Model and experimental study on jetting flow rate for installing surface conductor in deep-water

Jetting is preferentially adopted for surface conductor installation in deep-water oil and gas facilities. Surface conductor bearing capacity decreases due to soil disturbance, which is the main risk of jetting technology. A calculation model of the minimum jetting flow rate is established based on Bernoulli's theorem and soil mechanics. Jetting experiments are carried out to investigate the effect of jetting flow rate on the bearing capacity of surface conductor. Experiment results show that the bearing capacity of surface conductor decreases exponentially with flow rate. Considering the effect of flow rate both on hydraulic breaking soil capacity and the bearing capacity of surface conductor, a design method of jetting flow rate for installing surface conductor is proposed. This method ensures the successful implementation of jetting technology and has been successfully applied in more than 30 deep-water wells in the South China Sea and West Africa.     

Fatigue analysis of offshore well conductors: Part I – Study overview and evaluation of Series 1 centrifuge tests in normally consolidated to lightly over-consolidated kaolin clay

An important aspect of deepwater well integrity assurance is conductor fatigue analysis under environmental loads acting on the riser system during drilling operation. Fatigue damage arises from stress changes in a structure due to cyclic loading. In practice, the lateral cyclic soil response is typically modelled using Winkler p–y springs. An appropriate soil model for conductor–soil interaction analysis is the one based on which the absolute magnitudes of stresses and their changes can accurately be predicted for well integrity evaluation. The API recommendations for p–y curves, which are often used for conductor–soil interaction analysis, have originally been developed for piled foundation and are inappropriate for well fatigue analysis. To that end, an extensive study involving four series of centrifuge model tests and FE numerical analyses was conducted to fundamentally study conductor–soil interaction under a wide spectrum of loading conditions. The tests simulated conductor installations in normally to over consolidated clays, and medium-dense clean sands. Soil models were developed specifically for conductor fatigue analysis for each of the soil types. The test results and soil models are presented in two papers. The first paper, Part I, presents an overview of the study and first series tests in normally to lightly over-consolidated kaolin clay and discusses the observations made with regards to monotonic and cyclic soil resistances and their relationship to conductor fatigue modelling. The second paper, Part II, presents centrifuge test results in normally to lightly over-consolidated Golf of Mexico (GoM) clay, over-consolidated natural clay and medium-dense clean sands along with the respective soil models developed for conductor fatigue damage prediction. Overall, the accuracy of fatigue life predictions using these novel soil models is very high – generally within about a few percentage of the measured values.     

Application of a proportional-integral control for the estimation of static formation temperatures in oil wells

A strategy based on proportional-integral (PI) feedback control was applied to solve an inverse heat transfer problem for estimating static formation temperatures (SFTs) from logged temperatures in oil wells. The PI control feedbacks the error between logged and simulated temperatures during the shut-in time process, existing SFT proposal. Thus, mathematically speaking an inverse heat transfer problem was solved in this way, since SFT represents the initial conditions (which are unknown) to solve the partial differential equations governing the heat transfer process in the wellbore-formation system. The mathematical model considers transient convective heat transfer due to circulation losses to the rock surrounding a well. The methodology was tested analyzing two oil wells (MB-3007 and MB-3009) from the Gulf of Mexico and results were compared against two classic methods. The method presented in this work needs only one temperature measurement for each fixed depth to estimate the SFT.     

An inverse problem methodology for multiple parameter estimation in bend stiffeners

The flexible riser top connection is a critical region for lifetime assessment due to large tension/curvature variations and modeling uncertainties. The bend stiffener polyurethane mechanical response not only presents a nonlinear loading rate and temperature dependency but is also subjected to weather ageing during operation, which may affect its mechanical behavior over time. The top tension, employed for riser local cross-section stress calculation, is usually obtained from global dynamic analyses performed under selected environmental conditions, if direct measurement is not available. As a consequence, both the bend stiffener effect on the curvature distribution and the top tension time series present inherent uncertainties for riser lifetime (re)assessment. In the present work, a proposed monitoring approach composed by gyrometers installed along flexible riser/bend stiffener top connection system length combined with an inverse problem methodology is numerically investigated to estimate the following parameters: (i) polyurethane hyperelastic response and (ii) effective top tension. The top connection system is modeled using a large deflection beam bending model and the parameters are estimated using a damped least-square minimization approach with the Levenberg–Marquardt algorithm. For the preliminary feasibility investigation, the gyrometer experimental data is numerically estimated through Monte Carlo simulations. A case study is carried out to investigate the influence that the number of sensors, sensors arrangement, loading conditions and top connection model have on the inverse parameters estimation. The results indicate that the proposed monitoring approach and inverse parameter estimation methodology may effectively reduce flexible riser lifetime calculation uncertainties.     

平湖油藏特高含水阶段提高采收率措施研究

平湖油气田花港组油藏经过13年的开发,采出程度41％,油田综合含水96％,处于特高含水阶段。针对平湖油藏在高采出程度、特高含水条件下,剩余油分布复杂且无后备资源接替的情况,结合该油田的实际,提出了以精细分析隔夹层类型及地层对比,建立地质模型,进行数值模拟研究,研究剩余油分布;进行了层系重组、油田卡堵水、老井复查、开发油水同层及含油水层、关井压锥、轮流开采等方法,提高采收率,减缓油田产量递减。通过这些方法的选择运用,在油田生产上取得了较好的效果,为特高含水阶段油田开发措施选择具有一定的参考意义。     

交联聚合物调驱技术在高尚堡油田高浅北区的应用

为实现高尚堡油田高浅北区的持续稳产和提高采收率,把交联聚合物调驱技术应用到高浅北区。2008年根据高浅北区油藏条件及剩余油情况分析了高浅北区交联聚合物整体调驱可行性,并根据多方面因素确定了交联聚合物整体调驱的目标区,共设计了26口调驱井;设计了交联聚合物调驱体系配方和科学合理的注入方案。交联聚合物调驱技术在高浅北区的应用已经取得了显著效果,注入压力上升,日采油量上升,提高了原油采收率,表明该技术适用于边水油藏。     

FPSO典型焊接接头残余应力释放数值预报

浮式生产储油卸油船(FPSO)经历满载和卸载,油船试验和多变的波浪载荷.此时结构中较高的初始残余应力常常已被释放,很大程度上影响了此类结构疲劳强度估算准确性.应用三维弹塑性有限元方法模拟FPSO典型焊接接头的残余应力释放,并用试验数据进行验证.对结构在变幅循环载荷下的残余应力释放进行研究,得到相关的残余应力释放预报公式.从而为提高FPSO在实际载况下疲劳强度估算准确性提供有价值参考.     

正韵律厚油层剩余油的水平井开发技术研究

与直井相比,水平井开发具有缩短油井井距,扩大泄油面积,提高临界锥流量,更好地控制注入流体、改善波及效率等优势。在相同采液量的情况下,水平井可以降低采液强度,减缓含水上升速度。特高含水期河流相储集层的顶部是剩余油富集区,利用水平井技术挖掘正韵律厚油层顶部剩余油,取得了很好的开发效果,最终采收率较直井开发提高了14个百分点。     

胜利现河油区侧钻井封堵改层及配套工艺研究与应用

胜利油田现河油区复杂断块油藏开发到中后期剩余油呈现出“小而散”的特点,利用已报废的资源,在老井内进行开窗侧钻,挖掘井间滞留区、局部微高等部位极度分散的剩余油,是提高老区采收率的有效手段。针对侧钻井完井及工艺实施过程中暴露出内通径小、射孔穿深不够、分层开采难度大、油管作套管强度低等问题,重点介绍了新型油层套管外径95mm小井眼套管完井技术及小井眼卡堵改层、封堵封窜配套工艺的研究及应用,该配套技术已在现场得到大规模推广。     

山东胜利油田海洋石油勘探开发现状及前景分析

胜利油田海上勘探区 ,位于渤海湾南部的极浅海海域 ,其范围为 :西起四女寺河口 ,经套儿河口、老黄河口、新黄河口、小青河口 ,东到潍河口 ,海岸长 4 1 4km,胜利矿产登记线内面积 4 870 km2 ,水深一般 0～ 5m,最深 1 8m。截止 2 0 0 0年年底 ,已完成二维地震 71 3 6.1 km,三维地震 1 588.58km2 ,完钻探井 1 0 2口 ,测井解释油气层井 87口 ,试油 85口 ,其中 74口获工业油流 ,6口获低产油流。发现了埕岛、埕北 3 0、新滩 3个油田 ,在明化镇组、馆陶组、东营组、沙河街组、中生界、上古生界、下古生界、太古界中发现了 8套含油层系 ,6种类型的油气藏 ,已探明含油面积 1 45.8km2 ,石油地质储量 3 860 9万 t;控制含油面积57.5km2 ,石油地质储量 894 8万 t,其中埕岛油田是渤海域发现最早的亿吨级油田 ,目前已建成 2 1 6万 t年生产能力 ,累积产油 1 0 57万 t。根据两轮资源评价及勘探实践的认识 ,与本区有关的 8个生油凹陷 (岐口、沙南、渤中、埕北、桩东、青东、莱州湾、潍北 )总资源量约 1 2 .0亿 t,目前已找到探明加控制石油地质储量为 4 .75亿 t,仍有较大的勘探开发潜力。今后将对 8个构造带 (埕子口、埕岛、埕北 3 0、长堤、垦东、青东、青坨子、潍北 )进行勘探 ,落实探明储量 ,进一步投入开发 ,为胜利油田     

Relativistic Information Entropy on Uncertainty Analysis

- in this paper, a new approach to relativistic information entropy is used to assess some relative uncertainties in structural reliability assessment. This approach is composed of the information theory and the relativistic theory, and can be used to measure the relativity of parameter uncertainty and system uncertainty in structural reliability theory based on the same generalized relativistic reference system. Therefore, the structural reliability assessment can be assessed reasonably by the approach.     

具有裂纹损伤的海底管道断裂及疲劳评估

海底管道是海洋石油开发的重要设施之一,对其进行断裂安全评估是非常重要的。介绍了结构失效评估图（FAD）技术,详细阐述了BS7910：1999规范中三个不同等级的断裂评估方法和疲劳评估方法。通过断裂评估方法,能够对不向受力状态下的含焊接裂纹管道进行断裂评估,得到管道任何位置的极限裂纹长度;通过疲劳评估方法,能够对受复杂动荷载的含焊接裂纹管道进行疲劳评估,得到管道在此种受力环境下的疲劳寿命。     

Investigating the complex structural integrity of the Zeit Bay Field,Gulf of Suez,Egypt, using interpretation of 3D seismic reflection data

Zeit Bay Field is one of the most important oil-bearing fields in the Gulf of Suez, Egypt, producing oil from the fractured basement rocks. Due to the complex structural setting of the area and the classical exploration concept that was based mainly on 2D seismic survey data, the area suffered from limited hydrocarbon interest for several years. During this time, most of the drilled wells hit structural highs and resulted in several dry holes. The present study is based on the interpretation of more recently acquired 3D seismic survey data as, matched with the available well logs, used to understand the complex structural setting of the Zeit Bay Field and provide insight into the entrapment style of the implied hydrocarbons. Several selected seismic cross sections were constructed, to extract subsurface geologic information, using available seismic profiles and wells. In addition, structure contour maps (isochronous maps, converted to depth maps) were constructed for the peaks of the basement, Nubian Sandstone, Kareem and Belayim Formations. Folds (anticlines and synclines) and faults (dip-slip) are identified on these maps, both individually and in groups, giving rise to step-like belts, as well as graben and horst blocks.     

Methods for accurate estimation of net discharge in a tidal channel

Accurate estimates of net residual discharge in tidally affected rivers and estuaries are possible because of recently developed ultrasonic discharge measurement techniques. Ultrasonic measurement methods consist of: 1) the use of ultrasonic instruments for the measurement of a representative “index” velocity used for in situ estimation of mean water velocity and 2) the use of the acoustic Doppler current discharge measurement system to calibrate the index velocity measurement data. Methods used to calibrate (rate) the index velocity to the channel velocity measured using the Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler are the most critical factors affecting the accuracy of net discharge estimation. The index velocity first must be related to mean channel velocity and then used to calculate instantaneous channel discharge. Finally, discharge is low-pass filtered to remove the effects of the tides. An ultrasonic velocity meter discharge-measurement site in a tidally affected region of the Sacramento-San Joaquin Rivers was used to study the accuracy of the index velocity calibration procedure. Calibration data consisting of ultrasonic velocity meter index velocity and concurrent acoustic Doppler discharge measurement data were collected during three time periods. Two sets of data were collected during a spring tide (monthly maximum tidal current) and one of data collected during a neap tide (monthly minimum tidal current). The relative magnitude of instrumental errors, acoustic Doppler discharge measurement errors, and calibration errors were evaluated     

萨北开发区井网加密后剩余油分布再认识

在北二西二类油层及三次加密新井完钻后,通过补绘和完善89个单元沉积相带图,结合动态分析、取心井资料和各类油层的水淹状况对储层砂体进行再认识,描述各类砂体的平面几何形态、组合关系及连通状况。对比分析加密前后的砂体分布变化,总结加密井网条件下各类砂体分布规律。综合分析剩余油分布特征,针对砂体微相形态,进行注采对应关系分析,提出相应的调整措施建议,对改善特高含水期油田开发效果具有重要的指导意义。     

Drift of icebergs in the grand banks

Canada's eastern continental shelf has been the focal point of an extensive search for hydrocarbons in recent years. International petroleum companies have spent millions of dollars in explorations during this time. Off the Newfoundland and Labrador coasts, 42 wildcat wells have been drilled. One of the major hostile elements to the oil drilling rig operators in this region is the threat of drifting icebergs.     

Fluid flow equations governing primary oil migration as a separate phase

A mathematical model of primary oil migration as a separate phase out of compacting shales is presented. During burial and oil generation, source rock porosity decreases and oil saturation increases until residual oil saturation is reached. At this stage oil is expelled out by capillary and excess fluid pressure gradients. The model is a system of differential equations which relate changes in oil and water saturation in time to water and oil flow out of the source rock during burial. An additional set of equations for periods of erosion of overburden are also provided. The equations can be numerically solved by finite difference method. If oil and water flow is to be simulated during oil generation, then at each time step, changes by oil generation in oil and water saturations and porosity must be calculated. The solution procedure is briefly outlined.     

Fracture and in-situ stress patterns and impact on performance in the Khuff structural prospects,eastern offshore Saudi Arabia

We characterized natural fractures and in-situ stresses for exploration and prospect evaluation in nine periclinal structural traps, in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia, where several major gas discoveries were made in the deeply buried, Permian–Triassic Khuff Formation. Borehole image logs, oriented cores, seismic, gravity-magnetic data, and dynamic observations were used in the study. Two fracture systems were identified: a younger, major system, which enhances reservoir permeability and an older, minor, fully mineralized system. The older system consists of subordinate northerly striking extensional mesofractures, including joints and faults, which are fully mineralized by anhydrite and calcite. This mineralization occurred during an early diagenetic-phase. This system acted as paleo-fluid conduits, facilitating the occlusion of matrix porosity and deteriorating the reservoir quality in the immediate vicinity of the fractures. The younger system is regionally dominant, and includes mesofractures with persistent strike ranging from NE–SW to ESE–WNW irrespective of local structure. These younger fractures are nearly parallel to the present day maximum horizontal in-situ stress and perpendicular to the minimum horizontal in-situ stress, which are dominated by the Zagros plate tectonics. The development of this system commenced during the convergence of the Arabian and Eurasian plates (Late Cretaceous to Cenozoic) and culminated during the continental collision. The fractures are predominantly extension joints and hybrid (extensional-shear) fractures, and were facilitated by increases in pore pressure due to the oil placement and the subsequent cracking of this oil into gas. Hydrocarbon migration into the Khuff reservoirs was crucial in slowing down diagenesis and preserving both fracture apertures and matrix porosity. Therefore, most of the fractures in this system tend to be partly mineralized, mainly by carbonates, and/or coated with hydrocarbons. These fractures show channel-type apertures that enhance permeability and productivity of the Khuff by up to two fold. The channel apertures can endure operational changes in reservoir pressure with little or no reduction of their permeability. Critically stressed open fractures have no major role. Geomechanical analyses show that they are estimated to occur under the upper limits of differential stresses, within the margin of error of stress estimates. The static and dynamic observations show the permeability and productivity enhancement follows mechanical layering patterns. Production and pressure profiles in individual wells indicate lack of vertical communication (seal breach) across the different reservoir units. Similar pre-production pressure and hydrocarbons across the Khuff reservoir units is the result of normalization over geological time. Hydrocarbon migration across the anhydrite seals happened via episodic paleoseismic pumping along faults with no sufficient vertical offset to permanently breach the reservoir seals.     

Probabilistic downtime estimation for sequential marine operations

A marine project consists of series of operations, with each operation subject to a predefined operational limit and duration. If actual weather conditions exceed the operational limit, the operation cannot be executed and hence downtime occurs. An accurate assessment of uncertainties and the expected downtime during a marine project is important in the tender and execution phase. This paper proposes a new probabilistic model for downtime estimation. It utilizes linked Markov chains that use actual metocean conditions to produce binary workability sequences for each operation. Synthetic time-series can be generated based on the statistics of the past observations and more project simulations are realizable, reducing the simulation uncertainty. The capabilities and limitations of the proposed approach are illustrated in a case study for a hypothetical project in the Tasman Sea.     

受落物荷载作用海底管道保护的风险评估

海洋工程具有很高的风险,一旦发生恶性事故,就会导致巨大的环境污染和经济损失。尤其是作为海洋石油工程生命线的海底管道,其风险应努力降至最低。然而,货物坠落等事故是不可能避免的。由于受很多不确定性因素的影响,受落物荷载作用管道保护的风险评估课题是很复杂的。文中介绍了风险评估方法。首先讨论了几种确定风险接受准则的方法,它是整个风险分析的基础。接下来从整体角度对风险评估方法进行了解释。最后结合渤海油田某平台设计中的一个工程算例,详细给出了风险评估的具体计算过程,可用此计算方法来解决渤海油田中类似的问题。