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Statoil outlines plans for US Marcellus operations

By Tayvis Dunnahoe, Senior Editor
Tayvis Dunnahoe, senior drilling editor, reports from Offshore Northern Seas in Stavanger. ONS proves to be not all wet when it comes to the unconventional shale revolution.

Petrohawk’s low-gas-price plan: Lay down rigs

Susan Klann, managing editor of Oil and Gas Investor, reports from Enercom’s “The Oil and Gas Conference” in Denver. Petrohawk Chairman Floyd Wilson said, “Business 101 says it’s time to reel it in.”

Noreco farms in to upcoming exploration well at Dalsnuten

Offshore drilling moratorium to affect 23,000 jobs

By Rebecca Torrellas, Online Editor
The Obama administration was aware of the cost of the moratorium two days before issuing the ban.

Texas takes stand against offshore drilling ban

By Nancy Agin, Online Editor
Gov. Rick Perry said, "Once again, the Obama administration has demonstrated a flagrant disregard for the rights and economies of states and the well-being of those whose jobs depend upon a safe and vibrant energy industry, many of whom live in Texas."

Environmentally friendly drilling expands to Europe

By Ashley E. Organ, Assistant Editor
Forum provides platform for operators and regulators to discuss EFD technologies being developed and implemented worldwide.

Talisman looks to drill in Poland by 2011

By Lauren Best, Online Editor
With three licenses in tow, the company is on schedule to commence projects in the early part of next year.

New tools attract a new work force

By Tayvis Dunnahoe, Senior Editor
Industry players tasked with making the oil field desirable for young people.

Range discloses Marcellus hydrofrac additives

By Nancy Agin, Online Editor
DEP Secretary John Hanger says drilling in the Marcellus "must be done right, and efforts to protect our environment and address the concerns of our residents have to be done immediately."

Head-scratching in Europe over shale gas

By Peggy Williams, Director, Unconventional Resources
European countries are looking hard at shale gas potential within their borders, but substantial questions must be answered.

Giuliani backs NY Marcellus drilling

By Stephen Payne, Online News Editor, Oil and Gas Investor
Rudy Giuliani discusses why Marcellus drilling would be a boon to Upstate NY, and why there is opposition despite the jobs it would create.

IADC panel discusses interpretations of ‘performance drilling’

By Tayvis Dunnahoe, Senior Editor
Thursday’s panel session features operator perspectives on ways to identify and encourage performance drilling in the field rather than in theory.

Offshore drilling suspension could cause impact beyond oil, gas industry

By Ashley E. Organ, Assistant Editor
Neighborhoods, communities, other industries will be affected by idle offshore.

Technology delivers unconventional oil

By Tayvis Dunnahoe, Senior Editor
In less than 60 years, technological advances brought Bakken from last resort to hot play. Niobrara, Mowry, and others to follow.

Monterey Shale a marvelous target

By Peggy Williams
"This play needs competition."

Drilling still safe on higher ground

By Tayvis Dunnahoe, Senior Editor
Despite the difficulties arising from the recent blowout in the GoM, land rig numbers show an increase.

New drillship being strengthened for Arctic work

By Rosie Colyer, DNV
Stena Drilling’s new drillship, DrillMAX ICE IV, is currently under construction at Samsung Heavy Industries Shipyard in South Korea.

Maersk Oil sets the pace in Qatar, sets sights for deep water

By Judy Maksoud Murray, Editor
Jakob Thomasen, president and CEO of Maersk Oil, talks about the company’s milestone achievements and the path to future goals.

API’s Gerard says getting passing US Senate Climate Bill will be uphill battle

By Theresa Ward, Managing Editor, Hart Downstream Newsletter Group
Washington is set to review several pieces of legislation that will affect the oil and gas industry, but with fall elections fast approaching, the Senate may run out of time.

E&P to distribute Meritorious Awards for Engineering Innovation

A more stable environment for the oil, gas industry for 2Q

By ASHLEY E. ORGAN, Assistant Editor
All sectors are cautiously optimistic after 1Q results.

How drilling will transform the economy

By Dr. Michael J. Economides, Editor in Chief of the Energy Tribune
Technology has paved the way for oil and gas development since 1901 and continues to extend the reach of the industry.

UKCS offshore exploration rises, drilling reaches a six-year low

By ASHLEY E. ORGAN, Assistant Editor
1Q results reveal North West Europe activity was relatively quiet.

Best practices database reduces impact of drilling, production

By Kathryn Mutz, University of Colorado and Richard C. Haut, Ph. D., Houston Advanced Research Center
EFD project educates operators and citizens on management procedures for developments in the Intermountain West

New tool allows better displacements prior to riser disconnect

By Anita Byars and Rich Cook, M-I Swaco
A newly developed means of displacing fluids in the riser allows for simplified disconnects that save time and money.

The canary is in the riser

By Jean-Philippe Roques, Total, and Dominique Dion and Gregoire Audouin, Schlumberger
Early miners in England took caged canaries into mines to warn of the presence of toxic gases. A 21st century version of this practice extends marine riser field life.

Technology redefines integrity verification, monitoring of low-pressure isolation

By Rutger Schouten, TDW Offshore Services AS
A customized isolation solution smoothes the way for the safe repair of a damaged riser in the UK sector of the North Sea.

Directional drilling pushes development of a slimmer RSS

By Steve Jones Smith-Pathfinder
Redesigning a directional system gets LWD sensors closer to the bit for better well placement.

Optimal well placement improves heavy oil production

By Jaime Cuadros, Mansarovar Energy Colombia, and Guillermo Cuadros, Schlumberger
In Colombia’s Girasol field, bed boundary mapping enables operators to accurately position horizontal wells on the first attempt, avoiding the need for sidetracks and reducing overall development costs.

Inertial, north-seeking, continuous gyro improves drilling precision

By Orlando René Ramirez, Stockholm Precision Tools AB
Gyro compassing tools are not affected by magnetic disturbances, yield repeatable results.

Pressures, temperatures, erosion, logistics increase requirements for offshore stimulation

By Dan Daulton and Jason Steckler, BJ Services
For reliable stimulation in deepwater wells, downhole tools, surface equipment, and fluids must operate with maximum efficiency.

New Tools Unlock the Pulse of the Shales

By Nina Rach, Drilling Editor
Shales are heterogeneous and plays differ, but new, innovative technologies are available to help explorationists and engineers.

IE brings deep changes

By Judy Maksoud Murray, Editor E&P
Implementing Intelligent Energy (IE) solutions requires a change in management and mindset.

Uplifting the Rockies and Everywhere Else: Conference Showcases Seismic Technology

By Larry Prado, Activity Editor
Across all unconventional plays, speaker Murray Roth said that advanced seismic applications and techniques could provide the benefits before drilling.

Virginia fights Department of Interior over offshore drilling

By Judy Maksoud Murray, Editor E&P
Recent US government actions indicate decisions are being made to support an energy agenda that does not match those of the American people.

CERAWeek: DOE’s Chu says train has left the station

By Leslie Haines
It will take many decades for the U.S. to transition away from using fossil fuels for transportation, so oil and natural gas will continue to be important, U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu told attendees at IHS CERAWeek in Houston. But, that transition must start soon, based on supply and demand trends, and the need to reduce emissions.

CERA Week: Shale gas can be a “Game Changer” for North America’s energy future

Provides potential for near-term CO2 cuts, but presents long-term challenges, study says.

World’s coiled tubing unit fleet grows

By Nina Rach, Drilling Editor
Annual CT rig count indicates another 5% increase in 2009.

Biofuels mandates will push 600 million into hunger

By Jack Peckham, Executive Editor, Diesel Fuel News
A new study by UK-based ActionAid, an advocacy group for food for the poor, says that if the EU sticks to its biofuel mandate targets for 2020, millions around the world will starve.

Analysts weigh in on Schlumberger acquiring Smith International

By Nina Rach, Drilling Editor
Deal valued at US $11.3 billion.

HARC, University of Leoben collaborate for low-impact drilling

By Judy Maksoud Murray, Editor
International collaboration will allow low-impact drilling technologies to be developed and disseminated faster.

Is Technology Outpacing Competency?

By Nina Rach, Drilling Editor
Operators and service companies present ideas at drilling conference forum.

Quantec Force PDC is stable, durable

By Matt Meiners, Hughes Christensen
New bit design offers a variety of cutter choices for different formations.

Offshore managed-pressure drilling boosts efficiency in Asia Pacific

By Steve Nas, Weatherford International Ltd.
Proven in Indonesia’s fractured limestone reservoirs, MPD is now becoming a key tool for cutting NPT and increasing operator efficiency in many types of formations.

New PDC bit design eliminates gage pads

By Jim Shamburger, Encore Bits LLC
SideWinder design can be incorporated into any standard profile PDC bit.

Advanced PDC design extends durability and speed

By Cary Maurstad, Varel International
Extensive field testing verified the design, with the Diamond Edge series producing longer runs and showing exceptional post-run conditions.

Hammer tools and PDC bits provide stick-slip solution

By Robert Clayton, Ulterra Drilling Technologies
TORKBUSTER combination destroys rock and reduces costs.

Advanced materials yield new performance benchmarks

By Andy Murdock and Roger Smith, National Oilwell Varco
NOV’s TC11 bit combines forged-in tooth and jacket protection.

Optimize body and cutter design to drill hard, abrasive formations

By Craig Fleming, Smith Bits
New ONYX PDC cutters deliver unprecedented wear and impact resistance, improved thermal stability.

Ernst & Young predicts a rosier 2010

By THERESA WARD, Managing Editor, Hart Downstream Newsletter Group
While the last 12 months have been a challenge for companies in the oil and gas sector, there have been substantial opportunities for those with strong balance sheets.

Energy CFOs say employment levels will remain steady in 2010

By Judy Maksoud Murray, Editor
Survey says 65% of operating companies will not step up hiring this year.

Materials reliability analysis for subsea power systems

By Sergio L. dos Santos e Lucato and Janet B. Davis, Teledyne Scientific; and Amar Thiraviam, Roy Jazowski, and Ken Nagengast, Teledyne ODI
Developing a proprietary database is an important step toward improving lifecycle reliability of future subsea power products while simultaneously reducing their development cycle time and expense.

ESPs excel in dewatering mode

By Wayne Richards, Global Oilfield Services
Technical innovations improve pump life and operating efficiency in the Powder River and Illinios basins.

Cooperative efforts lead to safer operations

By Richard Haut, HARC, and Mark W. Fischer, Katch Kan USA LLC
Industry and environmental organizations are joining forces to integrate advanced technologies into drilling operations to significantly reduce the impact of drilling and production activities in environmentally sensitive areas.

Cairn Energy will drill early in Greenland

By Nina Rach, Drilling Editor
Scottish company will drill a year earlier than scheduled, after attracting Malaysian investment.

Worldwide Drilling: Testing Limits

By Nina Rach, Drilling Editor
New rigs, deeper wells, and Arctic drilling drew attention this year.

Better rigs and tools improve drilling outlook

By Nina Rach, Drilling Editor
New rig designs, control systems, drilling risers, and API specifications are among the rollouts this year.

SAGD delivers healthy return on investment

By by Scott Jones, Ziff Energy Group
The publication of the first-ever comparative SAGD Drilling and Cost Benchmarking Study provides operators of SAGD projects insight into how efficient their in situ programs are and what lies ahead for this segment of the industry.

Diamond semisub heads to Falklands

By Nina Rach, Drilling Editor
A North Sea drilling rig started a 2-month journey from a Highlands deepwater port to the Falkland Islands.

Denver congresswoman slams drillers

By Judy Maksoud Murray, Editor
Drilling association takes representative to task for spreading “misinformation” about frac fluids.

NOV rolls out new name for annual rig census

By Nina Rach, Drilling Editor
Venerable US rig census under new ownership in its 56th year.

Halliburton gets coveted Ghawar contract

By Rhonda Duey, Senior Editor
Five-year project, with an option for an additional five years, will drill and complete oil wells utilizing the turnkey concept.

Fluid design solves shale instability problem

By Chee Phuat Tan, Magdalena Povstyanova, Mohammed Ahmed Mohiuddin, and Mohd Helmi Abd Rahim, Schlumberger; Marwan Ahmad Qadmani, Al-Khafji Joint Operations
Integrating geomechanics with drilling fluid design successfully mitigates time-dependent wellbore instability in Middle East fields.

Sine of the future

By Adun Ige, Schlumberger
New technology variable speed drives extend electrical submersible pump life while cutting operational costs.

One country’s trash is another country’s treasure

By Rebecca Torrellas, Managing Editor, E&P
Medical Bridges narrows the healthcare gap worldwide, connecting those who have with those who hope, saving lives at every stop.

Innovations improve reliability of frac sleeve completions

By Ryan Rasmussen and Avel Ortiz, BJ Services Co.
A systematic approach to design, manufacturing and operations creates new reasons to deploy frac sleeve completions in multizone horizontal wells.

New swellable packer technology speeds completions in multizone wells

By Robert Coon, Weatherford
Higher pressure ratings and shorter packer lengths add value to customized frac completions.

Norwegians pursue ocean bottom seismic

By Nina Rach, Drilling Editor
OBS may soon reach an oil field near you.

Operators reduce water discharge from Marcellus drilling

By Judy Maksoud Murray, Editor
According to Jeff Ventura, president, chief operating officer and director for Range Resources Corp., the company has found a way to recycle water to eliminate discharge.

Anadarko takes a stand on US energy policy

By Leslie Haines, Editor, Oil and Gas Investor
James T. Hackett, chairman, president, and chief executive officer of Anadarko Petroleum Corp., discusses energy policy and the role of natural gas as well as the company’s plans for international E&P.

MPD: pressure with a purpose

By Brian Grayson and David Pavel, Weatherford International Ltd.
As exploration pushes into more extreme environments, closed-loop MPD systems are providing the means to proactively challenge and succeed in some of the world’s most undrillable wells.

Where there’s a will, there’s a way

By Dick Ghiselin Contributing Editor
Thorough planning, innovative technology, and near-flawless operating technique combine to successfully drill a horizontal well in a fractured, depleted reservoir.

Two techniques combine to add value

By Steve Stringfellow and Monty Montgomery, Tesco Corp.
Combining casing drilling with underbalanced operations adds efficiency while maximizing borehole quality and safety.

Advanced Rig Technology: Are we relentless innovators or fast followers?

By Nina Rach, Drilling Editor
Conference looked at a tantalizing variety of tools and systems.

Drilling technology solves complex vibration problems

By By Smith Technologies
Optimized drilling achieves record ROP in Peru.

PathFinder launches iFinder density imaging service

By Smith Drilling and Evaluation
Service useful in geosteering and geomechanical assessments.

Total Systems Approach process manages chemical compatibility in frac fluids

By Submitted by Baker Hughes
New process maximizes production, saves Fayetteville Shale operator $735,000 in H2S scavenging costs.

From bazookas to well perforating

By Noel Atzmiller, Baker Hughes Inc.
Sixty years ago, an oilfield services company realized it needed a new technology developed by the US military to continue its success in the oilfield perforation business.

Making sense of a crazy world

By Dr. Francois Sauer
How to change our paradigms when the uncommon is becoming common.

Brazilian highlights at Offshore Europe Conference

By Nina Rach, Drilling Editor
The program committee for the Offshore Europe Conference must have known the regional emphasis was a sure bet, for this afternoon panel was well-attended.

Best practices emerging for ERD wells

By By DICK GHISELIN, Senior Editor
Once again, experience proves to be the best teacher as operators find success at the end of a long string.

Multilateral wells come from Russia, with love

By By DICK GHISELIN, Senior Editor
Multilateral technology is undergoing a renaissance as operators and service companies learn how to use it to improve production while saving money.

Multilaterals lower development costs in challenging gas plays

By Brent Emerson, Baker Hughes
Multilateral completions have strong economic potential in unconventional gas developments.

‘Breaking new ground’ in an unconventional play

By Rhonda Duey, Senior Editor
A new study is combining the benefits of multistage fracturing with the additional data gained from time-lapse seismic.

New approach maximizes horizontal fracturing investment

By Harold Brannon and Stephanie Weiss, BJ Services Co.
Multizone completion technology and best stimulation practices minimize economic and environmental impacts, especially in horizontal wells.

Decommissioning and Abandonment: Coordination ensures decommissioning success

By Vic Morrell, OIS
Precise planning, careful project and contract management, and a positive working environment enable successful well abandonment in the North Sea.

NETL pushes secondary gas recovery in unconventional reservoirs

By Staff Report
Unlike oil reservoirs, which were known to leave large volumes in the ground that could only be produced through secondary and tertiary recovery techniques, it was generally not appreciated that large volumes of gas might remain between, beneath or behind the casing of the existing wells.

DOE guarantees new loans

By STEPHANIE BREWER, Contributing Editor
Government funds will help companies develop renewables and technologies that promote energy efficiency.

DOE researches hydrates

By ANDREA HUFFMAN, Special to E&P
Naturally occurring gas hydrates could be part of the solution to US energy security.

Electric submersible pumps fine tuned for gassy wells

By Stan Herl, Schlumberger, and David Eudey, Chesapeake Energy
Chesapeake Energy and Schlumberger collaborate to solve gas blocking, significantly improve uptime of ESPs in difficult wells.

Hostile drilling environments require new approach

By Ron Dirksen, Halliburton Sperry Drilling
With HP/HT operations becoming the norm, drilling and formation evaluation technologies must ensure that systems can withstand extreme levels of shock, vibration, and pressure surges.

New composite materials enhance HP/HT operations

By Alan Johnson, Norplex-Micarta
Glass fiber based thermoset composites handle high temperatures and extreme pressures yet are easily drilled out in downhole applications.

Middle East, Asian platform markets relatively strong

By Justin Smith, Energy Current
An estimated 625 fixed offshore platforms are under construction or planned for installation in coming years, according to ODS-Petrodata's online Offshore Construction Locator market intelligence tool.

Award winning gearbox begins 20 year life on the high seas

By Colin Roberts, SKF Group
It is understandable that the designers and end users of such massive structures keep reliability and availability at the very top of their list of ‘must haves’ when they consider critical equipment.

DEC extends Marcellus shale study

By Ann Priestman, Unconventional Gas Report
The DEC expected to have the preliminary report done by this spring, but that's changed to later this summer.

Integrate real-time drilling data within the geological model

By Hugues Thevoux-Chabuel, Roxar AS
With the increased demand for greater efficiencies in drilling operations, oil and gas companies are searching for new means of using all available data while drilling.

Multifunction LWD system scores points

By Khouloud Karam, Schlumberger

A complete formation evaluation suite in a single, compact LWD package is quickly gaining respect as a robust solution to complex reservoir problems.

Guide the well path in real time for geological precision

By Roland Chemali and Jim Tilley, Sperry Drilling
By acquiring and interpreting the proper set of measurements while drilling, geosteering engineers can locate the well path in real time with respect to the geological boundaries and guide the progress of the well.

Oil: What price can America afford?

By Steven Kopits, Managing Director, Douglas-Westwood New York
With the “green shoots” of recovery more numerous by the day, dark warnings of a new spike in oil prices are also multiplying.

Digital sensing system enables communication, data transmission from upper to lower completions

By John Lovell, systems manager sandface measurements, Schlumberger
A new generation of logging-while-producing tools allows enhanced flow monitoring in any operating environment.

New logging printer released

By Rebecca Torrellas, Managing Editor

Cementing solutions help protect the environment

By David Kulakofsky and Farzad Tahmourpour, Halliburton
As the global concern over the effects of CO2 on the environment grows so do energy industry initiatives to economically address the issue, such as CCS.

Unique roller tools ease around the bend

By Brad Groesbeck and John McCormick, Weatherford International, Ltd.
Engineered solutions for torque-and-drag gain new recognition with extended-reach wells.

Ultra-deepwater well construction relies on 21st century cementing technology

By Dale Doherty and Rodrigo Farias, BJ Services Co.
For the world’s most extreme well construction operations, automated, reliable equipment and engineered fit-for-purpose cement designs are essential.

Oil: King of the World?

By ANDREA HUFFMAN, Special to E&P
Oil and Natural Gas, a children's book published by the Society of Petroleum Engineers and DK Publishing, talks about the basics of oil and natural gas.

Natural gas and LNG market could be bad for next four years

By Tayvis Dunnahoe Associate Editor
Analysts predict that declining demand matched with rising supplies of natural gas and LNG will affect the market for at least the next four years.

Three strategies for growth in a downturn

By R. Andrew Clyde, Andrew Steinhubl, and Chris Click,Booz & Co.
It is hard to imagine a more traumatic time for the oil and gas industry. The depth and breadth of the economic crisis has significantly decreased hydrocarbon demand. Notwithstanding actions by OPEC and domestic producers, it remains unclear when supply and demand will regain their balance, especially in the natural gas market. The time for investing in strategic growth is now.

Directional drilling and simulation technologies poised to address future challenges

By Craig Fleming, Smith International
With the recent merger of W-H Energy Services with Smith International, SMITH has re-entered the directional drilling market with an extensive range of products and services including PathFinder’s rotary steerable system (RSS) and Dyna-Drill’s mud motor technology.

Jackup delivery expands worldwide offshore drilling fleet

By Karen Boman, Energy Current

The offshore rig fleet was expanded again this week with the delivery on April 28 of Scorpion Offshore jackup Offshore Freedom.

Will oil and gas recover in Texas in 2010?

By Tayvis Dunnahoe Associate Editor, E&P
According to the Texas Petro Index (TPI), a service of the Texas Alliance of Energy Producers continued to decline throughout March for the fifth consecutive month.

OTC 2009: New power module introduced to offshore drilling market

By Staff Report
Cummins latest launch for the oil and gas market includes a fuel efficiency improvement of 4% to 9%.

OTC 2009: 40 and perfect!

By Rebecca Torrellas, Managing Editor, E&P
As OTC celebrates its 40th year, Oil States Industries Inc. is proud of its perfect attendance at the event.

OTC 2009: Weatherford showcases award winners at OTC

By Judy Maksoud Murray, Editor
OTC offers the opportunity for companies to spotlight technologies on a world stage.

New ultra-deepwater horizons

By Mike Hall, Transocean
Enhanced Enterprise-class drillships are in a class of their own.

Restore surface control without intervention

By Jeff Bolding and Mark Embrey, BJ Services Co.
Field-proven, MMS-approved technology restores surface control for subsurface safety valves.

Drag reducer extends coiled tubing uses for complex wells

By Michael Bailey, Halliburton
A recently introduced ADFR fluid is enabling more economic operations in extended-reach wells.

Versatile HWO/snubbing units offer multiple benefits over conventional rigs

By Steve Wehrenberg and Mike Ponville, Boots & Coots
Steadily advancing HWO and snubbing technologies have merged to provide a viable and economic alternative to conventional rigs in a host of onshore and offshore drilling, completion, and live-well intervention applications.

First drilling FPSO goes to work offshore Africa

By Judy Maksoud Murray, Editor
In 2Q, 2009, Murphy West Africa Ltd, Societe Nationale Des Petroles du Congo, and PA Resources AB will put the world’s first FDPSO into operation on the Republic of Congo’s Azurite field.

Friction-stir welding improves CT fatigue life

By Tayvis Dunnahoe Associate Editor
While CT has advanced beyond its origins, a new process for joining strip sections promises to improve fatigue life even further.

Wellbore Energy Solutions acquires Jackal Services

Subduing subsalt plays in the Santos Basin

By Tayvis Dunnahoe Associate Editor
It’s no secret that the Santos Basin’s pre-salt layer is one of the most attractive deepwater plays in the market today.

Really fast rigs

By Randy Clark, Nabors Drilling USA
The M-Series PACE rigs’ skidding speed boosts efficiency and safety.

Quantifying technology’s impact at the Digital Energy Conference

By Kevin Parker- Senior Editor
Putting a number on digital benefits is one thing, but how important is the technology in a technology initiative?

Guest Commentary: Obama’s climate control promise is in conflict with his stated goal of energy independence

By Alex Mills, President, Texas Alliance of Energy Producers
President Barrack Obama made many promises during his campaign; he is now finding it difficult to keep them.

Technology is crucial in developing shale plays

By Rhonda Duey, Senior Editor
Mitchell Energy proved that technology makes a difference when it used horizontal drilling to unlock the secrets of the Barnett Shale. New technological breakthroughs will continue to be needed in the years ahead.

Technology is crucial in developing shale plays

By Rhonda Duey, Senior Editor
Mitchell Energy proved that technology makes a difference when it used horizontal drilling to unlock the secrets of the Barnett Shale. New technological breakthroughs will continue to be needed in the years ahead.

Technology is crucial in developing shale plays

By Rhonda Duey, Senior Editor
Mitchell Energy proved that technology makes a difference when it used horizontal drilling to unlock the secrets of the Barnett Shale. New technological breakthroughs will continue to be needed in the years ahead.

Faster slide drilling, improved bottomhole control

By Colin Gillan, Canrig Drilling Technology Ltd.
New directional drilling control software alleviates problems commonly associated with slide drilling.

Avoid well stability problems with casing drilling

By Nick Mawford, TESCO Canada International (ME) FZE
Directional casing drilling technology increases ROP and ensures success when drilling through complex formations in high angle wells.

Starting from both ends: expandable casing design

By Mark Holland and Jerry Fritsch, Enventure Global Technology
From the top down and the bottom up: there are always two ways to find a solution when designing challenging wells.

Multilateral junction has selective, high-pressure fracturing capability

By Brent Emerson, Baker Hughes Inc.
System allows building of multilateral junctions while permitting back-to-back stimulation of the well.

Drilling technology transformations through time

By Tayvis Dunnahoe Associate Editor
The second day’s plenary session of the 2009 SPE/IADC Drilling Conference discussed technology advancement and its evolutionary and revolutionary potentials.

Creating a new language

By Tayvis Dunnahoe Associate Editor
Wednesday’s technical session at SPE/IADC “Drilling Automation: Technologies, Terminology, and Parallels with Other Industries” suggests the creation of a new, standardized terminology when designing and constructing automated drilling systems.

Ultra-deepwater: not everyone’s cup of tea

By Tayvis Dunnahoe Associate Editor
Pride International’s latest additions to its deepwater fleet are designed to meet challenges in the deepest offshore projects to date.

Looking ahead to the next 30 years for the Drilling industry

By Tayvis Dunnahoe Associate Editor
Does the drilling industry have the right people in the sufficient number to carry it through the next 30 years?

Collaborating on drilling automation

By Tayvis Dunnahoe Associate Editor
SPE/IADC Conference opens its first session on the needs, methods, and modes of automating the drilling process.

Hart’s E&P Magazine announces 2009 Meritorious Award for Engineering Excellence winners at Offshore Technology Conference

The list of E&P Magazine's MEA award winners. 

New tools extend drilling automation

By Richard Steffensen and Fred Florence, National Oilwell Varco (NOV)
A new automated downlinking tool allows drillers to implement commands and controls through a single intelligent interface.

Drilling challenges in 2009

By Rhonda Duey, Senior Editor
The economy is shaky, but the fundamentals are the same — operators will need to chase trickier targets and will need the best technology available to find them.

The benefits of recycle-produced water for fracs

By Brad Rieb, Scott Allen, and Jenny Hogan, BJ Services Co.
A robust, crosslinked frac fluid can help optimize well stimulation while conserving fresh water.

Updating E&P's drill bit records

By Tayvis Dunnahoe Associate Editor
Once again, E&P is updating its drill bit world records, and your input is welcome.

UCG: A clean energy alternative

By Tayvis Dunnahoe Associate Editor
Underground coal gasification (UCG) could serve as an alternative, clean source of energy.

Venezuela looks for foreign partners to help survive economic troubles

By Rhonda Duey, Senior Editor
PdVSA hopes to stanch its financial losses.

Interior Secretary announces new plan for Continental Shelf drilling

By Tayvis Dunnahoe Associate Editor
DOI Secretary Ken Salazar sets forth on a new five year OCS plan

Collaboration needed in Canadian oil sands during bad economic times

By Tayvis Dunnahoe Associate Editor, E&P
Two of Canada's Premiers also call out to industry players that Canada is ripe for investment. 

Drillers to Venezuela – Pay your bills!

By Rhonda Duey, Senior Editor
Drilling projects are being put on hold because PdVSA owes two American companies, Helmerich & Payne Inc. and Ensco International Inc., a combined US $135 million.

PDC technology redefines standards

By Kevin Craig, Smith International
PDC bit technology is fine-tuned for specific formations located in fields traditionally dominated by roller cone bit applications.

Elevated RPM with increased ROP

By Cary Maurstad, Varel International
Application-specific roller cone bits equipped to withstand higher energy inputs can deliver better performance in critical applications.

Quantec PDC sets worldwide standard

By Allen Sinor, Hughes Christensen
Quantec premium PDC bits are fast, tough, and stable.

Reliability – critical in slimhole drilling

By Dave McGehee and Steve Barton, NOV ReedHycalog
Modern drilling environments require renewed focus on cost reduction. Slimhole drilling can save casing and cement costs.

Mutiphase metering

By Vincent Viegue, Roxar ASA
Use of multiphase metering has seen considerable growth and adoption in the oil and gas industry the past several years. As an effective alternative to expensive and labor-intensive well-testing operations — involving test separators, cumbersome mobile well-test units, and maintenance-intensive platform facilities — the potential for growing use of multiphase meters is significant.

Innovative test equipment

By Vlamir Bastos and David Harrison, Schlumberger
Well testing provides answers that are not available any other way, supporting critical decisions that can affect reservoirs for their active life. Getting test data more swiftly allows operators to make faster production decisions.

Cooperation puts province back on the map

By Judy Maksoud Murray, Editor
Operating companies that have been active in Atlantic Canada have teamed up to speed drilling programs that could lead to additional production offshore Newfoundland and Labrador.

Lower risk by logging through the bit

By Chuck Matula, ThruBit, LLC
Finding new ways to drill for unconventional reserves and lowering overall costs means ‘doing more with less’ by using more efficient technologies.

Pills ease fluid loss headaches

By Mike Adkins and Keith Sharp, BJ Services Co.
To save money and minimize nonproductive time during a completion, the ideal fluid loss control system should be ready when it’s needed.

Will oil price drop ease nationalism?

By Rhonda Duey, Senior Editor
The trend to nationalize oil and gas assets may be “scaled back or reversed” due to the need of those countries to seek greater foreign investment.

E&P Acquisitions: Finding hidden opportunity and avoiding hidden risks

By Gordon Arnold and Charles Knobloch, Arnold & Knobloch L.L.P.
Change in the price of oil has brought many new opportunities for acquisitions of upstream organizations. Experience in these transactions teaches that there are special considerations that present hidden opportunities and risk.

Drilling technology breaks new ground

By Tayvis Dunnahoe Associate Editor
Drilling technology adds value to oil and gas reserves in 2008.

2008: A record year

By Tayvis Dunnahoe Associate Editor
From a drilling perspective, operations in 2008 have pushed the envelope both on and offshore.

Offshore Virginia may finally be ready for drilling

By Tayvis Dunnahoe Associate Editor, E&P
After nearly two decades of moratoria, offshore Virginia may finally see the light of day.

Microwave potential

By Jeff Kimberly, Global Resource Corp.
A company is examining the possibility of using microwave technology for extracting usable hydrocarbons from oil shale.

Wildcard for energy security

By Phillip H. “Pete” Stark, PhD, IHS
Unconventional oil resources are increasingly important in the quest for energy security. Global liquids discoveries have failed to replace oil production for more than twenty years, and there is concern that conventional oil resources will not be able to meet growing supply requirements to fuel worldwide economic growth.

Computing properties from 3-D imaging

By Henrique Tono, Ingrain
Next-generation computed tomography (CT) scanning reveals the actual pore structure of shale reservoirs at the nanometer scale, and breakthrough algorithms compute the physical properties of shale from these 3-D images — all with unprecedented accuracy.

Software advances strengthen well-life systems

By Robert Darbe and Mark Savery, Halliburton
A new three-level well-life system is helping cement-job designers to diagnose problems in advance to build cement sheathes that maintain integrity throughout the life of a well.

One-trip multistage completions

By Don R. Watson, Doug G. Durst, P.E., Travis Harris and Jesus D. Contreras; Baker Oil Tools
Efficient fracturing techniques used with an appropriate multistage fracturing completion can achieve higher initial gas rates, increased recovery rates, and reduced completion costs.

Solver developed for complex, environments

By Muhammad Kathrada, Shell
A new mixed-integer constrained global optimization algorithm tackles oilfield production system challenges.

Understanding MPD complexity levels

By Robert Goodwin, George H. Medley, and Patrick B.B. Reynolds, Signa Engineering Corp.
Determining the complexity of a managed-pressure drilling project can identify which tools to use to get it right the first time.

MPD enables onshore efficiency and well control

By Alek Ozegovic, Rich Norton, and Kim Barton, Weatherford International Ltd.
Many of today’s drilling prospects are challenging, expensive, and in some cases undrillable. Managed-pressure drilling techniques are increasingly being applied as a solution to overcome barriers and increase drilling performance.

New tools reduce spiraling

By A.Cuthbert, R.Russell, and Kok Keng Hung, Halliburton
The implementation of new technologies in Asia-Pacific increases drilling efficiency and improves the overall value of assets.

Conventional mooring reaches deeper

By Judy Maksoud Murray, Editor
There is a huge demand for high-spec drilling rigs, and in remote areas of the world where comparatively little deepwater drilling is taking place, extending a rig’s mooring capability is one avenue operators have taken to contend with asset constraint.

Fracturing Technology: Minimize fluid in energized fracs

By Dan Kendrick and Eric Luckey, BJ Services Co.; Paul Ramsaywack and Jon Sheldon, Equitable Production Co.
A new frac technique combines a concentrated proppant slurry and energized fluids for optimal stimulation with minimal fluid to flow back.

Fracturing Technology: Faster time to market

By Somiari Ajumogobia-Bestman, Robert Arbaugh, and Fred Mueller, Schlumberger; and Bob Rundle, Apache Corp.
Fast and cost-effective, multizone stimulation using coiled tubing (CT) offers several advantages in a South Texas well.

Fracturing Technology: New propellant promises predictability

By Dale Seekford, Warrior Energy Services, a Superior Energy Services Co.
A newly introduced wellbore stimulation tool increases the chance of fracturing success.

High-Pressure/High-Temperature Operations: Aqueous drilling fluid contends with HP/HT wells

By Pavel Marinescu, M-I SWACO
A new water-based drilling fluid has been developed specifically to contend with the unique challenges of onshore ultra-deep HP/HT wells in sensitive ecosystems.

High-Pressure/High-Temperature Operations: WFF reduces surface treating pressures

By Lloyd Simms, III and Brad Clarkson, Halliburton, Gilbert Navaira, Chevron
High density frac fluids enable hydraulic stimulation of ultra-deep reservoirs by reducing surface pressure for topside equipment.

Rock Mechanics: FEA studies lead to better prediction

By Martin Brudy and Wouter van der Zee, GeoMechanics International
3-D numerical simulations provide realistic input for predictions of fracture gradient and wellbore stability for subsalt wells.

Abandonment Technology Issues: Lessons learned in cost estimating

By Ron Twachtman and Robert Byrd, Proserv
Twenty years of decommissioning offshore oil and gas facilities creates a knowledgeable framework for estimating new projects.

Abandonment Technology Issues: New system resolves GoM abandonment issues

By Richard Segura and Bert Blanchard, Weatherford International Ltd.
Hurricane Katrina created abandonment challenges in the form of complicated platform and well conditions that, in some cases, required a new way of tackling projects.

Extended reach drilling from the platform

By Tayvis Dunnahoe, Senior Editor
Compared side by side, drilling extended reach wells from a platform shows a dramatic cost savings against placing a traditional template on the seafloor. StatoilHydro’s Gulltopp well is proof.

Extended reach, multilateral drainage or both?

By Jon Ruszka, Baker Hughes INTEQ; and Brent Emerson, Baker Oil Tools
It is just a matter of time before ERD and multilateral drilling techniques converge and are then applied to more effectively develop those reservoirs that need it most.

Logging and Formation Evaluation: Production testing in difficult wells

By K.I. Ojukwu, Petroleum Development Oman; and K. Cig, T.K. Chang, J. Edwards, M. Ibrahim, and S. Nekavand, Schlumberger Oman & Co. LLC
Oman/Shell joint venture PDO overcomes access and production logging challenges in North Oman.

Logging and Formation Evaluation: Advancements enable precise sampling

By Bob Engelman, Halliburton
New formation testing technology tools overcome mixed-phase fluid challenges.

North Sea Operations: Automated safeguarding enters the drilling process

By Richard Steffensen, NOV
A new approach closes the loop between what is physically possible to do from a well tolerance perspective and the commands issued through drilling controls.

A future beyond easy oil

By Judy Maksoud Murray, Editor
Executive Editor Judy Maksoud looks at how the world is producing oil and gas and how that approach needs to change.

Tips for making effective presentations

By Michael A. Payne, ExxonMobil, and Ken Larner, Colorado School of Mines
We’ve all suffered through poorly executed talks. Here’s how to make sure yours isn’t one of them. This is the first of a two-part series.

Use collaborative earth models in LWD navigation

By Pascal Luxey and Peter Clark, Baker Hughes INTEQ
A common understanding across disciplines can be achieved by sharing real-time LWD data using the familiar environment of a geological framework surrounding the well bore — a three-dimensional earth model.

Detect near-bit vibration in real time

By Junichi Sugiura and Steve Jones, PathFinder Energy Services Inc.
Severe downhole vibrations can damage drilling equipment, including the drill bit, drill collars, stabilizers, measurement-while-drilling/logging-while-drilling (MWD/LWD) tools, and rotary steerable systems (RSSs). Advances in near-bit sensor technology are now allowing drillers to use vibration sensor information while drilling to optimize rotary-steerable operations.

Excitement building for rotary steerables

By George Lange, Irless Brooks, Rob Lacy, and Judd Tudor, Schlumberger
West Texas operators experience dramatic savings in cost per reservoir-foot in zone when they take a high-tech approach.

LCM, pre-drill planning contend with hole instability

By Nils Kaageson-Loe and Fred Growcock, M-I SWACO
A wellbore strengthening treatment initiative incorporating particulate or chemical-based lost-circulation material (LCM) and comprehensive pre-drill planning addresses the hazards associated with hole instability.

Preserve near-wellbore permeability

By Torstein Haaland and Timothy Wood, Champion Technologies
A new chemical sand-consolidation method is reliably controlling sand production and increasing oil-recovery rates from weakly consolidated sandstone reservoirs in the Norwegian sector of the North Sea.

Human capital strategies

By Mark Yust and Kent Hudson, Strategic Contract Resources, LLC
Companies that continue to thrive must develop unique and creative ways of attracting and retaining human capital that will allow their organization to grow and prosper.

It's about who you've known

By Tayvis Dunnahoe, Senior Editor
Web-based alumni networks are helping oil and gas companies maintain their most valuable asset — experienced employees.

Turning the tide

By Human Resources (HR) executives list the talent void as one of the top five business issues facing their companies.
Human Resources (HR) executives list the talent void as one of the top five business issues facing their companies.

New vessel concept simplifies intervention

By Rich Altman, Mike Brown, Greg Salerno, and Kevin Wilson; Remedial Offshore
Unique combination of proven technologies makes heavy well intervention offshore feasible and more cost-effective.

Continuously monitor metal fatigue on rig

By Barbara Cohen, Thermal Technology Services Inc.
Complete metal fatigue or even wear before complete failure can be continuously measured using the technology of harmonic footprinting.

Articulated joint system reduces topside rotation

By John Greeves, Versabar Inc.
Joints make the system react to the applied environmental loads in a fundamentally different manner compared to the performance of single hull floaters.

BC-10 project is on track

By Don Francis
Shell applies a suite of advanced technologies to develop a challenging project offshore Brazil.

Casing drilling lowers well costs

By DON LYLE, Executive Editor
Always on the lookout for new technology that improves efficiency, increases safety and lower costs, one Chinese oilfield operator found a solution by drillling the top section of wells with a casing drilling system.

Streamlining rig and office administration

By Merrie Costley and Stacey Costa, NOV M/D Totco
By streamlining business processes, drilling contractors can increase their activity without increasing worker headcount.

Monobore technology expands applications

By Pat York, Weatherford International Ltd.
A new generation of solid tubular expandable liners provides dependable results even when conditions are deemed high risk.

Expandable casing patch and liner hanger

By Terry Howard, TIW Corp.
Solid expandable technology, expandable casing patch systems, and expandable liner hangers enable many new techniques for drilling and completion operations.

Alternatives in low density cement formulation

By Manuel Arco, 3M Oil and Gas business
Conventional neat cement can be used in the majority of drilling situations, but in special cases density adjustment is critical to successful well completion and long term zonal isolation.

Deepwater wells drive salt cementing advances

By Ricardo Garzon and Bryan Simmons, BJ Services Co.
Thick, deep salt structures challenge wellbore design, making cement a key factor in ensuring casing integrity and isolation over the life of the well.

Integrated approach to interventionless zonal isolation

By Kris Ravi and Bill Hunter, Halliburton
In cemented completions, maintaining long-term zonal isolation is critical to helping ensure that worker health, safety, and environmental (HSE) standards are met and that the well is operated economically.

New cement forms permanent seal for the life of the well

By Gunnar De Bruijn and Mario Bellabarba, Schlumberger
Active set-cement technology mitigates risk of future gas leaks in the Central Alberta Foothills region.

Drilling in the right place

By Rhonda Duey, Senior Editor
The best data in the world is useless if the mapping is incorrect.

Vertical trees take production deeper

By JUDY MAKSOUD, Executive Editor
Deep water brings with it demanding operating conditions for subsea equipment. A new vertical christmas tree resolves some of these challenges as it takes production to greater depths.

New subsea wellhead offers increased deepwater capacities

By Jon Clark, VetcoGray
As a significant part of its efforts to find new resources for meeting this demand, the oil and gas industry continues to push the boundaries of deepwater exploration and development.

News and Analysis

May news and analysis.

Logistics meeting behind-the-scenes challenges

By Ted Kelly, Mustang Engineering L.P.
Worldwide competition for equipment to extract, produce and transport energy is intense. Easily accessible fields are being exhausted, and high energy prices are making developments in remote locations more viable.

Catastrophe brings opportunity

By Judy Maksoud Murray, Editor
Rebuilding service facilities on the US Gulf Coast following hurricanes Rita and Katrina presented enormous challenges and, at the same time, opened the door for improvement.

Building for speed

By Judy Maksoud Murray, Editor
The crewboat and supply boat sector of the offshore industry is as constrained as the mobile offshore drilling unit segment. Demand is high, availability is scarce and there is a global need for additional vessels.

Pioneering integrated services in India

By Leif Nelson, Transocean
After three years of “integrated services” experience with six mobile offshore drilling rigs, a Transocean Inc. subsidiary has achieved successes in operational efficiency and improved safety offshore India.

Drill bits are becoming system components

By Don Francis
Manufacturers are engineering bits as integrated components of a system that extends from the end of the drill string to topside to company headquarters.

Take charge of company improvements

By David Smith, Celerant Consulting
 

Asset operating integrity programs that work depend on commitment and support.

Viscometer expands frac-fluid evaluation

By Phil Harris, Halliburton
A proppant viscometer measures resistance to solids settling in proppant-rich frac fluids.

Microseismic maps Chinese horizontal

By Yingan Zhang, PetroChina Jilin Oilfield Co, Ltd
Analysis of fracture path leads to more effective stimulation placement.

Jets promote single-stage fracturing

By Charly Miklaski and Emmett Capt, EOG Resources; Martijn Bogaerts and Desmond "Des" Rees, Schlumberger
A new stimulation service provides a fast, accurate way to perforate and hydraulically fracture multiple zones on a single trip.

Li-ion batteries expand horizon for MWD tool design

By Antoine Brenier, Saft Specialty Battery Group
 

Smaller and lighter rechargeable batteries have the potential to revolutionize measurement-while-drilling (MWD) tool design and simplify rig operations.

Designing for efficiency

By JUDY MAKSOUD, Executive Editor
High day rates are pushing operators toward rigs with greater efficiency.

Cores, tools unlock shale reservoirs

By JUDY MAKSOUD, Executive Editor
Log and seismic calibration and core-based simulations are revealing reservoir secrets with growing clarity, while composite plugs are helping to improve recovery.

Ensure consistent directional control

By Paul Davenport, Hughes Christensen
PDC directional bit technology enhances steering performance by balancing the bit’s face and lateral aggressiveness with the application.

Balance technology for specific applications

By Steve Berkman and Andy Murdock, ReedHycalog

Ranking the relative importance of key performance indices in specific applications enables optimal technologies to be applied to improve drilling performance.

Dynamically model the total drilling system

By Charles Beam, Smith Bits
Sophisticated simulation process accurately models the total drilling system from individual cutter contact with the formation to the surface drive mechanism. 

Match drill bit designs to specific drilling systems

By Cary Maurstad, Varel International
A bit should be designed to complement the unique qualities and capabilities of each individual drilling system.

The evolution of closed-loop drilling systems

By John Macpherson, Baker Hughes INTEQ
Understanding of drilling dynamics, both through drilling dynamics models and validation of those models with downhole measurements, has progressed significantly.

Automation enhances casing running operations

By Dan Wiggins, Tesco Corp.
Tool initially developed to enable drilling with casing proves to be an effective method for automating casing running operations.

Drilling system goes electronic

By Mallik Guggari and Mike Porche, NOV M/D Totco
A proven pneumatic drilling system that could only be controlled locally becomes an electronic system that permits remote control.

A changing landscape

By Rhonda Duey, Senior Editor
Companies that provide drilling services are no longer in a “do as you’re told”environment.

Bridging technology overcomes depleted formations

By John Trenery and Wael El Sherbeny, Baker Hughes Drilling Fluids
A customized bridging solution aided drilling in Saudi Arabia.

New safety valve eliminates high-pressure circuit

By Tom Swan, Halliburton
Operating at a consistently low control line pressure regardless of depth or well pressure, the valve requires only the low-pressure circuit in the umbilical.

Multitasking supplements intervention

By Steve Nairn, Helix Energy Solutions Group Inc.
Light, multitasking vessels lower risks, costs for activities in existing offshore wells.

Workover rigs meet high technology

By DON LYLE, Executive Editor
Sophistication offers top efficiency and safety for operators.

Abandon gravel pack zone with gel

By David Traugott, CSI Technologies (Superior Energy Services), and Sidney G. Cox, Stokes & Spiehler
Technique saved time and money in isolating a non-productive zone in an offshore well.

Open innovation expands technology

By Mukund Karanjikar and Manuel E. Gonzalez, Chevron Energy Technology Company
New contacts in new industries spark better applications of technology in the oil field.

Big loop matches history, simulation

By Daryl Gunn, Roxar AS
As mature reservoirs create more difficult challenges, accurate simulations grow more vital.

Overcome severe torque and drag

By Michel Janssen, Oleon N.V.
Lubricant helps to overcome torque and drag, minimize stick and slip concerns and allow drilling a longer section than initially planned.

Technique trims non-productive time

By Glenn Baccigalopi, BJ Services Co.
Weighted fluid helps operator lower time of transition from mud to completion fluid.

Fluids solve sand screen plugging

By Robert Peresich and Xavier Le Prat, Baker Hughes Drilling Fluids
Wells flow freely after fluid dissolves blockage in screens.

Wellbore program reduces mud losses

By AUTHORS Jim Bruton and Fred Growcock, M-I SWACO
Tailored solution saves money for operator in sensitive well bore.

Fluid meets Bu-Hasa field challenge

By Essam Ibrahim, Halliburton Baroid
Special drilling fluid solution stops excessive mud losses and maintains wellbore integrity in a vuggy limestone formation with substantial natural fracturing.