bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Progress Report of Polymer Flooding - Skull Creek South Unit, Weston County, Wyoming
Authors: Lane B.B. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
This paper presents a case history of polymer flooding to date in the Skull Creek polymer flooding to date in the Skull Creek South Unit located in Weston County, Wyo. The polymer flood was initiated in Sept., 1967. As of the time of this report, performance indicates at least 61 bbl/acre-ft performance indicates at least 61 bbl/acre-ft additional oil will be recovered by the use of polymer in the pilot area over conventional polymer in the pilot area over conventional waterflooding. This exceeds the laboratory predictions of Dow Chemical Co. The cost of predictions of Dow Chemical Co. The cost of polymer and its application has been estimated polymer and its application has been estimated to be $0.70 per incremental additional gross barrel of oil.
Evidence of the increased recovery efficiency of the polymer flooding over conventional waterflooding has been (1) a downward reversal of the producing WOR, (2) the first appearance of polymer at the closest producer 1 year after the arrival of a radioactive producer 1 year after the arrival of a radioactive tracer injected immediately before the polymer slug and (3) the improvement in the injectivity profile observed when (prior) water injection was profile observed when (prior) water injection was converted to polymer injection.
Because of the performance of the pilot injector, the polymer flood was expanded to two additional injectors in Dec., 1969.

Introduction
The Skull Creek field, located approximately 7 miles southwest of the town of Newcastle in Weston County, Wyo., is divided into two unitized areas (Fig. 1). The northern two-thirds of the field is referred to as the Skull Creek North unit (SCNU). The southern one-third is referred to as the Skull Creek South Unit (SCSU). The Newcastle sand formation of the above mentioned units was unitized for the purpose of initiating waterflood operations. The purpose of this paper is to report the performance due to the use of a polymer in the SCSU and the economics of obtaining the increased incremental oil.
Optimizing the Productivity of Acid-Fracture Treatments in Horizontal Wells
Authors: Allen Elise 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
Existing prediction methods are inadequate for unstable radial displacement1, with prediction errors of up to 500%. This work provides a new theoretical basis for understanding unstable displacements in both Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluids, based on a detailed analysis of the fingering morphology and a new derivation using fractional flow theory for radial flow. Design guidelines are given to assist in optimizing the design of fingered acid-fracture treatments for horizontal wells in carbonate formations.
Unstable radial displacement creates power-law (fractal) displacement patterns, for a wide range of mobility ratios, and the displacement efficiency can be expressed as a function of the mobility ratio M. The finger wavelength is a function of the mobility ratio M. The finger aperture, and the detailed morphology can be understood in terms of the fluid rheology. The size of the fingering zone can be predicted from the mobility ratio and Peclet number. A productivity index factor PIF can be used to compare different treatment scenarios, and thus optimise the productivity of acid-fracture treatments.
Modeling of Capillary Pressure Behavior Using Standard Open Hole Wireline Log Data: Demonstrated on Carbonates from the Middle East
Authors: Ross C. M. , Callender C. A. , Turbeville J. B. , Funk J. J. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
A new technique was developed to model capillary pressure behavior from wireline log data and applied to carbonate reservoir rock from a Saudi Aramco field. The method utilizes image analysis of petrographic thin sections, capillary pressure measurements, and neural network analysis of standard open hole wireline log data. Twenty capillary pressure curves and their associated pore type proportions (identified in thin section) arc the basis for the capillary pressure predictive model for the reservoir interval under study. Neural network analysis of the wireline log data was used to continuously predict pore type proportions downhole. The neural network-derived pore proportions were then applied in constructing wireline log-based capillary pressure curves using the capillary pressure predictive model.
This method provides an accurate means of determining capillary pressure behavior from wireline log data and extends the applicability of the limited number of available capillary pressure curves. Once trained, the neural network may be applied to other wells in the field as long as the training set (both rock samples and wireline log types) is representative within the study area. The capillary pressure curves predicted from wireline log data can be used for the same purposes as capillary pressure curves measured on core samples, such as determining water saturation in intervals above and within the transition zone.
Investigation of the Effect of Temperature and Pressure on Wettability Using Modified Pendant Drop Method
Authors: Wang W. , Gupta A. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
Wettability is a key parameter that affects the petrophysical properties of reservoir rocks. The objective of the present work is to investigate the influence of temperature and pressure on the wettability of reservoir rocks. An experimental method for the measurements of contact angle at elevated temperature and pressure has been developed, in which a Pendant Drop Interfacial Tension Cell was modified. Experimental results of contact angle and interfacial tension for two different crude oil-brine-quartz/calcite and mineral oil-distilled water systems over a range of temperatures and pressures are reported. Contact angle for the systems studied increased with pressure, increased with temperature for sandstone system and decreased with temperature for carbonate system.
Horizontal Well Placement and Petrophysical Evaluation Using LWD
Authors: Prilliman J. D. , Allen D. F. , Lehtonen L. R. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
A well recently drilled in the Gulf of Mexico utilized new developments in logging while drilling (LWD) technology to allow a horizontal wellbore to be accurately placed in difficult targets. Simultaneously, high-quality petrophysical log measurements were taken, allowing very detailed formation evaluation. An instrumented motor provided resistivity, gamma ray, and inclination measurements at or very close to the bit. A new porosity and lithology tool provided azimuthal data from four quadrants of the borehole. All data were used for bed boundary detection at high relative dip angles, geosteering accuracy, and for better estimates of net pay.
Formation Evaluation and Geological Interpretation from the Resistivity-at-the-Bit Tool
Authors: Rosthal R. A. , Young R. A. , Lovell J. R. , Buffington L. , Arceneaux C. L. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
The RAB* (Resistivity-at-the-Bit) tool is a logging-while-drilling device designed to accurately measure resistivity in salty muds and high resistivity formations such as carbonates. Included among the RAB’s measurements are three azimuthally oriented buttons that provide focused resistivity images with shallow, medium and deep depths of investigation. Combinations of these measurements with a focused ring electrode can be used to determine Rt in the presence of invasion. RAB data can also be combined with other LWD measurements to obtain high quality formation evaluation.
The RAB tool is unique among LWD tools in its ability to acquire fullbore formation images. Such images not only provide quantitative resistivity, but also give information on the structural geology and depositional environment. Bedding dips computed from the RAB tool compare well with those from wireline image logs. Large scale structural features (bedding, faults, etc.) are readily interpreted from RAB images and dips. As with dip interpretation from other image logs, best results are obtained when images are used to evaluate structural interpretation from batch-processed RAB dips.
To help operators more fully utilize RAB data in time-critical drilling situations, a technique is proposed to compute high-angle apparent dips in real-time. Such a capability will be particularly useful for geosteering near-horizontal wells.
Well Testing in Coalbed Methane (CBM) Wells: An Environmental Remediation Case History
Authors: Cox D. O. , Young G. B. C. , Bell M. J. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
In 1993, methane seepage was observed near coalbed methane wells in southwestern Colorado. Well tests were conducted to identify the source of the seeps. The well tests were complicated by two-phase flow, groundwater flow, and gas readsorption. Using the test results, production from the area was simulated. The cause of the seeps was found to be depressuring in shallow coal near the surface, and a remediation plan using water injection near the seep area was formulated.
Simulation of Geological Models Using Multipoint Histogram
Authors: Qiu W. Y. , Kelkar M. G. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
Simulated annealing optimization technique was used to simulate geological models. After comparing one-point perturbation scheme with two-point swapping scheme, and the Metropolis algorithm with the greedy algorithm, an optimized combination of simulated annealing schedule is presented. The two-dimensional correlation coefficient matrix is introduced to determine a unit configuration which can represent essential features of a geological model. The proposed simulated annealing technique can be used to reproduce the characteristics of a geological model based on multipoint histogram which can be obtained by using a unit configuration.
Various geological vertical cross sections and horizontal slices based on field data are used to validate this new technique. Simulated results confirm that one-point perturbation scheme with the Metropolis algorithm provides the best combination to capture the essential features of a geological model. Further, the two-dimensional correlation coefficient matrix provides a technique to choose a priori unit configuration for multipoint histogram, which captures the geological characteristics adequately.
Measurement of Formation Resistivity Through Steel Casing
Authors: Singer B. Sh. , Fanini O. , Strack K.-M. , Tabarovsky L. A. , Zhang X. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
Through casing resistivity measurements confirmed the original concept proposed by Alpin (Ref. 1) and recently revived and improved by Kaufman (Ref. 2) and Vail (Ref. 3). A commercial tool can be used for monitoring producing wells, waterflooding control, and searching for bypassed hydrocarbons in abandoned and active wells.
The information on the resistivity of the formation is represented by the second spacial derivative of the casing voltage that is generally small. This makes the evaluation of possible distortions arising from different kinds of casing imperfections important. These imperfections include casing collars, corrosion, perforations, etc. The fact that only low frequencies can be used for the measurement allows us to propose fast and accurate modeling algorithms. Numerical evaluation shows that the distorting effect of casing imperfections is quite moderate. Typically, it does not exceed 10 – 20% of the measured apparent resistivity.
The vertical resolution of the measurements is limited by the spacing between the voltage sensing electrodes. It can be deteriorate due to the cement sheath that always exists around the casing. A significant distortion of the measurement occurs near the bottom of the casing. This distortion can reach 50% of the signal. To improve the readings, a simplified inversion algorithm has been developed. The most direct application of the algorithm is the monitoring of the pay zone resistivity.
Extending Minimal Structures into Deeper Waters: A Case History
Authors: Kallaby Joseph , Billings C. M. Josh , Doing Mark H. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
This paper presents a case history of the successful use of a minimal concept platform extended into water depths greater than 400 ft. The structure consists of an integrated deck supported on a tripod jacket and fastened to the seabed with three piles. The deck is capable of supporting a self contained workover rig, or a tender assisted drilling rig. The platform was successfully installed in 428 ft. of water depth in April of 1995.
The design is based on a rational development of the environmental criteria developed in cooperation with the Minerals Management Service, including the effects of wave dynamics and fatigue. The paper describes the innovative use of recently developed installation aids, and presents the relative economics of the concept used as compared to other concepts.
An Integrated System for Improving Design Team Performance and for Measuring Operability Results
Authors: McCuish J. D. , Wilson J. L. , Hallam J. L. , McClure J. F. , Ramsay S. F. , Denton M. A. 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACT
Operability is defined as the effectiveness of the facility in performing as designed upon commissioning and is measured principally in the first 6-12 months of new operation. Generally in the construction and installation of production facilities, teams have had few tools or generally accepted practices for impacting the effective Operability of the facility, measuring that Operability, and linking the two. This paper describes a recent study of a significant number of projects incorporating operability results and other information gathered from world-wide subject-matter experts and the subsequent development of new tools to improve Operability performance. Presented are the data analyses methodology, results and new tools for predicting the likelihood of project operability success several years ahead of commissionin. This paper describes the Operability Toolbox method to measure and improve Operability effectiveness.
Simultaneous Water and Gas Injection Pilot at the Kuparuk River Field, Surface Line Impact
Authors: Stoisits R. F. , Krist G. J. , Ma T. D. , Rugen J. A. , Kolpak M. M. , Payne R. L. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
Immiscible water alternating gas (IWAG) injection has effectively managed produced gas at the Kuparuk River Field: increasing field oil rate and recovery. Although IWAG economics are very favorable, this pilot study was undertaken to ascertain whether separate water and gas injection lines to the drill sites and on-pad distribution systems can be eliminated by simultaneously injecting water and gas in waterflood lines.
A significant problem in simultaneous water and gas injection is the phase separation which occurs at branches in the injection pipe network. The higher density phase, because of its greater momentum, will tend to flow in the straight or least deviated pipe branch, while the lower density phase will tend to flow into the most deviated branch of pipe. Studies conducted at ARCO’s Exploration and Production Technology Research Center in Plano, Texas; indicated that static mixers positioned at the pipe branches could achieve equal distribution of the phases to both runs of the pipe branch.
In the pilot study gas was injected into an 8″ waterflood line which supplied two drill sites. A static mixer was placed at the junction for the two drill sites. Static mixers were also placed in the 4″ injection manifold of one of the drill sites, the other drill site had no mixers in the injection manifold. Gas was distributed to both drill sites. At the drill site with static mixers in the injection manifold, gas was distributed to the wells on the injection manifold: while at the drill site without static mixers, phase separation occurred and only one well on the injection manifold received gas.
The Management and Optimization of a Major Wellwork Program at Prudhoe Bay
Authors: Martins J. P. , MacDonald J. M. , Stewart C. G. , Phillips C. J. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
Over 800 remedial wellwork operations are performed each year at Prudhoe Bay. A hierarchy of performance measures and targets has been developed to facilitate the management and optimization of such a large and costly program of work. The paper discusses the Wellwork Evaluation Tracking System (WETS) which has been used over the past 7 years to assess the benefits achieved by a given wellwork operation, taking into account the appropriate facility constraints. The paper describes the process employed for using the performance measures to ensure the timely identification of both problems and opportunities across the field and it provides numerous examples of how the success of the wellwork program has been improved, despite more complex candidates, with the use of the performance measures.
The Application of Multi-phase Metering on Oil & Gas Gathering Platforms
Authors: Smith T. L. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
Multi-phase Metering can provide lease operators an economical alternative for field development by eliminating multiple support structures. Although other development concepts have been proposed, such as Deep Star 1, which describes a concept of gathering platforms, this concept introduces the application of Multi-phase Metering using conventional processing techniques. This paper describes a single gathering platform designed to process production from multiple blocks, utilizing Multi-phase Metering techniques, to eliminate multiple support structures.
Simple, Effective Models for Evaluating Portfolios of Exploration and Production Projects
Authors: Davidson L. B. , Davis J. E. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
This paper describes an approach for evaluating the risk and reward of exploration and production project portfolios. These models allow rapid, reasonably accurate assessment of the risk and reward of different exploration and development project mixes. They facilitate testing sensitivity to price, risk, and data assumptions. The methods described are also useful for evaluation of reserve acquisitions. The methods described in the paper are being used at Equitable Resources Energy Company.
Achievements of Biocatalytic Desulfurization
Authors: Johnson S. W. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
Regulations reducing the sulfur content in transportation fuels and the increasing sulfur content of crude oil worldwide have put refiners under pressure to add desulfurization capacity. The conventional technology — hydrodesulfurization (HDS) — is expensive and non-selective in many cases. A new technology — biocatalytic desulfurization (BDS) — has the promise to complement HDS in some instances or to provide a unique solution in other cases, such as desulfurization of gasoline or crude oil. Biocatalyst development and process development are now at the pilot stage. Preliminary information from the pilot plant validated the extensive laboratory-generated database, and a commercial diesel desulfurization unit should be running in 1997.
Development of a Coiled Tubing Cable Installation System
Authors: Newman K. R. , Haver N. A. , Stone L. R. , Tong D. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
A system has been developed which installs and de-installs an electric wireline cable in coiled tubing (CT) while the CT is still on the reel. This cable installation system reduces the cost of a cable installation significantly compared with previous installation methods.
This paper discusses the need for such a system, the theory used to develop this system, the various concepts considered, the system that was developed and test installation cases.
Coiled Tubing Stimulations Eliminate Hole Failures & Condensate Losses In Arun Field
Authors: Bunnell F. D. , Daud M. M. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
Stimulation practices have evolved considerably over the life of the Arun Field. From the original HCl matrix treatments in the late 70's to the organic matrix and acid fracture treatments through the early 90's these techniques have proven effective. Beginning in recent years however, some problems have been observed. Problems include collapsing shales plugging one well and sharp drops in the condensate/gas ratio following stimulation in others. Open hole completions with a limited casing/cement barrier between the over pressured shale and the depleting Arun reservoir are subject to shale collapse and plugging when directly exposed to acid during conventional stimulations. Most Arun completions are subject to post stimulation condensate losses due to increasingly difficult conditions for effective diversion of acid treatment fluids.
Acid stimulation using coiled tubing techniques effectively addresses these problems. In seven stimulations performed to date shale failures and condensate losses have been eliminated. Direct acid washing across deeper intervals helps protect the acid sensitive barrier in open hole completions and effectively treats the lower, condensate rich zones.
Downhole Corrosion Inspection of 2 7/8 and 3 1/2 Inch Production Tubing Using Magnetic Flux Leakage
Authors: Sperling E. J. , Sharp C. Q. , MacLean A. R. , Spencer D. W. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
A magnetic flux leakage (MFL) inspection system has been developed for in-place corrosion inspection of 2 7/8 and 3 1/2 inch downhole production tubing. The system consists of a downhole MFL inspection logging tool which communicates data via an electric wireline to a surface data acquisition system for storage and analysis. Data from field testing has demonstrated the system's ability to define the extent and severity of internal and external corrosion, mill defects, and tubing features such as perforations. The system has also demonstrated the ability to identify and quantify internal pitting and mill defects at tubing upsets and collar areas. The system was designed to be universally compatible with standard single conductor wireline units, and the downhole components have an operating upper limit to 300 degrees F and 12,000 psi.
Renewable Resource Development in the Ecuadorian Rainforest
Authors: Hutton W. C. , Skaggs M. M. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
This paper discusses the planning and execution of a multi-million dollar, heavy oil renewable resource development project in the Amazon Basin of Ecuador. The project work is authorized under a risk service contract with PETROECUADOR and employs new technology in order to minimize environmental and cultural impacts on the environment and the inhabitants of the areas. During the peak of the project, over 3,000 workers were employed and managed in the rainforest under special guidelines, in order to avoid damages to the environment.
The project guidelines are spelled out in a model Environmental Management Plan (EMP) which employs innovative well pad, road and pipeline construction and platform drilling methods to limit deforestation. Reforestation methods are reviewed; scientific baseline and archaeological pre and post construction methods were followed, and methods to control colonization pressures are executed as a part of the EMP described in this paper. In addition, the EMP covers methods used to minimize the disruption of the indigenous population of the area including medical, educational and other programs employed to reduce disease among the indigenous population of the area. Conventional aspects of the EMP include spill control techniques for remote areas of the rainforest, solid waste recycling programs, drilling and construction waste management, landfarming methods, pipeline construction and underground river crossing methods. All of these methods are employed to minimize the environmental and cultural impact of the project on the environment and its inhabitants.