Table of Contents

Vol. 7, No. 3
3rd Quarter 2001

Workshop Series Focuses on Field-Oriented Research Projects for Independents

Independents now operate the majority of wells in the domestic U.S., and many of those wells are mature or marginal. Particularly there, independents need to know about new technologies, or new twists with old technologies, that are proven and economical. Through the National Energy Technology Laboratory, and its Strategic Center for Natural Gas and the National Petroleum Technology Office, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) funds several programs focusing on field-oriented research projects for independents. When applied in their proper environment, technologies demonstrated in these projects can quickly increase production and profitability. All those responsible—geologists, engineers, consultants, owners, etc.-for maximizing production and profitability can benefit from learning more about results from these field-oriented projects. 

Three major field-oriented DOE programs for independents are: 

• Stripper Gas Well Program—Projects within this program are developing new approaches for identifying under-performing wells, then taking corrective actions.
• Technology Development with Independents Program—Projects within this program, all of which were proposed by small independents, are demonstrating technologies across a broad range of exploration and production topics. To date, 33 projects have been completed and 10 are in progress. Opportunity still exists for independents to participate in future projects.
• Stripper Well Consortium—Guided by an industry governing council, the Stripper Well Consortium funds short-term (one-year) projects proposed by members. Initial projects are half-way through. Membership information is available at http://www.energy.psu.edu. Consider joining the Consortium to participate in future projects.

Projects within these programs have been ongoing for some time, and results are now becoming available. The Petroleum Technology Transfer Council (PTTC) is working with DOE to bring results of regionally-relevant projects to industry through a series of workshops. Currently scheduled workshops are listed above.

Check (and clear) your calendar so you can attend and learn how to apply new or underused technologies featured in these projects. Given industry interest, additional workshops might be scheduled during early 2002.

For general information about the workshop series, contact Lance Cole (phone 918-241-5801 or email lcole@pttc.org).