: March 2008

Abstract
This paper presents the start up of a full field development of a remote oilfield in East Siberia in 2007. Four rigs are drilling simultaneously on four pads delivering a field record in drilling. The Russian client drilled three vertical wells before 2007. The first and slowest directional well using an "old" Russian rig, was still drilled significantly faster compared to the above three wells. Two wells using a "modern" Western rig are the fastest wells drilled. These records were established without any lost time injuries or incidents. Zero failures of motors or gyros occurred despite the inability to service equipment during the first half of 2007.
Western directional drilling and MWD Crews operate on all rigs run by three different drilling contractors (one Russian, two Western). Synchronization with the crews results in reduction of BHA handling times on all four pads. Teamwork in general has been outstanding, especially with regard to difficult logistics due to the remoteness of the field. The challenge was that DD/MWD tools had all to be delivered on time before closing of the winter road – no land transport is possible once the ground is not frozen anymore. A specific standard operation procedure aligning operator, contractors and service companies has been developed to stream line efficiency and effectiveness of operations.
Innovation has been the key to the success of this first multi segment project in Russia. No maintenance of MWD tools was possible in the field until a base was complete using an inflatable tent (First in Russia). An in-field shop for MWD electronics and modulators was up and running by mid 2007. Advanced satellite communication has been setup for operations in each pad and the base using real time data channels to facilitate support from a Sakhalin based operations support center.
Horizontal Extended Reach Re-Entry Drilling of Sidetracks at Sakhalin Island Increases Oil Production from Mature Oil Fields
Authors: Drnec M. L. , Przhegalinsky I. 
Published: March 2008

Abstract
Re-entry drilling represents a significant part of the current and future drilling activities worldwide and particular in the Russian Federation. Enormous funds of old oil and gas wells drilled in the last century are un-active. Economical demand positions the sidetracking activities with a very promising future of the drilling activities. A Russian oil company, famous for successful development of challenging ERD projects at Sakhalin Island, has around 1000 of oil wells drilled between 1950 and 1980 with most of them currently idle.
This paper presents a study of the feasibility of drilling horizontal extended reach sidetracks to increase oil production from these mature oilfields. Its main objective is to evaluate technical and economical aspects associated with drilling horizontal reentries from already existing old oil well stocks. The objectives of the paper are: Evaluation of the economical attractiveness of such a project; Candidate selections; Drilling engineering design of the wells; Evaluation and selection of contractors for provision of appropriate re-entry equipment such as whip stocks, scrapers, mills, bi-centered bits, etc; Subsequent coordination between proposed and involved parties; Evaluation of the well placement approach implication.
With the successful development of the re-entry drilling project the following potential benefits are realized at this stage: Oil production increase through the old portfolio of wells revival; High quality technical project development; Low tier market development for the known to be a high tier market ground at Sakhalin island; Revenue sustention for known to be a cyclical and season dependent market.
Latest Developments and New Technology for Coiled-Tubing Sidetracking Applications
Authors: Garfield Garry , Mackenzie Gordon 
Published: March 2008

Abstract
The influence of improved technologies and the latest operational developments has lead to a significant impact in the arena of coiled tubing drilling operations. These influences are also making themselves known in the underbalanced coiled tubing drilling sector. Sidetracking operations have traditionally utilized a philosophy dominated by threaded tubular drilling conveyance methods; however, with the growth of coiled tubing drilling applications in recent years, coiled tubing deployed bottomhole assemblies for sidetracking a well are beginning to gain acceptance as a standard practice.
A major advantage of a coiled tubing deployed exit system is the ability to mill a window in the casing in a restricted wellbore environment. The whipstock can be deployed in a live-well condition without the necessity of removing the completion equipment thus eliminating the requirement for a workover rig and negating the need for kill weight fluids. The systems can be deployed on either electric wireline or coiled tubing making them ideally suited for restricted bore access and allowing the window to be milled below the completion.
The discussion will include a comprehensive overview utilizing a new whipstock system with the conveyance method of coiled tubing and electric wireline in order to create a casing window. The overview will also communicate general practices and tool selection criteria with the case histories representative of the placement of the whipstock with coiled tubing and the window milling being performed with coiled tubing workover motors. The case histories will detail two runs of the new exit system, the first in the North Sea and the second in the Middle East. Both case histories will show the economic benefits of utilizing live well intervention deployment methods for whipstock placement as well as the rig cost savings of utilizing coiled tubing deployed mills and motors for delivering a casing window.
Particulate-Based Loss-Prevention Material - The Secrets of Fracture Sealing Revealed!
Authors: Kaageson-Loe N. , Sanders M. W. , Growcock F. , Taugbøl K. , Horsrud P. , Singelstad A. V. , Omland T. H. 
Published: March 2008

Abstract
Owing to the narrow drilling margin that exists between the pore pressure and fracture pressure gradients, drilling in depleted reservoir, HPHT and deep water environments is universally recognized as being technically challenging.
A number of field techniques are available for mitigating against many of the drilling problems encountered. Included amongst these are specialized fluid engineering that involve use of chemical- and particulate-based treatments for minimizing or preventing losses. In many instances these techniques can be used to strengthen or stabilize the wellbore when drilling on or near the fracture gradient thereby potentially eliminating the need for intermediate casing strings.
This paper discusses particulate-based treatment design for sealing fractures. Substantial experience gained from innovative laboratory testing has highlighted the mechanisms and many factors that determine the effectiveness of the fracture seal. The particle size distribution relative to the fracture aperture, particle morphology, volumetric concentration, fluid rheology and fluid-loss-control influence whether the seal is established within the fracture or at the fracture mouth. Understanding this distinction is important with respect to selecting the optimum treatment and its application for given field conditions. Parameters critical for optimizing the treatment have been identified and are discussed in the context of laboratory and field experience.
Megathyst Units—Operational Optimization With Four Identical Drilling Rigs After Five Years of Operation
Authors: Bocabarteille G. , Dupuis D. , Araujo J. 
Published: March 2008

Abstract
The Megathyst class rig design is an evolution of the Amethyst class rig targeted for mid range deepwater applications in benign environment. Although most rig designs are duplicated many times they are seldom identical in rig equipment and rarely deployed in the same geographical areas to take advantage of the standardization. A total of 6 (six) Megathyst class rigs were originally planned specifically for deepwater operations in Brazil for Petrobras and development drilling operations. Because of market conditions at the time, only 4 (four) units were built and all are deployed in close proximity of each other in Brazil.
This paper describes the benefits of a rig design that was very much influenced by the client and tailored to the client's operational needs. It gives an overview of the unique rig design, specifications and characteristics that favour and are tailored to the clients long range development programs in the mid range deepwater areas. It covers a total of 19 rig years of operational experience and optimization towards operational excellence.