bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Drilling Fluids Design and Management for Extended Reach Drilling
Authors: Cameron C. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
This paper focuses on the potential problems facing the operator in extended reach exploration and development drilling. A practical review is presented of world-wide extended reach drilling fluid experience with examples of successful technology application from specific projects. Critical drilling fluid success factors in the planning and construction of an extended reach well include borehole stabilisation, hole cleaning, lubricity and equivalent circulating density (ECD) management. The latest techniques in monitoring drilling fluid and wellbore behaviour while drilling an extended reach well are also introduced.
Dimensionless Inflow-Performance-Relationship Curve for Unfractured Horizontal Gas Wells
Authors: Billiter Travis , Lee John , Chase Robert 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
A dimensionless inflow performance relationship (IPR) curve that is a function of horizontal permeability, average reservoir pressure, reservoir height, and reservoir drainage area has been developed for unfractured, horizontal gas wells. The Babu and Odeh horizontal oil well flow equations were modified to account for non-Darcy flow effects and mechanical skin effects and also transformed into pseudopressure form. The pseudopressure equations were solved using analytical methods and Monte Carlo simulation to yield dimensionless IPR curves. This effort showed that the proposed dimensionless IPR curve for unfractured, horizontal gas wells in pseudosteady-state flow is basically independent of all variables except horizontal permeability, average reservoir pressure, reservoir height, and reservoir drainage area. The proposed dimensionless IPR curve is similar in form to the familiar Vogel equation, but only has one coefficient, which is a function of horizontal permeability, average reservoir pressure, reservoir height, and reservoir drainage area. The proposed dimensionless IPR curve can be used to predict the deliverability of a horizontal gas well using a single-point test, as opposed to a standard four-point deliverability test, if the height of the reservoir is known.
New Low-Solids OBM Demonstrates Improved Returns as Perforating Kill Pill
Authors: Jiang Ping , Taugbøl Knut , Mathisen Anne Mette , Alterås Eva , Mo Christine 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
This paper describes the development of a low-solids oil-based fluid and its successful application as a kill pill in long horizontal well perforations in the Norwegian North Sea. The authors detail the investigative process that resulted in the development of the cesium formate-based internal phase fluid system.
Simulated perforation formation damage tests with and without zinc debris were conducted on conventional brine-based and oil-based fluid systems. The tests showed the chemical reaction of the brine-based system to zinc debris had little effect on return flow efficiency, but significantly increased fluid loss. With the conventional oil-based mud, returns dropped to 10-15% when the zinc debris was added.
The newly developed low-solids oil-based kill-pill system was engineered with a high content of heavy brine for fluid density and minimal solids content. The only solids in the system are calcium carbonate, which is used for bridging, and minimal amounts of clay and lime for rheology control and alkalinity, respectively. In perforation tests it exhibited more than 80% return flow efficiency.
Iron Precipitation During Acid Treatments Using HF-Based Acids
Authors: Nasr-El-Din H. A. , Al-Dahlan M. N. , As-Sadlan A. M. , Al-Zamil H. A. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract

Description of the Paper
Iron precipitation during spending of four HF-based acids was examined using an experimental procedure similar to that of Taylor et al.1,2 Regular mud acid (HCl:HF weight ratios of 12/3 and 6/1.5) and three retarded HF acids based on AlCl3, boric acid, and a phosphonic acid were examined. Iron (III) was added to these acids at concentrations of 1,000 and 10,000 mg/L and the acid neutralization tests were conducted using sodium carbonate at ambient conditions.

Results, Observations, Conclusions
For full strength regular mud acid, the onset of iron precipitation occurred at pH 0.6, and complete precipitation of iron occurred at pH 1. These values are lower than those noted with 15 wt% HCl. Values of pH at the onset and complete precipitation of iron were found to be a function of initial HF acid concentration. For the retarded HF acid based on AlCl3, aluminum compounds (sodium hexafluoroaluminate) precipitated at all pH values examined, while iron compounds (sodium hexafluoroferrate) precipitated at pH values that depended on initial iron (III) and HF acid concentrations. For the retarded HF acid based on boric acid, iron compounds precipitated at pH values similar to those noted with 15 wt% HCl. For the retarded HF acid based on phosphonic acid, iron compounds precipitated over a narrow pH range (4.7-5.3) because of the chelating characteristics of the phosphonic acid.

Applications
Sandstone formations are commonly acidized using an HF-based acid system. Precipitation of iron compounds during acid treatments can cause formation damage by plugging the formation and stabilizing acid/oil sludges. Unlike acid treatments using HCl, previous studies on iron control with HF-based acids are sparse. These new findings reflect the complex chemical interactions that occur with various HF-based acid systems. They will be used to better control iron precipitation during acid stimulations of sandstone reservoirs.

Technical Contributions
1. Iron precipitation in the presence of various HF-based acids was identified. 2. Precipitation of aluminum and iron compounds was noted with the retarded HF acid based on AlCl3. 3. Iron precipitation in the presence of boric acid was similar to that noted with 15 wt% HCl, and 4. Minimal iron precipitation was noted over a narrow pH range with the HF acid based on phosphonic acid.
Determination and Fate of Formic Acid in High Temperature Acid Stimulation Fluids
Authors: Al-Katheeri M. I. , Nasr-El-Din H. A. , Taylor K. C. , Al-Grainees A. H. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
Formic acid is present in some corrosion inhibitors and is used as an intensifier in the acid treatment of oil and gas wells. This organic acid is important for the protection of low-carbon steels from acid corrosion at high temperatures and pressure. In this paper, the fate of formic acid used during acid treatments at temperatures up to 250°F in deep gas wells is investigated in detail. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study of this type.
The following conclusions were made from this work:
Most of the commercial organic additives for corrosion inhibitors contain formic acid while one inhibitor intensifier contains both formic and acetic acids. Formic acid concentration in flow back samples from high temperature gas wells was higher than 85% of the injected value in most of the treatments. In concentrated HCl at 250°F, the amount of formic acid present in corrosion inhibitors and intensifiers decreased with time. After 8 hours corrosion inhibitors and intensifiers contained approximately 60% of the initial formic acid concentration. Acetic acid concentration did not significantly change with time in these tests.
This work shows the fate of formic acid during acidizing of high temperature wells. Formic acid concentration in acid treatment flowback samples was near the injected value, showing that it remains available to act as a corrosion inhibitor intensifier. However, since it degrades with time, long shut-in times should be avoided. High formic acid concentrations in flow back samples may promote corrosion since the corrosion inhibitor concentration in these samples is significantly reduced.
Weight Down System for Floaters
Authors: Ross Colby , Roane Tom 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
The use of floating vessels in deep offshore operations and the associated rig heave has made the downhole positioning of tools for frac-packing applications more difficult. To address these problems, sand control tool systems that allow weight to be applied to the packer have been developed. This capability enables the tool position to remain stationary during pumping operations and provides a stable point of reference for other tool positions.
While traditional tool designs have been capable of providing a single weight-down position, expansion into deepwater environments has increased the severity of the problem such that one position was inadequate for deepwater environments. A system was needed to provide multiple run-in and circulating positions. Subsequently, tool systems evolved to two-position designs. Again, the ever-expanding development into ultra deep-water environments required further changes. The systems now needed multiple weight-down positions and the capability to allow the tools to be moved both up and down in the wellbore. Finally, tools were needed that could also indicate restrictions in the wellbore and in the actual sealbore diameters.
Tool systems have now been developed to meet these criteria. This paper will discuss these innovations and provide information on:
▪ The state-of-the-art tool-system options now available to meet the varied frac-packing needs of the industry. ▪ A description of the applications where these options can be applied in well completion scenarios. ▪ How to determine the most reliable basic system to accomplish the completion objectives. ▪ A set of tools ready for testing that can be used to accommodate multiple-zone applications with the only ▪ limitation being that that the weight down tool must indicate in a bore that is the same as the seal bore of the packer. ▪ How the new tools increase safety and reduce operational costs.
Formation Damage in Iranian Oil Fields
Authors: Moghadasi J. , Jamialahmadi M. , Müller-Steinhagen H. , Sharif A. , Izadpanah M. R. , Motaei E. , Barati R. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
The fine migration and the scale formation into the porous media and the resulting production decline have long been the problem to the petroleum industry. It is also generally accepted that formation due to the particle movement and the scale formation are not thoroughly understood. In contributing to the solution of this problem, an experimentally study of calcium sulphate scale formation and the particle movement in the porous media using of packing bed with 12 different size of the glass and sand bead and the 8 core plug that gathered from the Siri oilfields. The purpose was to study the different physical and mechanical aspects of the processes leading to the formation damage caused by the movement and the entrapment of the suspended particles and the scale formation.
The permeability is the key parameter among several others that control the reservoir performance. The experiments are based on the results of the permeability reduction. The interception of the permeability reduction by the interaction between the operational parameter is very complex. Therefore, several of these factors such as the temperature, the concentration, the fluid dynamic and the type of porous media are considered.
The experimental results are analyzed and a new model which can predicts particle movement and the scaling tendency of the common oilfield water deposits in the water disposal wells, the water flooding systems, and in surface equipment's and the facilities is developed. The developed of the model is based on the experimental data and the empirical correlation, which perfectly mach the Iranian oilfields condition. This model has been applied to the investigate of the potential of the scale precipitation in the Iranian oilfields, either in the onshore or the offshore fields, where the water injection is being performed for the desalting units water disposal purpose or as the method of secondary recovery or the reservoir pressure maintenance.
Biological Control of Formation Damage
Authors: Falkowicz Slawomir , Kapusta Piotr 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
Conventional drilling fluids usually contain various polymers, which are the main cause of formation damage. A biological method, which could efficiently reduce this type of damage, was developed. Several halotolerant and thermotolerant microorganisms were isolated and their ability to degrade polymers was tested. Specifically formulated bacterial package proved to be very effective in minimizing starch, xanthan and cellulose-based skin damage when added to drilling mud. The result of experiments showed the usefulness of using the microorganisms for the degradation of polymers and for removal of mud from the pore space. It had been demonstrated that bacterial strains are particularly fitted for degradation of polymers and mud filtrate cake.
Identifying the Optimal Waste Management System for a Large E&P Operation in Southeast Asia
Authors: Hoffmann Robert E. , Marsid Maryuswan , Abel J. Alan , Conrad Dwayne 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
As a production-sharing contractor to Indonesia's national energy company (Pertamina), P.T. Caltex Pacific Indonesia (CPI) is Indonesia's largest oil producer. CPI employs approximately 6,200 people and contracts an additional 26,000 people in its operating area throughout Riau Province on the island of Sumatra. The distances between CPFs 107 producing fields, limited commercial waste management infrastructure, and the evolving nature of Indonesia's waste management regulations complicate waste management efforts.
A thorough review of CPFs current waste management practices identified several improvement opportunities for managing over 90 types of hazardous and non hazardous waste. A multifunctional team was chartered to define the company-wide optimal solution for closing the gaps.
Many facilitative tools were enlisted: A project development and execution process to ensure stakeholder alignment, decision quality, and efficient execution;Preferred practices and technologies for each waste type generated were selected by applying customer-driven evaluation criteria to a comprehensive list of candidate technologies;Quantitative decision analysis was invoked where the preferred technology was not intuitively obvious;The number and locations of new facilities required were identified by integrating forecast waste quantities, information about CPFs existing waste management facilities and the gaps in current practice;Different configurations of new facilities (distributed or centralised; single technology or integrated) were evaluated using qualitative determinants and quantitative tools.
The outcome of these activities was a detailed execution plan for construction of new waste management facilities, and a set of understandable operating procedures to institutionalise the new practices with field personnel.
The new waste management facilities, procedures, and training will minimise CPFs waste management costs and ensure compliance with Indonesia's environmental regulations.
Environmental Risk Management of Discharges from E&P Activities in the North Sea
Authors: Frost T. K. , Johnsen S. , Hjelsvold M. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
In 1998 Norwegian oil industry, together with the authorities, initiated the "zero discharge" work. As a result of this cooperation, the target for the Norwegian offshore operators is set to achieve "zero harmful discharges" to the marine environment within 2005. The need for a system to quantify and document the potential harm of different discharges became evident as a result of this, and thus, the Environmental Impact Factor (EIF) for produced water discharges was developed in 1999 (presented at the SPE HSE 2000).
This management tool, based on environmental risk assessment principles known from the EUs Technical Guideline Document (TGD) [14], has now been fully implemented in all Statoil's fields in the North Sea. The present paper outlines the utilisation of the EIF as a management tool and environmental performance indicator, and gives a number of practical examples of application of the system.
The EIF has since 1999 also been developed further to cover discharges from drilling operations. Several pilot studies have been undertaken during this development, and the present paper gives the status of this activity and shows examples from drilling waste risk assessment in the Caspian Sea and the Faroe-Shetland channel.
Further development of the EIF based risk management systems also includes linking air emissions and discharges to sea in a total environmental balance approach. The present paper will outline how this is handled in our present risk management system.
Tracking the Progress of Occupational Health Awareness among the Site Employees through Questionnaire-Based Survey
Authors: Ean Ivy Ng Siok , Zainuddin Zainal Mubarik , Samad Abu Hasan 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
This paper shares our experiences in reviewing occupational health implementation progress through a questionnaire based survey. Survey questionnaires were sent out to all site locations to gauge level of awareness on occupational health amongst the workers. The purpose is to determine the effectiveness of our Occupational Health Management System in raising their level of awareness. The first survey was conducted in 1999 where the questionnaires were intentionally focused on basic understanding of occupational health. We had about forty-six percent overall participation which is considered reasonable for a voluntary exercise. Using fifty percent score as reference level, about eighty-five percent of the respondent met the said level. As such, we concluded that at least thirty-nine percent of our site workers had a good basic understanding of occupational health.
Since the first survey in 1999, various efforts were carried out to further increase the level of awareness on occupational health. These include an open communication workshop to all site workers on specific health hazards at our work sites and how to minimize their exposure, simplified packages on common hazards for site safety meetings, and introduction of the various selection of respirators and monitoring equipment. Taking all these into account, after almost two years we developed a similar yet different set of questionnaires, focused on intermediate level of understanding. Using fifty percent score as the reference level, the results showed about eighty-four percent respondents met the said level. With only forty-five percent participation, it can be concluded that about thirty-eight percent of our site workers had a good intermediate level of understanding in occupational health. In a short period of less than two years, we were able to raise their level of understanding from basic to intermediate through the various programs implemented.
We will also analyse the progress in various specific occupational health subject amongst our site workers, such as in hazards awareness, procedures, respirators and use of references and manuals. We hope with this exercise, we will be able to identify our areas of strength and weakness and develop our future occupational health implementation plan accordingly.
Protecting a Sensitive Environment - A Partnership Approach
Authors: Oliveros Nelson , Rodriguez Fernando , Morris David 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
An oil exploration and development project actually began with a detailed plan to protect the sensitive surrounding environment. This process involved prediction of potential spill trajectories, identification of threatened sensitive areas, development of tactical plans to protect those areas, purchasing the equipment necessary to protect sensitive areas, training local responders (including indigenous peoples) to respond safely and effectively.
This project required full use of the latest technology and data sources (Geographic Information Systems, satellite imagery, GPS, hydrodynamic modeling, and aerial photography). However, the technology was combined with practical local knowledge of the area, supplemented by fieldwork, to develop realistic response strategies and expectations. The combination resulted in a Tactical Response Plan in an easy-to-use, graphical format. Each tactic described in the plan identified the response resources (equipment and personnel) needed to implement the tactic.
A survey was conducted to identify needed response resources available in the local area. Essential resources, which were not immediately available, were procured and staged at critical locations. Training was provided to teach local workers and residents how to use the plan, as well as how to deploy the equipment to protect their environment. These local people have proven themselves invaluable in effecting an early and effective response, due to their knowledge of the area.
The results of this effort have included: ➢Increased protection of a sensitive environment prior to oil activities;➢Heightened prevention, due to increased awareness of risks;➢Improved community/local relations by proactive involvement;➢Computerized maps which are useful for numerous operational purposes;➢The knowledge that you have "done the right thing" in a cost-effective manner;
The cost of this project was surprisingly small, due to the availability of information from many organizations that willingly cooperate in this type of effort. The rest of this paper details the steps required to achieve this level of preparation in other sensitive areas where oil has the nasty habit of being found.
Leadership Behaviours for Maximising Safety
Authors: Flin Rhona , O’Dea Angela , Yule Steven 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
While is has long been recognised that the behaviours of managers (from supervisors to senior managers) have an influence on worker behaviours and hence on workplace safety, it is only recently that industrial psychologists have begun to study this relationship scientifically.
This paper will draw on a series of studies of leadership behaviours conducted within the UKCS oil and gas industry, focusing on offshore platform supervisors (Mearns, Flin, Fleming & Gordon, 1997), offshore installation managers (O’Dea & Flin, 2001), and senior oil company mangers (Bryden, Flin & West, in prep). Additional material will be drawn from an ongoing study of management and safety in an international company from the energy sector (electricity generation) (Yule, Flin & Murdy, 2001).
A recent review of the leadership literature by O’Dea, Yule, Flin & Mearns (in prep) identified a number of factors that influence safety behaviours. These will be presented, indicating the direct and indirect paths of influence from managers to system operators. Recent findings suggest that transformational leadership behaviours (e.g. vision, intellectual stimulation, individual consideration) as measured by Bass' Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire (MLQ) may be particularly influential, however particular safety behaviours may be differentially affected by specific leadership approaches. Moreover transformational leadership behaviours are likely to be rather different in focus at more junior compared to senior levels of management and specific examples will be provided for illustration. The results emerging from these studies will be presented with reference to the emerging literature on safety leadership from other industries as well as practical applications for the selection, training and development of managers.
Hearts and Minds: The Status After 15 Years Research
Authors: van der Graaf Gerard C. , Hudson Patrick 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
In 1986 Shell International Exploration and Production started sponsoring a research programme to better understand why accidents occur and what can be done to avoid them. After 15 years of research involving the universities of Leiden, Manchester and Aberdeen it is time to take stock of the know-how that has been generated and analyse how this has changed life in Shell Companies. Both the theory and the practical tools to make the theory accessible for a wide audience are outlined in this paper.