July 2009

• Considered approach improves hydraulic fracturing in horizontal open holes

  Much of the successful exploitation of the tight gas reservoirs in the US and Canada is due to the ability to cost-effectively drill, complete, and hydraulically fracture horizontal wells. A big part of cost savings comes from innovations in fracturing. 

• Presalt basins identified in Gabon

  A new study indicates Brazilian analogs.

• Integrate real-time drilling data within the geological model

  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

  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 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.

• Things are not what they seem in Indonesia

  A new prospectivity study puts old doubts to rest.

• Subsea wastewater treatment innovation

  A new system saves time and reduces environmental impact.

• Water treatment processes make strides

  As the water treatment of oilfield brines by desalination increases, the use of all desalination technique packages continues to grow.

• Water management’s role in revitalizing the mature Casabe field

  An alliance between Ecopetrol, S.A. and Schlumberger revitalized the mature, complex Casabe field, located in Colombia.

• Floatover innovation offers new options

  When it comes to offshore construction projects, success often comes from thinking differently, focusing expertise, respecting lessons learned, and being able to look at something familiar from a new perspective.

• Construction, Installation advances extend capabilities

  Innovative solutions are pushing the limits of offshore construction and installation. Enhanced vessels are allowing heavier lifts at greater depths, while new approaches adapt current technologies.

• Integrated services yield efficiency in development

  Success in Brazil will depend on a perspective that takes advantage of every step in the E&P process.

• Offshore operators get Kiwi tax exemption

  The New Zealand government has made the decision to extend the tax exemption for non-resident offshore operators for another five years.

• Oil and the recession

  How high oil prices might kill the economic recovery. 

• Leveraging knowledge with technology

  In today’s oilfield environment, knowledge is the most effective weapon against risk and uncertainty.

• Turning the tsunami tide

  Seismic studies are helping scientists better understand and predict the earthquakes that cause deadly tidal waves.

• Don’t sweat the small stuff

  In today’s market, stuck tools are definitely not considered small stuff. However one company’s coiled tubing service is decreasing this problem’s impact.

• Whose company is it anyway?

  Focus on problems, and problems increase. Focus on answers, and answers increase.

• Pioneering a global play

  Subsalt discoveries are exciting news. But they’re not as risky as they used to be.

• People on the Move

• Size matters, but bigger is not always better

  A newly introduced drillship concept delivers ultra-deepwater capabilities with a smaller footprint.

• The increasingly troubled relationship between water and energy

  Experts say dealing with petroleum-related water consumption and production is high on the list of concerns in a world where H20 is an increasingly scarce resource.

• Time-lapse helps site new Ekofisk wells

  Reservoir drainage and injection patterns in Norway’s largest oil field are mapped using high-resolution time-lapse seismic technology.

• Tech Trends: DM5E family introduced, Slim FPWD saves 14 rig-days, Scott advances multigas monitor, Cirrus Logic modifies marine streamer solution

  DM5E family introduced, Slim FPWD saves 14 rig-days, Scott advances multigas monitor, Cirrus Logic modifies marine streamer solution

• Transparency throughout contract process saves time, boosts profit

  Claims over contracts are rising in the oil and gas industry, and there are simple steps that can be taken to avoid the cost and time involved in resolution.