March 2008

• Fluidic oscillation enhances CT interventions

  Fine tuned fluidic oscillation helps increase and extend production in declining wells.coiled tubing (CT) technologies.

• Memory-based tool records more data with improved durability

  While traditional real-time tools tend to use crystal-based sensors to accurately measure pressure and temperature downhole, a new memory-based tool uses improved strain-gauge technology that measures more downhole parameters with high accuracy and more durability.

• CT operational flexibility improved

  An innovative tool brings added flexibility to coiled tubing operations, particularly in remote locations or offshore facilities with limited lifting capabilities.

• Extend the reach of flow line remediation

  Unique jetting technology is capable of achieving distances far beyond the reach of conventional coiled tubing (CT).

• The potential of CSEM technology

  Controlled-source electromagnetic (CSEM) technology for marine hydrocarbon exploration shows a huge potential. But this potential can only be reached by a combination of an integrated approach and a solid knowledge of how to handle the new technology.

• CSEM-Revolution or evolution

  Using CSEM in conjunction with imaging and inversion methods will help determine rock and fluid properties and changes in these properties over time.

• The case for multitransient EM

  Multitransient electromagnetics provides a new tool for subsurface imaging.

• Shell finds new use for EM

  Study reveals a new method to distinguish geological scenarios in a very high-cost drilling environment, which has the potential to achieve significant project savings.

• Simultaneous fracturing takes off

  Enormous multiwell fracs maximize exposure to shale reservoirs, achieving more production, sooner.

• Viscometer expands frac-fluid evaluation

  A proppant viscometer measures resistance to solids settling in proppant-rich frac fluids.

• Optimization improves acid coverage

  Pumping schedule gets acid past damaged zones and generates wormholes.

• Jets promote single-stage fracturing

  A new stimulation service provides a fast, accurate way to perforate and hydraulically fracture multiple zones on a single trip.

• Finding the sweet spot

  Multicomponent seismic technology can improve the economic success of tight gas exploration and production.

• Fracture solutions unlock US gas shale plays

  Fracture identification combined with reservoir modeling enables optimal drilling decisions in hot US gas shale plays.

• Cores, tools unlock shale reservoirs

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

• Deepwater Mexico shows promise

  A planned play development program results in high-potential for reserve additions.

• Microseismic maps Chinese horizontal

  Analysis of fracture path leads to more effective stimulation placement.

• I’ve got an oilpatch education

  It’s customary when a magazine editor retires to gnaw on the details of the past 20 years and spit them out as an autobiography with little relevance to the remaining members of mankind.

• To drill or not to drill

  A compelling argument comes in the form of a new report issued by the United States Department of Energy's National Energy Technology Laboratory.

• Graphics on a grand scale

  A powerful new clustered solution from Scalable Graphics provides immense scalability for Paradigm’s GOCAD software.

• Whiz-bang computing

  The way processing power has been ramping up, even Mr. Moore would have trouble keeping pace.

• What your customers are thinking about

  If you’re a drilling contractor, you’re dealing with customers with a lot on their minds. Knowing what they’re thinking may help you maintain and grow successful relationships.

• Take charge of company improvements

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

• News and Analysis

  March exploration news and analysis.

• Evolution of the Barnett Shale play

  Perseverance paid off for Mitchell Energy and others, taking the Barnett from a disappointment to a barn-burner.

• On the Move

  Who's going where in the upstream sector.

• The only thing constant is change

  It is hard to imagine a Houston freeway without Escalades, Explorers, and super sized Dodge trucks, but SUVs and duel-axle pickup trucks could become things of the past if the trend toward hybrid and electrically powered cars picks up.

• Drill bits are becoming system components

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

• Li-ion batteries expand horizon for MWD tool design

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

• Designing for efficiency

  High day rates are pushing operators toward rigs with greater efficiency.

• Pine or Oak?

  I have decided to build an 84 ft wooden cable tool rig just like the one Grandpa used to have.