E&P Magazine - March 2012
Cover Story
New Bits, Technology Raise Bar On Drilling Performance
Improvements highlight benefits of advanced technology globally.
Exploration Technologies
Data Processing Meets Cloud Computing
A new company is standing conventional seismic data processing on its ear by offering its software for free.
Drilling Technologies
Fracturing Technology Is In The Spotlight
Given the wide array of available tools and services, fracing technology is a major focus for many E&P companies.
Completions and Production
A Capital Idea – Let’s Stick To The Budget
Nearly 30% of large E&P capex projects suffered 50% cost overruns last year, and the figure is still rising.
Digital Solutions
Bridging The Communication Gap In Iraq
Even hostile environments can be wired for operational needs.
MPC Technology Optimizes Production In Remote Locations
Advanced process control tools can help facilities increase production, remotely collaborate to improve issue support, and reduce operational costs.
Features
BP Pioneers Second Generation Of Digital Oil Fields
BP Norge enhances its existing experience in digital oilfield technology by creating two second-generation ‘fields of the future.’
Canadian Producers Target Tight Gas Opportunities
The big news in Canada is tight gas, particularly in northeast British Columbia, but markets and regulations could temper the country’s gas future.
Delivering Improved Recovery Rates Through Digital Gas Lift
Greater flexibility of a real-time digital solution could produce more than 1,000 b/d extra oil from a typical well.
Extended For The Web: Going Digital: Optimizing Artificially Lifted Wells In Real Time
With 95% of the world’s wells now reliant on artificial lift, robust and effective well intervention is key to prolonging and sustaining the life of oil fields.
Extending The West African Play
The emerging presalt potential offshore West Africa and its similarity to Brazil’s giant reserves indicate that, despite decades of production, operators have seen only the tip of the iceberg.
First OBS-To-OBS Time Lapse Results Show Promise
A novel approach leads to new insights at the Mars field.
Fluid Regime Sheds New Light On Formation Damage In Tight Gas Reservoirs
Tight gas formations pose a multitude of challenges in formulating reservoir drill-in fluids (RDF).
Going Digital: Optimizing Artificially Lifted Wells In Real Time
With 95% of the world’s wells now reliant on artificial lift, robust and effective well intervention is key to prolonging and sustaining the life of oil fields.
Growing Up In The Digital Age
The industry needs to take decisive action if it is to take the next step and broaden its journey toward widescale adoption of intelligent energy solutions.
Is There A Future For Land 4-D?
It is easy to justify 4-D surveys offshore. Land surveys provide a few additional hurdles.
New Pipe Design Seeks Industry Uptake
Controlling differential pressure is the key to reducing wall thickness and costs for deepwater gas export systems.
Portfolio Combines Old, New Assets
Breitling Oil and Gas is examining Chinese shales while continuing to breathe new life into aging resources.
Putting An End To ‘Successful Failures’
The difference between success and failure often lies in the ability to communicate properly with key decision-makers in a timely fashion. Here is how one North Sea operator ensured a ‘successful success.’
ROV Simulation Training Tool Cuts Operational Costs And Risks
With ROV support vessel costs increasing significantly over recent years, contractors are examining their costs carefully to maximize value and identify performance benefits.
Specialized Fluid System Improves Horizontal Applications
A lubricious and inhibitive fluid system can improve efficiency when drilling lateral production intervals prone to stuckpipe and lost circulation.
Spending Increases In 2012 With A Close Eye On Certain Challenges
Oil and gas industry leaders have forecast a year of significant capital expenditure in 2012, but companies are prepared to cut back if the economy fails.
Transactions Bring Renewed Life To Offshore Drilling
The Gulf of Mexico and the jackup rig markets are the latest to exhibit evidence of an improving 2012 offshore picture.
Tech Watch
Heat Capture Technology Minimizes Waste
Capturing produced heat at various stages in the energy supply chain helps provide onsite electricity.
Tech Trends
Activity Highlights
Last Word
Taking The Well Construction Conversation To Total Depth
Total depth engineering is fast becoming a deep conversation in the well construction sector.
Activity Spotlight
Rig Rates Climb For Midwater Units As Rig Supply Tightens
With the tightness in rig availability, companies are likely to start stepping up new orders for drilling rigs in the near future.
International Spotlight
Cyprus Gears Up For Second Offshore Licensing Round
Giant gas discoveries have spurred interest in this part of the Mediterranean Sea.
Management Report
Managing Employee Fatigue: A New Approach To A Long-Standing Challenge
An automated approach keeps workers alert and safe.