Deepwater Drilling Challenges Demonstrate Learning Curve with New Connection Technology

Langdon, Sheldon Perry; Connor, John Kieron; Chandler, R. Brett; Jellison, Michael J.

doi:10.2118/128316-ms

Cited by 4 publications

(2 citation statements)

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“…What do we know about the stability of complex hydrocarbon systems at thermobaric conditions of the Earth's crust and the upper mantle? First, a number of supergiant petroleum deposits have been discovered down to depths of 11 km [10]. Second, experimental data (see Figure S1) indicate that complex hydrocarbons are stable up to thermobaric conditions corresponding to depths of 50 km (723(±10) K and 1.4(±0.2) GPa) [11].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Fate of Hydrocarbons in Iron-Bearing Mineral Environments during Subduction

et al. 2019

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Subducted sediments play a key role in the evolution of the continental crust and upper mantle. As part of the deep carbon cycle, hydrocarbons are accumulated in sediments of subduction zones and could eventually be transported with the slab below the crust, thus affecting processes in the deep Earth’s interior. However, the behavior of hydrocarbons during subduction is poorly understood. We experimentally investigated the chemical interaction of model hydrocarbon mixtures or natural oil with ferrous iron-bearing silicates and oxides (representing possible rock-forming materials) at pressure-temperature conditions of the Earth’s lower crust and upper mantle (up to 2000(±100) K and 10(±0.2) GPa), and characterized the run products using Raman and Mössbauer spectroscopies and X-ray diffraction. Our results demonstrate that complex hydrocarbons are stable on their own at thermobaric conditions corresponding to depths exceeding 50 km. We also found that chemical reactions between hydrocarbons and ferrous iron-bearing rocks during slab subduction lead to the formation of iron hydride and iron carbide. Iron hydride with relatively low melting temperature may form a liquid with negative buoyancy that could transport reduced iron and hydrogen to greater depths.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Fate of Hydrocarbons in Iron-Bearing Mineral Environments during Subduction

et al. 2019

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“…During the last several decades, giant ultra-deep petroleum deposits were discovered at depths deeper than 10 km in various petroleum basins worldwide [1][2][3]. These deposits are located below the main zone of the petroleum formation, which is traditionally called the 'oil window' and generally occurred at a depth of 6-8 km [4][5][6].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Stability of a Petroleum-Like Hydrocarbon Mixture at Thermobaric Conditions That Correspond to Depths of 50 km

2020

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The commercial discovery of giant crude oil deposits at depths deeper than 10 km in various petroleum basins worldwide casts doubt on the validity of the theoretical calculations that have determined that the main zone of petroleum formation is at depths of 6–8 km (the ‘oil window’). However, the behavior of complex hydrocarbon systems at thermobaric conditions, which correspond to depths below 6–8 km, is poorly known. We experimentally investigated the thermal stability of a complex hydrocarbon system at the pressure-temperature conditions of Earth’s lower crust by means of Raman and Mössbauer spectroscopies. Our results demonstrated the chemical stability of the complex hydrocarbon system at thermobaric conditions corresponding to depths of 50 km, including the redox stability of the hydrocarbon system in a highly oxidative environment. The results of these experiments allowed us to revise the depth range in which petroleum deposits could occur.

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Development Strategies and Profitability Assessment of Semisubmersible Production Units in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico

Kaiser

2016

Exploration and Production of Petroleum and Natural Gas

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The U.S. Gulf of Mexico is one of three major deepwater-producing regions in the world, but surprisingly little information exists that methodically examines project profitability. Reliable economic assessments in the deepwater space generally is lacking, and even basic performance measures and comparative issues have not been addressed. Deepwater developments are expensive, complex, and risky endeavors, and significant delineation work is required before a reservoir produces. The major challenge in development is achieving an acceptable financial return in an uncertain environment. The purpose of this chapter is to review semisubmersible developments in the Gulf of Mexico and to estimate their profitability. Through 2013, 11 semisubmersibles produced 777 MMbbl oil and 2,350 Bcf natural gas and generated about $78 billion in gross revenue. Development cost for the projects totaled approximately $38 billion, and if operating cost average $10/boe, total cost circa 2013 is estimated at $50 billion, yielding a benefit-cost ratio of 1.6. In 2013, 8 semisubmersibles produced 80 MMbbl oil and 178 Bcf natural gas worth approximately $9.3 billion. Na Kika is the most successful development with a net present value greater than $5 billion and an estimated 34 % return on investment. Atlantis and Thunder Horse are valued in excess of $2 billion each with expected returns in the 15 to 20 % range. Three semis have been decommissioned, none of which were profitable, and Telemark and Independence are not expected to generate positive returns. Operators spent $13/boe to develop fields with more than 300 MMboe reserves, and $50/boe for fields with less than 100 MMboe reserves. Remaining reserves circa 2013 for the semisubmersible inventory are estimated at 364 MMbbl oil and 740 Bcf natural gas, and $23 to $50 billion in future revenues are expected for oil prices between $60 to $120/bbl. Telemark and Thunder Hawk appear near the end of their life cycle.

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Deepwater Drilling Challenges Demonstrate Learning Curve with New Connection Technology

Cited by 4 publications

References 2 publications

Fate of Hydrocarbons in Iron-Bearing Mineral Environments during Subduction

Fate of Hydrocarbons in Iron-Bearing Mineral Environments during Subduction

Stability of a Petroleum-Like Hydrocarbon Mixture at Thermobaric Conditions That Correspond to Depths of 50 km

Development Strategies and Profitability Assessment of Semisubmersible Production Units in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico

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