bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Imaging of Wet Specimens in Their Natural State Using Environmental Scanning Electron Microscope (ESEM): Some Examples of Importance to Petroleum Technology
Authors: Mehta S. 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACT
The barrier to imaging wet or oily specimens in their "native" states in a scanning electron microscope (SEM) at high resolution and large depth of focus has been broken by the development of a new microscope known as the environmental scanning electron microscope (ESEM). With the new features built into the ESEM, the need for preparing samples with various specimen-destroying preparation techniques has been eliminated. For example, wet reservoir rocks can be imaged and analyzed in their "native" state, without drying, freezing, or coating with a conductive layer, by saturating the ESEM specimen chamber with water vapor {PH2O = ~0.46 psi [3.2 kPa] at 25°C [77°F]} during examination. The ESEM also allows dynamic experiments to be performed in a variety of gases at pressures up to 0.6 psi [4kPa] and temperatures up to 1000°C.
This paper presents the key features of the ESEM which distinguish it from the conventional SEM, and results of some ESEM feasibility studies important in petroleum technology such as matrix acidization, water-flooding, and clay and cement hydration. The results indicate that the ESEM combined with the energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy is a powerful new technique capable of providing a new understanding of many exploration and production related studies not previously possible with conventional "high-vacuum" SEM microscopy.
Intelligent Utilization of a Unified Flow Pattern Prediction Model in Production System Optimization
Authors: Arirachakaran S. , Papadimitriou D. A. , Jefferson L. L. , Brill J. P. , Shoham O. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
Accurate predictions of flow patterns for multiphase flow in pipes remain unresolved problems in petroleum engineering. Many efforts have been directed towards improved understanding of the phenomena and the development of physical models that allow more accurate analytical predictions of the flow pattern transition boundaries in steady-state multiphase flow. The primary goal of such models is to provide a truly general method that predicts existing flow patterns, once the flow rates, pipe geometry, and the fluid properties are specified. A unified approach, in which the same transition mechanisms can be applied over the whole range of inclination angle, has also been proposed.
The most essential part of solving engineering problems that depend on flow pattern predictions is the interpretation of results. The ability to explore and manipulate the results using a computerized flow pattern simulator would greatly enhance an engineer’s capability to optimize the design of multiphase transportation systems. This would also permit eliminating undesirable operating conditions; e.g. severe slugging at the riser in offshore operations. Progress in the area of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has made possible the partial realization of human decision making ability in a computer program. An intelligent program, supported by a knowledge data base, an inference engine, and human interaction, is an effective and economical solution for the present needs of advanced production optimization.
A computer simulator is undergoing development, using a Knowledge Based System approach. The system attempts to imitate, and eventually replace, a multiphase flow engineering expert. The Expert System utilizes an inference engine which is based on analytical mechanistic models and the expertise of many multiphase flow engineering experts and consultants. It is capable of predicting the existing flow pattern based on the current design, and will offer advice on alternatives and the direction to proceed if the existing flow pattern is unacceptable, or potentially problematic.
The Management of Occupational and Environmental Exposure to Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials (NORM)
Authors: Miller H. T. , Bruce E. D. , Cook L. M. 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACT
The recognition of NORM as a potential occupational, environmental, and regulatory concern in U.S. production operations has prompted the identification of management tools and the preparation of radiation protection programs for field use. This paper outlines the steps followed by one company to identify the extent of NORM contamination, estimate the level of risk to its employees and the general public, communicate that risk to its employees, examine management alternatives for dose and risk reduction, prepare operational guidance for its U.S. and overseas operations, and to assure that the recommended operating procedures are understood and followed.
The identification of NORM containing Radium in production operations in April 1986 was followed by an extensive survey of all suspect facilities. The results and the subsequent exposure assessment of internal and external occupational radiation exposure are reported. Also reported are data on scale in pipes, equipment contamination, soil contamination and the presence of 226 and 228 Radium in produced water.
Methods used to communicate the results of the exposure assessment to employees will be included.
The next step taken was to identify and establish the environmental acceptability of operating procedures, possible disposal options and site remediation methods. The options studied will be described, the method of study will be explained, and recommendations of scientifically reasonable procedures will be made.
Knowledge gained from the exposure assessment was combined with the studies of waste management options to develop a radiation protection program for production operations. The contents of this program will be briefly outlined.
Finally, the paper will discuss the training of the operations staff. Short training outlines for senior environmental safety and health managers and radioactive materials technicians will be presented.
* CURRENT ADDRESS: Martin Marietta Energy Systems P.O. Box 1410 Padacuh, KY 42001
The Use of a Managed Reserve Pit System To Minimize Environmental Costs in the Pearsall Field
Authors: Hall C. R. , Ramos A. B. , Oliver R. D. , Favor J. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
Due to the great amount of horizontal drilling activity in the Pearsall Field, a tremendous volume of drilling waste is generated. Because of the quantity and cost of this waste, Oryx Energy Company has established a Pit Management System(PMS). The purpose of the Pit Management System is to facilitate improved handling of drilling waste associated with horizontal wells in the Pearsall Field. The program utilizes designated drilling foremen in strictly location, maintenance and cleanup roles. The field application of the pit management system has provided drilling personnel the ability to minimize drilling wastes without compromising drilling operations in the Pearsall Field. The effectiveness of the system has been evaluated by comparing disposal volumes and costs for wells without a PMS to wells drilled using such a system.
The PMS has resulted in a significant reduction in waste volumes and waste disposal costs. It’s use has minimized the effects of the various drilling conditions experienced in the Pearsall Field. It can be seen that the PMS is a viable consideration for dealing with drilling wastes. It has reduced waste volumes, lowered handling and disposal costs, while not compromising drilling operations. It has encouraged and produced innovative ideas from field and office personnel resulting in improved methods of handling waste.
A PMS can be used wherever a reserve pit can be built. It is a relatively simple, but flexible, method to minimize waste generation and reduce costs.
Waste Management Modeling Using Reservoir Characterization Techniques
Authors: Knutson C. F. , White L. J. , McCormick K. A. , Barber D. G. 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACT
Reservoir characterization techniques were used to develop a hybrid (two scale) 3D model of the 180 m thick interbedded basalt flow and sediment system that constitutes the vadose zone underlying the Radioactive Waste Management Complex (RWMC) at the Idaho National Engineering Laboratory, Idaho. Geostatistical data was captured from a study of well logs, cores, and cuttings from the subsurface at the RWMC and from nearby outcrops. In general the data was cast in the form of stochastic distribution equations, allowing easy assignment of parameter values.
The geometry of the units comprising the vadose zone was developed with a backstripping technique and stochastic interpolation between the wells using a geostatistical model for flow geometry and kriging for sediment geometry.
Porosity, permeability, and saturation values were stochastically assigned to locations in the existing wells in 0.33 m steps from the surface to the aquifer where no measured data was available and to an array of virtual wells on a 60 m x-y grid covering the RWMC area. Thus, a data matrix was developed utilizing the geometric model and stochastic distribution equations, that provided flow and storage capacity data in 0.33 m steps in the z axis with an x-y spacing of 60 m or less.
Evaluation and Completion Procedure for Low-Permeability Sandstones for Waste Water Disposal
Authors: Hunt J. L. , Frazier K. , Pendergraft B. P. , Soliman M. Y. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
Waste water disposal is one of the many environmental issues becoming increasingly difficult to deal with. A single disposal well may not be sufficient to handle the large volume of waste water generated by many industrial plants. Increasing the injectivity of a well by hydraulic fracturing is a viable solution to this problem.
This paper discusses the application of a numerical water injection simulator to evaluate a low permeability sandstone reservoir for waste water disposal. The injection model is used to study the effects and feasibility of hydraulically fracturing the reservoir to improve injectivity.
Also discussed are the field implementation of the hydraulic fracturing treatment, testing of the well to evaluate the treatment, and a comparison of observed and simulated injectivity.
A description of the model and results from the actual case history are presented.
Coordinated Laboratory Studies in Support of Hydraulic Fracturing of Coalbed Methane
Authors: Penny G. S. , Conway M. W. , McBane R. 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACT
A series of laboratory experiments have been conducted with specially designed equipment to aid in measuring leakoff and pressure drop of proppant-laden slurries while flowing between coal, and quantifying regained permeability and conductivity of various fluids and proppants once placed in a coal fracture.
The rheology and proppant transport of borate-crosslinked fluids with and without proppant have been evaluated in a slot with walls cast from the surfaces of fractured coal in an effort to quantify the impact of tortuous coal fractures on the pressure drop down the fracture.
The long-term conductivity and permeability of various sands have been measured between fractured Fruitland Coal. Predictive equations have been developed to predict permeability between coal vs sand sieve size, and predict loss of permeability due to embedment and gel damage. Non-Darcy flow factors and constants are presented for calculating non-Darcy flow vs sand type and size between coal.
A Systems Response Model for Simultaneous Determination of Capillary Pressure and Relative Permeability Characteristics of Coalbed Methane
Authors: Ohen H. A. , Amaefule J. O. , Hyman L. A. , Daneshjou D. , Schraufnagel R. A. 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACT
This paper presents a predictive technique for simultaneous determination of capillary pressure and relative permeability characteristics of coalbed methane reservoir specimens. The technique utilizes a systems-response model of transient fluid production data from a modified porous-plate experiment. The model consists of(1) a modified Langmuir-type equation for the extrapolation of transient laboratory production data to capillary equilibrium, (2) a one-dimensional, two-phase, dual porosity simulator, and (3) an automatic parameter estimation routine based on the Levenberg-Marquardt non-linear optimization scheme. Different modules of the model are integrated to determine capillary pressure and relative permeability characteristics as well as cleat pore volume of coal specimens.
An Analysis of Fruitland Coalbed Methane Production, Cedar Hill Field, Northern San Juan Basin
Authors: Young G. B. C. , McElhiney J. E. , Paul G. W. , McBane R. A. 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACT
A three-dimensional, multi-well reservoir simulation study was completed on the Cedar Hill field. The history match provides new insight into the reservoir parameters of the basal Fruitland coals in the northern San Juan Basin and presents evidence for the beneficial effects of well interference in coalbed methane production.
Gas Reserve Growth Analysis of Fluvial-Deltaic Reservoirs in the Frio and Vicksburg Formations Located in the Stratton Field, Onshore Texas Gulf Coast
Authors: Sippel M. A. , Levey R. A. 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACT
The reserve growth in a mature gas field is analyzed using a historical review over the past 20 years. The Stratton field is presented as an example of the significant additional gas reserves which are available through conventional drilling and completion methods using existing technology. The reserve growth is quantified and categorized by reservoir architecture, well density and depth.
Effect of External Boundary Conditions on Steady and Semi-Steady Radial Flow Equations Based on Darcy, Forchheimer, Brinkman, and Capillary-Orifice Models
Authors: Civan F. , Tiab D. 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACT
The solutions for steady and semi-steady state radial flow using four fundamental momentum equations for description of flow in porous media are obtained and compared. Specifically, Darcy, Forchheimer, Brinkman, and Capillary-Orifice equations are considered for bounded and partial water drive reservoirs. A general solution which reflects all four flow models is presented.
It is shown that the solutions presented in this paper provide accurate results in oil and gas reservoir analysis. Analysis of partial water drive reservoirs is considerably improved when using these solutions. An important application of these solutions is the determination of flowing well pressure of grid blocks in areal reservoir simulator for bounded and partial water-drive systems.
The method for characterization of the water drive strength factor f introduced by Kumar is extended to include the non-Darcy flow and fluid compressibility effects in bounded and partial water-drive reservoirs.
A New Recovery Technique for Gas Production From Alaskan Gas Hydrates
Authors: Islam M. R. 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACT
An enormous amount of natural gas is trapped in hydrate form in the North Slope of Alaska. Recently, these gas hydrates have been identified as an alternative natural gas resource. However, this resource is extremely difficult to exploit. Recent studies have mainly focused on steam and/or hot-brine stimulation of gas hydrate reservoirs. Unfortunately, the presence of permafrost (leading to excessive heat loss to the surrounding) and high reservoir pressure make conventional thermal recovery techniques inadequate. This paper studies the feasibility of electromagnetic heating for dissociating solid gas hydrates. A series of numerical simulation runs is conducted to demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed gas recovery technique.
For a wide range of reservoir parameters, gas recovery and the energy efficiency ratio (i.e. the ratio of energy of produced gas to heat injected) are computed. The effects of reservoir rock properties, hydrate-zone thickness, magnitude of the electric power, and the production/heating strategy were studied. Results were compared with those with steam and hot brine stimulation. Significantly higher energy efficiency is observed with electromagnetic heating. It is shown that the radius of heating did not have to be very large in order to develop a continuous stream of gas production. However, the maximum flow rate was a function of electrical power and the well configuration.
Productivity and Coning Behavior of Phased Horizontal Completions
Authors: Karakas M. , Ayan C. 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACT
In this study, productivity and coning behavior of phased horizontal completions were investigated. We define phased horizontal completions as multiple horizontal drainholes positioned with respect to each other at a certain angle. In addition, each drainhole can be displaced vertically.
Single phase cases were simulated to investigate the productivity increase compared to single horizontal and vertical wells. It was observed that a 90 degree phased completion can achieve about 70 % areal productivity of a comparable horizontal fracture. Additionally, due to improved vertical convergence, vertical skin is significantly reduced on thick formations.
To study the water and gas coning behavior of phased horizontal completions, several two-phase cases were modeled using a commercial simulator. It was observed that coning/cusping problems can significantly be minimized with the suggested completion technique.
Decline-Curve Analysis of Hydraulically Fractured Wells in Dual-Porosity Reservoirs
Authors: Aguilera R. , Ng M. C. 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACT
Constant producing pressure semi-analytical solutions have been developed for decline curve analysis of hydraulically fractured wells with finite or infinite conductivity in dual-porosity systems. The solutions have led to the identification of the following flow periods: A linear flow period characterized by a straight line with a 0.5 slope in a log-log crossplot of qD vs. tD. This occurs in the case of an infinite conductivity vertical fracture. If the fracture has finite conductivity, the early straight line has a slope equal to 0.25.A transition period due to flow from the matrix into the fractures.A pseudo radial flow period toward the hydraulic fracture.A pseudo steady state flow period when the outer boundaries of the reservoir are reached.
It is concluded that recognition of these flow periods can lead to calculation of fracture permeability, hydraulic fracture half-length, distance between natural fractures, and the parameters omega and lambda.
Type curves have been developed to facilitate reservoir characterization. Their use is illustrated with an example.
Performance Prediction for the M-6 Area of the Tia Juana Field Using a Rate-Dependent Pore Volume Compressibility Model and Extended Material Balance
Authors: McLendon T. H. , Sawyer D. N. 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACT
Because the dependency of compaction on the rate of depletion is ignored, currently used procedures for predicting compaction are inaccurate. A partly analytical, partly empirical model is presented for calculating oil and gas production, subsurface compaction, and surface subsidence from compacting reservoirs with rate-dependent compressibilities and all major drive mechanisms active. A compacting Bolivar coast reservoir is simulated with excellent results.
Limitations include zero water production, piston-like gas and water influx, and negligible gravity drainage.
Detecting Compartmented Gas Reservoirs through Production Performance
Authors: Lord M. E. , Collins R. E. 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACT
A technique for using production data to detect and quantify poorly drained compartments in gas reservoirs is described. The method is based upon a multi-compartment, tank-like model with well performance specified by an in-flow relationship. The technique is validated against a detailed finite element simulation. Field examples are presented illustrating the utility of the technique to improve reservoir development strategies.
Miscible Displacement of Fluids Within Fractured Porous Reservoirs
Authors: Zakirov S. N. , Shandrygin A. N. , Segin T. N. 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACT
The results of experimental and theoretical investigations of miscible displacement process of compressible fluids within fractured porous media are reported. On the basis of these studies the fluids miscible filtration mechanism within naturally fractured reservoirs is established.The influence of such factors as reservoir performance, dynamic characteristics of displacement process including displacement rates, the magnitude of rock pressure and rates of its variation on the displacement effectiveness was revealed. The considerations on the efficiency decrease of fluids extraction from fractured porous reservoirs assuming the use of different technological solutions: selection of optimal techniques of wells position, regulation and redistribution of injection rates and production rates of wells, and also cycling pressure variation within rocks are expressed.
Slug Testing in Multiple Coal Seams Intersected by a Single, Vertical Fracture
Authors: Rushing J. A. , Blasingame T. A. , Johnston J. L , Lee W. J. 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACT
This paper examines the transient pressure response from slug tests in wells completed in multiple, hydraulically fractured coal seams. We developed a model for stimulated wells producing from commingled reservoirs, i.e., reservoirs in which the layers communicate only at the wellbore and not in the fracture or reservoir. With this model, we have investigated the effects of various reservoir properties on the slug test pressure behavior and have found that the characteristic pressure response depends more on the contrast between layer properties than their absolute values. We also present a method for correlating the slug test pressures from multi-layer and single-layer reservoirs, thus allowing us to use single-layer type curves to analyze slug tests.
Analysis of a Tertiary CO2 Flood Pilot in a Naturally Fractured Reservoir
Authors: Beliveau D. , Payne D. A. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
Typical EOR screening criteria suggest that naturally fractured reservoirs are poor candidates for miscible CO2 flooding. Despite this rule of thumb, the unusual geology and considerable EOR target of the fractured Midale field persuaded its owners to study implementation of CO2 flood technology.
The 31,000 acre Midale field (Figure 1) is part of a trend of Mississippian carbonate reservoirs in southeastern Saskatchewan. Since 1962, the Midale Unit waterflood has recovered 20% of the 500 million barrels of original oil in place (OOP); ultimate waterflood recovery is expected to be 24%. The reservoir section consists of a heavily-fractured vuggy limestone (the "Vuggy") overlain by a less-fractured chalky dolomite (the "Marly"). Although naturally fractured, well productivities are modest, with average rates of 75-100 STB/D.
In 1984 the Unit owners began a 4.4 acre tertiary miscible CO2 flood pilot. Important pilot data sources included residual oil measurements; single- and multi-well pressure transient tests; fluid analyses; time-lapse logging programs at injectors, producers, and observation wells; chemical, radioactive, halogen, and alcohol tracer programs; phase behavior studies focussing on wax-asphaltene deposition; geotomographic efforts to track flood fronts and displacement insitu; and core/CATSCAN studies of CO2 diffusion in Midale core. The $18.6 million pilot project was completed in 1989.
Fluid, Lithology, Geometry, and Permeability Information From Ground-Penetrating Radar for Some Petroleum Industry Applications
Authors: Baker P. L. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
Ground penetrating radar is a high resolution geophysical technique that can provide fluid, lithology, geometry and permeability information for environmental assessment, reservoir geology, petroleum engineering and construction. Frequency dependent radar pulse propagation is modelled in conjunction with dielectric mixing laws. Several examples are enhanced and interpreted using adapted seismic techniques. Since borehole radar will be especially valuable in horizontal holes, surface radar examples can be used to identify reservoir applications. Necessary developments in borehole radar hardware are outlined.