About this workshop

Abstract

Nanotechnology applications, as implemented in the materials technology, offer exciting alternatives to existing technologies in drilling and well completion through increasing strength and durability. Considerable research on nano-particles has also been undertaken towards enhanced oil recovery (EOR) and illustrating the reservoir. Further development is necessary for successful application in oil and gas industry. Scanning-electron-microscope (SEM) imaging technology has revealed many nano pores prevailed in the shale gas core. Conventional technologies and theories are facing challenges in the nano-world.

On the other hand, nano-geoscience is a fundamental study of nanoscale phenomena related to geological systems. The key is to emphasise the importance of an understanding at the small scale down to nano and atomic level. The applicable fields of the research include studying geo-materials with at least one dimension restricted to the nanoscale (e.g. thin films, fluids in nano-organic pores), the structural and dynamical properties at the interfaces, and the impact of nano-particles. This applied technology workshop, organised for multi-disciplinary professionals in the oil and gas industry, provides an excellent platform for discussions on how the region will meet these challenges, and what can be learnt from experiences in other parts of the world.

Objectives

The meeting offers industry and academia an opportunity to present and discuss the most recent advances relevant to:

• EOR techniques and its fundamentals
• Shale gas exploration and production
• CO2 geo-sequestration
• Drilling and completion
• Chemicals in petroleum engineering

Focus

The workshop agenda is expected to include the following topics:

• Low salinity flooding for EOR
• Practical characterisation of shale gas
• Nanoparticle technology
• New materials (coating, sealing, drilling, and proppant)
• Asphaltene nano science in oil fields

Who Should Attend

This workshop is designed for industry practitioners who are directly or indirectly involved with reservoir engineering and drilling and completion operations, as well as academicians and regulators.

Workshop Guidelines

Documentation

1. Proceedings will not be published; therefore, formal papers and hand-outs are not expected from speakers.
2. Work in progress, new ideas, and interesting projects are sought.
3. Professionally-prepared visual aids are not required; handwritten viewgraphs are entirely acceptable.
4. Note-taking by participants is encouraged. However, to ensure free and open discussions, no formal records will be kept.

Workshop Deliverables

• The committee will prepare a full report containing the highlights of the workshop discussions. This report will be circulated to all attendees. A one-page summary will be prepared by the workshop co-chairpersons, which will be posted on the SPE website, and published in the Journal of Petroleum Technology (JPT), if space permits. The copyright of the summary report will belong to SPE.
• PowerPoint presentation materials will be posted on a specific SPE URL address after the workshop. Provision of the materials by the discussion leaders will signify their permission for SPE to do so.

Commercialism

In keeping with ATW objectives and the SPE mission, excessive commercialism in posters or presentations will not be permitted. Company logos must be limited to the title slide and used only to indicate the affiliation of the presenter and others involved in the work.

Attendance Certificate

All attendees will receive an attendance certificate attesting to their participation at the workshop. This certificate will be provided in exchange for a completed Workshop Questionnaire.

Continuing Education Units

This workshop qualifies for SPE Continuing Education Units (CEU) at the rate of 0.1 CEU per hour of the ATW.

Attendees’ Information

General and detailed accommodation information will be forwarded to registrants with the attendee package prior to the scheduled workshop in February 2014.

Dress Code

Casual clothing is recommended. The workshop atmosphere is informal.

Transportation/Visa

Delegates are advised to book their domestic/international airline tickets early from their city/country to Kyoto, Japan. Further detailed transportation information will be available and included in the attendee package, which will be sent to registrants in February 2014.

International delegates travelling to Japan must be in possession of passports valid for at least six (6) months with proof of onward passage, either return or through tickets. Visa requirements depend on country of origin. Please check with your travel agent or the Japanese Embassy on regulations relating to immigration/visa before your departure.