bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Benefits and Application of Rapid Mineral Analysis Provided by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy
Authors: Harville D. G. , Freeman D. L. 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACT
Quantitative mineralogical information is critical to the characterization and exploitation of hydrogarbon reservoirs. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy can now routinely provide this information. The instrumentation used to perform FTIR spectroscopy does not require ionizing radiation or special utilities, making the instrument more versatile. Using a computer to interpret the raw data removes the subjectivity prevalent in other techniques. The major advantages of FTIR over other analytical methods are that it is rapid (5 to 6 samples per hour) and cost effective. Furthermore, FTIR can be performed on a minimal amount of sample. Typical samples such as drill cuttings, trimmed ends of core plugs, and sidewall core samples are suitable.
FTIR is a valuable mineral analysis technique, whether used by itself, or in conjunction with other investigative methods. Specifically, its rapid nature lends itself to many different applications. Rapid, quantitative mineralogy may be used to calculate matrix density, yielding more reliable porosity calculations from compensated density logs. Correction of Vsh from gamma-ray logs can be done using the total clay and potassium feldspar content given by an FTIR analysis. In some areas, a timely mineral analysis may identify low resistivity "pay zones" in clay rich areas. Rapid mineral determination can be useful in quickly determining formation breaks or marker beds, and delineating zones of cementation. This type of information also provides an important first step in formation evaluation. Mineral composition, coupled with scanning electron microscopy, may identify fluid-sensitive minerals and potential production problems. Examples of such applications as described above are given in this paper.
Cement Bond Logs of Fiberglass Casing
Authors: Maki V. E. , Hamilton L. 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACT
In the present article, we address the use of a specially configured Pulse Echo Tool (PET*) to evaluate cement bond logging in fiberglass casings. A preliminary mathematical model of the tool response showed an echo pattern in free pipe markedly different from that in well bonded casing. This led to a series of laboratory and field experiments to confirm the modeling results. In the field test waveforms, the reflections from the inner and outer surfaces of the fiberglass, as well as the cement to formation (water) reflections, are quite clear and consistent with the predicted amplitudes and polarities.
Long duration waveforms were recorded and displayed in a seismic type format. The waveforms show the extent of the cement sheath around the casing, and the signals from the fiberglass to cement interface. This information helps evaluate the cement bond to the formation.
A signal processing algorithm utilizing the Hilbert transform of the data was developed to eliminate the tedious, time consuming manual analysis of the waveforms. The mathematics are used to derive the amplitude and phase of the reflection from the outside of the casing. This procedure allows the generation of the logs of the fiberglass to cement interface in the field in real time.
Determining a Reliable Estimate of the Geothermal Gradient from Shut-In Temperature Recordings
Authors: Carlson N. R. , Barnette J. C. 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACT
The interpretation of temperature logs from a production or injection well often is aided by knowledge of the geothermal gradient, i.e., the natural variation of downhole temperature with depth, prior to disturbing the profile with such operations as drilling, producing, or injecting. In a temperature survey temperature profiles are recorded with the well dynamic (on production or injection) and these frequently are accompanied by profiles measured with the well shut-in. During shut-in, the temperature at any depth in a well gradually recovers toward the natural, or geothermal, value.
As an aid to interpreting the dynamic profile, attempts occasionally are made to estimate the geothermal temperature at a given depth from a knowledge of the temperature behavior at that depth during shut-in. Equations and methods are presented for estimating the geothermal temperature at a particular depth, based on dynamic and shut-in temperature values, m addition, techniques are shown for determining the reliability of the estimated geothermal temperature. These techniques suggest guidelines as to when the shut-in profiles should be recorded, in order to enhance the reliability of the estimated geothermal value.
Relationships Between Formation Strength, Drilling Strength, and Electric Log Properties
Authors: Onyia E. C. 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACT
The in-situ mechanical strengths of rocks are very difficult properties to determine or measure because of variation in stress states and rock anisotropics. On the other hand, drilling penetration rates in rocks which are related to some rock strengths can be measured with a higher degree of reliability in the field. From penetration rate and other drilling data, a rock's drilling strength may be determined and related to its mechanical properties.
Wireline electrical log data have been extensively used in reservoir characterization and sometimes give direct measurements of some elastic properties of the rocks. However, there is still the need to evolve some universally acceptable rock strength determination method from wireline electric log data. This approach has the advantage of not requiring extensive drilling and laboratory data and also provides a realistic estimate of in-situ rock strength.
This paper discusses relationships between rock drilling strength and some wireline log properties and shows how a formation's drilling strength can be estimated from log data.
OPUS: An Expert Advisor for Artificial Lift
Authors: Valentin E. P. , Hoffmann F. C. 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACT
In many cases of oil production, it becomes necessary to activate wells by a bottomhole pump to maintain sufficient flowrates to guarantee the profitability of production. A careful selection must be made among different processes, because the poor choice of an activation system could result in problems of reliability or inefficiency, leading to excessive operating costs.
The OPUS (Optimal Pumping Unit Search) system, by enabling a rational approach to various aspects of process selection, helps the oil producer to find the processes best suited to the field case considered.
On the one hand, OPUS integrates an expert system that synthesizes all the knowledge acquired on different systems such as sucker-rod pumps or progressive cavity pumps, hydraulic piston or jet pumps, submersible electric pumps or gas-lift. This knowledge base is used by an inference engine to make an optimum choice after analyzing all the technical and economic criteria. On the other hand, OPUS controls the use of technical sizing programs that support two-phase flows, and economic programs that estimate the unit cost per barrel produced with the aid of the processes chosen.
This system is now in its industrial operational phase and is successfully being used in various projects proving its qualities of flexibility and rapidity.
Field Determination of Fracturing Parameters for Overpressure Calibrated Design of Hydraulic Fracturing
Authors: Shlyapobersky J. , Walhaug W. W. , Sheffield R. E. , Huckabee P. T. 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACTThis paper proposes modifications to test procedures, currently in use in the industry, and presents techniques for design and analysis of hydraulic fracture tests. The proposed approach is used for an accurate determination of the fracture overpressure and the total leak-off coefficient which are necessary for the overpressure calibrated design of hydraulic fracture stimulations.The unified approach of performing and analyzing micro and minifrac tests increases the accuracy and reliability of test results. The test procedures account for the real in-situ conditions of the borehole, formation, and the created fracture. The test performance and data analysis are an on-site interactive process that quantifies these in-situ conditions and optimizes accordingly the controlling test parameters, such as the flow rate and pumped volume. The calculations used in the on-site design and analysis of hydraulic fracture tests can be programmed on a hand-held calculator.A brief discussion of the conventional micro and minifrac tests is presented. Limitations of this conventional approach are identified and illustrated by two examples. The requirements for an accurate determination of the minimum in-situ stress are formulated and modified test procedures which satisfy these requirements are proposed. The theory and procedures for the design and the interpretation of hydraulic fracture tests, uniformly used for both micro and minifrac tests, are outlined. Two field examples demonstrates the presented theory and test procedures.
Rheological and Physical Differences Between Foam and Emulsion Fracturing Fluids
Authors: Blauer R. E. , Phillips A. M. , Craig D. P. 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACT
The mechanisms responsible for desirable rheological and physical properties of fracturing foams and emulsions are essentially identical for both types of fluids. Laboratory data shows the conversion from emulsion to foam for certain combinations of water and a volatile discontinuous phase causes no appreciable change in rheological properties of the fluid.
Oil/Water Flow Structure Measurements in Inclined Pipes
Authors: Vigneaux P. G. , Catala G. N. , Hulin J. P. 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACT
Oil-water flow structures are mapped in 10 cm and 20 cm ID pipes at deviation angles between 5° and 65°. The slip velocity Vs between oil and water is independent of the flow-rate Qt and generally lower in the smaller pipe. At low oil fractions all the oil gathers at the upper side of the pipe. At medium fractions, the radial water fraction gradient is constant with Qt and the water content: Vs is related to the velocity of internal gravity waves due to the mixture density gradient. The relation between these features and the response of production logging tools is discussed.
Crude Oil/Natural Gas/Water Three-Phase Flowmeter
Authors: Chen Xuejun , Chen Lixun , Zhou Fangde , Lin Feng 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACT
The individual flowrates of crude oil, natural gas and water three-phase mixture are measured separately by using a single flowmeter. The measuring principle is the combination of a cross-correlation method with multi-parameter measuring technique. The cross-correlation method is used to measure the overall flowrate of a three-phase fluid mixture. A bypass pipe is used to separate the liquid fluid from the three-phase mixture by adjusting the pressure drop of main flow pipe and to measure the oil volume fraction in the remaining oil-water mixture. The volume fraction of natural gas in three-phase fluid is measured from the main flow. The data collection and the cross-correlation are done with an IBM personal computer. The flowmeter is compact and non-invasive. The experiments have been done in the laboratory and in the field. The flowrate range measured is more extended than that of single phase flowmeters, such as a turbometer or orifice plate. The measuring error is about 5 percent.
This kind of three-phase flowmeter is suitable in many kinds of oil wells to measure the flowrates of crude oil, natural gas and water, including-flows with high water to oil ratios or high gas to oil ratios. The cost of a three-phase flowmeter is lower, so that it is possible to install a flowmeter in each oil-well.
Diverless Connection of Flexible Lines to Subsea Trees Offshore Brazil
Authors: Chaperon G. 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACT
The water depth at which subsea satellite wells have been completed and connected in the Campos field, offshore Brazil, has increased from 1 000 ft [300 m] to 1 600 ft [490 m] in the last three years. Plans are now being prepared to produce such wells in water depths up to 3 300 ft [1 000 m] within another three years.
These projects have required that procedures and equipment be devised to allow the connection of production flowlines and control umbilicals in areas well beyond the current diving capability of just over 1 150 ft [350 m] for normal operations.
Coflexip, as a contractor to Petrobras, has participated in the engineering, manufacturing and installation efforts which resulted in the successful use of two primary diverless connection methods: Horizontal subsea pull-in / lay-away,Surface connection / tree-flowlines simultaneous lay down / lay-away.
This paper describes the two concepts, and presents installation sequences for both methods. Engineering, equipment and installation interfaces are discussed. Specifically, the coordination of tasks between the operator and its vendors and installation contractors is shown to be essential to the successful and timely execution of the operation.
As a conclusion, the paper evaluates and compares the merits and limitations of both methods, and explains why the later is presently gaining favor as the installation water depth increases at the Campos field.
Innovative Technology in Producing Operations
Authors: Hearn D. D. , Blount C. G. , Hightower C. M. , Coleman D. R. , Carlberg B. L. , Wolf N. O. , Clayton C. K. , Blevins B. A. , Turner J. M. , Knight R. M. , Nethers J. , Eatwell W. D. , Craig D. R. , McClintock P. , Krause L. , Andrew J. H. , Hall J. W. , Hamouda A. A. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
The Innovative Technology in Producing Operations Forum is designed to allow the discussion of and dissemination of information about technical innovations and solutions in production engineering that are of immediate practical use but do not warrant a full-scale paper. Each subject is presented in a five to eight minute period with a discussion period of seven to ten minutes. A wide range of subjects is encompassed in the session. Abstracts of the presentations follow.
A Field Development Program in Hydraulic Fracture Stimulation
Authors: Saucier R. J. 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACT
The Fracture Development program was defined and implemented by an operating division of what is now Shell Western E&P Inc (SWEPI) in 1982. The objective of this program has been to improve hydraulic fractured well productivity through an increased understanding of hydraulic fracture behavior and improved design and optimization techniques. Program accomplishments reflect an effective cooperative effort between SWEPI, Shell Development Company, and Service Company personnel.
Major developments include those of the AWP Olmos and McAllen Ranch field areas. In AWP, frac height was defined and both design height and length were increased through developments by factors of 2 over original estimates. Additionally, fracture fluid type was changed from oil to water based fluids, minifrac testing was initiated, field quality control (Q.C.) procedures were instituted, proppant type was changed and proppant concentrations reached then unprecedented levels of 15 lbm/gal [1797 kg/m3] while costs were reduced. In McAllen Ranch, fracture height growth was studied, minifrac testing was initiated, detailed Q.C. procedures were instituted, proppant concentrations were increased to over 2 times previously set limits, and fracture quality improved while costs were reduced.
The benefits of this Fracture Development Program have been improved well performance, increased technical capabilities, enhanced R&D model development, and improved service company products and service.
State-of-the-Art Fracture Stimulation of the Upper Morrow Formation in the Anadarko Basin
Authors: Northcutt J. C. , Robertson C. J. , Hannah R. R. 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACT
Field application of a state-of-the-art fracture stimulation technique has been used to achieve higher proppant concentrations than generally pumped by industry in the Upper Morrow formation of the western Anadarko Basin. As a result of the application of this technique, greater production increases have been realized.
A Comprehensive Theoretical Treatment of Fracturing Fluid Loss
Authors: Poulsen D. K. 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACT
Calculation of the rate and volume of fluid loss from a hydraulic fracture is important in modeling growth of the fracture. This paper presents a generalized theoretical treatment of fluid loss from a fracture, and avoids the common assumptions of (1) constant pressure drop between the fracture and the reservoir boundary, (2) constant filtration properties, and (3) incompressible filtercake. Separate derivations are made for the laboratory fluid-loss cell, leading to recommendations for the analysis of laboratory data and its translation to the fracture-reservoir system.
A Comparative Study of Wettability Test Methods Based on Experimental Results From North Sea Reservoir Rocks
Authors: Torsaeter O. 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACT
Three methods are widely accepted for evaluation of the wetting properties of a rock/fluid system: 1) The Amott test, 2) The USBM-test and 3) Contact angle measurements. In this work the Amott test and the USBM-test have been run in a combination procedure on reservoir rock samples, while contact angle measurements were performed on quartz surfaces. Nine core plugs from two reservoirs in the North Sea were tested in native state and then cleaned and retested. The experiments were run at 80°C with separator crude oil and synthetic formation water.
The paper includes a detailed analysis of the experimental results and the experiences gained with respect to wettability testing, apparatus and procedures, core plug preparation techniques, cleaning methods and measurement reproducibility of wettability tests.
The results from the wettability testing show that the Amott index and USBM-index coincide very well, and that a test procedure combining Amott and USBM is superior to single tests. The results also show that the cleaning procedure used in this work did not render the plugs completely water wet. This could be due to content of oil wetted minerals or remaining organic matter.
The results from the contact angle measurements on clean quartz show that the system is more water wet than indicated by the Amott/USBM test. This contact angle behavior confirms the interpretations based on the cleaning and wettability tests.
Dynamic Displacement Measurements of Three-Phase Relative Permeabilities Using Three Immiscible Liquids
Authors: Grader A. S. , O'Meara D. J. 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACT
The main difficulties to overcome in dynamic displacement relative permeability measurements are capillary end effects and viscous fingering. The latter problem is particularly severe in three-phase systems which include gas. Both of these problems are greatly mitigated in the three liquid system presented here. Water, benzyl alcohol, and decane are the three immiscible liquids which play the role of water, oil, and gas in the conventional three-phase system. The interfacial tensions in this system are about a factor of ten smaller than the comparable tensions for the conventional system, so the capillary end effect is less. Furthermore, viscosity contrasts are diminished, thus lowering the chance of fingering.
An extension of the Welge-JBN method to three phases is derived. Each displacement experiment follows a saturation trajectory across the ternary diagram. The method is used to calculate three-phase relative permeabilities along each trajectory. Finally, the data from all trajectories are combined to provide isoperms over a large portion of the ternary diagram.
Also included are the two sets of two-phase relative permeabilities needed to apply the interpolative three-phase relative permeability model of Stone. The measured isoperms indicate the model over-predict the relative permeability to oil: oil flows at lower rates than predicted.
Experimental Investigation of Retrograde Condensation in Porous Media at Reservoir Conditions
Authors: Danesh A. , Henderson G. D. , Krinis D. , Peden J. M. 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACT
The phenomena of retrograde condensation and the flow of gas-condensates in porous media under simulated reservoir conditions have been studied experimentally. Depletion tests on a 6 component synthetic gas mixture with a dew point of 33 MPa (4800 psi ) at 37.8°C were conducted in glass micromodels and long sandstone cores. Micromodels with homogeneous and heterogeneous patterns, were employed to observe the mechanisms of gas-condensate flow at the pore level. The micromodelling results were then employed in designing experiments in vertical and near horizontal cores to study the phenomena at larger scale and in evaluating the recvoery and composition of gas and gas condensates.
The observations made on the micromodels revealed that whilst condensate continuity was maintained through thin films, its growth was observed to be non-uniform and strongly dominated by capillary and gravitational forces. The depletion tests on the cores verified pore level observations, and in particular, the minimum condensate saturation for the downward flow of condensate was found to be quite low. Implications of the results on gas-condensate laboratory experimental methods have been briefly discussed.
Petroleum Engineering Manpower Supply
Authors: Bourgoyne A. T. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to report the results of the Supply Survey conducted annually by the SPE Manpower Committee. The 1987-88 academic year survey was sent to educators from the 30 U.S. schools listed in the Petroleum Engineering and Technology Schools book published by SPE. Twenty-five of these schools offer degree programs in petroleum engineering and five offer options in petroleum engineering within another engineering degree program. Twenty-eight of the 30 schools responded to the survey.
The survey asks each school to report the number of graduates during the 1987-88 academic year at the B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. levels. The number of non-citizens included in these graduates and the number seeking employment in the U.S. job market are also reported. For those graduates who have reported to their school that they have found employment, the type of employer is requested. The following six employer categories are used:
Horizontal Wells: An Application in the North Sea
Authors: Macdonald C. J. 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACT
The results of a reservoir engineering study into the benefits of using horizontal wells for the development of the Cyrus reservoir are described and discussed.
The techniques for modelling horizontal wells using conventional reservoir simulation software are presented: of critical importance are the dimensions of the grid blocks containing the wellbore and the calculation of wellbore to grid block transmissibilities.
The main conclusion from the study is that a 550 m (1800 ft) horizontal well can be expected to recover at least one and a half times as much as a vertical well during the lifetime of the field. Furthermore, the horizontal well recovers proportionately more during early time which has significant benefits in economic terms, especially for an offshore development.