January 2008

• Technique adds to reservoir understanding

  Advanced technologies such as crosswell imaging are being used more often to provide a level of ultra-high resolution information that can reliably support drilling, production and EOR operations.

• A visual change to desktop integration

  Many of the biggest players in the oil and gas industry have adopted the latest visualization tools for virtual collaboration, analysis and decision-making. These technologies are not only linking people with data but linking experts with experts for the ultimate in team-based analysis.

• Big loop matches history, simulation

  As mature reservoirs create more difficult challenges, accurate simulations grow more vital.

• Brenda developed with limited resources

  Integrated interpretation and modeling improved Oilexco’s reservoir model and reserves estimates for project development.

• Prices trigger enhanced recovery

  Management of partially depleted fields offers opportunities for profit.

• Overcome severe torque and drag

  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

  Weighted fluid helps operator lower time of transition from mud to completion fluid.

• Fluids solve sand screen plugging

  Wells flow freely after fluid dissolves blockage in screens.

• Wellbore program reduces mud losses

  Tailored solution saves money for operator in sensitive well bore.

• Fluid meets Bu-Hasa field challenge

  Special drilling fluid solution stops excessive mud losses and maintains wellbore integrity in a vuggy limestone formation with substantial natural fracturing.

• Using stranded gas to revive production

  Energy generated from waste gas restores marginal fields.

• 1,500 Tcf of natural gas is yet to be produced

  The greatest challenge is to develop stranded gas at a cost low enough to justify the investment in the face of market risk.

• Industry conditions ripe for CNG

  New technology expands stranded gas development options.

• Compensation shoots higher

  Energy industry compensation plans outpace overall industry.

• Women in the offshore industry

  Although historically dominated by men, the offshore industry is learning to integrate women into its roster.

• Securing a scarce resource

  With the buzz concerning recruiting experienced workers to replenish an aging workforce, it is important to find ways to keep the ones you have.

• Learn a trade at Company U

  Shell employees gear up for careers at the operator’s college.

• OPEC’s role in today’s world

  In an exclusive interview, OPEC Secretary General Abdalla S. El-Badri discusses the evolution of OPEC and the issues facing the organization. This is the first of a series of E&P interviews with leaders from across the industry.

• Mozambique mobilizes resources

  With little production and lots of potential, this African country wants investments.

• Consider shifting energy sources

  In 1874, science fiction writer Jules Verne predicted a world where water replaces coal as the fuel of the future. He’d be happy to know the era of hydrocarbons may be declining. We are approaching the hydrogen age.

• What, me worry?

  There seems to be a lot to worry about these days, particularly in the energy department.

• Efficiently manage scattered and diverse

  A single system using unique software allows operators to run their oilfields like a store, managing all aspects efficiently and cost-effectively.

• The missing link

  New visualization software unravels more of the seismic interpretation puzzle.

• CPD shrinks NPT

  Controlled-pressure drilling encompasses managed-pressure and underbalanced techniques to mitigate hazards that cause non-productive time.

• Open innovation expands technology

  New contacts in new industries spark better applications of technology in the oil field.

• Make operations, maintenance hum

  High oil prices don’t simplify oil and gas operations complexity.

• News and Analysis

  January news and analysis.

• Remembering the Centennial stamp

  In 1959 the industry was recognized for its 100th anniversary by a special commemorative stamp. It looks like the 150th anniversary will not be so notably honored

• On the move

  Who's going where in the upstream industry.

• A matter of perspective

  The way you see things depends on where you’re standing.

• Using satellite imagery at Shell

  Oil and gas E&P activities are now supported using imagery from a range of active and passive satellite-based sensors and have raised expectations across the industry.

• Tech Trend briefs

  January tech trends.

• Words to live by

  The 10 commandments of effective field management.