November\’s issue of InnovOil, showcasing innovations in the global oil & gas industry

1. ™
Published by vNewsBase
Bringing you the latest innovations in exploration, production and refining
Issue Four November 2012
The GOD
of tie-in
technology
Thor’s new solution to an
age-old problem
Page 9
FRACK TO RAPID NODAL
THE FUTURE RISER KNOWLEDGE
Halliburton’s new PermStim™ RiserTec’s new dynamic FairfieldNodal’s cable-
fracturing service software design free node technology
Page 2 Page 4 Page 6

2. page 2 InnovOil by vNewsBase November 2012
Furthering
fracking fluids
Halliburton’s new
fracturing service
helps increase
production for
Magnum Hunter
Resources in the
Eagle Ford shale
H
alliburton has announced the commercialisation the fluids it uses throughout its development area. Ferguson
of its new PermStim™ fracturing service. The service added that Magnum Hunter believed the use of clean fluids such
uses PermStim™ fluid, which is based on a derivatised as the PermStim fluid system would result in maximum regained
natural polymer rather than guar. The fluid does not permeability and would reduce residue retained by the producing
contain insoluble residue, making it a more robust system that will formation.
result in improved well performance. Laboratory tests showed that PermStim fluid provided
A recent fracturing treatment involved the first use of the new significantly higher regained permeability than derivatised and
fluid system in the Eagle Ford shale formation. Magnum Hunter native guar-based fluids. In proppant pack flow measurements, the
Resources chose the fluid for its Moose Hunter 1H well in Lavaca derivatised guar-based fluid exhibited 70% regained permeability
County, Texas. The fracturing treatment was performed in a 6,050- and the native guar-based fluid only 40%, while the PermStim fluid
foot (1,844-metre) horizontal section at 10,897 feet (3,321metres) in resulted in 94% regained permeability.
vertical depth, with a bottomhole temperature of 280°F (138°C) and So far, the PermStim fluid system has been used successfully
a bottomhole pressure of 6,500 pounds per square inch (psi). The in more than 102 wells located primarily in the Denver-Julesburg,
treatment was pumped down a 5.5-inch (140-mm) casing, using a Williston and Green River basins, at temperatures up to 300°F
hybrid fluid system that interspersed linear fluid stages with cross- (149°C) bottomhole static temperature. The PermStim fluid system
linked fluid stages using PermStim fluid. Proppant concentration provides important benefits – improved well cleanup, enhanced
ramped from 0.25 pounds to 4 pounds per gallon. The 24-hour initial proppant pack permeability, controllable viscosity, excellent
production was 1,686 barrels of oil and 801,000 cubic feet (22,684 proppant transport, salt tolerance, and instant and delayed cross-
cubic metres) of gas on a 16/64-inch choke, which exceeds the linking systems.
average 24-hour initial production for Magnum Hunter’s operated PermStim fluid was designed to provide equal or better health,
wells in the Eagle Ford shale area. safety and environmental (HSE) performance than any other
Magnum Hunter’s executive vice president of exploration, Kip conventional fracturing fluid system on the market. Even better
Ferguson, said PermStim fluid worked very well and was easily HSE performance is available with CleanStim® fluid formulation,
integrated into the company’s current fracturing design. He added composed of components sourced from the food industry. n
that a clean fluid would make sense as Magnum Hunter planned for
closer offsets and began its development programme for the Eagle Contact:
Ford shale area. Zelma Branch, Halliburton PR
The typical completion in the Eagle Ford shale play does not, Tel: +1 281 988 2557
according to Ferguson, recover a significant amount of load water Email: Zelma.Branch@Halliburton.com
from frack stages and therefore the company needs to optimise Web: www.halliburton.com

3. November 2012 InnovOil by vNewsBase page 3
The bigger picture
The StagSeis technology developed by CGGVeritas
takes marine seismic acquisition to the next level
C
GGVeritas continues to pioneer new seismic and wavelet distortion in deeper events. The introduction of Q
techniques, with subsalt imaging an area of particular tomography allows the modelling of these effects, with Q-enabled
focus. The company expects its new StagSeis technology migration able to compensate and output data with the correct phase,
to take it to the next level in terms of seismic acquisition. amplitude and resolution. The latest velocity modelling techniques,
Before considering StagSeis and its innovative features, a brief such as FWI, derive increasingly detailed velocity models of the
consideration of the evolution of seismic acquisition is useful. near surface, which provide clear benefits when studying deeper
In operational terms, the Gulf of Mexico has been a traditional targets.
testing ground for seismic imaging techniques, with its rich
hydrocarbon systems and complex geological structures. Testing StagSeis
in the region has led to a rapid evolution in migration algorithms, Acquisition is equally important for deriving clearer images.
velocity model building techniques and marine acquisition methods. CGGVeritas delved into wide-azimuth marine acquisition in 2004
Depth migration technology has evolved from the post-stack with a survey for BP over its Mad Dog field. Subsequent wide-
depth migration used in the late 1990s through to the latest Reverse azimuth, multi-azimuth, full-azimuth and similar multi-vessel
Time Migration (RTM) techniques. The clarity of RTM is now strategies provide better sampling of the seismic wavefield, to
available prestack in the form of RTM 3-D gathers, which retain derive ever more accurate understanding of reservoirs. StagSeis is
the rich azimuth and reflection angle information inherent in wide- CGGVeritas’ next-generation full-azimuth solution, which takes the
azimuth data, giving improved modelling results through better concept of wide-azimuth marine acquisition to the next level.
tomography, anisotropy inversion and true-amplitude reservoir Driven by the development of wide-azimuth acquisition, true-
attribute analysis. 3-D, anisotropic tools and algorithms were designed to realise
Velocity model building tools and methods are equally important the full potential of that wide-azimuth data. They utilise all of
to the final images. High-density and multi-layer tomography, along the additional azimuthal information to provide improved noise
with Full Waveform Inversion (FWI), is currently state-of-the-art. and multiple suppression, azimuth-dependent velocities for flatter
Initially, both velocity model building and migration were isotropic gathers and multi-dimensional interpolation and regularisation.
only, but they now incorporate greater complexities of anisotropy to CGGVeritas remains behind much of the cutting-edge research at
represent more accurately the real geological properties. the forefront of the seismic industry. The company’s commitment to
The internal structure of salt bodies which compromise the base innovation means it invests 5% of overall revenues back into R&D,
salt and subsalt imaging has been looked over to a certain extent which equates to an annual budget of around US$150 million. n
in the past. In areas with suitable geology, such as Santos Basin
offshore Brazil, reflection tomography updates can now be made
to salt velocities. Where tomography is not an option, if picks from Contact:
intra-salt reflections are too sparse or erratic, “dirty salt” iterative Sara Pink-Zerling, Media Relations Manager
reflectivity inversion can be used for modelling salt heterogeneities. Tel: + 33 (0)1 64 47 38 83
Likewise, variations in the near surface have previously been Email: sara.pink-zerling@cggveritas.com
ignored. Spatial anomalies can cause amplitude shadow zones Web: www.cggveritas.com

4. page 4 InnovOil by vNewsBase November 2012
Rising up
RiserTec introduces software for dynamic riser design optimisation
D
esigning marine riser systems is a complex task The final methodology component is the analysis model used to
that requires a significant number of man-hours from determine the static and dynamic response of the riser system.
experienced engineers. But with rising demand for
experienced engineers outstripping the current labour Analysis model
pool, a less than desirable – but immediately accessible – option is The analysis model will often involve standard riser analysis
to delegate such work to junior engineers, sometimes with minimal software such as Riflex, Orcaflex or Flexcom. Moreover, such
technical supervision. models are based on a finite element representation of the structure
Aware of the dangers of such an approach, which adds and offer an almost unlimited range of modelling capability.
additional risk to an already critical component of a field’s overall Relevant non-design parameters such as water depth, 100-year
development, UK-based engineering design house RiserTec Ltd has wave height and vessel motions can all be defined in this model
developed software for dynamic riser design optimisation. in the normal way. The finalised model must be established so
that design parameter values can be inserted automatically by the
Rising complexity optimisation software and the model run to determine corresponding
Marine riser design is a complex multidiscipline task involving output values for defined object and constraint functions.
numerous engineering considerations including material selection, The optimisation software will then repeat the process following
interfaces, installation and dynamic response under long-term and a defined methodology for determination of the optimised design.
extreme environmental conditions.
The demanding nature of the work means riser design
optimisation technology – which has been around for many years
– provides an economic solution to this problem while offering Vessel Stand-off
significantly improved operator risk management. 15m
The technology has been well documented in literary work,
including studies related specifically to riser design. However,
many such studies tend to be theoretical or, from a riser engineering
perspective, have been applied to simplified academic problems with
a single object function.
This was an issue RiserTec tackled head on by developing design
optimisation methodologies that were applied to a wide range of real
projects with multiple object functions in most cases.
Methodology
RiserTec’s design optimisation methodologies include gradient, non-
gradient and population-based methods, as well as simple strategies
such as random or grid search.
In each case the methodology requires definition of independent
design parameters, design constraints, object function and
design model. The design parameters span the design space and
should be carefully selected in each case, with the number of
design parameters influencing overall complexity and cost of the
optimisation process.
Moreover, constraint equations, established in terms of the design
parameters, can take many forms. In the simplest cases, one or
more design parameters may be required to lie between specified
upper and lower bound values. In more complex forms, the design
associated with any realisation of the design parameters may be
required to have a maximum stress below a specified allowable
value over a set of defined static load conditions.
The object function, again defined in terms of the design
parameters, represents that which the process is attempting to
minimise (or maximise).
One example might be the maximum curvature along the riser
enveloped over a series of defined dynamic load cases. In many
cases, multiple object functions may be involved, such as the
requirement to minimise hang-off load on the platform while at the
same time minimising maximum riser curvature along the riser.

5. November 2012 InnovOil by vNewsBase page 5
When used in a fully automated manner, the above process sizing rather than attempting to lump everything together into one
can provide an efficient black box solution to many design large optimisation problem.
problems. However, owing to the multidisciplinary nature of riser Minimising object function cost by careful model set-up and the
design, it is preferable to have a clear understanding as to how the use of critical load cases is also seen as critical. Moreover, RiserTec
optimised design has been determined so that design considerations suggests using graphics to document the design process to other
not included in the optimisation process can be properly accounted disciplines (such as interface engineering) as well as the client.
for. Using the process within a mixed experience engineering team
The most practical way of achieving this objective is via object to leverage experience of senior engineers is also recommended.
and constraint function plots within the design space. Additionally it can also be used for analysis model calibration
against field data. n
Experience
RiserTec’s experience of riser design optimisation has shown the Contact:
importance of defining the design space while keeping the number John Shanks, Senior Consultant
of design parameters as small as possible. Tel: +44 (0) 7720 060 899
The company highly recommends carrying out the design in Email: john.shanks@risertec.com
phases – with initial global design followed by local component Web: www.risertec.com
Vessel Stvand-off Vessel Stand-off
20m 25m

6. page 6 InnovOil by vNewsBase November 2012
Nodes
know
few
limits
FairfieldNodal’s entirely cable-free
node technology is transforming
seismic data acquisition
N
ode seismic data acquisition systems have achieved
mainstream status despite being viewed as a sort of
novelty only a few years ago. US-based FairfieldNodal
is in the vanguard of those making the cable-free
autonomous recording unit (node) technology a commonly used
technology in the oil industry.
Wireless (also known as cableless, cable-free and no-cable) node
systems are versatile in that they can be deployed almost anywhere,
including places that are hostile to cable deployment.
Inhospitable areas for deployment range from infrastructure-crowded
marine environments to tricky onshore locations such as mountains,
jungles, urban locales and icy terrain. Z3000 deepwater nodes being lowered to the
FairfieldNodal has developed a range of pioneering node seismic survey site aboard the latest in ROV technology.
data technology that is capable of operating in such challenging
environments. thunderstorms. The extensive wiring used in cable-based products can
be negatively impacted by static electricity triggered by these storms.
ZTechnology FairfieldNodal’s nodal technology provides a range of solutions. It
The company has developed a trio of nodal acquisition systems that offers: more flexible acquisition geometries, e.g. wide and full azimuth
utilise its proprietary ZTechnology®. The systems are: Z3000® (marine for land surveys; reduced downtime and maintenance; increased
deepwater); Z700® (marine shallow water/transition zone); and productivity; improved HSE; enhanced access to challenging locales
ZLand®. and easier permitting.
The defining element of each ZNodal® system is the complete In addition to the entirely cable-free ZLand and its transition zone
absence of any external cables and/or wires of any kind, unlike other shallow-water counterpart Z700, land nodal systems include INOVA
available node products, which has made them popular around the HAWK®, Sercel UNITE, OYO GSR, and Autoseis® High Definition
world. For example, the ZLand product has already been used on all Recorder.
continents except Antarctica, where there is no exploration. A key feature of FairfieldNodal’s technology is the node’s small
FairfieldNodal’s marine systems are also attracting considerable size. For example, a ZLand node weighs only 4.7 pounds (2.1 kg). It
interest, with preparations under way at press time for the deployment can be buried in the ground and completely hidden from view. Upon
of more than 4,200 Z700 nodes for a rich-azimuth dual simultaneous completion of the recording cycle, the node is retrieved to download the
sourced ocean-bottom survey in the Gulf of Mexico. The programme data for quality control work prior to recharging the batteries within the
will encompass about 2,000 square km. nodes for re-deployment of the units.
The various high-tech land node systems currently on the market are
Cutting cables generally purchased and/or leased by data acquisition companies and
The oil industry’s growing appetite for node systems is unsurprising, also international oil companies (IOCs). And to select the system best
given the obvious downsides to cable systems. The latter are heavy and suited to the project in hand a field trial is a typical starting point.
cumbersome, making them difficult to carry around in rugged terrain,
and where helicopter transport is necessary, costs can be exorbitant. Apache trial
Besides the fact that cable systems leave a substantial environmental A recent trial using FairfieldNodal’s technology was implemented by
footprint on the land, serious problems can be caused by ordinary SAE for Apache Corp. over its onshore holdings at Alaska’s Cook Inlet.

7. November 2012 InnovOil by vNewsBase page 7
ZLand node being logged and activated by
crew member prior to starting the survey
Back deck mechanisation means Z700 nodes can be True cable-free ZLand nodes have proved
deployed and retrieved with very little crew involvement. invaluable in challenging environments.
The 2-D programme included both traditional cable digital telemetry Yet perhaps one of the most unusual demonstrations of the
seismic technology and nodes. The ease of operation and the high- functionality and reliability of nodes occurred in southeastern Mexico
quality seismic data acquired using the nodal system in this region’s in the state of Tabasco, where the region’s many sugar cane fields are
unpredictable pack ice and ground conditions proved to be highly burned prior to harvest.
convincing to Apache. An ongoing cable-based programme was halted temporarily because
As a result, the continuously recording and entirely cable-free of the burn, and the contractor decided to test nodes as a replacement.
systems were selected by Apache for its multi-year 3-D seismic The nodes were buried about 10 inches (25.4 cm) deep and ahead of
programme in Alaska. This will include marine, transition zone and land the approaching fire and retrieved immediately after the entire fire had
environments. burned through. The nodes were not even slightly warm, recording
SAE purchased the nodal equipment used in the trial and also leased occurred successfully and there was no temperature variation within
6,000 nodes for a project it operated for 120 days in Canada’s Alberta either node.
province. The nodal equipment was subsequently shipped to New Further north, urban, densely populated areas were used as a testing
Zealand, where it was deployed in a 3-D programme. ground for nodal seismic data acquisition in California. During testing,
the ZLand 3-D survey over the old Long Beach oilfield in the middle
Testing times of the city of Long Beach left no footprint, and there was no negative
As if conditions in Alaska and Canada were not tough enough, impact by the vibroseis trucks, which adhered to a strict pre-planned
FairfieldNodal nodes have shown perfect functionality in some of the schedule.
toughest operating environments in the world, including Siberia, in Such tests demonstrate the functionality and performance of
Russia. FairfieldNodal’s equipment and make the case for a cable-free future in
Even buried under two feet of snow, the battery-equipped the field of seismic data acquisition. n
autonomous nodes functioned perfectly, generating significant interest
amongst Russian operators. Contact:
At the other (extreme) end of the spectrum, the Ugandan jungle was Debra Dryer, Marketing Co-ordinator
the scene of a successful 3-D nodal seismic acquisition trial in preparation Tel: +1 281 275 7619
for a programme in an environmentally sensitive game reserve. Email: ddryer@FairfieldNodal.com Web: www.FairfieldNodal.com

8. WE CAN SIMPLIFY YOUR
SEISMIC WORK OR TAKE YOU
PLACES
YOU
COULDN’T
GO BEFORE.
OR BOTH.
For cable-free seismic done right,
go to fairfieldnodal.com/truecablefree.
S y S t e m S A c q u i S i t i o n L i c e n S i n g P r o c e S S i n g i m A g i n g

9. November 2012 InnovOil by vNewsBase page 9
Butterfly valves are one of the latest products to be offered
by valve manufacturing innovator Severn Glocon Group
The
butterfly
effect
S
evern Glocon Group continues to expand and offer
innovation in valve manufacturing and engineering
services. The company, which employs 800 staff around
the world, makes valves for the energy industry, including
severe service applications. The group recently extended its product
offering to include butterfly valves and small bore subsea valves,
with the strategic acquisitions of Leeds Valve and LB Bentley.
Split
Severn Glocon’s business is split into two main areas.
First, the design and manufacture of bespoke valves for new projects
in the UAE, Asia-Pacific, the US, South America, EMEA and UK: LB Bentley
these are typically multi-million US dollar contracts for operators such LB Bentley designs and develops small-bore subsea valves. It pioneered
as BP, Chevron, Shell and ExxonMobil. Such contracts are subject to metal-to-metal sealing technology and promotes creative engineering.
rigorous competitive tendering where the group has to demonstrate The firm works with customers to produce bespoke products that solve
specific technical capability, as well as the ability to deliver on time and design challenges.
on budget.
Secondly, the group is involved in the supply of replacement valves Severn-Leeds Valve
and related technical services to established plants that are already Severn Glocon’s butterfly valve business is a technical authority in
operational. Prompt delivery is critical in this market, where a delay can large diameter, high-pressure, high-temperature valves for severe
cost the operator many hundreds of thousands of US dollars. Key clients service applications. Both control and isolation butterfly valves can
for Severn Glocon in this market include Shell, Marathon Oil, Apache be manufactured in exotic materials such as Hastelloy®, Titanium,
Oil, Saudi Aramco and Statoil. Monel®, Duplex and Superduplex.
With those two main areas delineated, the divisions encompassed by
the Severn Glocon Group umbrella are as follows: Manufacturing Hubs
Severn Glocon’s manufacturing centres in Gloucestershire and
Severn Glocon Yorkshire in the UK, and at Chennai in India, produce various types of
Severn Glocon manufactures control and choke valves that are primed valves from 3/8-inch to 42-inch bore in a wide range of materials.
for optimum performance. With state-of-the-art facilities in the UK The group’s high-tech testing facilities include cryogenic, fugitive
and India and sophisticated in-house testing equipment, the business emission and clean room capacities as well as high and low pressure
has scalable capability and can manufacture valves up to 42 inches in testing capabilities. It is about to unveil a new GBP2.5 million (US$4
diameter. million) factory and office development in Brighouse, Yorkshire. The
premises will house a state-of-the-art Valve Research & Innovation
Severn Unival Centre as well as valve manufacture, engineering and administrative
This division offers intelligence-led control and choke valve services.
engineering services. It specialises in advanced technical advice as well These new facilities allied with the acquisitions of Leeds Valve and
as proactive valve management and performance improvement through LB Bentley mean Severn Glocon Group looks well placed for a strong
repair, failure analysis, custom design and inventory management. period of growth driven by innovation. n
Severn Ball Valves Contact:
This is a quarter and multi-turn isolation valve stock and supply Colin Findlay, Director
business. Employees of Severn Ball Valves have a deep understanding Tel: +44 (0) 1484 518 080
of the rigours and demands of the energy industry and insist on the same Email: colinfindlay@severnunival.co.uk
from suppliers. Web: www.severnglocon.com

10. page 10 InnovOil by vNewsBase November 2012
Debugged
Oil Plus is developing new techniques
to deal with micro-organisms that
damage oil infrastructure
O
ne of the most overlooked challenges facing upstream
developers is the micro-organisms that inhabit oil
reservoirs and the resulting problems they cause.
Micro-organisms are behind complex problems such
as reservoir souring (H2S generation) and microbially influenced
corrosion (MIC), which damages the integrity of facilities and may
cost billions of US dollars each year in lost production.
With those challenges in mind, one UK-based company
has embarked on a mission to gain a greater understanding
of the problematic microbes using state-of the art molecular
microbiological techniques.
Oil Plus, which has been servicing the oil and gas sector for more
than 30 years, has launched a joint industry project with the support
of several international oil companies (IOCs) to tackle the problem.
In the past, the micro-organisms behind H2S generation and
MIC have been identified on an ad-hoc and per-project basis, driven
largely by the foresight of the operator. But Oil Plus aims to develop This technique will be extremely useful when carrying out field
a much clearer understanding of the microbial threat to oil and gas biocide optimisation trials, given that it will be able to deliver
production processes. results in a matter of hours compared to the days or weeks seen in
Extensive research has already been carried out into identifying traditional culturing techniques, while also being able to distinguish
the principal bacteria, using a number of different DNA extraction between both live and dead micro-organisms, thereby ascertaining
protocols and PCR primers. However, the problems caused by biocide efficacy.
archaea (single-celled micro-organisms) and the effect of traditional Micro-organisms, enumerated by qPCR, have traditionally been
MIC mitigation strategies, for example biocide application, identified by a number of techniques (e.g. DGGE or cloning), which
on archaea remain little studied. The reason for this is that the is often performed on an ad-hoc basis by different companies using
importance of archaea in MIC has only recently been understood. different DNA extraction techniques and amplification methods. In
Although archaea are found in a diverse range of environments, order to maximise the benefits and monitor the implementation of
they are particularly known for their ability to inhabit extreme improved microbiological mitigation strategies, it is crucial that a
environments of high temperature, high salinity, high pressure high quality microbiological dataset is generated. To achieve this,
and high acidity/alkalinity. The vast majority of archaea currently Oil Plus plans to use a form of next-generation DNA sequencing,
believed to instigate problems in the oil and gas industries are known as 454 pyrosequencing technology.
sulphate-reducing archaea (SRA) and methanogens. The use of 454 pyrosequencing will generate large small-
Traditional methods used in establishing micro-organism sequence libraries. This consistent information, when combined with
numbers are often slow – up to 28 days incubation for sulphate- meta-data such as temperature, pressure, pH, water chemistry and
reducing bacteria (SRB) – and greatly underestimate the true background issues, will generate a large-scale and comprehensive
numbers of micro-organisms present in a system sample. database detailing what micro-organisms are problematic and under
This has led many industries, including some companies in the what conditions.
oil and gas sector, to adopt quantitative polymerase chain reaction This will be carried out for both eubacterial and archaeal
(qPCR) to enumerate microbes based upon the amplification of sequences from many samples from a wide range of different
DNA specific to a particular group of micro-organisms. environments, equating to around 120,000 sequences with
The advantage of this approach is that it can deliver results correlating meta-data.
in around three hours. However, conventional PCR techniques The end result will be an unprecedented amount of information
cannot distinguish between DNA amplified from live or dead cells. on oilfield micro-organisms, allowing improved and targeted
Moreover, current techniques to establish live/dead cell numbers mitigation strategies to be developed based on the dominant
using microscopy are time-consuming, which limits the number of problematic microbes in a particular environment. n
samples that can be processed.
Contact:
Assay approach Christina Kingston, Marketing Executive
In response to this drawback, Oil Plus is developing an assay based Tel: +44 (0) 1635 39556
on the qPCR technique that will enable simultaneous rapid screening Email: c.kingston@oilplus.co.uk
of a large number of samples for viable bacteria and/or archaea. Web: www.oilplus.co.uk

11. Upstream oil, gas, water Why Oil Plus?
separation, treatment, disposal We have specialist equipment and experienced
people that we can send to site quickly and
and injection systems efficiently – only accurate data will give you
the best results!
Oil Plus works closely with oil and gas companies all over Our technologists have extensive field experience
and provide a practical approach to investigating
the world to provide solutions to a wide range of production
oilfield water and gas problems using specialist
chemistry and process engineering issues. Some of the more on-site sampling and analysis techniques,
common projects involve: laboratory and office based studies.
• On-site and laboratory sampling and analysis of associated Our process engineers provide practical designs,
gas, oil (including fingerprinting) and all oilfield waters; suited to local conditions. Their experience
ensures that problems are recognised and
• Determination of optimum water extraction location
dealt with early in the design process thus
(for lake, river and sea) and least-cost water source;
producing robust, cost-effective designs in
• On-site and laboratory core flooding to determine injectivity, the minimum time.
water-rock compatibility and effect of chemical EOR;
• Root-cause analysis, prediction, mitigation and monitoring
Industry developments
for deposition issues (asphaltene, hydrate, scale, soap and Oil Plus writes and presents many papers for
wax), emulsions, internal corrosion and souring; conferences such as NACE and SPE, as well
as sitting on the organising committee for
• Chemical treatment requirements, chemical ranking The Reservoir Microbiology Forum (RMF).
and dose rate optimisation; The aim is on highlighting best-practice
and our latest research.
• Design of well treatment programmes;
• Project engineering; conceptual and front end engineering
Is yo
design (FEED), detailed engineering and commissioning
ope ur
(brown and green field); r
+ That thick brown in th ation
of h e best
• Training; from 1-day courses through to year-long stuff – do you know
mentorship programmes. what it is and how ealt
to control it? h?
+ Do you suffer from high
oil-in-water discharges?
+ Is any equipment permanently offline?
+ Is your chemical spend optimised?
+ Are you leaking anywhere?
Or blocked?
+ Will your water injection cause
souring?
+ What are your bugs doing?
+ Can your system cope with your plans?
Call Oil Plus NOW
to book a thorough
health-check.
Oil Plus Ltd, Dominion House, Kennet Side, Newbury, Berkshire, RG14 5PX, UK
T: +44 (0)1635 30226
Oil Plus Ltd, 14090 Southwest Freeway Suite 300, Sugar Land, Texas 77478 USA
T: +1 281 340 8534
E: mail@oilplus.co.uk www.oilplus.co.uk

12. page 12 InnovOil by vNewsBase November 2012
The god of tie-in
technology
The Thor horizontal tie-in system is a new solution to an old problem
Moment absorbed via termination:
guiding tubulars into support structure
connector into support structure
connector into piping
A
Mexternal
pply Nemo’s Thor system cuts costs and meets Integrating the Thor tie-in system with Weak-Links in Arctic
increasing demand for stronger connections, benefiting environments provides the maximum system protection against
from technological developments such as refined heave scouring icebergs. These features are unique and the Thor system is
compensation systems, advanced station-keeping the only tie-in technology available that offers such benefits.
technology and enhanced ROV capabilities. The system’s design has high structural capacity on all sub-
Apply Nemo’s robust new technology provides a tool-free multi- components and there is a low risk of damage to the components.
purpose tie-in system suitable for all horizontal tie-in purposes The Thor tie-in system is independent of the type of connector or
regardless of pipeline size. It can be applied to both rigid and connection system and any preferred solution may be adapted into
flexible spools, in addition to direct pipeline tie-ins. The system can the system.
be configured for mono-, dual- and multi-bore lines in addition to No high-alloy materials are used; rather the design makes use
pressure caps and pig launchers/receivers. In addition, full thermal of standard structural steel – offering ease of manufacturing and
insulation can be achieved without additional structures or covers. assembly. The components are bolted together, which allows cost-
Technical robustness and reduced unit cost are achieved by efficient modular transport to any site location.
a number of key design features built into the system, based on Owing to its small size and simplicity, the Thor system is easy
extensive field experience from tie-in operations. Thor is based to handle on deck and requires only one supervisor for tie-in
on the principles of direct landing – that is, there are no pull-in operations. The required tooling is designed to be handled by a
operations involved. Alignment of inboard and outboard sides is standard ROV without any additional support. This cuts installation
handled by a single ROV-operated stroke tool. costs, as both the vessel time and required size of the installation
The Thor system has a misalignment capacity of ±10° in both the vessel are reduced, keeping the amount spent on operating the
horizontal and vertical plane. A complete toolset for hub cleaning, equipment to a minimum.
seal replacement and suchlike is designed to be handled by an ROV The Thor Tie-in System and Weak-Link are Apply Nemo AS
without further assistance. patented products. n
The tie-in system is designed to transfer parts of the external
moments seen during normal operating conditions in the connection Contacts:
point into the supporting structure; thus loads on connectors, Per Lillejordet, Business Area Director
pipelines and adjacent valves are reduced. If accidental loads should Tel: +47 97 73 35 19
occur, the system is designed to transfer most of these into the Email: Per.Lillejordet@applynemo.com
supporting structure, ensuring the integrity of the inboard side of the
tie-in point, even up to the extreme case of loads capable of breaking Ronny Haldorsen, Business Area Manager
the connected pipeline. Tel: +47 90 50 44 33
This means that spools can be designed on the basis of the spool Email: Ronny.Haldorsen@applynemo.com
pipe capacity, rather than being dictated by the capacity of the tie-in
system as has been the case in the past. Web: www.applynemo.com

13. November 2012 InnovOil by vNewsBase page 13
Piping up
Materix has developed a pipe-in-
pipe concept to deal with abrasion
caused by drill cuttings
B
ergen-based Materix has developed an
innovative range of Wear Resistant Pipe Fittings
(WRPF) lined with silicone carbide (SiC) that guard
against wear and tear from drill cuttings.
The company, founded in 2008, uses a “pipe-in-pipe”
concept, which sees an inner ceramic pipe act as the exposed
wear component, thus protecting the outer pipe from
abrasion.
Drilling fluid containing quartz and other hard
particles is conveyed at high velocity in pneumatic
pump systems.
SiC is the third hardest ceramic material and
exhibits superior erosion and corrosion resistance
properties. WRPF elbows can thus withstand
aggressive high-velocity particle flow with
multiple lifetime gain compared with traditional
steel pipe fittings. The main product comprises
ultra-compact short-radius elbows for the reliable
conveyance of drill cuttings.
The Materix solution bonds SiC to metals
and makes the assembly reliable where thermal
gradients and pressure prevail.
In the field
The products offered are designed for use in
extremely harsh environments. During field testing,
the technology was qualified in a pneumatic transport
system for drill cuttings on Norway’s Gullfaks field
in 2011, with fluid velocities of 50-100 metres per
second. Tests were conducted during the drilling of
three wells on Gullfaks in co-operation with an oil
service company.
After five weeks, three wells and 230 cubic metres
of abrasive flow, no reduction of the wall thickness of the
ceramic liner could be observed. In addition, 12 conventional
induction-formed long-radius sweep bends in the same system
were changed as a result of leaching and wear.
In high-speed pneumatic conveyance systems, the wear in
bends is significant, with subsequent frequent replacement of failed
components and system downtime.
In order to lower the friction further it is common to add base oil
to the cuttings prior to their conveyance. This doubles the volume
shipped to onshore processing, with consequent cost increases in
freight, handling and processing.
Wear-resistant elbows will facilitate the conveying of dryer
cuttings with significant volume and mass savings, as there is no
need for added lubricants. n
Contact:
Erik Lenes, CEO Tel: +47 9926 0091
Email: erik@materix.no Web: www.materix.no

14. page 14 InnovOil by vNewsBase November 2012
Unlocking potential
through integration
Geosoft aids closer integration between seismic and gravity data interpretation
W
ithin oil exploration there was a time when gravity
and magnetic surveys were considered the coarser,
rougher first cut to zeroing in on the best locations
to set up seismic gear. That is all changing now.
Increasingly, integrated gravity and magnetic methods are being
used to complement and constrain traditional seismic data to achieve
greater success in oil and gas exploration.
Integrated exploration techniques have played an important
role in the deep offshore oil discoveries in the Gulf of Mexico, the
Rovuma Basin offshore Mozambique and Brazil’s Santos Basin,
uncovering potential locked behind massive salt layers up to 2 km
thick.
Gravity and magnetics have been used extensively in sub-salt
exploration to integrate with the seismic data and image the base of
the salt, or to assist in the processing of the seismic data. Combining
seismic and gravity methods is also enabling oil explorers to define
projects better and focus them early on, and to minimise the risk of
expensive investigation in frontier areas that have not been explored
extensively in the past.
Technology has advanced and adapted to meet the needs of
integrated exploration. From the interpretation side, there is better
software available to integrate the gravity and magnetics with the
seismic and other geophysical and geological data. This kind of
technological integration has been central to the effective use of
these methods.
In recent years, Geosoft has added significant capabilities to
facilitate closer integration between seismic and gravity data
interpretation. Geosoft’s Oasis montaj platform allows to process
potential data in a unique environment, and provides the ability
to load other data such as seismic and wells to constrain the
interpretation process better. Additionally, Geosoft GM-SYS
modelling capabilities – 2D as well as 3D – provide an easy way to
check the consistency of a seismic interpretation.
Using the varied visualisation tools in Geosoft, oil explorers are
able to reduce risk and increase their understanding by looking at as 3D seismic data as the generated density cubes may be used directly
much different data as they can, in as many different ways as they in the GM-SYS model. This Hybrid 3D model shows three types of
can, within compressed project time frames. density distributions: Constant (top), Voxel (3D), and Density-Depth
distribution (bottom). A lateral density distribution is not shown.
Data integration Although seismic visualisation technology remains the
Geosoft GM-SYS supports the integration of potential field data powerhouse of oil and gas exploration, the industry now has the
with independent constraints, such as seismic and well data, in tools and the knowledge to integrate the best of this technology
order to constrain the interpretation process better. A built-in SEG-Y with gravity and magnetic methods. By combining technologies, the
Reader enables the integration of seismic data in SEG-Y format with industry has added a robust new dimension that is enabling explorers
Oasis montaj geospatial data and GM-SYS Profile and GM-SYS 3D to look more quickly and efficiently into the uncharted frontier,
gravity and magnetic models. Shown here is a GM-SYS 3D model while reducing the risks associated with technically challenging
constrained by well data and a seismic reflection profile. exploration. n
Density model support Contact:
With new density model support available in Geosoft GM-SYS 3D, Matt Grove
voxels can be used to define the 3D density variation within GM- Tel: +44 (0)1491 835 231
SYS 3D model layers. This provides more direct integration with E-mail: matt.grove@geosoft.com Web: www.geosoft.com

15. Exploring with Geosoft
Featured online seminars for oil explorers
Within the energy sector, Geosoft earth mapping and modelling solutions support the integration of
seismic interpretation with gravity and magnetic methods suitable for potential field exploration, and
effective characterisation of sub-salt and sub-sea environments. View one of our free, downloadable
seminars for a review of best practices on how to maximize your gravity data and advance your
exploration projects using Geosoft.
When Seismic is not enough – Exploit the Potential of Gravity and Magnetic Data
Learn how and when to use your magnetic and gravity data to further leverage your seismic
data, improving depth models and defining or constraining geometry in challenging areas.
Integrating Gravity and Magnetic Data into your Geophysical Portfolio
Discover how you can seamlessly integrate, map and model your gravity and magnetic
data with your seismic data for greater discovery success. Explore proven, low cost
techniques to meet the growing demand for oil and gas supply.
Dr. Michal Ellen Ruder Petroleum Exploration in Northwest Kenya
President, Wintermoon Why use gravity and magnetics modelling? This presentation focuses
Geotechnologies Inc.
on a petroleum exploration problem and outlines an approach
to solving an interpretation problem by following a holistic data
Darren Mortimer review; including data processing, data synthesis and modelling. We
Technical Analyst,
specializing in Geophysics,
demonstrate the process to build a simple gravity model to guide
Geosoft Inc. deeper, noisy seismic interpretation of a problem seismic facies in a
potential petroleum prospect in Turkana Region in Northwest Kenya.
Andrew Long
Technical Analyst,
specializing in Geophysics,
Geosoft Inc.
LEARN MORE
www.geosoft.com/seminars

16. page 16 InnovOil by vNewsBase November 2012
Well managed
Geomec’s new software offers an innovative
approach to well-injection optimisation
I
ndependent well and reservoir specialist Geomec the injection well to the software is automatic, and updated every
is gearing up to launch its GeoTool (Inject) software five seconds. A further benefit is the fact that GeoTool (Inject) is
package, which is designed to offer high-tech solutions to permanently supervised by Geomec’s in-house technicians who are
environmental and economic challenges associated with well on hand to offer real-time alarm and report support to operators.
injection. GeoTool (Inject) is rapid, accurate, safe and low-priced when
GeoTool (Inject), which will be released in January 2013, is compared to other solutions in the market and a unique selling
a monitoring and analysing software designed to prevent and point of the software is that once purchased, it requires no further
remediate well-injection leakages. The programme offers a unique investment by the user in terms of hardware or software.
combination of real-time deviation and correlation analysis. The Norway-based Geomec also offers a wide range of additional
real-time aspect of the software gives the user pre-warnings of well-injection planning and follow-up services. The company is
potential problems and also early detection of actual problems. currently involved in a joint industry project (running from 2011-
Furthermore, it comes with a real-time alarm and report system, 2014) on economic and environmental well-injection optimisation
which ensures that any critical economic and environmental well- along with: ConocoPhillips (Norway); Nexen (UK); and Statoil
injection incidents are avoided. (Norway). The JIP is being observed by the Norwegian Petroleum
The software is crucial to operators in that it facilitates optimised Directorate and the Petroleum Safety Authority Norway. n
production and storage, whilst simultaneously reducing the risk of
damaging leakages. It also leads to improved regulatory compliance Contact:
for companies that adopt the system. Geomec Engineering
The GeoTool (Inject) package serves as a complete well-injection Tel: +47 9280 6586
data management system for the operator, with unlimited data Email: info@geomec.com
capacity and full data compatibility. The real-time data transfer from Web: www.geomec.com

17. WE POWER THE
OIL & GAS INDUSTRY
– ANYWHERE IN THE
WORLD

18. page 18 InnovOil by vNewsBase November 2012
Talking
shop
ITF’s Technology Showcase’s
reputation as a key event for
oil industry innovators and
operators continues to grow
I
TF’s fifth annual Technology Showcase welcomed its largest
number of delegates and exhibitors at Aberdeen Exhibition
and Conference Centre on November 1. The event boasted
60 exhibitors with more than 450 delegates representing 236
companies from around the globe.
The event, which was hosted in partnership with the UK
Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC), tackled the
most pressing challenges in the offshore oil and gas industry from
production optimisation through to decommissioning.
ITF Director Melfort Campbell said the Technology Showcase
was unique in the way it encouraged face-to-face meetings between
innovators and operators to find solutions to problems in the global
industry. Campbell noted the need for advanced development of
new technologies such as seismic and reservoir characterisation
processes and advanced well construction and drilling applications
and tools. He also said operators had identified the sustainment of
asset integrity and life extension and the delivery of cost-effective
decommissioning as key areas that would require the application of
technical expertise in the future.
Delivering the keynote speech at the event, Trevor Garlick,
BP’s regional president for the North Sea, said that slowing the
sharp decline in production rates in the UK Continental Shelf was
imperative and that improved technology was vital to maximising
recovery.
Garlick said the average recovery rate from North Sea reservoirs Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU) and Shearwater Marine
was around 40%, meaning that more is left in the ground than is Services Ltd have unveiled a new form of video and technical
recovered. He stressed that new technology could alter that ratio data transfer that will allow remote real-time video viewing and
in favour of recovery and appealed for even bigger strides in data capture of subsea inspections, with significant efficiency
technology innovation from the event’s attendees. and safety benefits to the oil and gas industry.
Shop floor business development manager and one of its founders, said the
On the conference floor, Martyn MacDonnell, business development ITF Technology Showcase is a major event for the firm. He said the
director at Paradigm Flow Services, said the Showcase had been Showcase was important in the way it outlined the main technical
a success, particularly because of the opportunities it offered challenges and also reaffirmed the co-operative aspect of the
innovators to meet directly with operators and discuss their conference, saying it allowed developers and operators to discuss
technology needs. MacDonnell said greater investment was needed their specific requirements.
in existing technology and applications to help the industry through Established in 1999, ITF (Industry Technology Facilitator), is a
the challenging times that lie ahead. not-for-profit organisation owned by 30 major global operators and
Paradigm recently won the prize at the Northern Star Business service companies such as BP, Shell, Chevron and BG Group. n
Awards for the most innovative use of R&D. The company sells
pipe-pulse technology, which removes production blockages, as well Contact:
as deluge and firewater remediation services. Alison Cowie, Senior Account Manager
Red Spider (See InnovOil Issue 1, August 2012), which Tel +44 (0) 1224 615007
provides downhole intervention and completion technology, was Email: alison.cowie@bigpartnership.co.uk
also present at the Showcase. Andy Skinne, the company’s UK Web: www.itfenergy.com

19. Ocean BOttOm SeiSmic
– Take a closer look
Reservoir Exploration Technology (RXT) face resolution, efficient multiple elimina-
specializes in multi-component seafloor tion, improved 4D repeatability and finally
seismic data acquisition. the possibility of extracting rock and fluid
In contrast to traditional conventional towed properties.
streamer seismic where sensors are towed The issue of gas clouds is significant in
through the water column, RXT are plac- many areas and 4C OBS provides a solution
ing multi-component cables directly on the to this problem through PS data.
seafloor. Ocean Bottom Cables (OBC) pro- OBC is ideally suited for acquisition in
vides higher data quality as well as several obstructed areas as cables can be placed
other benefits over conventional methods; close to subsurface and surface infrastruc-
increased acquisition flexibility, improved ture providing a better data coverage and
signal-to-noise ratio, enhanced subsur- reducing the need for undershooting.
The future is on the seafloor
RESERVOIR EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGY ASA
Courtesy of BP. Towed streamer above, OBC below. www.rxt.com/solutions@rxt.com

20. Be Part of Brazil’s Transforming Gas Industry
Strategic Top Level Petrobras Exceptional
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21. Published by vNewsBase ™
Bringing you the latest innov
ations in exploration, producti
Issue Four on and refining
November 2012
The GOD
Of Tie-in
TechnOlOGy
Thor’s new solution to an
age-old problem
Page 9
fRAcK TO RAPiD
The fUTURe nODAl
Halliburton’s new PermStim
RiSeR KnOWleDGe
™ RiserTech’s new dynamic
fracturing service FairfieldNodal’s cable-
software design
Page 2 free node technology
Page 4
Page 6
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