Issue: March 2021

Features

World Oil editorial: Biden-led USFWS runs roughshod over Native Alaskan corporation in ANWR

Well, it didn’t take any time at all for the Biden Administration to show its true colors in dealing with oil and gas matters in Alaska.

Addressing the re-entry problem of barefoot multi-laterals on coiled tubing

By utilizing major components from a DCTD BHA, a lateral can be re-entered on the first attempt, and a full downhole measurement suite can confirm entry and help improve operational efficiency, once in the chosen lateral.

Solid-state GWD system provides step-change in wellbore placement accuracy, collision risk mitigation

A first-of-its-kind innovation in wellbore surveying—a true solid-state GWD system—is achieving optimized reservoir placement and wellbore collision risk mitigation in several regions globally.

US LNG exports: Uneven pathway from oilfields to terminals

Analysts believe a second wave of global LNG demand is coming in the mid-part of this decade, despite 2020's severe downturn in global energy markets.

ROI is the secret sauce for sustainable digital transformation

For digital transformation to be beneficial and long-lasting, it has to complement business goals. It is important to keep expectations realistic with respect to the current level of digital maturity.

The next generation of land drilling: Hybrid-powered rig combined with energy storage

Supporting drilling contractors and operators’ ESG goals and objectives for a carbon-neutral future, Caterpillar has created targeted solutions. Among these is the Cat Energy Storage Solution, a hybrid energy technology integrated with natural gas gensets for land drilling applications.

Efficiency of coiled tubing well interventions increased by hybrid electro-optical technology

A noise-immune hybrid electro-optical technology enables reliable real-time downhole data transmission and continuous electrical power delivery for coiled tubing operations. The result is improved efficiency in conventional CT applications and in an expanding array of interventions.

Preventing gas hydrate plugging in deepwater wells

Low-dosage hydrate inhibitors are an alternative technology to thermodynamic inhibitors for preventing gas hydrates from restricting production from deepwater wells. Injecting the correct amount of a high-performance chemical has proven effective at mitigating unplanned shut-ins and the resulting loss of production revenue.

Weatherford’s CEO sees energy transition, digital transformation as top OFS priorities going forward

Having taken over the top spot at Weatherford last October, President and CEO Girish Saligram is positioning the firm for post-Covid-19 excellence. Editor-in-Chief Kurt Abraham spoke with Mr. Saligram about his priorities for the future.

Council’s CEO says newly combined association will accomplish much from position of strength

Serving as CEO of the Energy Workforce & Technology Council, formed from a merger of PESA and AESC, Leslie Beyer says the new association is strongly positioned to advocate for member companies on a host of workforce, regulatory and technological issues.
Special Focus

Digital transformation for oil & gas investors

Informed investment decisions require access to the complete knowledge potential existing within digital data available in today’s oil and gas fields. Emerging applications provide investors with access to machine learning, AI analytics, and smart monitoring technologies necessary to mine these data.

Capturing real-time data during drilling and tripping operations improves efficiency and well placement

A wired drill pipe system enables real-time data transmission and sends constant information to decision-makers during drilling and tripping. North Sea case studies demonstrate how combining multiple downhole tool technologies has improved drilling efficiency and prevented various issues.

Improving fracture performance through information collection and evaluation

The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) is actively pursuing, through funding and in-house research, a number of research and development projects that would contribute to enhanced fracture characterization through digital information gathering and processing. The aim of these projects is to better understand both natural and produced fractures, and to evaluate their ability to enhance production and ultimate recovery. The dialogue below discusses one of these projects that is funded by NETL.

Meeting the demand for positive free cash flow through efficient drilling scheduling

It’s advantageous to apply new digital technologies to schedule and manage drilling operations. Modern AI-powered scheduling software enables operators to make better decisions about how to deploy resources and to ensure that operations are always aligned with business objectives. To accomplish these goals requires a change in mindset and willingness to modify business processes to create a positive change in the organization.

Digital twin technology offers a unified vision for the future of the industry

Next-generation oil and gas projects will benefit from the improved collaboration and shared goals made possible by increased digitalization and high-quality visualization tools.

Assessing production operations solves problems, increases well performance

A well optimization service delivers actionable insights through assessment of field practices to establish a baseline state of production operations. The intelligence enables analysis of compliance against best practices, workflow efficiency and technology utilization, to identify opportunities for increased margin.
Columns

Drilling advances

Efficiency payback time

Executive viewpoint

Partnership, innovation are essential to maximizing ESG performance

Water management

What is the future of oilfield water management?

What’s new in exploration

“… keeping the world at a safe temperature”

First oil

Mexico’s situation brightens after giant oil find made

The last barrel

CCUS: Game-changing technology
Resources

Industry at a glance

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