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Applied Digital
Subsurface Mapping
April 18-19, 2002 (Mt. Carmel, IL)
by PTTC’s Midwest Region
BOTTOM LINE
The University of Illinois has concentrated on improved methods of digital mapping, including Trend Analysis and 3-D Modeling. Trend Analysis is based on a method for differentiating regional and local components in a map area. Three-dimensional modeling provides a tool for visualization of the spatial distribution of data collected by geologic, geophysical, petrophysical and engineering means. An example of trend analysis would be to describe an anticline as a local anomaly occurring along a regional dipping surface.
PROBLEM ADDRESSED
Petroleum exploration depends on identification of anomalies between regional and local components in a map area. Trend analysis provides a tool for efficient discrimination and 3-D modeling is the best means for visualization of the data.
2002 Rockies
Coalbed Methane Symposium
June 19, 2002 (Denver, CO) co-sponsored by PTTC’s Rocky Mountain Region, The Rocky Mountain Association of Geologists (RMAG) and Gas Technology Institute
(GTI)
BOTTOM LINE
Coal-bearing basins in the United States are in competition for frontier coalbed methane (CBM)
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resources.
Acreage position and knowledge of the best geological and
engineering methods for evaluation and developing CBM
resources are needed.
PROBLEM ADDRESSED
CBM plays in the San Juan, Powder River, Raton and Uinta basins are maturing, and lessons learned in these basins are not necessarily applicable for new plays and other basins. The goal of the 2002 CBM Symposium was to explore all the existing and emerging technologies and focus on how to apply them to new CBM plays, such as in British Columbia and eastern Kansas. The number of participating companies, sponsors and exhibitors indicate the high interest in CBM exploration and development.
Improving Oil Recovery Using Integrated Evaluation Techniques
April 23, 2002 (Wichita, KS)
by PTTC’s North Midcontinent Region
BOTTOM LINE
The Kansas Geological Survey has developed new technologies and strategies to improve oil recovery from Kansas oil fields. The focus has been to provide increased access to public data through online digital programs, development of log analysis software, improved reservoir characterization, modeling and computer simulations.
PROBLEM ADDRESSED
The Kansas Geological Survey (KGS) carries a responsibility to the independent operators in Kansas to provide data and advanced evaluation and interpretation techniques for hydrocarbon |
exploration and production. Individual operators do not have the facilities or manpower to accumulate and access all the public data collected by the state of Kansas. KGS researchers are able to improve means of access to data, and demonstrate new technologies and best practices through development of software, methodologies and case studies applicable to Kansas oil fields.
Produced Water
Dec. 4-5, 2002 (Farmington, NM)
by PTTC’s Southwest Region
BOTTOM LINE
To increase well/lease profitability, producers should implement a strategy to reduce excessive water production. Industry has developed proven practices for determining if there really is a problem, correctly diagnosing it and finding the appropriate solution. Solutions can range from the simple mechanical to chemical such as polymer gels. With proper application and operator/provider cooperation, success rates with polymer gels can exceed 90%. Industry increasingly is looking for ways to treat produced water for beneficial use, but much R&D remains to be done.
PROBLEM ADDRESSED
On average in the U.S., for every barrel of oil produced, there are some 8-9 barrels of water produced. This high volume of produced water significantly increases power consumption and operating costs and can cause environmental problems. Operators are constantly searching for improved technologies to manage the produced water issue, including even treating it for beneficial use.
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Solutions
From The Field