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Detailed Reservoir Models

Roxar A/S has released Version 6.3 of its Tempest reservoir-simulation software suite, which now has parallel-processing capabilities. Use of the message-passing-interface standard allows parallel processing on multiple cluster machines and handles a larger number of gridblocks. The results are more realizations for quantifying reservoir uncertainty, higher resolution and greater detail in the simulation, faster simulation than was possible with a single processor, and desktop computing with off-the-shelf multiprocessing and multichip hardware. The software can simulate a wide range of physical processes such as black-oil, compositional, dual-porosity, steam, coalbed-methane, and polymer-injection. Parallel processing enables breaking a single task into multiple parts that can be processed separately and then reassembled. Processing a large number of gridblocks on multiple processors allows faster simulation models with less time spent calibrating the model during a history-matching process. Four integrated software modules cover the different stages of reservoir simulation. The full-field simulator is capable of running black-oil or compositional simulation modes. The graphical interactive program provides simulation of pre- and post-processing by providing data-set creation, editing, job submission and monitoring, run control, results plotting, and 3D visualization. Another module uses fluid characterization to match equation-of-state descriptions of fluid properties to laboratory data. An integrated economic-evaluation and risk-analysis tool works directly on simulator output to estimate field cash flow and net present value.

For additional information, visit www.roxar.com.

Reservoir Monitoring

Expro CaTS schematic for subsea abandoned-wells
application.

Expro Intl. Group plc has installed its Cableless Telemetry System (CaTS) in an abandoned subsea well to monitor reservoir-pressure and -temperature response. The technology was applied in the BP Exploration Ltd. Clair Ridge appraisal Well 206/8-T, in the U.K. North Sea. This system allows real-time information to be transmitted downhole and back without the use of cabling or wireline in the well. Its two-way transmission capability enables remote control of downhole instrumentation, which could allow redesigning downhole completions. The system was installed in early June 2006 as part of the final abandonment process. The system transmits data from the reservoir to the seabed by use of wireless-telemetry technology. The data are collected, processed, and stored at the seabed with a specially developed subsea receiver. The data then are transmitted on demand from the receiver to a supply vessel above the abandoned well. First data interrogation took place in early July, and post-abandonment reservoir-pressure and ‑temperature data were uploaded successfully for analysis by the reservoir engineers. Further data-interrogation visits are planned for later in the year. This application enables monitoring of the long-term reservoir-pressure buildup subsequent to the production tests performed during the drillstem test and monitoring of any interference effects resulting from production or injection activity at the nearby Clair platform. This information will assist the operator in gaining a better understanding of the overall structure of the Clair reservoir.

For additional information, visit www.exprogroup.com.

Permanent In-Well Optical Seismic System

Weatherford Clarion sensor carrier being installed.

Weatherford Intl. Ltd. has installed a permanent in-well Clarion optical seismic system in BP Norway’s G-24 injector well in the Valhall field. The equipment, installed in March 2006, consists of five three-component (3C) optical-accelerometer stations and an optical pressure/temperature gauge deployed with the production tubing near the reservoir. The system uses optical multiplexing that is based on Bragg grating technology. The system uses highly sensitive, miniature, optical multicomponent accelerometers to monitor active- and passive-seismic signals continuously throughout the life of the well. Each tubing-conveyed seismic station uses a specially designed active clamping system that couples the 3C sensor to the casing and substantially decouples it from the production tubing. The optical pressure/temperature gauge is deployed along with the seismic sensors on a single fiber-optic cable. Permanently installed in the well, close to the area of interest, the seismic-sensing system enables five primary applications: vertical-seismic-profile reservoir imaging, surface-seismics calibration, microseismic monitoring, crosswell seismics, and seismics while drilling.

For additional information, visit www.weatherford.com/optics.

Downhole Inspection

EV Offshore Ltd. announced that it has completed a downhole inspection on behalf of CNR Intl. (U.K.) Ltd. on their Ninian South Platform, in the East Shetland basin offshore Scotland. As CNR started recovery operations on a well, a downhole problem arose, indicating damaged casing. An inspection package comprising the EVOLeye camera inspection system, drillpipe running tool, and centralizers was used to investigate the problem. The inspection system offers full, continuous hemispherical viewing—in color or monochrome—while running downhole. It also is capable of flushing turbid water and dislodging obstructions at target depth to offer a clear view. Multiple runs in hole with the inspection system provided accurate visual information of the situation downhole to assess the problem. Video images revealed significant corrosion damage to the casing strings. Initial attempts to retrieve the 95/8-in. casing by use of a spear were unsuccessful. The casing spear dropped between the 20- and 30-in. casing strings without latching the damaged casing. By running the casing spear on drillpipe, while simultaneously operating the inspection system on a tugger line to supply real-time images, the casing spear was manipulated into the damaged casing, enabling recovery.

For additional information, e-mail david.clover@evoffshore.com.

Drilling Operations and Life-Cycle Management

Decision Dynamics Technology Ltd. announced that its Wellcore software platform now integrates drilling support with well-life-cycle management. This upgrade enables real-time visibility of all departmental functions, from initial prospect to well abandonment, while linking those data with cross-department tools such as authorization for expenditure (AFE), project planning, rig scheduling, and electronic permit filing. The connection between the drilling operations and well-life-cycle management suites enables information sharing. An optional extension allows users to integrate the software with legacy databases. For drilling operations, the software platform offers a suite of integrated modules to capture, store, and analyze department-based business processes from prospect inventory through geology, surface and land construction, drilling, completions and workovers, abandonment and reclamation, and pipeline and facilities management. For well-life-cycle management, the platform includes tools to manage cross-business processes such as AFE tracking and approvals, capital-cost management, project planning, rig scheduling, and regulatory compliance.

For additional information, visit www.ddytech.com/products.

Extracting Oil From Shale

Shale-oil reserves, estimated at more than 2 trillion bbl in the U.S., are a potential source of oil by use of technology developed by Raytheon Co. and its partner, CF Technologies. Raytheon’s Integrated Defense Systems business’ radio-frequency (RF) energy (radar) combined with critical-fluid (CF) technology shows promise for extracting oil from shale. Historically, the lack of an economical and environmentally friendly method for extracting oil from shale has kept it from being a significant energy source. A solution has been developed that could solve both the economic and environmental problems. Combining RF and CF technologies provides a method of recovering oil from shale reserves worldwide. On the basis of laboratory results and analysis, the produced oil is a light product, comparable to kerosene, and is derived with the unique process with high extraction efficiency. In addition to producing more oil from shale formations, some companies may consider it an option for improving return from existing marginal reserves, including heavy oils, tar sands, and spent wells. Development of this technology continues while outside experts consider its ramifications.

For additional information, e-mail john_a_cogliandro@raytheon.com.

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