The convergence of next-generation graphics computers with remote sensors and real-time analysis and graphics is the next revolution in business performance and optimization. Volume visualization of seismic data was first... more

The application of advanced visualization technologies to seismic quality control has paid dividends. Anadarko Petroleum Corp., one of the world's largest independent petroleum exploration and production companies, deployed a large-scale... more

Dual packer-probe module extends formation test capability to include directional components of in-situ permeability. Once considered a pretest tool, formation testers have evolved to offer versatility in formation evaluation,... more

Progressive fluids providers continue to introduce innovative applications of chemistry to produce the "perfect" drilling fluid. For our 2004 drilling fluids roundup, we asked leading providers to describe their... more

Silicate-based drilling fluids are not new, but recent applications are proving beneficial in major drilling areas. In the 1930s, chemists at Philadelphia Quartz, now PQ Corporation, worked with scientists at Rice... more

Seismic data is not just for exploration anymore. New techniques are being applied throughout the life of the field. Oil and gas operators are improving their performance in finding, appraising, developing... more

A new expandable screen system maintains screen integrity despite high expansion ratios. A total of nine wells have been completed using PoroFlex expandable sand screen technology from Halliburton for a variety... more

Getting production from deep fields to surface relies on riser and flowlines. This is where some of the industry's latest technology effort is being expended. ChevronTexaco's Agbami project off Nigeria could... more

Direct electrical heating (DEH) systems offer a reliable and environmentally friendly alternative to the traditional chemical injection methods used to prevent hydrate formation and wax deposition which are observed in... more

Steel catenary risers (SCRs) have been an attractive choice for deepwater field developments. However, standard SCRs may not be feasible for large motion vessels, especially in harsh environments. Titanium catenary... more

Deepwater operations in the hostile environment off Newfoundland have led to the use of a remotely operated telemetry buoy to provide metocean data and oceanographic monitoring. This is no ordinary monitoring... more

By concentrating on sweep efficiency, BJ Services engineers have developed an innovative and effective way to clean sand, cuttings or similar debris from deviated or horizontal well bores. Cleanout of... more

Metalskin is an expandable casing system for zonal isolation and water shut-off, or for cladding corroded and worn casing strings. It provides a rugged metal-to-metal seal with increased burst/collapse resistance... more

EnCana's Buzzard project might be the last large fixed platform project in the UK sector of the North Sea, but the operator insists that is not the case. Rather, EnCana... more

NORTH AMERICA Key Energy Services, Inc. announced that the company has reached an agreement with Richard J. Alario to become the company's president and chief operating officer. Gulfmark Offshore, Inc. elected... more

While the capture of Saddam Hussein is a boosts for the coalition, it is unlikely to undercut insurgency. This week in Iraq, something wonderful, unexpected and totally irrelevant happened - Saddam... more

1. Mexico has started awarding seven natural gas multiple service contracts in the Burgos Basin, immediately southwest of the Texas border. The first winner was Repsol YPF with promised investments... more

1. Total, as operator, with partner Nexen plan a deepwater wildcat at the Gotcha prospect in Alaminos Canyon 856 in the block immediately west of Shell's Great White discovery. Nexen... more

1. Exploration off Morocco will get a boost next year with the first deepwater well to be spudded, although more deepwater acreage is likely to be handed back. The first... more

1. DNO Heather has agreed to sell its entire UK asset base, including the recently- approved 2/10 Broom field development to Sweden's Lundin Oil. DNO agreed on a US $240 million... more

1. Seven European companies, including French major Total, are reported to be keen on the Philippines 46-block licensing round, bringing the number of European, North American and Asian companies that... more

1. Statoil plans to begin drilling the first of its exploration wells on Deltana Block 4 in the first quarter. It has committed to three wells in the program. Statoil... more

1. Petro-Canada has won a contract to explore for oil in a block in northern Syria. The Canadian company won the exploration deal for the 2,625-sq-mile (6,800-sq-km) block in Deir... more

1. CanArgo Energy found oil and gas in Cretaceous limestone at 14,266 ft (4,348 m) at its Manavi 11 exploratory well west of Tbilisi, Ga. Wireline logs also indicate hydrocarbons... more

After a rough few months, PGS emerges from Chapter 11 with high hopes for the future. PGS has made the news consistently in the past year or so, and most of... more

Achieving lasting cement jobs is demanding. In order to handle tough downhole conditions, it's a given that the cement job has to be durable. It has to bond to metal... more

This time of year family gatherings are held in millions of homes around the world. Most of us eat too much, some of us party too much and many of... more

An integrated real-time geopressure, earth stress and wellbore stability analysis for drilling operations can save wells. Many high yield, high expense, exploration and development operations are hampered by formation fluid influx... more

At the New Year it is only natural to reflect on years past. The other day I was thinking of some of my fonder experiences in my years in the... more

A corporation's social reputation offers profit opportunity. In 2002, natural environmental disasters cost the world's taxpayers over US $70 billion. As climate change worsens, we've all learned to accept that there... more

What do retailers have in common with oil companies? Both leverage the power of supply chain logistics. Leadership in both the retail and oil and gas industries recognizes the huge amount... more

Nothing ignites drilling activity increases like higher demand. Northeastern US operators leverage high gas prices into more cash flow, more financing choices and a lot more wells. Appalachian operators are using... more

The petroleum exploration industry has spent the last few years preparing for the brain drain that is already under way and is expected to worsen in the near future as... more