bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Horizontal Wells in the Water Zone: The Most Effective Way of Tapping Oil from Thin Oil Zones?
Authors: Haug B. T. , Ferguson W. I. , Kydland T. 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACT
Oil production from thin oil zones sandwiched between a gas cap and an active aquifer is often limited to uneconomic rates due to water and gas coning. Horizontal wells seem to provide a promising solution to the coning problem. In order to avoid premature gas breakthrough, the horizontal wells should normally be positioned as far away from the GOC as possible. This assumption has been examined further; wells completed below the WOC have been compared to wells in the oil zone. This strategy relies upon oil coning into the well completions through the water zone; the so called "inverse coning" process.
In this study, production from the 12 m thick oil zone in the Troll West Gas Province has been simulated with a 500 m horizontal well completed in the water zone below the WOC. The effects of various rock and fluid parameters have been evaluated, and a correlation for time to gas breakthrough has been developed based upon the simulation results.
The calculated gain in oil production with the well below the WOC ranged from 15% to over 50% in this study, depending on the reservoir and operating conditions. Based upon cumulative oil production considerations, an optimal completion depth of 3-4 m below the WOC was determined. Cone behaviour was shown to be dominated by permeability level, fluid mobilities, completion depth and liquid production rate. The primary disadvantage with these wells is the sustained increased water cut.
Water Coning Calculations for Vertical and Horizontal Wells
Authors: Yang Weiping , Wattenbarger R. A. 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACT
Most authors have concentrated on correlations for critical rate and breakthrough time in vertical and horizontal wells. WOR (water-oil ratio) has also been addressed in vertical wells. However, WOR performance in horizontal wells has not received much attention. The purpose of this work is to develop a method suitable for either hand calculation or simulation to predict (1) critical rate, (2) breakthrough time, and (3) WOR after breakthrough in both vertical and horizontal wells.
An extensive sensitivity analysis of water coning was performed using numerical simulation. From this analysis, an empirical coning correlation was developed based on the basic flow equations and regression analysis. The format of the correlation is similar to Addington’s gas-coning correlation. It predicts critical rate, breakthrough time and WOR after breakthrough.
WOR performance at variable rate production conditions has also been evaluated in this work. It was found that WOR has hysteresis, (i.e., WOR not only depends on the current production rate, but also the previous production history). However, given sufficient time after rate changes, hysteresis disappears. At such conditions, the correlations can also give a good estimation of WOR for variable rate cases.
This correlation provides a hand calculation method of coning prediction for both vertical and horizontal wells. It can also be used as a coning function for 3-D coarse grid reservoir simulation. The correlation was tested and found to be reliable and accurate in predicting WOR, as well as critical rate and breakthrough time when water-oil mobility ratio is smaller than 5 or viscous forces are not dominating.
Numerical Simulation of Oil Displacement in Pattern Floods With Fractured Wells
Authors: Konoplyov V. Y. , Zazovsky A. F. 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACT
The effect of fracture length, orientation and conductivity on waterflooding performance in repeated fractured well patterns is considered. It’s found that for fixed well spacing density there is an optimum fracture length which provides maximum of oil recovery at a fixed time of production, because of oil recovery at breakthrough changes for the worse with the increase of fracture length. For the developed oil field, aggravation may be connected with unfavorable orientation of fractures in well pattern. If orientation of fractures is in accordance with well pattern, with fixed well spacing density the aggravation due to increasing fracture length can be connected with the finite fracture conductivity.
The cleanup of fracture and zone invaded by the viscous fracturing fluid, when putting the well into production, is investigated. The increase in fracture length is shown to leads to slowing-down fracture cleanup and invaded zone washout and as a result to extreme relationship between well productivity factor and fracture length.
Fully implicit numerical simulator based on the method of lines, was developed for solving multi-phase flow problems. The main advantage of this method is in the efficient simulation of transient processes with great difference in time or space scales.
Extending Gas Well Velocity Limits: Problems and Solutions
Authors: Castle M. J. , Teng D. T. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
Production from North Rankin A platform (NRA) aims to meet the objective of supplying contract gas/LNG whilst maximising the condensate yield. This paper describes current efforts to increase production of selected wells through an extension of tubing flow velocity limits. By doing so, condensate rich wells can be produced preferentially at higher rates and overall flexibility between wells with regards to maintaining contractual gas production can be improved.
Arguments used to define a new limit to tubing flow velocity are presented together with the agreed basis for allowable sand production. Also discussed are the monitoring practices undertaken to ensure a long term field trial is completed safely. Here, particular emphasis was placed on proving the reliability of sand monitoring by performing field comparison trials of available systems prior to the commencement of the high rate trial.
Hydrocarbon-Producing Formations of Salin, Irrwaddy, and Martaban Basins, Myanmar (Burma)
Authors: Khin J. A. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
Hydrocarbon producing formations of the Salin, Irrawaddy and Martaban basins of Myanmar are Upper Tertiary (Pliocene, Miocene and Oligocene) in age. Almost all the producing oil and gas fields are located in these three sedimentary basins.
The geological structures of the producing fields are discussed individually, on the basis of the findings of geological field surveys, gravity and seismic data and drilling results.
The tectonic of the three basins are also presented in respect of the movements of the Indian and Asian plates along the Sumatra – Andaman – Arakan – Himalayan trench or sub-duction zone.
The lithology of the formations and reservoir characteristics of the producing horizons are discussed, on the basis of well logs, cores and pressure/temperature measurements.
The paper also attempts to analyse the source and migration of tertiary oil and gas based on organic and isotope geochemistry, to assist in further explanation of hydrocarbons in Myanmar.
Petroleum Engineering Education: Oil Industry Viewpoint
Authors: Rye John G. 
Published: December 2007

Publication Rights Reserved
Discussion of this paper is invited. Three copies of any discussion should be sent to the Society of Petroleum Engineers office. Such discussion may be presented at the above meeting and considered for publication in one of the two SPE magazines with the paper.

Abstract
There is a continual need in the oil industry for Petroleum Engineers to work as operational, staff and research engineers and as supervisors or managers with a technical background. This paper explores the methods of hiring and training used by the larger companies in developing engineers to fill these career opportunities.
Suggestions are made by the author on "How the universities and colleges teaching Petroleum Engineering can improve the academic curriculum and educational counseling in order to better prepare their graduates for work in the oil industry."

Introduction
One of the primary objectives of the Petroleum Engineering schools should be to prepare students to perform engineering work which will be profitable to themselves and to the industry in which they will be working. Therefore, it is important that the students studying Petroleum Engineering and the men teaching this profession keep in mind, "What does the oil industry expect and look for in the graduate Petroleum Engineer?" In order to better understand this question, it is necessary to investigate the hiring practices and training methods employed by the larger companies in the oil industry. This is true because a large proportion of the new graduates are employed by oil companies or corporations of at least fairly large size as opposed to very small companies or self-employment. In fact, many Petroleum Engineers working for small companies or self-employed have received previous training with a larger oil company.

CAREER POSSIBILITIES
The career possibilities for a graduate Petroleum Engineer can be broken down into three general categories:General Operational and Staff Engineering The largest number of Petroleum Engineers are included in this group which is defined as those engineers whose work is primarily concerned with engineering problems and the operational procedures to carry their engineering work through to completion in the field.Supervisors and Managers with an Engineerin
Formulation of an Environmentally Safe Oil Based Drilling Fluid
Authors: Yassin Abu Azam Md. , Kamis Azmi , Abdullah Mohammad Omar 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
The usage of oil especially diesel oil as the continuous phase of drilling mud is widespread when drilling through sensitive producing formation and troublesome shale zone.
Diesel oil is harmful to the environment-particularly marine environment in offshore application due to extensive legislation now exist in many countries to regulate this form of oil pollution. The use of palm oil derivative could be considered as an alternative based fluid which is harmless to the environment. Tests have been undertaken to evaluate the characteristics of palm oil derivative as the base fluid in the oil based mud and its toxicity effect on marine life and results obtained showed that palm oil derivative is a suitable alternative to formulate oil based drilling mud with the necessary rheological properties, compatible with existing mud additives and non-toxic to the marine life.
Optimization of Perforation Distribution for Horizontal Wells
Authors: Landman M. J. , Goldthorpe W. H. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
In a high permeability reservoir, significant pressure drop can occur in a horizontal well, causing nonuniform inflow due to the variation in pressure drawdown along the well. A mathematical model is described for investigating how perforation distribution affects the performance of a horizontal well producing under steady state inflow. The model couples the Darcy flow into each perforation with the one-dimensional momentum equations for pipe flow. The perforated well is treated like a pipe manifold with T-junctions representing the perforations along the wellbore. A number of examples are presented demonstrating how the model may be used to determine the optimal perforation distribution for different production requirements.
Borehole Instability on the Northwest Shelf of Australia
Authors: Kingsborough R. H. , Williams A. F. , Hillis R. R. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
Wellbore instability poses a significant problem for many wells drilled on the Northwest Shelf of Australia. With the discovery of the Wanaea and Cossack oilfields, research work has focused on an investigation involving the measurement of shale properties, analysis of operations and well logs and the application of this information to the analysis of wellbore stress and instability.
Effect of Some Design Parameters on Well Completion Stresses
Authors: Mclver D. B. 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACT
Some recent experience is presented of the structural analysis of subsea completions subjected to bending loads. The paper looks at the stresses and internal loads induced near the mudline in the wellhead, conductor and casing and, in particular, the effect of cement shortfalls and different soil conditions are explored.
The insight obtained to structural performance by this type of analysis is shown to be invaluable and can lead to the design of more efficient structures. As a result, safety can be improved.
A Revised M.S. Program--Three Years Hence
Authors: Donahue D.A.T. , Ali S.M. Farouq 
Published: December 2007

American Institute of Mining, Metallurgical, and Petroleum Engineers, Inc.
Discussion of this paper is invited. Three copies of any discussion should be sent to the Society of Petroleum Engineers office. Such discussion may be presented at the above meeting and, with the paper, may be considered for publication in one of the two SPE magazines.

Abstract
In order to revise our M.S. degree curriculum so that students completing the program would be prepared to handle both current and future research prepared to handle both current and future research and development assignments especially those in reservoir mechanics, a thorough review of all pertinent curricula was made and the views of pertinent curricula was made and the views of engineering educators were considered. The developed program has been in effect now for three years with several new courses added in the interim. An outline of the revised program is presented in this paper along with the raison d'etre for each course, student reaction and assimulation to the program, and subsequent course modification.

Introduction
"There is only one way out of all this:it is, of course, by rethinking our education." C. P. Snow
In the fall of 1964 members of the faculty of the Department of Petroleum and Natural Gas at the Pennsylvania State University decided that the M.S. program should be critically reviewed and updated if the need for revision was justified. The task was given to the author of this paper. After some degree of discussion, review, reading and thought, a report was written encompassing a revised M.S. program which met with the approval of the program which met with the approval of the departmental faculty. The program was put into effect in 1965 and the results have been viewed with either satisfaction or further revision since that time. However, word of the above report, it's nature and completeness soon reached members of the academic community and requests for copies followed. Because of subsequent response, it was felt that a paper, outlining the revised program, might be of wider interests. This paper has been written to satisfy that interest. The report contains much material which is of value only to the department and, accordingly, has been deleted from this paper. On the other hand, much that was in the report will be found in this paper.
For several years now petroleum engineering educators and specialists have been expressing ever-growing concern over the quality and scope of the current petroleum engineering education in this country.
A Microbial Approach to Cleaning Used Oil-Based Drilling Muds
Authors: Thurman N. P. , Heydeman M. T. 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACT
It is important for the oil industry to anticipate the restriction of the dumping of oil-containing waste at sea. This paper describes research into the use of micro-organisms to disperse and biodegrade the oil component of cuttings and spent drilling muds before discharge. Bacteria using diesel fuel have been isolated from natural sources. Conditions appropriate to the treatment of oil based muds have been developed using an air lift fermenter. Already selected organisms can degrade in less than two days 100% of many alkanes, 63% of pristane and 46% of phytane originally in the mud. Work is continuing to optimize physical and chemical conditions.
Recent Developments in Pipefreezing Technology for the Oil Industry
Authors: Burton M. J. , Bishop C. W. 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACT
This paper describes two advances in the pipefreezing technology, now available to offshore installation operators. Flexible vacuum insulated liquid nitrogen transfer lines may now be used to feed freeze jackets located in inaccessible places and to improve the security of coolant supply generally. The development of the heat flux monitoring system allows the progress of a freeze to be followed, close-off of the plug confirmed and the condition of the plug to be monitored. The practical application of both these new developments is illustrated with examples.
Integrated Study of the Kraka Field
Authors: Jørgensen L. N. , Andersen P. M. 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACT
The Kraka Field, discovered in 1966, was the first oil discovery in the North Sea. The field, a large elongated chalk structure, is located in the southern part of the Central Trough in the Danish sector of the North Sea.
The Kraka field is characterized by a low permeability matrix with some enhancement of permeability due to natural fracturing. The fluid distribution in the reservoir is complex. Throughout the hydrocarbon bearing zone, matrix water saturations are in excess of 50 %. Fluid contacts are tilted, the matrix oil water contact due to tectonics and the fracture free water level due to a regional hydrodynamic gradient. Variations in pressures and fluid properties further add to the complexity of the field.
This paper describes an integrated study of the Kraka field. The integration of a geological fracture study with a reservoir simulation study has resulted in an improved reservoir characterization.
The development history of the field demonstrates how new technology can promote the development of a marginal field.
Snorre Field TLP Rigid Riser System: An Overview
Authors: Lim F. K. , Manning B. V. G. , Alfstad O. 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACT
This paper presents an overview of the rigid riser system for the Snorre field TLP in the North Sea. The system and components are described to highlight the major design challenges and solutions that have been arrived at to meet the statutory regulations and design requirements.
Quantitative Determination of Solids Invasion and Formation Damage Using CAT Scan and Barite Suspensions
Authors: Krilov Z. , Steiner I. , Goricnik B. , Wojtanowicz A. J. , Cabrajac S. 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACT
Presented are results the of an experimental study of formation permeability damage caused by invasion of the inert and extraneous solids simulated by barite particles. The use of barite facilitated X-ray computer assisted tomography (CAT) analysis of solids in the rock (determination of penetration distance) is employed because of the method's high resolution to barium.
Laboratory flow tests were performed using two types of sandstone cores: outcrop-clay free, and low clay content cores from oil bearing formations. The cores were analyzed using SEM, XRD, and pore size distribution. Particle size distribution of barite suspended in the influent NaCl brine and effluent was measured by particle size (laser PSA) analysis.
The prevailing mechanism of particle capture and subsequent permeability reduction under the test conditions was found to be cake forming (particle straining) mechanism.
The depth of invading barite solids penetration was detected and quantified by consecutive CAT scanning of core samples during rock damage tests. The preliminary experimental data presented show that CAT scanning technique could be used in more detailed studies of formation damage phenomena employing barite particles.
Development and Field Testing of a Novel Fracturing Fluid
Authors: Davies D. R. , Lau H. C. , Kamphuis H. , Roodhart L. P. 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACT
A new polymer has been introduced into the oilfield for use in hydraulic fracturing. Its unique properties complement the wide range of polymers currently in use. This biopolymer was originally developed for enhanced oil recovery and is now also used for gravel packing and as a mud Viscosifier.
The biopolymer causes minimal formation/proppant-pack permeability impairment - yielding the highest retained permeabilities of any polymer tested to date. It exhibits a constant viscosity up to a transition temperature (adjustable between 40°C and 100°C) beyond which the viscosity decreases to a level close to that of water. This eliminates the need for a breaker. The polymer is highly shear-thinning, resulting in the lowest tubing-head pressure of all fluids available. The good proppant-carrying capacity of the fluid is achieved without the addition of a crosslinker while fluid loss is similar to other polymers that are commonly used for fracturing.
The formulation of a fully functional fracturing fluid for use at medium temperatures without the need for a breaker or crosslinker is unique. In particular, it can be used with resin-coated proppants where unwanted side reactions occur with conventional fracturing fluids
The new fracturing fluid was successfully tested in combination with resin-coated proppant in the Southern North Sea.
An Improved Kick Detection System for Floating Rigs
Authors: Jardine S. I. , McCann D. P. , White D. B. , Blake A. J. 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACT
Early detection of fluid influx from the formation (generally known as a "kick") is a key consideration for rig safety. The first indication of many kicks is given by a comparison of flow-in and flow-out of the well being drilled. Accurate flow measurement is therefore of crucial importance to the drilling industry. The heave motion of a floating rig, however, produces large instantaneous variation in flow-out. These fluctuations can simply be averaged over several heave periods but this leads to a delay in detecting an influx.
This paper describes a new approach to obtain an improved flow-out indication by utilising measurements of rig movement in order to predict expected flow variations. This information is used to adaptively compensate flow-out readings from existing sensors for the effects of rig motion to provide a more accurate measure of the instantaneous flow from the well. The technique has been incorporated in a drilling contractor's computerised monitoring and alarm system which displays the compensated measurements in realtime and automatically warns the driller and other key personnel of any influx or loss.
Field examples are presented to illustrate the effectiveness of the system and to show that a reliable alarm warns of changes in flow-out before they would normally be apparent with existing detection systems.