E&P Magazine - September 2011
As I See It
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.
Cover Story
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.
Exploration Technologies
Time To Ditch The Cables?
A new wireless system offers the same benefits as cabled systems without the logistical headaches.
Drilling Technologies
Younger Fleets Take Brazil
As Brazil’s offshore activity heats up, contractors will have to be spry to keep pace.
Completions and Production
Taking A Long-term View Lessens The Fear Of Change
Industry needs to overcome risk aversion to get the most out of new technology.
Special Report
Brazil Takes The Lead In Subsea Processing
Petrobras will set a global benchmark with its subsea installation on the Marlim field.
Brazil To Become Major Technology Hub
Answering demand in a rapidly growing Brazilian market, international companies are establishing or expanding in-country operations.
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.
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.
New Operator Joins The Ranks In Brazil
Huge presalt reserves have enticed an industry veteran to form a new independent oil company.
Digital Solutions
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.
Features
4-D Reservoir Characterization Improves EOR
Understanding fluid movement, or containment, at the reservoir level is critical to effectively managing a subsurface asset.
Accurate Well Output Measurement Helps Maximize Performance
Access to precise production data allows operators to better manage the cost of moving the production stream.
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.
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.
Efficiencies Deliver Value
Production can be improved when appropriate technology is combined with a formal problem-solving process.
Jetting Technology Improves Production
Hydrajetting advances improve Saudi Aramco’s gas well performance.
Mature Fields Spark Innovative Jackup Design
New rig technology has the potential to improve oil recovery from aging North Sea fields.
New System Raises Bar For Multilateral Junctions
Advancements in multilateral technology provide additional reservoir access for both new and older wells.
North Sea: Mature Province Gets Its Second Wind
Recent exploration successes have brought more players than ever to the North Sea.
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.
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.
Stimulating Technology Boosts Unconventional Production
An industry consortium seeks answers to difficult downhole questions.
Take The ‘Un’ Out Of ‘Unconventional’
Bruce Vincent is pro resource plays but questions the lexicon.
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.
Tech Watch
Imaging Tool Improves Debris Removal Operations
Advances in subsea imaging expedite cleanup through enhanced visualization.
Tech Trends
On The Move
Last Word
HFDM Improves Safety In The Sky
Identifying, quantifying, and managing risk improves the safety of offshore workers.
Activity Spotlight
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.
North Sea Optimism Rises With Development
Enthusiasm for North Sea development was evident at the Offshore Europe 2011 Conference in Aberdeen.
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.
Management Report
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.