Petroleum Engineering Commons^™

Mathematical Simulation Of Gas And Water Coning In Petroleum Reservoirs By The Dynamic Material Balance Technique, Visheshwar Nath Simlote

Doctoral Dissertations

"The prediction of coning behavior at a producing oil well is one of the most difficult numerical simulation problems. Because of the convergent flow patterns and small sizes of the inner grid blocks, the radial coordinate models used to study the problem have a tendency to become unstable. Since several hundred pore volumes may flow through the inner grid blocks during a rather small time interval, instabilities are likely to occur in the saturation calculations for these grid blocks. The dynamic approach to saturation calculations is a method which first computes the correct material balance and then calculates the saturation …

A Technique For Improving Material Balance Accuracy In Reservoir Simulation Models, A. R. Merchant, Marion D. Arnold, A. Herbert Harvey

Geosciences and Geological and Petroleum Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

One criterion for determining the precision of pressures calculated by a simulation model is the accuracy of the material balance. A high degree of precision in the calculated pressures is a necessary but not sufficient condition for elimination of significant errors in the prediction of fluid migration in the reservoir. A new procedure, called error matrix technique, has been developed for reduction of material balance errors. This reduction is accomplished by adjusting potential gradients at every grid point in the simulation model so that the material balance is accurately maintained. Performance of a hypothetical oil reservoir was simulated both by …

Stratigraphic Relations Of Members Of The Needles Range Formation At Type Localities In Southwestern Utah, M. G. Best, R. T. Shuey, C. F. Caskey, S. Kerry Grant

Geosciences and Geological and Petroleum Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

The Needles Range Formation is one of the most extensive of the middle Tertiary ash-flow sheets in the Great Basin of Nevada and western Utah. The original definition of the formation by Mackin (1960) named two members and mentioned three type localities. Our recent studies have shown that this published information now requires revision. To provide a firm basis for stratigraphic studies of the Needles Range Formation, this paper presents geologic maps, measured sections, and paleomagnetic data for three type localities in southwestern Utah. These include the northern Needles Range and Wah Wah Springs localities previously mentioned by Mackin, plus …

Heat Transfer Of A High Prandtl Number Oil In Laminar Flow, John Robert Lee Iii

Masters Theses

"A numerical model was developed for the purpose of studying the flow and heat transfer of a hypothetical oil in laminar flow within a horizontal pipeline. Free convection, work of compression, and axial conduction were neglected, but the fluid properties - i.e., density, specific heat, viscosity, and thermal conductivity - were allowed to vary and the effect of viscous dissipation was included in the analysis of the system.

The mathematical forms of the momentum, continuity, and energy equations require that numerical solutions be obtained with a digital computer. These numerical approximations of the partial differential equations are presented and the …

Convergence Of Material Balance In Mathematical Simulation Of Petroleum Reservoirs, Abdul Rashid Merchant

Doctoral Dissertations

One criterion for determining the precision of pressures calculated by a simulation model is the accuracy of the material balance. A high degree of precision in the calculated pressures is a necessary condition for elimination of error in prediction of fluid migration in the reservoir. However, this condition is not sufficient to guarantee accuracy of the simulation, since inaccuracies are introduced by truncation errors, machine round-off errors, and by the use of finite difference approximations to represent nonlinear partial differential equations.

A new procedure called Error Matrix Technique has been developed for reduction of material balance errors. This reduction is …

Numerical Simulation Of Individual Wells In A Field Simulation Model, Ali Mohammed Akbar

Doctoral Dissertations

"Conventional numerical simulation of hydrocarbon reservoirs is inadequate for the prediction of bottom-hole pressures at production wells. This problem can be overcome by using a special mathematical model which combines individual well simulation with reservoir simulation. Severe computational instability is commonly encountered in the radial models due to the relatively small grid-blocks and high fluid velocities in the vicinity of the well bore. This instability is found to be more pronounced during depletion of the reservoir when the pressure near the well bore is below bubble-point pressure. A new technique is introduced here for saturation calculations in the critical region …

An Application Of Residual Relaxation To Mathematical Simulation Of Petroleum Reservoirs, Grufron Achmad

Doctoral Dissertations

"Stability and convergence have long been primary concerns in the application of numerical techniques to the simulation of petroleum reservoir performance. An iterative method based on sequentially reducing the residual to zero at each grid point has been developed. It has been shown analytically that this residual relaxation method is stable, convergent, and consistent.

A three-phase areal model was developed to simulate a hypothetical homogeneous petroleum reservoir, and various computational methods were tested with this model. The residual relaxation method developed in this study (RELAX) was found to converge as rapidly as SIP, and much faster than either LSOR or …

High Pressure Water Jet Cutting Of Rock, Richard Lee Henry

Masters Theses

"Three experiments are described that investigate the impingement of high pressure water jets on rock. The effect of jet pressure, stand-off distance, and time of impact on penetration and specific energy of rock removal are determined on Berea sandstone, Georgia marble, and Missouri granite. Pressures range from 5,000 psi to 25,000 psi, stand-off distances from 2.0 inches to 4.0 inches and time from 0.1 seconds to 5.0 seconds. The nozzle diameter used was 0.023 inches. The effect of nozzle speed and number of passes over the same area on depth of cut and specific energy are investigated on the above …

Umr Journal: Alaska -- Its Mineral Potentials And Environmental Challenges, University Of Missouri--Rolla

UMR Journal -- V. H. McNutt Colloquium Series

No abstract provided.

Arctic Ecology: A Decade Of Experience, John F. Schindler

UMR Journal -- V. H. McNutt Colloquium Series

A quick glance at the title of this presentation and the reader braces himself for another antipollution or “save-the-sod” type of discourse that has become so popular these days. I do not wish to detract from the importance or the need for such efforts but I would like to address myself to the the broader meaning of the term.

Ecology--the word comes from the Greek root “oikos” which means house or household. What I’d like to do is to tell you about this “house” I’ve been living in for the past 10 years.

The Environmental Challenges Facing Taps, A. V. Cardin

UMR Journal -- V. H. McNutt Colloquium Series

Before the potential benefits of the recent oil discoveries on the North Slope of Alaska can be realized, the oil must be transported to refining and marketing areas. The Alyeska Pipeline Service Company has the responsibility for the first step in this transportation—to design and construct the Trans Alaska Pipeline System. We will pipe the oil from the discovery areas near Prudhoe Bay to an ice-free, deep-sea tanker loading terminal at Valdez of the South Coast of Alaska. From Valdez the oil will be transported to the West Coast by tankers. This is the most feasible system of a number …

The Environmental Challenges Of Alaskan Mineral Development, Earl T. Hayes

UMR Journal -- V. H. McNutt Colloquium Series

To meet the challenges and to develop Alaska as a source of mineral and fuel resources that are essential to all of us, we must conduct the research and planning necessary to see that the environment is not abused. We cannot allow ourselves the luxury of thinking that we alone know what is best for Alaska. We must strive for cooperation -- cooperation between government and industry; between Federal and State governments; between the doer and the dreamer; and between the engineer and the ecologist. Remember, the quality of what we do today will determine the quality of Alaska in …

Mineral Potential Of Arctic Canada, R. G. Mccrossan, R. M. Procter

UMR Journal -- V. H. McNutt Colloquium Series

Canada is on the threshold of a major new phase in the development of its Arctic resources. The Prudhoe Bay discovery triggered a boom in northern petroleum exploration that is just getting into high gear this year. Mining activity also has greatly expanded in the last few years with some 73 active exploration programs underway and several large new mines just coming into production. The size of these ventures is indicated by ore reserves of two lead-zinc mines to the value of 900 million dollars at Pine Point in southern Northwest Territories, and 1.2 billion dollars at the Anvil property …

Arctic Pipelining -- Tough, Costly, But Feasible, William H. Pearn

UMR Journal -- V. H. McNutt Colloquium Series

The development of vitally important Arctic petroleum resources presents new and interesting challenges. Although the answers to some questions will undoubtedly undoubtedly go unresolved until considerable operating experience has accrued, we can improve our present insight through an awareness of the work performed by others under similar conditions. This presentation focuses on Soviet pipelining experience in arctic and subarctic regions of Siberia.

Drilling Problems Associated With Arctic Minerals, Robert L. Parker

UMR Journal -- V. H. McNutt Colloquium Series

With major involvements in Alaska, the experience gained from these operations reflect the success of talented personnel in meeting the challenges of climate, equipment, logistics, perma-frost, etc. Real concern stems from present delays in the Arctic program due to financing involved as well as increasing dependency of the United States upon these reserves in today’s market and supply situation.

Arctic Marine Terminals -- Some Environmental And Engineering Considerations, Robert L. Mccollom Jr., William W. Moore

UMR Journal -- V. H. McNutt Colloquium Series

Studies are presently underway to determine the technical and economic feasibility of various Arctic marine transportation systems, including ice-breaker super-tankers and submarine tankers. An important consideration in these studies is the design and construction of marine terminal facilities which will be suited to the unique problems of the Arctic. Factors which will significantly affect the design of proposed marine terminals include:

1) bathymetric configuration of the continental shelf;
2) influence of moving pack ice on artificial structures, both at the air-water interface and along the bottom;
3) lateral and vertical variations in soil conditions, including residual permafrost, which might adversely …

Arctic Oil And The S.S. Manhattan, Russell H. Venn

UMR Journal -- V. H. McNutt Colloquium Series

The discovery of oil on Alaska’s North Slope in 1968 not only focused attention on that remote part of our world, it set the stage for one of the most exciting and significant scientific expeditions of our time—the voyage of the ice breaking tanker SS Manhattan through the Northwest Passage.

In the space available I would like to discuss with you that historic expedition, how it came to be, and comment on the results, as we see them.

Oil And Gas Reserves In The Siberian Shelf, A. J. Eardley

UMR Journal -- V. H. McNutt Colloquium Series

The Arctic region must be the world’s largest storehouse of liquid and gaseous hydrocarbons, and the vast Siberian region, both “on land” and “off shore” must be considered with envy by the free-world’s geologists for its oil and gas potential. It is here estimated that the off shore continental shelf of U.S.S.R. Siberia contains a reserve of 200 billion barrels of oil and 500 trillion cut. ft. of gas. These very approximate figures come from meager data obtained from the literature on oil and gas discoveries in the Siberian Arctic, the basin location of these discoveries, and the projection of …

The Role Of The Independent In Alaska's Mineral Development, D. L. Simasko

UMR Journal -- V. H. McNutt Colloquium Series

In 68 years of oil industry history in Alaska, the independent has already played a substantial role. Eighty-three independent oil companies or operators have participated in drilling 82 exploratory wells or stratigraphic tests. Their activities extended from the discovery of first commercial oil at Katalla in 1902, to the extension of the Prudhoe Bay field in 1970. The success ratio for wildcat wells in Alaska is considerably higher than “outside,” and fields have all been major in statute, thereby reducing the cost per barrel of finding oil.

The most immediate deterrent to the success of the independent in Alaska is …

Maintenance And Operation Of Facilities And Equipment In The Arctic, Charles C. Norris, Charles W. Kelley, Carroll C. Livingston

UMR Journal -- V. H. McNutt Colloquium Series

This has been but a short sketch of a few of the problems attached to living and working in the Arctic. Much has been learned about this remote and hostile area of the world; there is much more knowledge and experience required, as has been demonstrated by the controversy surrounding the routing and construction of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline. Man’s progress depends not only on means for his survival, but also on deep ecological considerations and solid engineering.--Conclusion.

The Alaska Business Community's View Of The Development Of Alaska, William H. Scott

UMR Journal -- V. H. McNutt Colloquium Series

America has discovered Alaska!! Or maybe that’s just the way it seems to us Alaskans. Even though Secretary of State Seward bought the Great Land (that’s what Alaska means in native tongue) more than a hundred years ago, very little of its nature has drifted down to the “Lower 48”. That is until the great oil reserves were discovered on the now-famous North Slope. Only then was the fact of Alaska’s mineral wealth translated into something other than very general admissions that Alaska was the natural resource storehouse of the United States. Now one would naturally conclude that the Prudhoe …

The U.S. Army's Experience In Handling Petroleum In An Arctic Environment, Frederic Johnson

UMR Journal -- V. H. McNutt Colloquium Series

This article pinpoints the various facets that the US Military experienced in Petroleum Operations in the Arctic environment Since the Military were the pioneers in Arctic operations, this experience could prove invaluable if and when the TAPS pipeline is constructed. The article deals primarily with various problems which beset the pipeliners during the initial construction phases and the peculiarities experienced during operations. A slightly different aspect will be experienced, however, when the Oil Industry moves relatively hot crude oil through the pipelines with TAPS since the Military moved only clean product.

The article addresses above ground pipeline operations, problems encountered …

The Future Of Anchorage, Claire O. Banks

UMR Journal -- V. H. McNutt Colloquium Series

So, in conclusion ... our Air Crossroads of the World contemplates its future, from a similar position as that of the ancient Greeks, or later the city of Rome... and much later ... England — the trade center of its time, between East and West — North and South. In any event, we are in the enviable position of being able to determine our future. Aside from the tremendous growth and build-up factors, we are unique because of our urbanity ... nowhere else are the advantages of modern day living offered to the extent they exist here, while at the …

State Regulatory Controls On Oil & Gas, Thomas R. Marshall Jr.

UMR Journal -- V. H. McNutt Colloquium Series

Alaska oil and gas regulatory matters are under the jurisdiction of a three-man Oil and Gas Conservation Committee, all of which are state employees.

In the last 10 years State water bottoms in Cook Inlet have been leased, explored and oil production amounting to about 200,000 barrels a day has been established. Cook Inlet is subject to very high tides and heavy ice flows. Five Salmon runs also occur in the Cook Inlet. The average daily production rate per well in the Cook Inlet area is nearly one hundred times the national average.

The Prudhoe Bay oil field discovered in …

Geologic Considerations And Solid Mineral Potential Of Alaska, A. E. Weissenborn

UMR Journal -- V. H. McNutt Colloquium Series

In marked contrast to Alaska’s petroleum industry, production from the State’s mining industry has declined drastically. Despite favorable geologic conditions, mineral exploration and development have been held back by inaccessibility, rugged terrain, severe climate, and scarcity and high cost of labor. Changing economic and political conditions, improved exploration techniques, and the ever increasing demand for minerals have again directed attention to Alaska’s mineral potential. Important discoveries in British Columbia and Yukon Territory have further stimulated exploration in Alaska. The probability that significant discoveries will result is high.

The titaniferous iron ores of southeastern Alaska probably will be brought into production …

Alaska's Possible Petroleum Provinces, George Gryc

UMR Journal -- V. H. McNutt Colloquium Series

Petroleum is the major Alaskan source of energy immediately available to the United States. Petroleum accounted for 89 percent or about $219 million of Alaska’s total mineral production in 1969 estimated at nearly $245 million.

Alaska’s first oil field was discovered at Katalla in 1902. About 154,000 barrels of oil were produced from 1902 to 1933. From 1945 through 1952, 45 shallow core tests and 36 test wells were drilled in and adjacent to Naval Petroleum Reserve No. 4 in northern Alaska. Oil deposits with possible reserves of 72 to 112 million barrels and gas deposits with possible reserves of …

Acknowledgement Of Symposium Moderators, University Of Missouri--Rolla

UMR Journal -- V. H. McNutt Colloquium Series

No abstract provided.

Preface, Paul Dean Proctor, Robert E. Carlile

UMR Journal -- V. H. McNutt Colloquium Series

Because this university, formerly under the well known title of Missouri School of Mines and Metallurgy, has contributed so much to the nation’s and world’s mineral supplies through the work of its well trained graduates, it was considered appropriate that a major symposium be held during its Centennial Year on one of the last major mineral frontiers of the United States......Alaska.

Preliminary planning for the symposium on “Alaska, Its Mineral Potentials and Environmental Challenges” began in the fall of 1969. In January, 1970, Robert E. Carlile and Paul Dean Proctor visited Alaska to meet with some of the petroleum and …

Permeability Scaling In A Numerical Coning Model, V. K. Dutta, Marion D. Arnold

Geosciences and Geological and Petroleum Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

A method is described for simulating coning into a wellbore using a numerical simulation model. The method allows the wellbore cells to be considerably larger than the actual wellbore. This makes coning studies feasible using an implicit pressure-explicit saturation type model with a reasonable time step. This capability is achieved by scaling the horizontal-vertical permeability ratios to give the proper vertical potential drop.

A Comparative Study Of Experimental And Computed Compressibility Factors Of Methane - Nitrogen - Helium System, Promod Kumar Taneja

Masters Theses

"The volumetric data for methane, nitrogen, and helium mixtures have been determined experimentally at low temperatures (60ºF to -30ºF) over a pressure range of 1000 to 5000 psig. An attempt has been made to show that the extension of standard techniques viz, "The Law of Corresponding States" for predicting the compressibility factors of pure hydrocarbons and hydrocarbon mixtures is not adequate for mixtures containing even very small amounts of helium. The deviation from the computed compressibility factors is found to be maximum at low temperatures and high pressures (up to 22%) for the mixtures studied"--Abstract, page ii.