Abstract

The role of vermiremediation technique has been accepted all over the world for many years to reduce the concentrations of pollutant in the contaminated soil to acceptable levels. However, limited study has been found in the case of Kuwaiti oil contaminated sand using earthworms. This paper address the potential of decomposing petroleum hydrocarbons in terms of total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) present in Kuwaiti oil contaminated sand ranging from 5000 to 25,000 mg/kg using earthworms (Eisenia fetida). It was observed that the TPH of < 5000 mg/kg was not harmful for the survival of earthworms, nevertheless TPH of 10,000 mg/kg reduced their survival to 50%. Moreover, the results indicate that that vermiremediation could effectively reduce the TPH of about 5000 mg/kg every 5 weeks. This study suggested that the crude oil could be consider as one of the main challenging for the survival of earthworms, therefore several factors such as type of soil, moisture content, temperature, organic m

Abstract

The major key uncertainty of complex carbonate reservoirs are the vertical transmissibility across the tight dense (stylolite) layers and areal distribution of high permeability streaks (HKS), which have major impact on reservoir management, well locations, and well completion design in water and miscible water-alternative-gas (miscible WAG) injection process. The present study presents interpretation methodology of vertical transmissibility through assessment of horizontal to vertical permeability ratio (Kv/Kh) from various dynamic data. The Kv/Kh range assessment was done after integration with whole core data and pressure transient data. The impact of Kv/Kh on water and miscible WAG injection processes has also been investigated. The result shows that good vertical communication between the bulk of the porous sub-units and all across stylolite layers except one stylolite layer which acts as field wide barrier. In addition, simulation result of water and miscible WAG injection with h

Abstract

Two cases of optic neuropathy associated with visual disturbances and indefinite fundus changes are described as occurring during or following a course of injections with trivalent antimony compounds. The association has not been previously reported. The patients developed symptoms within a few days of each other, and an infective basis cannot be excluded. © 1958, British Medical Journal Publishing Group. All rights reserved.

Abstract

In the present study vitamin D deficiency rickets has been diagnosed within 24 hrs. of birth. Seventy five full term, otherwise healthy newborns, weighing more than 2.5 kg were born with rachitic rosary. 25-Hydroxyvitamin D was lower than normal in 56 newborns and 15 mothers. Alkaline phosphatase was higher than normal in 26 and radiological changes suggestive of rickets were seen in the wrist X ray of only 14 newborns. Hyperphosphataemia was present in all the newborns. 1,25 dihydroxyvitamin D was markedly increased in six out of ten newborns.

Abstract

With the introduction of the supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems, continuous field surveillance and control is made possible. Real time monitoring of producing well parameters i.e. flowing wellhead pressure, wellhead temperature, flowline pressure and flow rates is essential for maintaining production, monitoring well performance and managing field rates. Using remote sensors, the majority of these parameters are easily obtained with the exception of multiphase metering near the wellhead. Often the complexity of the equipment or the accuracy of the flow measurement present challenges for routine monitoring. This paper outlines a simple process to effectively measure multiphase flow rates using low cost vortex or turbine type meters. Field results of 114 flow measurements before and after liquid/gas separation is presented to illustrate the accuracy level achieved. The results indicate fieldwide application of this technique is viable, in particular, when integrated

Abstract

A VSP acquisition geometry known as a walkaround VSP is described and applied to field data for measuring fracture induced azimuthal anisotropy. The method uses VSP data from several shotpoints arranged azimuthally around the receivers to determine azimuthal anisotropy directions through an examination of the relative amplitudes recorded in the radial and transverse directions. F or directions coincident with the anisotropic symmetry planes the energy in the transverse direction associated with conv ertedP-wa v eto shear-wa v espolarized orthogonal to these planes will be zero. By identifying such extinction directions these symmetry planes can be identified. F or vertical, fracture-induced anisotropy these directions coincide with the fracture normal and fracture strike directions. This method is applicable in both marine and land acquisition. A multiazimuthal VSP was acquired b ythe Kuwait Oil Company in August 1998 for the purposes of characterizing a suspected fractured reservoir u

Abstract

During the process of Cyclic Steam Stimulation (CSS) variations in reservoir pressure and temperature occur changing the solubility of reservoir rock minerals in the formation water and therefore during production phase, produced water brings valuable information about dynamic characteristics of reservoir rock and fluid. Its analysis may provide an invaluable means for monitoring the reservoir. This paper describes the process of water analysis where results are interpreted on the basis of the principle that the solubility of minerals varies with change in pressure and temperature. This also shows the importance of water analysis as a key tool for reservoir monitoring in fields undergoing cyclic steam stimulation. Water analysis is also used to optimize impact of produced water on Capex and Opex of oil production as water is required to be handled and disposed without impacting the environment, and is applied as troubleshooting tool to identify well problems and to validate log interpr

Abstract

North Kuwait Conformance Control task force team initiated to control the uniformity of the flood front of the injected drive fluid during an oil recovery flooding operations, which helps to reduce unwanted water production, enhance recovery efficiency, and to satisfy the reservoir management and environmental objectives. In addition, it will delay pre-mature water breakthrough at the producers on short term and maximize the water flood recovery on long term. Initiatives & new approaches made by field development NK to improve the water cycling and poor sweep occurred as a flood matures with time, which considered as one of the key challenges to control the water production increase. Production/injection philosophy was redeveloped to add further strengthen our ongoing water flood performance improvement integrated efforts. Tackling the high water cut wells, drilling efforts to horizontal sidetracks, and workover of vertical wells conform to the new waterflood strategy have been taken u

Abstract

Water coning is a serious problem in horizontal wells in Burgan reservoir of Minagish field located in West Kuwait. The reservoir consists of massive channel sands with active bottom aquifer and having very high permeability in the order of few Darcy, The reservoir contains medium quality crude having viscosity of about 30 cp with mobility ratio of 30 to 40. The localized increase in drawdown at sand-face due to high liquid production rate results in early water breakthrough in most of the horizontal wells, even with high stand off from OWC (Oil Water Contact). After water breakthrough the water cut in the wells starts increasing strictly, resulting in by passed oil region below horizontal well. As producing water-oil ratio starts increasing, the operating cost of the well and oil production cost starts rising significantly. In one of the horizontal well of Burgan reservoir, the water cut increased to 90% over a very short period of production and the water cone could not subside even

Abstract

A significant challenge in the mature South Kuwait Burgan field is assuring maximum hydrocarbon flow through high water-prone sandstone intervals. Recently, water control or conformance treatments have been considered to make oil production from these reservoirs more economically feasible. This paper discusses the application of a novel downhole chemical methodology that has created a positive impact in overall productivity from this field. The production profile in this field has been challenging in terms of increasing water volume, which poses a great threat to continued economic viability and may lead to lower production rates, a reduction in recoverable reserves, and premature abandonment. Some of the production-gathering centers cannot handle the ever-increasing volumes of produced water and are operating beyond design capacity. In order to solve this challenge, a downhole chemical treatment was modified as a fit-for-purpose treatment to address the unique challenges of electric s

Abstract

Produced Water is a major challenge in the oil and gas industry. Water production increases worldwide as more reservoirs depleted over time thus more resources needed to handle the unwanted produced water. Managing the subsurface water conformance maximizes hydrocarbon production and reduces operating cost that is mainly expected from the unwanted water production. It is important to identify the water source to solve any problem related to the unwanted excessive water production. Once the mechanism of the water production is understood, an effective strategy can be designed to detect and control the produced water. Different technologies and methods have been developed to control produced water. For example, Production Logging Tool (PLT) and Chan's WOR diagnostic plot are two common methods for determining the presence and causes of the unwanted excessive water production. In this study, Downhole Water Sink (DWS) completion technology is adapted to maximize reservoir recovery by reduc

Abstract

Objective/scope: Water cut is one of the critical parameters for production optimization and reservoir management in the field development area. Since the frequency of this well test is very limited, in terms of number in a yearly basis, there are gaps of time where do not have complete information on how much value the water cut (WC) behavior has changed. For an ESP well with excellent and stable behavior, petroleum engineer can still assume and predict the rates and WC performances are the same based on the last well test. However, for wells with unstable behavior, with its fluctuations in pressure downhole readings, this becomes a challenging task to monitor and estimate water cuts and minimize oil loss. The flowing pressures in a well are represented, with typical pressure traverses in the tubing string and the casing-tubing annulus. Liquid gradient in a particular setting can determine the density of the liquid and the water cut in the flowing tubing. Most wells with low gas produ

Abstract

As oil fields mature, producing more oil out of maturing reservoirs entails more water production. It is essential to have a successful water management process to be introduce, one that can handle substantial volumes of water produced in order to sustain crude oil production. At the early stage of the Greater Burgan Field water management was not a major concern. Most of its crude oil was dry and easy production with little water from Burgan & Wara reservoirs in Greater Burgan Field. With maturing of the field, South & East Kuwait Asset has started experiencing an increase in water production from its maturing reservoirs. Also starting water flooding in Wara reservoir to increase oil recovery increased water cut with oil production as expected. These changes made the production facilities to become constrained that cannot fully handle produced water volume and result in production deferral. To mitigate the high water cut challenges, South East Kuwait set up a multidisciplinary team to

Abstract

The salinity of the produced water from the First Eocene reservoir of the Wafra field was studied through its history. The change in the salinity of the initially produced water (from about 500 to 20,000 ppm NaCl) was attributed to meteoric water that might have entered the reservoir through outcrops west of the field. The correct value of the interstitial water salinity (23,000 ppm) that should be used in estimating the original oil in place (OOIP) by the volumetric methods was determined by three different approaches. In addition, a technique to overcome the complex behavior of aquifer salinity in calculating the volumetric OOIP for the First Eocene reservoir is outlined. A study of the change in the produced water salinity of the First Eocene reservoir with time proved that water is dumping from an upper water-bearing zone into the reservoir.

Abstract

Water conformance is a common challenge in oilfield industry especially in water flood and active water drive reservoirs where water production has a significant impact on production economics, oil recovery and facilities constraints. Water shut-off (WSO) is an essential solution to delay or minimize water production however effectiveness depends on treatment efficiency. This abstract will demonstrate extensive mechanical and chemical WSO experience in horizontal drilled wells completed with passive Inflow Control Devices (ICD) completions, with case histories from North Kuwait giant water aquifer reservoir. The main challenge during water conformance treatment is the proper diagnosis and the full understanding of the water flow profile; accurately identify the water source as well as reservoir understanding will help selecting the efficient WSO mechanism, which is crucial for a sound decision making considering the associated cost and the operational complications. Understanding reser

Abstract

Mature fields of the Middle East have some of the longest production histories and richest data sets of any oilfields in the world. Waterfloods in fields that have operated for many years are reaching a stage in which better understanding of the reservoir's response to water injection is critical for optimal field management going forward. A common approach, however, is that existing data sets are often used only by individual technical disciplines for relatively narrow purposes, such as well performance diagnoses. An integrated, multidisciplinary study of a carbonate reservoir in the Minagish Field was implemented to better evaluate the conformance and integrity of current water injection operations, and make recommendations for improvement. A secondary objective was to establish a solid interdisciplinary workflow to support periodic revaluation and update of the study. A joint team of reservoir engineers and geoscientists was formed from KOC's West Kuwait Asset Team and Halliburton's

Abstract

Raudhatain Mauddud is an oil bearing carbonate reservoir in North Kuwait. Mauddud consists of 10 layers with different fluid properties (API from 30 to 14 Deg). Oil production started in year 1957 till year 2000 when started full filed waterflood project. There was quick and clear positive response to water injection in both reservoir pressure and oil production. However there was early water breakthrough in some wells. Many factors have increased challenges in managing Mauddud waterflood project. These challenges were mainly due to reservoir heterogeneity in all layers, structure, injection of low saline water, difficulty to evaluate remaining potential in flooded wells or to identify thief zone before start the injection. Consequently, the water management strategy has been adapted by implementing methods and tools to tackle these challenges. Interwell tracers have been implemented to study and monitor water movement from the injectors to the producers and evaluate the sealing nature

Abstract

Raudhata in Mauddud is an oil bearing carbonate reservoir in North Kuwait. Mauddud consists of 10 layers with different fluid properties (API from 30 to 14 Deg). Oil production started in year 1957 till year 2000 when started full filed waterflood project. There was quick and clear positive response to water injection in both reservoir pressure and oil production. However there was early water breakthrough in some wells. Many factors have increased challenges in managing Mauddudwaterflood project. These challenges were mainly due to reservoir heterogeneity in all layers, structure, injection of low saline water, difficulty to evaluate remaining potential in flooded wells or to identify thief zone before start the injection. Consequently, the water management strategy has been adapted by implementing methods and tools to tackle these challenges. Interwell tracers have been implemented to study and monitor water movement from the injectors to the producers and evaluate the sealing nature

Abstract

The Sabriyah Mauddud (SAMA) limestone reservoir of North Kuwait is a large oil reservoir currently under waterflooding to meet production targets, and optimization of water injection is critical. The engineers have begun monitoring, diagnosing, and optimizing this waterflood through the implementation of an intelligent digital oil field (iDOF) program called KwIDF (Kuwait Integrated Digital Field). Various workflows have been developed for the visualization and analysis of waterflooding performance. Such workflows use real-time production data to derive and update daily water saturation and reservoir pressure from numerical simulation. The ultimate goal of this workflow is to identify and define actions to improve water injection and production over the short and medium terms. The transformation of raw data into information is achieved through intelligent, automated work processes, which are referred to in this paper as "smart workflows." These smart workflows assist engineers with dai

Abstract

Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) owns and operates eight Gas Booster Stations with around 38 Gas Turbine drivers. These Turbines work on the Brayton Cycle exhausting hot gases to the atmosphere in an Open Cycle. Every 100 MW of Open Cycle Gas Turbine has the potential to generate 50 MW of electrical energy out of exhaust heat recovery. Considering the total installed number of Gas Turbines, there is the potential to generate 450 MW of electrical energy. The study to recover this energy, which is currently wasted, is the subject of this paper. Traditionally the heat is recovered from the exhaust of the Gas Turbines by diverting the exhaust of the Turbines through a Heat Recovery Seam Generator. In the conventional system, the working fluid is water, which is converted into steam, which turns a steam turbo-generator. Furthermore, large quantity of water is required for cooling the steam condenser. As all the Company's Booster Stations are at dessert type of locations with difficulty in sourcing

Abstract

With the Oil business expanding day by day and with the demand for oil increasing many challenges were introduced, Kuwait Oil Company's South-East Asset (SEK) played a major role in tackling those challenges to meet Kuwait Petroleum Company production targets. In order to ensure operational excellence strategy is implemented, multidisciplinary teams founded (Well Delivery Task Force Team) to ensure the optimization of production and the full utilization of resources available in order to heed for the KPC requirements. Today Well Delivery TFT has grown to become a symbol of defining success criteria, which goes beyond technology implementation and setting the right framework for efficiency, coordination & commitment by ensuring an effective synergy between different teams of SEK directorate. Before the Task Force was formed the teams encountered several barriers to centralization plans. Challenges like inter-dependencies, miscommunications, understanding size, time and type of operation

Abstract

Well integrity is one of the main challenges that are facing operators, finding the source of the well problem and isolating it before a catastrophic event occurs. This study demonstrates the power of integrating different reservoir monitoring and well integrity logs to evaluate well integrity, identify the underlying cause of the potential failure, and providing a potential corrective solution. Recently, some Injector/producer wells reported migration of injection fluids/gas into shallower sections, charging these formations and increasing the risk of compromised well integrity. Characterization of the well issues required integration of multi-detector pulsed-neutron, well integrity (multi finger caliper, multi-barrier corrosion, cement evaluation, and casing thickness measurements), high precision temperature logs and spectral noise logs. After data integration, detailed analysis was performed to specifically find the unique issues in each well and assess possible corrective actions.

Abstract

The North Kuwait Jurassic Gas (NKJG) reservoirs are currently under development by KOC with assistance from Shell under an Enhanced Technical Services Agreement (ETSA). The fractured carbonate reservoirs contain gas condensate and volatile oil at pressures up to 11,500 psi with 2.5% H2S and 1.5% CO2. This paper describes the planning and implementation of a Well Integrity Management System (WIMS) that allows the safe management of the wells that are being drilled in this hazardous environment. The wells are designed and constructed in accordance with KOC standards and on transfer of ownership from Deep Drilling Group to Production Services Group have their integrity managed under WIMS. The system is a structured process, relating the frequency and extent of routine monitoring and testing to the particular risks associated with the wells. Compliance with WIMS requirements are routinely reported so that all are aware of the current state of well integrity. WIMS is initially managed throu

Abstract

Well integrity is one of the critical concern during the life cycle of wells and impose an enormous challenge to the oil & gas industry. External and/or Internal corrosion of tubing & casing is one of the main reasons of leaks in the wells causing fluid movement from one annulus to other annulus. Complete understanding of the source of pressure communication between different annuli is of prime importance for designing an effective remedial action. Most leaks can worsen with time and therefore, locating and repairing a leak in its early stages is essential otherwise it may sometimes lead to abandonment of the well. Knowing the precise location of a leak prior to executing repair jobs will lead to better planning thus reducing downtime and repair costs. The problem becomes more complicated when the leak diagnosis has to be done using conventional logging techniques without pulling out the tubing string. Presence of competent barriers is a fundamental imperative of well integrity. Imperf

Abstract

This paper describes the application of a combined answer from Electromagnetic and Ultrasonic imaging measurements to assess the well integrity prior to well side track and Whip-Stock setting. This solution was applied in a very old well in Raudhatain field in Kuwait that was completed since 1959. To optimize the cut depth for the side track across the single string, it was essential to identify an accurate depth of the external casing shoe, in addition to evaluation of both internal and external casings integrity and the cement bond quality for zonal isolation assurance. Data was acquired in September 2015 where the Electromagnetic log along with Ultrasonic images have been utilized with the advantage to provide answer in sections completed with dual strings for well integrity assessment. The log results could detect the external casing shoe at the depth 7170-ft, presented good pipe integrity for the internal casing, and indicated good pipe condition with minor metal loss in the exter

Abstract

A viscous heavy crude oil bearing unconsolidated sandstone reservoir of Middle Miocene age is located in a supergiant green heavy oil field that is undergoing execution of first phase of full field development in the State of Kuwait. The screening for enhanced oil recovery (EOR) methods identified Cyclic Steam Stimulation (CSS) followed by Steamflood (SF) as the most adequate combination of EOR methods for the north area of the field. The field has been undergoing small-scale CSS pilots to evaluate the reservoir potential and to optimize well completion design. To monitor these pilots, well surveillance operations and data analysis are applied and they are playing a critical role in understanding and reducing reservoir uncertainties, a fundamental step for improving recovery and economics of heavy oil field development. This paper presents a case study of the well surveillance operation performed for well monitoring, well completion design and ultimately production optimization in the

Abstract

North Kuwait Sabriyah wells have massive formation damage and enormous fluid losses occurring during workover operations in the Upper Burgan Formation. This challenge causes wellbore plugging, as well as incremental operational costs (rig days & brine cost) and delayed production. It is noteworthy that the Upper Burgan (UB) Formation is balanced with 5.5 PPG kill fluid. This is due to the significant differential pore pressure and 8.4 PPG brackish water, which would impose a high risk of losses and formation damage. A unique solution" salt pill" has been selected as an optimum solution to this challenge. The solution is a filtration control agent that allows work over activity with temperature stability up to 350 Deg. F and it is applicable for Gas & Oil wells with over 2% water cut. It is sustained casing pressure for workover with a constant fluid level at surface during the intervention. The customized fluid is being flowed back and it is 100% dissolvable in produced or any under sa

Abstract

"Compressors" is used in all aspects of gas industry including gas injection, gas transmission, refrigeration, and distribution systems of domestic gas. Compressors are gas movers where mechanical work is done on the gas resulting in an increased pressure. In gas transmission, two basic types of compressors are used: reciprocating and centrifugal. The reciprocating is well suited for high pressures and low volume flow rates. It can be single or multistage with ratings from fractional to more than 20,000 horsepower per unit. The pressures range from a vacuum at suction to 30,000 psi at discharge. A centrifugal compressor uses the impeller to furnish rotational speed that squeezes the gas outward resulting in some increase in the pressure in the casing using the relationship between velocity and pressure. Many times we may face to decide whether to use a reciprocating or a centrifugal compressor for driving the gas. There are advantages and disadvantages for either compressors design dep

Abstract

Thoracic duct injury is a rare complication of dorsal spine operations. Ultrasound chest plays an important tool for rapid diagnosis of acute dyspnea, drainage of massive effusion, and daily follow-up. Conservative treatment of postoperative chylous with measures to decrease chylous formation can lead to a resolution of chylothorax. © 2020 The Authors. Clinical Case Reports published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd

Abstract

Recent advances in land seismic recording equipment have increased the options for acquisition geophysicists. There are now several recording systems that claim high channelcount capabilities and four main competing types of sensors. Today, the selection of a recording system and sensor type is a major decision in 3D land seismic survey design as it will greatly impact the channel-count requirements, operational efficiency, cost and the resulting data quality. Sensor type and the related channel-count requirements for wide-geometry 3D land acquisition are herein presented and their impact examined. Techniques to implement wide geometry in limited channel-count environment are also reviewed. This review concludes that such techniques in 3D land seismic data acquisition have technical limitations. Consequently, the seismic industry is still facing a challenge to properly sample data in the spatial domain due to channel-count limitations of today's recording systems. Although the analysis

Abstract

[No abstract available]

Abstract

SEG and Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) organized a successful workshop titled ‘Advances in land seismic data processing’ from December 3–5, 2018 in Kuwait City. A total of 112 attendees representing 27 companies from 14 countries heard 45 presentations distributed over 12 sessions. At the end of each session, moderated discussions gave attendees the opportunity to raise questions and share ideas. The workshop started with a welcome address by Mohammad Dawas Al-Ajmi (KOC) and an opening address by Adel El-Emam (KOC). Mohammad Al-Otaibi (Saudi Aramco) presented a keynote speech. Rodney Johnston (BP) discussed processing challenges with simultaneous sources, showing that it can work while offering improvements in acquisition efficiency. Chen Shuangting (BGP) presented deblending techniques and their applications in seismic exploration.

Abstract

[No abstract available]

Abstract

Drilling a multilateral well is generally recommended for several reasons such as achieving higher productivity indices and improving recovery in tight, low-permeable zones. While the many benefits of multilateral wells are attractive, they also have drawbacks which make these wells challenging. A key challenge is how to effectively stimulate all the laterals after they have been drilled. This paper presents the application of a unique intervention technique in a multilateral well to stimulate several laterals in a single run. To increase reservoir contact area the operator drilled a multilateral well composed of 4 legs. This was carried out despite the absence of proven ways to stimulate each lateral individually. This intervention would also present the following challenges: • Well displacement and stimulation would require multiple re-entries into each lateral, all conducted from a drilling rig. • All the laterals were known to branch off from the low side of the bore, so individual

Abstract

Several factors like maturing oilfield, difficult market conditions, etc. are driving E&P companies to attain operational excellence (OE). OE basically requires running operations safely, reliably, sustainably, and cost effectively with a competitive advantage. Preventive Maintenance (PM) has great role in preventing failures, and thereby, it is a key but often ignored in OE discussions. Conventional PM practices are prone to limitations that may negate the fulfilment of requirement of OE. This paper presents a novel approach of conducting PM activities, namely Zero Shutdown (S/D) Philosophy that offers benefits towards fulfilment of all elements of OE. Conventional PM practices are very expensive and aggravates risks on many counts. Usually, PM is carried out, on fixed intervals, by shutting down entire production facility for long duration (e.g. 42 days). Such S/D causes several problems for an operating company, including the lost production worth billions of dollars. Sense of urgen

Abstract

The high permeability contrast seen in the producing zones of the oil wells of the north Kuwait Mauddud formation makes the uniform stimulation of this carbonate formation a challenge. To achieve diversion, polymer-based fluids were used earlier but with limited success. Recently, a nonpolymeric system containing a viscoelastic-surfactant-based (VES) self-diverting acid (SDA) was used to divert and effectively stimulate entire pay zones with great success. Production logs run before and after the stimulation treatments indicat e stimulation of the entire perforated intervals. Stimulation using this new system on the first 17 wells resulted in a production increase of approximately 30,000 BOPD - much higher than that expected from conventional treatments. The wells that were not producing earlier after several conventional treatments are now producing naturally after treatments using this nondamaging system. Nearly 100 wells in the same reservoir were treated with this system after succ