THE REMOTE MONITORING TECHNOLOGY TO IMPROVE THE EFFICIENCY OF EXPLORATION, OPERATION OF THE FIELD AND UNDERGROUND GAS STORAGE FACILITIES.

V.V. Ilyushin, General Director; S.A. Vensko, 1st Deputy General Director and Chief Engineer; T.V. Baziv, Deputy General Director and Chief Geologist;
S.V. Kozhevnikov, Ph.D., Head of Department; S.O. Kosenkov, Head of Directorate
LLC “Gazpromgeofizika”

Improving the exploration drilling efficiency requires operational supervision provided by geological and technological teams to facilitate management decision making.
The currently implemented remote monitoring technology offered by LLC “Gazpromgeofizika” provides a unique solution for 24-hour geological and technological supervision of well construction processes by highly qualified specialists based in the offices of the license holder, drilling contractors and design organizations.  Operational adjustment of borehole characteristics and the drill site feedback allow interfering into the construction process to optimize well construction and field development as a whole.

Key words: exploration drilling; remote monitoring; database;  differentiated approach; information pyramid.

THE REMOTE MONITORING TECHNOLOGY TO IMPROVE THE EFFICIENCY OF EXPLORATION, OPERATION OF THE FIELD AND UNDERGROUND GAS STORAGE FACILITIES.

V.V. Ilyushin, General Director; S.A. Vensko, 1st Deputy General Director and Chief Engineer; T.V. Baziv, Deputy General Director and Chief Geologist;  S.V. Kozhevnikov, Ph.D., Head of Department; S.O. Kosenkov, Head of Directorate
LLC “Gazpromgeofizika”

Improving the exploration drilling efficiency requires operational supervision provided by geological and technological teams to facilitate management decision making.
The currently implemented remote monitoring technology offered by LLC “Gazpromgeofizika” provides a unique solution for 24-hour geological and technological supervision of well construction processes by highly qualified specialists based in the offices of the license holder, drilling contractors and design organizations.  Operational adjustment of borehole characteristics and the drill site feedback allow interfering into the construction process to optimize well construction and field development as a whole.

Key words: exploration drilling; remote monitoring; database;  differentiated approach; information pyramid.

 

 

EXPERIENCE WITH FORMATION TESTERS USED WILE DRILLING CASPIAN FIELDS.

Д.М. Финнеран, К. Грин;
British Petroleum;
Х. Ройд, Б.Дж. Буринда, Я.Д.С. Митчелл, М.А. Проетт; 
Halliburton.

The technology of formation testing while drilling (FTWD) became widely applicable after the GeoTap tool (the brand of Halliburton and Sperry Drilling Services) was developed  by Sperry Drilling Systems. The innovative solution became the industry’s first device containing a logging sonde that could be used for logging while drilling (LWD) in a standard workstring.  The application of  GeoTap in the field of Shirag resulted in significant cost reduction and better flexibility of pressure measurement in ERD wells.
The main requirements for the GeoTap device as a substitute for wireline tools were reliable measurements of formation pressures and reservoir fluid pressure gradients.    Efficiency  and reliability of the tool improve continuously making it possible to use the  GeoTap data as the input data for full field development.

Key words: formation pressure; formation tester; logging while drilling; sonde.

EXPERIENCE WITH FORMATION TESTERS USED WILE DRILLING CASPIAN FIELDS.

J.M. Finneran, K. Green; British Petroleum;
H. Royd, B.J.Burinda , Ya.D.S. Mitchell, M.A. Proett; Halliburton.

The technology of formation testing while drilling (FTWD) became widely applicable after the GeoTap tool (the brand of Halliburton and Sperry Drilling Services) was developed  by Sperry Drilling Systems. The innovative solution became the industry’s first device containing a logging sonde that could be used for logging while drilling (LWD) in a standard workstring.  The application of  GeoTap in the field of Shirag resulted in significant cost reduction and better flexibility of pressure measurement in ERD wells.  
The main requirements for the GeoTap device as a substitute for wireline tools were reliable measurements of formation pressures and reservoir fluid pressure gradients.    Efficiency  and reliability of the tool improve continuously making it possible to use the  GeoTap data as the input data for full field development.

Key words: formation pressure; formation tester; logging while drilling; sonde.

 

 

 

AUTONOMOUS FOLDING AND CONDITIONS FOR FORMATION OF LARGE OIL AND GAS DEPOSITS IN THE EARTH’S CRUST.

B.V. Grigoryants, professor, Ph.D. in Geology and Mineralogy.
The Gubkin University of Oil and Gas

Up to now, the essence of the notion of “large and unique oil and gas fields” remains unrevealed. However, the  potential for oil and gas occurrence and increment of oil and gas reserves are associated with formation and growth of  solely sheet, stratiform (roof) hydrocarbon pools and deposits in the earth’s crust.
At the same time, the possibility of formation in the earth’s crust of vein-type oil and gas accumulation zones specifically in shallow sedimentary basins remains to be confirmed. The article focuses on only one type of vein zones which is however the key one and is associated directly with crustal waveguides.  This type of vein zones provides a new insight into the waveguides as intervals of the crustal section that determine inevitable hydrocarbon generation within them and special manifestations of oil and gas accumulation processes.

Key words: oil and gas occurrence; oil and gas accumulation zones; reservoir properties; sheet deposit; geological cross-section; folding.

AUTONOMOUS FOLDING AND CONDITIONS FOR FORMATION OF LARGE OIL AND GAS DEPOSITS IN THE EARTH’S CRUST.

B.V. Grigoryants, professor, Ph.D. in Geology and Mineralogy.
The Gubkin University of Oil and Gas

Up to now, the essence of the notion of “large and unique oil and gas fields” remains unrevealed. However, the  potential for oil and gas occurrence and increment of oil and gas reserves are associated with formation and growth of  solely sheet, stratiform (roof) hydrocarbon pools and deposits in the earth’s crust.
At the same time, the possibility of formation in the earth’s crust of vein-type oil and gas accumulation zones specifically in shallow sedimentary basins remains to be confirmed. The article focuses on only one type of vein zones which is however the key one and is associated directly with crustal waveguides.  This type of vein zones provides a new insight into the waveguides as intervals of the crustal section that determine inevitable hydrocarbon generation within them and special manifestations of oil and gas accumulation processes.

Key words: oil and gas occurrence; oil and gas accumulation zones; reservoir properties; sheet deposit; geological cross-section; folding.

 

 

THE PROBLEM OF THE BOND BETWEEN THE CONCRETE CORE AND THE STEEL SHELL OF THE SUBSTRUCTURE OF STEEL-CONCRETE ICE-RESISTANT PLATFORMS.

Z.A. Amiraslanov, Ph.D., Moscow State University of Civil Engineering
I.P. Karaev, Research Associate,  the Center “Offshore Oil and Gas Fields” of LLC “VNIIGAZ”

Various types of offshore structures are deployed for offshore oil and gas drilling. However, platforms that have steel and concrete substructures are now considered the most effective for operation in the Arctic shelf.  For a number of years, the authors participated in experimental and theoretical studies conducted by the Moscow State University of Civil Engineering that were dedicated to the use of continuously reinforced concrete for building of offshore oil and gas production platforms.  The researches revealed technological and economic benefits of the solution as compared to the classic concrete and steel structures.
The results show that the bond between the concrete core and the steel shell of the reinforced concrete elements remains strong till the structure is destroyed as a result of its operation in normal (laboratory) conditions and actual-use environment including temperature and humidity fluctuations.

Key words: mobile, fixed, ice-resistant platform; steel and concrete substructure; strength and deformation characteristics; steel-concrete systems.

THE PROBLEM OF THE BOND BETWEEN THE CONCRETE CORE AND THE STEEL SHELL OF THE SUBSTRUCTURE OF STEEL-CONCRETE ICE-RESISTANT PLATFORMS.

Z.A. Amiraslanov, Ph.D., Moscow State University of Civil Engineering
I.P. Karaev, Research Associate,  the Center “Offshore Oil and Gas Fields” of LLC “VNIIGAZ”

Various types of offshore structures are deployed for offshore oil and gas drilling. However, platforms that have steel and concrete substructures are now considered the most effective for operation in the Arctic shelf.  For a number of years, the authors participated in experimental and theoretical studies conducted by the Moscow State University of Civil Engineering that were dedicated to the use of continuously reinforced concrete for building of offshore oil and gas production platforms.  The researches revealed technological and economic benefits of the solution as compared to the classic concrete and steel structures.  
The results show that the bond between the concrete core and the steel shell of the reinforced concrete elements remains strong till the structure is destroyed as a result of its operation in normal (laboratory) conditions and actual-use environment including temperature and humidity fluctuations.

Key words: mobile, fixed, ice-resistant platform; steel and concrete substructure; strength and deformation characteristics; steel-concrete systems.

 

 

FACTORS DETERMINING THE CHOICE OF HYDROCARBON TREATMENT TECHNOLOGY IN OFFSHORE FIELDS.

D.A. Mirzoev, Ph.D. in Engineering, Professor, Director
I.E. Ibragimov, Ph.D., Head of Laboratory,
T.A. Evstafieva, Junior Research Associate
The Center “Offshore Oil and Gas Fields” of LLC “VNIIGAZ”

In general, the choice of the technology and scheme of hydrocarbon treatment is determined by technological, hydrometeorological, geological, operational and environmental factors. There is no uniform technology for hydrocarbon treatment in offshore fields: each field is unique in terms of construction and development solutions employed.
It should not be ignored that different groups of factors are interconnected. The rationale behind the proposed option should be based solely on economic efficiency of the project implementation. In offshore environment, it is recommended to consider an integrated approach to designing of oil and gas treatment systems for a group of hydrocarbon fields located in close proximity to each other. Under certain conditions, the said approach may make some oil and gas bearing areas more attractive to develop.

Key words: offshore field development; flow chart; hydrocarbon treatment; offshore platform.

FACTORS DETERMINING THE CHOICE OF HYDROCARBON TREATMENT TECHNOLOGY IN OFFSHORE FIELDS.

D.A. Mirzoev, Ph.D. in Engineering, Professor, Director
I.E. Ibragimov, Ph.D., Head of Laboratory,
T.A. Evstafieva, Junior Research Associate
The Center “Offshore Oil and Gas Fields” of LLC “VNIIGAZ”

In general, the choice of the technology and scheme of hydrocarbon treatment is determined by technological, hydrometeorological, geological, operational and environmental factors. There is no uniform technology for hydrocarbon treatment in offshore fields: each field is unique in terms of construction and development solutions employed.
It should not be ignored that different groups of factors are interconnected. The rationale behind the proposed option should be based solely on economic efficiency of the project implementation. In offshore environment, it is recommended to consider an integrated approach to designing of oil and gas treatment systems for a group of hydrocarbon fields located in close proximity to each other. Under certain conditions, the said approach may make some oil and gas bearing areas more attractive to develop.

Key words: offshore field development; flow chart; hydrocarbon treatment; offshore platform. 

IMPROVING THE PERFORMANCE OF ISOLATING AND SEALING DEVICES IN DIRECTIONAL INJECTION WELLS.

G.S. Oganov – Ph.D. in Engineering, General Director
A.V. Savinov – Senior Research Associate
OJSC NPO “Burovaya Tekhnika”

The idle injection well stock that has grown in recent years calls for a prompt solution to the problem of drastic improvement of downhole equipment reliability in the process of running, installation, operation and workover. The theoretical studies and experiments that the authors conducted to analyze the performance of currently used systems “Tubing – Packer” influenced by various possible downhole factors make it possible to understand the interrelation of those factors and identify the most significant parameters. Based on the achieved results, packer systems were developed that have a special new slips mechanism.

Key words: isolating and sealing devices; tubing; packer; tensile and compressive stresses.

IMPROVING THE PERFORMANCE OF ISOLATING AND SEALING DEVICES IN DIRECTIONAL INJECTION WELLS.

G.S. Oganov – Ph.D. in Engineering, General Director
A.V. Savinov – Senior Research Associate
OJSC NPO “Burovaya Tekhnika”

The idle injection well stock that has grown in recent years calls for a prompt solution to the problem of drastic improvement of downhole equipment reliability in the process of running, installation, operation and workover. The theoretical studies and experiments that the authors conducted to analyze the performance of currently used systems “Tubing – Packer” influenced by various possible downhole factors make it possible to understand the interrelation of those factors and identify the most significant parameters. Based on the achieved results, packer systems were developed that have a special new slips mechanism.

Key words: isolating and sealing devices; tubing; packer; tensile and compressive stresses.

 

INTELLIGENT MULTILATERAL WELLS: NEXT STAGE OF WELL CONSTRUCTION TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT.

J. Oberkircher, B. Comeaux, E. Bailey, T. Cavender, V. Jackson
Sperry Sun, Halliburton Energy Services, WellDynamics.

The combination of the two advanced technology solutions for well construction and operation  — downhole monitoring and production rate control  —  provides an opportunity to drill brand new wells known as intelligent multilateral wells.
The choice of intelligent and multilateral completion technology depends on a variety of  factors such as kick-off point isolation, completion type, accessibility, level of production rate control and target control level. Electrical, electrohydraulic and hydraulic equipment used to control production rate helps improve flexibility and efficiency of well and reservoir operation.  The two solutions can be integrated in all possible ways providing options ranging from the simplest to the most sophisticated and meeting various operation conditions.
The article provides a brief description of the areas of technology application including those currently available and future concepts that are  of great interest to oil and gas industry professionals. Benefits and drawbacks of the various options, as well as equipment types   for intelligent multilateral completion are also discussed.

Key words: multilateral, multihole intelligent well; downhole monitoring; production rate control; “window”, TAML level.

INTELLIGENT MULTILATERAL WELLS: NEXT STAGE OF WELL CONSTRUCTION TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT.

J. Oberkircher, B. Comeaux, E. Bailey, T. Cavender, V. Jackson
Sperry Sun. Halliburton Energy Services. WellDynamics.

The combination of the two advanced technology solutions for well construction and operation  — downhole monitoring and production rate control  —  provides an opportunity to drill brand new wells known as intelligent multilateral wells. 
The choice of intelligent and multilateral completion technology depends on a variety of  factors such as kick-off point isolation, completion type, accessibility, level of production rate control and target control level. Electrical, electrohydraulic and hydraulic equipment used to control production rate helps improve flexibility and efficiency of well and reservoir operation.  The two solutions can be integrated in all possible ways providing options ranging from the simplest to the most sophisticated and meeting various operation conditions.  
The article provides a brief description of the areas of technology application including those currently available and future concepts that are  of great interest to oil and gas industry professionals. Benefits and drawbacks of the various options, as well as equipment types   for intelligent multilateral completion are also discussed.

Key words: multilateral, multihole intelligent well; downhole monitoring; production rate control; “window”, TAML level.

 

 

PRACTICES AND PROSPECTS OF GAS FIELD DEVELOPMENT IN WEST SIBERIA.

O.E. Aksyutin, General Director; O.M.Ermilov, Ph.D., Professor, Deputy General Director
LLC “Gazpromdobycha Nadym”
G.V.Maslov;  A.N.Laperdin, Deputy General Director
LLC “TyumenNIIgiprogaz”

The article analyses the unique experience of gas field development management in West Siberia and defines the problems of operation of major gas fields.  It is demonstrated that the main problems can be solved primarily through efficient field development management based on improved designing methods and decision implementation control; reduced reservoir energy losses; best practices of operation of wells and oilfield equipment; longest possible periods of water-free production;  cost-effective gas production in mature fields.
Отмечено, что ещё более сложные задачи встают при выходе на новые месторождения: Бованенково и Харасавей, где необходимо решить комплекс проблем, связанных с геологическим изучением, оптимизацией разработки, строительством промысловых сооружений, транспортом углеводородного сырья.

Key words: gas fields; field development and operation; production equipment; gas treatment; reservoir energy; process modeling;  well productivity; gas gathering system

PRACTICES AND PROSPECTS OF GAS FIELD DEVELOPMENT IN WEST SIBERIA.

O.E. Aksyutin, General Director; O.M.Ermilov, Ph.D., Professor, Deputy General Director
LLC “Gazpromdobycha Nadym”
G.V.Maslov;  A.N.Laperdin, Deputy General Director
LLC “TyumenNIIgiprogaz”

The article analyses the unique experience of gas field development management in West Siberia and defines the problems of operation of major gas fields.  It is demonstrated that the main problems can be solved primarily through efficient field development management based on improved designing methods and decision implementation control; reduced reservoir energy losses; best practices of operation of wells and oilfield equipment; longest possible periods of water-free production;  cost-effective gas production in mature fields.  
It is mentioned that the new fields of Bovanenkovo and Kharasavey pose even more difficult challenges associated with the necessity to solve a bunch of tasks including geological exploration, development optimization, field infrastructure construction, hydrocarbons transportation.

Key words: gas fields; field development and operation; production equipment; gas treatment; reservoir energy; process modeling;  well productivity; gas gathering system

 

 

THE CASE HISTORY OF THE USE OF THE ABOVE-BIT EJECTOR PUMP TO ENHANCE DRILLING PERFORMANCE.

S.V.Evstifeev, Chief Process Engineer
CJSC “Service Company “Nedra”

The experience of oil and gas well drilling suggests that drill bit performance decreases sharply as the borehole gets deeper. As you know, the main reason is the changing downhole conditions of rock breaking.  It is currently believed that differential pressure is as a rule the major factor that determines drilling performance within the existing drilling practices. To reduce differential pressure, the author developed a device based on the principle of ejection – the above-bit ejection pump EZhG, as well as methods of hydraulic program optimization.
Результаты испытания ЭЖГ, проведенные на месторождениях Западной Сибири, Сахалина, Республики Татарстан, Саратова на более, чем 100 скважинах при различных способах бурения показали высокую эффективность системы: при перепаде давления на ЭЖГ около 6,0 МПа, увеличение скорости составляло 80…100%, проходки – 90…120%.

Key words: differential pressure; flowing pressure; ejector pump; penetration rate; borehole drilling.

THE CASE HISTORY OF THE USE OF THE ABOVE-BIT EJECTOR PUMP TO ENHANCE DRILLING PERFORMANCE.

S.V.Evstifeev, Chief Process Engineer
CJSC “Service Company “Nedra”

The experience of oil and gas well drilling suggests that drill bit performance decreases sharply as the borehole gets deeper. As you know, the main reason is the changing downhole conditions of rock breaking.  It is currently believed that differential pressure is as a rule the major factor that determines drilling performance within the existing drilling practices. To reduce differential pressure, the author developed a device based on the principle of ejection – the above-bit ejection pump EZhG, as well as methods of hydraulic program optimization.
The results of the EZhG testing in the fields of West Siberia, Sakhalin, the Republic of Tatarstan, and Saratov in more than 100 wells drilled using different techniques demonstrated the high efficiency of the system: the penetration rate increased by 80…100 percent, the footage – by 90…120 percent, with  the pressure differential in EZhG of around 6.0 MPa.

Key words: differential pressure; flowing pressure; ejector pump; penetration rate; borehole drilling.

 

 

AUTOMATIC CARBONATE WEIGHTING AGENT PRODUCTION CONTROL SYSTEM – QUALITY ASSURANCE

V.A.Polubabkin, General Director; A.P.Ogurechnikov, Head of Department
LLC NPP “Bentonity Urala”

To increase mud density, a marble-based carbonate weighting agent is widely used now. The traditional technology allows producing weighting agents with a big percentage of oversize and undersize fractions. The proposed technology solutions and the automatic production control system make it possible to get stable quality products and excellent testing results from dedicated laboratories of leading international firms.

Key words: carbonate weighting agent; analysis by boiling point; centrifugal mills; automatic control system; sieve test.

AUTOMATIC CARBONATE WEIGHTING AGENT PRODUCTION CONTROL SYSTEM – QUALITY ASSURANCE

V.A.Polubabkin, General Director; A.P.Ogurechnikov, Head of Department
LLC NPP “Bentonity Urala”

To increase mud density, a marble-based carbonate weighting agent is widely used now. The traditional technology allows producing weighting agents with a big percentage of oversize and undersize fractions. The proposed technology solutions and the automatic production control system make it possible to get stable quality products and excellent testing results from dedicated laboratories of leading international firms.

Key words: carbonate weighting agent; analysis by boiling point; centrifugal mills; automatic control system; sieve test.