In last year’s editorial for mature fields, I talked about achieving sustainable growth by employing a combination of new technology and improved production methodology. It is always exciting to see that there are continuous advances on both fronts; however, I would like to take this opportunity to draw your attention to safety (risk to personnel and environment) while the industry is implementing these new ideas. It is not only logical but also prudent to balance safety and project economics, especially while dealing with aging infrastructures. That is, safety should not be considered a cost element. When implemented properly, it is a positive contributor to the economic life cycle.
One of the key aspects of safety in mature fields is to maintain well integrity, which is associated directly with maximizing well productivity and minimizing risks to personnel and environment. It is essential for the operators to construct, implement, and follow through with their own version of well-integrity surveillance and maintenance programs. The value of such programs goes beyond detecting problems early to avoid costly remedial treatments, because the lesson learned can become tremendously useful in the development of game-changing technology. For instance, the industry most certainly will benefit from having a zonal-isolation technology that is superior to what is available today. It is also evident that environmentally friendly chemistry is another way to improve safety.
Speaking of game changing, I am sure most JPT readers have become more productive since the introduction of smartphones and tablets. That is how technology advances fundamentally change the way we live and work. Our industry has embraced the digital age, and the footprint can be seen in many different aspects of producing from mature fields. The integration of digital inventions into the suites of existing technology presents an additional resource for the industry to improve safety and well integrity further in terms of optimizing the production from mature fields.
In this editorial, I have written about safety, well integrity, and digital technology. Therefore, I have selected several papers on these topics to share with you. For 2015, I wish all readers a safe and productive year.
Additional Reading
SPE 167424 Real-Time Optimization of a Maturing North Sea Gas Asset With Production Constraints by Ruud van der Linden, TNO, et al.
SPE 167023 Post-Shutdown Recovery Behavior of Horizontal Coalbed-Methane Wells in the Bowen Basin by Tonna Gilbert, Arrow Energy, et al.
SPE 171568 Hyperbolic Decline Parameters During and After Linear Flow: Field Example From the Barnett Shale Using Public Data by H. Pratikno, ConocoPhillips, et al.
