Solutions From the Field

Reservoir Characterization and Modeling: North Blowhorn Creek Field, Vocation Field, and Womack Hill Field

August 14, 2002 (Jackson, MS) by PTTC's Eastern Gulf Region

BOTTOM LINE

Understanding the principles of reservoir characterization and modeling for the complex reservoirs present in Mississippi/Alabama fosters additional oil and gas development and production. These principles are best illustrated through case studies showing
how available data is gathered, analyzed and interpreted.

PROBLEM ADDRESSED

Significant oil and natural gas remain in mature, geologically complex reservoirs. In designing rework, redevelopment or improved oil recovery projects, operators must first understand the reservoir, then implement development activities matched to the reservoir's characteristics. Identifying the depositional and diagenetic environment of a given reservoir is a key aspect of geological modeling.

Corrosion Management

June 23, 2002 (Farmington, NM) by PTTC's Southwest Region

BOTTOM LINE

Corrosion can be uniform, or of a pitting nature where penetration rates can be very high. Corrosion severity is influenced by temperature, pressure, pH, velocity, and wear/abrasion, among other factors. Corrosion inhibitors, which are typically organic amine-based compounds, function by establishing a film that protects metal from corrosive fluids. In production wells, a target goal might be below 1 mpy (mils per year). In water systems, a 2 mpy rate might be tolerated. Many monitoring techniques, including brine analyses, corrosion coupons, and visual inspection, are used to monitor treatment effectiveness. Chemical treating programs often address scale prevention as well as corrosion inhibition. Organic deposits, paraffin and asphaltene, may also be part of a treating program. Field experience indicates that a systematic, integrated process will, over time, reduce failure rates, effectively lowering lifting costs.

PROBLEM ADDRESSED

Corrosion is a fact of life in operations. Unmanaged, corrosion can cause premature equipment failures leading to unnecessarily high operating costs and environmental/safety problems. Independents typically rely heavily on vendor recommendations for corrosion/chemical treating. This approach can be effective, but operators who understand corrosion basics are better able to assess recommended treating programs and program effectiveness.

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