Network Update
WHAT'S INSIDE
- New Members
- AOTP targets JIPs
- PSTI Technical Review
- New Publications
- EVENT REPORTS
- PSTI's strategic research units
- Innovation strategy for SMEs
- Events Diary
PSTI would like to welcome Union Texas as a new full member of the Institute.
The Petroleum Open Software Corporation (POSC) has joined the Institute as an affiliate member.
PSTI and MTD to Coalesce in 1997
During the course of 1996, the PSTI Council and MTD Boards agreed to the principle that a merger of PSTI and MTD would be in the best interests of the industry. In October 1996 PSTI Chairman, George Watkins, and MTD Chairman, Tom Patten, asked Greg Bourne of BP to form an Interim Management Board (IMB) to steer the new organisation into existence. Charles Henderson, formerly with the DTI, has been appointed as the Interim Chief Executive.
Supported by the combined membership of PSTI and MTD, the merged organisation will be developed into the UK upstream oil and gas industry�s principal R&D focal point centre of knowledge in petroleum exploration production and marine science and technology. The new organisation will be known as PRIMEX.
The PRIMEX prospectus is being prepared and will seek subscribers from January 1997 onwards. Existing PSTI & MTD activities will be merged in to a single operation on 13th January 1997. The target date for the formal transfer of assets is 1st April 1997.
Like PSTI and MTD, PRIMEX will be a technology supply chain networking organisation, being small in the centre, and have many close links with members and research and technology suppliers both large and small.
By combining the strengths of PSTI and MTD, PRIMEX will take advantage of new opportunities arising in the industry resulting from the development of partnerships, outsourcing and the need for an independent, highly knowledgeable technology brokership.
For copies of the prospectus please contact Robert Johnson, e-mail: [email protected]. Tel: 0131 451 5231. Fax: 0131 451 5232.
Scottish Enterprise�s team responsible for managing the Aberdeen Offshore Technology Park (AOTP) is working closely with PSTI and MTD Ltd to attract selected joint industry projects (JIPs) to the Park. PSTI and MTD, both of which have extensive experience in the setting up of JIPs, are advising Scottish Enterprise on how to get involved in such projects at their formative stages. The aim is to encourage JIPs to locate on the AOTP by showing them the advantages that can be achieved.
Scottish Enterprise can provide assistance with launch costs. PSTI and MTD are assisting in the preparation of bids.
Further information can be obtained from Tim Williams at Scottish Enterprise.
Tel: 01224 626310 Fax: 01224 627006
NEW PUBLICATIONS
- Sensor Review
The need to measure and monitor is a fundamental part of many industries, whether it is in the control of a manufacturing process, environmental monitoring, safety features in an automobile or climate control in a building. Sensors are the means through which such control is achieved.
The petroleum industry is no exception. Sensors are an integral part of many instruments which are essential in the everyday tasks of engineers and geoscientists. In fact, at any stage of the exploration and production (E&P;) process where a parameter is monitored or measured a sensor will be used. This is particularly the case in seismic, subsea, downhole and multiphase operations.
A new PSTI report entitled, 'Sensor Technology Opportunities for the Upstream Oil and Gas Industry' investigates the current developments being made in sensor applications across all industries, with the aim of identifying opportunities for the E&P; business.
- Biogenics Review
'Reservoir Biogenics and its Application to Improved Oil Recovery' provides an overview of current and recent microbiological research related to in-reservoir recovery or near-wellbore production problem solving process. Knowledge of the subject within the industry is dominated by the need to control sulphate reducing bacteria (SRBs) as a reservoir source of sour gas. SRB-related research is covered in the report, although the primary target has been to indicate the benefits that can be obtained by both an understanding of the microbes present in the reservoir and the mechanisms through which these microbes might aid recovery.
- European Union Publications
Small and medium sized companies (SMEs) play an important role in the development of innovative technologies in the oil and gas sector. The EU has published the 'European Union Oil and Gas Directory' which provides details of innovative SMEs in the hydrocarbons sector. The aim of the directory is to help SMEs and major oil companies to identify potential partners for collaborative cross-border projects.
Three new flag brochures have been published recently on innovative technologies. These include:
- an automated guidance system for directional drilling (brochure No.192);
- a slimhole drilling technique expected to reduce exploration costs by 25% to 50% (Brochure No.198);
- a traffic and offshore platform safety system to prevent collisions between ships and offshore facilities (brochure No.199).
An inventory of over 70 innovative projects is also now available.
Copies of these publications can be obtained free of charge be faxing of e-mailing your request to Jonathan Shackleton, e-mail: [email protected]. Fax: 01224 706601..
Reservoir Microbiology Forum
The inaugural meeting of the Reservoir Microbiology Forum (RMF) was held on July 16th at Texaco's Westferry House in Canary Wharf, London. The meeting was attended by representatives of operators, service companies and academics who responded to the invitation to join this new group. The main aim of the Forum is to provide a platform for regular dissemination of research findings and discussion of field experience in a cross-disciplinary environment, placing the emphasis on microbiological research and development.
This was a very successful launch for the new initiative and feedback has been most valuable and encouraging. There are plans to convene the next meeting in Aberdeen in March 1997. This will be a one day workshop on Microbially Improved Oil Recovery (MIOR).
Application details for the Forum can be obtained from Catherine Bass, Exeter University, e-mail: [email protected]. Tel: +44 (0) 1392 264348. Fax: +44 (0) 1392 263700.
Knowledge working
On 19-20 September PSTI held a two-day conference on the current status of knowledge working within the oil and gas industry with over 80 attendees from several countries. Presentations were given by PSTI, POSC, CRINE, Shell, BP, Chevron, IBM (USA) and Oracle.
The conference explored knowledge working concepts and practices that could revolutionise the way in which companies will be operating by the turn of the century. Over the course of the conference it became apparent that a number of companies are already well advanced in achieving knowledge working within their organisations, while others have still to master the basics which can increase business efficiency within their organisations.
The field of knowledge working and mapping is an area where PSTI is still encouraged to operate on behalf of members.
For further information contact Irene Hepburn, e-mail: [email protected] Tel: 01224 706600. Fax: 01224 706601.
TECHNOLOGY REVIEW In 1989 PSTI launched the first projects within its strategic Core Programme of Research through subscription funded income. Considerable expansion of the programme occurred in 1991 covering research and training across the UK. These early projects were targeted at:
- high risk, high potential value university projects, which were unlikely to be supported by single companies or clubs until further research had been performed;
- development of new and important research capability which would be available for access by industry directly;
- student research projects at PhD level and student support at MSc level.
These projects gave research teams the opportunity to pilot new techniques and to experiment in high risk areas where the potential rewards were high. For PSTI Members it offered a low cost buy-in with significant leverage over a considerable breadth of research areas.
Today, the projects reflect the industry needs of high hit-rate exploration and increased yields from existing reservoirs. Future investment will match the asset challenges and RTD priorities of the Institute's members, with seismic imaging as an immediate priority.
Through close collaboration with its members, PSTI has invested in high quality research, closely tracking industry needs, while recognising potential opportunities for the future of the industry. The creation of centres of excellence in petroleum research has been a key factor in the programme's success. Access to research results has also been a priority achieved through papers, publications, workshops, forums and conferences for PSTI Members.
This review summarises a selection of technologies from PSTI's portfolio, demonstrating the impact of subscription funded research in exploration and production. A technical review giving the current status of PSTI's complete portfolio will be available in January 1997 from Dr A Campbell.
Fault related diagenesis
In 1990, Professor Juan Watterson at Liverpool University with Dr Stuart Burley of Manchester University submitted a proposal to PSTI to fund work in the area of fault related diagenesis. PSTI saw a greater potential in the area and brought in Dr Jonathon Lewis of Heriot-Watt University. These three teams formed the framework for a JIP on Fault-Related Diagenesis, managed by PSTI. Successfully launched in 1993, eight companies (Exxon (US), JNOC (Japan), Amerada, Total, Shell, Mobil, British Gas and Amoco) are sponsoring the three year programme to identify and quantify the effects of faults on diagenesis, spatial diagenetic heterogeneity and scaling relationships.
In addition, two PhDs in fault related diagenesis were funded independently at Royal Holloway and Bedford New College, and at the University of Manchester. This allowed other teams to cover an important aspect of research they would not normally have been able to gain funding on. In one case, Dr Richard Gawthorpe's team at Manchester used the contacts made to help set-up a JIP in tectonic controls in reservoir characterisation, funded by Conoco, Texaco, Amoco, Exxon Production Research (USA), Union Pacific and Norsk Hydro.
In the same year, PSTI funded a pilot study on the effects of solution gas in water flooded reservoirs. The work, carried out at Imperial College, demonstrated benefits in lowering reservoir pressure and producing solution gas on the life-span of a waterflood reservoir. Seeing the potential of the work in depressurisation, PSTI followed up the study with a three year programme of work at Imperial College carried out by Mr Robert Hawes.
Independently the UK Government, through the DTI, had recognised this area for its potential in improved oil recovery (IOR) based on three independent proposals submitted to ACEORR (The Advisory Committee on Enhanced Oil Recovery Research). Investment from the DTI together with seven oil companies (BP, Elf Exploration, Enterprise, Marathon, Mobil, Shell and Total), resulted in the DEPRESSURISATION JIP being launched in 1993 under PSTI's management. Imperial College, Heriot Watt University and AEA Technology are the research providers covering the work of their original proposals, using samples and data supplied by the sponsors. Mr Hawes has acted as Technical Co-ordinator of the JIP while PSTI provides management on behalf of the DTI.
Contact: Prof. Juan Watterson
Liverpool University
Tel: 0151 794 5133Contact: Mr Robert Hawes
Imperial College
Tel: 0171 594 7414
Characterisation of reservoir structure
In 1990, PSTI along with Shell, Esso and the Edinburgh University Grants Council, funded a unique initiative proposed by Dr J Underhill at Edinburgh University's Department of Geology and Geophysics. The concept was to provide unsurpassed seismic exploration/interpretation capability, accessible to every oil company. State of the art hardware and an unrivalled array of seismic software interpretation packages provided an ideal integrated tool.
Funded from PSTI subscriptions, Dr Sarah Prosser undertook a study to determine and demonstrate the applicability of a sequence stratigraphic approach to the characterisation of reservoir structure. This project highlighted a need to obtain secured technical support for the facility and to find an acceptable means of obtaining the data needed from oil companies to undertake comprehensive studies.
PSTI funds have enabled the facility to offer a service to companies in return for commercial data. The project has been successful with every major operator in the North Sea having contacts with the team. From studies on the data, almost £750,000 of on-going grant funding has been awarded to Dr Underhill and this unique facility.
Contact: Dr John Underhill
University of Edinburgh
Tel: 0131 650 8518
Modelling faults in flow simulation
A three-year PSTI project, 'Sensitivity Analysis of Depositional Architecture versus Faulting on Effective Connectivity in Clastic Hydrocarbon Reservoirs', has resulted in a commercial product for Professor Juan Watterson's team at the University of Liverpool. Started in 1992, the project set out to gain an understanding of when it is important to model faults in flow simulation and how to model them effectively and accurately. The project recruited a PhD crystallographer and highly experienced software programmer, Dr Andy Heath. Intitially it was intended to use existing software but no suitable package was found. As a result, Dr Heath developed a reservoir modelling package which would handle the modelling of faults. The result was a reservoir modelling software package incorporating seismic and sub-seismic fault representation, better known as FaMOUS (Fault Modelling Of Uneven Stratigraphy).
Applying PSTI's experience in technology transfer, the product was successfully licensed to one of PSTI's SME Members, Oilfield Systems Ltd, who expect to release the first commercial model in 1997. PSTI is set to receive an income from sales via a licence agreement with Liverpool University.
Work needed to further improve FaMOUS II has just begun through funding on the LINK Hydrocarbons Reservoirs Programme via the DTI and NERC. Professor Watterson's world class team of ten, including Dr Heath and Dr Dan Homolka, whose PhD was funded by PSTI at Imperial College, have successfully made contacts with a large number of companies through consultancy and their involvement in Joint Industry Projects such as PSTI's DIAGENESIS.
Contact: Professor Juan Watterson
University of Liverpool
Tel: 0151 794 5133
NMR techniques in multiphase flow measurement
The Department of Fluid Engineering and Instrumentation at Cranfield Institute of Technology is among the few research groups relying heavily (up to 80%) on industrial sponsored contract research work. Success in gaining contracts is based on a strong technological base with a high level of expertise in the area of research. As such 'blue sky' funds to develop into new technological areas is scarce without a track record or established credibility in the field.
PSTI funding of a PhD position proposed to break new ground for the team. Already highly regarded in the area of flowmetering, PSTI funding gave Cranfield the opportunity to develop NMR techniques with the aim of building an instrument capable of determining flowrates of individual phases, overall flowrates and the concentrations in each fraction.
At the end of funding Cranfield had successfully developed a means of detection in laboratory conditions. PSTI took out a patent on the technology while attempting to launch a JIP for further development.
Companies were initially slow to take up the technique. However, Kvaerner FSSL is now funding a post-doctoral position at Cranfield working with the original researchers. A project proposal application to EPSRC (Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council) with an expected value of approximately £0.5 million is being drafted on the strength of recent results. This re-packaged launch of the work may generate a commercial product following the proposed five year EPSRC application.
Contact: Prof. Mike Sanderson
Cranfield Institute of Technology
Tel: 01234 745696
Magnetic treatment - preventing barium sulphate scaling
Barium sulphate scale is a major problem in fields where water injection is used. Most existing methods of dealing with barium sulphate scale rely on chemical inhibitors. This requires down-time during injection, special handling as well as posing an environmental risk in chemical disposal. With an increased number of marginal fields utilising subsea technology, a solution was needed which was reliable and required minimum human intervention.
PSTI funded laboratory work in the second phase of a programme to develop a magnetic treatment to prevent barium sulphate scale formation. The research was undertaken by Professor John Donaldson and Dr Sue Grimes of Brunel University. Phase one (the feasibility study) had been sponsored by Mobil and Enterprise while Phase 3 (pilot studies) was planned to be funded through a JIP to develop a production prototype and conduct field trials.
Eighteen months of PSTI-funded laboratory work in 1990-91 resulted in a wealth of knowledge and experience in this area. Results showed that the application of a magnetic field improved the solubility, slowed the rate of precipitation and decreased the size of barium sulphate particles precipitated. In all, it confirmed that barium sulphate scale formation can be successfully retarded by the controlled application of magnetic fields.
Shell led the companies interested in forming the JIP for Phase 3. Unfortunately lack of other investors left the researchers with the probability of a lost opportunity. Finally, Shell decided to fund a smaller work programme. This is now coming to an end and the team has managed to develop a number of prototype units which may be installed and trialled on Shell's offshore installations. The researchers are optimistic that contact with an Austrian oil company will lead to further funds to enable research to continue in this area.
Contact: Prof John Donaldson
Brunel University
Tel: 01895 274000 ext.2291
Developments in rock mechanics
Since 1990, PSTI has funded Professor Brian Smart's rock mechanics team at Heriot-Watt University to study the effects of combined changes in pore fluid chemistry and stress state on reservoir permeability. In collaboration with Professor Iain Main's team at Edinburgh University, the project has led to the development of many highly significant outcomes, including the true tri-axial cell, capable of applying tri-axial stress conditions on cylindrical rock samples, and now patented for commercialisation.
The area of stress state management and use of the cell has spawned technical study work and many industry funded projects including:
- RENAISSANCE, under the LINK Reservoir Hydrocarbons Programme with BP, Statoil and Amoco;
- SUSTENANCE, under the LINK Reservoir Hydrocarbons Programme with BP, Texaco, Statoil and Mobil;
- DEPRESSURISATION, an independent collaboration with BP, Marathon and Mobil;
- PEGASUS, with British Gas, Schlumberger, Shell, BP, Statoil, Texaco, Mobil and Amerada Hess.
Within RENAISSANCE a stress sensitive reservoir simulator, the ECL2VIS system is being developed for commercial launch by V.I.P.s. Ltd. PSTI is due to receive a royalty share from the sales. Currently Professor Smart is preparing a JIP (GUMPA) to incorporate stress sensitivity in seismic studies. The DTI, Shell and Conoco have already joined the consortium, but a third industry partner remains to be secured. PSTI's commitment to this team has been a good investment. The Rock Mechanics Research Group is of world class standing, bringing innovative rock testing and reservoir stress state management to the industry.
Professor Main's team gained much from seeing their science being applied to the hydrocarbons industry. The original High Performance Liquid Chromatography system (HPLC) developed during the initial project is now used downhole by a host of companies. The collaboration in research with the Rock Mechanics team has continued, working together on RENAISSANCE and the development of the ECL2VIS system. Through PSTI, and particularly the steering committee set-up by PSTI to advise on the original project, lucrative contacts have been made throughout the industry. A major computer modelling project on fluid flow in fault populations has been sponsored by BP. This project is now ready to be launched as a JIP. Sponsors are needed to join the consortium of three to four companies already wishing to provide support.
Contacts:
Prof Brian Smart
Heriot-Watt University
Tel: 0131 451 3128
Contact:
Prof Iain Main
Edinburgh University
Tel: 0131 650 4911
Subsea battery close to commercialisation
In 1990 the Subsea Working Group of the Department of Energy identified a market need for a stand-alone subsea battery which could provide intermittent transmission of information from a subsea location and would allow subsea equipment performance to be monitored. In a joint funding venture, PSTI and the DTI's Offshore Supplies Office (OSO) launched a two-year programme to develop a long-life, low maintenance and low cost subsea battery prototype.
Professor Alfred Tseung in the Chemical Engineering Research Centre at the University of Essex with Professor Chengi Kuo of the University of Strathclyde's Marine Technology Centre, proposed to develop a durable, compact aluminium-water battery. In the two years of funding the team produced a novel battery design based on a multi-cathode-magnesium arrangement giving 25 watts output with a predicted energy density of almost three times greater than the best available lithium battery.
Industry has not yet fully taken up this significant opportunity towards the development of a commercial product. Kvaerner FSSL has recently provided funds to scale up the battery, and this has allowed the team to run a series of successful field trials. Work in the United States to develop similar technology is now receiving great attention. It will be a bitter blow to the UK's leading position if funds for the two-year programme, needed to develop the battery to a commercial product, are not forthcoming.
Professor Tseung will be presenting a paper and seeking funding at the Subsea '96 conference in December in London.
Contact:
Prof Tseung
University of Essex
Tel: 01206 872548
Predicting overpressures
Shell International and PSTI jointly funded a PhD at Durham University's Department of Geological Sciences, led by Dr Richard Swarbrick. The aim of the study was to assess the major controls of overpressures in sedimentary basins.
Commitment of PSTI funds at an early stage in the development of a larger research group, funded by a consortium of oil companies, saw the research area of overpressures continue to grow extensively. Dr Swarbrick set up a JIP in the area of overpressures, with PSTI assisting in its launch.
In July 1994, GeoPOP was launched as the largest JIP of its kind in this area. The team includes:
- Durham University - specialising in petroleum geology);
- Newcastle University - expertise in hydrocarbons;
- Heriot-Watt University - expertise in reservoir engineering.
The aim of the project is to predict potential overpressure problems on future drill sites. Interest in the JIP is so large within the oil and gas community that thirteen major operators are co-sponsoring the project. Plans are now underway to set up GeoPOP II, at the request of the companies involved. Under this second JIP, commercial success through software development may be realised.
Contact:
Dr Richard Swarbrick
Durham University
Tel: 0191 374 2524
Artificial intelligence applications
Networking between research providers and end-users is important in the success of any project. Where research is independently conducted under a JIP contract, within one or more universities, steering committees of oil company representatives are set up to guide the research team and ensure that the project's direction and delivery is in line with industry's needs.
PSTI strongly supports the initiation of JIPs. A typical example was a project launched in 1990 for the development of artificial intelligence techniques to handle geological information. This JIP was carried out by Edinburgh University's Artificial Intelligence Applications Institute (AIAI), under Dr Robert Inder.
PSTI had long recognised the potential of storing and accessing databases in a company-wide capacity. At the same time a difficulty was perceived over how a database would store information and how the operator would access and browse without specialist database skills.
The project at AIAI conceived an interface which would effectively convert the methodology of the database into terms and keywords at a level compatible with the non-specialist user. Its success was dependent on an understanding of the end-user. PSTI identified the project as having a significant potential contribution to an emerging JIP known as PEXES funded by PSTI, Amoco, Conoco and the DTI's Offshore Supplies Office. The project results have recently been incorporated into a larger product which is being commercially developed by Robertson Research International (formerly Simon Petroleum Technology).
Contact:
Dr Robert Inder
Edinburgh University
Tel: 0131 650 2732
SPIRIT - well test interpretation
Project SPIRIT was designed to provide a computational knowledge-based software system for well test interpretation. Work was carried out jointly between the Artificial Intelligence Applications Institute (AIAI) at Edinburgh University and the Department of Petroleum Engineering at Heriot-Watt University. The teams used data supplied by the five co-sponsoring oil companies, Amoco, Bow Valley, Elf-Enterprise, Enterprise and Shell. The project was split into three phases: Phase 1 - determine user requirements. Phase 2 - research programme to produce a working demonstrator. Phase 3 - finalise the design and implement into final prototype. Introducing the system into sponsoring companies highlighted the difficulties of implementing software over a variety of operating systems. As a result, the research teams have moved on. The Edinburgh group has built upon the knowledge and experience generated in the project to explore the area of uncertainty. SPIRIT helped them develop and test an in-house software tool to capture information which is now implemented in many programs, particularly for the applications in business process analysis. Gaining credibility in the petroleum industry through working with end-users within multi-nationals has proved invaluable to the team in securing further significant research contracts. Ideas, concepts and algorithms developed from SPIRIT have been further developed and incorporated into the PanSystem marketed by Edinburgh Petroleum Services (EPS) a PSTI member. [SPIRIT well test interpretation practice] Contact: The Artificial Intelligence Applications Institute Tel: 0131 650 2732. Contact: The Petroleum Engineering Department Heriot-Watt University Tel: 0131 449 5111.
- Biocleaning oily wastes
On January 1st 1989, legislation came into force stating that the oil content of cuttings discharged offshore could not exceed 150g per kg of cutting. With the expectation of a further reduction in 1994, the future of oil-based muds in the industry looked bleak. Looking for a cost-effective means to meet these requirements, PSTI contacted Dr Tom Heydeman at the University of Reading's Microbiology Department (now the Animal and Microbial Sciences School) who had been conducting studies on microbial effects on the uptake and breakdown of hydrocarbons for the Ministry of Defence.
PSTI saw the potential of biocleaning oily wastes and with Dr Heydeman undertook a two year investigation which started in 1990. The project was highly successful in identifying micro-organisms capable of efficiently breaking the alkane fractions. At the end of funding, the process developed had reached a stage at which practical commercial development was a realistic next step.
By January 1994, legislation had moved to further limit the discharge of cuttings to 10g per kg of oil for exploration and appraisal wells; from January 1997 this will be extended to all wells. Although the commercial application of this technology initially looked highly promising, industry interest waned with many companies predicting a total ban on oil-based muds. Interest in this area depends on a possible resurgence of interest as the field of bioremediation begins to gain momentum.
Contact:
Dr Heydeman,
University of Reading
Tel: 01734 318900
PSTI's strategic research units
An appraisal of research priorities in 5-10 years time highlighted areas of potential gain for industry in terms of research requirements. PSTI's knowledge of UK research strengths and weaknesses allowed good direct matching of needs with resources. Mismatches showed areas where investment would enhance the UK's research base and provide the greatest added value to members.
In targeted areas investment in people was regarded as highly significant for generating activity; possibly even more than investing in single projects. In 1991, with strong member support, PSTI established three research units:
- the Horizontal Well Technology Unit at Heriot-Watt University;
- the Predictive Geoscience Research Unit at the University of Edinburgh;
- the Production Geoscience Research Unit at the University of Aberdeen.
A total investment of £1.165 million over 5 years was committed to the units, primarily to support key individuals. These individuals were responsible for generating additional funding to support priority research activity with the aim that each unit should become self-supporting by the end of the five year period.
The Horizontal Well Technology Unit
The Horizontal Well Technology Unit (HWTU) was set-up as a joint venture between Heriot-Watt University and PSTI under the direction of Professor Jim Peden, with support funds for a Senior Research Fellow. Designed to meet a projected market need in the technical support for horizontal well development, the HWTU has rapidly become a unique world focal point and knowledge centre for research and technology transfer in this field. A substantial portfolio of achievements has grown through research projects, training, workshops and with advice given to industry as a key information centre. Projects alone have generated an operating income of approximately £2 million. Contacts exist with most oil companies on the UKCS and increasing numbers beyond. Consortium funding features highly in the project portfolio, reflecting strong market need for the work undertaken in this increasingly important area.
As the HWTU evolves to become self-funding, the challenges of operating in a stronger, sustainable and commercial role to meet the demands of the industry are now being faced. Horizontal wells may not be a new concept but multilateral and advanced wells will see their importance to industry growing steadily, based on foundations jointly conceived and supported by PSTI and Heriot-Watt University.
The Predictive Geoscience Research Unit
The University of Edinburgh's Department of Geology and Geophysics is well established as a centre of excellence in Earth Sciences. At a time when increasing commercial applications were emerging in this area for the oil industry, PSTI and the University of Edinburgh saw an opportunity to build on Edinburgh's strengths and create a new unit within the Department. Its primary aim was to focus on the problems of hydrocarbon E&P.; The Unit had previously identified the same top priorities as detailed in the Technology Foresight Energy Panel's conclusions for 'high rate exploration' and increased yield from existing hydrocarbon reservoirs.
Professor Anton Ziolkowski holds the Directorship as the PSTI Chair in Petroleum Geoscience in the Unit. Key personnel and added value resulted from the participation of other groups within the Department, notably the Shear Wave Analysis Group in collaboration with the British Geological Survey. As a result, the Unit has attracted £2.4 million of research funding in its first four years for a powerful and ground-breaking research programme. Taking an innovative, independent and uncompromising approach to earth structure complexity, the Unit's reputation is well established with contacts in a large number of major oil and service companies. Substantial funding from the DTI, EC, NERC, EPSRC and assures that the Unit will continue to have a high impact on the industry.
The Production Geoscience Research Unit
From a firm foundation based on research in exploration geoscience, the Department of Geology at Aberdeen University together with PSTI identified a strong demand for improved capability in the area of production geoscience. PSTI commitment with added support from Shell UK and Mobil North Sea, allowed the department to revitalise and re-orientate its approach to produce a good balance between exploration and production geoscience. This was achieved through the launch of the Production Geoscience Research Unit, under the Directorship of Professor Andrew Hurst.
The primary aims of the Unit are to improve the accuracy of reserve estimates and evaluate the uncertainties associated with those estimates. The strategic importance of this work attracted companies to sponsor projects and research posts within the Unit. As a result, PSTI funds have been utilised to support a PSTI Research Fellowship. Exploiting the parallels between the Unit's aims and the PSTI JUNIPER programme (managing reservoir uncertainty), the work of the Unit has become a key component in JUNIPER. This has opened up much closer collaboration with other UK researchers and research institutions as well as having provided many vital industrial contacts.
For further information on PSTI's strategic research units contact Dr S Brown, e-mail: [email protected]. Tel: 0131 451 5231. Fax: 0131 451 5232.
The Production Geoscience Research Unit
From a firm foundation based on research in exploration geoscience, the Department of Geology at Aberdeen University together with PSTI identified a strong demand for improved capability in the area of production geoscience. PSTI commitment with added support from Shell UK and Mobil North Sea, allowed the department to revitalise and re-orientate its approach to produce a good balance between exploration and production geoscience. This was achieved through the launch of the Production Geoscience Research Unit, under the Directorship of Professor Andrew Hurst.
The primary aims of the Unit are to improve the accuracy of reserve estimates and evaluate the uncertainties associated with those estimates. The strategic importance of this work attracted companies to sponsor projects and research posts within the Unit. As a result, PSTI funds have been utilised to support a PSTI Research Fellowship. Exploiting the parallels between the Unit's aims and the PSTI JUNIPER programme (managing reservoir uncertainty), the work of the Unit has become a key component in JUNIPER. This has opened up much closer collaboration with other UK researchers and research institutions as well as having provided many vital industrial contacts.
For further information on PSTI's strategic research units contact Dr S Brown, e-mail: [email protected]. Tel: 0131 451 5231. Fax: 0131 451 5232.
PSTI in EC Innovation Strategy for SMEs
PSTI's Technology Strategy Unit is currently working on a European Commission funded project together with TNO (Holland), IFP (France), GEUS (Denmark), Rogalands Forskning (Norway) and Eniricerche (Italy). The aim of the project is to develop recommendations for the European Commission on how to improve the world-wide competitiveness of the European Union's upstream oil and gas supply industry, with a focus on small to medium-sized enterprises.
The project involves the research of working relationships between the upstream oil and gas sector world-wide and its European service and supply sector small and medium sized companies (SMEs). The contribution of the latter to the European economy and their potential to improve competitiveness through technical innovation and specialised skills will be quantified as part of the scope of work. A logistical analysis in relation to markets geographically, technically, politically and economically will be undertaken. This will identify the strengths and weaknesses of Europe's upstream SMEs, and the opportunities and challenges which lie ahead.
One of the expected outcomes of this project is a database describing economic characteristics of European service companies, as well as a much improved understanding of the key influencing characteristics of successful innovation.
This project has already revealed many interesting aspects of the service and supply sector, not least the significant differences in both quality and approach taken by each country in capturing technical and economic data related to SMEs in the upstream oil and gas sector.
The project has three months to run. Shortly after the project comes to a close PSTI, in collaboration with the other consortium members, will report its findings to the European Commission. It is also envisioned that a programme of dissemination to industry will take place.
PSTI's track record of working with innovative SMEs, its growing understanding of the hurdles and complexities facing them, together with the Institute's close relationship with oil companies, makes PSTI's role a particularly important one in this project. Despite significantly smaller staff numbers compared to our European counterparts, PSTI continues to contribute to the development of government policy on science, technology and innovation both in the UK and in Europe.
For further information contact Graham Stewart, e-mail: [email protected] Tel: 01224 706600. Fax: 01224 706601.
Advances in Reservoir Technology, Edinburgh International Conference Centre, 19-21 February 1997
The PSTI/IBC Advances in Reservoir Technology Conference is established as a leading industry event. Last year more than 100 reservoir managers and experts attended the event. This year the focus of the event will be the latest developments in fault prediction and analysis, 4D seismic and data fusion. The conference will also include details of the latest work in these areas being undertaken by Mobil, Statoil, Saga Petroleum and Shell. Copies of the conference programme are available from Jane Kennedy, e-mail: [email protected] Tel: 01224 706600. Fax: 01224 706601.
Emerging Technology for E&P;, Aberdeen Conference Centre, 20-21 March 1997.
This event, the first major collaborative venture by PSTI and MTD Ltd in technology transfer, will provide a unique opportunity for a direct and detailed briefing on the combined R&D; portfolios of both organisations. R&D; and innovation projects will be presented in technical papers and exhibits. The forum will cover three areas:
- reservoir geoscience and engineering;
- well technology;
- marine technology.
Presentations will also examine the routes by which results are commercialised. Further details are available from Jane Kennedy, e-mail: [email protected] Tel: 01224 706600. Fax: 01224 706601.
THE PETROLEUM SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY INSTITUTE
Research Avenue North, Research Park, Riccarton, Edinburgh, EH14 4AP
Tel: +44 (0) 131 451 5231. Fax: +44 (0) 131 451 5232
Offshore Technology Park, Exploration Drive, Aberdeen, AB23 8GX.
Tel: +44 (0) 1224 706600. Fax: +44 (0) 1224 706601
e-mail: [email protected]
To be placed on the Network Update mailing list e-mail [email protected]
or fax Lesley Dumayne on +44 (0) 131 451 5232.
Last Updated 10/1/97
