Solutions From The Field

Solutions from the Field: Online Technologies to Solve Problems Faced by Independent Producers
Summaries of regional workshops recently sponsored or co-sponsored by PTTC are added to its national web site regularly. For more complete summaries, and for a listing of the hundreds of workshops that PTTC has sponsored since 1995, logon to: www.pttc.org. For more details, contact 1-888-THE-PTTC, e-mail: hq@pttc.org.

Understanding Paraffin and Asphaltene Problems in Oil and Gas Wells

July 16, 2003 (Smackover, AR) sponsored by PTTC’s South Midcontinent Region

BOTTOM LINE
Although often mentioned together, paraffin and asphaltene are distinctly different in their composition, their behavior and the conditions that lead to deposition. Controlling paraffin and asphaltene problems requires one to understand the conditions that lead to deposition and the different solutions and when each is appropriate. When "total" costs of not treating are considered, chemical solutions are often economically attractive.

PROBLEM ADDRESSED
Paraffin and asphaltene problems can significantly affect well/lease profitability, causing troublesome operational issues, damaging formations and decreasing production. Understanding the nature of paraffin and asphaltene, the conditions that lead to their becoming problems, and solutions for controlling them are important. Speaking from decades of experience, the speaker focused on chemical solutions.

March 21, 2003 (Lawrence, KS)
co-sponsored by PTTC’s North Midcontinent Region

BOTTOM LINE
The science of wireline logging began in 1927, and continues to progress in the scope of equipment, greater depths achieved, higher resolution and improved steering capabilities. The information necessary for modern operators to plan, use and interpret wireline logs has become a complex development requiring specialists to implement. This volume provides information to the independent operator to better understand and evaluate the modern technologies available.

August 19, 2003 (Tulsa, OK)
by PTTC’s South Midcontinent Region

BOTTOM LINE
Failure and operating cost reduction begins with an understanding of the basics—equipment, terminology, and sound design principles. Several software packages exist to aid in lift system design. Common failure mechanisms for different components (pumping units, rods, pumps) are known, as are accepted equipment and operating practice solutions. This workshop relayed both the theory and practice of rod-pumping operations, stressing the importance of the team environment in failure reduction efforts.

PROBLEM ADDRESSED
Artificial lift is a fact of life in mature domestic producing operations, and rod pumps are the most prevalent equipment used. Reducing component failures and pumping costs requires one to combine science with field savvy. This workshop relayed information at both levels, providing something for both the novice and expert practitioner.

May 21-23, 2003 (Albuquerque, NM) co-sponsored by PTTC’s South Midcontinent Region and New Mexico Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources

BOTTOM LINE
The Mesaverde Group contains significant remaining natural gas in the San Juan Basin. Sophisticated geological models are necessary to predict infill locations based on

depositional facies. Less sophisticated models ignore stratigraphic complexities, reservoir facies frequency and scale-dependent attributes that are critical to understanding the reservoir distribution. The most productive facies are channels and beach ridges. Carefully screened outcrop analogs to subsurface reservoirs can be used to model the formations of the Mesaverde Group at the scale of infill wells, and to more accurately predict reservoir distribution. Outcrops demonstrate how new reserves can reside between wells within medium- to small-scale reservoir compartments. Scale-dependent attributes, distribution of depositional facies and the sophistication of the geological model largely control the success of locating successful infill wells. Infill potential of Mesaverda formations is a function of the orientation and aspect ratio of channels and beach ridges, the frequency of channels, and the flow barriers between layers. Optimal stimulation procedure for the Lewis Shale in this area is a single-stage, 150,000 lb. foamed linear gel, hydraulic fracture treatment.

PROBLEM ADDRESSED
The Mesaverde Group is a significant natural gas producer in the San Juan Basin. The reservoirs are more complex than they are often portrayed. Complexities include geological aspects (complex stratigraphy, diverse depositional environments, and geographical variations) as well as regulatory aspects that contradict stratigraphic relationships.

American Oil 
and Gas Reporter 
Tech Connection Column

September

PTTC Delivers Technology Soltuions In Various Ways 

August

Workshop Helps Operators Understand Reservoir Fluids

July

Sharing Examples Of Successful Applications Improves Recovery