An improved Internet website for oil and natural gas producers went online June 4. One year after joining the World Wide Web, the Petroleum Technology Transfer Council has streamlined its national website into six main information categories. PTTC Technical Manager John Benton unveiled the new website during the Petroleum Computer Conference of the Society of Petroleum Engineers in Dallas.
PTTC website changes, including a new home page address (http://www.pttc.org/hq/), are the result of feedback from the non-profit organization's regional producer advisory groups. Special emphasis has been placed on three categories considered most important for finding solutions to producers' technology problems: Technical Forums, Key Resource Links and the Events Calendar.
Technical Forums-a page of four interactive subject areas where users can post questions, share experiences and interact with PTTC regional directors and other experts. There are four subject areas:
Key Resource Links-the gateway to PTTC's extensive collection of links to other organizations, including government, universities, libraries, industry and other organizations, research labs, and a growing number of service and supply companies.
Events Calendar-among the oil and gas industry's most detailed review of upcoming technology workshops and other industry events related to technology transfer.
In addition, the website includes categories for technology news and descriptions of PTTC's mission and structure, including direct links to its nine Regional Lead Organization (RLO) home pages, Benton said. A tenth regional home page is expected to go online later this year. Each RLO maintains its own collection of information and resource links that are most needed by producers in that particular area.
Several PTTC regions have held sold-out technology workshops about how the Internet can be useful to petroleum professionals. These hands-on computer workshops highlight oil and gas resource links available on the Internet. Six such workshops are planned for the coming months in the Rocky Mountain Region. Workshops are also planned for California and Louisiana this summer.
PTTC's newly streamlined national website makes it even more user-friendly. It emphasizes easy access to all information categories-each only one mouse "click" away. The website will be updated weekly with technology news, added links, and other refinements.
Further, PTTC will soon offer oil and natural gas companies and related service industries several cost-effective marketing opportunities on the World Wide Web. Producer input, regional Internet workshops, and the technical forums make PTTC's website a credible resource for the growing number of producers going online for technology assistance.
Cost-Effective Re-Entry for Short Radius Horizontals
A new development in drilling technology allows operators to make re-entry and side-tracking horizontal wells out of vertical wells economically attractive. Unlike older systems, this one has the promise of being much more reliable and useful-especially in mature fields.
The rotary short radius drilling technology, developed by Amoco Corp., has been licensed to six companies in the United States. Commercial field applications of the technology have been taking place for slightly less than one year. The system was developed to provide a horizontal re-entry system that would have a cost similar to large fracture or acid stimulation treatments.
The system cost for a typical horizontal sidetrack is about $33,000 to $38,000. However, with the workover rig and all other services, the cost for the completed sidetrack can approach $120,000.
The new system uses workover rigs and requires a good pump and power swivel. Drill strings or work strings used in conjunction with the system must have a minimum ID of two inches. The system can be utilized through either a whipstocked or milled section window. The re-entry technology has cost advantages. Benefits include minimal location costs, smaller and less expensive drilling equipment, and reduced risk. Also, because the wells are classified as re-entries, permitting costs are reduced.
Two of the licensees provided information on the new technology to PTTC. Case studies and references can be obtained from either company. The first company, Wilson Downhole, can be reached by contacting Dave Wheeler at (307) 234-4800. The second company, Horizontal Ventures Inc., can be reached by contacting J. David LaPrade at (918) 743-4744. Additional references include: Chris Jones, Texaco USA (303) 793-4499; Paul Cameron, Cameron and Associates (713) 270-7033; Greg Rowe, OXY USA (316) 629-4232; Tony Cook, Oklahoma Natural Gas (918) 588-7419; Tommy Warren, Amoco (918) 660-3026; and John Taylor, Ohio Energy Assets Inc. (614) 846-9200.
A New Lubricating System for Walking-Beam Pumps
The polish rod of a walking beam oil well pump generally is lubricated by fluids pumped from the oil well itself. But during periods of non-production in low-volume oil wells, the polish rod and the stuffing box can become dry and hot.
A supplementary lubrication system is needed to prevent seal failure and leakage that could cause increased downtime and loss of revenue. Inventor Raymond A. Elam, Rayco Industries, Bakersfield, Calif., believes he has the answer.
Elam, working with the Department of Energy's Energy-Related Inventions Program, has developed a lubrication system that provides a continuous, metered application of a specially designed high-temperature grease to the polish rod. The inventor has received $61,855 from DOE to build and test 75 lubricators on oil wells; the American Petroleum Institute will be validating test results. Installed above the stuffing box, the "V-ger Lubricator" consists of a clamp that attaches to the walking beam. A chain hangs from the clamp to the ratchet arm of the V-ger Lubricator. This arm drives the pump that delivers the grease through a hose to the polish rod. The lubricator holds six pounds of grease, enough to last for 30 days to 45 days. Elam said that combined with his company's Stuffing Box, the lubricator creates a "Safety Seal" Wellhead System that is 99.5 percent effective and makes oil wells pollution-free.
The system virtually eliminates stuffing box leaks, significantly extends packing life, and protects the polish rod from electrolysis damage, Elam said. It also eliminates CO2, H2S, and water and oil-borne sand damage to the packing and polish rod.
In addition, because the lubricant is being injected continuously, the polish rod stays relatively cool. Since the lower friction losses between the polish rod and the stuffing box lower energy input to the pump, Elam estimates from initial field tests an average energy reduction of eight percent is possible. The units have been used successfully at temperatures as low as -50=B0 F.
Contact: Raymond A. Elam, Rayco Industries, at (805)366-9416 or Amy Manheim, DOE Inventions, at (202) 586-1507.
New Software Evaluates Membrane Performance
Natural gas producers now have access to an advanced software program that should help them identify the most cost-effective method for removing carbon dioxide (CO2) from natural gas and other hydrocarbon streams, according to the Gas Research Institute. The software, called GRI-MemCale , is a screening tool designed to evaluate membrane performance under a range of operating conditions. The M.W. Kellogg Company, Houston, developed and will market the software for GRI, the project sponsor.
According to Howard Meyer, GRI principal technology manager, the benefits of membrane processes are clear: simplicity (no moving parts, one-unit operation, skid-mounted), turndown capability, can be more economic than units at smaller sizes, and lower weights. GRI-MemCale should address the industry's need for a comprehensive membrane screening tool to help engineers evaluate the use of membranes for new or familiar gas-treating conditions during processing.
The program includes process descriptions and flow diagrams; data on operating conditions, limitations, commercialization status, and hybrid applications; and a mechanism for identifying procedural and conceptual errors. The final output is a request form, ready to fax to membrane vendors for their final design and quote. GRI-MemCale software is available by calling 1-800-541-5544 (within the US) or (713) 759-0002.
Undetected fractures can often divert water and other fluids injected into a reservoir, preventing oil from being pushed efficiently to producing wells. If petroleum engineers could locate and map natural fractures better, they could turn them to their advantage-using them as natural pathways for oil, particularly in packed reservoir rocks.
The Department of Energy has awarded seven research contracts targeted specifically at improving knowledge of these complex fracture systems. Working through BDM-Oklahoma, which manages the National Institute for Petroleum and Energy Research in Bartlesville, Okla., DOE is providing $4.8 million, which will be matched by the research organizations, bringing the value of the projects to $9.9 million.
Two of the seven participating organizations are PTTC Regional Lead Organizations: The University of Texas at Austin Bureau of Economic Geology, Austin, and the University of Alabama and the Geological Survey of Alabama, Tuscaloosa.
Present technologies do not give producers adequate information to pinpoint natural fractures. The result is often dry holes and abandoned wells. To assist producers facing these problems, DOE's fundamental geoscience program is attempting to link the fracture patterns of individual fields into a regional tectonic system. Contact Herb Tiedemann, DOE Bartlesville Project Office at (918) 337-4293.
PTTC recognizes that products and services featured in this column
may not be unique in the industry and welcomes information about other
providers. No specific application of products or services is endorsed. PTTC
identifies technologies that they can be successfully transferred through
its regional and national program.
- Contact Technical Manager John Benton at (303) 293-9933.
NEWS FROM AROUND THE PTTC REGIONS
| Appalachia Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, West Virginia, Virginia, Tennesse, Eastern Ky. |
Rocky Mountains Colorado, Idaho, Montana., Nebraska, Nevada, N. D., S. D., Utah, Wyoming |
| Central Gulf Louisiana |
South Midcontinent Arkansas, Oklahoma |
| Eastern Gulf Alabama, Florida., Mississippi |
Southwest New Mexico, Arizona |
| Midwest Illinois, Indiana, Western Ky., Michigan |
Texas Texas |
| North Midcontinent Kansas, Missouri |
West Coast Alaska, California, Oregon, Washington |
The region hosted a successful workshop, "Electronic Access to Oil and Gas Data in the Appalachian Basin," on March 27 in Morgantown, W. Va., with the Appalachian Oil and Natural Gas Research Consortium. A second Internet workshop was held May 9 in Pittsburgh as a cooperative effort with SPE's local chapter. The RLO also co-hosted a workshop on April 9 in Bridgeport, W. Va., covering the state's major natural gas plays. Another seminar is being held in Pittsburgh on June 11; it will highlight the major gas plays in Pennsylvania and New York, and is being held with the Pennsylvania Geological Survey. The RLO will host a workshop later this year showcasing 3-D seismic case studies.
CENTRAL GULF
The region has been involved in cooperative technology efforts, including an
April 15-17 "Offshore Lease Abandonment and Platform Disposal Workshop" held
in New Orleans. PTTC and the other sponsors, Minerals Management Service,
Global Industries, McDermott, API, and DOE, had expected attendance of no
more than 300-until 482 registered. Following up on January's successful
3-D seismic seminar, a second workshop is planned for October. In addition,
a PTTC workshop on horizontal drilling is in the works for September,
according to Director Bob Baumann, who said horizontal drilling has become
"newsworthy" as Louisiana newspapers and local television channels cover
recent successes. An Internet workshop will be held July 17 in Shreveport,
La.
Staff at the resource center responded to more than 30 press inquiries between January and April-nearly four times the rate of 1995. This is a result of the widespread interest in the role technology is playing in the current oil and gas "boom" in Louisiana. Activity on the region's website also has climbed. Finally, the RLO director, who has been appointed to the Governor's Energy Committee, addressed the committee's first meeting.
EASTERN GULF
The region continues to index Geological Survey of Alabama publications by
subject for its website, according to Director Ernest Mancini. A list of
cores available at the resource center also will be added as a general
information brochure is developed to promote PTTC resources. Staff members
are becoming familiar with donated software for demonstrations to producers.
In addition, the RLO hosted a combined meeting of the PTTC board and RLOs on March 24-25 in Tuscaloosa, Ala., followed by a technology workshop on "Archiving and Dissemination of Oil and Gas Information." The region's PAG decided at that time to encourage the oil and gas regulatory agencies in Alabama and Mississippi to have operators file log records in digital format, in addition to the hard copies that are currently required. The RLO will hold a "Waterflood, Pressure Maintenance and Saltwater Disposal" technology workshop on Aug. 13-14 in Jackson, Miss. Finally, work continues on the reservoir management demonstration project for the Citronelle Field, Mobile County, Ala., a joint project with BDM-Oklahoma.
MIDWEST
The region hosted an open house at its resource center in Champaign, Ill.,
on April 26, which was combined with a PAG meeting. In addition, a problem
identification workshop was held on May 16 in Travis City, Mich., in
conjunction with the Michigan Oil and Gas Association. A technology
workshop on Internet access is being considered for later this year,
according to RLO Director Don Oltz, who has spoken about the PTTC at several
industry meetings.
The resource center continues to bring in more software and has added SPE reference disks and Geo-Ref to the library. The regional website is being updated with new information, including Illinois oil and gas regulations. The RLO is working to add individual home pages for Indiana, Kentucky, and Michigan which would be linked to the PTTC Midwest website. The region is developing a quarterly newsletter and a brochure also is being designed.
NORTH MIDCONTINENT
As part of the SPE Distinguished Lecture Series, Director Lanny Schoeling
gave presentations about PTTC at two meetings in Texas during May. Tim Carr
of the Kansas Geological Survey is assisting with development of the
Internet workshops planned by the Rocky Mountain Region. These are examples
of the type of inter-regional workshop cooperation among the RLOs that is
increasing. North Midcontinent will have a booth at the June 7-8
Mid-America Oil & Gas Technology Expo in Great Bend, Kan. The RLO held a
technical workshop on casing leak solutions on May 22 in Wichita that drew
75 producers. An Internet demonstration will be given for producers on Aug.
26 during the Kansas Independent Oil and Gas Association meeting in Wichita.
In the works for the summer are two more technical workshops initiated by
the PAG: "Exploration Concepts-Methods for Kansas Independents" and
"Increasing Oilfield Operations Efficiency."
At an April 9 meeting of the PAG, producers approved an extensive workshop schedule for holding Internet workshops throughout the Rockies this summer. Six workshops on "The Internet Explored for the Petroleum Professional" are scheduled for June 10-11 in Denver, July 20 in Casper, Wyo., and July 23 in Billings, Mont. Dates are being scheduled for Bismarck, N.D., and Salt Lake City. The North Midcontinent Region is assisting in the first workshop.
A DOE Class 1 reservoir workshop has been tentatively schedule for July 19 in Casper. PTTC is co-sponsoring a one-day workshop on horizontal under-balanced drilling at the Colorado School of Mines on Aug. 9. George Fancher Jr., Denver, was elected PAG chairman, replacing Bob Nance, who became PTTC national chairman.
Director Roger Slatt is giving a presentation about PTTC during the June 11-12 Petroleum Expo in Las Vegas, held by the Nevada Petroleum Association. Information continues to be added to the region's newly online website. Hardware is being purchased for the resource center, which is scheduled to open in Golden, Colo., in August. In addition to obtaining software that is being donated to all the RLOs, the Colorado School of Mines and PTTC have received a special regional donation from Landmark Graphics of its suite of oil and gas software systems (valued at $430,000).
SOUTH MIDCONTINENT
Producers will have easy access to computer facilities for the region,
thanks to space and equipment donations from the Oklahoma Commission on
Marginally Producing Oil and Gas Wells. Jack Shadle Jr., executive director
of the commission, announced the donation at the SPE/DOE Improved Oil
Recovery Conference in Tulsa in April. Although the new facilities will be
north of Norman, the region's main resource center will remain at the
university. At the Oklahoma Geological Survey on campus, PTTC has access to
the extensive library along with log and core and sample collections,
according to Charlie Mankin, RLO director.
There has been much interest in the new mapping capability developed in a GIS environment. In addition to publishing its newsletter, the RLO also has established a fax-on-demand system for producers to receive reports and other information. More workshops on Fluvial-Deltaic Dominated (FDD) reservoirs were held in Norman and Oklahoma City. This series will continue with two workshops on the "Prue Skinner FDD Play," June 19-20 in Oklahoma City and June 26 in Bartlesville. The RLO is planning two problem identification workshops in Arkansas this fall.
SOUTHWEST
Dave Boneau of Yates Petroleum Corp., Artesia, N.M., was elected chairman of
the region's PAG. He succeeds Mark Murphy. The PAG is discussing the
development of a system to allow producer access to the New Mexico On-Gard
database. The resource center has Photon 3-D seismic software available on
a SUN workstation, along with its other computer capabilities. The region
held a technical workshop in Farmington, N.M., during March on "Well
Stimulation Design and Monitoring." In addition, a technology workshop for
CO2 improved recovery will be held in Socorro during the fall. The workshop
will target the research and project scientists who propose and evaluate
improved oil recovery projects using carbon dioxide injection processes.
Dave Martin retired from the New Mexico Petroleum Recovery Research Center
(PRRC) at the end of March, and Bob Blaylock, PRRC technology transfer
engineer, has been named the region's RLO Director.
TEXAS
Rick Major and Mark Holtz of the Bureau of Economic Geology spoke to the
Austin Section of the Society of Petroleum Engineers on May 14, giving an
introduction to the resource center and PTTC's outreach programs. In
addition, PTTC is holding several cooperative efforts in Texas-like the
Houston Geological Society short course entitled "New Oil from Old Fields:
Identifying Opportunities for Reserve-Growth Potential in Mature Fields of
the Frio Fluvial-Deltaic Sandstone Play, Vicksburg Fault Zone." It was held
at the Exxon Auditorium in Houston on June 6. Another technology short
course was held April 8, in San Antonio, hosted by the South Texas
Geological Society. Entitled "3-D Seismic Interpretation of Old Electric
Logs," the agenda included special presentations by recognized experts.
PTTC brochures are being distributed by the RLO at all available meetings
and functions throughout the state.
Recent inquires at the region's resource center include information on oil and gas completion technologies, production statistics, production resources, and data bases. The Geophysical Log Facility also received many inquiries concerning well logs, scout tickets, and well records. Tours of the PTTC workstations and resource center are being given regularly for visitors from consulting firms and oil and gas companies. TIPRO is actively giving demonstrations at many industry meetings, introducing producers to the electronic bulletin board and resources available on PTTC Internet home pages.
WEST COAST
Dr. Iraj Ershaghi of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles,
will soon be the West Coast Regional Lead Organization director. In March
the PTTC board of directors unanimously approved USC as the tenth and final
RLO, and a multi-year contract with the university is expected to be signed
soon. Meanwhile, the RLO is holding three Internet training workshops on
behalf of the PTTC in Los Angeles. It will be a full-day session only for
members of the California Independent Petroleum Association and SPE. The
RLO is planning additional activities.