Abstract:
A method, system and apparatus for producing hydrocarbons from a low permeability reservoir formation. A wellbore (3) with a plurality of fractures (7, 9) designated as one of a first (7) or a second (9) set of fractures is provided. A first fluid conduit (11) is formed by an annulus between an outer casing (10) of a tubular and an inner tubular (16) member, and is arranged to transport produced hydrocarbons. An interior of the inner tubular member forms a second fluid conduit (12) which is arranged to transport an injection fluid. A set of first openings (14) is provided in fluid connection with the first fluid conduit, each first opening being located to substantially align with one of a first set of fractures. A set of second openings (15) is provided in fluid connection with the second fluid conduit, each second opening being located to substantially align with one of a second set of fractures. A high pressure fluid is injected into the second set of fractures, which pushes hydrocarbons located in the low permeability reservoir towards the first set of fractures, thereby increasing the recovery rate of hydrocarbons in the low permeability reservoir.
Abstract:
A method of plugging a well extending into a hydrocarbon bearing formation facilitates temporary or permanent abandonment of the well. The method includes forming two or more plugs within the well, the plugs being formed at longitudinally spaced apart locations whilst providing a fluid communication path from a region above the topmost plug to the or each space between adjacent plugs. This configuration facilitates pressure testing of one or more of the plugs by conducting fluid through said path.
Abstract:
A method and system for automated ultrasonic cavitation cleaning in a liquid analysis system and measurement of a process liquid contained inside a container or flowing in a process line by means of an inline or side-stream optical system. The method and system can be used in high pressure subsea conditions by means of an automated piston driven system for isolating the analysis chamber and achieving low pressure conditions inside the analysis chamber during the cavitation cleaning mode.
Abstract:
A subsea oil and/or gas production system comprises a host production facility and a plurality of subsea wells. A fluid conveying network is provided that connects each subsea well to the host production facility. A separate electrical power and data network is provided for conveying direct current electrical power and data, operatively connected to each subsea well for providing each subsea well with data transfer and electrical power services. The use of direct current ensures that the electrical power and data network can provide power over much greater distances than currently available, and the use of separate networks for conveying fluids and for providing electrical power and data transfer allows for a much more flexible system.
Abstract:
The present invention provides a process for upgrading a heavy hydrocarbon mixture, said process comprising: i) dividing said heavy hydrocarbon mixture into at least a first portion and a second portion, wherein said first portion comprises 10-45% wt of the heavy hydrocarbon mixture and said second portion comprises 90-55% wt of the heavy hydrocarbon mixture; ii) thermally upgrading said first portion of heavy hydrocarbon mixture in an upgrader to produce a lighter hydrocarbon mixture; and iii) mixing said lighter hydrocarbon mixture with a heavy hydrocarbon mixture to produce an upgraded hydrocarbon mixture, wherein, on entry to said upgrader, the composition of said first portion of heavy hydrocarbon mixture is identical to that of said second portion of heavy hydrocarbon mixture.
Abstract:
A method of processing a fluid produced from a well, the produced fluid being a high pressure fluid, the method comprising: reducing the pressure of the fluid to a reduced pressure such that a gas phase and a liquid phase are formed; separating the gas phase from the liquid phase thus forming a gas product and a liquid product; and storing the liquid product in a storage tank at a pressure such that the liquid product remains in a stable liquid phase during storage, wherein the reduced pressure is greater than atmospheric pressure.
Abstract:
There is provided a method of chemically removing iron-containing casing from a well bore comprising injecting an acidic solution into said well bore, wherein said solution contacts said iron-containing casing and thereby accelerates oxidation of iron to iron cations, allowing said iron cations to dissolve in said solution, and removing said solution from said well bore. There is further provided a batch method of removing iron-containing casing from a well bore comprising injecting an acidic solution into said well bore, wherein said acidic solution contacts said iron-containing casing and thereby accelerates oxidation of iron to iron cations, and allowing said iron cations to dissolve in said acidic solution, wherein said well bore is at least partially open to the atmosphere.
Abstract:
A method of identifying the phase composition and/or changes in the phase composition of a fluid flowing through a turbomachine includes monitoring changes in at least one electrical parameter associated with operation of the turbomachine, and employing a known correlation between phase composition and or phase composition changes, and changes in the electrical parameter(s) to associate the monitored changes with changes in the actual phase composition of the fluid.
Abstract:
A method of generating geophysical data using at least one source. The method may include the steps of generating a geophysical wavefield with a varying signature using at least one source, wherein the signature is varied in a periodic pattern.
Abstract:
A subsea wellhead assembly 1 comprises: a subsea wellhead 2; a template 6 associated with the wellhead; subsea riser system equipment 4 connected to the wellhead and one or more connection members. The subsea riser system equipment 4 is also connected to the template 6 by the one or more connection members so that lateral support is provided to the subsea riser system equipment 4 from the template. A method of installing the subsea wellhead assembly 1 is also provided.