E&P Magazine - December 2008
As I See It
Trippin’
With the world in a recession now bordering on depression, it is not logical to expect that massive amounts of money will be spent to speed up development of alternative energy sources.
Exploration Technologies
Diagnosing the oil field
Can the marvels of modern medicine be applied to the search for hydrocarbons?
Drilling Technologies
Good finds are hard to keep
Two recent events highlight the uncertain risks associated with conducting free enterprise in nationalized economies.
Completions and Production
R&D efforts target deepwater, arctic
Despite the downturn in the economy, R&D dollars continue to be invested in technologies that will take drilling and production into deeper water and colder climates.
SEG, Supercomputing 2008 set the stage
Murphy’s Law, which states that computer chips will double in processing power every 18 months, means much more for E&P professionals than just faster-running applications.
Digital Solutions
Wireless advances aid remote operations efforts
A key component of what’s often referred to as the “digital oil field” is remote monitoring and control of operations. Given recent advances in use of wireless technology, it can play a significant role in making remote operations practical and economical.
Features
2008: A record year
From a drilling perspective, operations in 2008 have pushed the envelope both on and offshore.
Contractors, operators push boundaries
With high commodity prices pushing exploration, several new records were set in 2008.
Drilling technology breaks new ground
Drilling technology adds value to oil and gas reserves in 2008.
New technology takes projects deeper
The move to deeper water was one of the primary drivers behind a number of milestones reached in 2008. Noteworthy records were set across the board in the offshore segment of the industry, from deepwater mooring to advances in subsea systems to classification of new production systems.
Solving industry’s tough challenges – together
In a rapidly changing industry, innovation, collaboration, and openness will pave the way forward. Incorporating advances on existing infrastructure will be one of the cornerstones of success.
Startups, completions, expansions, first oil
On a global playing field, IOCs, NOCs, and independents pushed hard throughout 2008 to meet what seemed at the time to be never-ending demand growth. Now, when that time comes again — and it will — they’ll be ready.
Tech Trends
Tech Trend briefs
Tech trends for December 2008.
Tech Watch: Technology reduces exploration risks
Landmark’s R5000 synchronous release delivers new geoscience capabilities, custom workflows, and greater insight into asset potential.
On The Move
On the move
Who's going where in the upstream sector.
Last Word
Strippers contribute to independence
Stripper wells provide a substantial portion of current US supplies of oil and natural gas.
Activity Spotlight
Iraq’s first round
Iraq’s Regional Oil Co. prequalified a wide range of IOCs and NOCs to participate in its first licensing round.
Another Perspective
The changing face of leadership development
Changing demands are altering the rules of the game and redefining the role of industry leaders.
Management Report
Define, design, deliver for mentoring success
Securing expert advice in defining mentoring needs and designing a mentoring program is the first step toward successful implementation.
News & Analysis
News and Analysis
News and analysis for December.
Oilfield History
From 1938 with oil
A 70-year-old map is helping a Pennsylvania-based producer bring new life to a 19th century oil field.