bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Measurement of Solute Transport from an Earthen Reserve Pit During Drilling and Post Closure Operational Phases: Part I. Site Characteristics and Experimental Design
Authors: Deuel Lloyd E. , Hokanson Shawn , Holliday George H. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
This paper reports the construction and experimental design of the first known instrumented earthen reserve pit. The instrumentation allowed the measurement of solute transport from a field reserve pit during drilling operations and after pit closure. The field study, conducted in Brazos County Texas, shows the limitations and advantages of the various instrumentation techniques utilized. Accordingly, other investigators can avoid use of inappropriate or unnecessary monitoring devices. Additionally, limited field data are discussed. The field study, which is the basis for this paper, consists of 3 parts: Site Characteristics and Experimental Design, Field Measurement, and Laboratory Analyses and Interpretation. This paper presents the Site characteristics and Experimental design for the reserve pit. No other field study attempts to capture solute migrating from a reserve pit, measure the chemical constituents and explain the mechanism impeding or excluding contaminant migration. The authors rely on lysimeters, soil moisture cups, monitoring wells, and electrical resistance sensors in obtaining the field data. The lysimeters and soil moisture cups function well. However, the moisture cups provide more useable data. The resistance sensors provided no useable data. Parameter analyses for soil cores taken in the pit area at pre-drilling and post-closure operational phases correlated well with soil water monitoring device data, substantiating the observations of insignificant solution migration. Further, the data are confirmed by analyzing monitoring well data over a period of more than 2 years.
Technical Solutions for Environmental Problems: Novel Drilling Formulations to Minimize Environmental Impact
Authors: Friedheim James E. , Patel Arvind 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
The use of synthetic-base muds (SBM) has increased steadily since their introduction in the Gulf of Mexico early this decade. Research into SBM has centered on assessing the likely environmental impact of cuttings discharges. This impact is potentially affected by various factors, not the least of which is the synthetic-base fluid itself, related to the chemical composition of the mud.
New technology in the form of synthetic mud formulations can further reduce the environmental impact of cuttings and the associated fluid. These novel formulations aid in pollution prevention associated with the discharge of drill cuttings into the receiving environment. These new technologies include: Unique emulsifiers that allow wellbore surfaces and cuttings to change from an oil-wet state to a water-wet stateNew synthetic-base materials that allow cuttings to disperse readily into the water columnNovel brine phases that benefit the disposal of cuttings via land farming
This paper discusses these approaches in formulating and engineering synthetic-base muds can reduce the overall environmental impact of a drilling operation.
Creation of an Integrated Environmental Information Management System for the Environmental Impact Evaluation of Petroleum Activities
Authors: Heintz John V. , Calinao Bernardita , Katkhouda Ryme 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
In both industrialized and developing nations, environmental impact assessment has now become a standard tool for project decision making. This paper proposes the creation of a Integrated Environmental Information Management System (IEIMS) to share environmental information gathered by participating companies and organizations. Data gathered during the completion of field studies and Environmental Impact Statements (EIS) would be submitted and made available to participating members through access to a secure website on the internet. The resulting system would reduce the time and cost of environmental data reproduction, make individual company/organization data available for public use and improve the efficiency of the EIS process through the minimization of many common challenges including: ◾The organization, management and integration of large volumes of information;◾The duplication of data collection for lack of a mechanism to efficiently store and share environmental data and facilitate access and manipulation;◾The difficulty in conducting time series analysis and ecological modeling◾Time constraints imposed during EIS preparation◾Vagueness and imprecision of environmental information
Impacts of the Alameda Corridor Transportation Project in Metropolitan Los Angeles
Authors: Ripaldi Carl Peter 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
Background
The Alameda Corridor is a consolidated railroad link between the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach and the regional and national rail systems linking the nation. The Alameda Corridor Transportation Project is a 32 kilometer (20 mile) rail corridor, centered along Alameda Street, extending from downtown Los Angeles to the Ports, within which is proposed a consolidation of freight railroad service to the Ports. Such service is currently being provided by the Union Pacific/ Southern Pacific (UP/SP) and Burlington Northern Santa Fe Corporation (BNSF) railroads (Figure 1). The Alameda Corridor Transportation Project has been developing over the past 14 years. In 1985 an Alameda Corridor Task Force was formed which in turn led to the creation of a joint powers organization called the Alameda Corridor Transportation Authority in 1989. A joint Environmental Impacts Report/ Environmental Impact Statement (EIR/EIS) was prepared for the project. The Final EIS was issued in February 1996, and a record of decision was issued in May, 1996.
The initial design work and EIS/EIR preparation commenced in 1991. A program management contract for work on the Alameda Corridor was issued to a joint venture team of four firms in the Los Angeles area; Daniel, Mann, Johnson & Mendenhall; Moffett and Nichol Engineers; Jenkins, Gales, Martinez Engineers and TELACU. The Alameda Corridor Engineering Team (ACET) is a joint venture of these four engineering companies that provides design engineering, environmental compliance and construction management services for the project.
Managing Peer Assists – Case Study of Improved Extended Reach Drilling Performance
Authors: Judzis A. , Stoltz D. S. , Wolfson L. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
Drilling operations on the North Slope of Alaska are noted for best in class performance and innovations such as slim hole designer and multi-target wells. The opportunities for Extended Reach Drilling (ERD) are also enormous given the reserves that can be accessed in areas such as Niakuk field, Milne Point, Endicott and Prudhoe Bay satellites (Fig. 1). Continued development of the Niakuk field is almost entirely dependent upon cost effective high departure wells, however Shared Services Drilling temporarily suspended two wells during 1997 due to drilling problems.
As a result, Shared Services Drilling comprising BP Exploration and Arco Alaska staff conducted a ‘peer assist’ to review all aspects of their ERD operations from concept stage through well construction. Unique to the process were uncertainties in the problems to be solved as well as the accelerated pace dictated by the drilling schedule. The latter requirement was onerous and required a large group of ‘ERD specialists’. Contributing to the peer assist were partners, major suppliers as well as experienced ERD operations personnel worldwide. The overall purpose was to bring to bear the global ERD expertise from contractors and partners such that the risk of failure would be significantly reduced.
The holistic approach was highly successful in identifying the nature of the problems. This paper describes the methodology used to manage various projects recommended by the ‘examiners’ at the peer assist as well as specific outcomes related to ERD operations. The main areas of concern included wellbore stability, hole cleaning and hydraulics management, mud system optimization, tool integrity, and planning processes.
As a result of the post peer assist studies, drilling performance at Niakuk has improved. Current well plans now incorporate the major findings of the studies and more aggressive ERD wells including re-entry of the suspended wells are back on the drilling schedule. There is also an increased alignment of goals with partners, allowing increased planning time on ERD wells. Thus the significant attention to ERD as a project along with some staff adjustments has resulted in the development of a ‘center of ERD expertise’ in Alaska.
Deepwater Rig Anchoring: Key Lessons Learned and Ways Ahead
Authors: Foulhoux L. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
Since 1996, the ELF Group has been involved in a number of deep water drilling campaigns, especially in West Africa. Converted rigs have been used and proved satisfactory. Structural modifications for increased payload and/or deck space, as well as subsea equipment and riser upgrades are all important issues to consider when upgrading a rig for deep water. But this paper will more specifically deal with another important issue which is mooring system upgrade.
The JIM CUNNINGHAM, operated by READING & BATES and the SEDCO S700 operated by SEDCO FOREX, have been under contract with ELF, to drill in WEST AFRICA in water depths between 600m and 1400m. Due to the particular configuration of each rig, different solutions have been adopted for mooring system upgrade, which are compared in the paper. Deployment method, anchor handling requirements and efficiency are discussed. In both cases, experience and co-operation between the drilling contractors and ELF teams brought significant improvement and optimisation into the preparation and into the performance of the rig moves. Key learning's throughout ELF experience of deep water anchoring are presented.
Now, for ELF to continue to drill extensively and deeper offshore West Africa, it has been necessary for us to investigate new mooring configurations and new mooring components. Since December 1997, the SEDCO S700 has been equipped with one polyester line inserted into the rig mooring system and taking its own share of the loads. Latest results of the instrumentation data processed are presented. In the meantime, ELF has evaluated the potential for doing preset mooring in West Africa. Great benefits of this method are discussed in the paper, through the analysis of various mooring configurations.
Application of Aerated-Fluid Drilling in Deepwater
Authors: Nakagawa Edson Y. , Santos Helio , Cunha J. C. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
Underbalanced drilling (UBD) has proven to increase reservoir productivity in several areas around the world. Due to the advantages gained by using this technology, offshore application has also been increasing lately, but it has been restricted solely to fixed platforms. However, with the deepwater drilling trend in the industry, it is imperative that this technology becomes technically and economically viable for application from floater units as well. This paper presents the design and planning of an offshore well to be drilled with aerated-fluid technology. Although the operation is not planned to be underbalanced, the well will be the first one to be drilled from a floating vessel using aerated fluid technology. The paper describes the approach taken to overcome the challenges posed, including the involvement of several companies in a Joint Industry Project to speed up the learning process and the steps related to critical areas, mainly hydraulics and equipment. The article finally discusses the most important points that still need improvement to make UBD a reality in offshore operations from floating units.
Quantification of Economic Damages Resulting From a Breach of Joint Venture or Joint Operating Agreement
Authors: Acuna H. G. , Garb F. A. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
Engineers are often called upon to quantify the economic consequences or "damages" suffered by one or more participants in a law suit, insurance claim or before an arbitration panel. The cause of such economic loss or damages may be the result of an accident or the overt action by one or more of the parties of the agreement or by third party intervention.
This paper presents the differences and applicability of two types of economic evaluations to estimate damages. The first method is the Fair Market Value (FMV) approach traditionally used in cases of confiscation or expropriation that may result from interventions from a third party outside the agreement. The second method is a Loss of Bargain (LOB) approach to estimate damages caused by breaches by one or more of the parties of the contract.
Using 3D Integrated Modelling to Manage the Fractured Natih Field (Oman)
Authors: Eikmans H. , Hitchings V. H. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
A 3D full field dynamic simulation model was constructed for the fractured carbonate Natih field in northern Oman, and was used to update the long-term reserves outlook of the field. The field is presently being produced from a 30-m oil rim in the fractures by gas-oil gravity drainage (GOGD). According to the simulation model, further promoting GOGD by lowering the oil rim in the fractures will increase the cumulative oil production from the field over the next 30 years by about 8 million m3.
The basis of the dynamic simulation model is a detailed geological model for both the matrix and the fracture/fault network. These are combined into a fine grid 3D static model for the matrix and the fracture properties. In order to generate a coarse grid 3D dynamic simulation model an efficient upscaling route is constructed, which includes pseudo relative permeability curves, based on an analytically derived saturation profile for the gas-oil gravity drainage process. The resulting dynamic model represents the full 3D geometry of the field and all of the more than hundred wells. After analyzing the different flow processes and understanding their dependency on basic rock and fluid data and their contribution to the recovery, a very good match of overall field performance was obtained over the 30 years of production history. Although the 3D model was constructed to support and optimize field development in general, its first application was to revisit the 30-year ultimate recovery under fracture oil rim lowering.
API Filtrate and Drilling Fluid Invasion: Is There Any Correlation?
Authors: Santos Helio , Villas-Boas M. B. , Lomba R. F. T. , Sá C. H. M. , Oliveira S. F. , Costa J. F. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
Filtrate invasion is one of the most important parameters to be controlled in a drilling fluid. Excessive filtrate invasion causes huge and, in some cases, permanent damage to the well. Among the main effects caused on a reservoir by excessive filtrate invasion are: difficulty, or sometimes impossibility, of identifying hydrocarbon reserves from logs and permeability reduction, that can turn an otherwise good well into a non commercial one.
Nowadays, the invasion properties of a fluid is usually estimated by the API filtrate test. However, this procedure uses a filter paper to simulate the permeable formation, what is not realistic, since the structure of real permeable formations is quite different from the one in that "porous" medium.
This work describes a simple rigsite test, very similar to the standard API filtration test, except for the fact that the filter medium is a sand bed, instead of the filter paper. A number of fluids commonly used in the oil industry were tested using both the traditional (API) and the new (BR) filtration procedures. The most important differences observed in the results are highlighted, clearly demonstrating that there is no correlation between the amount of filtrate collected from both tests.
Fracture Stimulation of Shallow, Unconsolidated Kern River Sands
Authors: Jones Jeff , Soler Diego 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
Texaco has been experimenting with a mini-fracture stimulation process to increase production in the Kern River Field of California. 33 wells have been treated to date with average oil production doubled. A recent fracture stimulation test performed with surface and downhole tiltmeters resulted in significant cost saving due to reduced treatment size and reduced fluid injection. Texaco is planning on extending the test of the process to the rest of the Kern River field in 1999.
Improved Static Mixer Design for Achieving Equal Phase Splitting at Pipe Junctions
Authors: Stoisits R. F. , Pinto M. T. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
In many operations such as steam injection, production line splitting and simultaneous water and gas injection, it is desirable to split a stream of multiphase flow into two or more substreams. In these types of operations it is essential that all the sub-streams have the same gas/liquid ratio as the main stream.
A significant problem in multiphase flow splitting is the phase separation which occurs at branches in a piping network. The higher density phase, because of its greater momentum, will tend to flow in the straight or least deviated pipe branch, while the lower density phase will tend to flow into the most deviated branch of pipe.
The conventional practice for multiphase flow splitting is to mix the phases before the pipe junction. This is usually achieved using static mixers of the helix type. These mixers consist of an axial sequence of static propellers of the same diameter of the pipe in which they are located. The energy required to mix is provided by the moving fluid. Adequate mixing is often difficult to achieve in large diameter pipes with low mixture velocity.
An improved static mixer using packed bed technology was developed and tested in the laboratory with air and water. Laboratory results indicate this improved mixer can achieve equal phase splitting in 6" pipe with mixture velocities which are an order of magnitude lower than those required by helix type mixers.
Field Experiences with Stable Mul™, A Non Damaging Micro Emulsion Used as Drilling Fluid for Heavy Oil Formations in Venezuela
Authors: Zabala E. , Luongo A. , Parra E. , Méndez J. , Arocha J. , Carrasquero J. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
The Stable Mul system is a unique water external micro-emulsion. The internal phase can be 60-80% hydrocarbon, with the preferred ratio being 70%. The basic components are: water, oil of any type (mineral, vegetal, diesel, polyalpha-olefins, etc.), emulsifier and stabilizers
Some characteristics of the Stable Mul system are:
Low density system (solid free), initial mud weight 7.4 PPG No formation damage Excellent carrying capacity. Stable to temperature up to 300°F.
The Stable Mul has been successfully used as drilling fluid for horizontals, verticals and multilateral wells. Up to August 1998, more than 100 wells have been drilled, some of them with horizontal section longer than 3000 feet. As Drilling fluid, Stable Mul increases R.O.P. with minimum or not risk of stuck pipe, lost of circulation or formation damage.
Wells drilled and/or completed with Stable Mul increased their production rate about 30 % in comparison to wells drilled with water base (polymer) or oil based mud. Due to the excellent results obtained with Stable Mul as Drilling, completion and work-over fluid in Venezuelan operations, we believe that this valuable experience needs to be shared with the rest of the world.
A Simpler, More Effective Method for Cementing Surface Casings in Shallow Gas Zones: A Case History
Authors: Abdul-Rahman R. , Rae Phil , Abdullah M. N. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
Cementing the upper casing strings in wells that traverse shallow gas sands has often been a troublesome process. The top zones are often weak and this prevents the use of high-density slurries that are gas-tight. When a combination of low-density lead slurry and high-density tail slurry is used to reduce the hydrostatic to prevent lost circulation, the concentrations of cement additives required to make the lead slurry gas-tight are usually too high, and cost can be prohibitive. There are also problems associated with the use of the combination of extended lead/neat tail slurries. While such jobs are routinely done, the transition point where the cementers need to switch slurry density from low-density lead to high-density tail can be a weak link as far as smooth density control and job continuity are concerned. Eliminating this transition point potentially improves the entire operation by maintaining consistent slurry density, a parameter widely recognized as critical to cement properties.
This is done by utilizing a single, high-performance, reduced-density slurry that is made gas-tight by two additives, A highly efficient, filming fluid loss agent, combined with a lightweight, active particulate, provide both short and long-term gas stopping properties. This prevents primary gas migration and minimizes the risk of long term leakage due to secondary migration through the set cement column. The not-insignificant permeability of conventional extended cements is a key point that is often overlooked. Yet, it is the principal reason for gas build-up in the annuli of large numbers of wells. Considering the grave consequences of gas leakage around offshore installations, from the standpoint of safety, as well as environmental and economic concerns, any system that helps minimize the problem is advantageous. This paper presents case histories where the process of cementing surface casings in shallow gas was made simpler and more effective by the approach described.
Selective Hydraulic Fracturing of Multiple Perforated Intervals with a Coiled Tubing Conduit: A Case History of the Unique Process, Economic Impact and Related Production Improvements
Authors: Zemlak Warren , Lemp Stephen , McCollum Rick 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
This paper is a followup to SPE 46031, and will expand on economical shallow gas fracturing techniques utilizing a coiled tubing conduit. Hereinafter in this paper, the name CoilFRAC™ will used in place of the phrase ‘Coiled Tubing Conveyed.
The wells in the area of study are located in southeastern Alberta. The reservoir pay intervals in these shallow gas wells consist of high clay content, low permeability sandstones with interbedded shales. The wells in the study have multiple zones of interest and further discussions will be based on these multiple zones.
Due to the economics involved using conventional fracturing methods, the wells in this study have been treated with a unique multiple fracture program which allows access to typically bypassed pay.
Treating multiple zones in a given well within one day has given the producer a new realized ROI by reducing well production downtime and economically increasing production. This technique has been continually improved and modified through unconventional designs since 1996 to what is today a very effective routine method of stimulating and increasing production today.
The case study will define and present production and production logging data, relative to the associated costs, to demonstrate the impact this service has had on the operators' selection of workover candidates and new well optimization.
Coiled Tubing technology has provided an efficient and economic alternative to bridge plug and service rig type of zonal isolation techniques when stimulating more than one zone of interest.