Tech Transfer Track

Tubing saver rotator (manual)—Wear is often a primary component in downhole failures, and often rod wear occurs on only a small fraction of the tubing's circumference. Manually rotating the tubing (which Omega's TSR makes possible using a basic pipe wrench) on a monthly/quarterly basis distributes wear more uniformly around the circumference. Manual rotation with TSR in an Illinois oil field with 25 marginal wells reduced failures 76% (SPE #80886). Costs are low, such that payout typically occurs if just one pulling job is eliminated. Obviously, this applies only to unanchored wells.

Sidestream Flush Restrictor—Conventional approaches for continuous chemical treatment with sidestream flushing are prone to needle valve plugging, or larger than desired flush volumes (which costs extra money to relift) often occur. This alternative approach using small diameter hose (large enough so plugging is not a problem, small enough that a few feet of length provides enough pressure drop to restrict flow) provides reliable sidestream flushing while lowering lifting costs since excess flushing is minimized.

For more information on these specific products, visit Omega's website (www.omegatech
nologies.com) or phone 281-538-5678. While at the Omega website, review the rod/tubing failure analysis information (www.
omega1technologies.com/
additional.html). It just might save you money.

FEE Exploration Tool Expanded to Devonion Carbonates in SE New Mexico

Researchers at the Petroleum Recovery Research Center (PRRC) at New Mexico Tech have adapted a FEE (Fuzzy Expert Exploration) tool—originally developed for Brushy Canyon exploration in the Delaware Basin (www.pttc.org/
columns/aogrcooct03.htm)—to exploration for Siluro-Devonian carbonates of southeast New Mexico. A state-of-the-art fuzzy expert system developed at PRRC forms the heart of the package.

Modern databases and web-based java software design make the software useable by anyone with web access. Primary software

With current high oil prices, it's a fact of life that many older wells are being cleaned out and reactivated. It seemed appropriate to highlight well cleanout, presenting tools/ equipment offered by just one of the vendors as an example—in this instance BJ Service's Well Cleaning System. Their package includes:

• TruGage Casing Scraper—Removes casing burrs, scale, cement sheath, hard mud deposits, corrosion products.

• RuffPup Casing Brush—360º contact that works with scraper and chemicals to clean casing to bare metal. The design allows for bristle cleaning and debris removal by circulating fluid, with no bristle loss.

• Downhole Debris Filter—removes metal/solids from wellbore with special debris filter and retention chamber. Provides reverse circulation of downhole assemblies without having to reverse from surface, saving valuable rig time.

• Fluid-Actuated Circulating Sub—enhances well displacement operations by providing optimum annular velocity throughout all wellbore configurations.

• Drillable Casing Brush—used to clean casing below bridge plugs, retainers, etc. to enhance and prepare tool seating area.

Visit BJ Service's website (www.
bjservices.com/website/Completions.
nsf/WellboreCleaningFrameset?openframeset) for further information.

Credo Petroleum Corporation (Credo) employs the Calliope Gas Recovery System (Calliope), licensed exclusively to Credo, to increase production and reserves in very marginal (dead or uneconomic) gas wells. Calliope is able to do this because it achieves substantially lower reservoir abandonment pressure than can be achieved with conventional lift methods. With Calliope, three wellbore chambers are created using concentric tubing strings. Compressed natural gas is injected down the annulus of concentric tubing, liquid is lifted up the inner tubing, and dry gas flows up the outer tubing-casing annulus. The only downhole moving part is a standing valve that has proven to be very reliable. The system is energized by a conventional oilfield compressor. A surface gas management platform using standard oilfield components controls the process.

Credo cites results for 10 wells, either dead or uneconomic, that it bought from other operators and then installed the Calliope system. Depths ranged from 8,200 to 18,400 feet. Production rates ranged from 75 to 650 Mcf per day, averaging 270 Mcf per day. Incremental proved reserves ranged from 0.58 to 2.22 Bcf, averaging 1.1 Bcf. Reserve addition costs were $0.50 per Mcf or less. Specific data are presented for three wells in western Oklahoma.

Visit Credo's website (www.credo
petroleum.com) for further information.

PTTC Workshop Panel

A local panel of engineers working in the Illinois Basin lead a discussion to summarize the ideas presented by Rodney Reynolds and Bob Kiker at the "Produced Water and Associated Issues" workshop held in Illinois in March 2004. Panel members include from left to right, Ken Hake, Baker Petrolite; Matt Stone, Barger Engineering; Brad Aman, Continental Resources of Illinois; Robert Stewart, Stewart Producers; Lester Moore, MEPCO Inc. and Bryan Dicus, Elysium Energy. Scott Frailey, not shown, petroleum engineer with the Illinois State Geological Survey, served as moderator.