Tech Transfer Track

Focus on New and Cost-Saving Technologies for Upstream Industry

The New Technology Magazine, a Canadian magazine developed by Nickles Energy Group, is an excellent online resource for learning about technologies emerging from the Canadian front. The magazine, published eight times a year starting in 2001, is recognized throughout the Canadian industry. This editor found insights about several technologies directly applicable in the United States while browsing through the archive of on-line articles. Along with PTTC, making this a "favorite" bookmark in your Internet browser might make sense for you.

View magazine on-line (www.ntm.nickles.com).

Drilling/Production Innovations Being Tested at RMOTC

The Rocky Mountain Oilfield Testing Center (RMOTC) in Casper, Wyoming, provides a realistic environment for technology developers to evaluate field performance of innovative technologies. Two technologies featured in recent RMOTC newsletters are thought to be of particular interest to independents.

Prodril Services Inc. Prodril, Cody, Wyoming, has developed a drilling technique that increases the rate of penetration and extends bit life. The PSI process adds steel shot (BB's) to the drilling mud system. The BB's enter the mud system through the surface equipment and are transported to the drill bit along with the mud. The BB's pass through the bit jet and hit the formation, weakening the formation. This allows the bit to pass through the weakened formation at a faster rate and increases the rate of penetration.

During the different phases of testing, the Particle Impact Drilling Mud System (PIDMS) has shown dramatic increases in the rate of penetration. The theory behind the PIDMS is proven, but further testing is needed to develop consistency and reduce the attrition rate of the shot. PSI is currently offering their services to the industry with plans to improve the process through future testing.

For more information on the Prodril field test, contact RMOTC Project Engineer Brian Meidinger (phone 888-599-2200; email brian.meidinger@rmotc.doe.gov).

Pumping Solutions Incorporated (PSI), Albuquerque, New Mexico, is testing a new submersible pump. PSI tested its pump—a positive displacement, diaphragm-type with a self-contained 1 HP three-phase submersible electric motor—in a stripper well in the Shannon formation. The pump performed reliably during a three-month test (winter 2002), producing 30 bfpd with a 4% oil cut. Power consumption was half that experienced with a prior 5 HP unit on a rod pump. In future tests, PSI will employ the new pump as part of a system designed for stripper well production while continuously cleaning sand and debris from the well and moving these solids to the surface separately from the produced fluids. Production increases are expected because the pump is placed below perforations. This placement, however, will increase solids production. The new system will include small diameter flexible tubing that will increase the velocity of fluid pumped into the tubing, literally sweeping the solids to the surface.

For more information on the PSI field test, contact RMOTC Project Engineer Joe Rochelle (phone 888-599-2200; e-mail joe.rochelle@rmotc.doe.gov)

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Unlimited TIGs Now Available to SPE Members

Beginning May 1, Society of Petroleum Engineer members can enjoy access to as many Technical Interest Groups (TIGs) as they wish. TIGs are groups of petroleum professionals organized around specific technical disciplines, aimed at furthering the transfer of technology. TIG programs and communications are electronically facilitated by SPE. Once joining a TIG, you would automatically receive moderated e-mail correspondence from colleagues. Currently there are 26 TIGS covering the entire spectrum of upstream engineering topics. The number and depth of postings varies, but within 10-15 minutes, this editor found postings that provided practical insights on issues commonly facing independents. While at the SPE site, note that SPE has recently redefined technical/ professional interest areas: (1) drilling and completions, (2) health, safety and environment, (3) facilities and construction, (4) management and information, (5) production and operations, and (6) reservoir description and dynamics. These new definitions replace prior guidelines that had been in place for some 25 years.

For more information visit SPE’s website (www.spe.org).

Rig "Break Assist" System Offers Ergonomic & Catastrophic Protection Benefits

Daptech LLC's PowerGripTM power assist system for rig brakes, only costs a few thousand dollars and requires a few hours installation time, with major ergonomic benefits to rig operators— potentially preventing repetitive motion stress injuries. At a minimum, operators are fresher throughout their shift. Beyond this aspect, the power assist system can, in the event of other equipment failures, provide the critical braking function that prevents catastrophic failures. One service rig operator noted two instances where separate rigs had a major, mechanical, brake linkage failure, and the power assist system stopped the moving pipe in both instances. Heart of the system is the Trigger/Valve assembly, located conveniently under the handle grip. This serves the dual functions of metering the brake application power and controlling emergency brake. Operators still retain the feel they want.

For more information, contact Dennis Pauls with Daptech, LLC, Wichita, Kansas (phone 316-943-4020).

Analytical Approach To Three Phase Measurement

The relatively new 3PM Technology offered by Production Testing Services, Houston, Texas, is a patented engineering technique that provides zonal allocation data using two routinely taken stabilized surface production well tests. No downhole pressure or flow rate data are required. The 3PM approach is an alternative to much more costly production logging, downhole multiphase flow meters, and permanent downhole gages. As part of the analysis, 3PM first determines the accuracy of the production tests being used—this alone is significant information when major economic decisions are based on well tests.

3PM was used to analyze data from a vertical gas well producing from two reservoirs. One reservoir, producing gas, condensate, and water, had four separate hydraulically fractured layers. The other deeper reservoir produced dry gas only. A production log was run on this well. 3PM analysis confirmed the results of the production log. Initially 3PM did not show production from two hydraulically fractured layers, later the error was found and corrected. 3PM analysis also showed points of influx in the wellbore where there was condensate and water "drop out". This was indicated by a conversion of gas, as expected, but could not be confirmed by the production log.

To further refine the technology, Production Testing Services wants to work with an operator who will provide well test data on several wells where there are either reliable production logs or downhole multiphase flow meter measurements so direct comparison of 3PM results is possible.

Interested operators should contact Brian Samaroo, phone 281-493-2500 or e-mail bhsamaroo1@juno.com.

Table of Contents	Vol. 8, No.2 2nd Quarter 2002