This paper presents an improved technique for the analysis and evaluation of professional development. The oil and gas industry has braced itself for an abrupt shift in workforce expertise as the baby boomer generation reaches retirement age, commonly referred as the "Big Crew Change." The subsequent hiring frenzy observed in the past decade has led to an influx of expectant young professionals. This paper presents a personnel development philosophy for these new young professionals as well as a screening and evaluation methodology that can be utilized during the hiring and promotional process to better select talented, knowledgeable professionals with initiative. A novel metric is also presented to estimate and assign a value to the different experiences that make up a career. Three example applications are given to illustrate the utility of the proposed metric and methodology.
Achieving water shut-off in gravel packed wells is challenging, particularly being able to place a mechanical barrier to flow into a gravel packed annulus. Gravel packed wells, often in deepwater environments, are often high rate wells and interventions can be costly, therefore only techniques with a high probability of success are typically sanctioned. Many gravel pack wells are completed in multiple sands. If there are barriers between the sands that are believed to be laterally extensive, and if water is entering the lower sand, then isolating the lower sand can be a cost-effective intervention. Deepwater wells in Angola were reviewed as to whether a chemical solution or a mechanical solution would be preferred. Providing a suitable mechanical methodology could be developed, it was felt this would provide a preferred solution. Further criteria for applying a mechanical solution were developed, to increase the chances of success. Extensive well modelling was also conducted to identify an optimum set of plugs to be placed in the well. The operator identified a company that had an emerging technology that could offer such a solution. They then worked together to mature the technology through a series of proof-of-concept tests, through trials in Alaska, an early application in a deepwater well in the Gulf of Mexico, followed by a series of qualification tests to be ready for application in Angola. The qualification tests considered not only the mechanical configuration of the wells, but temperature, pressure and wellbore deviation. The application would require placement using a tractor, therefore testing with connecting to the relevant equipment was also incorporated in the plans for the wells. Using a deepwater rig, several plugs were run in each well, including a meltable alloy plug. The latter plug provided a barrier to flow in both the annulus and inside the sand screens. Although not providing a barrier to shunt tubes, extensive modelling work at Cambridge university showed that it was possible to influence gravel movement in the annulus and shunt tubes, so as to maximise the pressure loss. Two wells have had plugging systems run. The first well has reduced water cut from 100% to ca. 40% and shown a significant oil rate benefit. The second well has also shown a reduced water cut (from 70% to 40%).
This paper is a comprehensive literature survey and analysis of the Bakken Oil play, Williston Basin, which is one of the largest known oil accumulations in the world. This analysis includes; examining reservoir characterization and resource assessments, and evaluating project economics as well as current operators activities. These characteristics and assessments are then used to better understand and put context around the current drilling and completion best practices as well as water handling and operational constraints. The paper thoroughly analyzes the prolific Bakken petroleum system and describes the successful application of technologies and efficient operating practices that have enabled current Bakken production to increase to the cusp of the 500,000 BOPD mark.
This paper presents an innovative technique for the analysis and evaluation of the benefit realized to a country's economy based on achieving energy independence. Noble Energy has recently discovered and is currently developing a substantial natural gas find located offshore Israel. Israel has previously had no petroleum presence and has had to solely rely on energy rich neighbors for energy. Noble Energy's find and subsequent development is of such magnitude that Israel is poised to transition directly from entirely energy dependent to energy independent. This transition will have tremendous socioeconomic repercussions in the country and throughout the region. Principally, the country of Israel can expect a boost to its economy, infrastructure and market position. This paper presents an innovative methodology that can be used to estimate the economic benefits the newly energy independent country can expect. Conclusions based on this comparative analysis are then used to predict the economic repercussions attributable to the anticipated energy independence of Israel. The results of the investigation help quantify the benefits emerging energy countries realize when partnered with industry leading operators. Introduction The phrase "energy independence" has become a common phrase used by politicians, analysts and the general public as a way to describe an "ideal" energy condition for a country. It became popular in the 1970's and has remained a goal of every U.S. administration since then. In actuality, there is no such thing as true energy independence as every country is forced to import some type of energy; whether it is nuclear, coal, oil, or natural gas in origin. Today, the term is loosely used to describe a condition where a country does not rely on foreign resources. For the purpose of this paper, we define energy independence as the condition of producing more energy than a country consumes. Countries falling in this category are often referred to as net energy exporters. This means that a country's energy independence is a direct factor of energy creation versus energy consumption. Figure 1 depicts the countries that currently fall into this list. The primary perceived benefit of being energy independent is that a countries energy supply would theoretically not be threatened by foreign wars, foreign political instability, or foreign economic volatility. This theory has many detractors predominantly because it assumes that an economy and energy industry located therein can be insulated from worldwide market effects. The only demonstrated result of becoming energy independent is that a country can realize a tangible amount of economic benefit from the production, refining and marketing of hydrocarbons. This realized economic benefit can be quantified by analyzing the increase of a countries gross domestic product (GDP). The GDP is the market value of all final goods and services made within countries borders for a given year. Note that GDP per capita is not a measurement of standard of living in an economy. It can, however be used as such an indicator if it is assumed that all citizens benefit from a countries increased economic production. Recent major gas discoveries in Israel by Noble Energy and partners have thrust Israel to the precipice of realizing energy independence. This paper analyzes the benefit other countries realized by the increased hydrocarbon production associated with achieving energy independence. The historical analysis also provides a means to predict the kind of economic benefit Israel may realize as there own petroleum industry develops. What Affects GDP GDP is primarily affected by the workforce, capital, natural resources and technology. A country that develops an oil and gas sector has a tremendous competitive advantage because it is able to significantly enhance all the factors that determine GDP.
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