February 2011

• Expandable reamers move from marginal to integrated components

  While reamers have been in use for more than a century, reliability issues have kept them out of the spotlight… until now.

• LWD provides solution for bolstering shale gas economics

  Real-time formation evaluation expedites accurate well placement.

• Advanced microseismics optimize unconventional development

  Microseismic analysis is moving beyond the mapping of single fractures, providing a wealth of information about complex reservoirs.

• Oil markets tightening quickly

  Research indicates that the industry has recovered from the recession and is going to be hard-pressed to meet growing demand.

• Taking a new look at North America

  In late 2009, Devon Energy decided to refocus its efforts on the US and Canada. Executive vice president of E&P Dave Hager talks about the excitement of staying closer to home.

• A legend embraces deepwater MPD technology in Indonesia

  The rig was known as the Glomar Explorer when it was launched in 1974 by Howard Hughes to secretly recover a lost Soviet submarine. Today the Transocean GSF Explorer continues a tradition of innovation.

• PDC bits optimized for shale development

  With the rapid increase in drilling activity in North America’s unconventional shale plays, there has been a significant push to develop application-specific technologies to increase economic feasibility.

• Radioactive sources: their importance, challenges, and opportunities

  Radioactive sources provide the most accurate measurement of porosity, but their use is causing increasing concern.

• Drilling efficiency gains allow operators to drill more wells

  As the quest for new fields and untapped reserves becomes more challenging, the value of time grows exponentially.

• Hybrid bit technology finds new ground

  Early concepts of hybrid bits were researched in the early 1930s, but were deemed impractical and even unreasonable; only recently – using 21st century advancements – has the myth become a reality.

• New PDC designs produce major successes

  Extensive post-run evaluation leads to improved designs and major successes for operators.

• New sensor allows leak detection for subsea structures

  Leak detectors routinely are specified for subsea installations. In reality, the majority of leaks still are discovered either through routine ROV inspection or observation of surface oil slicks.

• Utica shale is young but promising

  The Utica shale is finding its way from exploration to development.

• Operators take a closer look at the Utica

  This enormous shale play could be the largest natural gas field ever discovered.

• Versatile tool solves several well problems

  It can be difficult to anticipate all possible problems or issues that could arise in the course of completing a well or maintaining production after completion.

• Strake technology extends spar field life

  Vortex-induced motions exert stresses on risers and moorings, which can lead to overstressing, buckling, brittle fractures, or fatigue. The motion and stresses can be mitigated by attaching strakes to the hull. A new approach to construction could mean a longer life for spars.

• Bridging the resolution gap

  Better reservoir modeling tools lead to better decisions.

• New technologies help break Arctic E&P barriers

  The ability to access hydrocarbon resources from increasingly challenging environments will be critical in meeting growing global energy demand.

• Innovative technology takes on the Arctic challenge

  Enormous reserves volumes have drawn the industry’s attention to the Arctic, but a broad range of technologies must be further developed and implemented if the hope of producing these vast resources is to be realized.

• Uruguay presents offshore opportunities

  Building on the success of the first bidding round, Uruguay offers nine offshore blocks for exploration and development.

• The world is getting smaller

• IT advances provide a pipeline for efficient communication

  Oil and gas professionals can work smarter, improve productivity, and enable access to critical information in real time by streamlining communication and business decision-making.

• Cloud computing stacks up for SPE-friendly reserves management

  An online solution helps oil companies manage their most important assets.

• Making sense of it all

  Paradigm Ltd.’s founder and CEO discusses the challenges the industry faces as the data explosion accelerates.

• New bit design provides better cuttings

  Rock data are key parts of full field development, although rock flour is the most available substance being circulated up the annulus for now.

• Integrated solutions are an adaptive change

  An integrated solution needs an appropriate environment for strategic execution.

• On The Move

• A lesson worth re-learning

  George Santayana was right. “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.”

• Tech Watch: A new approach meets an old need

  A new formation evaluation tool provides the missing link to accurately determine water volume.

• Software enhancements improve subsurface definition

• Biodegradable product eliminates bacteria

• High-temperature downhole pumps allow operators to use PCPs

• Hydraulic actuator eliminates mess

• New software accurately models hydrocarbon assets

• Axial flow impeller improves efficiency

• Handheld laser measure ideal for high-risk rigs

• Taking the measure of reliability

  Programs and processes from other industries are helping to improve product and service reliability in oil and gas operations.