innovoil november 2012

The GOD Of Tie-in TechnOlOGyThor’s new solution to an age-old problemPage 9

Published by vNewsBase

Issue Four November 2012

Bringing you the latest innovations in exploration, production and refining

™

fRAcK TO The fUTUReHalliburton’s new PermStim™ fracturing service Page 2

RAPiD RiSeRRiserTec’s new dynamic software design Page 4

nODAl KnOWleDGeFairfieldNodal’s cable-free node technology Page 6

InnovOil by vNewsBase November 2012page 2

Halliburton’s new fracturing service helps increase production for Magnum Hunter Resources in the Eagle Ford shale

HallibuRton has announced the commercialisation of its new PermStim™ fracturing service. the service uses PermStim™ fluid, which is based on a derivatised natural polymer rather than guar. The fluid does not

contain insoluble residue, making it a more robust system that will result in improved well performance.

A recent fracturing treatment involved the first use of the new fluid system in the Eagle Ford shale formation. Magnum Hunter Resources chose the fluid for its Moose Hunter 1H well in Lavaca County, texas. the fracturing treatment was performed in a 6,050-foot (1,844-metre) horizontal section at 10,897 feet (3,321metres) in vertical depth, with a bottomhole temperature of 280°F (138°C) and a bottomhole pressure of 6,500 pounds per square inch (psi). The treatment was pumped down a 5.5-inch (140-mm) casing, using a hybrid fluid system that interspersed linear fluid stages with cross-linked fluid stages using PermStim fluid. Proppant concentration ramped from 0.25 pounds to 4 pounds per gallon. The 24-hour initial production was 1,686 barrels of oil and 801,000 cubic feet (22,684 cubic metres) of gas on a 16/64-inch choke, which exceeds the average 24-hour initial production for Magnum Hunter’s operated wells in the Eagle Ford shale area.

Magnum Hunter’s executive vice president of exploration, Kip Ferguson, said PermStim fluid worked very well and was easily integrated into the company’s current fracturing design. He added that a clean fluid would make sense as Magnum Hunter planned for closer offsets and began its development programme for the Eagle Ford shale area.

the typical completion in the Eagle Ford shale play does not, according to Ferguson, recover a significant amount of load water from frack stages and therefore the company needs to optimise

furthering fracking fluids

the fluids it uses throughout its development area. Ferguson added that Magnum Hunter believed the use of clean fluids such as the PermStim fluid system would result in maximum regained permeability and would reduce residue retained by the producing formation.

Laboratory tests showed that PermStim fluid provided significantly higher regained permeability than derivatised and native guar-based fluids. In proppant pack flow measurements, the derivatised guar-based fluid exhibited 70% regained permeability and the native guar-based fluid only 40%, while the PermStim fluid resulted in 94% regained permeability.

So far, the PermStim fluid system has been used successfully in more than 102 wells located primarily in the Denver-Julesburg, Williston and Green River basins, at temperatures up to 300°F (149°C) bottomhole static temperature. The PermStim fluid system provides important benefits – improved well cleanup, enhanced proppant pack permeability, controllable viscosity, excellent proppant transport, salt tolerance, and instant and delayed cross-linking systems.

PermStim fluid was designed to provide equal or better health, safety and environmental (HSE) performance than any other conventional fracturing fluid system on the market. Even better HSE performance is available with CleanStim® fluid formulation, composed of components sourced from the food industry. n

Contact: Zelma Branch, Halliburton PRTel: +1 281 988 2557 Email: [email protected]: www.halliburton.com

InnovOil by vNewsBaseNovember 2012 page 3

the StagSeis technology developed by CGGVeritas takes marine seismic acquisition to the next level

CGGVERitaS continues to pioneer new seismic techniques, with subsalt imaging an area of particular focus. the company expects its new StagSeis technology to take it to the next level in terms of seismic acquisition.

before considering StagSeis and its innovative features, a brief consideration of the evolution of seismic acquisition is useful.

in operational terms, the Gulf of Mexico has been a traditional testing ground for seismic imaging techniques, with its rich hydrocarbon systems and complex geological structures. testing in the region has led to a rapid evolution in migration algorithms, velocity model building techniques and marine acquisition methods.

Depth migration technology has evolved from the post-stack depth migration used in the late 1990s through to the latest Reverse Time Migration (RTM) techniques. The clarity of RTM is now available prestack in the form of RTM 3-D gathers, which retain the rich azimuth and reflection angle information inherent in wide-azimuth data, giving improved modelling results through better tomography, anisotropy inversion and true-amplitude reservoir attribute analysis.

Velocity model building tools and methods are equally important to the final images. High-density and multi-layer tomography, along with Full Waveform Inversion (FWI), is currently state-of-the-art. initially, both velocity model building and migration were isotropic only, but they now incorporate greater complexities of anisotropy to represent more accurately the real geological properties.

the internal structure of salt bodies which compromise the base salt and subsalt imaging has been looked over to a certain extent in the past. in areas with suitable geology, such as Santos basin offshore Brazil, reflection tomography updates can now be made to salt velocities. Where tomography is not an option, if picks from intra-salt reflections are too sparse or erratic, “dirty salt” iterative reflectivity inversion can be used for modelling salt heterogeneities.

likewise, variations in the near surface have previously been ignored. Spatial anomalies can cause amplitude shadow zones

The bigger picture

and wavelet distortion in deeper events. the introduction of Q tomography allows the modelling of these effects, with Q-enabled migration able to compensate and output data with the correct phase, amplitude and resolution. the latest velocity modelling techniques, such as FWi, derive increasingly detailed velocity models of the near surface, which provide clear benefits when studying deeper targets.

StagSeisacquisition is equally important for deriving clearer images. CGGVeritas delved into wide-azimuth marine acquisition in 2004 with a survey for BP over its Mad Dog field. Subsequent wide-azimuth, multi-azimuth, full-azimuth and similar multi-vessel strategies provide better sampling of the seismic wavefield, to derive ever more accurate understanding of reservoirs. StagSeis is CGGVeritas’ next-generation full-azimuth solution, which takes the concept of wide-azimuth marine acquisition to the next level.

Driven by the development of wide-azimuth acquisition, true-3-D, anisotropic tools and algorithms were designed to realise the full potential of that wide-azimuth data. They utilise all of the additional azimuthal information to provide improved noise and multiple suppression, azimuth-dependent velocities for flatter gathers and multi-dimensional interpolation and regularisation.

CGGVeritas remains behind much of the cutting-edge research at the forefront of the seismic industry. the company’s commitment to innovation means it invests 5% of overall revenues back into R&D, which equates to an annual budget of around US$150 million. n

Contact: Sara Pink-Zerling, Media Relations ManagerTel: + 33 (0)1 64 47 38 83Email: [email protected]: www.cggveritas.com


Risertec introduces software for dynamic riser design optimisation

DESiGninG marine riser systems is a complex task that requires a significant number of man-hours from experienced engineers. but with rising demand for experienced engineers outstripping the current labour

pool, a less than desirable – but immediately accessible – option is to delegate such work to junior engineers, sometimes with minimal technical supervision.

aware of the dangers of such an approach, which adds additional risk to an already critical component of a field’s overall development, uK-based engineering design house Risertec ltd has developed software for dynamic riser design optimisation.

Rising complexityMarine riser design is a complex multidiscipline task involving numerous engineering considerations including material selection, interfaces, installation and dynamic response under long-term and extreme environmental conditions.

the demanding nature of the work means riser design optimisation technology – which has been around for many years – provides an economic solution to this problem while offering significantly improved operator risk management.

the technology has been well documented in literary work, including studies related specifically to riser design. However, many such studies tend to be theoretical or, from a riser engineering perspective, have been applied to simplified academic problems with a single object function.

this was an issue Risertec tackled head on by developing design optimisation methodologies that were applied to a wide range of real projects with multiple object functions in most cases.

MethodologyRisertec’s design optimisation methodologies include gradient, non-gradient and population-based methods, as well as simple strategies such as random or grid search.

In each case the methodology requires definition of independent design parameters, design constraints, object function and design model. the design parameters span the design space and should be carefully selected in each case, with the number of design parameters influencing overall complexity and cost of the optimisation process.

Moreover, constraint equations, established in terms of the design parameters, can take many forms. in the simplest cases, one or more design parameters may be required to lie between specified upper and lower bound values. in more complex forms, the design associated with any realisation of the design parameters may be required to have a maximum stress below a specified allowable value over a set of defined static load conditions.

The object function, again defined in terms of the design parameters, represents that which the process is attempting to minimise (or maximise).

one example might be the maximum curvature along the riser enveloped over a series of defined dynamic load cases. In many cases, multiple object functions may be involved, such as the requirement to minimise hang-off load on the platform while at the same time minimising maximum riser curvature along the riser.

Rising upThe final methodology component is the analysis model used to

determine the static and dynamic response of the riser system.

Analysis modelthe analysis model will often involve standard riser analysis software such as Riflex, Orcaflex or Flexcom. Moreover, such models are based on a finite element representation of the structure and offer an almost unlimited range of modelling capability.

Relevant non-design parameters such as water depth, 100-year wave height and vessel motions can all be defined in this model in the normal way. The finalised model must be established so that design parameter values can be inserted automatically by the optimisation software and the model run to determine corresponding output values for defined object and constraint functions.

the optimisation software will then repeat the process following a defined methodology for determination of the optimised design.

Vessel Stand-off15m


When used in a fully automated manner, the above process can provide an efficient black box solution to many design problems. However, owing to the multidisciplinary nature of riser design, it is preferable to have a clear understanding as to how the optimised design has been determined so that design considerations not included in the optimisation process can be properly accounted for.

the most practical way of achieving this objective is via object and constraint function plots within the design space.

ExperienceRisertec’s experience of riser design optimisation has shown the importance of defining the design space while keeping the number of design parameters as small as possible.

the company highly recommends carrying out the design in phases – with initial global design followed by local component

sizing rather than attempting to lump everything together into one large optimisation problem.

Minimising object function cost by careful model set-up and the use of critical load cases is also seen as critical. Moreover, Risertec suggests using graphics to document the design process to other disciplines (such as interface engineering) as well as the client.

using the process within a mixed experience engineering team to leverage experience of senior engineers is also recommended. additionally it can also be used for analysis model calibration against field data. n

Contact:John Shanks, Senior ConsultantTel: +44 (0) 7720 060 899Email: [email protected]: www.risertec.com

Vessel Stvand-off20m

Vessel Stand-off25m


FairfieldNodal’s entirely cable-free node technology is transforming seismic data acquisition

NODE seismic data acquisition systems have achieved mainstream status despite being viewed as a sort of novelty only a few years ago. US-based FairfieldNodal is in the vanguard of those making the cable-free

autonomous recording unit (node) technology a commonly used technology in the oil industry.

Wireless (also known as cableless, cable-free and no-cable) node systems are versatile in that they can be deployed almost anywhere, including places that are hostile to cable deployment.

inhospitable areas for deployment range from infrastructure-crowded marine environments to tricky onshore locations such as mountains, jungles, urban locales and icy terrain.

FairfieldNodal has developed a range of pioneering node seismic data technology that is capable of operating in such challenging environments.

ZTechnologythe company has developed a trio of nodal acquisition systems that utilise its proprietary ZTechnology®. The systems are: Z3000® (marine deepwater); Z700® (marine shallow water/transition zone); and Zland®.

The defining element of each ZNodal® system is the complete absence of any external cables and/or wires of any kind, unlike other available node products, which has made them popular around the world. For example, the Zland product has already been used on all continents except antarctica, where there is no exploration.

FairfieldNodal’s marine systems are also attracting considerable interest, with preparations under way at press time for the deployment of more than 4,200 Z700 nodes for a rich-azimuth dual simultaneous sourced ocean-bottom survey in the Gulf of Mexico. the programme will encompass about 2,000 square km.

Cutting cablesthe oil industry’s growing appetite for node systems is unsurprising, given the obvious downsides to cable systems. the latter are heavy and cumbersome, making them difficult to carry around in rugged terrain, and where helicopter transport is necessary, costs can be exorbitant.

besides the fact that cable systems leave a substantial environmental footprint on the land, serious problems can be caused by ordinary

Nodes know few limits

Z3000 deepwater nodes being lowered to the survey site aboard the latest in ROV technology.

thunderstorms. the extensive wiring used in cable-based products can be negatively impacted by static electricity triggered by these storms.

FairfieldNodal’s nodal technology provides a range of solutions. It offers: more flexible acquisition geometries, e.g. wide and full azimuth for land surveys; reduced downtime and maintenance; increased productivity; improved HSE; enhanced access to challenging locales and easier permitting.

In addition to the entirely cable-free ZLand and its transition zone shallow-water counterpart Z700, land nodal systems include INOVA HAWK®, Sercel UNITE, OYO GSR, and Autoseis® High Definition Recorder.

A key feature of FairfieldNodal’s technology is the node’s small size. For example, a ZLand node weighs only 4.7 pounds (2.1 kg). It can be buried in the ground and completely hidden from view. upon completion of the recording cycle, the node is retrieved to download the data for quality control work prior to recharging the batteries within the nodes for re-deployment of the units.

the various high-tech land node systems currently on the market are generally purchased and/or leased by data acquisition companies and also international oil companies (IOCs). And to select the system best suited to the project in hand a field trial is a typical starting point.

Apache trialA recent trial using FairfieldNodal’s technology was implemented by SaE for apache Corp. over its onshore holdings at alaska’s Cook inlet.


ZLand node being logged and activated by crew member prior to starting the survey

True cable-free ZLand nodes have proved invaluable in challenging environments.

Back deck mechanisation means Z700 nodes can be deployed and retrieved with very little crew involvement.

The 2-D programme included both traditional cable digital telemetry seismic technology and nodes. the ease of operation and the high-quality seismic data acquired using the nodal system in this region’s unpredictable pack ice and ground conditions proved to be highly convincing to apache.

as a result, the continuously recording and entirely cable-free systems were selected by Apache for its multi-year 3-D seismic programme in Alaska. This will include marine, transition zone and land environments.

SaE purchased the nodal equipment used in the trial and also leased 6,000 nodes for a project it operated for 120 days in Canada’s Alberta province. the nodal equipment was subsequently shipped to new Zealand, where it was deployed in a 3-D programme.

Testing timesas if conditions in alaska and Canada were not tough enough, FairfieldNodal nodes have shown perfect functionality in some of the toughest operating environments in the world, including Siberia, in Russia.

Even buried under two feet of snow, the battery-equipped autonomous nodes functioned perfectly, generating significant interest amongst Russian operators.

At the other (extreme) end of the spectrum, the Ugandan jungle was the scene of a successful 3-D nodal seismic acquisition trial in preparation for a programme in an environmentally sensitive game reserve.

Yet perhaps one of the most unusual demonstrations of the functionality and reliability of nodes occurred in southeastern Mexico in the state of Tabasco, where the region’s many sugar cane fields are burned prior to harvest.

an ongoing cable-based programme was halted temporarily because of the burn, and the contractor decided to test nodes as a replacement. The nodes were buried about 10 inches (25.4 cm) deep and ahead of the approaching fire and retrieved immediately after the entire fire had burned through. the nodes were not even slightly warm, recording occurred successfully and there was no temperature variation within either node.

Further north, urban, densely populated areas were used as a testing ground for nodal seismic data acquisition in California. During testing, the ZLand 3-D survey over the old Long Beach oilfield in the middle of the city of long beach left no footprint, and there was no negative impact by the vibroseis trucks, which adhered to a strict pre-planned schedule.

Such tests demonstrate the functionality and performance of FairfieldNodal’s equipment and make the case for a cable-free future in the field of seismic data acquisition. n

Contact:Debra Dryer, Marketing Co-ordinatorTel: +1 281 275 7619Email: [email protected] Web: www.FairfieldNodal.com

Fairfield Nodal Print AdFull Page + InnovOilTrim Size: 210mm” x 297mm”October 2012

S y S t e m S A c q u i S i t i o n L i c e n S i n g P r o c e S S i n g i m A g i n g

WE CAN SIMPLIFY YOUR SEISMIC WORK OR TAKE YOU

PLACES YOU COULDN’T GO BEFORE.OR BOTH.

For cable-free seismic done right, go to fairfieldnodal.com/truecablefree.


SEVERn Glocon Group continues to expand and offer innovation in valve manufacturing and engineering services. The company, which employs 800 staff around the world, makes valves for the energy industry, including

severe service applications. the group recently extended its product offering to include butterfly valves and small bore subsea valves, with the strategic acquisitions of leeds Valve and lb bentley.

SplitSevern Glocon’s business is split into two main areas.

First, the design and manufacture of bespoke valves for new projects in the UAE, Asia-Pacific, the US, South America, EMEA and UK: these are typically multi-million uS dollar contracts for operators such as bP, Chevron, Shell and ExxonMobil. Such contracts are subject to rigorous competitive tendering where the group has to demonstrate specific technical capability, as well as the ability to deliver on time and on budget.

Secondly, the group is involved in the supply of replacement valves and related technical services to established plants that are already operational. Prompt delivery is critical in this market, where a delay can cost the operator many hundreds of thousands of uS dollars. Key clients for Severn Glocon in this market include Shell, Marathon oil, apache oil, Saudi aramco and Statoil.

With those two main areas delineated, the divisions encompassed by the Severn Glocon Group umbrella are as follows:

Severn GloconSevern Glocon manufactures control and choke valves that are primed for optimum performance. With state-of-the-art facilities in the uK and india and sophisticated in-house testing equipment, the business has scalable capability and can manufacture valves up to 42 inches in diameter.

Severn Univalthis division offers intelligence-led control and choke valve engineering services. it specialises in advanced technical advice as well as proactive valve management and performance improvement through repair, failure analysis, custom design and inventory management.

Severn Ball Valvesthis is a quarter and multi-turn isolation valve stock and supply business. Employees of Severn ball Valves have a deep understanding of the rigours and demands of the energy industry and insist on the same from suppliers.

Butterfly valves are one of the latest products to be offered by valve manufacturing innovator Severn Glocon Group

LB Bentleylb bentley designs and develops small-bore subsea valves. it pioneered metal-to-metal sealing technology and promotes creative engineering. The firm works with customers to produce bespoke products that solve design challenges.

Severn-Leeds ValveSevern Glocon’s butterfly valve business is a technical authority in large diameter, high-pressure, high-temperature valves for severe service applications. Both control and isolation butterfly valves can be manufactured in exotic materials such as Hastelloy®, titanium, Monel®, Duplex and Superduplex.

Manufacturing HubsSevern Glocon’s manufacturing centres in Gloucestershire and Yorkshire in the uK, and at Chennai in india, produce various types of valves from 3/8-inch to 42-inch bore in a wide range of materials.

the group’s high-tech testing facilities include cryogenic, fugitive emission and clean room capacities as well as high and low pressure testing capabilities. It is about to unveil a new GBP2.5 million (US$4 million) factory and office development in Brighouse, Yorkshire. The premises will house a state-of-the-art Valve Research & Innovation Centre as well as valve manufacture, engineering and administrative services.

these new facilities allied with the acquisitions of leeds Valve and lb bentley mean Severn Glocon Group looks well placed for a strong period of growth driven by innovation. n

Contact: Colin Findlay, DirectorTel: +44 (0) 1484 518 080Email: [email protected]: www.severnglocon.com

The butterfly effect


OnE of the most overlooked challenges facing upstream developers is the micro-organisms that inhabit oil reservoirs and the resulting problems they cause.

Micro-organisms are behind complex problems such as reservoir souring (H2S generation) and microbially influenced corrosion (MIC), which damages the integrity of facilities and may cost billions of uS dollars each year in lost production.

With those challenges in mind, one uK-based company has embarked on a mission to gain a greater understanding of the problematic microbes using state-of the art molecular microbiological techniques.

oil Plus, which has been servicing the oil and gas sector for more than 30 years, has launched a joint industry project with the support of several international oil companies (IOCs) to tackle the problem.

In the past, the micro-organisms behind H2S generation and MIC have been identified on an ad-hoc and per-project basis, driven largely by the foresight of the operator. but oil Plus aims to develop a much clearer understanding of the microbial threat to oil and gas production processes.

Extensive research has already been carried out into identifying the principal bacteria, using a number of different DNA extraction protocols and PCR primers. However, the problems caused by archaea (single-celled micro-organisms) and the effect of traditional MiC mitigation strategies, for example biocide application, on archaea remain little studied. the reason for this is that the importance of archaea in MiC has only recently been understood.

although archaea are found in a diverse range of environments, they are particularly known for their ability to inhabit extreme environments of high temperature, high salinity, high pressure and high acidity/alkalinity. The vast majority of archaea currently believed to instigate problems in the oil and gas industries are sulphate-reducing archaea (SRA) and methanogens.

traditional methods used in establishing micro-organism numbers are often slow – up to 28 days incubation for sulphate-reducing bacteria (SRB) – and greatly underestimate the true numbers of micro-organisms present in a system sample.

this has led many industries, including some companies in the oil and gas sector, to adopt quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) to enumerate microbes based upon the amplification of DNA specific to a particular group of micro-organisms.

the advantage of this approach is that it can deliver results in around three hours. However, conventional PCR techniques cannot distinguish between DNA amplified from live or dead cells. Moreover, current techniques to establish live/dead cell numbers using microscopy are time-consuming, which limits the number of samples that can be processed.

Assay approachin response to this drawback, oil Plus is developing an assay based on the qPCR technique that will enable simultaneous rapid screening of a large number of samples for viable bacteria and/or archaea.

Debuggedoil Plus is developing new techniques to deal with micro-organisms that damage oil infrastructure

This technique will be extremely useful when carrying out field biocide optimisation trials, given that it will be able to deliver results in a matter of hours compared to the days or weeks seen in traditional culturing techniques, while also being able to distinguish between both live and dead micro-organisms, thereby ascertaining biocide efficacy.

Micro-organisms, enumerated by qPCR, have traditionally been identified by a number of techniques (e.g. DGGE or cloning), which is often performed on an ad-hoc basis by different companies using different DNA extraction techniques and amplification methods. In order to maximise the benefits and monitor the implementation of improved microbiological mitigation strategies, it is crucial that a high quality microbiological dataset is generated. to achieve this, Oil Plus plans to use a form of next-generation DNA sequencing, known as 454 pyrosequencing technology.

The use of 454 pyrosequencing will generate large small-sequence libraries. this consistent information, when combined with meta-data such as temperature, pressure, pH, water chemistry and background issues, will generate a large-scale and comprehensive database detailing what micro-organisms are problematic and under what conditions.

this will be carried out for both eubacterial and archaeal sequences from many samples from a wide range of different environments, equating to around 120,000 sequences with correlating meta-data.

the end result will be an unprecedented amount of information on oilfield micro-organisms, allowing improved and targeted mitigation strategies to be developed based on the dominant problematic microbes in a particular environment. n

Contact:Christina Kingston, Marketing ExecutiveTel: +44 (0) 1635 39556Email: [email protected]: www.oilplus.co.uk

Why Oil Plus? We have specialist equipment and experienced people that we can send to site quickly and efficiently – only accurate data will give you the best results!

Our technologists have extensive field experience and provide a practical approach to investigating oilfield water and gas problems using specialist on-site sampling and analysis techniques, laboratory and office based studies.

Our process engineers provide practical designs, suited to local conditions. Their experience ensures that problems are recognised and dealt with early in the design process thus producing robust, cost-effective designs in the minimum time.

Industry developmentsOil Plus writes and presents many papers for conferences such as NACE and SPE, as well as sitting on the organising committee for The Reservoir Microbiology Forum (RMF). The aim is on highlighting best-practice and our latest research.

+ That thick brown stuff – do you know what it is and how to control it?

+ Do you suffer from high oil-in-water discharges?

+ Is any equipment permanently offline?

+ Is your chemical spend optimised?

+ Are you leaking anywhere? Or blocked?

+ Will your water injection cause souring?

+ What are your bugs doing?

+ Can your system cope with your plans?

Call Oil Plus NOW to book a thorough health-check.

Is your operation in the best of health?

Upstream oil, gas, water separation, treatment, disposal and injection systems

Oil Plus works closely with oil and gas companies all over the world to provide solutions to a wide range of production chemistry and process engineering issues. Some of the more common projects involve:

• On-siteandlaboratorysamplingandanalysisofassociatedgas, oil (including fingerprinting) and all oilfield waters;

• Determinationofoptimumwaterextractionlocation (for lake, river and sea) and least-cost water source;

• On-siteandlaboratorycorefloodingtodetermineinjectivity,water-rock compatibility and effect of chemical EOR;

• Root-causeanalysis,prediction,mitigationandmonitoring for deposition issues (asphaltene, hydrate, scale, soap and wax),emulsions,internalcorrosionandsouring;

• Chemicaltreatmentrequirements,chemicalranking and dose rate optimisation;

• Designofwelltreatmentprogrammes;

• Projectengineering;conceptualandfrontendengineeringdesign (FEED), detailed engineering and commissioning (brown and green field);

• Training;from1-daycoursesthroughtoyear-long mentorship programmes.

Oil Plus Ltd, Dominion House, Kennet Side, Newbury, Berkshire, RG14 5PX, UK T: +44 (0)1635 30226

Oil Plus Ltd, 14090 Southwest Freeway Suite 300, Sugar Land, Texas 77478 USAT: +1 281 340 8534

E: [email protected] www.oilplus.co.uk

MAY ISSUE JPT AD CONCEPT AW.indd 1 10/04/2012 16:14


APPlY nemo’s thor system cuts costs and meets increasing demand for stronger connections, benefiting from technological developments such as refined heave compensation systems, advanced station-keeping

technology and enhanced RoV capabilities. apply nemo’s robust new technology provides a tool-free multi-

purpose tie-in system suitable for all horizontal tie-in purposes regardless of pipeline size. It can be applied to both rigid and flexible spools, in addition to direct pipeline tie-ins. The system can be configured for mono-, dual- and multi-bore lines in addition to pressure caps and pig launchers/receivers. In addition, full thermal insulation can be achieved without additional structures or covers.

technical robustness and reduced unit cost are achieved by a number of key design features built into the system, based on extensive field experience from tie-in operations. Thor is based on the principles of direct landing – that is, there are no pull-in operations involved. alignment of inboard and outboard sides is handled by a single RoV-operated stroke tool.

The Thor system has a misalignment capacity of ±10° in both the horizontal and vertical plane. A complete toolset for hub cleaning, seal replacement and suchlike is designed to be handled by an RoV without further assistance.

the tie-in system is designed to transfer parts of the external moments seen during normal operating conditions in the connection point into the supporting structure; thus loads on connectors, pipelines and adjacent valves are reduced. if accidental loads should occur, the system is designed to transfer most of these into the supporting structure, ensuring the integrity of the inboard side of the tie-in point, even up to the extreme case of loads capable of breaking the connected pipeline.

this means that spools can be designed on the basis of the spool pipe capacity, rather than being dictated by the capacity of the tie-in system as has been the case in the past.

The god of tie-in technologyThe Thor horizontal tie-in system is a new solution to an old problem

integrating the thor tie-in system with Weak-links in arctic environments provides the maximum system protection against scouring icebergs. these features are unique and the thor system is the only tie-in technology available that offers such benefits.

the system’s design has high structural capacity on all sub-components and there is a low risk of damage to the components. the thor tie-in system is independent of the type of connector or connection system and any preferred solution may be adapted into the system.

No high-alloy materials are used; rather the design makes use of standard structural steel – offering ease of manufacturing and assembly. the components are bolted together, which allows cost-efficient modular transport to any site location.

Owing to its small size and simplicity, the Thor system is easy to handle on deck and requires only one supervisor for tie-in operations. the required tooling is designed to be handled by a standard RoV without any additional support. this cuts installation costs, as both the vessel time and required size of the installation vessel are reduced, keeping the amount spent on operating the equipment to a minimum.

the thor tie-in System and Weak-link are apply nemo aS patented products. n

Contacts: Per Lillejordet, Business Area DirectorTel: +47 97 73 35 19Email: [email protected]

Ronny Haldorsen, Business Area ManagerTel: +47 90 50 44 33Email: [email protected]

Web: www.applynemo.com

Moment absorbed via termination: guiding tubulars into support structure connector into support structure connector into piping

Mexternal


Piping upMaterix has developed a pipe-in-pipe concept to deal with abrasion caused by drill cuttings

BERGEN-BASED Materix has developed an innovative range of Wear Resistant Pipe Fittings (WRPF) lined with silicone carbide (SiC) that guard against wear and tear from drill cuttings.

The company, founded in 2008, uses a “pipe-in-pipe” concept, which sees an inner ceramic pipe act as the exposed

wear component, thus protecting the outer pipe from abrasion.

Drilling fluid containing quartz and other hard particles is conveyed at high velocity in pneumatic pump systems.

SiC is the third hardest ceramic material and exhibits superior erosion and corrosion resistance properties. WRPF elbows can thus withstand aggressive high-velocity particle flow with multiple lifetime gain compared with traditional steel pipe fittings. The main product comprises ultra-compact short-radius elbows for the reliable conveyance of drill cuttings.

the Materix solution bonds SiC to metals and makes the assembly reliable where thermal gradients and pressure prevail.

In the fieldthe products offered are designed for use in extremely harsh environments. During field testing,

the technology was qualified in a pneumatic transport system for drill cuttings on Norway’s Gullfaks field

in 2011, with fluid velocities of 50-100 metres per second. tests were conducted during the drilling of

three wells on Gullfaks in co-operation with an oil service company.

After five weeks, three wells and 230 cubic metres of abrasive flow, no reduction of the wall thickness of the

ceramic liner could be observed. In addition, 12 conventional induction-formed long-radius sweep bends in the same system

were changed as a result of leaching and wear.in high-speed pneumatic conveyance systems, the wear in

bends is significant, with subsequent frequent replacement of failed components and system downtime.

in order to lower the friction further it is common to add base oil to the cuttings prior to their conveyance. this doubles the volume shipped to onshore processing, with consequent cost increases in freight, handling and processing.

Wear-resistant elbows will facilitate the conveying of dryer cuttings with significant volume and mass savings, as there is no need for added lubricants. n

Contact: Erik Lenes, CEO Tel: +47 9926 0091Email: [email protected] Web: www.materix.no


WitHin oil exploration there was a time when gravity and magnetic surveys were considered the coarser, rougher first cut to zeroing in on the best locations to set up seismic gear. that is all changing now.

increasingly, integrated gravity and magnetic methods are being used to complement and constrain traditional seismic data to achieve greater success in oil and gas exploration.

integrated exploration techniques have played an important role in the deep offshore oil discoveries in the Gulf of Mexico, the Rovuma Basin offshore Mozambique and Brazil’s Santos Basin, uncovering potential locked behind massive salt layers up to 2 km thick.

Gravity and magnetics have been used extensively in sub-salt exploration to integrate with the seismic data and image the base of the salt, or to assist in the processing of the seismic data. Combining seismic and gravity methods is also enabling oil explorers to define projects better and focus them early on, and to minimise the risk of expensive investigation in frontier areas that have not been explored extensively in the past.

technology has advanced and adapted to meet the needs of integrated exploration. From the interpretation side, there is better software available to integrate the gravity and magnetics with the seismic and other geophysical and geological data. this kind of technological integration has been central to the effective use of these methods.

In recent years, Geosoft has added significant capabilities to facilitate closer integration between seismic and gravity data interpretation. Geosoft’s oasis montaj platform allows to process potential data in a unique environment, and provides the ability to load other data such as seismic and wells to constrain the interpretation process better. additionally, Geosoft GM-SYS modelling capabilities – 2D as well as 3D – provide an easy way to check the consistency of a seismic interpretation.

using the varied visualisation tools in Geosoft, oil explorers are able to reduce risk and increase their understanding by looking at as much different data as they can, in as many different ways as they can, within compressed project time frames.

Data integrationGeosoft GM-SYS supports the integration of potential field data with independent constraints, such as seismic and well data, in order to constrain the interpretation process better. a built-in SEG-Y Reader enables the integration of seismic data in SEG-Y format with Oasis montaj geospatial data and GM-SYS Profile and GM-SYS 3D gravity and magnetic models. Shown here is a GM-SYS 3D model constrained by well data and a seismic reflection profile.

Density model support With new density model support available in Geosoft GM-SYS 3D, voxels can be used to define the 3D density variation within GM-SYS 3D model layers. This provides more direct integration with

Unlocking potential through integrationGeosoft aids closer integration between seismic and gravity data interpretation

3D seismic data as the generated density cubes may be used directly in the GM-SYS model. This Hybrid 3D model shows three types of density distributions: Constant (top), Voxel (3D), and Density-Depth distribution (bottom). A lateral density distribution is not shown.

although seismic visualisation technology remains the powerhouse of oil and gas exploration, the industry now has the tools and the knowledge to integrate the best of this technology with gravity and magnetic methods. by combining technologies, the industry has added a robust new dimension that is enabling explorers to look more quickly and efficiently into the uncharted frontier, while reducing the risks associated with technically challenging exploration. n

Contact: Matt Grove Tel: +44 (0)1491 835 231 E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.geosoft.com

Geosoft aids closer integration between seismic and gravity data interpretation

Within the energy sector, Geosoft earth mapping and modelling solutions support the integration of seismic interpretation with gravity and magnetic methods suitable for potential field exploration, and effective characterisation of sub-salt and sub-sea environments. View one of our free, downloadable seminars for a review of best practices on how to maximize your gravity data and advance your exploration projects using Geosoft.

Integrating Gravity and Magnetic Data into your Geophysical Portfolio Discover how you can seamlessly integrate, map and model your gravity and magnetic data with your seismic data for greater discovery success. Explore proven, low cost techniques to meet the growing demand for oil and gas supply.

Petroleum Exploration in Northwest Kenya Why use gravity and magnetics modelling? This presentation focuses on a petroleum exploration problem and outlines an approach to solving an interpretation problem by following a holistic data review; including data processing, data synthesis and modelling. We demonstrate the process to build a simple gravity model to guide deeper, noisy seismic interpretation of a problem seismic facies in a potential petroleum prospect in Turkana Region in Northwest Kenya.

Darren MortimerTechnical Analyst, specializing in Geophysics, Geosoft Inc.

Andrew LongTechnical Analyst, specializing in Geophysics, Geosoft Inc.

Dr. Michal Ellen RuderPresident, Wintermoon Geotechnologies Inc.

When Seismic is not enough – Exploit the Potential of Gravity and Magnetic DataLearn how and when to use your magnetic and gravity data to further leverage your seismic data, improving depth models and defining or constraining geometry in challenging areas.

Featured online seminars for oil explorers

LEARN MOREwww.geosoft.com/seminars

Exploring with Geosoft

EE_Webinar_Ad_A4_Nov9-2012.indd 1 12-11-09 4:45 PM


INDEPENDENT well and reservoir specialist Geomec is gearing up to launch its GeoTool (Inject) software package, which is designed to offer high-tech solutions to environmental and economic challenges associated with well

injection. GeoTool (Inject), which will be released in January 2013, is

a monitoring and analysing software designed to prevent and remediate well-injection leakages. the programme offers a unique combination of real-time deviation and correlation analysis. the real-time aspect of the software gives the user pre-warnings of potential problems and also early detection of actual problems. Furthermore, it comes with a real-time alarm and report system, which ensures that any critical economic and environmental well-injection incidents are avoided.

the software is crucial to operators in that it facilitates optimised production and storage, whilst simultaneously reducing the risk of damaging leakages. it also leads to improved regulatory compliance for companies that adopt the system.

The GeoTool (Inject) package serves as a complete well-injection data management system for the operator, with unlimited data capacity and full data compatibility. the real-time data transfer from

Well managedGeomec’s new software offers an innovative approach to well-injection optimisation

the injection well to the software is automatic, and updated every five seconds. A further benefit is the fact that GeoTool (Inject) is permanently supervised by Geomec’s in-house technicians who are on hand to offer real-time alarm and report support to operators.

GeoTool (Inject) is rapid, accurate, safe and low-priced when compared to other solutions in the market and a unique selling point of the software is that once purchased, it requires no further investment by the user in terms of hardware or software.

norway-based Geomec also offers a wide range of additional well-injection planning and follow-up services. the company is currently involved in a joint industry project (running from 2011-2014) on economic and environmental well-injection optimisation along with: ConocoPhillips (Norway); Nexen (UK); and Statoil (Norway). The JIP is being observed by the Norwegian Petroleum Directorate and the Petroleum Safety Authority Norway. n

Contact: Geomec Engineering Tel: +47 9280 6586 Email: [email protected]: www.geomec.com

WE POWER THE OIL & GAS INDUSTRY – ANYWHERE IN THE

WORLD


Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU) and Shearwater Marine Services Ltd have unveiled a new form of video and technical data transfer that will allow remote real-time video viewing and data capture of subsea inspections, with significant efficiency and safety benefits to the oil and gas industry.

ItF’S fifth annual Technology Showcase welcomed its largest number of delegates and exhibitors at aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre on November 1. The event boasted 60 exhibitors with more than 450 delegates representing 236

companies from around the globe. the event, which was hosted in partnership with the uK

Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC), tackled the most pressing challenges in the offshore oil and gas industry from production optimisation through to decommissioning.

ITF Director Melfort Campbell said the Technology Showcase was unique in the way it encouraged face-to-face meetings between innovators and operators to find solutions to problems in the global industry. Campbell noted the need for advanced development of new technologies such as seismic and reservoir characterisation processes and advanced well construction and drilling applications and tools. He also said operators had identified the sustainment of asset integrity and life extension and the delivery of cost-effective decommissioning as key areas that would require the application of technical expertise in the future.

Delivering the keynote speech at the event, Trevor Garlick, bP’s regional president for the north Sea, said that slowing the sharp decline in production rates in the uK Continental Shelf was imperative and that improved technology was vital to maximising recovery.

Garlick said the average recovery rate from north Sea reservoirs was around 40%, meaning that more is left in the ground than is recovered. He stressed that new technology could alter that ratio in favour of recovery and appealed for even bigger strides in technology innovation from the event’s attendees.

Shop floorOn the conference floor, Martyn MacDonnell, business development director at Paradigm Flow Services, said the Showcase had been a success, particularly because of the opportunities it offered innovators to meet directly with operators and discuss their technology needs. MacDonnell said greater investment was needed in existing technology and applications to help the industry through the challenging times that lie ahead.

Paradigm recently won the prize at the Northern Star Business Awards for the most innovative use of R&D. The company sells pipe-pulse technology, which removes production blockages, as well as deluge and firewater remediation services.

Red Spider (See InnovOil Issue 1, August 2012), which provides downhole intervention and completion technology, was also present at the Showcase. andy Skinne, the company’s uK

Talking shopitF’s technology Showcase’s reputation as a key event for oil industry innovators and operators continues to grow

business development manager and one of its founders, said the ITF Technology Showcase is a major event for the firm. He said the Showcase was important in the way it outlined the main technical challenges and also reaffirmed the co-operative aspect of the conference, saying it allowed developers and operators to discuss their specific requirements.

Established in 1999, ITF (Industry Technology Facilitator), is a not-for-profit organisation owned by 30 major global operators and service companies such as bP, Shell, Chevron and bG Group. n

Contact: Alison Cowie, Senior Account ManagerTel +44 (0) 1224 615007Email: [email protected]: www.itfenergy.com

Ocean BOttOm SeiSmic – Take a closer look

Reservoir Exploration Technology (RXT) specializes in multi-component seafloor seismic data acquisition. In contrast to traditional conventional towed streamer seismic where sensors are towed through the water column, RXT are plac-ing multi-component cables directly on the seafloor. Ocean Bottom Cables (OBC) pro-vides higher data quality as well as several other benefits over conventional methods; increased acquisition flexibility, improved signal-to-noise ratio, enhanced subsur-

face resolution, efficient multiple elimina-tion, improved 4D repeatability and finally the possibility of extracting rock and fluid properties. The issue of gas clouds is significant in many areas and 4C OBS provides a solution to this problem through PS data.OBC is ideally suited for acquisition in obstructed areas as cables can be placed close to subsurface and surface infrastruc-ture providing a better data coverage and reducing the need for undershooting.

The future is on the seafloorRESERVOIR EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGY ASA

www.rxt.com/[email protected] of BP. Towed streamer above, OBC below.

Ocean BOttOm SeiSmic – Take a closer look

Reservoir Exploration Technology (RXT) specializes in multi-component seafloor seismic data acquisition. In contrast to traditional conventional towed streamer seismic where sensors are towed through the water column, RXT are plac-ing multi-component cables directly on the seafloor. Ocean Bottom Cables (OBC) pro-vides higher data quality as well as several other benefits over conventional methods; increased acquisition flexibility, improved signal-to-noise ratio, enhanced subsur-

face resolution, efficient multiple elimina-tion, improved 4D repeatability and finally the possibility of extracting rock and fluid properties. The issue of gas clouds is significant in many areas and 4C OBS provides a solution to this problem through PS data.OBC is ideally suited for acquisition in obstructed areas as cables can be placed close to subsurface and surface infrastruc-ture providing a better data coverage and reducing the need for undershooting.

The future is on the seafloorRESERVOIR EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGY ASA

www.rxt.com/[email protected] of BP. Towed streamer above, OBC below.

Be Part of Brazil’s Transforming Gas Industry

Top Level Petrobras Representation

Strategic Forum

Exceptional Networking

Centrum House108-114 Dundas StreetEdinburgh EH3 5DQ

NewsBase LimitedTel: +44 (0)131 550 9294web: www.newsbase.com

Allan MillerMedia Sales Manageremail: [email protected]

InnovOil™ is the new monthly from NewsBase

if you would like to receive a fRee copy of innovoil or advertise with us please contact our media sales manager on the details below.

The GOD Of Tie-in TechnOlOGyThor’s new solution to an age-old problemPage 9

Published by vNewsBase

Issue Four

November 2012

Bringing you the latest innovations in exploration, production and refining

™

fRAcK TO The fUTUReHalliburton’s new PermStim™ fracturing service Page 2

RAPiD RiSeRRiserTech’s new dynamic software design Page 4

nODAl KnOWleDGeFairfieldNodal’s cable-free node technology Page 6

innovoil november 2012

Documents