(45) "SPE/WPC proposed Reserves Definitions"
Dr. Claude McMichael, Independent Consultant, retired from Mobil, International E&P Division and Mobil Research and Development Corporation.
January 9, 1997The Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) and the World Petroleum Congress (WPC) have formed a task force to develop a set of industry standard reserve definitions. This discussion reviews the efforts of the SPE/WPC Task Force and highlight the significant differences between past definitions and those being proposed by the two organizations. It will address the impact the change would have on existing reserves estimations and bookings. The discussion will also address outstanding reserve issues which need to be resolved in the future to broaden the definitions and address the full range of reserve issues facing the international industry.
(46) "Formation Damage: what we Think We Know and What We Really Know"
Lindsay J. Fraser, drilling-fluids technical specialist , Dowell’s North American Well Construction Services Group
Jan. 16, 1997
In the past, the industry was largely indifferent to the damage being exacted on reservoir producibility during the drilling-in process. Now the industry is addressing the subject as a matter of fundamental importance. Two of the main culprits in reservoir damage, fine solids and polymers in drill-in fluids that can enter and damage the reservoir, are the focus of this talk. The fates of these components and the effects they have on permeability recovery are discussed. Consideration is also given to cake lift-off by reservoir (back) flow as an alternative to conventional stimulation techniques. Also addressed are the use and effectiveness of breakers, size distributions of bridging solids, damage to screen assemblies, and additional areas in which industry understanding needs to be advanced.(47) "Center of Applications of Distributed Parallel Processing"
Dr. Kaveh Ashenayi, Associate Professor of Electrical Engineering, University of Tulsa
Jan. 23, 1997
Center of Applications of Distributed Parallel Processing (CADPP) is a joint venture between the University of Tulsa (TU) and its industrial sponsors. CADPP’s activities are aimed at developing tools and computing infrastructure needed by the independent oil producers to utilize the Internet in the course of their daily business. This talk will briefly describe CADPP and its activities since its inception in 1995. Dr. Ashenayi will discuss present membership of the center and how they have benefited from their participation in the center. In addition, plans for 1997 and beyond will be discussed.(48) "Surveillance and Optimization of Mature Waterfloods: Can You Afford to Ignore It?"
Anil Kumar, Ph.D., Senior Reservoir Engineering Advisor for Mobil E&P US Inc., Distinguished Lecturer
Jan. 30, 1997
This presentation will describe a surveillance and optimization approach to mature waterfloods and IOR floods experiencing declining oil production and increasing injectant production as reflected in Water-Oil Ratio and Gas-Oil Ratio. It will review fundamental factors that influence injectant (water, CO2, steam) production. The presentation will cite examples and case histories of effective technology usage that can prevent premature abandonment or sale of potential waterflood and IOR reserves.(49) Feb. 6, 1997- Ken Harpole, Phillips Petroleum Company
EVGSAU CO2 Flood Ten Year Performance Review: Evolution of a Reservoir Management Strategy and Results of WAG Optimization
The east Vacuum Grayburg San Andres Unit (EVGSAU), located in Lea Co., N.M., recently completed ten years of successful CO2 miscible WAG injection. This presentation reviews the original CO2 project design, evaluates the actual project performance over the past ten years, and chronicles the evolution of a reservoir management strategy from the original fixed 2:1 WAG to the current flexible, performance driven WAG strategy. Operating changes implemented over the past two years have produced significant improvements in the profitability and performance in terms of both increased oil production response and reserve additions, and in reduced gas handling problems and expenses.(50) February 13, 1997- Dr. Valerie Jochen, S. A. Holditch & Associates
Probabilistic Reserves Estimation Using Decline Curve Analysis with the Bootstrap Method
The SPE, WPC and SPEE are currently working on a uniform set of reserve classifications that will allow for both deterministic and probabilistic reserve estimation methods. This presentation will address the bootstrap method of Monte Carlo analysis as applied to the production performance data of two fields to obtain a probabilistic distribution of reserve estimates. This method does not require a prior knowledge of the underlying parameter distributions. Results obtained using the bootstrap method will be compared with a conventional constant percentage decline deterministic analysis.(51) February 20, 1997- Ron Bray, Amoco
Leveraging Drilling Technology
In the 90's many companies have taken a close look at the benefit/cost ratio of supporting groups to develop new technology. In response to this, Amoco, Phillips and Conoco have recently formed a partnership called the Drilling Technology Alliance (DTA). The purpose of DTA is to share existing drilling technology and develop new drilling technology under a cost sharing arrangement. Mr. Bray will discuss DTA as well as other activities at Amoco’s Drilling Technology Test Facility.(52) February 27, 1997- Dr. Ronald Evans, University of Oklahoma
US Petroleum Engineering Workforce Supply and Demand
We are all aware of the fluctuations in the supply and demand that have been experienced in our profession. This presentation will discuss a recent study performed on behalf of SPE to determine the current and predict the future supply and demand for petroleum engineers in the United States.(53) March 6, 1997 - Rex McPhail, an attorney with the firm of Catalano, Zingerman & Associates.
A Review of Patent Law for Engineers
New technology is playing an ever increasing role in shaping the future of the petroleum industry. U.S. patent laws are designed to stimulate and promote new ideas by granting the patent owner the right to exclude others from making, using or selling a claimed invention. This discussion will present an introduction to the U.S. patent system and provide a basic understanding of the patent process.(54) March 13, 1997 - Li Hongwei, Deputy Manager and Senior Engineer of the Drilling Technology Co. of Shengli, Petroleum Administrative Bureau of the China National Petroleum Corp. (CNPC)
The Utility of Horizontal Wells for Exploration and Development
The Shengli oil field, the second largest oil field in China, is located in Bohai Bay and has an annual production of 30 million tons. Recently, approximately 40 horizontal wells were drilled; the accumulative production is approximately 400,000 tons. This presentation first reviews the geographical locations, drilling experience, exploration achievements, and production comparion of the horizontal exploratory and development wells in Shengli. The talk then focuses on horizontal exploratory wells, including the geological and drilling aspects. Next, follows a discussion of a horizontally drilled lane well, with a 5-m radius and 555-m length in the best portion of the pay zone. The presentation concludes with a description of horizontal development wells in heavy-oil gravel reservoirs.(55) March 20, 1997 -Cecil Hunt, Lufkin Industries
Beam Pump Applications
Mr. Cecil Hunt’s presentation covers the various aspects of beam pumping unit applications. He will cover the basics of the application design, the various system options available to operators, the different input and output data from Lufkin’s pumping unit computer program and proven methods of reducing pumping unit power consumption. The presentation will also include a slide tour of the Lufkin Industries manufacturing facilities.(56) April 3, 1997 - Mr. Charles Ellis, KWB Oil Property Mgmt, Inc.
Drilling Short Radius Dual Lateral Wells in Oklahoma: An Operator’s Experience
Drilling multiple laterals from the same vertical wellbore to improve hydrocarbon production has been successfully applied in many fields. This presentation will describe one operator’s experience in drilling short radius dual laterals in the Burbank Sand of Osage County, Oklahoma. The planning, drilling and completion of the well will be discussed.(57) April 10, 1997 To be announced
(58) April 17,1997 - Commissioner Cody Graves, Commissioner Ed Apple, Director of the Oil and Gas Division Mike Battles, Deputy General Counsel Michael Decker, Administrative Proceedings Director Carolyn Tucker, Field Operations Manager Vance LeBeau, Technical Department Manager Claude McNully and Pollution Abatement Manager Tim Baker.
A Panel Discussion With the Oklahoma Corporation Commission Staff and Commissioners
The Oklahoma Corporation Commission (OCC) regulates the activity of businesses which provide services that are considered by the Legislature to be essential to the citizens of Oklahoma. One of the OCC’s largest divisions is concerned with matters involving the oil and gas industry. OCC Commissioners and Staff from various departments of the Oil and Gas Division will give an overview of the duties and responsibilities of the OCC including current and pending OCC oil and gas regulations.(59) April 24, 1997 - Mr. R. F. Shelley, Halliburton Energy Services
"Production Data Analysis Aids Fracture Treatment Design; Cherokee Group in Western Oklahoma"
New developments in hardware and software capabilities have improved the quality and quantity of information available in the public domain and through in-house data bases. By performing overall analyses of this integrated data, operators and engineers can develop an effective exploitation strategy. This presentation will detail the benchmarking study of about 560 wells completed in the Cherokee Group of western Oklahoma. A comparison of completion and stimulation techniques to production results from a statistically large number of wells was made in an attempt to provide enough information about the area that engineers can determine optimal treatment designs. Specific areas of interest include defining reasonable expectations and success in well projects and analyzing completion and stimulation procedures.(60) May 1, 1997- Mr. J. T. Boswell, Compressor Systems, Inc., Midland, Texas
"Controlling Gas Load -Up With Continuous Gas Circulation""Continuous Gas Circulation" is a new method of controlling liquid load-up in gas wells. The method utilizes a compressor to continuously circulate the well bore gas (down the tubing/casing annulus and up the tubing), increasing the velocity of the gas flowing up the tubing. The higher velocity carries liquid to the surface and prevents an accumulation in the well bore. The reduction of the hydrostatic gradient caused by liquid accumulation, decreases the back pressure on the formation thereby increasing production.
(61) May 8, 1997 - Dr. Christopher LinerUniv. of Tulsa, Tulsa, Ok
"A Micro 3D Project for Northeastern Oklahoma"This talk reviews the interpretation steps and the final results of a small 3D seismic survey in northeastern Oklahoma. The principal production in the area is from Pennsylvanian-age sandstone, with some deeper Wicox production. The subject seismic survey covered less that 800 acres and was shot over a 160 acre productive Wicox structure. This survey was designed to serve as a baseline survey for future work planned on a larger scale.
(62) September 11, 1997 - Dr. Tarek I. Elkewidy, Consultant, Amoco EPTG, Tulsa, OK
"A Novel Technique to Characterize Naturally Fractured Reservoirs Utilizing Conventional Well Log Data"A practical cost-effective technique is presented to describe, in-situ, the most important petrophysical properties of naturally fractured reservoirs using well logging interpretation of porosity and resistivity.
(63) Sept. 25, 1997 - Mr. Jerry Pickerill, International Society of Energy Advocates, Cleveland, OK
"The Real Heroes of Sherwood Forest"An historical account of oilwell drilling in Sherwood Forest, England during World War II is presented. Oil was is short supply in England so a group of Americans secretly developed a local fuel source.
(64) Oct. 16, 1997 - Dr. Bourgoyne, Professor of Offshore Mining and Petroleum Engineering, Petroleum Engineering Dept. at Louisiana State U., Baton Rouge and Acting Dean of its College of Engineering.
Well Control Considerations for Underbalanced DrillingUnderbalanced drilling is designed to intentionally drill with the borehole pressure below the formation pressure. Well control equipment has been developed that allows wells to be drilled with the formations flowing. Underbalanced drilling of horizontal wells has allowed some hydrocarbon-bearing formations to be developed in areas in which conventional drilling practices were not economical. New procedures that replace standard well control practices are rapidly emerging. This presentation summarizes current trends in underbalanced drilling including flow, mud-cap, and snub drilling. Horizontal and multilateral completions are discussed, and conventional and specialized well control procedures are compared.
(65) Oct. 30, 1997 - Dr. Jerry Linenger, Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center, Houston, Texas
A Visit with NASA Astronaut Jerry Linenger(66) November 13, 1997 - John W. Ely, Ely and Associates, Inc., Houston, Texas
Fracture Optimization on Every WellThroughout the history of hydraulic fracturing, there has been a concerted effort to develop practical procedures for optimizing fracture treatments. The most common approach has been to choose a particular well in a field and run diagnostics that are then applied field-wide. The problem with this approach is that critical values such as permeability and fracture fluid efficiency change from well to well. In recognition of this heterogeneity, a procedure has been developed for inexpensive on-site diagnostics which allow optimization of each frac job within a minutes of initiation of pumping. Several field examples will be presented and straight-forward formulas shown allowing virtually anyone the ability to optimize fracture treatments quickly and for minimal costs.
