Archive | September/October
Optimizing drilling parameters and drill bit design boosts ROP by 37% in Algerian field
Posted on 08 September 2010 in 2010, Global and Regional Markets, September/October
Drilling challenges in the Hassi Messaoud (HMD) oilfield of Algeria have proven to be equal to the magnitude of its production. Historically, wells drilled…
Despite weak spots, contractors see decent prospects in West Africa offshore Angola, Ghana
Posted on 08 September 2010 in 2010, Features, Global and Regional Markets, September/October
Despite a general oversupply of offshore rigs globally that is affecting utilization and dayrates in numerous markets, the West Africa region appears to be holding its own with consistent levels of E&P activity…
JIP study on BOP reliability 2004-2006: subsea control systems were most prone to failure
Posted on 08 September 2010 in 2010, September/October, The Efficient Rig
In 2008, several industry groups created a task force to define the work scope for a joint industry project to study BOP reliability experienced for wells…
Fuel consumption, overload capacity among critical criteria in selection of generator sets
Posted on 08 September 2010 in 2010, September/October, The Efficient Rig
Modern horizontal drilling techniques used in oil and gas exploration require rugged, reliable and fuel-efficient on-site generator sets to supply electric power for the drawworks, drilling…
Alarm management: 7 practices to help drillers prioritize warnings, prevent ambiguous displays
Posted on 08 September 2010 in 2010, September/October, The Efficient Rig
Many drillers encounter thousands or tens of thousands of alarms per day – far more than recommended. When alarms are displayed at this frequency…
Modular machine control may be next step to achieving integrated drilling control system
Posted on 08 September 2010 in 2010, September/October, The Efficient Rig
I once had a machine manufacturer tell me that his customers purchased his machines when their budget allowed it. This resulted in several standalone…
Hydraulic vs electrical rig designs: pros and cons on floater heave compensation systems
Posted on 08 September 2010 in 2010, September/October, The Efficient Rig
Oil exploration today has moved into more extreme environments, forcing technological advancement in drilling equipment. Increased stringencies regarding environmental…
Wireless control systems help prevent hardwired service loop failures for moving equipment
Posted on 08 September 2010 in 2010, September/October, The Efficient Rig
Wireless control systems offer great potential for modern drilling rigs, but increased reliability and lower costs can only be achieved if changes to industry culture occur…
Remote operations centers earning keep through drilling optimization, 24/7 support, ‘remanning’
Posted on 08 September 2010 in 2010, September/October, The Efficient Rig
As with most implementations of new technology, the technology itself is rarely the biggest hurdle. It’s the people – we humans with our fears, our hard-to-break habits…
Bridging the communications gap in rig automation
Posted on 08 September 2010 in 2010, Features, September/October, The Efficient Rig
IADC Drilling Control Systems subcommittee, SPE DSATS group set out to create reference roadmap to achieve full rig automation, define communication protocols needed for downhole, surface integration…
Recent Drilling News
15 May 2013
BP commits to renewed focus on upstream oil and gas over next decade
Over the next decade, as much as 75% to 80% of BP's majority group capital expenditure will be spent in upstream...
15 May 2013
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Pursuing further growth in its US offshore portfolio, Statoil has sanctioned its fourth field development in the Gulf of Mexico...
15 May 2013
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15 May 2013
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15 May 2013
Different dual-gradient methods enable drilling in deepwater, depleted reservoirs
Dual-gradient technology continues to gain attention as an important solution to deepwater drilling and...