Abstract

Two West Kuwait oil wells were completed with initial flowrates of 3,000 and 5,000 stb/d with zero and 25% water cut, respectively. However, water cut increased quickly to 100% for both wells. Therefore, a production logging program was developed to find the source of water flow. Once the source was found a well workover plan was developed. Well intervention was done along with Production Logging to detect the water source and to verify well integrity. Due to the change in well production from oil to water, the operator requested aid in identifying the cause of the production change. The first step in the process was a production logging run, both flowing and shut-in to prove well flow parameters and to identify the source of the water. This involved logging both the completion of interest, with the ability to log other sections of the upper completion if the water source was not initially found. Once the water sources were located a well remediation plan was developed to reestablish b

Abstract

A mechanical earth model was constructed for an oilfield in Kuwait that has a history of borehole related problems and prone to significant non-productive time in the highly deviated wells, the typical sidetrack wells took more than 100% of the time compared to the low deviated wells. The field is geologically complex, tectonically stressed with faults, fractures, unstable shales and anomalous pore pressures. Wells drilled within the structure are highly deviated with trajectories that almost parallel reservoir bedding planes, and that are aligned with the direction of minimum geomechanical stress. A comprehensive study was conducted to better understand the stability issues and to investigate the feasibility of drilling numerous additional high deviation wells. Data from selected offset wells was collated, analyzed and combined with field and regional information to construct a geological model which could then be used to predict and mitigate drilling related problems. The equivalent

Abstract

As part of the Wellbore Utilization and Asset's idle well reactivation initiative in KOC, Fields Development S&EK evaluated several Saturation Observation wells completed with Fiber Glass casing across the Wara reservoir, currently under waterflood. The existence of brittle fiber glass casing was a major challenge that could jeopardize the well integrity during Work Over or Production life of the well. After reviewing all potential risks during recompletion, a well was successfully perforated and completed with substantial oil production gain. The subject well completed with fiber glass casing was monitored for saturation changes with time-lapse resistivity surveys between 2017 and 2023. The latest diagnostic resistivity survey recorded in 2023 confirmed good oil potential in Wara sands. A thorough investigation of cement integrity prior to perforations was performed to evaluate the zonal isolation. The perforation was done with 4-1/2″ high Speed perforation gun and production logging

Abstract

A 27-year-old cesarean section scar pregnancy (CSSP) case diagnosed by the vaginal ultrasound which showed gestational sac located in the lower uterine anterior quadrant close to the site of the previous scars (with yolk sac inside) with β-hCG 15,373 mIU/ml in September 2017 was managed by intramuscular (IM) multidose methotrexate (MTX). The studied woman discharged home when the β-hCG decreased to 11,630 mIU/ml on the 1stweek after the first MTX dose. On the 5 th week after the first dose of IM-MTX, the β-hCG dropped to zero and the gestational sac completely disappeared. She was counseled about the risk of pregnancy in the first 6 months after the MTX and the possibility of the CSSP recurrence. She presented on December 16, 2018, with preterm delivery at 35 weeks' gestation. After delivery, her neonate admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) due to mild respiratory distress and discharged from the NICU on the 4 th day in good condition. Multi-dose MTX regimen for the trea

Abstract

Geo-steering is a very critical part of today's field development economics, our production targets are getting more complex, thinner oil columns, which need more complex geo-steering, continual improvement needed in People, technology and processes. Drilling a well at an angle other than vertical can obtain more information by hitting the production targets and stimulate reservoirs in ways that cannot be achieved with a simple vertical well which became a valuable ability in oil business. To augment this aspect Kuwait Oil Company has established Geo-steering Center (Fig-1) which has become the hub for decision making while the well is getting drilled for landing at top of reservoir or lateral is being drilled (Fig-2). The establishment of Geo-steering control Room in FD (S&EK) is an outcome because of constant supervision and direct guidance by manager of Field Development South and East Kuwait, which added a new dimension to drilling the modern horizontal wells in the Greater Burgan

Abstract

[No abstract available]

Abstract

Water Shut-Off (WSO) solutions are in constant improvement. This paper shares the experience of integrating PLT, CTU, and packer Real-time technologies together in multidisciplinary team and integrated workflows to minimize the uncertainty and maximize the success rate of Rig-less WSO in horizontal open-hole wells completed with passive Inflow Control Devices (ICD) as first time ever in Kuwait, to extend the natural flow life which in turn reduces oil production deferment waiting for slot in busy rig work-over schedule. Water conformance represents common challenge in oilfield industry which increases with the field maturity especially in water flood and active water drive reservoirs. Water production has significant impact on production economics, facilities, adding more challenges to the development of such oilfields. Sabriyah field, most challenging oilfield in North Kuwait, produces from Lower Burgan (LB) Cretaceous Sandstone reservoir which experiences water conformance issues due

Abstract

According to the modified World Health Organization (WHO) classification, pregnant women with mechanical valves face a very high risk of complications (Risk Category III). Mechanical valve thrombosis is a serious complication that significantly increases during pregnancy due to multiple mechanisms. Thrombolytic therapy has recently been used as a first-line treatment for mechanical valve thrombosis during pregnancy. However, the consensus regarding the optimal treatment strategy, type, dose and route of administration was unclear. We present three cases of mechanical mitral valve thrombosis during pregnancy treated successfully with repeated doses of ultraslow infusion of low-dose tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA) alteplase. We also present a review of the literature on this subject. © EFIM 2023.

Abstract

Objectives/Scope: The objective of this pilot trial was to provide an economic solution to develop tight and hard to recover formations within KOC fields, which represent a major challenge taking into considerations, the low recovery factor of these formations (1-3%), associated high cost of available conventional stimulation technologies, low revenue, and inability to sustain production rates. Methods, Procedures, Process: The available technologies to stimulate unconventional formations include heat, acid and alkaline treatments to treat heavy oil formations in addition to propped hydraulic or acid fracturing for tight clastic or carbonate formations. Combined Thermo-Chemical stimulation approach is another stimulation solution, which has shown good results in Heavy Oil formations. However, it has very limited success rate in tight formations, because of the inability of hot active chemicals to invade and stimulate the formation. In order to establish an integrated stimulation soluti

Abstract

The oil and gas industry is a dynamic and rapidly evolving field characterized by the continuous pursuit of innovative technologies and methodologies to enhance operational efficiency, reduce costs, and mitigate environmental impact. One such innovation that has revolutionized drilling operations is the Rotary Steerable System (RSS). This technology offers unprecedented directional control, enabling the drilling of complex well trajectories with high precision and efficiency. In the context of limited surface locations, anti-collision with other wells, and the complexity of reaching targets, directional drilling in the 22″ Section has become a necessity. This paper presents a unique case study of the successful utilization of RSS technology in a 22″ section, marking a significant milestone in drilling operations. This achievement, a result of the collaborative efforts between KOC and SLB, is the first of its kind worldwide, demonstrating the successful drilling of an S-Shape well and t

Abstract

Unwanted water production is a major challenge in the horizontal wells in the Greater Burgan field in Kuwait. The long lateral sections and the presence of heterogeneity lead to uneven sweep of hydrocarbons. Greater Burgan has over 60 horizontal wells to date. Initially they produced dry oil and up to the expectation but soon the water cut increased in a number of wells and avoiding water break through became a major challenge. Burgan sandstone is a highly productive reservoir and the permeability variation is huge from less than a Darcy to a few Darcy. Thus, the horizontal wells have uneven flow profile and subsequent coning and cresting effects resulting in bypassed oil and poor recovery. To have a better down-hole water management in horizontal wells a number of options from chemical water shut-off and isolating the toe side using packers to use of straddle packers in the middle and heel side of the horizontal section were tried. However, the use of Inflow Control Device-ICD proved

Abstract

First, find optimal KOP across the Top 16-in Section to have a smooth profile before building 110 into the opposite side of the target reservoir point in Azimuth 3250 (the minimum stress direction) with a low Dog Leg Severity of 1.83º/100 ft to minimize the Casing wear expected while drilling the lower sections. Once started, the lower 12-1/4-in Section started to drop the 110 inclination in Mutriba Formation with 2.860/100' DLS reaching back to Vertical in Mishrif Formation. By that level, it kicked off toward the reservoir direction in azimuth 1450 (the minimum stress direction), building an angle to 400 inclination through five formations and holding this angle to the well TD in the bottom of the lower Burgan Formation. All risks and challenges were considered to drill the final 12 1/4-in Section throughout eight challenging formations in one run to the well TD that has always been drilled in one azimuth away from the least stress direction while keeping optimized Mud weight and Rhe

Abstract

Objectives/Scope: With ever increasing well construction challenges associated with lithology, downhole temperatures & pressures, the need for high performance concentric hole enlargement has never been more essential to meet the clients well objectives. Hole Enlargement portrays an area of concern by multiple oil & gas operators due to the challenging nature of enlarging a hole that subjects the tool & string members to aggressive dynamic vibrations especially when combined with thermal stresses and unpredictable lithology. Methods, Procedures, Process: While drilling a challenging deep development well in Kuwait, the drilling engineers considered enlarging a 2,000 ft 6 inch horizontal interval to 7 inch (17% beyond the bit diameter) to facilitate 5 inch liner being run to TD & mitigate restrictions which have resulted in significant NPT due to a 50% shale & 50% lime stone unstable interval. Drilling that section has encountered multiple issues associated with the high downhole temper

Abstract

The upstream oil and gas industry, facing with an aging workforce, need to implement the right approach to ensure that competent work force available to carry forward the needed tasks in achieving the company's strategic goals. As organization grows, we need to ensure that processes are in place to attract, retain and develop the employee's talent for succession planning and management. The paper present a strategic process that focuses on creating a sustainable value chain of high potential talent who have the requisite knowledge and skills to lead and manage new organizational requirements and address business challenges. As good succession planning is critical for companies facing the "big crew change," a systematic approach to implement fast track processes is proposed. It involves: i) Critical analysis of manpower (ageing/ specialization etc.), ii) Identification of specialized jobs / competencies, iii) Designing training & development roadmap for all jobs/ levels iv) Young Profes

Abstract

Producing heavy oil from shallow wells using rod pump applications requires careful design considerations especially for down hole components to achieve maximum production rate and maximize the run life. This paper highlights a successful case study of one such heavy oil sucker rod pump well, in the North Kuwait field of Kuwait Oil Company (KOC), where the rods were specially designed to penetrate through the viscous oil and address the pump floating problem to achieve uninterrupted pump operation. Conventionally, as a rule of thumb for the shallow wells, the rod design initially constituted of twenty percent sinker bars and eighty percent sucker rods. This was to add weight on the pump for stability and proper balancing. In the case of this well, with the same design philosophy employed, it was observed that the pump floated over the viscous oil. The maximum pump fillage was observed to be less than fifty percent. Eventually operational changes were made by reducing the speed and oper

Abstract

Mitral valve prolapse (MVP) is a primary valvular disease of the mitral valve with a prevalence of 2.4% of the general population. Valve abnormalities range from simple fibroelastic deficiency of the leaflets to diffuse myxomatous degenerative changes. MVP is a usually a benign condition. However, the scattered reports of sudden cardiac death in patients with MVP in the absence of severe mitral insufficiency or coronary artery disease suggest the existence of a malignant phenotype of MVP. We report a case of a young female who survived life-threatening arrhythmias and cardiac arrest and was found to have characteristic features of the malignant phenotype of MVP and had an implantable cardioverter defibrillator as a secondary prevention. © 2024 SMC Media Srl. All rights reserved.

Abstract

World class oil and gas operating companies apply supply chain management to minimize the risks of investment costs overrun, delays and future higher operating costs of field development projects. Supply chain is a cross-functional approach to plan the flow of goods and services required by a project, based on its front end loading (FEL) specifications, in order to meet business objectives with a successful execution and total satisfaction of the final customers. This paper presents lessons learnt from modeling the supply chain of a steam-based thermal enhanced oil recovery (EOR) heavy oil field development project in Kuwait. A critical building block of a supply chain model is the supply-demand matrix, which is prepared using information about the needs of the steam-based thermal EOR assets (natural and physical) and identification of requirements organized in segments, around capital, technology or manpower categories. A preliminary identification was made about local capabilities to

Abstract

Patients with COVID-19 exhibit similar symptoms to neonatal respiratory distress syndrome. SARS-CoV-2 spike protein has been shown to target alveolar type 2 lung cells which synthesize and secrete endogenous surfactants leading to acute respiratory distress syndrome in some patients. This was proven by post-mortem histopathological findings revealing desquamated alveolar type 2 cells. Surfactant use in patients with COVID-19 respiratory distress syndrome results in marked improvement in respiratory parameters but not mortality which needs further clinical trials comparing surfactant formulas and modes of administration to decrease the mortality. In addition, surfactants could be a promising vehicle for specific drug delivery as a liposomal carrier, which requires more and more challenging efforts. In this review, we highlight the current reviews and two clinical trials on exogenous surfactant therapy in COVID-19-associated respiratory distress in adults, and how surfactant could be a p

Abstract

This study presents an integrated approach to design a fit-for-purpose surfactant-polymer process for a major sandstone reservoir in Kuwait. The adopted procedure is described covering core flood experiments through pilot design using a reservoir simulation tool that was calibrated using laboratory results. The surfactant-polymer formulation design was already described in another publication (SPE-183933). In this paper, further optimization of the chemical formulation is described, including core floods to minimize the quantity of the injected chemicals while maintaining high oil recovery. Formulation robustness and its impacts on water-oil separation at the surface are also evaluated. Furthermore, reservoir simulation was utilized to design a field trial. At first, the parameters that were used to model surfactant-polymer performance were calibrated using core flood results. Then, the reservoir simulation model was used at a larger scale to identify the most appropriate injection seq

Abstract

Surfactant-Polymer (SP) flooding is an Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) process that can lead to incremental oil recovery through two mechanisms: reducing oil/water interfacial tension (IFT) to decrease residual oil saturation and increasing the viscosity of the displacing fluid to improve overall sweep efficiency. IFT reduction allows better oil recovery by overcoming capillary effects while the increased viscosity of the displacing fluid allows a more homogeneous sweep of reservoir oil. Implementing chemical flooding in reservoirs with relatively high temperature and in-situ salinity (> 200 g/L) is somewhat challenging. This paper describes the extensive laboratory work performed for the light oil Raudhatain Lower Burgan (RALB) reservoir (180°F/82°C) in Kuwait. Reservoir fluids were thoroughly characterized to preselect the most suitable chemicals for the SP process. Reservoir crude oil was analyzed and recombined with gases (C1-C3) based on reported Gas-to-Oil (GOR) ratio to reproduce th

Abstract

This paper sheds light on the design of a one-spot surfactant-polymer (SP) flooding pilot in a reservoir with oil viscosity greater than 1000 cP using a vertical well. The results of this pilot will be important to optimize the selected chemical formulation and finalize the recommended injection sequence with the purpose of de-risking subsequent multi-well surfactant-polymer flooding deployment. Based on systematic screening, preliminary laboratory evaluation and reservoir simulation, SP flooding was identified as a promising EOR method for the Ratqa Lower Fars (RQLF) reservoir in Kuwait. This was followed by extensive laboratory work to design a robust chemical formulation based on specific reservoir properties and operating conditions. The performance of the developed chemical formulation was validated by means of simulation. Thereafter, a one-spot EOR pilot, which is also referred to as a Single Well Chemical Tracer Test (SWCTT), was designed to assess the effectiveness of the selec

Abstract

This paper discusses the design and implementation of a Single Well Chemical Tracer Test (SWCTT) to evaluate the efficacy of a lab-optimized surfactant-polymer formulation for the Raudhatain Lower Burgan (RALB) reservoir in North Kuwait. A SWCTT was designed upon completing extensive lab and simulation work as discussed in a previous publication (Al-Murayri et al. 2017 and Al-Murayri et al. 2018). SWCTT design work was aimed at confirming the optimal injection/production sequence determined at core flood scale in terms of minimal volumes, rates and duration. The main uncertainties were assessed using numerous sensitivity scenarios. Afterwards, the SWCTT was implemented in the field and the results were carefully analyzed and compared to previously obtained lab andsimulation results. The main objective of this SWCTT was to validate the efficacy of polymer and surfactant solutions in terms of residual oil saturation reduction and injectivity. This invovles comparing residual oil saturati

Abstract

Surfactant/polymer (SP) flooding is an enhanced-oil-recovery (EOR) process that can lead to incremental oil recovery through two mechanisms: reducing oil/water interfacial tension (IFT) to decrease residual oil saturation and increasing the viscosity of the displacing fluid to improve overall sweep efficiency. IFT reduction allows better oil recovery by overcoming capillary effects, while the increased viscosity of the displacing fluid allows a more-homogeneous sweep of reservoir oil. Implementing chemical flooding in reservoirs with relatively high temperature and in-situ salinity (>200, 000 ppm) is somewhat challenging. This paper describes the extensive laboratory work performed for the light-oil Raudhatain Lower Burgan (RALB) Reservoir (180°F/82°C) in Kuwait. Reservoir fluids were thoroughly characterized to preselect the most-suitable chemicals for the SP process. Reservoir crude oil was analyzed and recombined with gases (C1 through C3) depending on the reported gas/oil ratio (GO

Abstract

Introduction: To evaluate the surgical outcome, and quality of life (QoL) 12-months after Le Fort colpocleisis (LFC), and sacrospinous fixation (SSF) in older postmenopausal women. Material and methods: Eighty-six (86) post-menopausal women were included in this study (38 in the LFC group and 48 in the SSF group). Pelvic organ prolapse quantification (POP-Q) was used to evaluate the participants’ pelvic organ prolapse (POP) pre-operatively and post-operatively (PO). The Arabic version of the WHOQoL-BREF Inventory was used to evaluate the participants’ QoL preoperatively and post-operatively. The surgical outcome and QoL 12-months after LFC and SSF were analysed to evaluate the surgical outcome, as well as QoL 12 months after LFC and SSF. Results: The pre-operative Aa, Ba, D, Ap, and Bp values of POP-Q significantly improved 12 months PO in the LFC group (p1 = 0.004, 0.0006, 0.02, 0.004, and 0.0001; respectively), and in the SSF group (p1 = 0.003, 0.0003, 0.003, 0.0005, and 0.01, respec

Abstract

The Kuwait Oil Company currently pumps about 10 Mm3/yr from one of its well fields in central Kuwait (Eocene Aquifer) and plans to increase this rate to 30 Mm3/yr to meet its water demand. The objective of this study is to investigate the sustainability of brackish groundwater resources for oil operations in the mentioned well field in a way to identify the consequences of increasing the pumping rates on groundwater levels and groundwater salinity. A suitable methodology to assess the sustainability of brackish groundwater utilization has been developed based on pumping tests in addition to flow and salinity numerical modeling. Extensive hydrogeological and salinity field investigations were also conducted. The results show that pumping rate should not be increased above 20 Mm3/yr in the aquifer of the study, otherwise a sharp decline in groundwater levels and a significant increase in groundwater salinity will occur. The results of the pumping tests show that the hydraulic properties

Abstract

The unconventional Lower Najmah Limestone MFS fractured reservoir is a nanodarcy rock located below the Najmah Kerogen source rock. The first horizontal well drilled across the MFS is in North Kuwait and was drilled to explore the hydrocarbon potential. The 3D seismic interpretation and several seismic attributes indicate that the well location is likely to encounter a high fracture corridor area to support production after multistage hydraulic fracturing. The lateral length is approximately 1,900 ft placed in the MFS after reaching the planned total depth (TD), 18,900 ft. The well was completed using a 15,000-psi-rated openhole multistage completion (MSC) system to place six hydraulic proppant fractures and access most of the nearby natural fractures in the reservoir. Over 20 well interventions were conducted by coiled tubing (CT) to shift the MSC frac ports, log the well by caliper and spinners, perforate stages, attempt milling out the inner completion seats, and, finally, perform n

Abstract

Talent management is the process through which organizations anticipate their human capital needs and set strategies to achieve objective. A common definition of Talent Management is "Getting the right people with the right skills into the right jobs and deal with people management challenge in organizations". Talent Management includes processes like Recruiting, Training and Developing, Retaining talent, Developing Leadership talent, Creating Ethical Culture and Performance Management. This presentation focuses on one critical process i.e. Training and Development in Kuwait Oil Company (KOC). It provides a brief description of Talent Management opportunities, historical background of staff development strategies, trend, current status and future challenges. The paper focusses on an integrated talent management using a system approach. Accordingly, a high level committee "Training Implementation Unit" (TIU) was established in 2006 and further enhanced in 2008. The enhanced TIU model ma

Abstract

Dumpflooding from a strong Aquifer to support pressure to another depletion-drive reservoir is not new to the oil industry, neither to the region. In cases where the natural Aquifer pressure is insufficient to deliver adequate volumes to meet pressure support requirements, or the Injjectivity of the target reservoir is relatively low, artificial lift is required. This was the case in the North Kuwait Asset where Injectivity was poor owing to the relatively low natural fracture density of the Carbonate reservoir being flooded. Since the conventional encapsulated (POD) systems required one (1) seal-bore packer, one (1) encapsulated ESP system, and one (1) ESP-packer, it was decided to test an alternate and simpler system that required only two (2) ESP packers that would achieve the same result of the POD system. Deployment of this new tandem-ESP-packer system proved less complex and required less rig time than the encapsulated ESP system. Both packers were set simultaneously in one opera

Abstract

Measuring technical training effectiveness is an enormous challenge worldwide. It is difficult to create a common model or tool kit to measure and determine the efficiency and return on training investment. Therefore, many organizations have developed their own unique customized assessment system to meet their needs. In most of the Upstream Oil & Gas Companies, this task is outsourced. Generally, the assessment tool kits available to determine the training efficiency are based on only one or two elements i.e. participant's feedback or instructor's feedback which does not reflect clear picture and transparency of all activities of the event and eventually it has direct impact on knowledge gaps and desired competencies. The present paper has come out with a model where four different key success elements are identified and measured through 4 dimensions (Participants, in-house Assessors, Instructors and QA team). Reasonable weightage are given to each element i.e. Planning, Training Provi

Abstract

Description: Since 2006, Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) has been implementing an ambitious production capacity growth strategy, aimed to develop an oil production capacity of 4 mmbd by 2020, and a non-associated gas production capacity of 2.5 bscfd by 2030. Delivering these oil & gas production targets will require the development of new reservoirs and the optimization of existing ones. Lower API gravity, higher sulphur content in both oil and gas to be produced, the need to comply with more strict environmental regulations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, together with increasing costs of materials and specialized services, all point towards an extraordinary efforts in terms of financial resources needed, development of execution capacity, implementation of organizational changes and optimization of internal processes, and application of advanced technologies. This paper will describe the governance changes and new processes being implemented in KOC, such as the Programme Management Offi

Abstract

Since the start of the North Kuwait Jurassic Gas (NKJG) Project, Enhanced Technical Service Agreement (ETSA) in 2010 with Shell, Technology implementation has been a priority. The key challenge, following the successes of technology deployment at pilot level, is to deliver sustainable solutions, with business impact on the NKJG project, vis-à-vis production maximization, well cost reduction and ultimate recovery maximization. Moreover, NKJG technology focus, in line with business priorities, has recently changed to assurance of near- and medium-term gas supply. An integrated technology mapping workshop, led by Shell Technology Deployment experts from the Netherlands, was held during 18-20th January 2016, using a refined technology mapping and prioritisation process applied in Shell assets globally, to ensure that KOC technology efforts are prioritised and aligned across the organisation at large and deliver maximum value to NKJG in particular. The workshop participants were drawn from

Abstract

The Enjefa Beach outcrop comprises marginal marine deposits that are scarcely studied and its facies architecture is largely unknown. With only a few outcrops left in Kuwait, this locality provides an opportunity to better understand the interaction between tectonics and sedimentary processes during the late Holocene, unraveling the final uplift and emergence of Kuwait. Detailed facies analysis revealed that Enjefa outcrop is composed of shoreface and tidal channel facies associations, stacked in a shoaling-upward sequence. One hundred forty-nine paleocurrent measurements were taken at the Enjefa and surrounding areas to understand depositional trends. 2D-structural restoration of seismic data crossing the Ahmadi Ridge was performed along with burial history analysis of a well drilled on the crest of the structure. Facies analysis revealed that the Enjefa outcrop is composed of six depositional facies. These are middle shoreface, upper shoreface, foreshore, lateral accretion, tidal cha

Abstract

Introduction: Preeclampsia (PE) is a major cause of foetal and maternal morbidity. Currently, there is no reliable diagnostic test to predict PE. To evaluate the accuracy of the calcium-creatinine ratio (CCR) in a spot urine sample for the prediction of PE. Material and methods: Two hundred and forty-six pregnant women, attending the ante-natal clinic after 20 weeks` gestation were included in this study. After exclusion of pre-existing chronic renal disease affecting calcium and/or creatinine excretion, spot urine samples were taken from participants to detect the CCR. Participants were followed up until delivery; the women who developed PE were included in the PE group and compared with normotensive controls to evaluate the accuracy of CCR in a spot urine sample for the prediction of PE. Results: The gestational age at delivery and parity were significantly lower in the studied PE group compared to normotensive controls (36.1 ±4.3 weeks and 1.7 ±2.6 vs. 39.1 ±3.1 and 3.4 ±1.9; respec

Abstract

Field development of mature fields in Kuwait Oil Company have seen a paradigm shift over the past couple of years, to adopt the latest field proven technology to exploit the remaining reserves. The Mauddad formation in the Bahrah field is a low permeability with high viscosity oil which was previously developed with vertical cased and perforated wells with electrical submersible pumps (ESP). Inflow monitoring also posed a challenge to conduct production logs due to challenges with the Y-tool of the ESP. In light of these challenges, it was decided to drill horizontal wells, installed with multi-stage frac completions with acid being the stimulant. The described solution was considered a recent success because of the 300% increased production compared to offset vertical wells over the same producing period. However, ESPs are still required to lift fluids to surface in these horizontal wells and the understanding of inflow performance of each stage remained a monitoring challenge. A solu

Abstract

Wellbore instability while drilling mechanically weak, unstable or vugular formations has been a problem for decades. The cost of wellbore instability is a major challenge in achieving safe and economical drilling operations. As drilling operations moved into challenging formations in Kuwait, the operator sought to drill the Burgan shale and Shuaiba limestone formations in one section as opposed to the traditional two sections required to isolate each formation separately. This paper focuses on a class of technology additives used to mitigate the challenges of drilling weak and unstable formations. One approach for drilling micro-fractured shale and weak sands with vugular limestone is to mitigate the invasion of drilling fluids into the formation. Other approaches include: stabilizing the reactive shale by preventing hydration and swelling, improving the filtercake texture and strength, and sealing natural micro-fractures. Drilling fluid invasion can change the pore pressure, which ma

Abstract

Producing unconventional reservoirs characterized by low porosities and permeabilities during early stages of exploration and field appraisal can be challenging, especially in high temperature and high pressure (HPHT) downhole conditions. In such reservoirs, the natural fracture network can play a significant role in flowing hydrocarbons, increasing the importance of encountering such network by the boreholes. Consequently, the challenge would be to plan wells through these corridors, which is not always easy. To add to the challenge, well design restrictions dictate, the drilling of only vertical and in minor cases deviated wells. This can reduce the possibility of drilling through sub-vertical fracture sets significantly, and once seismic resolution is considered, it may seem that all odds are agents encountering a fracture network. This article addresses a case where a vertical well is drilled, in the above-mentioned reservoir setting, and missed the natural fracture system. The cor

Abstract

Objective/Scope: Advanced geo-navigation technique in multilateral wells is currently being used to optimize oil production from a number of reservoir zones in Mauddud formation in the ongoing development of Sabriyah oil field. Multilateral wells generally help reduce cost of hydrocarbon production and are known to perform better than single horizontal wells. However, the application of appropriate geonavigation strategy and downhole logging-while-drilling (LWD) technologies to achieving maximum reservoir exposure is key to production outcomes. Well-ML was planned as a multilateral well with two horizontal drain sections LAT-0 and LAT-1, each targeting multiple reservoir zones MaB, MaC and MaD in Mauddud. The main objectives of the two horizontals was to place the wellbores in the more porous and less dense sections of the targeted reservoir zones, achieving 30 - 45%, 10 -15% and 50 - 60% of reservoir footages in MaB, MaC and MaD respectively. The variation in the reservoir depositiona

Abstract

One of the goals cherished by modern organizations is gender balance, as a proven way to enhance productivity, boost the motivation of employees and enrich the leadership pipelines of internal succession plans. The energy sector follows closely this trend, inclusive of major organizations of operations and services, especially in Oil and Gas. And in no other region of the world this is now more visible than in the Middle East, one of the most active and traditionally leading and strategic regions in the segment. This paper summarizes what factors were fundamental for the very visible blooming of the female leadership, particularly in the oil and gas sectorin the Gulf Cooperation Council GCC countries. Certainly, middle-eastern women do not account yet for a large or representative number inthe highest roles of private or National Oil Companiesof their countries, but things are rapidly changing, and the blooming is real. A comparison of key elements considered diagnostic about the empow

Abstract

The cathodic protection of oil well casings is a most absorbing branch of the technology and combines in its solution the application of basic electrochemical fundamentals, mathematical analyses and a deductive theory of approach. © 1968, MCB UP Limited

Abstract

The cathodic protection of oil well casings is a most absorbing branch of the technology and combines in its solution the application of basic electrochemical fundamentals, mathematical analyses and a deductive theory of approach. Other, specialised, problems arise when the cathodic protection of multi-well arrays in developing oilfields is considered; not the least because of the constantly changing geometry of the oilfield itself. The story of oil well cathodic protection in Kuwait, Arabia, is one adding up to some two decades of calculation, experiment and research, during which time the extent and development of the technique has been continuous. The analytical techniques available for a solution of the many problems involved are discussed in a technical appendix to this article. © 1974, MCB UP Limited

Abstract

Najmah Shale in Kuwait of Oxfordian age has become an important source of hydrocarbons. It is an excellent source rock (organic reach carbonates, misnamed shales). In the southern part of the basin, these "shales" are interbedded with turbidites and grain flow deposits. Despite the renewed interest in the geology of organic reach sediments, several practical problems render the study of this formation a challenging one. The advancement of technology & knowledge converged to transform this formation into a producing reservoir. Our aim is to characterize these different lithologies and to orient the exploration strategy in accordance with the new concepts.

Abstract

[No abstract available]

Abstract

Low grade crude palm oil (LGCPO) presents as an attractive option as feedstock for biodiesel production due to its low cost and non-competition with food resources. Typically, LGCPO contains high contents of free fatty acids (FFA), rendering it impossible in direct trans-esterification processes due to the saponification reaction. Esterification is the typical pre-treatment process to reduce the FFA content and to produce fatty acid methyl ester (FAME). The pre-treatment of LGCPO using two different acid catalysts, such as titanium oxysulphate sulphuric acid complex hydrate (TiOSH) and 5-sulfosalicylic acid dihydrate (5-SOCAH) was investigated for the first time in this study. The optimum conditions for the homogenous catalyst (5-SOCAH) were determined as: 1.5 wt% of acid catalyst dosage, 60 °C reaction temperature, 8:1 methanol molar ratio at 60 min. For the heterogeneous TiOSH, higher catalyst dosages such as 7 wt% is required with a methanol loading of 10:1 (molar ratio) at 120 min

Abstract

This qualitative and quantitative study describes the evolution of water–rock interaction processes in the groundwater–seawater mixing zone diagenetic environment associated with the development of sand injectite outcrops of the Bahrah coastal plain, northern Kuwait Bay. Fourteen rock samples were collected from the field area for petrographic analyses, X-ray diffractometry (XRD), transmitted-light microscopy (TLM), tungsten scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and cold cathodoluminescence (CL). Two groundwater samples were used for geochemical studies of bulk water chemistry properties (12 ions and salinities) and water isotope data (δ34S, δ37Cl, δ81Br, and δ13C of dissolved inorganic carbon, DIC). We found that in the mixing zone, 70% groundwater mixes with 30% seawater at shallow depths, which controls the diagenetic processes highlighted by the variability of petrographic characteristics of sand injectites in the study area. © 2021, Saudi Society for Geosciences.

Abstract

Asphaltene precipitation and subsequent deposition are challenging problems that hinder the continuous production of crude oil in many fields worldwide. In the present work, advanced technologies were implemented to effectively assess the effect of asphaltene characteristics on its stability in different Kuwaiti oils. Physical and chemical properties of stock tank oils (STO) have been measured. The extracted asphaltenes from the different STOs were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy techniques. The results showed that asphaltene with the lowest H/C ratios, the greatest aromaticity, and the highest degree of condensation exhibited a higher tendency to precipitate due to extreme variations in thermodynamic factors. The onset of asphaltene precipitation for crude oil was determined by the indirect method using three different n-alkane solvents. The onset of asphaltene precipitation was found to be around 40, 50, and 60 vol% of n

Abstract

The Tayarat Formation (Maastrichtian in age) was deposited in shallow-water carbonate platform complex across the interior of the Arabian Shield (Alsharhan and Nairn 1990, Dunnington 1958, Owen and Nasr 1958). Production from the Tayarat and Radhuma Formation heavy-oil reservoirs has presented many challenges in south Kuwait. Factors affecting these challenges are: 1) reservoir lithological heterogeneity, 2) poor reservoir quality, and 3) heavy-oil fluid properties heterogeneity. However, the main interest of this study is to understand the effect of mixing TSR-fluids on the physical and chemical fluid properties of the Radhuma and Tayarat Formation reservoirs in the Burgan Field. © 1st EAGE/IFPEN Conference on Sulfur Risk Management in Exploration and Production, SRM 2018. All rights reserved.

Abstract

Background: Overuse or misuse of antimicrobials is common in pediatric intensive care units (PICU) and may be associated with poor clinical outcomes. Although an antimicrobial stewardship program (ASP) has been found to improve this practice, the required expertise in infectious diseases may be limited in some centers. We aimed to evaluate the effect of telehealth ASP on the rate of PICU antimicrobial use in a center without a local Infectious Diseases consultation service. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was performed between October 1st, 2018, and October 31st, 2020, in Farwaniya Hospital PICU, a 20-bed unit. All pediatric patients who were admitted to PICU and received systemic antimicrobials during the study period were included and followed until hospital discharge. The ASP team provided weekly prospective audit and feedback on antimicrobial use starting October 8th, 2019. A pediatric infectious diseases specialist joined the ASP rounds remotely. Descriptive analyses and a p

Abstract

Numerous methods have been applied in matrix acidizing over the previous decades to successfully stimulate multiple zones. These methods have also been implemented in fracture acidizing with varying degrees of success. This paper discusses the application of a new biodegradable material used for diversion in multiple zones or long formation intervals and presents improved results obtained using a new biodegradable diverter. Acid-fracturing diversion can be more challenging than diversion for matrix acidizing. To effectively stimulate multiple or large zones, the diversion treatment should be able to bridge not only the perforations themselves, but often inside the fracture system as well. This can be difficult because acid reacts with the rock, forming an etched/enlarged path, thus the diversion also requires bridging inside this conductive path. This differs from matrix acidizing techniques, in which the diversion depends mostly on the perforations in an interval(s) and the stimulated

Abstract

In December 1922, "Los Barrosos 2"gusher inserted Venezuela in the map of giant oil producers, joining an incipient industry that was to rule the world economy, but that still struggles in enabling the full participation of women, which precludes an appealing image of this industry for the female students of careers pertinent to oil and gas. The participation and roles of women in the oil industry experienced an evolution in the last two centuries, worth analyzing, as it provides key clues useful for the shaping of strategies related to diversity and inclusion programs in corporate frames. The applicability is evident for initiatives related to women, as the gender minority in the sector, but also for age, nationality, and different-ability minorities. This paper analyzes the evolution of specific roles of women in the oil industry and what elements propel their self-empowerment, grounding conclusions on a study case of Venezuelan women working in the oil industry from the 19th to the

Abstract

Background. Central venous-arterial carbon dioxide difference (PCO2 gap) can be a marker of cardiac output adequacy in global metabolic conditions that are less affected by the impairment of oxygen extraction capacity. We investigated the relation between the PCO2 gap, serum lactate, and cardiac index (CI) and prognostic value on admission in relation to fluid administration in the early phases of resuscitation in sepsis. We also investigated the chest ultrasound pattern A or B. Method. We performed a prospective observational study and recruited 28 patients with severe sepsis and septic shock in a mixed ICU. We determined central venous PO2, PCO2, PCO2 gap, lactate, and CI at 0 and 6 hours after critical care unit (CCU) admission. The population was divided into two groups based on the PCO2 gap (cutoff value 0.8 kPa). Results. The CI was significantly lower in the high PCO2 gap group (P=0.001). The high PCO2 gap group, on admission, required more administered fluid and vasopressors (P