Production

To develop a technology for extremely rapid, in-situ ultrasonic non-destructive testing (UNDT) of Spoolable composite tubulars. To develop associated acceptance / rejection criteria for these tubulars.

The project objective was to illustrate the effect of hybrid fiber reinforcement on resistance to damage initiation and progression; namely, in-plane and through-the-thickness placement of glass and carbon fibers.

The primary object of this research investigation was the development of a new analysis approach to the hydrodynamic modeling of complex fluid-structure interaction phenomena, such as the hydrodynamic interaction of closely spaced risers subject to design seas. Because of the complex nature of the problem, a combined time/frequency domain approach was selected as the basis for the analysis.

This project will develop a methodology and tools that will allow the MMS to readily compare the risks of offshore systems that introduce new technologies with the risks of existing systems. The permitting process for a deep water offshore project requires operators to complete a Deep Water Operating Plan (DWOP). A portion of the DWOP describes the new technologies incorporated in the project, and the operator is required to show that the proposed system with the new technologies is at least as reliable as existing systems.

This project will:

1. survey the current state of SCADA technology;

2. assess the reliability of current SCADA technology;
and
3. recommend MMS policy changes for operators that use SCADA systems.

The purpose of the project was to improve the accuracy of casing collapse performance properties. This improvement may allow an opportunity to substantially reduce tubular costs, because the margins of actual collapse performance versus API ratings have been found to be as high as 30-40%. The JIP conducted physical testing on industry-wide sampling of API and proprietary casing grades and reviewed mill production techniques for both API and proprietary grades of casing. Data was analyzed so that participating operators may be able to reduce tubular costs.

The objective of this JIP was to develop and demonstrate a structured probabilistic procedure for assessing the lifetime risk and reliability of sub-sea production systems. System costs will be evaluated with respect to safety, environmental, and operational matters (OPEX, CAPEX, RISKEX, etc.).

The purpose of this agreement between the MMS and OTRC/Texas Engineering Experiment Station (TEES) is to conduct research and assessment studies to promote the development of deep water oil and gas resources in a safe and environmentally sound manner and to facilitate the development of technologies for the efficient and pollution free development of deep water oil and gas resources. The mission of the OTRC is to develop knowledge through an academic and research program focused on problems related to the economical exploration and development of deep water resources.

This is a JIP designed to disseminate new information to address hazard concerns related to hydrates and to stimulate new research. Objectives of the research include: mapping gas hydrates in geophysical context across the Gulf of Mexico, and analyzing new samples of natural gas hydrate. The focus is on reservoir characterization, the effects of gas hydrates on sea floor stability, and on pipeline plugging and potential rupture.

The main objectives of this project were to develop completion guidelines to optimize horizontal well completions.

In a horizontal well, depending on the completion method, fluid may enter the wellbore at various locations along the well length. The pressure distribution in a horizontal well can influence the well completion and well profile design, and have an impact on the production behavior of the well. Pressure-drop versus flow behavior along the well and the relationship between the pressure-drop along the well and the influx from the reservoir were studied.