bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
4D Seismic Monitoring of Water Influx at Bay Marchand: The Practical Use of 4D in an Imperfect World
Authors: Behrens Ronald , Condon Patrick , Haworth William , Bergeron Mark , Wang Zhijing , Ecker Christine. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
Multiple seismic surveys over time not intentionally designed for 4D evaluation can be used for imaging fluid and pressure changes, and locating bypassed reserves. Bay Marchand is a mature Gulf of Mexico field with a series of stacked reservoirs separated by shale. The first 3D seismic survey was acquired after first production and the second seismic survey was a non-exclusive survey having very different acquisition parameters. These circumstances make interpreting 4D results difficult, but not impossible. We were able to make a reasonable interpretation of the ‘A’ fault block on the original data before cross-equalization although cross-equalization improved the cubes. We were able to identify areas of water influx and areas not yet invaded by water, even though we were prevented from following the typical steps in 4D. Reliability estimates were derived for estimates of saturation change as a function of signal-to-noise ratio and scatter in the rock physics relationships. This paper discusses these steps in contrasting the ideal case with Bay Marchand and show where a 4D project can still be successful even with compromises forced by lack of early data or current budget.
Successful wells have been drilled in the Upper Miocene 7100' and 7600' Sand reservoirs using the 4D results. In the 7100' Sand, the aerial extent of the strong amplitude on the second seismic survey was targeted. This area along the crestal portion of the reservoir was drilled as a secondary target, logged oil, and was subsequently completed with a horizontal well. In the 7600' Sand, the 4D was used as direct evidence of oil saturation. Changes in amplitude were consistent with production from that sand during the time period between the acquisition of the two surveys (1987-1998) but the distribution of oil was not a gravity stable front. Recent sidetracks to two areas with moderate/strong amplitudes on the 1998 survey showed significant remaining hydrocarbons in both areas (one of which is downdip of wells producing with high water cuts). Both of these have been completed as horizontal wells. In spite of the deviation from ideal 4D methodology, the results are useful and are making a business impact.
A New Petrophysically Constrained Predrill Pore Pressure Prediction Method for the Deepwater Gulf of Mexico: A Real-Time Case Study
Authors: Dutta Nader , Gelinsky Stephan , Reese Mike , Khan Mashiur 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
Improper planning and execution of deepwater drilling programs can lead to high costs and unsafe conditions. Proper well planning requires reliable estimates of the expected pore fluid pressure and formation strength prior to drilling. Such pressure predictions are based on integrated seismic and offset well data. A new, rock model-based approach especially suited for deepwater pore pressure imaging is introduced here and applied in an example of a deepwater Gulf of Mexico well. P- and S-velocities were determined both at an offset well and for the future drilling location, using prestack seismic full waveform inversion. Both predicted velocities were later verified with log measurements. Using the new model, a significant pore pressure increase at depth was predicted before drilling the well and verified while drilling (Figure 1). For the entire well, the predicted and measured pore pressure gradients agree within half a pound per gallon equivalent mudweight (Figure 1). The shear velocity, and the extracted shear modulus, proved to be excellent indicators of low effective stresses, corresponding to overpressured formations (Figure 2).
Lessons Learned in the Planning and Drilling of Deep, Subsalt Wells in the Deepwater Gulf of Mexico
Authors: Whitson Charles D. , McFadyen Michael K. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
As more deepwater wells in the Gulf of Mexico (GOM) are being drilled for subsalt objectives, salt sections in excess of 6,000 ft. and well depths in excess of 25,000 ft. are becoming common. In order to drill these wells successfully, deepwater operators are required to focus planning efforts on the challenges posed by these extreme salt sections and well depths. Texaco recently planned and drilled two such wells in the Walker Ridge Area of the GOM. Both wells had salt bodies in excess of 10,000 ft. and were planned with total depths below 26,000 ft. The advantages of long salt sections are (1) high fracture gradients within the salt, which allows longer hole sections between casing strings and (2) insulation from typical well control problems associated with permeable formations. Disadvantages include (1) difficulty in predicting the pore pressure and fracture gradient in the sedimentary section below salt and (2) hole deviation and related directional control problems in the salt.
During the planning of these wells, drilling personnel focused on (1) the drilling of non-under-reamed hole sizes in salt for enhanced directional control, (2) use of new technology to increase ROP and directional control in the salt, (3) installation of heavy, longstrings of casing demanded by the long salt sections and (4) formation of contingency plans to account for the uncertain subsalt pore and fracture pressures. This paper outlines the approach taken in the planning of the two wells and discusses the lessons learned during the execution, most significantly: (1) long salt sections can be used to advantage to extend casing points and eliminate well control issues, (2) ROP in salt can be maximized through the use of conventional, non-under-reaming bits, stabilized bottomhole assemblies, and synthetic oil based mud, and (3) a detailed planning and quality control program is required for the successful running of heavy longstrings of casing.
Pump-in/Flowback Tests Reduce the Estimate of Horizontal in-Situ Stress Significantly
Authors: Raaen A M , Brudy M 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
This paper presents field data from pump-in/flowback tests at different locations offshore Norway, illustrating that standard extended leak-off tests (XLOTs) in tight formations may overestimate the minimum horizontal in-situ stress by at least 20 bar, corresponding to 0.1 s.g. at 2000m.
The pump-in/flowback test is a simple variant of an XLOT. After the shut-in period, fluid is allowed to flow back over a fixed choke, and the pressure and the returned volume are recorded as a function of time.
We compare results from several pump-in/flowback tests to the results of the conventional pump-in/shut-in method used for XLOTs. For the tests presented here, performed in tight formations, the true fracture closure pressure is shown to be up to 20 bar lower than what would be inferred from a traditional interpretation of the standard XLOT.
It is argued that the pump-in/flowback test in a majority of cases will be straightforward to interpret, and that it should hence be the preferred method for measuring the minimum horizontal in-situ stress.
A Quantitative Investigation of the Laminar-to-Turbulent Transition: Application to Efficient Mud Cleaning
Authors: Brand Fabien , Peixinho Jorge , Nouar Cherif 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
Spacer and wash fluids play an essential role in the cementing of oil and gas wells. They are pumped ahead of the cement to optimize the mud displacement, enable a proper hole cleaning, and obtain a good cement bond at the formation and the casing surfaces.
The design of spacer fluids relies on an ensemble of physical and chemical characteristics of the spacer including flow characteristics (rheological properties), the stability of the weighted spacer suspension, and the compatibility with other wellbore fluids.
The flow characteristics of spacer fluids are the key to successful cementing. The wellbore fluids pumped in the field usually behave as viscoplastic fluids. The non-Newtonian nature of these fluids must be accurately modeled when determining the flow behavior around a centered or eccentric annulus to accurately determine flow regime and dynamic pressures in the annulus along the entire column of fluid.
Turbulent flow is the preferred flow regime for efficient mud removal in the annulus, provided the cleaning fluid is effectively in turbulent flow all around the eccentered annulus. Therefore, a reliable criterion for the critical Reynolds number is needed to properly design the well-cleaning process and determine whether it is feasible to be in turbulent flow.
In an effort to better understand the fluid dynamics involved with mud cleaning, we have conducted an experimental study on a series of spacer and model fluids. Axial velocity and relative fluctuation intensity measurements were conducted using three different techniques: (1) ultrasonic Doppler technique, (2) hot film anemometry, and (3) laser Doppler velocimetry. On the basis of these results, we have been able to fully characterize the laminar-to-turbulent transition and evaluate the pressure drop caused by highly non-Newtonian fluid. The results of this study help us define more reliable estimates of the minimum pump rate that will lead to substantial well-cleaning efficiency, taking into account the rheological behavior of non-Newtonian fluids.
Well Cementing Diagnosis from Top Cement Pulsation Record
Authors: Kunju Mahendra R. , Wojtanowicz Andrew K. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
The paper reports on a feasibility study on post-cementing quality control using recorded data from Top Cement Pulsation (TCP). TCP is a novel technique for preventing gas flow after cementing. In this method small hydraulic pressure pulses (usually 100 psi.) are applied repeatedly at the surface into the casing annulus starting immediately after cement placement until the end of the cement transition time. The volumes of water pumped into the annulus and returned during TCP is monitored and converted to Top Cement Displacement Record (TCDR). These short duration pulses make the slurry columns shear and fluidize. The fluidization prevents under balance-a primary cause of gas migration after cementing.
It had been postulated that TCDR might provide valuable information on the quality of cement setting in the annulus of the well. Consequently the record should some how be analyzed to determine fluid loss volume, initial/final position of top of cement and identify problems such as high fluid loss, bridging; identify presence of high temperature zones.
The paper presents a diagnostic method based on recognition of TCDR patterns. From mathematical modeling of pulse transmission, different characteristic patterns have been derived. In the method the TCDR recorded from actual TCP data is compared with the expected TCDR. Then, a difference in the TCDR pattern between the expected and the actual TCDR is analyzed. From the analysis it can be determined what might have happened to the fluids placed in the annulus.
Also included in the paper is validation of the diagnostic technique using field data collected from wells subjected to TCP. The wells were having relatively long interval of open hole with cement top far below the previous casing shoe. From the analysis it was possible to verify the progressive shearing of fluid columns during each pulse, the rate of fluid loss, the zone of fluid loss, end of cement thickening period, and top of cement.
Application of Ilmenite as Weight Material in Water Based and Oil Based Drilling Fluids
Authors: Saasen A. , Hoset H. , Rostad E. J. , Fjogstad A. , Aunan O. , Westgård E. , Norkyn P. I. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
In field operations from a semi-submersible rig offshore northern Norway, ilmenite has been used as weight material in the drilling fluid. From environmental considerations, it has been desirable to exchange barite with ilmenite to minimise the discharges of heavy metals while drilling with water based drilling fluids. Field trials during the eighties and early nineties have shown that use of ilmenite as weight material can cause severe erosion problems. By adjusting the particle size distribution of the ilmenite to a narrow cut with the particle mean size around 10 micron, the erosion was brought down to a level generally underneath the erosion level experienced when drilling with barite.
The paper describes in detail the effect of ilmenite and barite onto erosion of surface lines and manifolds connected to the bulk system, mud mix-, transfer- and supercharge pumps, and mud pump. The erosion of these pipes was reduced when using ilmenite in water based drilling fluids. In oil based drilling fluid there were not observed any significant erosion when using either weight materials. The change in wear on the mud pump pistons and liners will be outlined. Furthermore, the impact the different weight materials have on the erosion of Measurement While Drilling equipment (MWD) will also be outlined. It is also shown that a reduction in rig air pressure for transporting ilmenite in the bulk handling system has reduced the erosion in the exposed bulk pipelines. Finally, the consequences for running the drilling fluid operation are presented.
Farmout Valuation Using Exotic Real Options
Authors: Rutherford Steven R. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
This paper describes a Real Options evaluation of a real-world farmout opportunity in case history format. The Real Options evaluation utilizes exotic options (standard barrier option and cash-or-nothing binary options) borrowed from the financial community and adapted for use in Oil and Gas economic valuations. A Delineate/FO option is constructed to address the question of whether a marginal discovery should be farmed out immediately or be delineated and then farmed out if hurdle reserves are not achieved
The result of the evaluation is that the marginal discovery should be delineated. The option value associated with the upside reserves potential and the ability to farmout the project should the upside not be realized more than offsets the cost of the option (cost of the delineation program). Hence, delineating and maintaining the option to farmout later enhances total project value. The real options approach to valuing the project is also contrasted with a conventional DCF valuation that gives little insight on the farmout question.
A Discussion on the Impact of Information Technology on the Capital Investment Decision Process in the Petroleum Industry
Authors: Back Michael J. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
Advances in information technologies have pushed key E&P decision-makers to process greater amounts of data and information before making important capital investment decisions. The corporate planner is faced with an increasingly difficult task as the number of opportunities and the data associated with them has grown exponentially. The capital investment decision process demands greater speed and efficiency than ever before. Traditional capital investment planning and acquisition/divestiture work involved sorting through physical data rooms of seismic, production and economic data stored in a variety of paper copy and digital formats. The introduction of affordable high-bandwidth networks and fast data processors has allowed on-line data rooms, powered by application service providers (ASP) and web portals, to bring petroleum acquisition and divestiture to the desktop computer. Corporate and financial planners are able to employ increasingly advanced database and decision analysis software solutions to vastly improve the quality control and the speed of the investment decision process. Integrated software for real-time reservoir modeling, precise economic calculations and efficient portfolio optimization of diverse sets of exploration and production opportunities has become a reality.
This paper will review the evolution of the capital investment decision process from the traditional corporate planning workflow to the latest application of software dedicated to reservoir data processing and economic analysis of world petroleum fiscal regimes. The ability to apply portfolio management techniques using sophisticated mathematical search and optimization algorithms to greatly increase the efficiency of the planning process will be explored. This paper will discuss the key success factors associated with the capital investment decision-making process in the E&P industry and will use a personal computer to analyze a set of oil and gas assets on-line in the context of choosing an optimal corporate portfolio.
Knowledge Management at Kuwait Oil Company: PeopleLink – Mobilizing Expertise Using Intranet Technology
Authors: Al-Abbasi Adel , Chapman Terrance 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
Kuwait Oil Company, in its initial approach to employing knowledge management principles across the enterprise, developed an intranet website for employees to publish details of their expertise and examples of their work. PeopleLink was concieved and created in less than a year, winning a Microsoft award on the way.
Poromechanical Tools for Reservoir Rock Testing Simulation and Wellbore Stability
Authors: Abousleiman Y. , Kanj M. , Ekbote S. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
In the past decade, the applicability of the poromechanics theory in the oil and gas industry has taken big strides. Many of the mathematical complexities encountered with time-dependent coupled processes in rock/fluid interaction have been overcome. The coupled phenomena associated with the rock matrix deformation, fluid flow, temperature gradients, and chemical activity have been modeled in an analytical form. And the various analytical solutions related to rock testing and wellbore stability simulations have been implemented in two industry-supported software tools: PCORE-3D and PBORE-3D. On the one hand, PCORE-3D is intended for simulating and analyzing laboratory rock testing. On the other hand, PBORE-3D is targeted at predicting and designing wellbore stability during drilling.
Both packages are modeled within the frameworks of the time-dependent coupled theories of poromechanics as well as the classical theory of solid mechanics. The design engineer, thus, is capable of comparing solutions of the specific problems, within the realm of these theories. In this study, the solutions to the subject problems are explained with illustrative emphasis on laboratory and field cases; the mechanical interpretation of the output is cognitively elaborated; and both software tools are fundamentally described in details with their respective 3-D monitoring capabilities illustrated.
Application of Plasma Technology to Fracture Tight Formations
Authors: El-Naas Muftah , Zekri Abdulrazag Y. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
Tight formations are normally fractured using different fluids under high pressure to improve well permeability and consequently improve productivity. In this paper, a new sophisticated technique is proposed to treat tight formations, especially those containing large deposits of heavy oil. The technique consists of exposing the wellbore to an argon plasma jet to insure instantaneous and efficient heat transfer to the surrounding wellbore rocks. The high temperature associated with the plasma jet changes the basic properties of the rock resulting in a significant increase in its porosity and permeability. In this study the effect of high temperature on the carbonate rock porosity and permeability is investigated. Limestone rocks were subjected to high temperatures ranging from 800 to 1200 °C. At temperatures beyond 600 °C, the carbonate rock decomposes to form calcium oxide and carbon dioxide. TGA analysis of carbonate samples indicated that the rate of decomposition at atmospheric pressure depended mainly on reaction temperature. At low temperatures, the rate of reaction was so slow that only 5% of the carbonate converted to calcium oxide in a period of one hour, while at 1000 °C complete conversion was achieved in five minutes. The changes of the pore structure under different temperatures were also observed using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). Porosity & permeability analysis of heated carbonate samples indicated that the porosity and permeability increased by 100% and 4500 % respectively at 1000 °C.
Treatment of Produced Water Utilizing Ceramic Technology: Field Trail
Authors: Buarki M. I. , Tabtabai I. , Hatabata H. , Konishi Y. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
"Edena-I" is a pilot plant designed to utilize a noble Continuous and Amorphous Pore Surfaces (CAPS) ceramic technology for the treatment of first stage desalter effluent. It is made up of four connected tanks, three of which are charged with CAPS ceramic. Edena-I was operated in the great field of Burgan, Kuwait, over a period of five continuous months. The design objective of Edena-I was the removal of dispersed oil, which was met without difficulties. Results of dispersed oil concentration for inlet samples were in the range of 1.0-4,800 ppm while outlet samples were almost always below 5.0 ppm. At the last week of the trail, samples were submitted for the determination of Oil & Grease and Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD). Oil & Grease concentration of inlet samples ranged from 6,000 up to 500,000 ppm, while outlet samples had a concentration of 20-40 ppm. The difference in COD results of inlet and outlet samples demonstrates 83-89% COD treatment efficiency. Such results give a strong indication that different types of treatment are carried out by CAPS ceramic. It is the conclusion of this paper that CAPS ceramic technology should be further investigated as a potentially viable alternative technology in the field of Produced Water treatment.
Direct Measurement of Dynamic Relative Permeability from CT Monitored Spontaneous Imbibition Experiments
Authors: Schembre J. M. , Kovscek A. R. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
A novel method for computing two-phase relative permeability curves from the results of spontaneous imbibition experiments is presented. Using a specially constructed imbibition cell and an X-ray Computed Tomography (CT) scanner, we obtain accurate measurement of saturation profiles along the length of cores as a function of time. The saturation profile history allows direct computation of the relative permeability for both phases from a single experiment when used in combination with a previously measured capillary pressure curve. Results are unique within experimental error. The proposed procedure works equally well for spontaneous and forced cocurrent imbibition. It was tested thoroughly using synthetic and experimental data, for water-air and water-oil systems. Test results are described within the paper. Advantages include the incorporation of capillary forces and no requirement for steady-state conditions. This method is useful to measure imbibition relative permeability curves, especially in low permeability rocks. In such systems, it is laborious to reach multiple steady states and capillary forces are significant so that classical unsteady-state techniques do not apply.