GEOLOGY,
WEATHER AND CHEMISTRY
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SEISMIC IMAGING
The use of
computer aided seismic imaging has produced amazing improvements in oil
recovery. This technology allows for better assessment of oil producing
areas. Knowing how large the field is, what depth and what its structure
is like makes drilling in those areas more precise and effective. Recent
developments in the use of seismic imaging have added the variable of
time to the process. By using electrical and acoustic vibrations, data
can be generated and recorded to effectively map out the resources with
great accuracy. Doing this has become an excellent means to track a field
and its contents and flow. This technology also enables the field to be
developed with fewer holes to be drilled, since the field can be studied
and the most promising locations are selected.
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www.fossil.energy.gov/oil_gas/environ_rpt5explor.pdf
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Wave calculations for offshore platforms
The need to understand how the environment behaves is critical in the
development of stable platforms. Studying the characteristics and tendencies
of water movement gives the engineer the proper parameters to operate
within. By having this information a heavy duty platform , or one with
a greater degree of flexibility or even the need to account for moving
ice in the area can be implemented. Whether the anticipated forces of
waves on the structure is due to current and tidal influences or the occasional
hurricane or typhoon, these figures are a essential part of the design.
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Offshore Drilling & producing
Technology
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Wind Forces
Knowing what the predominant patterns of wind are also an important part
of equipment development. Wind affects wave patterns and amplitudes. In
addition to this, the forces applied on a derrick, for example, are needed
in the design criteria. In an environment where sustained winds often achieve
gale or hurricane force, the proper construction and orientation can reduce
the potential for structural failure. There is a great deal of emphasis
on reducing the risks for development, considering the environment is one
of the many variables planned for. |
Offshore Drilling & producing
Technology
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CHEMICAL ANALYSIS
Getting down to the nitty gritty is often difficult. Through the use of
chemistry, we can get accurate representations of compounds and elements.
There are many technologies employed to find solutions to problems that
occurr in the exploration process. Scaling is one such problem that is given
a great deal of attention. There are numerous substances in crude oil as
it is removed from its bed. Not all of these substances react well to the
removal process. Build-up of scale can cause restricted flows, elevated
pressures and equipment failures. scientists are always working to find
ways to eliminate or reduce these effects. As the production technology
advances, so too must the chemistry. Eliminating the adverse effects of
impurities and increasing the ability to capture oil are often complex and
compromising ambitions. |
http://www.pet.hw.ac.uk/research/fast/research/mechstud.htm