bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Horizontal Wellbore Stability in Low-Permeability Reservoirs
Authors: Polillo A. , Crafton J. W. 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACTAmong the many advantages provided by a horizontal well, it permits better knowledge of the reservoir, as well as implies an increase in productivity. The main objective is to drill reliably, safely and economically. To accomplish this, it is essential not to compromise the wellbore stability, which typically requires an increase in the mud weight. This workprovides a method to design the weight of the drilling mud to hold the fluid pressure, avoid collapse and breakdown of the formation. A knowledge of the formation breakdown pressure is also necessary in production operations such as hydraulic fracturing, secondary recovery, squeeze cementing or matrix acidizing.This work reports the study of rockmass behavior resulting from underground excavation and injection of fluids by applying finite element simulation methods and rock mechanics, to simulate the wellbore stability and onset to hydraulic fracturing for horizontal wells. The stress redistribution analysis simulates three individual effects: the wellbore (hoop stress) effect, the internal pressure effect and the fluid flow effect. Nonlinear material behavior is described by the Mohr-Coulomb yield criterion. A number of examples are presented regarding the wellbore stability of a horizontal well considering fluid injection, the nature of the injected fluid, nature of the rock and orientation of the wellbore with respect to the least initial stress and impermeable barriers.
Determination of Limestone Performance Characteristics by Model Flow Tests
Authors: Stewart C.R. , Craig F.F. , Morse R.A. 
Published: December 2007

Published in Petroleum Transactions, AIME, Volume 198, 1953, pages 93–102.

Abstract
This paper presents the results of a series of model flow tests on a number of large limestone cores, having different pore configurations. For limestone cores having substantially sandstone type porosity, the production characteristics for solution and external gas drives are similar. For cores whose pore spaces were microscopically heterogeneous (i.e., consisted of combinations of solution cavities, matrix, and fissures), the production characteristics for solution and external gas drives vary widely. The degree of divergence between gas-oil relative permeability relationships calculated from solution or external gas drive tests is an indication of heterogeneity of rock pore structure. The results of water floods on cores depleted by solution gas drive for each of these two general types of limestone porosity are also shown. Generalizations are made on the, water flood recovery that could be expected from each of these two types of limestone porosity.
The similarity between solution drive field performance and model solution drive performance on cores from the same formation is shown for several cases. This indicates the feasibility of predetermining limestone field performance from such large core tests.
Photomicrographs of plastic-impregnated rock thin sections of the samples tested are presented as an aid in understanding the flow test performances.
The Practical Application of Risk Analysis in the E&P Oil Industry
Authors: Kent R. P. , Sanborn L. W. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
The paper discusses some of the various types of risk analysis methods (PHA, HAZOP, FTA, What if? etc.) and from a practical viewpoint draws conclusions on their application to Onshore and Offshore exploration and producing oil and gas facilities. The advantages and disadvantages of each method are reviewed. The costs associated with each method in conducting the study are compared with the benefits of carrying out the study.
Lost Circulation Material Usage in Coiled Tubing Remedial Cementing at Prudhoe Bay
Authors: Krause R. E. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
Lost circulation materials (LCM) have traditionally seen wide usage in drilling mud and drilling cementing operations. However, the use of LCM in remedial coiled tubing unit (CTU) cement work has been avoided in the past due to concerns that plugging could occur in the coiled tubing nozzle ports with the potential for cementing up an entire string of coiled tubing.
In certain types of problem wells at Prudhoe Bay, standard CTU squeeze cementing techniques have been unable to effect the desired zonal isolation. Despite multiple CTU squeeze attempts and large volumes of cement pumped in these wells, significant squeeze pressures could not be achieved.
Cement slurries containing LCMs were field tested through coiled tubing in an attempt to squeeze these problem wells. This paper will: Examine the most common mechanisms for the failure of CTU remedial cement squeeze operations in problem wells at Prudhoe Bay.Look at recent experimentation with different types of LCM used in CTU squeezes in Prudhoe Bay wells.Present several case histories of squeezes performed on severe problem wells with one particular LCM, an expanded soil aggregate. So far, this particular LCM has been highly successful in achieving CTU squeezes in problem wells.
Alternatives for Closure of Solid Oily Waste Sites on the North Slope of Alaska
Authors: Kellems B. L. , Slocum R. W. , Kavanaugh M. C. 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACT
The purpose of this study was to evaluate available technologies for closure of solid oily waste sites located on the North Slope of Alaska. Most of these wastes are associated with petroleum sludges, drilling muds, and contaminated sand and gravel. In the arctic, below-ground lined pits are commonly used for waste storage. A wide variety of technologies were identified as being potentially applicable for containment, treatment and disposal of solid oily wastes. These technologies were screened according to technical feasibility (demonstrated performance, effectiveness and implementability) to determine those technologies most suitable for the arctic. Based on the results of screening, the alternatives determined to be most applicable are: Bioreactor/Soil WashingStabilization/SolidificationIncinerationIn-Place ContainmentOff-Site Disposal
This paper presents an overview of all potentially applicable closure technologies, as well as the results of the screening process. A later phase of the study will evaluate the five alternatives with respect to overall feasibility.
In-Service Corrosion Monitoring with Automated Ultrasonic Testing Systems
Authors: Galbraith J. M. 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACT
Advances in microcomputers in the last decade have resulted in the advent of computer-controlled field ultrasonic systems adapted to many requirements in modern industry. Integrated, automated scanner and ultrasonic systems are now available that gather wall thickness readings frequently enough to generate an accurate definition of the remaining thicknesses of corroded components. Not only does this automated ultrasonic system provide a method of on-line corrosion monitoring, but also it allows the analyst to determine the mechanical integrity of the corroded part. The capabilities of the system are discussed and a comparison of the data with the data generated by conventional, manual ultrasonic testing is made.
Permafrost and Thermal Interfaces from Norman Wells Pipeline Ditchwall Logs
Authors: Nixon J. F. , Saunders R. , Smith J. 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACT
During the construction of the Norman Wells pipeline by Interprovincial Pipeline Ltd in the early 1980s, a continuous ditchwall log was created during ditching for pipeline burial. The ditch was typically 1.2 m deep, and stretched continuously from Norman Wells in the Canadian Arctic to Zama Lake in Northern Alberta, a total distance of 869 km through the discontinuous permafrost zone. The ditch was logged by experienced geotechnical field personnel every 50-100 m, depending on changing conditions. Every transition from unfrozen to frozen soil was logged based on visual criteria such as color change, visual presence of ice or moisture in the ditchwall, etc. Recently, the authors have carefully studied the ditchwall records and compiled a data file containing all of the relevant data pertaining to permafrost distribution.
This provided a unique opportunity to study the amount and distribution of permafrost along a continuous transect through discontinuous and sporadic permafrost regions in Arctic Canada. The number of thermal interfaces per kilometer is an extremely important input parameter for studies relating to pipeline frost heave and thaw settlement in the Arctic. In addition, a knowledge of the percentage of frozen ground is important when deciding whether to operate a gas or oil pipeline above or below freezing. The number of frozen-unfrozen interfaces have been summarized in the paper by pipeline spread and geological terrain unit. The overall percentage of frozen ground decreases from up to 95% in the North to a low of around 16% at the South end of the study area, as might be expected. The number of interfaces typically varies between about one and three per kilometer, with the highest number occurring in some of the organic terrain units in the southern discontinuous zone.
Finally, comparisons are made with the amount of permafrost and number of interfaces as logged by electrical geophysical surveys carried out and published in advance of pipeline construction. There is reasonable agreement in terms of the overall amount of frozen ground, however the geophysical surveys appear to have significantly over-estimated the number of thermal interfaces.
The Team Approach to Application Development: A Case History
Authors: Seehafer J. A. , Glynn C. J. , Lee H. K. , Pipkin T. K. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
Through the utilization of a new development methodology a major application has recently been completed and delivered in a timely and cost effective manner. The methodology employed, combining required skills into an interdepartmental team, allowed the varied talents of each of the participants to be put to optimum use. However, since each team member reported to different management and was thus influenced by different expectations and priorities, several issues had to be addressed and resolved early in the process. These issues included among others, exact definition of the team objective, definition and agreement on the specific roles and responsibilities of each member, and the establishment of a methodology for resolving team conflicts.
An Application of a 3D Geostatistical Imaging to Reservoir Fluid Flow Simulations
Authors: Morelon I. F. , Doligez B. , Guerillot D. R. , Rahon D. , Touffait Y. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
A good understanding of the internal geometry of a reservoir is necessary for making realistic oil recovery forecasts. In answer to this need, software has been developed to generate 3D lithological images of a reservoir by using a geostatistical approach. Based on previous images, a petrophysical description is then obtained on a geologic mesh scale. And to perform flow simulation, petrophysical parameters must then be scaled up to reservoir mesh scale. This paper shows an application of the complete procedure of processing from geostatistical imaging to fluid flow modeling.
ADIS: Advanced Drilling Information System Project
Authors: Schenato A. , Giacca D. , Pirocchi A. , Carli R. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
Data acquisition and treatment to obtain intelligence for Oil Companies or Drilling Contractors are of primary importance but unfortunately they mostly look like disconnected words. The paper will describe the attempt of creating an integrated drilling information system (ADIS Project). The project has been conceived within some ENI Group Companies: AGIP (Oil Company), ENIDATA (Software and Computer Science), SAIPEM (Drilling Contractor) to provide better rig site support, improved drilling operations management, cost and risk reduction.
Improved Subsea Drilling System for Deep Development Wells in Deep Water: Auger Prospect
Authors: Gonzalez R. , Marsh G. L. , Ritter P. B. , Mendel P. E. 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACT
A study of exploratory well data revealed particular problems that faced the development drilling program for the Gulf of Mexico, GB 426, tension leg platform (TLP) in 2,862 feet [872 m] of water. Reservoir depths of up to 19,500 feet [5,944 m] TVD, and 7-inch [178 mm] production casing requirements, when coupled with limitations imposed by conventional subsea drilling technology, led to potentially troublesome and expensive well plans.
A Two Riser System (TRS) for drilling was developed and is being utilized to reduce drilling time and cost. This is accomplished by execution of well plans which circumvent conventional subsea drilling technology limitations. Development drilling is now being conducted prior to installation of the TLP and has shown the TRS method for drilling deep development wells in deep water for the Auger TLP to be safe and cost effective.
Development of Drilling Close Rules for Dubai Petroleum Co.
Authors: Burton R. C. 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACTDubai Petroleum Company operates two large fields and several smaller ones in the Arabian Gulf. In developing these fields more than 40 separate production platforms have been set and several hundred wells drilled. As drilling has progressed, the Company has developed a series of drilling close rules to help prevent well collisions in these congested offshore production areas. This paper summarizes the evolution of the Company's collision avoidance work from the introduction of drilling close rules in the early 1980's to the present. Over this period Dubai Petroleum has moved from qualitative drilling close guidelines through a series of empirical rules to the current rules which are based on well specific error modelling and associated survey uncertainty checks. Development of the current rules using well collision probability modelling, economic analysis and detailed survey uncertainty comparisons is highlighted.
An Extraordinary Drilling Challenge in the Anadarko Basin
Authors: Koenig R. L. 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACT
Exxon Company, U.S.A., is actively drilling deep Anadarko Basin wells in the development of its Northeast Mayfield Field in Beckham County, Oklahoma. Two wells have been drilled to date and a third and last one is drilling at the writing of this paper. The first well, Walne 1-34, drilled to a depth of 25,825′ and was plugged back and completed in a limestone reservoir at 24,500′. The second well, Hazel Howell 1-2, drilled to a depth of 25,565′ and was also completed in the same limestone reservoir.
This paper presents a combined case history of the two wells mentioned above. In general, it briefly discusses both the geologic and drilling history of Northeast Mayfield and Exxon's basic drilling plans. Emphasis of the paper though, is focused on actual drilling operations and results. Specific drilling practices developed for the area, including those related to safety and the environment, are outlined. In addition, detailed discussion is included on a number of unique occurrences and successful operations in the course of drilling both wells. These include: 1) large nitrogen foamed cement jobs, 2) extended nozzle insert bit usage, 3) setting of a 5,800′, 24 ppg pill at casing seat point, 4) casing wear mitigation, 5) deep underbalanced drilling and, 6) a high pressure well control problem at 25,825′. In conclusion, the paper notes the key factors contributing to the success of these deep Anadarko Basin wells.
Competition: An Industry Focus on Preparing To Maintain the Competitive Edge
Authors: Heneghan P. J. 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACT
The oil industry exists in an environment of changing oil price and exchange rate, legislation, province maturity and technology. This paper examines the current and forthcoming changes in the North Sea and the response of BP Exploration to those changes.
The shorter life cycle of smaller fields, the variety of operations and the pace of change have rendered once successful strategies and approaches obsolete. Maintaining competitive advantage requires an understanding of the changing environment and managing successfully in this environment. Preparing to maintain competitive advantage requires questioning and letting go of what has been successful in order to meet the changing environment rather than always playing catch up.
This paper presents a framework for understanding the business we are in, its future challenges and presents a number of examples of activities being undertaken by the operating arm of BP Exploration in the North Sea to respond to and prepare for changes in what it takes to be successful in the North Sea.
Using a Pulse Test to Determine Pore Volume Compressibility in a Gulf of Mexico Unconsolidated Reservoir
Authors: Deskin R. H. , Tinker G. E. , Crawford G. E. 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACT
Pore volume compressibilities have a major impact on recovery estimates for unconsolidated sand reservoirs. A realistic estimate of the recovery factors is imperative to prospect development decisions. Confirmation of higher pore volume compressibilities may lead to development of new discoveries or preclude secondary recovery measures in complicated reservoir systems. By performing a pulse test at the East Breaks 165 field, an "in situ" measurement of pore volume compressibility for a producing Gulf of Mexico unconsolidated reservoir was obtained to verify the large compressibilities measured from uniaxial core testing.
The pulse test was run between two East Breaks 16S wells. High quality pressure data was obtained, and the formation’s diffusivity and transmissivity were determined. To extract the formation’s pore volume compressibility from the test data, key components of the reservoir had to be suitably identified. PVT work was required to confirm that the reservoir was not originally at its bubble-point as first assumed, and therefore, no free gas was present in the system to mask the pore volume compressibility. In addition, the approximated reservoir thickness produced an unrealistic estimate of pore volume compressibility. Consequently, a production log was run in the puiser well indicating that two-thirds of the perforated interval was not contributing to flow. Utilizing this additional information, the final pore volume compressibility derived from the pulse test compared favorably with the core data.
An outgrowth of this investigation was a better understanding of the suspected formation damage believed to be caused by fines migration. Interpretation of the related pressure build-ups reflected extremely high damage in both welk. The production log and a subsequent pulse neutron log confirmed the probability of significant fines movement in the formation. These results substantiated the deterioration of well productivity observed over the past three years. Identification of near wellbore damage and its cause will allow appropriate remedial work to recover lost well capacity and maximize reserves recovery.
Radial Response of a 2-MHz MWD Propagation Resistivity Sensor
Authors: Barnett W. C. , Meyer W. H. 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACT
Electromagnetic propagation resistivity sensors have become common in MWD logging applications. These tools are unique among resistivity sensors in that the depth of investigation of the phase shift and attenuation resistivity measurements varies dramatically with the formation resistivity, measuring deeper into the formation in higher resistivity environments. The fact that the depth of investigation can vary by more than a factor of two across a normal range of formation resistivities requires the log analyst to have an understanding of this phenomenon when performing both qualitative and quantitative interpretations of these logs. Other measurement characteristics such as regions of negative or sharply-rising radial response can produce log responses which may seem peculiar when compared to traditional induction logs or laterologs. However, the radial response in virtually any borehole and formation environment can be quickly determined by computer modeling. This modeling, coupled with comparisons between propagation resistivity and induction logs can provide the log analyst with an understanding of the radial response of these sensors and facilitate both qualitative and quantitative interpretations.
A Method for Porosity, Permeability, and Water-Saturation Estimates From Logs in Tight Gas Sands With Rugose Holes
Authors: Everett R. V. , Culbertson J. S. , Quircin M. C. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
Log calculations of porosity and permeability from case studies on staged field experiment (SFE) wells sponsored by the Gas Research Institute (GRI) were compared to core. In good hole conditions, log-derived porosity and permeability compared to core analyses were favorable. However, when rugose hole occurred, pad-type tool measurements were questionable. A technique for reconstructing the bulk density reading in poor hole conditions was needed.
The conventional method to estimate the bulk density in rugose hole replaces the questioned density measurements with neutron or acoustic measurements. However, this conventional method may not represent the changes in the true bulk density. The new method employed, possible only if elemental log measurements are available, reconstructs the bulk density in terms of its probable magnitude using mineral information. The elemental measurements allow the derivation of mineralogy, which is valid in spite of rugosity.
The new method of density reconstruction in rugose hole used the log-calculated minerals. Porosity was calculated from the acoustic log and clay minerals. From these two porosity estimates and the matrix density derived from the minerals, an estimated maximum bulk density (bulk density derived from clay porosity) and minimum bulk density (bulk density derived from acoustic porosity) are calculated. In areas of good hole, the recorded bulk density was retained. In areas of rugose hole, the most probable bulk density was between this maximum bulk density and minimum bulk density. A discriminator system involving the caliper was used to determine the rugosity of the borehole.
Using the rugose hole discrimination, the dielectric and microresistivity log measurements were selectively utilized in good hole with log element-derived mineralogy to produce an estimate of variable porosity-cementation exponents, level by level. A "wet" resistivity, Ro ("wet" refers to the assumption of water without hydrocarbons in the pore space), was calculated and compared to measured resistivity where the hole was smooth. An overlay in a wet zone or shale zone verified the mineral modeling of clay type, abundance, water resistivity and porosity. The variable exponents were then used in water saturation calculations. The mineral-based methodology when logs of elemental concentrations were available, was applicable in spite of rugosity that invalidated the bulk density measurement. The calculations implementing the reconstructed density log resulted in favorable correlations with core porosity and, additionally, permeability and saturation on the GRI wells studied.