The November issue of Oilfield Technology explores the Workforce Challenges facing the global oil and gas industry in it’s lead feature. This month’s regional report looks north to the complexities of operations in the frozen Arctic. The November issue also features technical articles on Seismic Modelling, Downhole Tools, Drill Bit Design, Intelligent Completions, Artificial Lift, Workovers/Well Intervention and Decommissioning.
EDITORIAL COMMENT
WORLD NEWS
PREPARING FOR THE ARCTIC RUSH
In the past year, there have been both discoveries and setbacks in the Arctic. Operating in this highly diverse and complex region requires a combination of advanced technology, viable economics and political will. Bradd Libby, DNV GL, Norway, elaborates.
UPSTREAM IN THE ARCTIC
Michael Skalicky, Elizabeth Lloyd and Vitaliy Chepaykin, Deloitte, investigate the state of the upstream oil and gas industry across the Arctic Shelf and the factors driving companies ever further north.
PLANNING FOR INTELLIGENT PLATFORMS
Dr Raymond Millward, Tessella, UK, identifies and investigates the areas of expertise needed to deliver intelligent platforms for digital subsurface engineering and explores the hard questions that teams building these platforms must address.
MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE
Moshood Sanni, O. A. Aluko, A. Madahar, E. John-Nwosu, A. Ogbechie and U. Eze, PetroVision, UK, provide a guide for using wireline formation testing as part of the increasingly important process of formation evaluation.
THE POWER BEHIND THE BIT
Bo Holland, Scientific Drilling International, USA, examines the need for improved drilling motors as operators drill into harsher, more complicated formations.
FUSION TECHNOLOGY
Alexis Garcia, National Oilwell Varco, USA, discusses the advantages of hybrid technology in drill bits.
THE CENTRE IS KEY
Sebastian Desmette, Tercel, Belgium, investigates the importance of specialist bit designs that can improve ROP performance whilst still providing geologists with important core samples.
DRILLING WITH DIAMONDS
Bruno Cuillier, Varel International, France, shows how impregnated bits are engineered, designed and built to deliver fast, long-lasting performance.
KEEPING CONTROL IN SANDY CONDITIONS
Duncan Harper and Chris Rodger, Tendeka, UK, outline sand, water, oil and gas control options using inflow control technologies.
THOUGHTFUL FIRING
Faraidoon Pundole and Adam Dyess, Hunting Titan, USA, explain how an intelligent method of firing perforating guns can lead to advantages in real time depth control, selectivity and safety.
FINDING THE ROUTE TO THE MARKET
Ian Anderson, Camcon Oil, UK, provides an overview of the challenges of bringing a digital gas lift solution to market.
A PRACTICAL APPROACH TO PUMPING
Reg L. Prostebby, Lufkin Pentagon Optimization, USA, provides an applied troubleshooting guide for bottomhole pumps.
WHAT GOES UP, MUST COME DOWN
Brian Nixon, Decom North Sea, UK, unveils new research that provides a state of the nation report on the UK decommissioning sector.
GEARING UP FOR THE ‘GREAT CREW CHANGE’
Simon Coton, NES Global Talent, UK, tells us how oil and gas companies should be directing their recruitment strategies and getting ready to attract and retain the next generation of workers.
REINVENTING THE WHEEL
Any number of issues can develop in a producing well that can negatively affect operations, production and ultimately revenue generated. Donald Kellock, Aker Solutions, UK, examines the recently completed trials of a new well intervention system designed to track coiled tubing operations in real time.