bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A New Managerial Approach of Integrated Contracted Services and Outsourcing Non-Core Activities
Authors: Gardiner A. W. , Monroe J. J. M. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
If the oil and gas industry is to become more efficient as well as effective the synergies that exist in the business as a whole have to be exploited more successfully. To achieve this, there is a need for a radical change in the roles and responsibilities of oil companies and contractors.
This paper proposes a new approach to gaining greater benefit from exploiting supply management synergies. The approach is based upon the concepts of integrated contracted services and outsourcing of non-core activities. It involves the creation of groups of oil companies to obtain goods and services from the market place through common supply management organisations.
A Novel Approach to Future Marginal Field Development Using Existing Infrastructure
Authors: Cross Linda , Abbott Syd , Hatchwell E. P. C. , Zack J. G. , McGrory K. F. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
The Ninian partners have developed an innovative commercial framework which will apply to a number of future satellites, dispensing with the often lengthy and complicated process required to develop individual terms for each satellite. The new style agreement promotes the concept of future satellites sharing the Ninian platform topside facilities for processing, metering and export, as well as platform drilling instead of more costly subsea wells where appropriate. This enables potential satellites to be developed simply, quickly and economically.
The Effect of Oil Price and Other Variables on the Timing of and Technology Used in the U.K. Developments
Authors: Howorth Gary , Sales James 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
Fluctuations in oil price has undoubtedly affected development project timing in the last decade. Within the last year some 25 fields in the UK have been delayed by at least one year following a reduction in estimates of long term oil price. The paper derives relationships between field delay and a number of variables and shows that there is an inherent time lag in the UK system of about 1 year. It also demonstrates that the difference between expected and actual oil price is an important determinant of the likelihood of field delay. The paper also shows that use of new technology was accelerated in the UK by a large drop in oil price during 1986. By considering Norway, the paper discusses how the maturity of the industry and the political environment affects the results found in the UK.
Development of a Computer Wellbore Simulator for Coiled-Tubing Operations
Authors: Gu Hongren , Walton I. C. 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACT
This paper describes a computer wellbore simulator developed for coiled tubing operations of fill cleanout and unloading of oil and gas wells. The simulator models the transient, multiphase fluid flow and mass transport process that occur in these operations. Unique features of the simulator include a sand bed that may form during fill cleanout in deviated and horizontal wells, particle transport with multiphase compressible fluids, and the transient unloading process of oil and gas wells. The requirements for a computer wellbore simulator for coiled tubing operations are discussed and it is demonstrated that the developed simulator is suitable for modeling these operations.
The simulator structure and the incorporation of sub-modules for gas/liquid two-phase flow, reservoir and choke models, and coiled tubing movement are addressed. Simulation examples are presented to show the sand bed formed in cleanout in a deviated well and the transient unloading results of oil and gas wells.
The wellbore simulator developed in this work can assist a field engineer with the design of coiled tubing operations. By using the simulator to predict the pressure, flow rates, sand concentration and bed depth, the engineer will be able to select the coiled tubing, fluid and schedule of an optimum design for particular well and reservoir conditions.
Information Technology Outsourcing One Company's Experience: The Successes and the Lessons
Authors: Klochko J. W. , Bester L. W. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
Amoco Canada Petroleum Company Ltd. is a $4 billion corporation engaged in oil and gas exploration and production. In October 1992 the company signed a five-year "transitional outsourcing" contract valued at $70 million to $90 million with a leading outsourcing vendor. Amoco Canada like many other organizations, has chosen to outsource information technology services as a way to meet the challenge of reducing costs while implementing technological changes and maintaining services at acceptable levels. Outsourcing is a growing trend as evidenced by a study done several years ago by the Yankee Group, a Boston Massachusetts based information technology consulting firm. They predicted that every Fortune 500 company would consider information systems outsourcing and 20% would outsource at least some portion of their information technology functions by 1994. Recent studies by The Gartner Group suggest that this indeed is happening.
What is outsourcing? In its most basic form it is the purchase of goods or services previously provided internally and is not exclusive to information technology. Information systems outsourcing is not a new phenomenon and in fact has been around since the dawn of data processing. In addition to data processing services it has included, use of contract programmers, time sharing and purchase of packaged software.
A renewed interest in information technology outsourcing stems from its changing nature. Companies are not just approaching outsourcing as a way to reduce costs, as has been the case in the past, but as a strategic tool in the management of information technology. The data centre is now just one of many functions being outsourced. More companies are including the management of local and wide area networks, desktop computer systems, applications development, and midrange computer systems in their outsourcing.
Survey of Computer Use by Petroleum Engineers and Its Implications in Petroleum Engineering Education
Authors: Koedevitz W. L. , Macon B. S. , Schenewerk P. A. 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACT
Rapid, major advances over the past 20 years in computing capability and the ability to manage information have significantly affected the work of the practicing petroleum engineer. To document the effects of these changes in the workplace, we have conducted a survey of how engineers use computers on the job. Using the results of this survey, we make recommendations concerning the ways in which undergraduate engineering programs should approach computers and computing in the curriculum. The paper also includes a general discussion of why and how computers should be included in undergraduate programs.
One reason computer use should be included in the curriculum is to prepare students better for the workplace. Despite the wealth of evidence that indicates engineers use computers on the job, general information about the actual ways in which computers are used is not available. The survey described in this paper provides a broad, qualitative look at how engineers use computers at work. Moreover, the survey records the opinions of practicing engineers concerning how well their undergraduate education prepared them for computer use.
In addition to the survey results and interpretation, the paper includes interviews and a literature review from engineering education. The survey, interviews, and literature review will be synthesized to provide an explanation of how engineers use computers in the workplace and what implications this use has for undergraduate education. Examples are given from specific curriculum changes under consideration at LSU.
Design and Implementation of a UNIX Based Distributed Computing System
Authors: Love J. Stanley , Mickael Medhat W. 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACT
We have designed, implemented, and are running a corporate-wide distributed processing batch queue on a large number of networked workstations using the UNIX® operating system. Atlas Wireline researchers and scientists have used the system for over a year. The large increase in available computer power has greatly reduced the time required for nuclear and electromagnetic tool modeling. Use of remote distributed computing has simultaneously reduced computation costs and increased usable computer time.
The system integrates equipment from different manufacturers, using various CPU architectures, distinct operating system revisions, and even multiple processors per machine. Various differences between the machines have to be accounted for in the master scheduler. These differences include shells, command sets, swap spaces, memory sizes, CPU sizes, and OS revision levels. Remote processing across a network must be performed in a manner that is seamless from the users' perspective. The system currently uses IBM RISC Syst em/6000®, SPARCstation™, HP9000s700, HP9000s800, and DEC Alpha AXP™ machines.
Each CPU in the network has its own speed rating, allowed working hours, and workload parameters. The system is designed so that all of the computers in the network can be optimally scheduled without adversely impacting the primary users of the machines.
The increase in the total usable computational capacity by means of distributed batch computing can change corporate computing strategy. The integration of disparate computer platforms eliminates the need to buy one type of computer for computations, another for graphics, and yet another for day-to-day operations. It might be possible, for example, to meet all research and engineering computing needs with existing networked computers. It may, on the other hand, be advantageous to buy more powerful computers than required for a particular application, so that extra capacity can be applied to other problems by means of the batch scheduler.
A Major Step in Ultra Slimhole Drilling
Authors: Sagot A. M. , Dupuis D. C. 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACT
In early 1993, two ultraslim hole wells (3" and 3 3/8") were drilled in the Paris Basin of France. Our intention was to quantify the "concepts" associated with new and re-emerging techno-logy. This paper details the drilling performances and the technical aspect of the drilling operations. The paper also presents the tests results of new slim hole drill pipe while performing destructive drilling and wire line coring. The validation of a mud pressure model is also presented. These experiments have confirmed the benefits of slim hole technology and highlighted the need for a dedicated surface equipment to comply with the environmental criteria. Additionally, all the required geological data concerning formations and reservoir fluids were acquired.
Hybrid Coiled Tubing/Snubbing Drilling and Completion System
Authors: Newman K. R. , Doremus D. M. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
A drilling and completion system has been developed which will handle both continuous pipe (coiled tubing) and jointed pipe. The coiled tubing is handled using a conventional coiled tubing unit. The jointed pipe is handled using a set of snubbing jacks. This paper describes the design considerations and resulting system that was developed. A case history of the first use of this system is also presented.
Acoustic Gas Kick Detection With Wellhead Sonar
Authors: Bang Jon , Mjaaland Svein , Solstad Arne , Hendriks Peter , Jensen L. K. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
An acoustic gas kick detection system has been successfully tested in full-scale experiments. The principle of operation is similar to that of an echo-sounder system. The method is neither dependent on mud circulation, nor does it require the presence of the drillpipe. It can be applied to both platforms and floating rigs. Furthermore, only surface equipment is required for its operation. In the experiments 150 to 600 1 of gas was injected at a depth of 1210 m both in water and in water-based drilling fluid. The results show that the changes caused by the presence of free gas in the well are easily and instantly detected.
Near-Bit Propagation Resistivity for Reservoir Navigation
Authors: Meyer W. H. , Wu Jian-Qun , Macune D. T. , Harvey P. R. 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACT
A new propagation resistivity tool has been designed and built with a measure point only 15 feet from the bit. Measurements of near-bit inclination and gamma ray are also provided. All of these measurements are in a package that includes a mud motor. The primary purpose of this tool is to provide a means for staying in a target formation during horizontal drilling. The propagation resistivity measurement of this reservoir navigation tool has the ability to see radially much deeper than focused resistivity devices. The radial direction is the direction of interest in horizontal drilling because the distance between adjacent beds is in the radial direction (relative to the tool). Devices which attempt to see beyond the end of the bit have limitations in a horizontal environment because the distance to the adjacent bed is very large in the direction of the borehole. In addition to the standard 2 MHz frequency, this new propagation resistivity tool has a second frequency of 400 kHz which has a much greater depth of investigation than the 2 MHz frequency. Measuring amplitude and phase at both frequencies produces 4 different depths of investigation at the same measure point. Modeling has shown that adjacent conductive beds can be detected as much as 12 feet away with the 2 MHz frequency and about 32 feet away at the lower frequency. These detection distances refer to the true vertical distance from the borehole to the adjacent bed, but the borehole may not intersect this bed for several hundred feet in horizontal drilling because the borehole is nearly parallel to the bed boundary. In addition, new state-of-the-art electronics and the use of a second transmitter have greatly improved the precision of the resistivity measurements. The result of these improvements is better accuracy in highly resistive formations. Therefore, this tool is able to provide both geosteering and a propagation resistivity measurement as accurate as the best wireline induction tools.
Quality Management Alliance Eliminates Plug Failures
Authors: Heathman James , Carpenter Robert , Marcel Ken , Rimer Charles , Badalamenti Anthony 
Published: December 2007

AbstractPlug cementing is a very broad term that may include setting cement plugs for abandonment, sidetracking a wellbore, lost-circulation control, or remedial work. There are several means by which this may be accom- plished, including the balanced plug and dump bailer methods. Unfortunately, plug cementing is a process that often receives simplistic treatment. However, even plug cementing is by no means simplistic and can be very costly if not properly executed. In addition to the immediate rig time and materials cost associated with a poor cement plug, there are also potential costs from well control and environmental problems.This paper describes the activities and results of an operator/service company quality alliance. The immedi- ate project goal was to improve the success rate of cement sidetrack plugs in the US Gulf Coast operating area. All aspects of the cementing process, including slurry design, material and job quality control, and displacement practices were systematically evaluated and modified as necessary. During the latter stages of the project, a recommended plug procedure (RPP) was established that addressed many of the shortcomings of past practices. A continuous job evaluation process or "Quality Management System" was also implemented to ensure continuous monitoring and refinement of the RPP.Before this procedure was implemented, the prevailing standard in the Gulf Coast was approximately two to five attempts to achieve a successful sidetrack plug. The industry average was approximately 2.4 attempts per kickoff. As of this writing, proper use of the RPP outlined by the study group has achieved a near 100% success rate. Although originally targeted for the Gulf Coast operating area, the RPP has proven to be a global success. This program has provided a multi-million dollar cost reduction to the operating companies using it, and illustrates the value of properly structured operator/service company technology alliances.
Experimental Evaluations of Drill Bit and Drill String Dynamics
Authors: Dykstra M. W. , Chen D. C.-K. , Warren T. M. , Zannoni S. A. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
Laboratory and field experiments were performed to investigate the dynamics of the drill bit and drill string. Laboratory results for Anti-whirl and conventional polycrystalline diamond compact (PDC) bits showed that vibrations of the former were an order of magnitude less than those of the latter. Backward whirl of the conventional PDC bit was prevalent in both hard and soft formations. Roller cone bit tests suggested that they too were subject to backward whirl, and the lateral vibrations that resulted were an order of magnitude worse than the axial vibrations commonly associated with these bits.
Field tests were performed using a single drill string design with the conventional PDC and roller cone bit. Simultaneous surface and downhole measurements were made. Results suggested that bit vibration amplitudes rapidly diminished with distance from the bit, and that stabilizers had a significant isolating effect. Surface measurements were found to be inconclusive with respect to downhole behavior. In some instances correlations could be drawn between surface accelerations and those downhole; in others surface vibrations were severe, while little was measured downhole; in still others downhole vibrations were dramatic, while nothing was indicated at the surface.
Operational recommendations are made based on experimental observations.
Application of High Sampling Rate Downhole Measurements for Analysis and Cure of Stick-Slip in Drilling
Authors: Pavone D. R. , Desplans J. P. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
Optimal control of the drilling process requires that relevant physical models must be used while drilling. The reliability of these models must first be improved by comparing their results with actual downhole and surface data. Measurements of numerous drilling parameters and variables, sampled at high frequency, are then required.
Trafor is an MWD system designed and operated by the Institut Français du Pétrole for research on drill-string dynamics. It measures 15 downhole and 5 surface mechanical parameters. Because Trafor is fitted with an electric link adapted to rotary drilling, it transmits the downhole measurements to the surface in real time with a very high sampling rate of 1800 measurements per second. Furthermore, all the signals are fully synchronized. Hence, Trafor allows cross analysis between any signals, regardless of whether they are from downhole or from the surface.
New data recorded in a 1060 m deep well exhibit stick-slip behavior for various weights-ön-bit and rotary speeds.
Downhole data analysis coupled with numerical simulations shows that, in this field case, stick-slip occurred as an unstable drilling process. The origin of the instability lies in the relationship between the torque at the bit and the rotary speed. From this relationship, we can explain why stick-slip is known to disappear whenever the rotary speed (rpm) is increased or weight-on-bit is decreased. A stability analysis is used to derive operating conditions that prevent stick-slip.
Simulations of drilling with adjusted PID or with a downhole "anti stiçk-slip" tool are described. For both simulations, stick-slip can be cured.
Improved Log Quality with a Dual-Frequency Pulsed NMR Tool
Authors: Chandler R. N. , Drack E. O. , Miller M. N. , Prammer M. G. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
A new pulsed NMR logging tool, the Series C Dual-Frequency Magnetic Resonance Imaging Log (MRIL®)*, has been in commercial service since January 1994. As a consequence of improved electronics design and the ability to "hop" between frequencies, the Series C tool provides high quality echo trains and MRIL® outputs at logging speeds up to 30 feet/minute, approximately 10 times faster than the Series B. Moreover, these design improvements allow for an extended operating environment, to temperatures as high as 155C and borehole conductivities as low as 0.02 Ohm-m. Laboratory-grade data obtained in situ allows for more complete relaxation analysis, leading to rock pore-size distributions and fluid identification.
NMR Pore Size Distributions and Permeability at the Well Site
Authors: Prammer M. G. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
A fast and robust algorithm is presented for extracting T2 information from pulsed NMR logging data in real time. The degrees of freedom in the resultant T2 relaxation spectrum are adjusted to match the instantaneous signal-to-noise ratio of the data.
For single phase conditions and high bulk T2 relaxation values, the T2 spectrum is interpreted as a distribution of locally averaged pore sizes. A permeability estimate is computed by weighing and summing the spectral density components. The FFI/BVI permeability model, based on a T2 cutoff value of 25–30 msec, provides good immunity against partial hydrocarbon saturation and/or reduced bulk T2’s.
Subsurface Fracture Mapping Using Microearthquakes Detected During Primary Oil Production, Clinton County, Kentucky
Authors: Rutledge James T. , Phillips W. Scott , Roff Adam , Albright James N. , Hamilton-Smith Terence , Jones Steven K. , Kimmich Karl C. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
Downhole microseismic monitoring tests were conducted in Clinton County, Kentucky to determine if microearthquakes associated with primary production could be detected on a scale of interwell distances (400 ft) and to determine if such microearthquakes could be used to map reservoir fractures. The oil reservoirs occur in shallow (750 to 2400 ft), low-porosity (&lt; 2%), carbonate rocks of Ordovician age. The reservoir fracture system controlling the occurrence and flow of oil and its relationship to the local and regional geology is poorly understood. Discrete reservoir microearthquakes were detected at an average rate of 11 events per week and at distances up to 4000 ft in an initial monitoring test using a single, triaxial downhole geophone receiver. In a second monitoring test 2 downhole, triaxial geophone tools were placed in a monitor well 800 ft from a new, high-volume oil well. Over a 6-month period of continuous monitoring 165 discrete, high-quality, microearthquake waveforms were recorded. Approximately 11,000 barrels of fluid were extracted in the monitor area during the 6-month period. Presently, it is unknown whether or not the microseismicity is induced by production. Hypocenters computed for 121 events delineate 4 extensive (up to 0.15 square miles), low-angle, planar features striking approximately N65°E within the Ordovician reservoir depth interval. A composite fault-plane solution indicates a thrust focal mechanism. Such thrust structures are not observed in the surface-exposed Mississippian section, which lies above and is separated from the Ordovician section by a major unconformity of Devonian age. General relationships between the fractures revealed by the microseismicity and oil occurrence have yet to be demonstrated in the study area. The observed microseismicity occurs away from production wells, and to date, no new wells have been drilled into the mapped fractures along which shear displacement was detected.