September 2010

• Industry Icon: Rex Tillerson

  Rex Tillerson leads the charge as ExxonMobil embraces new energy strategies.

• Efficiencies increase in 4-D surveys

  A new acquisition methodology provides ‘acceptable’ data at considerable cost savings.

• New vessel design extends installation, decommissioning capabilities

  A vessel due out in 2013 not only will tackle decommissioning projects, it will be the largest pipelay vessel in the world.

• Will flowback or produced water do?

  The perennial shortage of water for hydraulic fracturing has encouraged the use of flowback, produced, and other non-freshwater sources in stimulation operations, but there are concerns.

• Water? What flavor would you like?

  Once again, technology brings a solution to the frac water situation with a treatment process that can be customized to fit operators’ needs.

• Online de-sander optimizes separator performance

  In the past, total sand remediation was a multistage activity. Now, a new online integrated separator/cleaner does the task in a continuous process.

• Produced water management offers innovation opportunities

  Water from oil and gas production streams is the most significant liquid discharge associated with E&P operations. As water concerns become greater, more companies are investing in technologies to resolve water management issues and increase production.

• California’s Monterey shale play is coming of age

  Western Energy managing director Steven Marshall shares some of the challenges his company faces as it pioneers drilling in an emerging play.

• Atlantic Canada invites exploration

  Drilling is in full swing offshore Newfoundland and Labrador, and Nova Scotia is gearing up to offer data to potential investors.

• Real-time flow rate obtained from ESP data

  A solution to understand reservoir response, spot early trends, and improve well test quality can be achieved by monitoring electrical submersible pump (ESP) data.

• Slimhole triple-combo LWD overcomes severe doglegs

  A flexible slimhole system is key to improving drilling efficiency in challenging wells.

• Nanoscale imaging visualizes shale gas plays

  New images reveal shale secrets.

• Seismic reveals Eagle Ford rock properties

  Mapping impedance helps high-grade locations.

• The next generation of rock physics models

  The exploration and exploitation of hydrocarbons involves finding the right kind of rock with the right kind of fluids, at the right depth, and in the correct container – with the ability to lift them without disturbing the environment. Rock physics is the glue that bonds these processes together.

• Experts join forces to address UKCS decommissioning conundrum

  The offshore oil and gas industry is at a major crossroads over how it tackles decommissioning. Spiraling costs combined with the ever-crucial integrity challenges are posing serious issues.

• Increased permit approval time could delay future decommissioning

  In the US GoM, delays in approving decommissioning projects will continue to increase unless government resources are added to the permitting process.

• Circulating the hole clean: Illusion or realty?

  What you see at the shakers can be deceiving.

• Rotary steering provides gains in Eagle Ford shale, Olmos sand

  An aggressive drilling program anchored by rotary steerable systems (RSS) has paid off in Eagle Ford.

• Complex wells exploit shallow deepwater targets in West Africa

  Today, in deepwater West Africa, complex, 3-D, and high-angle extended-reach wells are drilled routinely to access wider areas of the reservoir and minimize field development cost.

• FEA modeling system delivers high-angle well bore through hard formations

  Deepwater drilling experience does not occur naturally. One operator proves that, even though the learning curve is steep, diving in has its advantages.

• Peru increases exploration opportunities

  To become a net hydrocarbons exporter in the coming years, Peru is offering 25 blocks within the Marañon, Ucayali, Santiago, Huallaga, and Sechura basins.

• Unconventionals take the international spotlight

• What wireless network?

  Automated system delivers reliable results without being obtrusive.

• Neural networks get new champion

  Geophysical Insights is using this technology for attribute classification.

• Nanotechnology and the future of oil and gas

  Believing only what you can see often leads to missed opportunities.

• Industry turns to alumni for resourcing solutions

  Alumni networks offer a pool of experienced personnel, and companies are looking to them for new hires.

• On the Move

• What about drilling season?

  Although a fall nip is not yet in the air, everyone knows autumn means football season and hunting season. But the season that is most anticipated is resumption of drilling season.

• Tech Watch: Stop profit leaks

  Innovative project generates gas savings and carbon credits.

• Tech Trends

• A farewell to Matt Simmons

  The iconoclastic Simmons leaves a legacy of contribution and controversy.