2024 Technology Highlights: Breakthroughs, Insights, and Innovations

JPT's Technology Focus showcases synopses of 144 SPE conference papers selected by the JPT Editorial Review Board across key specialty areas—your gateway to this year's top innovations. All topics are listed with their respective reviewers.

Year End Review on the sticky notes with bokeh background
Source: Syahrir Maulana/Getty Images/iStockphoto.

January

EOR MODELING
Hussein Hoteit, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology

  • Model Shows Computational Gains, Preserves Accuracy in Tight Rock EOR
  • Workflow Screens Surfactants for EOR Through Wettability Alteration
  • Machine-Learning-Based Solution Predicts Fluid Properties for Gas-Injection Data

MATURE FIELDS AND WELL REVITALIZATION
Siddharth Jain, Sharjah National Oil Corporation

  • Natural Fractures Help Unlock Tight Carbonates in Oman
  • Study Investigates Hydrogen Storage in Depleted Shale Reservoirs
  • Approach Maximizes Marginal Field Value by Going Back to Basics

WELL INTEGRITY
Sandeep Dhawan, WellPerform

  • Engineered Materials, Machine Learning Enhance Carbon Storage Well Integrity
  • AI-Based Well-Integrity Monitoring Shows Promise
  • Study Sheds Light on Optimization of Well-Diagnostics Investigation

DIGITAL DATA ACQUISITION
Jyotsna Asarpota, Halliburton

  • Fiber-Optics Approach Monitors Drainage Profile of Multistage Stimulation
  • Machine-Learning Techniques Classify, Quantify Cuttings Lithology
  • Holistic Approach Uses Electromagnetic Tools, LWD Data To Improve Reservoir Understanding

February

DRILLING AUTOMATION AND INNOVATION
Danny Ochoa, SLB

  • Rig Automation Empowers Well Construction in Ecuador
  • AI-Based System Automates Textual Classification of Daily Drilling Reports
  • Autonomous Drilling Approach Uses Rotary Steerable System in Middle East Wells

WELL TESTING
Jeffrey Gagnon, ExxonMobil

  • CO2 Injectivity Test Proves Concept of CCUS Field Development
  • Dynamic Simulation Platform Aids Deep Transient Tests, Well-Control Safety
  • Reservoir Modeling Predicts Effect of Cold-Water Injection on Geothermal PTA

FORMATION EVALUATION
Sandeep Mukherjee, Callon Petroleum

  • Multidisciplinary Approach Optimizes Characterization, Completion in Shale Play
  • Approach to Perforation Interval Selection Uses AI-Assisted Image Interpretation
  • Fiber-Optic Strain Measurements Aid Fracture Characterization

SEISMIC
Eudorah Ochai-Audu, Shell

  • Study Investigates Seismic Monitoring for Carbon Storage Leak Detection
  • Seismic Reprocessing Overcomes Uncertainty in Offshore Egyptian Field
  • Machine Learning Provides Fracture Analysis, Mapping for CCUS

March

ARTIFICIAL LIFT
Dennis Harris, Chevron

  • Hydrohelical ESP Gas Separator Increases Flow Range, Improves Reliability
  • Hybrid Energy Holds Promise for Artificial Lift for Offshore Brazilian Fields
  • Artificial Neural Networks Predict Discharge Pressures of ESPs

PRODUCTION MONITORING
Mariela Araujo, Shell

  • Near-Real-Time Tracer Data Optimizes Well Cleanups in the Nova Field
  • Slickline-Deployed Fiber-Optic Cable Provides First Production Profile for High-Temperature Gas Well
  • Crosswell Strain and Production-Interference Testing Integrated in the Permian Basin

HIGH PRESSURE/HIGH TEMPERATURE
Santanu Das, ONGC

  • Modeling Approach Estimates Temperatures in Growing High‑Temperature Wells
  • Nigerian Case Study Explores Drilling Through Shales Below Depleted Sands
  • Enzyme-Based Cleanup Fluid Effective for High-Temperature Filter‑Cake Removal

GEOTHERMAL ENERGY
Rita Esuru Okoroafor, Texas A&M University

  • Study Explores Retrofitting Abandoned Petroleum Wells for Geothermal Production
  • Study Outlines Challenges of Repurposing Oil and Gas Wells for Geothermal Applications
  • Technical Framework Assesses Offshore Geothermal Opportunities in Existing Assets

April

NATURAL GAS PROCESSING AND HANDLING
Anand Nagoo, Nagoo and Associates

  • Lean Gas-Flare-Tip Technology Reduces Emissions in the Gulf of Thailand
  • Annular Injection Mixer Approach Improves Evaporation of Heavy Hydrocarbons
  • Process Reduces Carbon Emissions From Natural Gas Compression and Production

COMPLETIONS
Carlos Alberto Pedroso, Enauta

  • Study Identifies Opportunities for Intervention Improvement With Collaborative Workflows
  • Monitoring, Modeling Techniques Help Optimize Eagle Ford Completions
  • Study Details Evolution of Operator’s Completions in Vaca Muerta

HEAVY OIL
Marty Lastiwka, Industry Professional

  • Chemical Additives Assist Oil-in-Water Emulsion Formation in SAGD
  • Hybrid Technology Incorporated Into Colombian Heavy Oil Field Development Plan
  • SAGD Trial in Omani Heavy Oil Field Overcomes Suboptimal Conditions

HISTORY MATCHING AND FORECASTING
Gopi Nalla, DeGolyer and MacNaughton

  • Deep-Learning Framework Forecasts Dynamics of Carbon Dioxide Mineralization
  • Poromechanics Modeling Forecasts Production, Analyzes Productivity Decline
  • Hybrid Approach Proves Effective in Multiwell Forecasting in Unconventionals

May

DEEPWATER FIELDS
Amir Alwazzan, Dragon Oil

  • Uncertainty Study Aids Development-Plan Optimization in Deepwater Gulf of Mexico
  • Intelligent Completion Enables Zonal Isolation Offshore Malaysia
  • Solutions to Complex Well-Testing Challenges Aid Offshore Black Sea Gasfield Development

INTELLIGENT OPERATIONS
Karam Al Yateem, Saudi Aramco

  • Well-Candidate Recognition Solution Offers Time Savings, Production Enhancement
  • Project Pursues Autonomous Waterflooding Operations Driven by AI
  • Digital Twin Approach Integrates Existing Facilities, Proposed Developments

EXTENDED-REACH AND COMPLEX WELLS
Syed Zahoor Ullah, SLB

  • Multifunctional-Team Approach Achieves Extended-Reach Record Offshore Abu Dhabi
  • Study Explores Challenges, Potential of Superlaterals in the Vaca Muerta
  • Study Reviews Multilateral Installation Improvements on the North West Shelf

CEMENTING AND ZONAL ISOLATION
Paul Henderson, Innovex

  • Geopolymer Implemented in Primary Casing Cementing
  • Resin-Cement Blend Enhances Wellbore Integrity
  • Foamed Cement Mitigates Gas Migration in Shallow Thermal Wells in Alberta

June

COILED TUBING
Pierre Ramondenc, SLB

  • Underbalanced Coiled Tubing Approach Targets Natural Fractures in Tight Sandstones
  • Downhole Tractors Enable Coiled Tubing Perforation in Horizontal Live Gas Wells
  • Study of Field Failures Decodes Hydrogen Embrittlement in High-Strength Coiled Tubing

ACIDIZING
Imran Abbasy, Pakistan Petroleum Ltd.

  • Limited-Entry-Liner Well Stimulated Effectively With a Viscoelastic Diverter-Acid System
  • Model Captures Carbonate Matrix Acidizing in Horizontal Well Completions
  • Nanoparticle-Based Fluids Reverse Long-Term Hydrocarbon Decline

HYDRAULIC FRACTURING OPERATIONS
Vibhas Pandey, ConocoPhillips

  • Far-Field Diverters Protect Parent-Well Production in Unconventional Wells
  • Hydraulic Fracturing Optimizes Extraction of Reservoir Initially Considered Secondary
  • Fracture Stimulation Increases Production in Challenging North African Completions

EOR OPERATIONS
Kristian Mogensen, ADNOC

  • Sensitivity Analysis of CO2 Minimum Miscibility Pressure Optimizes Gas-Injection EOR
  • Polymer-Assisted WAG Injection Improves CO2 Flow Properties in Porous Media
  • Study Explores Effect of Solids on Topside Operations in an EOR Context

July

RESERVOIR SIMULATION
Anson Abraham, Canadian Natural Resources Ltd.

  • Physics-Informed Machine Learning Applied to Complex Compositional Model in a Giant Field
  • Adaptive Approach for Reservoir Modeling Reduces Project Time, Improves Collaboration
  • Integrated Multiphase-Flow Modeling Technique Yields Accurate Downhole Pressure Predictions

WELLBORE TUBULARS
Babatunde Salawu, Shell

  • Partnerships Crucial in Developing Nonmetallic Downhole Tubulars
  • Nonmetallic-Based Tubulars Provide Superior Integrity, Cost Savings
  • Study Conducts Mechanical Evaluation of Nonmetallic Tubulars

UNCONVENTIONAL AND TIGHT RESERVOIRS
Larissa Walker, Shell

  • Integrated Technique Provides Effective Water Diagnostics in Tight Sand
  • Extended Laterals and Hydraulic Fracturing Redevelop Tight Fractured Carbonates
  • Downhole Hydrogen-Generation System Stimulates Challenging Formations in Kuwait

DECARBONIZATION
Subodh Gupta, Heretech Energy

  • Study Examines Limitations of CCS and Their Effect on Oil and Gas Production
  • Proposed Methods Accelerate Permanent CO2-Storage Process
  • Study Reviews Reservoir Engineering Aspects of Geologic Hydrogen Storage

August

FORMATION EVALUATION
Zhiming Chen, China University of Petroleum-Beijing

  • Integrated Technique Predicts Permeability Accurately in Carbonate Reservoirs
  • Machine Learning Aids Imputation of Missing Petrophysical Data in Iraqi Reservoir
  • Machine Learning Helps Predict Electrical Properties of Heterogeneous Reservoirs

SUBSEA SYSTEMS
Ibrahim Fahmy Abdelaty, University of Strathclyde

  • Subsea Production System Allows Safe and Successful Gas Hydrate Plug Remediation
  • Subsea Development Challenges Overcome in the Mero Field
  • Study Analyzes Selection of Subsea System Architectures for Offshore CCS

HEALTH, SAFETY, AND ENVIRONMENT
Linda Battalora, Colorado School of Mines

  • Industrial Cybersecurity, Process Safety, and Human Factors: A 360° Approach
  • Circular Decarbonization and Biodiversity Initiatives Enhance Environmental Stewardship
  • Path to Green and Circular Decommissioning Explored

NATURAL GAS PRODUCTION
Soujatya Mukherjee, Wintershall Dea

  • Data-Driven Approach Enhances Liquid-Loading Detection and Prediction
  • Novel Solutions Mitigate Downhole Salt Deposition in Gas Wells
  • Numerical Rate Transient Analysis Workflow Applied to Dry Gas Wells

September

RESERVOIR SURVEILLANCE
Muhammad Navaid Khan, ADNOC

  • Solution Enables Well Surveillance in Stacked Reservoirs With Near-Critical Fluids
  • Automated Workflow Uses Pressure, Rate Measurements for Well Monitoring
  • Value-of-Information Methods Assess Surveillance Data From Fields to LNG Plants

FIELD DEVELOPMENT
Maan H. Alasfoor, Petroleum Development of Oman

  • Augmented Depletion Development Technology Assessed Across US Shale Plays
  • Approach Uses Multidisciplinary Constraints for Automatic Well‑Path Generation
  • Multidisciplinary Approach Underpins Development of Marginal Presalt Reservoir

OFFSHORE FACILITIES
Avinash Karre, Worley

  • Shear-Wave Velocity Data Assists Modeling for Offshore Windfarm Development
  • Robotic Technology Enables Automated Nondestructive Weld Inspection in Subsea Zone
  • Study Finds Compact Carbon-Capture Modules Feasible on Offshore Production Facilities

OILFIELD CHEMISTRY
Sajjaat Muhemmed, Clariant Oil Services

  • Ion-Exchange Membranes Extract Lithium From North Sea Oilfield Brines
  • Rhamnolipids Enhance Bioremediation of Petroleum-Contaminated Soil
  • Graphene Nanoplatelets Extend Life of Scale-Inhibitor Squeeze Treatment

October

OFFSHORE DRILLING AND COMPLETION
Swathika Jayakumar, Core Laboratories

  • Drilling Automation Serves as Engine of Change for Risk Prevention Offshore
  • Autonomous Inflow Control Devices Help Maximize Life of Wells in Deepwater West Africa
  • Application for Predicting Vessel Motion Enhances Operability in Offshore Drilling

ARTIFICIAL LIFT
Michael Romer, ExxonMobil

  • Analysis Clarifies Failures of Gas Lift Valves in Subsea Wells
  • Study Evaluates Long-Term Corrosion Risk of Load-Bearing, High‑Power ESP Cable
  • Fiber-Reinforced Thermoplastic Sucker Rods Provide Artificial Lift Efficiencies

DATA ANALYTICS
Junjie Yang, Chevron

  • Physics-Informed Deep-Learning Models Improve Forecast Scalability, Reliability
  • Data-Analytics-Driven Sectorization Review Enables Efficient Reservoir Management
  • Production-Enhancement-Candidate Screening Powered by ML Unlocks Brownfield Potential

SAND MANAGEMENT
Mahdi Mahmoudi, FET-Variperm Energy Services

  • Autonomous Inflow Control Valves Enable Better Water Control in Peru Oil Field
  • Optimized Multizone Single-Trip Gravel-Pack System Deployed in Brownfield
  • Remedial Conformable Sand-Control Technology Deployed Offshore Colombia

November

DRILLING AND COMPLETION FLUIDS
Chris Carpenter, Society of Petroleum Engineers

  • Machine-Learning Approach Predicts Gel Strength of Drilling Fluid While Drilling
  • Study Assesses Effects of Carbon Dioxide on Drilling-Fluid Performance in CCS Wells
  • Real-Time Monitoring and Control System Enhances Drilling-Fluid Management

EOR OPERATIONS
Elizabeth Barsotti, MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology

  • Locally Produced Sustainable and Resilient Surfactants for Enhanced Oil Recovery
  • Polymer-Injection Pilot in Colombian Field Indicates Reduced Carbon Footprint
  • Polymer Flooding Reduces Emissions and Energy Consumption in the North Sea

HYDRAULIC FRACTURING MODELING
Mark McClure, ResFrac

  • Workflow Helps Predict Casing Deformation During Hydraulic Fracturing in Shale Gas
  • Condensate Banking Analysis Optimizes Reservoir Development in Permian Basin
  • Study Explores Fracture-Driven Interaction Mitigation Strategies for Field Development

FLOW ASSURANCE
Celestina Yaaba Kissi, ChampionX

  • Study Investigates Hydrate Formation Risk in WAG Changeover Operations
  • Integrating Digital Tools Optimizes Scale Management
  • Data Science Enables Management of Stealth Asphaltene Flow‑Assurance Risk

December

RESERVES MANAGEMENT
David Gurney, Kuwait Foreign Petroleum Exploration Company

  • Study Illustrates Evolution of EUR Estimates Over Project Life Cycle
  • Study of Merger Highlights Use of Probabilistic Financial Analysis
  • Study Examines Economics of CCUS Projects in Conjunction With Large Offshore Gas Projects

PRODUCTION AND FACILITIES
Roberto Saldano, Casius Consulting

  • Ground Robots Bring Potential for Efficiency, Safety in FPSO Operations
  • Data-Science-Informed Operation, Maintenance Practices Reduce Emissions
  • Guidelines Assist Selection of Corrosion-Resistant Alloys for CCS and CCUS Injection Wells

BITS AND BOTTOMHOLE ASSEMBLIES
Martin Hayes, Dragon Oil

  • Spiral-Hole Moderation Enhances Borehole-Image Interpretation in Carbonates
  • Study Explores Interaction Between Bit Whirl and High-Frequency Torsional Oscillations
  • Robust Approach Estimates Effective Length for Lateral Vibrations

WATER MANAGEMENT
Shaya Movafaghian, Cetco Energy Services

  • Study Explores Sustainable Solutions for Managing Contaminants in Produced Water
  • Gulf of Mexico Case Study Highlights Smart-Completion Application
  • Chemical Treatments Offer Alternative to Acidification for Sheen Control