Abstract

[No abstract available]

Abstract

[No abstract available]

Abstract

[No abstract available]

Abstract

The heavy oil deposit of Kuwait, consisting of a viscous low API Gravity Crude occurring at shallow depths, requires a mechanism to reduce the crude viscosity for it to become commercially exploitable. In this situation, cyclic steam injection has proven the right choice. Prior to the commissioning of the cyclic steam injection project in this field, a number of studies have been carried out. These include the determination of initial reservoir conditions; determination of crude oil properties including the viscosity temperature relationship; and the analyses of fresh water sources. These studies are discussed.

Abstract

Shale stability and differential sticking are the main challenges while drilling through shale and sand sequences. Conventional mud systems cannot always provide the required wellbore stability and sustained high overbalance, which has led to an increase in use of 'customized fluids'. Offset wells were reviewed to identify the issues while drilling this challenging trajectory through troublesome stressed Zubair shale and sand sequences. This review revealed serious well-bore instability, pack offs, differential stuck pipe leading to the loss of downhole tools and sidetrack operations. Traditionally, oil-based mud (OBM) have been used while drilling these formations with high NPT hours. Due to necessity of comingling two sections in a single section, it was necessary to identify a fluid's solution, which can provide good borehole stability. A customized drilling fluid system was designed by using deformable sealing polymer (DSP, deformable size) in conjunction with Synthetic Resilient G

Abstract

Introduction: Screening of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) women for hypothyroidism and hyperprolactinemia was suggested, because the undiagnosed hypothyroidism and hyperprolactinemia can aggravate the PCOS symptoms. Aim of the study: To determine whether the insulin resistance (IR), hypothyroidism, and hyperprolactinemia are common endocrine disorders associated with the PCOS. Material and methods: One hundred and twenty PCOS women were compared to 120 non-PCOS controls in this study. Participants’ day 2-3 hormonal profile and insulin resistance (IR) using the fasting glucose and fasting insulin were evaluated. Collected data were analyzed to determine whether the IR, hypothyroidism, and hyperprolactinemia are common endocrine disorders associated with the PCOS. Results: TSH and prolactin were significantly high in PCOS women (6.4 ±4.2 and 934 ±102.3, respectively) than controls (3.5 ±3.3 and 445 ±77.5 mIU/ml, respectively) (p = 0.004 and 0.001, respectively). The PCOS women had sign

Abstract

This paper presents the comparison of IEC and IEEE standards for medium-voltage switchgear. The study can help the user make suitable decisions while procuring switchgear, taking advantage of both standards. This trend in the industry has led to global harmonization of standards and made it almost mandatory for every one of us to know the comparative requirements of IEC and IEEE standards. © 2009 IEEE.

Abstract

There is an enduring interest in concentrated particulate filled slurries in many industries for a wide variety of products and processes. In previous research, a collection of experimental procedures provided velocity profiles, pressure drops and power law constants for slurries flowing in a tube. A model previously developed for the power law, based on mono-disperse fillers and on percolation theory concepts, is reviewed and extended to bi-modal slurries. The model for the power law constant, n, is shown to be only a function of the volume of non-dissipating clusters in the slurry. Experimental results are used to compare the effects of mono-modal and bi-modal fillers on the viscosity and n in the composite flow of filled Newtonian carrier fluids. The data and analysis demonstrate that n can be related to the ratio of energy dissipated by the slurry divided by the dissipation of a Newtonian fluid flowing under similar conditions. The power law parameters were developed using Bingham

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Trastuzumab is an HER-2 targeted humanized monoclonal antibody that significantly improves metastatic and non-metastatic breast cancer therapeutic outcomes. This study compares trastuzumab outcomes between two age cohorts in the Kuwait Cancer Control Centre (KCCC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: I n a p rospective comparative observational study, 93 HER-2 positive breast cancer patients undergoing different chemotherapy protocols + trastuzumab between April 2016 and April 2019 were included and divided into two cohorts based on their age (<60 and ≥60 years old). The individual decline in the LVEF from the baseline was calculated and compared between the two age cohorts. Logistic regression analysis was applied to investigate the association between age, comorbidities, BMI, anthracycline treatment, and baseline LVEF value, and trastuzumab-induced cardiotoxicity after adjustments made for the disease stage. RESULTS: The median baseline LVEF was 65% in both age cohorts (IQR 8% and 9% fo

Abstract

Objective: To compare the transvaginal cervical length (TVCL) to the modified Bishop's score for prediction of successful labor induction in nulliparous women. Methods: A total of 210 nulliparous women who were diagnosed as premature rupture of membranes were recruited in this comparative prospective study, which was carried out in the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department of Ain Shams University, Egypt over two years for labor induction. The studied women were examined by trans-vaginal ultrasound for measurement of the cervical length (CL) and vaginally to calculate the modified Bishop's score, followed by induction of labor. Collected data were analyzed to compare the TVCL to the modified Bishop's score for prediction of successful labor induction in nulliparous women. The success of induction process was defined as vaginal birth after the induction of labor. Results: One hundred and forty-three women of studied women had CL <28 mm; 122 of them delivered vaginally (P=0.030). One hundr

Abstract

Objective: This comparative study was designed to assess the role of saline infusion hysterosonography in refining the diagnosis of uterine cavity abnormalities diagnosed by hysteroscopy in infertile, asymptomatic women before in vitro fertilization/intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF/ICSI) treatment. Methods: One hundred and twenty four asymptomatic infertile women were included in this study before IVF/ICSI treatment. Hysteroscopy was done as routine procedure for uterine cavity assessment before the first attempt of IVF/ICSI treatment. Patients agreed to have an ultrasound assessment of uterine cavity with the use of saline as the contrast medium (Saline infusion hysterosonography, SIHS) beside the hysteroscopic assessment. Both hysteroscopy & SIHS procedures were scheduled post menstrual period in the early-mid follicular phase of a cycle of the same menstrual cycle, 1-3 months before starting the IVF/ICSI treatment. Results: The uterine cavity abnormalities were detected in 40.

Abstract

It always remains a big question, what is the best way to complete a well for maximum potential? Selecting proper well completion is critical to overcome reservoir challenges and ensure efficient stimulation treatments and well intervention specially in challenging deep highly deviated wells targeting complex high heterogenous HPHT conventional and unconventional tight carbonate gas reservoirs such as North Kuwait Jurassic gas fields (NK JGF). This paper will demonstrate the added value, experience, challenges and lessons learned of completion strategy rejuvenation and paradigm shift journey of NK JGF's wells completion till landing to a combination of three main completion schemes based on structured selection criteria. This is led by integrated team to enhance overall well production potential, overcome reservoir and intervention operations challenges, and early production delivery to achieve asset strategic production target. The Jurassic gas fields produces mainly from deep HPHT, c

Abstract

Field development in complex carbonate evaporite reservoirs has been a challenge for geoscientists by using simple sedimentology based geological models. A high resolution sequence stratigraphic framework has been designed from a conceptual 3D depositional model to a deterministic predictable model. In this process framework boundaries have been fine-tuned with carbon and oxygen isotope signals and defining ichno-facies associations to map lateral continuity of member formations within Marrat sequence. As dolomites and porous grain stones are the key reservoir quality rock types for Marrat Group of formations, position of precursor lithofacies in sequence stratigraphic frame work is found to be crucial. Dolomite samples are analyzed for d13C and d18O. Upper and Lower Marrat members are characterized by thinly laminated, micro crystalline exposure dolomites and high in d18O signal which are associated to low stand packages, whereas Middle Marrat dolomites are relatively low in d18O and

Abstract

Producing hydrocarbons at appraisal and development targets from deep, overpressured, high pressure/high temperature (HPHT) Jurassic carbonates in Northern Kuwait has been a challenge as a result of the complex reservoir heterogeneity. Because of the tight carbonate formation properties, matrix acidizing does not always deliver hydrocarbons at economical rates; in this scenario, hydraulic fracturing is required. Hydraulic fracturing, however, presents placement and activation challenges as a result of the wellbore construction limitations and a complex tectonic setting/high stress environment. The zone of interest in this dolomitic reservoir was identified as an acid fracture candidate because of the immobility of fluids identified during multiple pressure sampling tool attempts, despite a reasonable valuation of the log-computed porosity and permeability in the range of approximately 10% and 1.1 md, respectively. In addition, solid hydrocarbons (bitumen) were reported in the cuttings

Abstract

A comprehensive diagnostic data-fracturing campaign (Fracture Pressure Analysis: FPA) was undertaken by the Gas Fields Development Group (GFDG) of North Kuwait in January-March 2013. The campaign involved executing FPAs on the primary zone of interest (Organic-rich Carbonaceous Shale: OCS) as well as underlying and overlying carbonates to establish "fraccability" and in particular the hydraulic frac vertical containment aspect, which are much needed for the successful planning of an appraisal program. This paper summarizes the resuts of those FPA tests and how the acquired data is used to calibrate the wellbore geomechanical model. This initial FPA campaign is the onset of a more comprehensive evaluation program planned for 2013 onwards. FPA sequences were executed on the OCS, underlying and overlying formations with encouraging results. The main concern was whether the OCS would yield hydraulic fracture (fracture initiation) below surface treatment pressure limitation of 13,500 psi (M

Abstract

The drilling of shallow horizontal wells in unconsolidated sand formations faces the particular challenge of achieving proper well trajectory, needed that minimizes dog leg severity and if not accomplished can increase well intervention frequency. These well complexity challenges may result in improper wellbore sand clean outs that can promote early failure of the artificial lift equipment and increase the frequency of interventions that cause production deferment. Wellbore clean out operations are risky because of potential fluid losses and low reservoir fracture pressures, which limit downhole clean-out circulating pressures. Concentric Coiled Tubing (CCT) technology has been used to clean out horizontal slotted liner sections with suspected sand fill. This sand fill reduces well productivity due to sand bridging within the slotted liner. The application of CCT technology reduces the risk of lost or limited fluid returns and provides an effective clean out method. In addition, it can

Abstract

A few horizontal wells were drilled in Kuwait, heavy oil field, as a part of cold production testing. Various workover interventions were performed on these wells. However, some of the wells showed sharp production decline and were producing below expectations. It was suspected that formation damage may have occurred in these ultra-low reservoir pressure wellbores due to the overbalance of the fluids used during interventions. Concentric coiled tubing (CCT) technology comprising of a downhole jet pump, was recently employed for the first time in Kuwait and was determined to be an effective method to clean the horizontal sections and investigate the reasons for the production problems. The single phase cleanout fluid is circulated down the inner string to power the jet pump, creating a localized drawdown that vacuums the formation solids or fluids out of the wellbore and the combined sand/fluid stream returns via the CCT annulus. The multiple operating modes provided the benefit of clea

Abstract

Well workover and completion operations presents multiple challenges due to the fact that operator have to plan ahead to select feasible completion equipment and tools in order to ensure that all the objectives are met from a well authority standpoint for expected production, future well interventions and expenditures during well lifecycle. An ESP Y-Tool completion design is presented that uses a tail pipe to connect onto straddle packers creating a continuous path and permanent access for interventions below. The novelty of this design is the ability to utilize straddle packers instead of spotting and squeezing cement for zonal isolation and still have access to conduct well interventions on zones below these straddle packers rig-less, optimizing workover rig utilization. The ESP Y-Tool tail pipe has been modified to include a perforated pup joint with a centralized latch assembly, which connects to the straddle packer and eliminate the need of removing this assembly for future well i

Abstract

Gliosis with hemorrhagic transformation is a late reported complication of stroke. Sometimes there is a big discrepancy between clinical and radiological diagnosis, and clinical decisions must be multi-aspect decisions and not dependent on a single discrepant investigation result. © 2021 The Authors. Clinical Case Reports published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Abstract

This paper presents results from integration of Production Logging Tool (PLT) data with image facies interpretation from high-resolution electrical images in a horizontal producer well in Kuwait. The Minagish Oolite Formation is a carbonate reservoir in the Umm-Gudair field which is characterised by packstone to grainstone with oolitic rich facies. Integration of fluid contribution along the producer hole from PLT measurement with image facies from electrical image logs will support completion strategy optimization. A PLT was deployed in horizontal producer well of 6.125 inch (bit size) with coil tubing, when both flowing as well as shut-in conditions with choke size (128+128)/64?. Liquid rate from PLT 2981 Barel fluid per day (BPD) was in agreement with surface Portable Gas Oil Ratio (PGOR) test rate (2975 BPD). During drilling, high-resolution of electrical image was acquired. The electrical image has range of conductive (darker) and resistive (brighter) features, where conductive im

Abstract

Early in the well's life, the presence of formation water under strong water drive supports oil production. Eventually with time, this will become a problem that is challenging to manage. Maintaining and growing North Kuwait's oil production year after year made it impossible to continue producing well with high water production caused by conning effect. The critical coning rate required for lower Burgan (LB) to eliminate the conning effect and continue producing with low water cut (WC), as determined by Chappelear and Hirasaki correlation, is ± 300 BLPD. In order to prevent coning, an LB well should be produced at a rate lower than 300 BOPD. Producing wells at a rate lower than 300 BLPD is not feasible due to the high requirement of oil rate that north Kuwait targets. Coning Control Completion (CCC) is a cutting-edge technology used in North Kuwait to solve Lower Burgan formation (LB) coning problems. A reversible Electric Submersible Pump (ESP) is part of this completion system that

Abstract

As Kuwait focuses on developing the deep Jurassic reservoirs, the Gotnia Formation presents significant drilling challenges. It is the regional seal, consisting of alternating Salt and Anhydrite cycles, with over-pressured carbonate streaks, which are also targets for future exploration. The objective of this study was to unravel the Gotnia architecture, through detailed mapping of the intermediate cycles, mitigating drilling risks and characterizing the carbonate reservoirs. A combination of noise attenuation, bandwidth extension and seismic adaptive wavelet processing (SAWP)) was applied on the seismic data, to improve the signal-to-noise ratio of the seismic data between 50Hz to 70Hz and therefore reveal the Anhydrite cycles, which house the carbonate streaks. The Salt-Anhydrite cycles were correlated, using Triple Combo and Elastic logs, in seventy-six wells, and spatially interpreted on the band-limited P-impedance volume, generated through pre-stack inversion. Pinched out cycles

Abstract

To reach many of the world's petroleum-rich formations, drilling must first penetrate challenging shale formations where wellbore instability frequently results in costly stuck pipe, lost circulation, non-productive time, and expensive sidetracks. One technology gaining traction through successful field usage is a wellbore stabilizing agent (WSA) to limit the invasion of drilling fluid and wellbore pressure into the formation. Using a WSA can assist in stabilizing shales, delivering trouble-free drilling, and reduce losses and nonproductive time. The drilling team was assigned a challenging well involving the Mutriba Formation, a shale-limestone formation notorious for stuck pipe and lost circulation. Focusing on wellbore stability and minimizing of the destabilizing nature of invasive drilling fluid and wellbore pressure, the team utilized a wellbore stabilizing agent to stop fluid invasion at the borehole wall. This barrier, or "shield", minimizes formation damage and mitigates fract

Abstract

Production chemicals are primarily used to treat crude oil to its sale specifications, to minimize process problems, and to treat produced water to meet regulatory guidelines for disposal or injection. Voluminous quantities of various chemicals are used in production operations - Company uses more than 50,000 drums (55 USG standard drums) per year at different locations throughout the field areas. Transferring drums from stores to the facilities, chemicals loading from drums to the tanks, spillages and disposing-off empty drums have been causing numerous operational, health, safety and environmental concerns. Therefore, in line with Company's policies of enhancing it's operational & HSE performance, the Company decided huge capital investment (KD 16 Million) for constructing modernized facilities for bulk handling of the production chemicals. This paper outlines the facilities and associated support systems for bulk handling of the chemicals, eliminating use of the conventional chemica

Abstract

Production logs (PL) are traditionally interpreted by collecting depth-indexed information recorded by four major sensors; that is, pressure, temperature, density, and flow velocity. Although foot-by-foot data are gathered during flowing and shut-in passes, flow interpretation is normally done over selected discrete depth intervals, known as stations. This study explores data analysis on a continuous depth basis rather than that done at discrete stations. In so doing, we obtain unbiased in-situ flowmeter calibration, leading to improved understanding of wellbore flow behavior and production log interpretation.

Abstract

Oil and Gas processing operations comprise of numerous activities that are hazardous in nature including dangerous equipment and harmful process fluids. Contractors are the key and major work force in all construction projects in Oil & Gas sector. Managing Contractors' Safety has become extremely challenging in view of the large number of contractors' work force deployed/spread over many oil fields for execution of various projects including strategic / complex in nature and importance. Being an industry leader of the Kuwait state and with an objective of becoming regional leader in Middle East, Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) is working to manage the issues related to contractor Safety Management effectively. West Kuwait (WK) fields in KOC are situated in the desert areas predominantly and comprises of oil fields such as Umm Gadair, Minagish, Dharif, Abdaliyah etc. The operations spread over these fields make it really challenging in managing the contractors and their HSE performance. In ord

Abstract

Improvements to contractors’ HSE standards can be ensured by continuous monitoring and review of their HSE performance. To achieve this, an objective HSE Performance Evaluation (HPE) framework is necessary and essential. Although there are various conventional methods of HSE performance evaluation available in the industry, however, a more comprehensive HPE framework with pertinent HSE parameters will aid to the monitoring approach. In line with this, a more comprehensive HPE framework, which takes into account all HSE parameters pertinent to a contracting organization and its project, has been developed and followed at West Kuwait Directorate (one of three main important assets of Kuwait Oil Company-KOC). This gives better insight and Subject Matter Experts (SME’s) of the organization do appropriate and effective professional outcome out of it. In this project (HSE Performance Evaluation), the pertinent factors are analyzed critically, recorded the compliance and deviations w.r.t. the

Abstract

Numerical studies are presented to evaluate the sensitivity of surface and surface to borehole Controlled Source Electromagnetic (CSEM) methods, to monitor the evolution of a steam plume injection in EOR for the Ratqa heavy oil reservoir, in North Kuwait. A surface CSEM dataset collected over a pilot area in 2011 was used to determine a baseline 3D model of electrical resistivity at reservoir depth. To this end, the data underwent constrained 3D inversion, incorporating a-priori information from resistivity well logs and seismic horizons and focusing the inversion within the reservoir. The resulting 3D model provided high resolution of the lateral and vertical distribution of electrical resistivity within the reservoir, which was further verified by comparison with direct interpolation of well log data available over the entire area of the survey. Perturbations of the reservoir resistivity were then introduced by arbitrarily lowering the resistivity in a thin disk defined around a test

Abstract

Underbalance perforation is one of the best practices to insure less damage to the perforation tunnels. Many papers described the effect of the underbalance perforation either static or dynamic on the cleanup of the perforation tunnel based on the King et al correlation presented in (1986). A complete understanding of the effect of both magnitude and duration of the underbalance during the perforation will help petroleum engineers to design a perforation job and achieve the maximum benefit of the perforation in connecting the well bore to the reservoir. A new approach to control not only the amount of the underbalance, but also the duration of this underbalance, has been applied in one of North Kuwait sandstone reservoirs. The results showed the duration of the underbalance during perforation has a significant effect on clean up the perforation tunnel. Reduction and elimination of the perforating damage (perforating skin) ensures increased well productivity. Previously, the basic techn

Abstract

Significant concentrations of hydrogen sulphide (H2S) are observed in the Marrat reservoir in the Raudhatain and Sabriya fields (northern Kuwait). In this study, we have attempted to determine the origin of H2S and what factors may control its relative concentration. Our data show that it is most likely a product of thermochemical sulphate reduction (TSR). However, this process has not gone to completion, as the levels of H2S in the samples studied are still below 5%. Additionally, the hydrocarbon constituents of the gas phase do not appear to have been severely affected by TSR. So far, this process has primarily impacted the oil phase: increasing oil gravity and decreasing oil sulphur content. Some of the Marrat fluids from the Sabriyah field have lower H2S concentrations, though with equivalent H2S sulphur isotopic compositions to the other Marrat fluids from Raudhatain. We hypothesize that these differences are related to original compositional grading and/or reservoir charge histor

Abstract

Detailed core characterization is often overlooked in the sampling process for core analysis measurements. Random core sampling is usually performed and the selected plugs are not associated with rock types or the reservoir heterogeneity. The objective of this study is to obtain representative samples for direct simulation of petrophysical and fluid flow properties in complex rock types. A robust sampling strategy was followed in reservoir cores from two successive heterogeneous carbonate and siliciclastic formations in the Raudhatain field in Kuwait. The sample selection criteria were based on statistical distribution of litho-types in the cores to ensure optimum characterization of the main reservoir units. The litho-types were identified based on porosity and mineralogy variations along the core lengths utilizing advanced dual-energy X-ray CT scanning. High resolution micro-CT imaging and subsequent segmentation provided 3D representation of the pore space and geometric fabric of th

Abstract

Lower Fars is a shallow unconsolidated sandstone reservoir with high inter-granular porosity filled with heavy oil in southern part of Ratqa Field in Kuwait. The shallow depth (500′ to 800′), friable sand laminated with shale and high viscosity heavy oil in pores have made coring this sand quite challenging. Last recovered core with rubber-sleeved core barrel in the eighties was only up to 60%. This paper describes how thoughtful mix-up of technology, innovative techniques and proper coordination by aligning all concerned has helped in meeting the challenge of coring unconsolidated sand and it's processing. Using low invasive core fluid, shorter core length, Aluminum inner core barrel, separate core bit to cut major sand/shale, full core catcher system, vertical slabbing at well mouth and on-site freezing have improved core recovery in excess of 85%. While low-solid content coring fluid with a pH of 9 resulted in low mud invasion, reduced WOB, ROP and SPM ensured fewer washouts during

Abstract

[No abstract available]

Abstract

Coronary cameral fistula (CCF) is defined as an abnormal connection between the coronary artery and any cardiac chamber. It usually appears due to abnormal embryogenesis and represents less than 1% of the population. Most CCF cases are asymptomatic, however large CCFs may cause symptoms and complications. We present a case of a young female with symptomatic CCF suspected on echocardiography and confirmed by computed tomography coronary angiography. She was successfully treated surgically with total improvement of symptoms. © EFIM 2023 - European Journal of Case Reports in Internal Medicine.

Abstract

One of the key strategic directions in Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) 2040 vision is the optimization of the portfolio to capitalize on opportunities and rationalize non-core and unprofitable assets. In this context as conventional low risk oil assets are becoming more mature, compensating for the associated oil production requires building a new efficient portfolio with new higher risk opportunities for filling this future gap. KOC as a National Oil Company (NOC), will have to work within the boundaries of available resources established in the National Development Plan (New Kuwait 2035) which sets the nation's long-term development priorities focus on diversified economy to reduce the country's dependence on oil export revenues in an environment with increasingly limited resources. A robust corporate portfolio management framework is necessary for dealing with a combination of existing assets undergoing operations and new opportunities that shall mature to become projects or programs relat

Abstract

A Correction to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00231-021-03064-3. © 2021, Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.

Abstract

Water Flood Pilot (WFP) Projects were started during June 1997 in two of North Kuwait's major oil fields to determine the feasibility of waterflooding the Mauddud Carbonate Reservoir. In each of the two pilots, the injection water supply comprised source water well, completed with a downhole electrical submersible pump (ESP) across the underlying Lower Burgan aquifer. Source water rates of up to 10,000BWPD were pumped from the well to a surface booster pump, designed to deliver an injection pressure of 2000 psi at the injection well. A significant part of the feasibility study was monitoring system corrosion. Specific surface measurements included pH, total suspended solids (TSS), corrosion rate derived from Linear Polarization Resistance (LPR) and concentration of injected corrosion inhibitor. This suite of data and associated interpretations are presented and discussed. The data recorded also documents radical fluctuations in LPR and pH measurements several days before ESP failures.

Abstract

This paper presents a practical approach toward cost optimization of a thermal recovery project in a heavy oil green field in Kuwait. This objective is achieved by understanding total cost breakdown for Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) and Operating Expenditure (OPEX) for all assets (natural and physical) during the economic horizon of the project and the identification of root causes of cost drivers that cause the total cost to increase, potential project delay and poor performance. Complex cause and cost effect relationships are visualized using causal maps and loss causation models for seven most important group of risks during field life cycle. Uncertainties are addressed by comparison with analog fields undergoing Cyclic Steam Stimulation and Steamflood. One-way sensitivity analyses and stochastic modeling of key cost drivers solve a critical uncertainty, lack of OPEX data during commercial operations. Other application includes assessment of risks affecting total cost per barrel and s

Abstract

As the oil field matures the demand for artificial lift increases in order to sustain and boost production. Electrical submersible pump is one of the most commonly used method in oil industry. However, Conventional ESP deployment require Rig workover to install and retrieve the ESP Assembly, which is costly and time consuming. The conventional ESP applications have some challenges such as well accessibility for work over or well completed with 5″ or 5-1/2″ liner completions that required slim pump to fit inside the well. A novel rigless cable ESP technology is under development and pilot tests are in progress in Kuwait South and East fields. The technique utilizes Wireline method to deploy a slim pump type along with permanent magnetic motor system. The pump is capable of being deployed inside the production tubing within a short period without the need of a work over rig. Rigless pumps tested in closed and failed ESP wells as pilot tests to restore the production until rig & equipment

Abstract

The cyclic steam stimulation (CSS) and injection process is a thermal recovery process consisting of three main stages: steam injection, steam soak and production of the heated oil. Before a stimulated well is put into production, a soak period is required to allow the injected steam to heat the oil around the wellbore and reduce its viscosity so that it will become more susceptible to flow. In actual operations, the soak period could vary from days to weeks, or even months. Prolonged soak period causes the well productivity to decline because of the continuous heat loss to the formation. On the other hand, insufficient soak period prevents effective transfer of the heat from the wet steam into the formation. For this reason, it is desirable to determine the optimal soak period that will maximize oil production and net profit during cyclic steam injection. The injection period at the beginning of the cycle, as well as its ensuing production period is also investigated to verify which s

Abstract

A few years ago, following an extensive field study in North Kuwait, several wells were sidetracked and converted as horizontal openhole water injectors to support reservoir pressures as part of a secondary recovery plan. Production improvement was immediate, but injection rates soon started to decline and injection pressures were rising, eventually jeopardizing oil recovery. Conventional acid stimulation only led to short-lived improvements, and more elaborate methodologies rapidly became uneconomical. A new stimulation strategy was needed. In these carbonate reservoirs, marked, sustainable improvements in injectivity can only be obtained through accurate placement of stimulation fluid across the entire interval, away from high-intake zones that develop as a consequence of repeated blind acidizing practices. A real-time, pump-through downhole flow measurement tool was used with coiled tubing (CT) to profile the openhole sections and identify thief and tight zones prior to treatment. T

Abstract

Routine and Special Core analysis (RCAL and SCAL) are the cornerstone of Petrophysics Modeling and Formation Evaluation. In order to obtain the required information, it is important to have quality core, its processing and analysis. This paper summarizes current practices vis-à-vis improvements made in key technical areas. Coring and core analysis are cost-intensive processes. Only quality data from representative core plugs can offset the high cost and can help to achieve the objectives of coring and core analysis. To obtain consistent quality core plugs, coring practice, on-site handling and plugging procedure have to be the best in class. Coring and core analysis in the shallow-depth Heavy Oil Fields in Northern Kuwait have been in place for some time. The processes like i) coring operation ii) on-site core handling and preservation iii) core slabbing iv) core plugging and finally v) core analysis are continually improved. In order to be efficient and co

Abstract

The Middle Jurassic strata of the NE Arabian Plate compose part of the largest world-class petroleum system, with more than 250 billion barrels of proven hydrocarbons. The Najmah Formation, one of those productive strata located in Kuwait, represents a transgressive deposition within a deep basinal settings and anoxic environments; with its black shales interbedded with bituminous limestones the Najmah Formation works as both reservoir and source rock. Due to its organic richness and maturity, the middle Jurassic formation can be considered the best potential conventional/unconventional play in the Kuwaiti Province. Evaporates of Gotnia, a HPHT formation overlaying the Najmah reservoir, are dealt with high mud weight (19-21 ppg), to counter the high pressured patches. The identification of Najmah stratigraphic top is crucial for setting the casing point, then reducing the mud weight for the final drilling phase. Missing this critical casing point may lead to several rig NPT and related

Abstract

In deep wells in Kuwait, completions are fairly standardized which after flow testing are handed over to assets. In course of time, well interventions were done due to one or more of the following reasons - water shut off, addition of zone, plugged perforations, tubing check or production logging. In course of these Rigless interventions over a period of two decades wells have accumulated with fish primarily coiled tubing or wire line fish with some wells being partially plugged. In view of this, a snubbing unit with targeted capabilities to fish inside tubing was deployed. Earlier, the well could not be killed either by bull heading or with heavy mud circulated by coiled tubing. Thus, the well was identified as a candidate to mobilize a snubbing unit to clean out and place a cement plug. The Snubbing operations itself was being performed for the first time under a regular contract. The operations include a complete cleaning of all the bridges suspected from about 4200 ft to the deepes

Abstract

This technical paper presents the approach adopted by Kuwait Oil Company to establish an integrated Crude Oil Export Pipeline simulation model in South & East Kuwait area to achieve increase in overall asset-wide production and to improve future Pipeline & Facilities Design. The simulation used As-Built pipeline data along with field data to achieve the objectives of the study. The study had the following objectives: • Identify additional capacity/ deficiency within the system. • Perform Hydraulic Calculations (Pressure losses, Temperature Changes & Estimation of Pumping requirements from Gathering Centers) • Determination of operating constraints/bottlenecks due to non-availability of any critical pipe segments. • Optimization of Network. Accuracy of the pipeline model was verified by comparing simulation results of the existing pipelines & Manifolds with the operating data to confirm that model results duplicated field measurements. The model developed in this study has the character

Abstract

[No abstract available]

Abstract

Nowadays the global market demand for Heavy Oil is increasing and Kuwait Oil Company has a plan to increase the production of heavy oil, which is part of a long-term plan set out by parent group Kuwait Petroleum Corp. Drilling heavy oil wells needs a lot of efforts and expertise to be economically developed and produced. Gauged holes are the key for the production techniques used in this field, where cement channeling and perforation effectiveness are the main concern. To achieve this, a specific drilling fluid design was necessary. Laboratory tests and extensive research were initiated to customize the drilling fluid parameters and wellbore hydraulics necessary to achieve the objectives. The drilling fluid design goal was to provide enhanced inhibition for the clay and to provide good lubricity with a low friction coefficient to ensure smooth drilling and tripping operations in a gauged hole profile. This paper is describing the fluid behavior and hydraulics were designed in high prof

Abstract

Sabiriyah Mauddud is one of the largest carbonate reservoirs in North Kuwait on active water flood since last 20 years using sea water as the injectant. The reservoir is purely a depletion drive reservoir, responding to water flood quickly in terms of increase in reservoir pressure as well as preferential flow of injectant into the nearby producers, thus stressing the existing water handling capacities at the gathering centers. Almost 40% of the injected water re-circulated between the injectors & producers, thus disabling the complete benefit of the ongoing water flood activities. A new initiative has been tried at two of the injectors for cyclic injection for optimal balance between pressure requirements and water cut levels. While water flooding Sabiriyah Mauddud, surprises in terms of rock & fluid understanding influenced quick water cut build up, reaching to more than 90% in some wells. A comprehensive G&G; Reservoir engineering and surveillance data aided to understand the connec

Abstract

A network modeling campaign for 15 surface gathering centers involving more than 1800 completion strings has helped to lay out different risks on the existing surface pipeline network facility and improved the screening of different business and action plans for the South East Kuwait (SEK) asset of Kuwait Oil Company. Well and network hydraulic models were created and calibrated to support engineers from field development, planning, and operations teams in evaluating the hydraulics of the production system for the identification of flow assurance problems and system optimization opportunities. Steady-state hydraulic models allowed the analysis of the integrated wells and surface network under multiple operational scenarios, providing an important input to improve the planning and decision-making process. The focus of this study was not only in obtaining an accurate representation of the physical dimension of well and surface network elements, but also in creating a tool that includes s

Abstract

This study presents the development of predictive models (for a single or a group of wells) to proactively manage water production in a heavy oil field in North Kuwait (average 16 °API crude, ~100 cp at 100 °F). Each resulting model is based on reservoir and time-dependent wellbore mechanical parameters that were obtained through several well tests. The primary goal is to be able to predict the water cut based on a well's current as well as “possible near-future” operating conditions. The exercise involves using advanced predictive methodologies. Standard parameters (referred to as features) include water cut as the response variable along with pump intake pressure, total liquid production, pump speed, and surface unit power consumption among others as response variables. Random ForestsTM (RF), Alternating Conditional Expectations (ACE) and Multiple Linear Regression (MLR) algorithms were tested. Features were primarily grouped based on clustering. The predicted results are compared to