January 2011

• Top 10 technologies to watch

  Advanced technology will improve operations in the coming year.

• Future looks bright for expansion project, oil sands production

  Canadian Ambassador to the US Gary Doer explains why the Keystone Gulf Coast Expansion Project is vital to the US and shares evidence that melts the “frozen facts” on oil sands production.

• Cost-effective supply-chain models require visibility

  Operating internationally is enough of a challenge without losing sight of the supply chain.

• Effective asset integrity management expands life extension options

  Increased attention on safety and asset integrity has shifted industry focus to maintenance programs and inspection.

• Shale gas plays provide valuable seismic in a low-price environment

  Geophysical measurements prove their worth as shale operators opt for quality over quantity.

• Multifocusing improves seismic data

  A new methodology provides coherent stacking of seismic data and has the potential to compute enhanced prestack seismic traces.

• New approach provides a more accurate model

  Applying neural network analysis shows better log correlation in P impedance volumes.

• Improved drilling systems save rig time

  Optimized motors can reduce drilling time in difficult, high-temperature shale formations.

• Remote virtual operations combat harsh downhole environments

  Combining laboratory measurements with real-time information helps fluid design companies combat the challenges presented in many downhole environments.

• Surface pumps sweep stranded oil

  Use of multistage centrifugal surface pumping systems optimizes EOR using CO flooding in mature fields.

• New drilling fluid saves cost, environment

  A new water-based mud is helping Haynesville operators save drilling time and spread cost while adding environmental advantages to their operations.

• Is the Haynesville a sleeping giant?

  In a down market for dry-gas plays, the Haynesville holds promise for an intensive natural gas future.

• New ideas for an old shoe treatment

  Taking a proactive step to prevent wells from going sour, a non-chemical surface treatment can be implemented to get the bugs out of frac fluid.

• Surge in installations bolsters floating production spend

  More than 100 FPSs will be installed worldwide between 2010 and 2014 at a total value of nearly US $45 billion.

• Construction continues in the FPS sector

  New units continue to roll out of the yards despite a year and a half of global financial strain.

• Challenges hamper China’s near-term unconventional development

  China is facing unique hurdles in its bid to develop domestic unconventional gas, but the long-term view is promising.

• A new beginning

• Intelligent completion sets record offshore Nigeria

  Intelligent completions are becoming a standard in complex development projects when the additional capex investment is justified by accelerated production, increased reserves, or a reduction in number of development wells.

• New technology to set industry standard

  A novel approach to drilling lifecycle management improves dynamics for deepwater operations.

• Is market data quality lip service, alimony, or marriage?

  Third-party data validation ensures prompt response to changing market conditions.

• Forensic geophysics put the pieces together

  One processing shop goes to great lengths to find vintage data – and reprocesses it with tender loving care.

• Are designer fracs good for business?

  Redesigning the factory approach to fracing unconventional wells could maximize production, but at a premium.

• Lean interacts with the oil, gas industry

  Can Lean principles bring excellence to E&P activities, or will they fetter users and limit their flexibility? The answer might come as a surprise.

• On The Move

• This ain’t Texas!

  The international scene can present unimaginable challenges to those trying to do business there for the first time. Some succeed; others do not.

• Software application manages workforce training, competence

• Unit enhances onshore safety, efficiency

• Coupling extends life cycle in SWD assemblies

• Drilling jar product line helps free stuck drillpipe

• New software enhances core competency, log data capture

• Pumps aid offshore seawater lifting, firefighting

• Reservoir navigation software increases recovery

• PCPs lower maintenance costs in FPSO applications

• Tech Watch: Modern-day bucket brigade saves drowning wells

  Multistage plunger lift can be an economical alternative to pumping units under certain conditions as an innovative application of a mature technology.

• Digital oil field transforms workflow, enables improvement

  The digital oil field empowers people, particularly cross-functional teams, with the data and tools to react to or anticipate problems and opportunities within the operations environment.