Planning Ahead - Engineering for the Future

Diane Langley, JPT Features Editor

The premise in engineering is to remain ahead of the curve. “Focus on the Future,” the theme of the 2006 SPE Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition (ATCE), 24–27 September in San Antonio, Texas, will reveal solutions to the ever-increasing demand for energy in all its forms. From the Opening General Session on heavy oil to keynote and in-depth technical sessions on CO2 sequestration, conference attendees will be able to select from 72 sessions on vital industry issues.

A six-track technical program will offer field studies, best practices, and emerging technology across a wide range of disciplines. The tracks, based on SPE-designated technical disciplines, are

Drilling and Completions
Projects, Facilities, and Construction
Production and Operations
Reservoir Description and Dynamics
Management and Information
Health, Safety, and Environment

Details of the sessions are available at www.spe.org/atce/2006.

One- and 2-day short courses will be taught on the Saturday and Sunday preceding the main event. Covering a wide range of oil and gas topics, these courses are designed to provide an extensive overview of more than 15 specific subjects.

Moving Heavy Oil

The Opening General Session on Monday, “Heavy Oil—From Rock Face to Fuel Pumps,” will highlight viable development scenarios for this industry heavyweight challenge. Forecasters are putting daily worldwide production of heavy and ultraheavy oil at 10% of total oil production by the year 2020. Viscosity demands will require special well architecture and thermal or chemical aids to collect, lift, and transport economically, in addition to intensive refining techniques required to remove the high percentage of impurities.

Rao Paul Kardec Pinto Skinner Smith

Moderator Vikram Rao, Vice President of Technology for Halliburton Energy Services, will lead panelists Don Paul, Vice President and Chief Technology Officer for Chevron; Alan Kardec Pinto, Refining Executive Manager for Petrobras; Robert Skinner, former Director of the Oxford Inst. for Energy Studies; and Murray Smith, representative of Alberta, Canada, to the U.S., in discussion regarding the unique challenges that heavy oil presents in terms of economics, reserves estimates, and capacity. Existing and future technology, with an emphasis on the role of research and development for finding new methods of extraction and refining, also will be addressed.

Three panel sessions are planned for Tuesday and Wednesday. A distinguished panel of industry experts in the Tuesday session, “Reserves: To Be (Proved), or Not To Be (Proved), That Is the Question,” will present their views and experiences in accurately classifying reserves. A fictitious project will be used to highlight the nuances and issues involved in answering the industry’s agonizing reserves question.

Also Tuesday, a special panel session for young professionals, “Young Professionals: Tips, Advice, and Networking,” will bring together young E&P professionals from several geographic regions to share information and discuss current issues. Following the panel discussion, a brunch will be held during which young professionals can meet and network with industry management. Wednesday will feature a panel on “Women’s Issues in the Petroleum Industry.” Panelists will discuss how the industry can continue to attract women and retain them and will examine the importance of having and maximizing a diverse workforce.

More than 8,000 people attended the 2005 ATCE, visiting 400 exhibitor booths.
More than 500 technical papers were presented.

Other Conference Activities

An opening reception is planned for the evening of 24 September on the exhibit floor, and continental breakfasts will be held daily. Returning to ATCE is the Oilcareerfair, sponsored by SPE and Worldwide Worker. Oilcareerfair offers an online forum at www.oilcareerfair.com in combination with an on-site fair, at which visitors may become familiar with a number of international companies.

New to this year’s conference is a Reception for Young Professional Women on Wednesday afternoon.

Special alumni activities hosted by a number of universities are planned to coincide with this year’s theme. The annual awards banquet, the President’s Luncheon, the Chairperson’s Luncheon, a Ramadan Iftar and dinner, and the SPE “Run for the Future” round out conference activities.

The Annual Banquet and Reception at the Marriott River Center on Monday, 25 September, recognizes SPE members who have made significant contributions to the energy industry and the Society. The following SPE awards are presented: Honorary Member, Public Service Award, Anthony F. Lucas Gold Medal, DeGolyer Distinguished Service Medal, John Franklin Carll Award, Lester C. Uren Award, Distinguished Service Award, Cedric K. Ferguson Medal, Young Member Outstanding Service Award, and Outstanding Student Chapter Award.

The President’s Luncheon on Wednesday, 27 September, is a traditional event symbolizing SPE’s heritage of industry leadership. Highlights include the “State of the Society Address” from 2006 SPE President Eve Sprunt, who passes the presidential gavel to 2007 SPE President Abdul-Jaleel Al-Khalifa.

ATCE General Chairperson Clarence P. Cazalot Jr., President and Chief Executive Officer of Marathon, will share his insights on the industry during a special luncheon on Monday, 25 September.

On Tuesday, 26 September, a Ramadan Iftar and dinner will be held. This special event features a traditional Ramadan menu.