bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Interference Testing of Horizontal Wells
Authors: Malekzadeh D. , Tiab D. 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACTSolution to the problem of interference testing of horizontal wells is a major step forward in understanding the fluid flow behavior of horizontal wells and, therefore, to the efficient implementation of the horizontal well technology. These tests provide valuable information about reservoir characteristics such as areal average transmissibility, storage, and degree of communication between wells.Due to the larger radius of influence and larger contact area of a horizontal well with the formation than its vertical counterpart, this paper suggests that the transmissibility and storage obtained from interference testing of horizontal wells would be much more representative of the formation than the ones obtained from interference testing of vertical wells.This paper provides the dimensionless pressure and dimensionless pressure derivative type curves for interference testing of horizontal wells and the appropriate equations to be used in conjunction with the type curves in order to determine transmissibility and storage from field data. Solutions were also obtained for interference testing between horizontal and vertical wells. In addition, this paper recommends that the determination of dimensionless pressure at the horizontal wellbore requires calculating the PD function at small values of both YD and ZD
Capillary Oil Entrapment in Crossbedded Sedimentary Structures of Fluvial Sandstone Reservoirs
Authors: Hartkamp-Bakker C. A. 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACT
Fluvial deposits contain a high percentage of large-scale cross-bedding. The contrasting grain size of adjacent foreset laminae combined with poorly-sorted bottomsets cause a considerable permeability heterogeneity. Permeability measurements of studied outcrop sandstones range from 0.5 to 17 Darcy. Values of reservoir cores from various Dutch gas fields range from 10 mD up to several hundreds of mD. Average permeability values of the poorly-sorted bottomsets are significantly lower than average values of the well-sorted foresets. Adjacent foreset laminae show remarkably sharp contacts in distinctive grain size and sorting. Consequently, capillary characteristics differ per foreset lamina and between foreset laminae and bottomset. Detailed computer simulations show that oil is being trapped in low capillary pressure laminae as soon as surrounding higher capillary pressure laminae and bottomsets are flushed to immovable oil saturation. It is conceivable that considerable amounts of oil, considered movable, could be trapped by capillary forces on a cross-bed set scale.
Two-Phase Flow in Low-Velocity Hilly Terrain Pipelines
Authors: Sarica C. , Shoham O. , Brill J. P. 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACT
The flow behavior in hilly terrain pipelines with low flow rates of gas and liquid is gravity dominated. For these conditions, steady or unsteady state flow can prevail, even for constant input gas and liquid mass flow rates. The transient behavior of the flow is due to pipeline geometry and the compressible nature of the gas phase. The result is the occurrence of terrain induced slugging which can cause operational problems.
Severe slugging in a pipeline-riser system can be considered as a special case of terrain slugging in hilly terrain pipelines. For this case, the system consists of with a downward inclined section followed by an upward inclined section. Recently, an improved quasi equilibrium model has been developed to simulate the transient flow behavior in pipeline-riser systems.
A new model is developed to simulate low velocity flow in hilly terrain pipelines by extending the improved severe slugging analysis. The model is based on fundamental principles and incorporates the physical phenomena. Flow instabilities can inherently be predicted by the model, and a separate stability analysis is not required.
The new model developed for low velocity flow in hilly terrain pipelines can be utilized to predict the flow behavior under a wide range of flow conditions, including zero net liquid and gas flow, pipeline start up and shut down practices, the effects of pipeline rupture, and variations of inlet flow rates or separator pressure. Simulation of a full scale field pipeline is presented to demonstrate the capabilities of the proposed model. The results show that large amounts of liquid and gas can be produced in a short period of time due to the occurence of terrain slugging, creating a potential operating problem at the outlet of the pipeline.
Large-Scale Experiments Show Proper Hole Conditioning: A Critical Requirement for Successful Cementing Operations
Authors: Beirute R. M. , Sabins F. L. , Ravi K. V. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
Proper hole conditioning means to establish a hole that is free of cuttings, debris, etc., and that has a mud in a fully "displaceable" or "circulatable" condition to allow the spacer and cement slurries to effectively displace the mud out of the hole.
During this research project, several parameters that influence hole conditioning were investigated using large scale well models. Resistivity probes were used to detect the travel time of "tagged" slugs as they traveled through the models. This allowed measurements of the circulation efficiency or "circulatable hole" (portion of the mud circulating at a given time) to be made during the tests. Resistivity probes were used since currently available "tagging" techniques (liquid calipers normally used in the field) lacked the accuracy that was needed for the research experiments. To simulate hole conditioning across areas of good permeability, for example across pay zones and even partially depleted zones, circulatable hole measurements were made across man-made sandstone cores. Measurements were also made in pipe-in-pipe (impermeable) sections. Different types of mud were used.
This paper discusses the impact of hole conditioning on the outcome of a cementing operation. The paper also includes, based on the data collected, a compilation of practical recommendations for improving hole conditioning and therefore cement job displacement efficiency in actual field application.
Successful Water Control in Openhole Gravel-Packed Completions Within a TEOR Environment
Authors: Peavy M. A. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
A phenolic resin plugback technique was developed and successfully employed on thirty-two wellbores with open hole gravel packed completions in the Midway-Sunset field during 1987. This program resulted in a sustained water production decrease of 5,850 BWPD and an oil production increase of 256 BOPD. Total revenue and savings from the wellbore plugback project were estimated at $970,790 per year. The project paid out in 120 days. This paper will address the development, implementation, and results of this water control technique. This study demonstrates that control of water production is possible within an open hole gravel packed completion with the use of a phenolic resin. Successful placement of phenolic plugs in temperature environments ranging from 100 F to 200° F were obtained. Influence of this program on wells immediately offsetting the water shut-off wellbores is reviewed.
Thin Polyacrylamide Gels for Water Control in High-Permeability Production Wells
Authors: Zaitoun A. , Rahbari R. , Kohler N. 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACT
We evaluated a new cross-linking system using nonionic polyacrylamide and an organic cross-linker in the lab for water control applications in high-permeability wells. The thin gel was not very sensitive to salinity and was stable up to 70°C. The reaction was optimal at a pH between 6 and 8.5, and thus under usual reservoir conditions. In this pH range, it was slow enough for the polymer/cross-linker mixture to be injected easily for several hours. After a shut-in time of one day, the thin gel formed in-situ. We compared the thin gel’s performance to that of the single polymer, and ran two-phase flow experiments in high-permeability sandpacks. The thin gel induced a considerable drop in the relative permeability to water (with krw values divided by a factor of 100 and more), while it remained fairly permeable to oil. Selective reduction of krw with respect to kro was an order of magnitude greater with the thin gel than with the single polymer.
Sand Production Prediction Review: Developing an Integrated Approach
Authors: Veeken C. A. M. , Davies D. R. , Kenter C. J. , Kooijman A. P. 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACT
A reliable, but non-conservative, field validated prediction of sand production is essential to decide whether sand control measures need to be installed during well completion. In this paper, field measurements of sand production are classified and quantified to obtain a better perspective of the downhole situation. Existing sand prediction techniques are presented, critically evaluated and their limitations discussed. The field application of the current generation of sand prediction techniques is described. The importance of integrating field observations, laboratory experiments and theoretical modelling is demonstrated.
Comparative Study of Gravel/Water Packing 12 Gulf Coast Wells
Authors: Thibodeaux G. A. , Gill S. B. , Richard B. M. , Bowman C. W. 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACT
This paper presents a case history of 13 gravel pack completions in 12 wells which used completion brine (water) as the carrier fluid as opposed to polymer (gel) carrier fluids, such as hydroxyethelcellulose (HEC) and xantham gum (XC). The gravel/water packs were performed in 12 Gulf of Mexico wells during a six month period from mid-1990 to 1991.
The paper (1) describes the evolution of the water packing equipment and procedures used in this case history, (2) presents data in terms of the procedures and the pertinent well data (deviation, zone length, casing size, screen size, completion fluid weight, pump rate, etc.), and (3) post appraises the success of these water packs by examining gravel pack logs and well productivity. The gravel/ water pack procedure described proved 100% successful in providing excellent gravel packs in these wells. Compared to prior gravel/gel packs, the described procedure resulted in superior packs by providing complete (void-free) packing and by eliminating production damage often caused bthe gel carriers.
A Statistical Approach for Predicting Volume of Oil Spill During Pipeline Operations
Authors: Kim B. I. , Sharma M. P. , Harris H. G. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
This paper presents statistical models for predicting volume of oil spills in pipeline failures. It is based on performance and failure data of cross-country oil pipelines.
The two-parameter Welbull distribution was used to predict the size (volume) of the oil spill. The goodness-of-fit for the models has been evaluated using Chi-square criterion. The two-parameter Welbull distribution proved to be an effective means of statistically predicting oil spill size.
The statistical models developed make it possible to assess both the probability of volume of oil spillage due to all causes of pipeline failures, and of individual causes as well.
Recompletions Using Large-Diameter Coiled Tubing: Prudhoe Bay Case History and Discussion
Authors: Blount C. G. , Ward S. L. , Weiss T. D. , Hightower C. M. 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACT
The paper describes the recompletion of an oil well in the Prudhoe Bay field using coiled tubing (CT) in the first use of two inch outside diameter (OD) CT. The CT and currently available auxiliary equipment were installed inside of the existing production tubing to improve flowing tubing hydraulics. The feasibility of relatively large CT for production tubing is demonstrated. In the example well, installation of coiled tubing enabled a "dead" well to be restored to production at a rate of several hundred barrels per day without an expensive rig workover or modifications to existing wellhead or downhole equipment.
The Development and Use of a Coiled-Tubing Simulation for Horizontal Applications
Authors: Misselbrook J. , Wilde G. , Falk K. 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACT
Thorough analysis of the many circulation parame- ters and force conditions experienced with coiled tubing has helped to improve job efficiency and eliminated many of the operating difficulties experienced in the past.
The arrival of horizontal well technology has pro- duced the need for more diversity and greater reliability from coiled tubing. Many standard completion and work-over operations now require the use of coiled tubing in order to gain access to the horizontal sections. Using recognized correlations for all of the circulation parame- ters involved, and incorporating them into a set of force balance equations, a completely interactive model has been constructed to analyze flow conditions and tubing force effects and predict the outcome of coiled tubing operations.
This paper will describe some of the concepts used to develop a coiled tubing simulator, its operating fea- tures and a few horizontal well examples to demonstrate its capability.
Renovate Produced-Water-Treating Facilities To Handle Increased Water Cuts
Authors: Murti D. G. K. , Al-Nuaimi H. R. 
Published: December 2007

SUMMARY
The modified skimmer tanks have consistently demonstrated superior oil recovery characteristics compared to conventional design in an oil field tank battery system. The modified tanks have been in continuous service for more than 2 years in one of the oldest oil fields in the Arabian Gulf. The new design has helped recover skimmed oil from a mere 6 bpd (1.0 m3) to more than 55 bpd (8.75 m3) from produced water in a tank battery system alone. The recovery is expected to improve by upto 2U0 bpd (31.8 m3) once skimmer tanks in all the tank batteries are upgraded to the new design.
Identification and Properties of Modified Zeolites for the Removal of Benzene, Toluene, and Xylene From Aqueous Solutions
Authors: Janks J. S. , Cadena F. 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACT
"Tailored" zeolites, made by exchanging amines onto natural zeolites, were studied as an adsorption medium for the removal of BTEX from saline produced water. The major components in natural zeolites are smectite, clinoptilolite and cristobalite. BTEX levels were reduced a minimum of 70 to 85% in the produced water after treatment. X-ray diffraction was used to analyze the natural and tailored zeolites.
Assessing the Effects of Microbial Metabolism and Metabolites on Reservoir Pore Structure
Authors: Udegbunam E. O. , Adkins J. P. , Knapp R. M. , Mclnerney M. J. , Tanner R. S. 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACT
The effect of microbial treatment on pore structure of sandstone and carbonatereservoirs was determined. Understanding how different bacterial strains and their metabolic bioproducts affect reservoir pore structure will permit the prudent application of microorganisms for enhanced oil recovery. The microbial strains tested included Clostridium acetobutylicum. a polymer-producing Bacillus strain, and an unidentified halophilic anaerobe that mainly produced acids and gases. Electrical conductivity, absolute permeability, porosity and centrifuge capillary pressure were used to examine rock pore structures. Modifications of the pore structure observed in the laboratory cores included pore enlargement due to acid dissolution of carbonates and pore throat reduction due to biomass plugging. This paper shows that careful selection of microbes based on proper understanding of the reservoir petrophysical characteristics is necessary for applications of microbially enhanced oil recovery. These methods and results can be useful to field operators and laboratory researchers involved in design and screening of reservoirs for MEOR. The methods are also applicable in evaluation of formation damage caused by drilling, injection or completion fluids or stimulation caused by acids.
Study of Effects Upon Gravel-Pack Systems During Frac-Pack Operations
Authors: Donovan J. F. , Johnson M. H. , Salerni J. V. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
The paper will present effects upon the downhole gravel pack system as "FRAC-PACK" operations are occurring. The testing conducted forthis paper will observe and report upon key elements of the downhole system and fluids. These key elements include but are not limited to the slurry, sand, downhole gravel pack system, casing and perforations.
Analytical and Experimental Evaluation of Expanded Metal Packers for Well Completion Service
Authors: Dreesen D. S. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
Tandem expanded metal packers are proposed as an alternative to open hole packers and cemented liners for zone isolation in hostile well environments. Packers made of ductile steel tubes can be inflated and plastically enlarged to conform, attach, and seal to the wellbore. Metal packers promise a method to achieve permanent zone isolation in wells where cemented completion liners or traditional open hole packers do not provide satisfactory or economic completions.
Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Relaxation in Porous Media
Authors: Jerosch-Herold Michael , Thomann Hans , Thompson A. H. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
With the recent introduction of the new generation Magnetic Resonance Imaging Logging (MRIL) tool, it is now possible to make down hole measurements of the proton spin-spin relaxation times, T2, and the spin-lattice relaxation times, T1. It has been previously demonstrated in laboratory measurements that the surface-to-volume ratio and fluid permeability can be estimated from T1 measurements. Permeability values derived from T1 measurements are sensitive to the magnetic impurities and magnetic heterogeneities that determine the surface relaxation velocities. The analysis of T1 measurements is usually complicated by the combination of random internal magnetic field gradients and fluid diffusion. Alternatively, diffusion effects can be quantified using the CPMG pulse train spin-echo experiment with variable pulse spacings. The internal gradients are determined by the pore space geometry and therefore the transverse relaxation of the fluid spins in the presence of these gradients can lead to an estimate of characteristic length scales of the pore space and of the fluid flow permeability. Our experimental results indicate that this permeability estimate is less sensitive to the surface relaxation velocity than are permeability estimates based on T\ measurements. Permeability estimates based on the results CPMG T1 experiments on several sandstone cores are presented.
Computation of Heat Transfer in Wellbores With Single and Dual Completions
Authors: Barua S. 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACT
Algorithms are presented which permit detailed heat transfer (conduction, convection, and radiation) calculations in wellbores with single and dual completions. The dual completion configuration may consist of parallel or concentric strings. Production or injection modes can be simulated. The annular spaces can be solid, liquid, or gaseous.
The algorithms are incorporated in a steady-state multiphase flow simulator for pipelines, networks, and production systems1. Temperature and pressure profiles in the flow strings are generated by coupling the momentum and energy balances in the strings with the transient heat transfer to the surrounding formation.
Several example problems are analyzed with the algorithms. These include flow and structural configurations commonly encountered in dual completion wellbores. The predicted pressure and temperature profiles are consistent with physical phenomena.
How To Design for Annulus Fluid Heat-Up
Authors: Adams A. 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACT
Existing single-string analysis methods are inadequate for solution of heat-up problems, which require a global analysis of the whole well system (all casings together). This paper presents a method for such a technique, termed global service life analysis, and describes an FE program (ADHOC) developed to implement it. The formulation is fully general, and is applicable to a wide range of casing design problems.
Subsidence Monitoring in the Gulf Coast
Authors: Green D. E. 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACT
In certain geological environments, hydrocarbon and mineral production can cause collapsing or subsidence of the local geostructure. Significant subsidence causes casing failure, either in the producing zone or in the overburden. Subsidence can be transmitted through the overburden to the surface causing major problems such as rig collapse or pipeline failure. Early detection of a subsidence problem is important so that measures can be taken to prevent the loss of the well or a potential blowout situation.
At the request of several operators, a technique has been developed for detecting small shifts in the formation or casing which indicate the onset of a subsidence problem. A pilot program using existing wireline tools (Fig. 1) was started in November 1990 on a well in the Gulf of Mexico. The technique and results of this project are presented in this paper.
This technique uses existing downhole wireline tools configured to provide high-resolution measurements. Core bullets (with no retaining wires), tagged with a very low-level, short half-life radioactive isotope (5 microC of cobalt 60,5.2-year half-life), are shot into the formation at regular intervals. After casing is set, a base log is run to determine the precise location of the casing collars and radioactive markers prior to production. Once production has begun monitor logs are run at regular time intervals to detect movement of the collars or markers. Any shift in the locations of the collars or gamma ray pips indicates casing deformation or formation subsidence. The analysis technique relies on detector spacing, rather than cable motion. Subsidence results are presented in graphical form as well as tabular listings.
Performance of a Thermal Horizontal Well Pilot
Authors: Adegbesan K. O. , Leauté R. P. , Courtnage D. E. 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACT
Production performance of Esso Resources Canada Limited’s Horizontal Well Pilot I (HWPI), recovering10 degree API bitumen from Cold Lake, is described. The well has utilized a vertical steam injection well since 1980. Over 50,000 m3 of bitumen have been recovered at a cumulative oil-steam ratio (OSR) of over 0.35 during the first eight years of operation.
A comprehensive field monitoring program of HWPI was undertaken including well bottomhole pressures and temperatures, reservoir temperatures, interwell radioactive tracer tests, surface seismic surveys and cased hole logs. Approximately 20 to 30 percent of the original bitumen in place in a thermally drained zone, inferred from measured surface seismic data, was recovered. A wellbore utilization of approximately 98 meters or 40 percent of the total horizontal slotted liner length was estimated based on the surface seismic anomalies and bitumen production data. This finding was confirmed from the results of a successful numerical simulation history match of this pilot.
Analytical models have identified that pressure drive mechanisms dominated the early life of the well, with gravity drainage accounting for most of the production later in the well’s life.
Reservoir Engineering of a Geologically Complex North Sea Eocene/Palaeocene Reservoir With Highly Unfavourable Mobility Ratio and Gas/Water Coning
Authors: Moralee T. A. , McDonald B. J. , Phillips D. R. 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACT
The Gryphon field is a North Sea Eocene/Palaeocene reservoir at the forefront of a new generation of complex oilfields requiring innovative analysis methods for successful evaluation and development planning. In order to correctly simulate reservoir and production complexity in an efficient and rapid manner, novel reservoir characterisation techniques and methodologies of building a full-field model have been utilised and are described below. To alleviate both gas and water coning problems and optimise recoveries, it is planned that horizontal wells will be an integral part of field development.