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PTTC Tech Transfer makes Good Business Sense
by PTTC Chairman Robert L. Nance
President, Nance Petroleum Corp., Billings, Mont.
Our nation's exploration and producing industry is made up of thousands of oil and natural gas companies. Most of these companies operate with fewer than ten employees. Many struggle to keep marginal wells producing. The bottom line is that to remain competitive, all of us must be aware of technologies available through different R&D sources.
The future of domestic production and the profitability of our businesses depend on our skill for choosing the most cost-effective technologies. This can often be a make-or-break decision for a particular individual or company. We must effectively use all the information resources we can find. I'm proud to be part of PTTC's commitment to help our industry in this area.
What do PTTC's programs offer to independent producers? Access to the latest technology information that can lead to improved decision-making. The 10-region network is good for our business and good for the nation's oil and gas production. PTTC brings together federal, state and private research to help us make those difficult technology choices, region by region, reservoir by reservoir. Participate in PTTC's programs and see for yourself.
We are independents, but we recognize the importance of sharing experiences regarding the nation's reservoirs and geological plays. That's why PTTC workshops are planned at the grass-roots level where producers evaluate the technologies in the field. As we push the capabilities of old reservoirs, apply new management techniques, and explore in more remote areas, we need the tools as well as the expertise to know how to use them.
Today, we work closely with our founding organization, the Independent Petroleum Association of America and with the professional societies, state geological surveys, universities, and other industry groups, PTTC maintains a low-cost technology information network that is designed specifically for producers.
Our technology workshops serve as catalysts for bringing new partners into R&D labs, organizations and other industry groups. An important benefit of this cooperative effort is that small operating companies, those without the staff or R&D budget, have access to technologies to maximize recovery of reserves.
Independent producers who participate in PTTC programs seek new ways to improve operating efficiency. PTTC's growing list of regional "success stories" and workshop attendance show that many producers now are finding the right technologies. Producers also are gaining the knowledge and confidence to use these technologies in their day-to-day activities.
For example, on May 16 we issued copies of The Best of PTTC Workshops, during IPAA's midyear meeting in Washington, D.C. More than 150 copies disappeared in a matter of hours during the meeting, and more are now being printed. The summary reviews existing and new technology applications on a variety of subjects, including 3-D seismic, horizontal drilling and CO2 flooding applications.
Maybe most important, The Best of PTTC Workshops (which is free and can be requested from headquarters) contains expert contacts for those interested in obtaining more information.
The future of the domestic oil and gas industry's R&D efforts must be collaborative a federal, state, industry partnership. PTTC's unique technology transfer network serves as a matchmaker for that partnership and as the national petroleum technology clearinghouse.
Why not join us in our growing technology transfer organization that is driven by the producers of this nation?
Expert technical advice and case study summaries make up a new compilation of regional workshop summaries. The Best of PTTC Workshops, released May 16, includes two-page summaries of technology applications from 13 of PTTC's best regional workshops each with contacts for oil and gas producer follow-up.
PTTC Chairman Robert L. Nance distributed the publication during the "Small Producer Forum" in Washington, DC. The session was co-sponsored by PTTC, the IPAA Crude Oil Committee and the National Stripper Well Association. Nance, Energy Secretary Federico Pena, and technical experts spoke during the special session.
"As the national clearinghouse for upstream oil and gas technology, PTTC informs producers of cost-effective technologies where they can be accessed, and how they can be applied," said Nance.
The Best of PTTC Workshops reviews regional, cost-efficient technology applications on a variety of subjects, including 3-D seismic, horizontal drilling and CO2 flooding applications. Since 1995 PTTC has held 55 technology workshops, and has co-sponsored another 30 with other organizations.
"PTTC workshops bring together industry experts, service companies, software vendors, and producers," Nance said. "Speakers focus on specific technologies and present case studies on what works and what doesn't work in the field. In addition to meeting local experts who provide technical assistance, workshop attendees also benefit from the opportunity to meet others who have used a technology first-hand."
The Best of PTTC Workshops report is available free by contacting national headquarters at 1-888-THE PTTC.
CD-ROM Environmental Handbooks for Louisiana and Mississippi have been compiled by the PTTC Central Gulf Region at the Center for Energy Studies at Louisiana State University. The 1997 guidelines can be purchased for $50 each. Call (505) 388-4538.
Mark your calendar for the first Emerging Technologies Energy Conference. Join other oil and gas producers and industry technology experts for technical sessions, exhibits, and case studies.
National and regional PTTC staff participate in many industry trade shows. Associations and professional societies co-sponsor PTTC technical programs and frequently donate exhibit space. PTTC exhibited at the American Association of Petroleum Geologists convention, April 6-9, in Dallas. Executive Director Deborah Rowell also addressed the news media on May 5, opening day of the Offshore Technology Conference, Houston. The PTTC Central Gulf Region, Baton Rouge, maintains an extensive petroleum data collection available to onshore and offshore operators.