bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An Overview Of 1991 Oil Spill In The Arabian Gulf And Fires In Kuwaiti Oil Fields
Authors: Alam Ibrahim A. H. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
The Gulf war oil spill and the fires of the Kuwaiti oil fields are probably the worst two environmental crisis in human history. At the end of January 1990, intentionally spilled oil was reported in Kuwaiti and Northern Saudi Arabian waters. The magnitude of the spill was unknown and estimates varies from 0-5 to 11 million barrels (best estimate according to Meteorology and Environmental Protection Administration (MEPA) is 4-6 million barrels). It is the greatest oil spill ever to occur in human history. The time and location during the Gulf war and in war zone have added further burdens on this environmental catastrophe and opened a new chapter of environmental war crimes in human history.
The Research Institute of the King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KI/KFUPM) was assigned to be the scientific focal point during the crisis. Oil spill experts and scientists joined the Emergency Response Center to offer their expertise and enhance their knowledge. The available resources in terms of library, books, research of the area, equipment and human resources at all levels were optimally utilized.
International environmentalist team along with local scientists were organized to review the available literature and participate in field survey, aeroplane surveillance, planning future action and evaluation of suggested techniques and solutions. Scientific meetings were held on regular basis to review day to day status and exchange information and follow up on development
Drilling Fluids: Making Peace With the Environment
Authors: Bleier Roger , Leuterman A. J. J. , Stark C. L. 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACT
Environmental problems, although nettfesome and often costly, have served to stimulate new developments in drilling fluid technologies. Minimizing environmental impact involves reducing levels of toxic components in drilling fluids, as well as waste minimization and recycling. Significant progress is being made. This paper assesses the current state of technology and the likely directions for the future. The constructive role of regulatory agencies in recognizing, fostering, and encouraging the use of emerging technologies, as opposed to blanket prohibitions, also is discussed.
Mud companies have identified replacements for diesel and mineral oils in lubricants and spotting fluids that combine performance and environmental acceptability. Non-chloride potassium sources have replaced KCI in many water-based muds. New cationic polymer muds are being touted as replacements for oil-based muds in many situations, and preliminary field results are encouraging.
The trend to polymer muds, in general, has reduced consumption of traditional lignosulfonate additives and other organo-metallic complexes. Weighting agents also have been affected. Barite ore sources are scrutinized carefully for their trace heavy metal content with particular attention to cadmium and mercury impurities.
Muds based on synthetically made, low-toxicity, biodegradable, organic liquids are now available. These synthetic-based muds offer "designed-in" performance and environmental characteristics.
Processing of drilling fluid waste is a rapidly growing industry. Technologies commercially available include dewatering, landfarming, cuttings injection, fixation, and distillation. Bioremediation and solvent extraction have promise for the future.
All of the above affect the economics as well as the environmental acceptability of drilling operations. Tradeoffs between environmentally desired features, e.g., lower toxicity but larger waste volumes, also are addressed.
Partnering in the 90's: A Case History
Authors: Divine R. O. , Lingafelter J. A. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
This case history of a multi-well program in the Austin Chalk illustrates successful application of "partnering" between a major Operator and service company. The concept of partnering, as addressed in recent industry literature,(1,2,3,4) involves arranging the risk/reward structure of a contract to align the objectives of both Operator and service company. This may be achieved by instituting a performance incentive contract which ties service company compensation to performance, with attendant bonus compensation for performance which surpasses predetermined standards.
In this instance, the Operator and service company worked in conjunction and developed a drilling plan to efficiently achieve the Operator's geologic and economic objectives. The service company was contracted to provide multiple services under a single performance incentive contract. The Operator, multi-service supplier, and drilling contractor developed a teamwork apporach which ultimately improved the process of pre-planning, implementation and analysis that made the multi-well program an economic and technical success for all parties.
Drilling for Quality
Authors: Sandison G. F. , Kern A. M. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
This paper discusses the successful application of the Quality Process in an operations environment. Historically, drilling and workover groups have operated in a very independent manner. Their relationships with customers were often difficult and sometimes adversarial. The introduction of the Quality Process has helped to change this at one major oil company.
The main elements of the paper are: A review of the Quality ProcessA case history concerning the Rig Operations Department of a major oil company
Application of Quality Standard ISO 9001 to Directional Well Planning
Authors: Johnstone J. A. , Fernandez R. L. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
Adoption of a quality system is recognised as an important step towards improving service quality, increasing efficiency and ensuring safety issues are suitably addressed. In this respect, ISO 9001, which is an internationally accepted quality standard, is well equipped to address the steps inherent in the directional well planning process.
When an operator relies on a directional service company to provide essential well planning services, development of an optimum well path is dependent on the frequent exchange of information between the service company and participating groups within the operating company, for example Geology, Engineering and Drilling departments. In most cases, the well profile undergoes significant revision before the final well path is realised.
Implementation of a quality standard such as ISO 9001 provides a means to address accountability for, as well as documentation of, quality systems in place during the well planning process.
This paper describes an innovative application of an internationally recognised quality standard and focuses on the actual implementation of ISO 9001 to the process of directional well planning, detailing aspects such as document control, design review and verification procedures.
Reduction of Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material Disposal Volume by Chemical and Physical Treatment
Authors: Mason J. Y. , Block R. J. , Knippers M. L. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material (NORM) has been deposited in tanks, pipelines and pits of many oil fields in North America. Increasingly stringent environmental regulations and escalating disposal costs will make NORM a major environmental issue in the 1990s. Reduction of the volume of NORM for disposal has been accomplished through chemical treatment to separate hydrocarbon from solids, followed by physical segregation of the processed solids according to particle size and density. Laboratory and field studies show that the radioactive constituents of these produced solids reside within contained barite and calcite. Separation of the radioactive components from the sand, hydrocarbon, clays and silt produce a fourfold to fivefold reduction in NORM volume for disposal. The particle size of NORM solids can be further reduced to allow suspension and down hole disposal. This completely eliminates the need for off site disposal when suitable wells are available.
Disposal of Filter Media Used in Exploration and Production Operations
Authors: Morrissey Susan , Hashemi Reza 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
Cartridges filters and diatomaceous earth used in exploration and production operations are managed according to the nature of the fluids that they have been exposed to. The filtration industry has employed practices of source reduction and minimization to avoid waste generation whenever possible. The industry adheres to waste management guidelines in compliance with Federal, State and local regulations. This paper sets forth the criteria to determine if the used filter cartridges and diatomaceous earth are considered hazardous wastes under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act and discusses approaches for disposal.
Ultrasonic Cement Evaluation in Inhomogeneous Cements
Authors: Gong Ming , Morriss S. L. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
Although large sized heterogeneities in the cement sheath may indicate zonal isolation problems, not much work has been done to quantify their influence on ultrasonic pulse-echo cement evaluation measurements. For these measurements, "large" means having a characteristic dimension greater than the wavelength of the ultrasonic wave, which is on the order of a quarter of an inch (6.4 mm) in most cements. To determine the effect of large gas bubbles in cement on these measurements, experiments in 7 in. (178 mm) casing with a simulated tool and simulated bubbles have been performed. The results indicate that the shape of the heterogeneity is the most influential factor in the measurement. Most cement log pathologies, e.g. microannulus and tool eccentering, make the measurement pessimistic (the cement is as good or better than the log indicates). For spherical inclusions in the cement the opposite appears to be true: the measurement is optimistic, being only slightly influenced by the bubbles, even at high concentrations.
Drillstring Vibrations: A New Generation Mechanism and Control Strategies
Authors: Aldred W. D. , Sheppard M. C. 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACT
Damaging drillstring vibration has traditionally been associated with resonant behavior of the BHA. As a result modeling has concentrated on harmonic analysis of the drillstring. This has led to strategies for controlling vibrations based on ‘tuning’ the rotary speed and varying weight- on-bit. Using field and laboratory data we demonstrate that, in fact, once initiated, damaging transverse vibrations persist over a wide range of rotary speeds and that they depend on lithology, BHA design and hole gauge. We also show that downhole vibration can lead to increased torque and impaired ROP.
This paper proposes a new mechanism for generating damaging vibration in which the transverse motion of the drillstring couples to the rotary motion during contact with the borewall. This analysis has led to some novel solutions to vibration problems.
We present in this paper field examples of downhole shock measurements together with results from a full scale experimental in- vestigation of the transverse vibration of rotating drill collars to support these con- clusions.
The Design and Testing of Anti-Whirl Bits
Authors: Cooley C. H. , Pastusek P. E. , Sinor L. A. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
Laboratory drilling tests have been used successfully to determine the tendency of a PDC drag bit to whirl. Drill bit whirl has been demonstrated in all four drilling simulators where whirl tests were performed.
This paper describes the design and testing of anti-whirl PDC drag bits. The verification process of the anti-whirl concept, which includes both laboratory and field tests, will be emphasized. Results from the laboratory drilling experiments that measure a bit’s propensity to vibrate are presented.
Additionally, results from more than 60 field runs are summarized and discussed, with three successful field runs discussed in detail.
Successful Application of the AOBM System in a Deep West Texas Well
Authors: Carter T. S. , Faul G. L. 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACT
The successful application of an All Oil-Base Mud (AOBM) system improved drilling performance and hole conditions on a deep well drilled in West Texas. The unique design of the AOBM combined with proper bit selection and successful down hole motor runs achieved higher penetration rates compared to offset wells in the area. The liquid phase of this AOBM system was prepared with a low viscosity-low toxicity base oil offering unique properties. This is the first drilling application of this mud design in an area of West Texas where the conventional oil mud system used is formulated with diesel and an emulsified brine phase. This paper reviews the AOBM fluid design, bit hydraulics program, directional drilling operations and associated performance improvements achieved on this well.
Slimhole Drilling Hydraulics
Authors: Delwiche R. A. , Lejeune M. W. D. , Mawet P. F. B. N. , Vignette Roland 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
Drilling in small diameters is not new: the mineral industry currently drills slim holes in hard rocks. In this context, the drill string rotates at high speed very close to the hole wall, which is in general of good stability.
To transfer that drilling method to the oilfield and keeping high rotation speed and small annulus, many problems occur due to the sedimentary type of formations drilled, and hydraulics become crucial for following points of view: the lifting up of cuttings in the annulus (no balling up), the well bore stability, the cleaning of the bit, the differential mud pressure in the annulus, the hydrodynamic lubrication between rods and the well bore.
Therefore, it is essential in slimhole to investigate drilling hydraulics, using basic theoretical equations derived from fluid mechanics.
The developed model takes into account mud rheology, drill string rotation and eccentric position of drill string. Outputs are annulus thickness, drilling parameters (including mud flow), and mud characteristics, all to be respected to reduce slimhole drilling problems. The final output is the compromise which integrates all these requirements for a successful operation.
Tests realized in a slimhole well have allowed to validate the theoretical assumptions.
The Influence of Drilling Conditions on Annular Pressure Losses
Authors: Marken C. D. , He Xiaojun , Saasen Arild 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
Combinations of drill string motion, annular eccentricities and fluid temperatures along the length of the annulus affect fluid flow regimes that control annular pressure losses. In a research well with conventional annular configuration, increases in annular pressure losses were observed to follow increasing drill string rotation. Drill string rotation can result in the formation of centrifugal instabilities that can increase annular pressure losses before the transition to turbulent fluid flow. These instabilities partially take the form of Taylor vortices which lead to irregular fluid flow. Rapid and cyclic changes in rotation rates can lead to synchronous changes in down hole pressures.
Restraining System to Help Contain Well Flowlines and Equipment During Rupture for Increased Safety
Authors: Stromberg J. L. , Surjaatmadja J. B. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
Typical loads involving energized fluids and ruptured flowlines are much greater than some commonly used restraining devices are capable of handling. Safety considerations demand that this problem be addressed. The restraining system proposed in this paper is one possible method to help address this problem.
The proposed system was designed by modeling the transient and steady-state thrust forces generated by the effluent of energized fluids from ruptured flowlines. The proposed system should help contain the flowline equipment in place in the event of a failure in which a high velocity jet of energized fluid is discharged to the atmosphere.
The thrust forces generated by energized fluids are identified. These forces, together with the kinetic energy of accelerated equipment, have been used to design proposed impact energy-absorption devices.
The proposed restraining system consists of earth anchors, flexible constraints, energy-absorption devices, and flowline attachments. The earth anchors could remain in place throughout the life of the well and thus provide the basis for a restraining system during any subsequent stimulation work.
The proposed restraining system is applicable to onshore wellsites where well stimulation is performed using energized fluids.
U.S. Petroleum Engineering Manpower Supply and Demand
Authors: Miller Mark A. , Wattenbarger R. A. 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACT
Results of the 1992 SPE Petroleum Engineering Manpower Supply and Demand Surveys are outlined. The supply/demand situation for new petroleum engineering graduates is forecast to worsen in the next two years. Total engineering employment in die upstream sector by large producing companies is expected to decrease by around 15% from 1991 to 1992 and then remain fairly flat through 1994. Employment by the independent and service company sectors is projected to remain flat to slightly increasing, but accounts for a small fraction of total on-campus petroleum engineering hiring. The number of petroleum engineering graduates in 1992–93 is forecast to increase by 30% over 1991–92. during a time when the supply/demand situation is already tightening.
Educating Tomorrow’s Engineers: K-12 The Untapped Resource
Authors: Vetter Betty M. 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACT
Demographic changes, both in the size and composition of the U.S. school-age population, require preparation of female and minority students as well as white males to be eligible to choose an engineering career. Present achievement levels in mathematics and science for all Americans, and particularly for minority students, require changes in pre-college education.
Engineering Salary Trends in the Petroleum Industry
Authors: Judah J. S. , Lancaster D. E. 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACT
Results of the 1991 SPE member salary survey indicate that salaries are up 3 to 5% compared to salaries reported in October 1990. Results of the 1992 SPE Starting Salary Survey reflect an increase in starting salaries accepted by B.S. graduates in petroleum engineering to $3,500/month, which is up 4.5% from a year ago.
1990’s Applications of 1950’s Evaluation Technology
Authors: Campbell J. M. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
In the restructuring process of the petroleum industry let us not forget the basic decision methods which contributed to its current adversity. The emphasis to date has been on the elimination and/or reorganization of personnel. Cutting costs may be expedient on a short-term basis but as a long term strategy, it is merely a step toward going out of business.
As in any intelligent decision process, any examination of our evaluation methods requires understanding their origins, how they changed from then to now, and their current applicability. This paper is a summary of the authors view of these matters.
Hopefully, it will catalyze some long overdue scrutiny of the conventional methods to better understand their current significance, which in turn will result in a new evaluation paradigm.
What Is the Appropriate Return on Investment Required for a Risky Foreign Venture?
Authors: Harrison Robert , Jeffs Paul 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
A method is proposed for determining an appropriate rate of return (ROR) when evaluating exploration and appraisal ventures in different countries. A continuous relationship between ROR and risk is suggested as appropriate for the majority of projects. Overall risk is obtained from a model in which the factors considered to influence the perception of risk are weighted according to their propensity to reduce a venture’s net present value and then combined. The model is used to estimate the appropriate ROR for an Eastern European venture.
A Successful High-Temperature Gel System To Reduce Steam Channeling
Authors: Eson R. L. , Cooke R. W. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
A new high temperature gel system has been developed and successfully demonstrated in the field to reduce steam channeling and override in mature thermal projects. During the past three years a program has been underway in the laboratory and in several heavy oil fields in California, in an effort to develop a family of gels that can be injected in relatively small volumes (&lt;600 barrels) into pre-existing steam channels and/or override sections within an active steam project. These inexpensive (&lt; $15,000) gel treatments are applied with only a minimum amount of well downtime, typically three days, or less, and have demonstrated the ability to divert steam and increase oil recovery rates for up to a year and more. In addition to producing incremental oil, diversion of significant quantities of steam from existing thief zones has resulted in: (1) reduced volumes of live steam produced out casings, (2) reduced casing pressure, (3) a definite heat redistribution in the reservoir, (4) decreased flow line temperatures, (5) reduced well pulling and pump repair costs and (6) increased life in both injection wells and producing wells.
This paper describes the typical treatments completed in four of California’s largest heavy oil fields and five different reservoir sand bodies. Data and discussions regarding the treatment methodology, monitoring tools and techniques, as well as the technical and economic evaluations are included. Despite the fact that many of the treatments were completed with heavy oil prices at, or near $10 per barrel more than 70% of the treatments were economic successes on incremental oil production alone. An example of one treatment is provided which produced more than 18,000 barrels of incremental oil in the first six months following the treatment.
Applications of Pressure-Interference Data in Reservoir Characterization Studies, Big Horn Basin, Wyoming
Authors: Haws G. W. , Hurley N. F. 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACT
Extensive pressure-interference testing in seven Big Horn Basin anticlinal traps shows that directional permeabilities have a dominant northeast trend. This trend is roughly perpendicular to anticlinal axes. Core studies, an outcrop-derived fracture model, and studies of regional groundwater flow suggest that high directional permeabilities lie parallel to anticlinal axes. In contrast, drilling-induced fractures and borehole breakouts interpreted from FMS* (Formation MicroScanner) logs suggest that high directional permeabilities lie perpendicular to anticlinal axes. Present-day maximum horizontal in-situ stress, which is oriented roughly perpendicular to anticlinal axes, may control directional permeabilities detected by interference tests.
The Modelling of a High-Permeability North Sea Reservoir Enclosed by Faults
Authors: Vik S. A. , Selseng Harald 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACT
This paper presents a well test performed on a high permeability North Sea reservoir producing from a water zone. The test and the following interpretation were designed to be of a conventional North Sea format. However the pressure behaviour from the formation combined with the limited quality of the bottom hole pressures resulted in a complex analysis sequence. The interpretations had to be performed using pressure derivative methods and semilog analysis in combination with pressure history simulations to provide consistent results.