September 2011

• Multiphysics Could Be A Gamechanger

  The understanding of new measurements is becoming more routine, but integrating them into the big picture is still a challenge.

• Tax Credits, Incentives Help Offset Technology Development Costs

  R&D is essential to the future of the industry, but oil and gas companies do not have to foot the bill alone.

• Take The ‘Un’ Out Of ‘Unconventional’

  Bruce Vincent is pro resource plays but questions the lexicon.

• Shell, HP Collaboration Leads To Development Of ‘Super Sensor’

  A new system could vastly increase channel count without decreasing efficiency.

• Smart Migrations Algorithms Speed Processing

  New technologies will shorten the turnaround time in seismic oil exploration and development.

• Accurate Well Output Measurement Helps Maximize Performance

  Access to precise production data allows operators to better manage the cost of moving the production stream.

• Efficiencies Deliver Value

  Production can be improved when appropriate technology is combined with a formal problem-solving process.

• 4-D Reservoir Characterization Improves EOR

  Understanding fluid movement, or containment, at the reservoir level is critical to effectively managing a subsurface asset.

• New System Raises Bar For Multilateral Junctions

  Advancements in multilateral technology provide additional reservoir access for both new and older wells.

• Quality Control Is Challenging But Achievable

  E&P activities continue worldwide despite increased risks. Improved processes and tools make niche capabilities such as seismic acquisition quality control more achievable than ever and help raise awareness of risk factors.

• North Sea: Mature Province Gets Its Second Wind

  Recent exploration successes have brought more players than ever to the North Sea.

• Jetting Technology Improves Production

  Hydrajetting advances improve Saudi Aramco’s gas well performance.

• Brazil Deepwater Presents Challenges, Opportunities

  With its enormous presalt discoveries awaiting exploitaiton, Brazil will be the site of active deepwater development for years to come.

• Mature Fields Spark Innovative Jackup Design

  New rig technology has the potential to improve oil recovery from aging North Sea fields.

• Stimulating Technology Boosts Unconventional Production

  An industry consortium seeks answers to difficult downhole questions.

• Advanced Casing Exit Technology Improves Drilling Efficiency

  Increasingly long and deviated extended-reach and multilateral wells are becoming more mainstream, but they continue to present significant challenges for operators.

• North Sea Optimism Rises With Development

  Enthusiasm for North Sea development was evident at the Offshore Europe 2011 Conference in Aberdeen.

• International Highlights

• Appalachia’s Marcellus Is A Proven Giant

  A recent study projects Marcellus gas production could rise to more than 17 Bcf/d by 2020, making it the single largest producing gas field in the US.

• Openhole Multistage Frac Systems Offer Economic Advantages

  A single, continuous operation with fewer trips in and out of the wellbore, less fracture treatment time and fracture fluid usage, and reduced risks are strong arguments for using OHMS systems.

• The Arctic draws R&D efforts

  The hubbub surrounding deepwater presalt activity offshore Brazil and the clamor of the shale gale have all but drowned out reports of work that is going on in arctic technology development.

• Enterprise Informatics Power Smarter, More Streamlined Science

  Exploration and production efficiency is all about the data.

• IT Aids In Facility Management

  An effective operations integrity management strategy can deliver operational efficiencies and ensure safe and compliant operations.

• Time To Ditch The Cables?

  A new wireless system offers the same benefits as cabled systems without the logistical headaches.

• Younger Fleets Take Brazil

  As Brazil’s offshore activity heats up, contractors will have to be spry to keep pace.

• Logistics Evolves From Commodity to Business-Critical

  Efficiently transporting parts and equipment from one location to another – often in difficult surroundings – is an important component of the overall drilling process.

• On The Move

• Taking A Long-term View Lessens The Fear Of Change

  Industry needs to overcome risk aversion to get the most out of new technology.

• Brazil To Become Major Technology Hub

  Answering demand in a rapidly growing Brazilian market, international companies are establishing or expanding in-country operations.

• New Operator Joins The Ranks In Brazil

  Huge presalt reserves have enticed an industry veteran to form a new independent oil company.

• Class Evolves To Meet Changing Needs

  Modern class provides technical solutions and expert advice to help offshore owners and operators manage an ever-widening spectrum of asset-related systemic and human risks, particularly in new areas of operations like Brazil’s presalt deepwater fields.

• Brazil Takes The Lead In Subsea Processing

  Petrobras will set a global benchmark with its subsea installation on the Marlim field.

• International Investment Takes A Back Seat To Presalt

  Without the pressure to search for reserves abroad, Petrobras will increasingly concentrate on adding value through domestic development. In an exclusive interview, Jorge Zelada, director of the international area of Petrobras, talked about this change in goals.

• Tech Trends

• HFDM Improves Safety In The Sky

  Identifying, quantifying, and managing risk improves the safety of offshore workers.

• Imaging Tool Improves Debris Removal Operations

  Advances in subsea imaging expedite cleanup through enhanced visualization.