bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development and Use of a 3D Simulator in Evaluating Reservoir Development Options: Fateh Mishrif, Offshore Dubai
Authors: Crick J , Singh S P 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACT
Fateh Mishrif, one of the largest reservoirs offshore Dubai, is a thick carbonate reefal development of which the centre has been completely eroded. During the past fifteen years production has been through natural depletion, peripheral water injection and gas lift. This paper describes the construction of a 3D reservoir model for the Fateh Mishrif reservoir and its application in evaluating further reservoir developments plans.
Significant reservoir factors which influence fluid flow are a field wide tar-mat, faulting and the central pinch out. The initial fluids in place description is affected by two oil-water contacts across the field. The model simulates these features accurately.
The prediction of future oil rates is based on an efficient gas lift optimization technique on a well by well basis which also provides a forecast of future gas lift requirements for the reservoir. The constraints on total available gas for gas lift and water injection rates, both field wide or regionally, can be modelled adequately. The model has been used for evaluating the expansion of the existing waterflood and future infill drilling potential. An important result of this study has been that the history matching phase has highlighted the need for further data gathering in specific parts of the reservoir.
The Application of Radioactive Tracers to Oil Reservoir Waterflood Studies
Authors: Wheeler V J , Parsons T V , Conchie S J , Durham B 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACT
Radioactive tracers are now commonly used to monitor the progress of water injection in oil reservoir secondary recovery schemes.
The injection water is labelled with a "water following" tracer (such as 3H2O, H14CO−3), and the produced water from the wells of interest is then sampled and analysed to determine the time to initial breakthrough and the subsequent tracer concentration profile. This may be compared with computer model predictions based on geological and operational data, and provide the reservoir engineer with a greater understanding of the reservoir structure and performance.
This paper discusses the factors involved in the selection of tracers, including their chemical form, and deals with the logistics of transporting and using radioactive materials offshore.
Counting techniques are described for the measurement of low levels of beta(β) and gamma(γ) -emitting isotopes, and computer models are presented for use in planning tracer studies and in interpreting the results.
Some field results are compared with these model predictions, indicating the application to reservoir engineering decisions.
In Situ Stress Measurements in Inclined Holes in the North Sea: Application to Water Flooding And Enhanced Oil Recovery
Authors: Teufel L W 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACT
Water flooding is typical for many North Sea reservoirs and enhanced oil recovery (EOR) projects are being considered for some reservoirs. A knowledge of the in situ stress state is important to reservoir engineers in designing water floods or EOR programs. Eighteen in situ stress measurements were made in two 3.6 km deep wells in an oil reservoir located in the northern Viking Graben region of the North Sea. The wellbores were inclined 60° and 65° from the vertical. The principal in situ stress directions and magnitudes were determined by the anelastic strain recovery method using oriented core immediately after it was retrieved from the wellbore. The maximum principal stress is the overburden, and the average ratios of the maximum and minimum horizontal stresses to the overburden are 0.94±.05 and 0.72±.07, respectively. The azimuth of the maximum horizontal stress and the direction of potential vertical hydraulic fractures created during a water flood or EOR program is N110°E±22°. This hydraulic fracture orientation is nearly perpendicular to the predominant trend of normal faults in the region. In order to achieve maximum efficiency of the areal sweep during a water flood or EOR, production wells should be located perpendicular to the azimuth of hydraulic fractures propagating from the injection wells.
The Argyll Field After a Decade of Production
Authors: Bifani R , Smith C A 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACT
The Argyll Field was discovered in 1971, brought on stream in 1975, and has the distinction of being the first oil producing field in the U.K. North Sea. Development wells have been completed with sub-sea wellheads and connected by flowlines to a floating production platform. After ten years of production the field has produced over fifty million barrels of oil.
Development drilling has proved commercial oil from five reservoir zones in rocks ranging in age from Devonian to late Jurassic. The geology of each zone is discussed in relation to environments of deposition, structure and reservoir parameters.
Field development and performance are reviewed and the timing and contribution of each reservoir to the production history are described. The benefits which have been achieved from continuing geological, petrophysical and engineering studies for identifying and establishing further development possibilities are emphasised. The complex nature of the reservoir and its effect on fluid movement and productivity are explained. The field has been produced by natural depletion which has been achieved by virtue of an efficient water drive.
This paper highlights the importance of geology and engineering in reservoir development planning.
Cost Effective Quality Management for all Phases of Offshore Operations
Authors: Burgess N T , Kitson J M , Kemp M J 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
The paper comments on the existing use of quality assurance in all phases of oil and gas field development. It identifies the objectives for the use and the problems currently being experienced during the implementation of Project QA Programmes.
Some important possibilities for making a more rational and therefore cost effective approach are given.
Offshore Pipelines in European Maritime Areas – The Years Ahead
Authors: Smith C. J. 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACT
Oil and gas development within the European area has already moved into deep water with the Montanazo wellhead in 760 metres. Deep water activities will be common by the end of the century. Offshore exploration and production techniques have been developed for water depths in excess of 300 metres. For effective pipelaying in these depths, where diver assistance is difficult, totally integrated installation systems will be required. The paper discusses such systems and defines the deep water capabilities required for the system elements.
In conclusion it is argued that no system element can operate independently without a design interface within the total deep water pipeline installation system.
Redesign of the Thistle Salm
Authors: Dupont B. , Alexander D. , Bellamy D. G. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
In October 1983, EMH was awarded by BRITOIL the contract for the redesign of the THISTLE SALM. This paper describes the work covered by the contract and underlines the modifications to the design of the structure.
The contract was divided into two distinct phases.
The first phase, which started in November 1983, concerned the engineering of the project: a full hydrodynamic and fatigue analysis of the structure was carried out, reinstallation procedures defined, and the articulations and connection pieces redesigned.
The second phase, which started in March 1984, concerned the fabrication of the articulations and supervision by EMH.
Each step of the re-design is clearly defined and a detailed description of the articulations is illustrated by pictures of the most important components during fabrication.
The experience gained and the improvement to the system as a result of the modifications of the articulations is the subject of this paper.
TARA – Tartan Additional Riser Access System
Authors: Wheeler S A , Hunt R A M 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACT
The Highlander field is being developed using a remote subsea production centre, tied-back to processing facilities on the Tartan platform.
Weight limitations on the Tartan jacket prevented the tie-back of the subsea pipelines using conventional tie-on riser access systems. Therefore, a system was required which would not impose any vertical or environmental loads on the structure.
This paper describes the development of a system which met this requirement. Additionally, the system included the facility to change out individual risers, while others remained in use. The basic system, which utilises pile driven drilling conductors and flexible risers, is reviewed and the key system components discussed in detail.
The cost benefits, which are significant, are also reviewed, as is the installation method, which is seen as making a substantial contribution towards these reduced costs.
This system has been successfully installed and is now in operation.
Testing Program for Development of A High Pressure, Multi-Product, Fluid Swivel
Authors: Key J W , Mohr H O 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACT
This paper defines a rigorous seal test program conducted to develop a functional and proven high-pressure, multi-product swivel suitable for use as a Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) unit for the transfer of liquids and gases at high pressures and high temperatures through a rotating system.
The test program was accomplished with specially designed test equipment with computer monitoring of temperature, torque, fluid pressures, seal lip temperatures, number of cycles, and leakage. The three primary phases are: Seal material screening with a computer-automated Falex testing machine, plus physical testing of chemically exposed samples.One-third scale casting of several seal system configurations using a hydraulic driven, computer controlled test machine.Full scale testing of prototype swivel.
This paper documents the procedures for selection and testing of both the seal materials and the seal configuration. The test results clearly demonstrate the suitability of the selection, and testing process.
Sour Gas Processing for Gas Sales and LNG Production
Authors: Price B. C. , Zey A. F. , Ryan J. M. 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACT
The profitability of exploration and development of sour gas is sensitive to the processing required for marketing to gas pipelines or as liquified natural gas (LNG). Processing plants required vary widely with the composition of the produced gas. Processing will require removal of CO2 and H2S to meet marketing specifications and can range from simple sweetening and dehydration units to facilities including sulfur recovery and tail gas treating. Additionally, the production of LNG requires even more complete acid gas removal prior to the low temperature processing steps. Several new processes for acid gas removal have been developed which improve the profitability of sour gas production by more efficient acid gas removal. Additionally, the coupling of a cryogenic fractionation step with LNG processing results in an efficient integration of acid gas removal and low temperature processing.
Fordoche: An Enhanced Oil Recovery Project Utilizing High-Pressure Methane and Nitrogen Injection
Authors: Mayne C. J. , Pendleton R. W. 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACT
The Fordoche Field, Pointe Coupee Parish, Louisiana contains several high pressure retrograde condensate and volatile oil reservoirs. Since July, 1971, Sun Exploration and Production Company has maintained an extremely successful enhanced oil recovery program in two (2) of the volatile oil reservoirs, namely the Wilcox 8 and Wilcox 12 reservoirs. This paper reviews the reservoir performance and operational aspects of the EOR program.
The injection of dry natural gas with nitrogen at high pressures is predicted to result in a miscible displacement of reservoir fluids. Extensive reservoir modeling efforts predict that oil recovery will increase by an average of 19.5% over that of primary depletion due to the miscible displacement mechanism, the maintenance of reservoir pressure over 7000 psig, and due to highly successful operational practices.
Operational difficulties addressed are: the proper allocation of methane and nitrogen between producers/injectors, the ever increasing percentage of nitrogen in the gas stream which necessitates modifying plant and production facilities in order to keep equipment operating efficiently, the initiation of and monitoring of a radioactive tracer survey which commenced in January of 1985, and the evaluation of nitrogen rejection techniques for removal of nitrogen from the producing gas streams.
A Study of Nitrogen Injection for Increased Recovery from a Rich Retrograde Gas/Volatile Oil Reservoir
Authors: Huang W. W. , Bellamy R. B. , Ohnimus S. W. 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACT
Injection of nitrogen mixed with produced hydrocarbon gas is underway in a miscible displacement project in the Chunchula field, a Smackover dolomite rock containing undersaturated oil and gas phases in the same reservoir. An equation of state compositional simulator was used to describe the fluid and phase variations in the reservoir, match history, and to forecast field performance under the enhanced recovery operation. The numerical model was notably useful in optimizing oil recovery from regions of contrasting permeability. The model study showed that the efficient revaporization recovery mechanism can be interrupted and left incomplete as a result of shutting in producers, even though injection continues. A continuing history match of well pressure and gas-oil ratio data with the model will further improve our understanding of the heterogeneous reservoir rock.
Improved Use of Wireline Testers for Reservoir Evaluation
Authors: Gunter J. M. , Moore C. V. 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACT
Vertical pressure profiles obtained from wireline multiple pressure testers have become an important tool for improved determination of reservoir pressure and fluid distributions. Procedures and techniques for data acquisition to better ensure the quality of both strain and quartz gauge pressure data for vertical profiles are presented. Tool calibration checks, wellsite monitoring and consistency checks, techniques for normalizing pressure surveys within the same well or different wells, and sampling strategies are given. Examples are used to illustrate these procedures and techniques.
In addition, field examples of vertical pressure profile plots and interpretation of these plots are used to illustrate applications for: Defining fluid contacts and identifying oil reservoirs in fresh water environments.Defining multiple fluid contacts throughout an apparently continuous oil section.Identifying multiple pressure regimes in a supernormal pressure environment.Identifying zones of differential reservoir depletion as a result of low permeability or an impermeable barrier.Estimating fluid properties at reservoir conditions.
Experience: Offshore Drilling/Training in the People's Republic of China
Authors: Hammett D. S. 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACT
Drilling offshore the Peoples Republic of China by International Services Drilling Contractors commenced in 1983.
Two years experience have shown. that operations have been conducted with fewer problems than anticipated. Today seven (7) international contractors have imported mobile drilling units and drilled forty-four (44) offshore wells in the Peoples Republic China (PRC).
The mobile drilling equipment available today in the PRC can do the job effectively and safely with no additional development of technology. The factors which influence the efficiency of the operation are trained people, reliable offshore transportation and adequately utilized storm forecasting information.
The operation offshore PRC compares favorably with other areas of similar conditions.
The major items presented in this paper are: oA comparison of drilling in PRC to other similar areas.oOperation of semi-submersible in Typhoon area.oTraining of local personnel.oTechnology transfer to PRC.
Use of Data Center and Telecommunications in Drilling Operations and Engineering
Authors: Graff R. L. , Varnado S. G. 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACT
This paper describes a drilling data acquisition and telemetry system that is currently in use in the U.S. Gulf Coast. The system provides for the real time monitoring of up to 20 drilling rigs. Drilling data are acquired at the rig site and transmitted into a central office onshore over microwave or satellite telemetry links. The data acquisition units are advanced computer mud logging units that are capable of recording over 200 surface parameters relating to the drilling system. The data parameters are displayed in the central data facility in real time on graphic displays. The data parameters are subsequently analyzed in the office and used for providing safer rig operations through backup surveillance, improving rig management practices and for performing interpretive data processing using drilling engineering models. Drilling costs have been reduced by using this system. For example, the monitoring of connection times has led to a time savings of up to 1-1/2 days/month/rig. The paper will describe the processing and handling of the data in the central office facility. The cost savings thus far quantified will be explained.
Heavy Oil Production Practices in South Oficina Area
Authors: Ramirez N.G. , McHaney S.R. 
Published: December 2007

Introduction
In recent years the market for low API gravity crude or heavy oil has increased tremendously. For this reason an extensive program for producing this type or crude was initiated some two years ago by Mene Grande Oil Company. This paper is primarily a progress report or one year's experience or producing 10to 11 API gravity crude. The primary source or heavy oil production is in the Merey Block or South Oficina Area in Eastern Venezuela.
Currently, approximately 40,000 BPD or formation crude oil is being produced by the bottom-hole blending technique from 200 wells in the Melones, Miga and Oleos Fields. This producing technique increases the gravity or the oil handled to 15 API, which minimizes many or the problems caused by viscous oils. By using this technique, an estimated initial capital saving or 15% on equipment will be realized. Production is carried from the producing fields through a 43-mile 24" pipeline to the Oficina Tank Farm where it enters a 98-mile 30" trunk line to Puerto La Cruz. The crude will deed into a 60,000 BPD refinery addition to the present Venezuelan Gulf Refining Company plant.
Heavy oil deposits are produced in other areas in Eastern Venezuela by various other methods, but these will not be discussed in detail.
Factors to Consider When Designing a CO2 Flood
Authors: Holm L. W. , O'Brien L. J. 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACT
Although many field tests since 1964 have demonstrated that CO2 is an efficient oil recovery agent, field-wide applications of CO2 injection have been rare becauselarge quantities of CO2 were not readily available at reasonable cost. A large supply of CO2 at a suitable price is nowavailable to West Texas oil fields, and plans are being made to provide similar supplies to oil fields in the Williston Basin, North Dakota, California and Colorado. As a result, many field applications are being planned in the United States and some are underway.
The authors discuss the response of CO2 to prevailing reservoir conditions which determine whether the flood will be miscible or immiscible. They conclude that reservoir pressure, temperature and oil composition are primary factors in determining how efficient the oil recovery will be. The authors discuss the laboratory tests used to define the optimum operating conditions and any deleterious effects from combining CO2 and oil (such as asphaltene or wax precipitation), the importance of developing an accurate reservoir description, and whether or not WAG (water alternated with gas) should be used to improve the recovery of oil by the process. Other techniques to control channeling of the injected CO2 and improve its sweep efficiency are also discussed.
Criteria for Surfactant Selection in Micellar Flooding
Authors: Salter S. J. 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACT
A review of how surfactant molecular structure affects those properties which determine micellar process performance is presented. Surfactants for both low and high salinity applications are considered. Those factors which contribute to the formation of polysulfonated petroleum sulfonates are discussed. A variety of approaches to formulation of synthetic sulfonates are contrasted, and the important factors of molecular structure are delineated. Finally, several approaches for application in high salinity/hardness reservoirs are described.
Successful Primary Cementing: Fact or Fiction
Authors: Smith R. C. 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACT
The producing performance of a well depends in great part on a good primary cementing job. In a high-quality cement job, all mud and gas channels have been permanently prevented and there is a complete hydraulic seal between the casing and the formation throughout the zones of interest. If the cementing operation is not carried out correctly, the well will never reach optimum performance. A successful primary cementing operation requires a positive attitude and commitment, proper supervision and quality control, detailed planning, and careful preparation. This paper discusses the application and interaction of these aspects of the job, as well as other factors that contribute to successful cementing. Examples of unique quality control procedures are included. The actual mechanics of performing a cementing job are not covered; they can be obtained from references included in the paper.
Prediction of Static Elastic/Mechanical Properties of Consolidated and Unconsolidated Sands from Acoustic Measurements: Basic Measurements
Authors: Montmayeur H. , Graves R. M. 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACT
Accurate knowledge of static rock properties is required to study sand production control, fracturing, casing design, and depletion of reservoirs. A high pressure cell allows simultaneous measurements of acoustic velocities, strains, and pore volume changes of cores under varying hydrostatic or biaxial stresses. Rock properties computed from static measurements are a function of the stress history. Theories allowing the correlation between dynamic and static properties are suggested.
Comprehensive Reservoir Study and Management Through Effective Geological and Engineering Teamwork
Authors: Chan M. C. F. , Springer S. J. , Burrowes G. O. , Klappa C. F. 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACT
This paper presents a field study of a carbonate reservoir using geological and numerical simulation models. The paper emphasizes the importance of developing an accurate reservoir description through the joint efforts of geologists and engineers.
The field study (Clive pools, Alberta, Canada) incorporated data from a geological study, interference study, material balance study, field-wide simulation study, and hydrostatic-hydrodynamic pressure analysis. The geological study provided input data for the numerical model and the calculation of the original hydrocarbon pore volume. The interference study helped verify the theory of pressure interference among the producing pools and predict future pressure behavior. Hypothesis and deductive reasoning were required in the material balance study to define the aquifer behaviour.
Petrophysical data from recent infill wells have been used to verify and update the existing geological-reservoir model. The model will be used to continuously optimize production strategy and evaluate the technical feasibility of enhanced oil recovery using a hydrocarbon miscible displacement process.