bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Quantifying the Benefits of Multi-Lateral Producing Wells
Authors: Gallivan J. D. , Hewitt N. R. , Olsen M. , Peden J. M. , Tehrani D. , Tweedie A. A. P. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
Drilling and well completion technology have progressed to make it possible to drain reservoirs with multiple branching wellbores connected into one tubing string - usually known as multi-lateral wells. However, the economic benefit of multi-lateral wells has not been reliably understood up to now because of uncertainties in their cost and performance. This is in part due to technical difficulties in predicting flow performance and drainage efficiency. A number of operating companies in the North Sea have sponsored a research and development project to tackle these difficulties. This paper, based on that project, shows how analytical and reservoir simulation methods have been combined to predict the productivity and sweep efficiency for simple cases in homogeneous reservoirs. The results have then been extended to cover irregular well geometries in realistic heterogeneous reservoirs. The paper concludes with an assessment of the potential and anticipated benefits of applying multi-lateral wells in a range of reservoir types characteristic of the North Sea. The emphasis is on the evaluation processes used.
Economic Justification for Fracturing Moderate to High Permeability Formations in Sand Control Environments
Authors: Stewart B. R. , Mullen M. E. , Ellis R. C. , Norman W. D. , Miller W. K. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
This paper discusses case histories of more than seventy completions requiring sand control. Approximately half of these wells were gravel packed (both slurry and water packs) between 1990 and 1995 while the remaining completions were fracture stimulated (frac-packs) from 1992 through 1995. The case histories include: geopressured oil reservoirs of moderate permeability, normal pressured high perm oil and gas formations, partially depleted high perm gas sands, and shallow dry gas formations. Results of bottom hole pressure transient analyses are included that compare skin values and completion efficiencies of both gravel packed and frac-packed completions. Production plots and decline curves are presented depicting accelerated as well as improved reserve recovery with the frac-packed completions. The associated costs of frac-packing is discussed along with a net present value analysis justifying these costs.
Economical Management of Sand Production by a Methodology Validated on an Extensive Database of Field Data
Authors: Sanfilippo F. , Ripa G. , Brignoli M. , Santarelli F. J. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
From a scientific point of view, sand production prediction is one of the most complex problems that has been addressed by the oil industry over recent years. Yet, the economical importance of a sound prediction methodology leading to an optimized completion strategy is such that many corporations have dedicated vast resources towards the solution of this problem, De facto surveying the literature reveals that a large number of models have been proposed to predict sand production. Unfortunately none of them has been validated to such an extent that it can be considered as a standard by the industry.
As a consequence a large gathering of sand production data was undertaken. After proper data analysis it is possible to demonstrate that, from the engineering point of view, sand production is a relatively simple phenomenon governed by a few key parameters. Available models are prescreened for their capacities to account for these parameters. The selected models are then calibrated and validated against sand production field data with a sufficient degree of accuracy for operative purposes.
Flexible Bit: A New Anti-Vibration PDC Bit Concept
Authors: Defourny P. , Abbassian F. 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACT
This paper introduces the novel concept of a "flexible" polycrystalline diamond compact (PDC) bit, and its capability to reduce detrimental vibration associated with drag bits. The tilt flexibility, introduced at the bit, decouples the dynamic motion of the bottom hole assembly (BHA) from that of the bit, thus providing a dynamically more stable bit. The paper describes the details of a prototype 8-1/2" flexible bit design together with laboratory experiments and field tests which verify the concept.
Mitigation of Multiple Fractures from Deviated Wellbores
Authors: Hainey B. W. , Weng X. , Stoisits R. F. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
While over six hundred Kuparuk A Sand wells have been hy-draulically fractured or re-fractured successfully from deviated wellbores, a number of wells in the field have not responded to the conventional fracture treatments. In these wells, the conventional design resulted in premature, near-wellbore screenouts, with low proppant placement, and consequently, poor productivity. A symptom common to each of the failed treatments was a near-wellbore friction pressure loss too high to be explained by perforation restriction or simple fracture twisting and turning. An extensive analytical study of hydraulic fracture initiation and propagation from deviated wellbores suggested multiple fractures as a mechanism to account for the abnormally high near-wellbore friction pressure loss and the reduction in fracture width, A model was developed (XFRAC) which correlates these responses to formation stress, wellbore parameters and treatment conditions. A counter-intuitive fracture treatment which employed lower pumping rates combined with higher viscosity fracturing fluids was designed to minimize the formation of multiple fractures and increase fracture width. This unconventional design has been successfully pumped in eleven wells which exhibited the premature screenout problem. Proppant placement was increased over ten fold with a tripling of post-frac production rates and a 35 percent increase in estimated recovery.
Mechanistic Investigation of the Formation Damaging Characteristics of Mixed Metal Hydroxide Drill-In Fluids and Comparison with Polymer-Base Fluids
Authors: Fraser L. J. , Reid P. , Williamson D. , Enriquez F. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
Mixed metal hydroxide (MMH) fluids are highly thixotropic and have shown exceptional abilities in the areas of hole cleaning, suspension, and maintenance of good hole gauge even through very poorly consolidated sandstones.
When a drill-in fluid based on an MMH has been used in reservoir sections, the ease of cleanup and the production rates have both exceeded expectations. Results have been better than those achieved on offsets where more conventional fluids have been used. Laboratory results have also shown properly formulated MMH fluids to have a low potential for formation damage.
Most significantly, the low level of impairment runs contrary to results obtained with other (more conventional) bentonite-base fluids.
The primary objectives of the laboratory project presented in this paper were to (1) investigate the mechanisms by which filter cakes develop against sandstone faces, (2) study the natures of the cakes produced with different types of drill-in fluids, and (3) investigate the implications for cake cleanup.
In a group of unweighted fluids an MMH fluid was found to be unique in its ability to form a predominantly external cake. It was further shown that the strong interactions between the MMH crystals and the bentonite platelets, which interactions provide the characteristic high shear thinning and almost instantaneous gelling behavior of such fluids, also contribute to the avoidance of damaging internal cake formation. This study demonstrates by dynamic fluid-loss measurements, imaging of dried filter cakes using an SEM, and direct imaging of wet filter cakes using an environmental SEM that the fluid is able to form mineral bridges over pore throats in a wide range of reservoir rocks.
The external cake formed by the MMH fluid is easily removed by wash fluids or simply by application of backpressure as occurs when a well is brought on to production. Residual formation damage is minimal. This behavior has been observed in laboratory-prepared fluids and in fluids obtained from the field. In the case of the latter it has been shown that impovements occur in rheology, filtration control, and damage potential when the MMH product is added until a small excess is present.
Comparisons are made with sized salt and carbonate-weighted polymer muds. Also investigated was the effect of varying the size distribution of the carbonate weight materials in MMH and in polymer fluids.
The new understanding achieved with respect to the formation and nature of filter cakes provides direction for the formulation of drill-in fluids with a reduced potential for production impairment, and highlights areas for further investigation.
Interactions between Torque and Helical Buckling in Drilling
Authors: He X. , Halsey G. W. , Kyilingstad A. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
The effects of torque on helical buckling are a concern in coiled tubing drilling. These effects are also important in conventional drilling of long horizontal wells.
This paper presents theoretical models for the effects of torque on helical buckling, normal contact force, and pitch of helix in the curved well bore. The effects of helical buckling and the post-buckling contact forces on torque and drag in a drilling operation are also modelled. The models are used for realistic simulations for both conventional drilling and coiled tubing applications.
Lithology-lndependent, High-Resolution Porosity Logs
Authors: Boyd A. , Head E. , Gubelin W. G. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
A unique attribute of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) logging is the ability to measure a lithology-independent porosity. New NMR tools have generated renewed interest in measurements related to producibility, such as permeability and definition of water production potential. Industry discussion of those parameters has sometimes overshadowed the value of a lithology-independent porosity measurement. Such a porosity log can be easily understood by and utilized by non-specialists as well as log interpretation experts. The log reflects true porosity even in a complex lithology that changes over the well interval, such as limestone to dolomite transitions with evaporite inclusions. Similarly, since the log reads near zero in compacted shale, the measurement closely approaches effective porosity in clastic environments.
A new pad-type NMR logging tool produces such a porosity measurement with excellent vertical resolution. Investigation is focused within a volume whose vertical dimension is only 6 in. Examples from a number of wells illustrate excellent repeatability and resolution of thin reservoir components that are not visible with other NMR devices or conventional porosity logs. Logs are verified by core data and electrical images. The measurement is unaffected by borehole salinity, and the tool is combinable with other wireline tools.
Intrinsic Capture Cross-Section and Porosity Transforms for the TMD-L Pulsed Neutron Capture Tool
Authors: Jacobson L. A. , Ethridge D. R. , Wyatt D. F. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
Environmental corrections to formation capture cross-section values (∑nf) measured with the new TMD-L tool are illustrated for a wide range of borehole conditions. A porosity transform for the near-far count-rate ratio is also developed. Test-pit measurements cover a range of intrinsic capture cross-section (∑int) values from 8 c.u. to 37 c.u. while porosities ranged from 2 p.u. to 38 p.u. Borehole sizes were 6, 8, 10, and 14 inches with casing sizes of 4-1/2, 5-1/2, 7, and 9-5/8 inches. Cement annuli up to 2-inch thickness were used. Effects of saltwater, freshwater, and gas (air) filled casings were determined. Regression techniques were employed in developing the algorithms to apply these corrections. They are typically capable of obtaining ∑int from the measured ∑fm, values to ± 1 c.u. over the range of conditions explored, even for gas-filled casings. The porosity transform for fluid-filled casing typically yielded the assigned test-pit porosities within ± 2 p.u. for casing sizes of 7 inches or less in boreholes of up to 10 inches. These transforms, which can be run in real-time, require as inputs the casing size, borehole size, casing liquid salinity (or gas), and cement salinity. One field log illustrates the utility of the intrinsic transform in removing the borehole effects such as at casing liquid-gas interfaces. Another example compares porosity from the TMD-L with neutron-density openhole porosity.
Applying Electrical Micro-Imaging Logs to Reservoir Characterization
Authors: Fam M. Y. , Chemali R. , Seiler D. , Haugland M. , Stewart W. F. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
Integrated analysis of two-dimensional and three-dimensional images from electrical micro-imaging devices provides a powerful link between core measurements, traditional logging information, and methods of reservoir characterization. Side-by-side comparisons of electrical images and core photographs illustrate the value of this technique for understanding stratigraphic and structural relationships in a given formation. The derivation of a high-resolution quantitative resistivity log from an electrical micro-imaging device offers enhanced petrophysical analysis in highly laminated reservoirs. This quantitative resistivity log, characterized through a three-dimensional electrical modeling code, exhibits a depth of investigation comparable to the shallow laterolog, digitally focused log, or short guard log.
Wireline Fluid Sampling
Authors: Michaels John , Moody Mike , Shwe Than 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
Accurate PVT data are crucial to well completion and production, formation evaluation and reservoir characterization. This is especially true for initial reservoir characterization where the PVT sample needs to be obtained prior to production. It is essential that the fluid sample be recovered as closely as possible to in-situ conditions whether by drill stem or wireline formation tester. The need to remove drilling mud filtrate prior to collecting a sample has been widely recognized. Wireline testers which can pump fluid from a formation until filtrate is reduced to a minimum overcome this problem. While reducing sample contamination has been addressed, little emphasis has been placed on the need to control inlet pressure during filtrate removal or during sampling. Reducing contamination is important; however, there is equal need to determine the critical sampling pressure. The purpose is to prevent phase separation in the formation by regulating the sampling process based on this information and thereby obtain a more representative reservoir fluid sample.
A recently introduced wireline instrument provides the capability of measuring the critical pressure prior to sampling, of controlling the sample pressure and of increasing the pressure in the sample container to compensate for temperature decline during delivery of that sample to a testing laboratory. Example of pressure tests while pumping and during pressure buildup are presented along with indicated sample properties.
A Rheometer for Evaluating Drilling Fluids at Elevated Temperatures
Authors: Garvin Thomas R. , Moore Preston L. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
The trend toward deeper wells with subsequent higher bore-hole temperatures has increased the need for data on drilling fluid properties at elevated temperatures and pressures. Equipment presently available does not allow direct presently available does not allow direct determination of fluid properties from lower laminar to fully turbulent flow with precision. This paper presents the design precision. This paper presents the design considerations that led to the construction of equipment at the University of Oklahoma to provide high temperature data for drilling fluids and cement slurries and examples of such data for three drilling mud systems.
The equipment will operate up to 350 degrees F through flow ranges from lower laminar to turbulent flow with sufficient precision for extrapolation to other precision for extrapolation to other pipe sizes and other geometries of flow pipe sizes and other geometries of flow conduit.
It was determined that the equipment was adequate and that the fluid properties of at least some fluid systems properties of at least some fluid systems are highly dependent on temperatures and should be examined by this procedure for critical design programs.

Introduction
Several investigators have recently been interested in the high temperature behavior of drilling fluids due to the increasing numbers of deep wells and the need to critically control drilling fluid rheology in these wells. The experimental methods and the chosen form of data presentation vary considerably among the presentation vary considerably among the various investigators but all have indicated a deleterious effect on drilling fluid caused by a high temperature environment. Many of the investigators have tried to relate the deleterious effects to measurable chemical or physical changes that occur in clay drilling fluids at elevated temperatures.
Most of the previous investigators have chosen to study the rheological properties of drilling fluids at elevated properties of drilling fluids at elevated temperatures with a modified rotational viscometer and report the data considering the fluids as Bingham Plastics.
Colloquium on Petroleum Engineering Education: A Summary
Authors: Russell J. E. , Broussard N. J. , Tiedemann H. A. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
The third Colloquium on Petroleum Engineering Education (CPEE’95), a part of the SPE Forum Series, was held July 23–28 al the Wildwood Lodge in Snowmass Village, CO, with sponsorship from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), industry, and SPE.
Seventy-two people participated in CPEE’95: 46 (64%) Academics (13 of whom were internationally based), 22 (31%) Industrial Representatives (1 from the Netherlands), and 4 (5%) Government Representatives [one each from the U.S. Department of Energy and the National Science Foundation at the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Technology Education (ORISE), and two from Sandia National Laboratory].
The focus of CPEE’95 was adding value to Petroleum Engineering education for both the individual and industry. Eight primary sessions and one summary session were held. The program was balanced between academic, industrial, and government presenters. Four sessions were developed by planning committee members from industry and four by planning committee members from universities. The summary session was developed by committee members from academia and government
The development of several model curricula and an action plan to implement the plan received the greatest amount of effort. Model curricula were developed by five breakout teams that maintained the same membership throughout the colloquium. The curricula were initially unconstrained, with constraints being added as the colloquium developed.
These model curricula contain the following common themes: An increased emphasis on the geosciences;The importance of teamwork;Increased exposure to financial, regulatory, and risk strategy topics; and finallyAn emphasis on fundamentals, problem solving, lifelong learning, and education--rather than training in current technologies.
CPEE’95 participants also discussed the proposed changes in evaluation criteria given by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET), where these criteria will present both constraints and opportunities for petroleum engineering education.
The action plan includes creation of three task forces: International Cooperation--a task force to address issues of interaction and parity among programs world wide,ABET Draft Criteria--a task force to give the SPE E&A Committee guidelines for proposed criteria changes and to assess the value of developing a vehicle for the discipline-specific portion of the registration examination, andDOE/Industry Fellowship Program--a task force to work with Craig Williamson (DOE ORISE, Oak Ridge) to develop a graduate fellowship program for U.S. citizens.
The Drilling Porosity Log "DPL"
Authors: Zoeller William A. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
The Drilling Porosity Log (DPL) is a formation porosity log derived from a mathematical treatment of detailed drilling information. The basic concept of the DPL is that the porosity of a particular rock effects the way that rock is drilled in a definable manner.
Comparison of the DPL and logs from standard wire line porosity tools from several areas are presented and discussed.
A generalized, non-mathematical explanation of the derivation of the log is presented.

Introduction
For many years, penetration rate has been used for correlations, drilling breaks etc. It was assumed that variations in rate of penetration represented formation properties. However, many false properties. However, many false interpretations resulted when the rate of penetration change was a reflection of some penetration change was a reflection of some human or mechanical change in the drilling operation rather than the result of a formation response. To overcome this difficulty efficient drilling operations were sacrificed to control constant as many of the variables of the drilling operation as possible, thereby avoiding false interpretations of the rate of penetration curve or the expense of a correlation log run. Such efforts not only sacrificed drilling efficiency, they were also impractical in most cases. For example a sufficiently motivated operator might maintain constant weight on bit and maintain a constant rotary speed but he would be hard pressed to control the bit tooth dulling or changes in formation pressure, both of which can dramatically pressure, both of which can dramatically effect the deflection of the ROP curve.
Two-Phase Pump Transient Behaviour
Authors: Bratu Ch. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
Concerns regarding the efficiency, stability and safety margins of the rotodynamic pump POSEIDON P300 unit has prompted the investigation of steady state and transient behaviour.
Bench tests, carried out on the IFP - Solaize multiphase loop, precede long term field endurance trial (TOTAL -Tunisia).
The paper introduces a global analytical model enabling the understanding of the transient pump behaviour. Experimental results are analyzed and gathered pratical conclusions enable the design of the control-regulation system.
Multiphase Pumping: The Lessons of Long-Term Field Testing
Authors: Leporcher E. , Taiani S. 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACT
The field testing of a POSEIDON rotodynamic helicoaxial pump (P302) manufactured by SULZER is being conducted since June 1994 on the Elf Aquitaine's onshore site of the PECORADE oil field located in the south-west of France. This one-year testing program is aimed at qualifying this design of multiphase pump for future field applications. The multiphase pump has been previously tested at the IFP's test loop of SOLAIZE for factory acceptance and performance test [1].
This paper describes the PECORADE multiphase loop, the multiphase pump testing procedures and the results obtained in the field of performance, sensitivity, and endurance. The operational and maintenance lessons to be learned from this long-term field testing are presented from the point of view of the operator.