Industry Highlight: Hydraulic Rod Pumps Serve Well in Urban Environment
Hydraulic Rod Pump International received one of PTTC West Coast's "2003 Tech Transfer Awards." These awards, nominated by producers, recognize technologies that are making a difference in California. In supporting the nomination, Plains Exploration noted that both the low profile and performance made hydraulic pumps attractive for them. About 2/3 of their pumps in urban areas are now hydraulic (replacing ESPs and gas lift). Rod/tubing life has improved about 50% with hydraulic rod pumps.

DOE Highlight: E&P Solicitations--Teaming for Microhole Technology Development
Those interested in DOE's Microhole Technology Development solicitation are encouraged to explore the team building/teaming resource being facilitated by DOE. Intent is to help interested existing technology providers, new technology developers and producers find each other. Proposals for microhole technology development are due Jan. 30.

Also remember that proposals for DOE's broad-based O&G technology development solicitation are due Feb. 10, and watch for a January solicitation on "Focused Research in Federal Lands Access and Produced Water Management in Oil & Gas E&P"

PTTC Highlight: Michigan's Trenton Black River
The Trenton/Black River formation in the Michigan Basin has produced around 140 million barrels of oil. This workshop provided a retrospective on the play in Michigan, as well as, a look ahead at new opportunities through out the region. The purpose of the workshop was to provide participants with a geologic overview of the Albion-Scipio and Stoney Point fields, giving case histories and insights into the origins of the Trenton/Black River reservoir type, which could help them design more productive exploration and development plans.  Core from producing wells were examined during the workshop.  Additional details and photos from the workshop can be found on the web page.