Certificate Programs in
O IL AND G AS M ANAGEMENT
Program Requirements
IHRDC
535 Boylston Street Boston, MA 02116 Tel: 1-617-536-0202
Email: [email protected]
Copyright © International Human Resources Development Corporation, 2002
Formation Evaluation
BACKGROUND LEARNING:
Complete the following IPIMS.ep Background Learning programs:
• Subsurface Geology
• Well Logging and Analysis
• Sample and Core Handling and Analysis
• Well Testing
ACTION LEARNING:
Complete the following simulated job assignments:
1. Reservoir Rock and Fluid Properties — Design coring and fluid sampling programs. Specify laboratory procedures for analyzing rock and fluid samples. Interpret laboratory reports to determine important properties of the reservoir rock and fluids.
2. Well Logging and Log Interpretation — Select tools and outline procedures for an open hole logging program. Use basic log interpretation techniques to identify potential pay zones, define basic reservoir properties and determine the presence of hydrocarbons.
3. Well Testing — Select a candidate well and design a pressure transient test based on current reservoir management objectives. Oversee the well test and validate the quality of the information obtained. Interpret the test results.
4. Subsurface Mapping — Develop geological, petrophysical, geophysical and sedimentological maps for use in generating a reservoir model.
5. Integrated Studies — Incorporate geological and geophysical data, in the form of maps, cross sections, seismic surveys and other information resources, into the input for a reservoir model.
PRACTICAL KNOWLEDGE CAPTURE:
Generate a list of recommended practices, lessons learned, and other practical knowledge items related to Formation Evaluation. IHRDC will define the practical knowledge list, and will revise it from time to time to ensure that it is relevant and up to date.
RESEARCH ASSIGNMENT:
Submit a short (3 to 5 page) original paper of publishable quality devoted to some aspect of Formation Evaluation. Include one or more recommendations for applying technology, better operating practices or improved business practices within your company. Alternatively, you may prepare a research report summarizing recent developments in technology, business or management practices, with references, that will be of interest to your management. Your IHRDC mentor must approve the assignment topic in advance, and the final report must be accepted by your manager and the IHRDC mentor before credit is received.
Reservoir Engineering Practices
BACKGROUND LEARNING:
Complete the following IPIMS.ep Background Learning programs:
• Reservoir Rock and Fluid Properties • Reservoir Modeling & Reserves Evaluation
• Reservoir Environments and Characterization • Improved Recovery
• Petroleum Geology Fundamentals • Reserves Estimation
• Exploration Geophysics Fundamentals • Fractured Reservoirs and Mature Fields
• Reservoir Performance
ACTION LEARNING:
Complete the following simulated job assignments:
1. Reservoir Engineering Fundamentals — Conduct initial evaluation of reservoir based on available data. Define reservoir management objectives. Establish data requirements for developing a reservoir model. Identify multidisciplinary resources for describing, characterizing and monitoring the reservoir.
2. Reservoir Drive Mechanisms and Material Balance Analysis — Determine reservoir’s primary drive mechanisms. Estimate hydrocarbon in place and primary recovery factor using material balance methods.
3. Reservoir Simulation — Apply analytical and numerical simulation techniques to the development, testing and refining of a reservoir model. Define simulator geometry and dimensions, and assign flow equations to the proposed model. Define simulator grid and boundary conditions. Compile reservoir model input parameters. Develop finite-difference approximations to solve the flow equations. Plan numerical simulation computer runs and interpret the result.
4. Reservoir Surveillance — Establish a plan for acquiring and optimizing reservoir surveillance data. Employ multidimensional seismic information and geological data as reservoir monitoring tools. Use production records, well logs, core analyses, etc. to update the geological model of the reservoir. Use well logs, core data, field correlations and statistical methods to update the petrophysical model of the reservoir. Incorporate new data into a reservoir model, and refine the model by reconciling differences between predicted and actual behavior.
5. Improved Recovery Techniques — Review reservoir performance under primary recovery and evaluate secondary recovery potential. Specify well patterns and injection requirements for pilot and full-scale projects. Monitor performance of secondary recovery project. Apply screening criteria for enhanced oil recovery (EOR) and determine the most applicable process for the reservoir. Implement an EOR pilot project and evaluate its performance.
PRACTICAL KNOWLEDGE CAPTURE:
Generate a list of recommended practices, lessons learned, and other practical knowledge items related to Reservoir Management. IHRDC will define the practical knowledge list, and will revise it from time to time to ensure that it is relevant and up to date.
RESEARCH ASSIGNMENT:
Submit a short (3 to 5 page) original paper of publishable quality devoted to some aspect of Reservoir Engineering Practice. Include one or more recommendations for applying technology, better operating practices or improved business practices within your company. Alternatively, you may prepare a research report summarizing recent developments in technology, business or management practices, with references, that will be of interest to your management. Your IHRDC mentor must approve the assignment topic in advance, and the final report must be accepted by your manager and the IHRDC mentor before credit is received.
Petroleum Reservoir Management and Exploitation Strategies
BACKGROUND LEARNING:
Complete the following IPIMS.ep Background Learning programs:
• Reservoir Modeling & Reserves Evaluation
• Reserves Estimation
• Investment Analysis
ACTION LEARNING:
Complete the following simulated job assignments:
1. Evaluation of E&P Opportunities — Identify market opportunities as they relate to upstream operations, and evaluate them in terms of the overall hydrocarbon value chain.
2. HSE Monitoring and Compliance — Establish an HSE (Health, Safety and Environment) monitoring and compliance system for upstream operations.
3. Implementation of Reservoir Development Strategies — Develop a strategic scenario, business plan and budget for producing actual reserves. Use reservoir studies to develop a
resource base (drilling plans, future improved recovery, information acquisition, application of new technologies, facilities and production infrastructure).
4. Project Financing — Determine the need for outside financing of upstream operations. Evaluate available alternatives and secure the optimal financing arrangement.
5. Financial Performance and Reporting Procedures — Analyze investment opportunities in terms of commonly used economic indicators. Evaluate and report on financial performance using generally accepted procedures and formats.
PRACTICAL KNOWLEDGE CAPTURE:
Generate a list of recommended practices, lessons learned, and other practical knowledge items related Petroleum Reservoir Management and Exploitation Strategies. IHRDC will define the practical
knowledge list, and will revise it from time to time to ensure that it is relevant and up to date.
RESEARCH ASSIGNMENT:
Submit a short (3 to 5 page) original paper of publishable quality devoted to some aspect of Petroleum Reservoir Management and Exploitation Strategies. Include one or more recommendations for applying technology, better operating practices or improved business practices within your company.
Alternatively, you may prepare a research report summarizing recent developments in technology, business or management practices, with references, that will be of interest to your management. Your IHRDC mentor must approve the assignment topic in advance, and the final report must be accepted by your manager and the IHRDC mentor before credit is received.
Drilling and Well Completion Practices
BACKGROUND LEARNING:
Complete the following IPIMS.ep Background Learning programs:
• Planning a Drilling Program • Coring and Fluid Sampling
• Drilling Equipment • Well Logging
• Directional and Horizontal Wells • Casing and Cementing
• Drilling Problems • Well Completion Practices
• Fluid Hydraulics and Blowout Prevention • Perforating and Sand Control
• Drilling Muds and the Mud Circulation System • Stimulation
• Well Testing
ACTION LEARNING:
Complete the following simulated job assignments:
1. Initial Well Planning— Establish well objectives and define measures of drilling success. Identify critical well planning issues based on offset information and other available data. Document potential drilling hazards and HSE risks. Ensure compliance with all company polices and
government regulations pertaining to health, safety, environmental and personnel matters. Predict subsurface pressure and temperature environment. Prepare budget cost estimate.
2. Well Design — Define basic drilling and completion parameters. Establish target radius and pick surface well location. Outline directional drilling requirements, choose basic completion type and select casing points. Determine optimal casing and hole diameters and design casing/liner strings.
Outline cementing procedures. Select wellhead and flow control equipment. Generate preliminary AFE cost estimate.
3. Drilling Program Planning and Implementation — Design mud program for each hole section. Establish well control precautions and procedures. Design drillstring and bottomhole assembly. Plan bit and hydraulics programs. Evaluate rig specifications and capabilities. Review drilling contracts, compare contractors and select the contractor that best meets the
requirements set forth by the well plan. Submit final well plan and AFE.
4. Drilling Operations— Monitor drilling parameters and well progress. Take steps to optimize bit runs, mud system performance and directional control. Ensure HSE compliance. Anticipate drilling problems and work to minimize their impact. Research non-conventional drilling methods and/or emerging technologies, and evaluate their applicability to specific drilling situations.
5. Well Completion Operations — Prepare well for open-hole logging and monitor logging operations. Measure, pick up and run casing/liner. Oversee primary cement job. Evaluate primary cment job and carry out remedial cementing operations if necessary. Conduct drillstem test.
Complete and, if necessary, stimulate well.
PRACTICAL KNOWLEDGE CAPTURE:
Generate a list of recommended practices, lessons learned, and other practical knowledge items related to Drilling and Well Completion Practices. IHRDC will define the practical knowledge list, and will revise it from time to time to ensure that it is relevant and up to date.
RESEARCH ASSIGNMENT:
Submit a short (3 to 5 page) original paper of publishable quality devoted to some aspect of Drilling and Well Completion Practices. Include one or more recommendations for applying technology, better operating practices or improved business practices within your company. Alternatively, you may prepare a research report summarizing recent developments in technology, business or management practices, with references, that will be of interest to your management. Your IHRDC mentor must approve the assignment topic in advance, and the final report must be accepted by your manager and the IHRDC mentor before credit is received.
Production and Operating Practices
BACKGROUND LEARNING:
Complete the following IPIMS.ep Background Learning programs:
• Surface Production Equipment • Safety
• Subsurface Production Equipment and Operations • Production Logging
• Artificial Lift • Well Testing
• Natural Gas Engineering • Production Performance and Remedial Work
ACTION LEARNING:
Complete the following simulated job assignments:
1. Flowing Well Performance and Nodal Analysis — Establish Inflow Productivity Relationship and determine flowing well potential. Use nodal analysis techniques to design the production system.
2. Artificial Lift Methods — Determine the point at which artificial lift will be required to maintain a well's production at a desired rate. Evaluate potential artificial lift methods to decide which one is most appropriate for a particular set of operating conditions. Design the artificial lift system and specify equipment, power and other requirements.
3. Well Stimulation and Sand Control — Diagnose production problems related to formation damage and recommend appropriate solutions. Plan and execute an acid stimulation procedure in order to increase well production, according to the mineralogy and fluids present in the reservoir and the mechanical design characteristics of the well completion. Plan and execute a hydraulic fracturing procedure in order to increase well production, based on the reservoir rock mechanics and the mechanical design characteristics of the well completion. Know and apply sand control techniques, tools and procedures according to the reservoir characteristics, with the goal of maximizing the well’s productivity and useful life.
4. Workover Planning and Operations — Identify workover or abandonment candidates, and outline procedures for accomplishing the necessary well objectives. Plan and safely execute workovers using the tools appropriate to the well completion and formation characteristics. Apply procedures and standards for controlling and abandoning wells, in compliance with official
regulations and safe practices. Research non-conventional methods (slimhole, coiled tubing, etc.) and/or emerging technologies, and evaluate their applicability to specific well situations.
5. Surface Production Operations — Generate equipment requirements and layout for upstream surface facilities. Maintain safety and ensure regulatory compliance in production operations. Identify and address special issues involved in offshore operations.
PRACTICAL KNOWLEDGE CAPTURE:
Generate a list of recommended practices, lessons learned, and other practical knowledge items related to Production and Operating Practices. IHRDC will define the practical knowledge list, and will revise it from time to time to ensure that it is relevant and up to date.
RESEARCH ASSIGNMENT:
Submit a short (3 to 5 page) original paper of publishable quality devoted to some aspect of Production and Operating Practices. Include one or more recommendations for applying technology, better
operating practices or improved business practices within your company. Alternatively, you may prepare a research report summarizing recent developments in technology, business or management practices, with references, that will be of interest to your management. Your IHRDC mentor must approve the
Upstream Natural Gas Management
BACKGROUND LEARNING:
Complete the following IPIMS.ep Background Learning programs:
• Fundamentals of Petroleum Geology
• Fundamentals of Reservoir Engineering
• Wellheads, Flow Control Equipment and Flowlines
• Natural Gas Fluid Properties
• Well Planning • Gas Well Testing
• Basic Completion Design and Practices • Additional Topics currently under development
ACTION LEARNING:
Complete the following simulated job assignments:
1. Natural Gas Reservoir Engineering and Gas Well Testing — Determine gas reservoir parameters. Describe natural gas fluids in terms of their physical and thermodynamic properties.
Define governing reservoir flow equations. Generate volumetric evaluation of gas and gas condensate reserves. Establish well test objectives and parameters. Select equipment and design test procedure. Evaluate reservoir properties and gas well deliverability.
2. Surface Operations in Natural Gas Engineering — Develop general surface layout for gas handling, treating and compression facility, and size the facility piping and equipment based on calculations of gas flow characteristics and frictional pressure loss. Select and place measuring devices for measuring gas flow and quality.
3. Natural Gas Demand and Distribution — Determine seasonal load variations and identify factors affecting natural gas demand. Design gas distribution system based on an estimate of gas demand.
4. Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) Distribution — Predict volumes of LNG to be handled under current and future operations. Outline pre-processing requirements. Perform process calculations for LNG cycles and design system components. Outline requirements for LNG storage and transportation.
5. Underground Gas Storage — Determine gas storage requirements based on expected production, demand and distribution. Select a candidate formation and list requirements for designing it as a gas storage field. Monitor injection and withdrawal volumes.
PRACTICAL KNOWLEDGE CAPTURE:
Generate a list of recommended practices, lessons learned, and other practical knowledge items related to Upstream Natural Gas Management. IHRDC will define the practical knowledge list, and will revise it from time to time to ensure that it is relevant and up to date.
RESEARCH ASSIGNMENT:
Submit a short (3 to 5 page) original paper of publishable quality devoted to some aspect of Upstream Natural Gas Management. Include one or more recommendations for applying technology, better operating practices or improved business practices within your company. Alternatively, you may prepare a research report summarizing recent developments in technology, business or management practices, with references, that will be of interest to your management. Your IHRDC mentor must approve the assignment topic in advance, and the final report must be accepted by your manager and the IHRDC mentor before credit is received.
Upstream Petroleum Technology for Non-Petroleum Engineers
BACKGROUND LEARNING:
Complete the following IPIMS.ep Background Learning programs:
Production Engineering and Operations:
• Fluid Flow & the Production System
• Artificial Lift Methods
• Production Performance Evaluation Petroleum Fundamentals:
• Petroleum Technology for the Non-Engineer
• Hydrocarbon Properties
• Fluid Sampling and Analysis
• Subsurface Environment
• Fundamentals of Petroleum Geology
• Natural Gas Fluid Properties Drilling and Well Completion:
• Well Planning
• Drill String Components
• Basic Completion Design and Practices
• Completion Equipment Reservoir Management and Petroleum
Economics:
• Fundamentals of Reservoir Engineering
• Reservoir Environments and Characterization
• Reserves Estimation
• Risk Analysis Applied to Petroleum Investments Formation Evaluation:
• Introduction to Well Logging
• Fundamentals of Well Testing
• Coring and Core Analysis
SIMULATION WORKSHOP:
Complete the IHRDC Simulation Workshop in Upstream Petroleum Technology. This will involve making a number of critical technical and economic decisions during the simulated exploration, appraisal, development and production stages of a reservoir's life. Each decision will have a measurable outcome designed to reinforce the concepts covered in the Background Learning segment of this program.
PRACTICAL KNOWLEDGE CAPTURE:
Generate a list of recommended practices, lessons learned, and other practical knowledge items related to Upstream Petroleum Technology. IHRDC will define the practical knowledge list, and will revise it from time to time to ensure that it is relevant and up to date.
RESEARCH ASSIGNMENT:
Submit a short (3 to 5 page) original paper of publishable quality devoted to some aspect of Upstream Petroleum Technology. Include one or more recommendations for applying technology, better operating practices or improved business practices within your company. Alternatively, you may prepare a
research report summarizing recent developments in technology, business or management practices, with references, that will be of interest to your management. Your IHRDC mentor must approve the assignment topic in advance, and the final report must be accepted by your manager and the IHRDC mentor before credit is received.
Petroleum Technology for Non-Technical Professionals
BACKGROUND LEARNING:
Complete the following IPIMS.ep Background Learning programs:
Petroleum Geology and Geophysics: Petroleum Engineering:
• Fundamentals of Petroleum Geology • Drilling & Well Completion
• Fundamentals of Exploration Geophysics • Reservoir Management
• Subsurface Environment • Production Technology
• Hydrocarbon Generation & Migration • Oil and Gas Pipelines
• Reservoirs Formation Evaluation:
• Traps • Introduction to Well Logging
• Fundamentals of Well Testing
SIMULATION WORKSHOP:
Complete the IHRDC International Petroleum Industry Business Workshop. This one-week intensive business workshop allows participants to develop a business understanding of the integrated petroleum value chain, including crude oil, natural gas, LPG’s and products. The setting for this workshop is Sandland, a hypothetical country on the West Coast of Africa. Participants are asked to build an integrated oil and gas company by negotiating an exploration agreement, exploring for and discovering oil reserves, developing one or more fields, building the pipeline, gas processing, refinery and port facilities, chartering tankers and then marketing the crude oil, petroleum products and associated gas.
Separate sessions are devoted to the utilization of associated gas including power generation, ammonia, methanol and pipeline exports.
PRACTICAL KNOWLEDGE CAPTURE:
Generate a list of recommended practices, lessons learned, and other practical knowledge items related to some aspect of Petroleum Technology. IHRDC will define the practical knowledge list, and will revise it from time to time to ensure that it is relevant and up to date.
RESEARCH ASSIGNMENT:
Prepare a research report summarizing recent developments in technology, business or management practices, with references, that will be of interest to your management. Your IHRDC mentor must approve the assignment topic in advance, and the final report must be accepted by your manager and the IHRDC mentor before credit is received.
Petroleum Geoscience for Non-Geoscientists
BACKGROUND LEARNING:
Complete the following IPIMS.ep Background Learning programs:
Petroleum Geology: Formation Evaluation:
• Fundamentals of Petroleum Geology • Introduction to Well Logging
• Hydrocarbon Properties • Well Logging Tools & Techniques
• Subsurface Environment • Well Log Interpretation
• Hydrocarbon Generation & Migration • Dipmeter Surveys
• Reservoirs • Borehole Imaging
• Traps • Sampling & Analysis of Drilled Cuttings
• Habitat of Hydrocarbons in Sedimentary Basins
• Mud Logging
• Geologic Cross-Sections • Coring & Core Analysis
• Subsurface Mapping Petroleum Geophysics:
• Prospect Generation • Fundamentals of Exploration Geophysics
• Subsurface Facies Analysis • Introduction to Field Work
• Structural Geology • Basic Processing
• Plate Tectonics and Sedimentary Basins • Basic Seismic Interpretation
• Introduction to Petroleum Chemistry • 3-D Seismic Methods
• Photogeology and Remote Sensing • Gravity & Magnetics
• Crosswell Seismology
SIMULATION WORKSHOP:
Complete the IHRDC Simulation Workshop in Petroleum Exploration and Development. This will involve making a number of critical technical and economic decisions during the simulated exploration, appraisal, development and production stages of a reservoir's life. Each decision will have a measurable outcome designed to reinforce the concepts covered in the Background Learning segment of this program.
Practical Knowledge Capture:
Generate a list of recommended practices, lessons learned, and other practical knowledge items related to practical applications of Petroleum Geosciences. IHRDC will define the practical knowledge list, and will revise it from time to time to ensure that it is relevant and up to date.
RESEARCH ASSIGNMENT:
Prepare a research report summarizing recent developments in Petroleum Geology or Geophysics, with references, that will be of interest to your management. Your IHRDC mentor must approve the
assignment topic in advance, and the final report must be accepted by your manager and the IHRDC mentor before credit is received.