E&P Magazine - November 2013

As I See It

Setting the stage

The shale renaissance in the US has not gone unnoticed in the international arena.

Cover Story

Gale or gust?

The world is rich in shale deposits. Reaping their bounty, however, will not be a trivial task.

Obstacles to foreign development of shale gas

US looking like ‘sweet spot’ in global shale development.

Exploration Technologies

Cracking the reservoir code

One company’s approach to characterization helps answer operators’ questions.

Drilling Technologies

Water, water everywhere, nor any drop to frac

With towns in West Texas now drinking recycled sewage water, the fight over fresh water in shale plays is getting even hotter.

Completions and Production

More space to ‘flow’

Under the sea suits this new proppant to a tee.

Offshore Advances

Deep water top of the bill

Deepwater challenges remain a major topic for discussion, and the subject was firmly top of the bill at the Society of Petroleum Engineers’ annual technology conference and exhibition.

Digital Solutions

Digital oil field 2.0: from information to action

Big data assets vital to processing and exploration can now be viewed instantly, visually, and concisely so that decision-makers can find the information and domain experts they need to take action.

Embracing the transformation in E&P

Companies that evolve their IT infrastructure will develop the processes and tools to actively engage business leadership.

Features

A new North Sea?

Exciting discoveries in the eastern Mediterranean indicate vast reserves.

Achieving pad drilling performance breakthroughs in Utica shale

With input from the drilling contractor, the next generation of automated land rig was designed and built by the rig manufacturer.

An up-and-coming shale

With a flurry of activity centered in Ohio, the Utica shale garners attention as development and production increase.

Arctic oil spill JIP outlines industry’s R&D progress

A collaborative industry effort to enhance arctic oil spill prevention and response technologies is producing impressive insight into what’s possible for this ultra-sensitive ecological region.

Beyond the SRV

The EPV provides a more accurate determination of reservoir drainage in shale reservoirs.

Big iron meets big data in next-generation BOPs

A smart BOP system must turn data into actionable information to enable the operator to predictively mitigate problems before they occur.

Chemical hazard rating system helps reduce environmental impact

A new rating system helps one company define the hazard level and reduce the environmental impact of its products.

Drillship design coming in from the cold

As the Arctic slowly opens up its icy regions to oil and gas companies who are keenly – but cautiously – assessing its potential, the realization is sinking in that vessels and equipment may need to be more than just simply ‘winterized.’

How well did you complete?

Conducting microseismic analysis can optimize completion.

Leadership perspectives from the silver tsunami

Training the next generation requires time, responsibility, and respect.

Lessons learned in mercury management

Accurate assessment of mercury in process fluids and process metals is the key.

New app provides instant well-control response

Users of new smartphone app will help speed up the rapid response to well-control incidents.

Pennsylvania riding high

Gov. Tom Corbett is promoting the renaissance known as the Marcellus shale.

Peracetic acid gains traction as a multifaceted water management tool

New use found for food-safe biocide in unconventional wells.

Pipehandling improves safety in land drilling operations

The STV provides an affordable and robust way to move the derrickman out of harm’s way.

Proper rig engine oil maintenance key component of cost savings

Bypass oil filtration technology, oil analysis, and an onboard oil condition sensor allow Nabors to progress from the standard preventive maintenance program into a new level of world-class maintenance.

Shale oil and a problem well-stated

A willingness to try new things has ensured one company’s success in the Woodford shale.

Tech Watch

Taking TLPs to new depths

TLPs are now technically and economically viable in water depths well beyond previous limits.

Tech Trends

Activity Highlights

On The Move

Industry Impact

System allows selective multizone stimulation

Completion service can provide unlimited number of fracturing points.

Management Report

Software reliability impacts profits

Better software integration decreases time to commissioning, facilitates system updates, improves maintenance, and reduces downtime.