Environmental Assessment of the Hawaii Geothermal Project Well Flow Test Program

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

None

1976-11-01

The Hawaii Geothermal Project, a coordinated research effort of the University of Hawaii, funded by the County and State of Hawaii, and ERDA, was initiated in 1973 in an effort to identify, generate, and use geothermal energy on the Big Island of Hawaii. A number of stages are involved in developing geothermal power resources: exploration, test drilling, production testing, field development, power plant and powerline construction, and full-scale production. Phase I of the Project, which began in the summer of 1973, involved conducting exploratory surveys, developing analytical models for interpretation of geophysical results, conducting studies on energy recovery from hotmore » brine, and examining the legal and economic implications of developing geothermal resources in the state. Phase II of the Project, initiated in the summer of 1975, centers on drilling an exploratory research well on the Island of Hawaii, but also continues operational support for the geophysical, engineering, and socioeconomic activities delineated above. The project to date is between the test drilling and production testing phase. The purpose of this assessment is to describe the activities and potential impacts associated with extensive well flow testing to be completed during Phase II.« less

75 FR 803 - Safety Zone; FRONTIER DISCOVERER, Outer Continental Shelf Drillship, Chukchi and Beaufort Sea...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-01-06

... order to drill exploratory wells at various prospects located in the Chukchi and Beaufort Sea Outer... reduce the threat of allisions, oil spills, and releases of natural gas, and thereby protect the safety... FRONTIER DISCOVERER while anchored on location in order to drill exploratory wells in several prospects...

Drilling, construction, and aquifer-test data from wells 3-3307-20 and -21, Thompson Corner exploratory wells I and II, Oahu, Hawaii

USGS Publications Warehouse

Presley, T.K.; Oki, D.S.

1996-01-01

The Thompson Corner exploratory wells I and II (State well numbers 3-3307-20 and -21) were drilled near Thompson Corner, about 2.2 miles south-southwest of the town of Haleiwa. The wells are located on agricultural land in the Waialua ground-water area. The wells are about 50 feet apart and penetrate about 90 feet into the ground water. Aquifer tests were conducted using well 3-3307-20 as a pumping well and well 3-3307-21 as an observation well. Well-construction data, logs of drilling notes, geologic descriptions for the samples, and aquifer-test data are presented for the wells. The wells are two of twelve exploratory wells drilled in the north-central Oahu area between July 1993 and May 1994 in cooperation with the Honolulu Board of Water Supply.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Not Available

Gulf Research and Development Company is implementing a DOE-sponsored Underground Coal Gasification project in Steeply Dipping Coal Beds (UCG/SDB) in order to assess the economic and technical viability of UCG in SDB. In the Fall 1980 drilling program, 2 vertical and 2 slant process wells; 3 hydrologic and 1 exploratory well and 4 HFEM wells were completed. The Spring, 1981 program will consist of drilling the remaining instrumentation wells necessary to track the progress of the underground reactor in real time. These will consist of: 6 additional High Frequency Electromagnetic wells (HFEM) and 3 extensometer wells (X). These wells willmore » be installed vertically with an expected deviation of two degrees or less.« less

Impact of exploratory offshore drilling on benthic communities in the Minerva gas field, Port Campbell, Australia.

PubMed

Currie, D R; Isaacs, Leanne R

2005-04-01

Changes to benthic infauna caused by exploratory gas drilling operations in the Minerva field were examined experimentally using a BACI (before, after, control, impact) design. Analysis of 72 x 0.1 m2 Smith-McIntyre grab samples obtained from one pre-drilling and three post-drilling periods yielded a diverse fauna consisting of 196 invertebrate species and 5035 individuals. Changes to benthic community structure were assessed using ANOVA and nonmetric multidimensional scaling (MDS). The abundances of two common species (Apseudes sp. 1 and Prionospio coorilla) decreased significantly at the well-head site immediately after drilling. The size of these reductions in abundance ranged between 71% and 88%, and persisted for less than 4 months after drilling. A third common species (Katlysia sp. 1) increased in abundance 200 m east of the well-head following drilling. Most species occurred at densities too low to be analysed individually and so were pooled at higher taxonomic levels. Changes in the abundance of species aggregated by phylum varied, but significant declines in the most abundant phyla (Crustaceans and Polychaetes) of 45-73% were observed at all sites within a 100 m radius of the well-head following drilling. In most cases these changes became undetectable four months after drilling following species recruitments. MDS ordinations confirm that drilling related changes to benthic community structure are most pronounced at stations located closest to the well-head. Additionally, the ordinations indicate that modified communities persist at the well-head for more than 11 months following exploratory drilling.

Improved diamond coring bits developed for dry and chip-flush drilling

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Decker, W. E.; Hampe, W. R.; Hampton, W. H.; Simon, A. B.

1971-01-01

Two rotary diamond bit designs, one operating with a chip-flushing fluid, the second including auger section to remove drilled chips, enhance usefulness of tool for exploratory and industrial core-drilling of hard, abrasive mineral deposits and structural masonry.

26 CFR 1.617-1 - Exploration expenditures.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

... commercial exploitation by the taxpayer. For example, core drilling expenditures paid or incurred by the... of this section. Expenditures paid or incurred in connection with core drilling to further delineate... meaning of this section. Also, expenditures for exploratory drilling from within a producing mine to...

26 CFR 1.617-1 - Exploration expenditures.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... commercial exploitation by the taxpayer. For example, core drilling expenditures paid or incurred by the... of this section. Expenditures paid or incurred in connection with core drilling to further delineate... meaning of this section. Also, expenditures for exploratory drilling from within a producing mine to...

26 CFR 1.617-1 - Exploration expenditures.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... commercial exploitation by the taxpayer. For example, core drilling expenditures paid or incurred by the... of this section. Expenditures paid or incurred in connection with core drilling to further delineate... meaning of this section. Also, expenditures for exploratory drilling from within a producing mine to...

26 CFR 1.617-1 - Exploration expenditures.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... commercial exploitation by the taxpayer. For example, core drilling expenditures paid or incurred by the... of this section. Expenditures paid or incurred in connection with core drilling to further delineate... meaning of this section. Also, expenditures for exploratory drilling from within a producing mine to...

26 CFR 1.617-1 - Exploration expenditures.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

... commercial exploitation by the taxpayer. For example, core drilling expenditures paid or incurred by the... of this section. Expenditures paid or incurred in connection with core drilling to further delineate... meaning of this section. Also, expenditures for exploratory drilling from within a producing mine to...

26 CFR 1.638-1 - Continental Shelf areas.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

... exploitation of oil and is physically present on an offshore oil drilling platform operated by employees of L... a foreign country, designs equipment for use on oil drilling platforms affixed to the continental... corporation, to engage in exploratory oil drilling activities on a leasehold held by Y Corporation. Such...

26 CFR 1.638-1 - Continental Shelf areas.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... exploitation of oil and is physically present on an offshore oil drilling platform operated by employees of L... a foreign country, designs equipment for use on oil drilling platforms affixed to the continental... corporation, to engage in exploratory oil drilling activities on a leasehold held by Y Corporation. Such...

26 CFR 1.638-1 - Continental Shelf areas.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

... exploitation of oil and is physically present on an offshore oil drilling platform operated by employees of L... a foreign country, designs equipment for use on oil drilling platforms affixed to the continental... corporation, to engage in exploratory oil drilling activities on a leasehold held by Y Corporation. Such...

26 CFR 1.638-1 - Continental Shelf areas.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... exploitation of oil and is physically present on an offshore oil drilling platform operated by employees of L... a foreign country, designs equipment for use on oil drilling platforms affixed to the continental... corporation, to engage in exploratory oil drilling activities on a leasehold held by Y Corporation. Such...

Conoco's new approach to drill site construction in difficult, remote, swamp and jungle terrain Irian Jaya, Indonesia

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Roodriguez, F.H.

1984-02-01

In October 1982, Conoco Irian Jaya as operator: and partners: Pertamina, Inpex Bintuni Limited, and Moeco Irian Jaya Company, mobilized construction equipment from Singapore to the KBS ''A'' contract area in Irian Jaya, Indonesia for the purpose of constructing a base camp and drill three exploratory sites. What made this construction effort different from others previously used in Irian Jaya; was that it incorporated several new and unique features, namely: a turnkey approach to construction; that is Conoco providing complete set of specifications and conditions with contractor assuming risks for a lump sum payment; special equipment designed by contractor formore » Irian Jaya operations; an incentive to co pensate or penalize contractor for helicopter hours flown below or above a predetermined number; structural steel pile platform designs for two swamp locations (Ayot and Aum), as opposed to the more conventional corduroy timber log-plank arrangement; and drilling rig pads designed for specific heli-rig with limited extra space. All work was successfully completed within the time frame stipulated in the contract, that is five months from the time the contractor was notified to begin mobilization of equipment, materials and personnel.« less

Small County: Development of a Virtual Environment for Instruction in Geological Characterization of Petroleum Reservoirs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Banz, B.; Bohling, G.; Doveton, J.

2008-12-01

Traditional programs of geological education continue to be focused primarily on the evaluation of surface or near-surface geology accessed at outcrops and shallow boreholes. However, most students who graduate to careers in geology work almost entirely on subsurface problems, interpreting drilling records and petrophysical logs from exploration and production wells. Thus, college graduates commonly find themselves ill-prepared when they enter the petroleum industry and require specialized training in drilling and petrophysical log interpretation. To aid in this training process, we are developing an environment for interactive instruction in the geological aspects of petroleum reservoir characterization employing a virtual subsurface closely reflecting the geology of the US mid-continent, in the fictional setting of Small County, Kansas. Stochastic simulation techniques are used to generate the subsurface characteristics, including the overall geological structure, distributions of facies, porosity, and fluid saturations, and petrophysical logs. The student then explores this subsurface by siting exploratory wells and examining drilling and petrophysical log records obtained from those wells. We are developing the application using the Eclipse Rich Client Platform, which allows for the rapid development of a platform-agnostic application while providing an immersive graphical interface. The application provides an array of views to enable relevant data display and student interaction. One such view is an interactive map of the county allowing the student to view the locations of existing well bores and select pertinent data overlays such as a contour map of the elevation of an interesting interval. Additionally, from this view a student may choose the site of a new well. Another view emulates a drilling log, complete with drilling rate plot and iconic representation of examined drill cuttings. From here, students are directed to stipulate subsurface lithology and interval tops as they progress through the drilling operation. Once the interpretation process is complete, the student is guided through an exercise emulating a drill stem test and then is prompted to decide on perforation intervals. The application provides a graphical framework by which the student is guided through well site selection, drilling data interpretation, and well completion or dry-hole abandonment, creating a tight feedback loop by which the student gains an over-arching view of drilling logistics and the subsurface data evaluation process.

Beowawe Geothermal Area evaluation program. Final report

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Iovenitti, J. L

Several exploration programs were conducted at the Beowawe Geothermal Prospect, Lander and Eureka County, Nevada. Part I, consisting of a shallow temperature hole program, a mercury soil sampling survey, and a self-potential survey were conducted in order to select the optimum site for an exploratory well. Part II consisted of drilling a 5927-foot exploratory well, running geophysical logs, conducting a drill stem test (2937-3208 feet), and a short-term (3-day) flow test (1655-2188 feet). All basic data collected is summarized.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Phetteplace, D.R.; Kunze, J.F.

The Geothermal Exploratory Well Project for the City of Alamosa, Colorado is summarized. In September, 1980, the City of Alamosa made application to the US Department of Energy for a program which, in essence, provided for the Department of Energy to insure that the City would not risk more than 10% of the total cost in the well if the well was a failure. If the well was a complete success, such as 650 gpm and 230/sup 0/F temperature, the City was responsible for 80% of the costs for drilling the well and there would be no further obligation frommore » the Department of Energy. The well was drilled in November and early December, 1981, and remedial work was done in May and June 1982. The total drilled depth was 7118 ft. The well was cased to 4182 ft., with a slotted liner to 6084 ft. The maximum down hole temperature recorded was 190/sup 0/F at 6294 ft. Testing immediately following the remedial work indicated the well had virtually no potential to produce water.« less

Phase 1 drilling operations at the Magma Energy Exploratory Well (LVF 51-20)

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Finger, J.T.; Jacobson, R.D.

1990-12-01

This report describes the Phase 1 drilling operations for the Magma Energy Exploratory Well near Mammoth Lakes, California. An important part of the Department of Energy's Magma Energy Program, this well is designed to reach an ultimate depth of 20,000 feet or a bottomhole temperature of 500{degree}C, whichever comes first. There will be four drilling phases, at least a year apart, with scientific investigations in the borehole between the drilling intervals. Phase 1 of this project resulted in a 20 inch cased hole to 2558 feet, with 185 feet of coring beyond that. This document comprises a narrative of themore » daily activities, copies of the daily mud and lithologic reports, time breakdowns of rig activities, inventories of lost circulation materials, temperature logs of the cored hole, and a strip chart mud log. 2 figs.« less

Effects of non-aqueous fluids cuttings discharge from exploratory drilling activities on the deep-sea macrobenthic communities

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Santos, M. F. L.; Lana, P. C.; Silva, J.; Fachel, J. G.; Pulgati, F. H.

2009-01-01

This paper assesses the effects of non-aqueous fluids (NAFs-type III) cuttings discharge from exploratory drilling activities on deep-sea macrobenthic communities in the Campos Basin, off the southeastern Brazilian coast, Rio de Janeiro State. One hundred and fifty nine sediment samples were taken with a 0.25 m 2 box corer at a depth of 902 m on three monitoring cruises: first cruise—before drilling (April 2001), second cruise—after drilling (July 2001), and third cruise—one year after drilling (July 2002). The results indicated no significant changes in values of density, number of families and functional groups related to drilling activities in the reference area (2500 m distance), and biological variations may be result from the natural variability of the fauna. Evidence indicates that drilling activities led to measurable effects on the community structure related to NAF cuttings discharge but were limited to a 500 m radius from the drilling well. Such effects were much more evident at isolated sites in the impact area (WBF and WBF+NAF areas) and are characterized as localized impacts. One year after drilling, a recolonization was observed, with the probable recovery of the macrobenthic community in most of the study area; only at part of the WBF+NAF area (stations 05, 24 and 36) was the community still undergoing recovery.

STANSBURY ROADLESS AREAS, UTAH.

USGS Publications Warehouse

Sorensen, Martin L.; Kness, Richard F.

1984-01-01

A mineral-resource survey of the Stansbury Roadless Areas, Utah was conducted and showed that there is little likelihood for the occurrence of metallic mineral resources in the areas. Limestone and dolomite underlie approximately 50 acres in the roadless areas and constitute a nonmetallic mineral resource of undetermined value. The oil and gas potential is not known and cannot be assessed without exploratory geophysical and drilling programs. There are no known geothermal resources. An extensive program of geophysical exploration and exploratory drilling would be necessary to determine the potential for oil and gas in the Stansbury Roadless Areas.

Results of the exploratory drill hole Ue5n,Frenchman Flat, Nevada Test Site. [Geologic and geophysical parameters of selected locations with anomalous seismic signals

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ramspott, L.D.; McArthur, R.D.

1977-02-18

Exploratory hole Ue5n was drilled to a depth of 514 m in central Frenchmam Flat, Nevada Test Site, as part of a program sponsored by the Nuclear Monitoring Office (NMO) of the Advanced Research Projects Agency (ARPA) to determine the geologic and geophysical parameters of selected locations with anomalous seismic signals. The specific goal of drilling Ue5n was to provide the site characteristics for emplacement sites U5b and U5e. We present here data on samples, geophysical logs, lithology and stratigraphy, and depth to the water table. From an analysis of the measurements of the physical properties, a set of recommendedmore » values is given.« less

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

McGrew, H.J.

Exploration in central and southern Africa continued to expand during 1980. The greatest concentration of activity was in Nigeria. However, there was considerable increase in the level of exploratory work in Cameroon and Congo. Significant new finds have been made in Ivory Coast. Geological and geophysical activity was carried out in 18 of the countries, with those in the western part having the largest share. Seismic work involved 225 party months of operation. Most of this time was spent on land, but marine operations accounted for 73,389 km of new control. Gravity and magnetic data were recorded during the marinemore » surveys, and several large aeromagnetic projects were undertaken to obtain a total of 164,498 line km of data. Exploratory and development drilling accounted for a total of 304 wells and 2,605,044 ft (794,212 m) of hole. The 92 exploratory wells that were drilled resulted in 47 oil and gas discoveries. In development drilling 89% of the 212 wells were successful. At the end of the year, 27 exploratory wells were underway, and 34 development wells were being drilled for a total of 61. Oil production from the countries that this review covers was 918,747,009 bbl in 1980, a drop of about 9% from the previous year. Countries showing a decline in production were Nigeria, Gabon, Cabinda, and Zaire. Increases were recorded in Cameroon, Congo, and Ghana. A new country was added to the list of producers when production from the Belier field in Ivory Coast came on stream. 33 figures, 15 tables.« less

Design and installation of a subsea multiwell drilling template at Garden Banks Block 189

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Domangue, R.J.

1991-09-01

This paper describes the economics, design, and installation of a simple drilling template that was used to retain or save subsea exploratory and delineation wells in Garden Banks Block 189 (GB 189) in the Gulf of Mexico.

33 CFR 209.138a - Authorization for exploratory drilling in the Gulf of Santa Catalina, Calif.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... feasible to perform exploratory work from outside the traffic lanes or 1/4 mile buffer zones, or... cables, anchors, buoys, or other associated equipment within the traffic lanes, 1/4 mile buffer zones, or...

33 CFR 209.138a - Authorization for exploratory drilling in the Gulf of Santa Catalina, Calif.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... feasible to perform exploratory work from outside the traffic lanes or 1/4 mile buffer zones, or... cables, anchors, buoys, or other associated equipment within the traffic lanes, 1/4 mile buffer zones, or...

33 CFR 209.138a - Authorization for exploratory drilling in the Gulf of Santa Catalina, Calif.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... feasible to perform exploratory work from outside the traffic lanes or 1/4 mile buffer zones, or... cables, anchors, buoys, or other associated equipment within the traffic lanes, 1/4 mile buffer zones, or...

77 FR 3771 - Notice of Issuance of Final Outer Continental Shelf Air Permit for Shell Offshore, Inc.

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-01-25

... drilling vessels (the Transocean Deepwater Nautilus, the Noble Bully I or the Noble Bully II) and support vessels to conduct exploratory drilling for up to 150 days per year over five to ten years in multiple...

25 CFR 226.22 - Prohibition of pollution.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... all times conduct their operations and drill, equip, operate, produce, plug and abandon all wells drilled for oil or gas, service wells or exploratory wells (including seismic, core and stratigraphic... LANDS FOR OIL AND GAS MINING Operations § 226.22 Prohibition of pollution. (a) All operators...

25 CFR 226.22 - Prohibition of pollution.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

... all times conduct their operations and drill, equip, operate, produce, plug and abandon all wells drilled for oil or gas, service wells or exploratory wells (including seismic, core and stratigraphic... LANDS FOR OIL AND GAS MINING Operations § 226.22 Prohibition of pollution. (a) All operators...

25 CFR 226.22 - Prohibition of pollution.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

... all times conduct their operations and drill, equip, operate, produce, plug and abandon all wells drilled for oil or gas, service wells or exploratory wells (including seismic, core and stratigraphic... LANDS FOR OIL AND GAS MINING Operations § 226.22 Prohibition of pollution. (a) All operators...

How Pecten Brazil drilled the Amazon basin

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Bleakley, W.B.

1983-09-01

Pecten Brazil overcame numerous obstacles to drill two exploratory wells in the Amazon Basin last year. These included: The threat of low water in normally navigable rivers. Dense jungle growth at both locations. Lack of suitable roads for heavy hauling. Inconvenient distances from supply points. An unusual basalt formation responsible for unique drilling problems. Hundreds of helicopter lifts to move drilling rigs, supplies, and personnel. Pecten contracted with Petrobras, the Brazilian national oil company, to evaluate three blocks in the Amazon jungle, each about 68 miles (110 km) on a side, through seismic study and ultimate drilling. Planning for themore » drilling phase got started on March 17, 1981 with December 1 targeted as spud date for the first well. Actual spud date was November 25, 5 days ahead of schedule, in spite of all obstacles. Pecten has a mid-Amazonas block now under seismic investigation for possible exploratory drilling. Logistics problems in this one provide new difficulties, as the area is extremely wet. Most work is carried on by boat. The company is also looking offshore Bahia, testing the possible extension of the Renconcavo basin. Two wells have already provided good shows of a high pour point oil, with flow rates from 400 to 1,000 b/d. Another area of interest to Pecten is offshore Rio Grande do Norte.« less

76 FR 76689 - Cibola National Forest, Mount Taylor Ranger District, NM, Mount Taylor Combined Exploratory Drilling

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-12-08

... the drill pad would measure 4 by 20 feet and be approximately 5 feet deep. An estimated 1.45 acres of... the drill pad would measure 8 by 10 feet and be approximately 6 feet deep. An estimated 42.64 acres of... the proposal will be posted on the project Web site at http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php...

Geothermal observation wells, Mt. Hood, Oregon. Final report, October 4, 1977-July 9, 1979

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Covert, W.F.; Meyer, H.J.

1979-11-01

Exploration drilling operations were conducted which included the deepening of an existing hole, designated as Old Maid Flat No. 1, from 1850 ft (564 m) to 4002 (1220 m) on the western approaches to Mt. Hood and the drilling of three new holes ranging from 940 ft (287 m) to 1340 ft (409 m). The Clear Fork hole, located in Old Maid Flat, was drilled to 1320 ft (402 m). The Zigzag hole was drilled to 940 ft (287 m) at the southwestern base of Mt. Hood in the Zigzag River valley. The remaining hole was drilled on the Timberlinemore » Lodge grounds which is on the south flank of Mt. Hood at an elevation of about 6000 ft (1829 m) above sea level. The deepening project designated as Old Maid Flat No. 1 encountered a maximum bottom hole temperature of about 180/sup 0/F (82/sup 0/C) and is to this date the deepest exploratory hole in the Mt. Hood vicinity. No significant drilling problems were encountered. The Clear Fork and Zigzag River holes were completed without significant problems. The Timberline Lodge hole encountered severe drilling conditions, including unconsolidated formations. Two strings of tools were left in the hole from structural collapse of the hole. The hole was scheduled as a 2000 ft (610 m) test. Drilling did not proceed beyond 1350 ft (412 m) and due to junk it was unobstructed to a depth of 838 ft (255 m). Observation pipe was installed to 735 ft (224 m) due to further disintegration of the hole. The work was prematurely terminated due to weather conditions.« less

Biological assessment: possible impacts of exploratory drilling in Section 18B, Naval Petroleum Reserve No. 2, Kern County, California on the endangered San Joaquin kit fox, blunt-nosed leopard lizard, and other sensitive species

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

O'Farrell, T.P.

1981-11-01

The proposed site is thought to provide habitat for the endangered an Joaquin kit fox and blunt-nosed leopard lizard, as well as the giant kangaroo rat and San Joaquin antelope ground squirrel. The objective of this study was to assess the possible impacts of the exploratory drilling on these species and their essential habitats. The proposed project will have four phases: (1) surveying; (2) site preparation; (3) drilling, logging, and testing; and (4) cleanup and restoration. During site preparation approximately 1.5 acres of vegetation and surface soils will be removed for an access road and well pad. During a 20-daymore » drilling, logging, and testing phase, there will be increased vehicular traffic, human activities, noise and ground vibrations, and illumination during the night. Although 1.5 acres of habitat will be disturbed, there is no evidence to indicate any of the species has burrows on-site that will be lost during land clearing. Loss of habitat will be mitigated during the cleanup and restoration phases when disturbed areas will be revegetated. Increased traffic, human activities, noise and ground vibration levels, as well as illumination throughout the night, may disturb the fauna. However, these species have adapted to intensive human disturbances on Elk Hills without obvious negative effects. The most direct threat to the species is the possibility that they might be killed by vehicles. Since the project poses so few threats to individual endangered or sensitive species, and since minor habitat disturbances will be mitigated during a restoration program, it is unlikely that completion of the project jeopardizes the continued existence of any of the species or their essential habitats. (ERB)« less

Recovery of Benthic Megafauna from Anthropogenic Disturbance at a Hydrocarbon Drilling Well (380 m Depth in the Norwegian Sea)

PubMed Central

Gates, Andrew R.; Jones, Daniel O. B.

2012-01-01

Recovery from disturbance in deep water is poorly understood, but as anthropogenic impacts increase in deeper water it is important to quantify the process. Exploratory hydrocarbon drilling causes physical disturbance, smothering the seabed near the well. Video transects obtained by remotely operated vehicles were used to assess the change in invertebrate megafaunal density and diversity caused by drilling a well at 380 m depth in the Norwegian Sea in 2006. Transects were carried out one day before drilling commenced and 27 days, 76 days, and three years later. A background survey, further from the well, was also carried out in 2009. Porifera (45% of observations) and Cnidaria (40%) dominated the megafauna. Porifera accounted for 94% of hard-substratum organisms and cnidarians (Pennatulacea) dominated on the soft sediment (78%). Twenty seven and 76 days after drilling commenced, drill cuttings were visible, extending over 100 m from the well. In this area there were low invertebrate megafaunal densities (0.08 and 0.10 individuals m−2) in comparison to pre-drill conditions (0.21 individuals m−2). Three years later the visible extent of the cuttings had reduced, reaching 60 m from the well. Within this area the megafaunal density (0.05 individuals m−2) was lower than pre-drill and reference transects (0.23 individuals m−2). There was a significant increase in total megafaunal invertebrate densities with both distance from drilling and time since drilling although no significant interaction. Beyond the visible disturbance there were similar megafaunal densities (0.14 individuals m−2) to pre-drilling and background surveys. Species richness, Shannon-Weiner diversity and multivariate techniques showed similar patterns to density. At this site the effects of exploratory drilling on megafaunal invertebrate density and diversity seem confined to the extent of the visible cuttings pile. However, elevated Barium concentration and reduced sediment grain size suggest persistence of disturbance for three years, with unclear consequences for other components of the benthic fauna. PMID:23056177

Methods of measurement of exploratory well impacts, offshore Florida

USGS Publications Warehouse

Dustan, Phillip A.; Kindinger, Jack L.; Lidz, B.H.; Hudson, J.H.

1990-01-01

Six offshore oil well tests were drilled off Key West in the late 1950s and early 1960s. Two wells were drilled on coral bottom, two on carbonate sand, and two on mixed turtle grass and gorgonian/sponge hardbottom. After locating the sites with a proton magnetometer; several underwater assessment methods were used to measure the ecological impacts of drilling. Because of differing environments and bottom types, no single method was applicable at every site.

Estimating usable resources from historical industry data

USGS Publications Warehouse

Cargill, S.M.; Root, D.H.; Bailey, E.H.

1981-01-01

Historical production statistics are used to predict the quantity of remaining usable resources. The commodities considered are mercury, copper and its byproducts gold and silver, and petroleum; the production and discovery data are for the United States. The results of the study indicate that the cumulative return per unit of effort, herein measured as grade of metal ores and discovery rate of recoverable petroleum, is proportional to a negative power of total effort expended, herein measured as total ore mined and total exploratory wells or footage drilled. This power relationship can be extended to some limiting point (a lower ore grade or a maximum number of exploratory wells or footage), and the apparent quantity of available remaining resource at that limit can be calculated. For mercury ore of grades at and above 0.1 percent, the remaining usable resource in the United States is calculated to be 54 million kg (1,567,000 flasks). For copper ore of grades at and above 0.2 percent, the remaining usable copper resource is calculated to be 270 million metric tons (298 million short tons); remaining resources of its by-products gold and silver are calculated to be 3,656 metric tons (118 million troy ounces) and 64,676 metric tons (2,079 million troy ounces), respectively. The undiscovered recoverable crude oil resource in the conterminous United States, at 3 billion feet of additional exploratory drilling, is calculated to be nearly 37.6 billion barrels; the undiscovered recoverable petroleum resource in the Permian basin of western Texas and southeastern New Mexico, at 300 million feet of additional exploratory drilling or 50,000 additional exploratory wells, is calculated to be about 6.2 billion BOE (barrels of oil equivalent).

75 FR 18404 - Safety Zone; FRONTIER DISCOVERER, Outer Continental Shelf Drillship, Chukchi and Beaufort Sea...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-04-12

... on location in order to drill exploratory wells at various prospects located in the Chukchi and Beaufort Sea Outer Continental Shelf, Alaska, during the 2010 drilling season. The purpose of the temporary... allisions, oil spills, and releases of natural gas, and thereby protect the safety of life, property, and...

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hartman, J.B.; Walker, T.L.

Significant rightholding changes took place in central and southern Africa during 1987. Angola, Benin, Congo, Gabon, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Mauritania, Seychelles, Somali Republic, Tanzania, Zaire, and Zambia announced awards or acreage open for bidding. Decreases in exploratory rightholdings occurred in Cameroon, Congo, Cote d'Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Kenya, Namibia, South Africa, and Tanzania. More wells and greater footage were drilled in 1987 than in 1986. Total wells increased by 18% as 254 wells were completed compared to 217 in 1986. Footage drilled during the year increased by 46% as about 1.9 million ft were drilled compared to about 1.3more » million ft in 1986. The success rate for exploration wells in 1987 improved slightly to 36% compared to 34% in 1986. Significant discoveries were made in Nigeria, Angola, Congo, and Gabon. Seismic acquisition in 1987 was the major geophysical activity during the year. Total oil production in 1987 was 773 million bbl (about 2.1 million b/d), a decrease of 7%. The decrease is mostly due to a 14% drop in Nigerian production, which comprises 60% of total regional production. The production share of OPEC countries (Nigeria and Gabon) versus non-OPEC countries of 67% remained unchanged from 1986. 24 figs., 5 tabs.« less

Managing Geothermal Exploratory Drilling Risks Drilling Geothermal Exploration and Delineation Wells with Small-Footprint Highly Portable Diamond Core Drills

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tuttle, J.; Listi, R.; Combs, J.; Welch, V.; Reilly, S.

2012-12-01

Small hydraulic core rigs are highly portable (truck or scow-mounted), and have recently been used for geothermal exploration in areas such as Nevada, California, the Caribbean Islands, Central and South America and elsewhere. Drilling with slim diameter core rod below 7,000' is common, with continuous core recovery providing native-state geological information to aid in identifying the resource characteristics and boundaries; this is a highly cost-effective process. Benefits associated with this innovative exploration and delineation technology includes the following: Low initial Capital Equipment Cost and consumables costs Small Footprint, reducing location and road construction, and cleanup costs Supporting drill rod (10'/3meter) and tools are relatively low weight and easily shipped Speed of Mobilization and rig up Reduced requirements for support equipment (cranes, backhoes, personnel, etc) Small mud systems and cementing requirements Continuous, simplified coring capability Depth ratings comparable to that of large rotary rigs (up to ~10,000'+) Remote/small-location accessible (flown into remote areas or shipped in overseas containers) Can be scow or truck-mounted This technical presentation's primary goal is to share the technology of utilizing small, highly portable hydraulic coring rigs to provide exploratory drilling (and in some cases, production drilling) for geothermal projects. Significant cost and operational benefits are possible for the Geothermal Operator, especially for those who are pursuing projects in remote locations or countries, or in areas that are either inaccessible or in which a small footprint is required. John D. Tuttle Sinclair Well Products jtuttle@sinclairwp.com

Oman shows vision in leading Middle Eastern drilling

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ahmed-al Shanfari, S.B.

1989-12-01

Oman produced more than 600,000 bopd for the first time in 1988. The country led the Middle East in total wells drilled for the third consecutive year. This article presents an interview with H.E. Said bin Ahmed al-Shanfari, Oman's Minister of Petroleum and Minerals. Topics discussed include Oman's future production plans, Opec, future exploratory areas, and petroleum export levels.

Perturbation of seafloor bacterial community structure by drilling waste discharge.

PubMed

Nguyen, Tan T; Cochrane, Sabine K J; Landfald, Bjarne

2018-04-01

Offshore drilling operations result in the generation of drill cuttings and localized smothering of the benthic habitats. This study explores bacterial community changes in the in the upper layers of the seafloor resulting from an exploratory drilling operation at 1400m water depth on the Barents Sea continental slope. Significant restructurings of the sediment microbiota were restricted to the sampling sites notably affected by the drilling waste discharge, i.e. at 30m and 50m distances from the drilling location, and to the upper 2cm of the seafloor. Three bacterial groups, the orders Clostridiales and Desulfuromonadales and the class Mollicutes, were almost exclusively confined to the upper two centimeters at 30m distance, thereby corroborating an observed increase in anaerobicity inflicted by the drilling waste deposition. The potential of these phylogenetic groups as microbial bioindicators of the spatial extent and persistence of drilling waste discharge should be further explored. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Satellite tree subsea completions permit marginal reserves production offshore East Kalimantan, Indonesia

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Bunnell, R.L.; Hawkins, J.G.

1983-05-01

The hydrocarbon-bearing sands in the fields offshore East Kalimantan were deposited in a deltaic environment and are complicated by faulting. This faulting results in small accumulations which cannot be economically exploited by conventional means. Three of these accumulations had been discovered in the Attaka Field in water depths of 160-190 feet. Even though the weather conditions are mild, conventional platforms were ruled out on economic grounds. An alternate method employing subsea completions was found to be economically viable. This subsea system is characterized by its ''off-the-shelf'' configuration and simplicity. To reduce the possibility of required well workovers, the wells aremore » single string, gravel packed completions. This project, then, is an example of a subsea completion system being chosen for marginal reserve development based on economic grounds. Additionally, these are the first subsea completions in Indonesia and yielded much information for use in designing, scheduling, and costing similar installations. The wells were all previously drilled and suspended exploratory wells, and the completion operations were performed from a floating vessel.« less

Vegetation ecological restoration during geothermic exploratory perforation: A case study in Mexico

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ortega-Rubio, A.; Salinas, F.; Naranjo, A.

1997-12-31

At Las Tres Virgenes, B.C.S., Mexico developed the Geothermic exploratory drilling of the area. One of the main recommendations of our Environmental Impact Assessment Study includes transplantation of the plant individuals found in the zones of roads and drilling platforms. In this work we describe the methodologies used to transplant the vegetal individuals found in such zones. We listed the species selected and the survivorship rate obtained for every one of them. From a total of 4,266 transplanted individuals, including many endemic species, a total of 2349 survived. Members of the Agavaceae and Cactaceae families show the maximum survivorship rate,more » meanwhile the members of the Burseraceae, Euphorbiaceae and Fouqueriaceae families exhibited the minimum survivorship rate (between 12.7% and 20%).« less

Test wells T21, T22, and T25, White Sands Missile Range, Dona Ana County, New Mexico

USGS Publications Warehouse

Myers, R.G.

1983-01-01

Three test wells, T21, T22, and T25, were drilled at White Sands Missile Range in south-central New Mexico as part of a joint military program sponsored by the U.S. Army in September 1982. T21 and T22 were drilled as observation wells for two old landfills. T25 was drilled as an exploratory hole to obtain lithologic and borehole-geophysical data in the vicinity of the proposed replacement well for Supply Well 15. Information obtained from these wells includes borehole-geophysical and driller's logs.

Long Valley Coring Project

USGS Publications Warehouse

Sass, John; Finger, John; McConnel, Vicki

1998-01-01

In December 1997, the California Energy Commission (CEC) agreed to provide funding for Phase III continued drilling of the Long Valley Exploratory Well (LVEW) near Mammoth Lakes, CA, from its present depth. The CEC contribution of $1 million completes a funding package of $2 million from a variety of sources, which will allow the well to be cored continuously to a depth of between 11,500 and 12,500 feet. The core recovered from Phase III will be crucial to understanding the origin and history of the hydrothermal systems responsible for the filling of fractures in the basement rock. The borehole may penetrate the metamorphic roof of the large magmatic complex that has fed the volcanism responsible for the caldera and subsequent activity.

29 CFR 4.130 - Types of covered service contracts illustrated.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... services. (8) Chemical testing and analysis. (9) Clothing alteration and repair. (10) Computer services... maintenance and operation and engineering support services. (16) Exploratory drilling (other than part of...

29 CFR 4.130 - Types of covered service contracts illustrated.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... services. (8) Chemical testing and analysis. (9) Clothing alteration and repair. (10) Computer services... maintenance and operation and engineering support services. (16) Exploratory drilling (other than part of...

Chemical and biological assessment of two offshore drilling sites in the Alaskan Arctic.

PubMed

Trefry, John H; Dunton, Kenneth H; Trocine, Robert P; Schonberg, Susan V; McTigue, Nathan D; Hersh, Eric S; McDonald, Thomas J

2013-05-01

A retrospective chemical and biological study was carried out in Camden Bay, Alaskan Beaufort Sea, where single exploratory oil wells were drilled at two sites more than two decades ago. Barium from discharged drilling mud was present in sediments at concentrations as high as 14%, ~200 times above background, with significantly higher concentrations of Ba, but not other metals, within 250 m of the drilling site versus reference stations. Elevated concentrations of Cr, Cu, Hg and Pb were found only at two stations within 25 m of one drilling site. Concentrations of total polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (TPAH) were not significantly different at reference versus drilling-site stations; however, TPAH were elevated in Ba-rich layers from naturally occurring perylene in ancient formation cuttings. Infaunal biomass and species abundance were not significantly different at reference versus drilling-site stations; infauna were less diverse at drilling-site stations. Our assessment showed that discharges from single wells within large areas caused minimal long-term, adverse impacts to the benthic ecosystem. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Not Available

The Rawlins Test 2, UCG/SDB Master Well Drilling and Well Completion Plan consists of two separate reports. Part 1 consists of the Process Well Drilling and Completion Plan (Version D). This program was accomplished during the Fall 1980 drilling campaign. Four of the HFEM wells described in Part 2 were also drilled during that campaign due to early completion of the process well drilling. General program objectives are stated in this report. Part 2 consists of the Instrument Well Drilling and Completion Plan (Version B). This program is presently being accomplished in the Spring 1981 drilling campaign. Due to manymore » changes in the types, numbers and locations of the instrument wells it was written in a more general fashion to retain flexibility in the plan. The only significant changes to date from the plan are that the four HFEM wells completed during Fall 1980 were completed with 92' of Fiberglass at the bottom instead of the 210' now specified.« less

Ground-water resources investigation in the Amran Valley, Yeman Arab Republic

USGS Publications Warehouse

Tibbitts, G. Chase; Aubel, James

1980-01-01

A program of hydrologic studies and exploratory drilling was conducted intermittently between 1974 and 1978 to evaluate the water-bearing properties of the unconsolidated alluvial sediments and associated rocks in the semi-arid Amran Valley basin, an 800-square-kilometer area in north-central Yemen Arab Republic. Inventory data from 395 wells were compiled, observation well and rain-gage networks were established and 16 standard complete chemical analyses were made for samples from selected wells. The water resources of the area were overexploited. The chemical quality of the water is generally good. Four aquifer tests were run to determine transmissivity and storage characteristics. The pumping tests show that groundwater occurs under semi-confined leaky-aquifer conditions in the valley fill. Wells drilled in the alluvial fill of the south-central part of the valley have the highest yields. Wells penetrating the limestone and volcanic rocks generally have little or no yield except in fracture zones. Basalt flows occur interbedded with the wadi alluvium at several depths. Cropping out rocks in the Amran Valley range in age from late Jurassic to Holocene. (USGS)

30 CFR 250.467 - How long must I keep records?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... OFFSHORE OIL AND GAS AND SULPHUR OPERATIONS IN THE OUTER CONTINENTAL SHELF Oil and Gas Drilling Operations... . . . (a) Drilling, Ninety days after you complete drilling operations. (b) Casing and liner pressure tests, diverter tests, and BOP tests, Two years after the completion of drilling operations. (c) Completion of a...

30 CFR 250.467 - How long must I keep records?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... OFFSHORE OIL AND GAS AND SULPHUR OPERATIONS IN THE OUTER CONTINENTAL SHELF Oil and Gas Drilling Operations... . . . (a) Drilling, Ninety days after you complete drilling operations. (b) Casing and liner pressure tests, diverter tests, and BOP tests, Two years after the completion of drilling operations. (c) Completion of a...

30 CFR 250.467 - How long must I keep records?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... OFFSHORE OIL AND GAS AND SULPHUR OPERATIONS IN THE OUTER CONTINENTAL SHELF Oil and Gas Drilling Operations... . . . (a) Drilling, Ninety days after you complete drilling operations. (b) Casing and liner pressure tests, diverter tests, and BOP tests, Two years after the completion of drilling operations. (c) Completion of a...

Test wells T23, T29, and T30, White Sands Missile Range and Fort Bliss Military Reservation, Dona Ana County, New Mexico

USGS Publications Warehouse

Myers, R.G.; Pinckley, K.M.

1984-01-01

Three test wells, T23, T29, and T30, were drilled in south-central New Mexico as part of a joint military training program sponsored by the U.S. Army in November 1982. Test well T23 was drilled as an exploratory and monitoring well in the proposed Soledad well field at the Fort Bliss Military Reservation. Test wells T29 and T30 were drilled at White Sands Missile Range. Test well T29 was drilled as an observation well in the vicinity of the outfall channel from the sewage treatment plant. Test well T30 was drilled as an observation well for a landfill south of the well site. Information obtained from these wells includes lithologic logs for all wells and borehole-geophysical logs from the cased wells for test wells T29 and T30. (USGS)

Impacts of exploratory drilling for oil and gas on the benthic environment of Georges Bank

USGS Publications Warehouse

Neff, J. M.; Bothner, Michael H.; Maciolek, N. J.; Grassle, J. F.

1989-01-01

Cluster analysis revealed a strong relationship between community structure and both sediment type and water depth. Little seasonal variation was detected, but some interannual differences were revealed by cluster analysis and correspondence analysis. The replicates from a station always resembled each other more than they resembled any replicates from other stations. In addition, the combined replicates from a station always clustered with samples from that station taken on other cruises. This excellent replication and uniformity of the benthic infaunal community at a station over time made it possible to detect very subtle changes in community parameters that might be related to discharges of drilling fluid and drill cuttings. Nevertheless, no changes were detected in benthic communities of Georges Bank that could be attributed to drilling activities.

Occupational-Specific Strength Predicts Astronaut-Related Task Performance in a Weighted Suit.

PubMed

Taylor, Andrew; Kotarsky, Christopher J; Bond, Colin W; Hackney, Kyle J

2018-01-01

Future space missions beyond low Earth orbit will require deconditioned astronauts to perform occupationally relevant tasks within a planetary spacesuit. The prediction of time-to-completion (TTC) of astronaut tasks will be critical for crew safety, autonomous operations, and mission success. This exploratory study determined if the addition of task-specific strength testing to current standard lower body testing would enhance the prediction of TTC in a 1-G test battery. Eight healthy participants completed NASA lower body strength tests, occupationally specific strength tests, and performed six task simulations (hand drilling, construction wrenching, incline walking, collecting weighted samples, and dragging an unresponsive crewmember to safety) in a 48-kg weighted suit. The TTC for each task was recorded and summed to obtain a total TTC for the test battery. Linear regression was used to predict total TTC with two models: 1) NASA lower body strength tests; and 2) NASA lower body strength tests + occupationally specific strength tests. Total TTC of the test battery ranged from 20.2-44.5 min. The lower body strength test alone accounted for 61% of the variability in total TTC. The addition of hand drilling and wrenching strength tests accounted for 99% of the variability in total TTC. Adding occupationally specific strength tests (hand drilling and wrenching) to standard lower body strength tests successfully predicted total TTC in a performance test battery within a weighted suit. Future research should couple these strength tests with higher fidelity task simulations to determine the utility and efficacy of task performance prediction.Taylor A, Kotarsky CJ, Bond CW, Hackney KJ. Occupational-specific strength predicts astronaut-related task performance in a weighted suit. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2018; 89(1):58-62.

Biological assessment: possible impacts of exploratory drilling in sections 8B and 18H, Naval Petroleum Reserve No. 2, Kern County, California on the endangered San Joaquin kit fox, blunt-nosed leopard lizard, and other sensitive species

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

O'Farrell, T.P.; Sauls, M.L.

1982-07-01

The U.S. Department of Energy proposes to drill exploratory wells on two sections, 8B and 18H, within Naval Petroleum Reserve No. 2 in western Kern County, California. The proposed sites are thought to provide habitat for the endangered San Joaquin kit fox and blunt-nosed leopard lizard, as well as two sensitive species: the giant kangaroo rat and San Joaquin antelope ground squirrel. The objective was to assess the possible impacts of the exploratory drilling on these species and their essential habitats. Although 23 potential San Joaquin kit fox den sites were found during surveys of a total of 512 hamore » (1280 acres) surrounding both well sites, no burrows were closer than 30 m from proposed disturbance, and most were over 200 m away. Two blunt-nosed leopard lizards were observed on private land within 8B, one was observed on private land in 18H, and two were seen on DOE portions of 18H. No evidence of blunt-nosed leopard lizards was gathered in the immediate vicinity of either proposed well site. Although 5 ha of habitat will be disturbed, there is no evidence to indicate any of the species has burrows on-site that will be lost during land clearing. Loss of habitat will be mitigated during the cleanup and restoration phases when disturbed areas will be revegetated. Increased traffic, human activities, noise and ground vibration levels, as well as illumination throughout the night, may disturb the fauna. However, these species have adapted to intensive human disturbances on Elk Hills without obvious negative effects. The short duration of the project should allow any displaced animals to return to the sites after drilling ceases.« less

Deepwater Horizon Situation Report #5

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

None

2010-06-10

At approximately 11:00 pm EDT April 20, 2010 an explosion occurred aboard the Deepwater Horizon mobile offshore drilling unit (MODU) located 52 miles Southeast of Venice, LA and 130 miles southeast of New Orleans, LA. The MODU was drilling an exploratory well and was not producing oil at the time of the incident. The Deepwater Horizon MODU sank 1,500 feet northwest of the well site. Detailed information on response and recovery operations can be found at: http://www.deepwaterhorizonresponse.com/go/site/2931/

Results and interpretation of exploratory drilling near the Picacho Fault, south-central Arizona

USGS Publications Warehouse

Holzer, Thomas L.

1978-01-01

Modern surface faulting along the Picacho fault, east of Picacho, Arizona, has been attributed to ground-water withdrawal. In September 1977, three exploratory test holes were drilled 5 km east of Picacho and across the Picacho fault to investigate subsurface conditions and the mechanism of the faulting. The holes were logged by conventional geophysical and geologic methods. Piezometers were set in each hole and have been monitored since September 1977. The drilling indicates that the unconsolidated alluvium beneath the surface fault is approximately 310 m thick. Drilling and piezometer data and an associated seismic refraction survey indicate that the modern faulting is coincident with a preexisting, high-angle, normal fault that offsets units within the alluvium as well as the underlying bedrock. Piezometer and neutron log data indicate that the preexisting fault behaves as a partial ground-water barrier. Monitoring of the piezometers indicates that the magnitude of the man-induced difference in water level across the preexisting fault is seasonal in nature, essentially disappearing during periods of water-level recovery. The magnitude of the seasonal difference in water level, however, appears to be sufficient to account for the modern fault offset by localized differential compaction caused by a difference in water level across the preexisting fault. In addition, repeated level surveys since September 1977 of bench marks across the surface fault and near the piezometers have indicated fault movement that corresponds to fluctuations of water level.

Interest focuses on exploratory areas

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Stremel, K.

1984-10-01

Speculative geophysical programs are underway in sparsely drilled areas throughout the southern Rocky Mountain region. Responding to significant operator interest generated by new production in Nevada, a few contractors are designing programs to establish optimum recording parameters. Geophysical exploration activities in Colorado and Utah are discussed.

33 CFR 209.138a - Authorization for exploratory drilling in the Gulf of Santa Catalina, Calif.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... CORPS OF ENGINEERS, DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY, DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURE § 209.138a... the precautionary zone, at a depth of less than 100 feet, unless such equipment is marked with class I...

33 CFR 209.138a - Authorization for exploratory drilling in the Gulf of Santa Catalina, Calif.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... CORPS OF ENGINEERS, DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY, DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURE § 209.138a... the precautionary zone, at a depth of less than 100 feet, unless such equipment is marked with class I...

Environmental Assessment for Atlantic White Cedar Restoration Project at Dare County Range, Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-12-23

bond of$5,000 with ENR running to Stale of NC: conditional that n Permit to drill exploratory oil or gas well m1y well opened by drill operator shall...Native American Consultation B – U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Endangered Species Consultation C – Greenhouse Gas Estimates D – Air Emissions...on the north by the Albemarle Sound, on the west by the Alligator River, on the east by the Croatan Sound, and on the southeast by the Pamlico Sound

Ouachitas need more exploratory drilling

USGS Publications Warehouse

Suneson, Neil H.; Campbell, Jock A.

1990-01-01

The Ouachita Mountains in southeastern Oklahoma and western Arkansas are part of a mostly buried late Paleozoic fold and thrust belt that extends from Alabama to northern Mexico. The principal hydrocarbon reservoirs in the Ouachita tectonic province can be subdivided into those that produce natural gas from shallow-water units and those that produce oil and/or natural gas from deep-water units. They can also be divided into those that are fractured and those that produce from primary pore spaces or vugs. The first successful oil well in the Ouachita Mountains was drilled in 1913 or 1914. Since the discovery of the Redden field, over 800 oil and gas wells have been drilled in the Ouachita tectonic province in Oklahoma. Yet, most of the region remains little explored.

Drilling the first horizontal well in the Gulf of Mexico; A case history of East Cameron Block 278 Well B-12

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Fisher, E.K.; French, M.R.

East Cameron Block 278 Well B-12 was the first horizontal well drilled in the Gulf of Mexico. This gas well, located in the Texaco Inc. operated Eat Cameron 265 field, was drilled and completed in May 1990. The objective formation was a high-permeability, shallow, unconsolidated gas sand located about 1,450 ft below the mudline (BML). The success of this well proved that horizontal wells are viable alternatives to extended-reach development wells from offshore platforms in the Gulf of Mexico. The cost to drill and complete this horizontal well was less than comparable extended-reach development wells drilled in the same field.more » A minimal increase in drilling costs accompanied by considerable savings in completion costs resulted in favorable economics for the project. Drilling a shallow horizontal well in the Gulf of Mexico presented several challenges. This paper discusses prewell planning, formulation of contingency plans, and implementation of a drilling/completion program designed to meet these challenges.« less

Preliminary identification of potentially disruptive scenarios at the Greater Confinement Disposal Facility, Area 5 of the Nevada Test Site

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Guzowski, R.V.; Newman, G.

1993-12-01

The Greater Confinement Disposal location is being evaluated to determine whether defense-generated transuranic waste buried at this location complies with the Containment Requirements established by the US Environmental Protection Agency. One step in determining compliance is to identify those combinations of events and processes (scenarios) that define possible future states of the disposal system for which performance assessments must be performed. An established scenario-development procedure was used to identify a comprehensive set of mutually exclusive scenarios. To assure completeness, 761 features, events, processes, and other listings (FEPS) were compiled from 11 references. This number was reduced to 205 primarily throughmore » the elimination of duplications. The 205 FEPs were screened based on site-specific, goal-specific, and regulatory criteria. Four events survived screening and were used in preliminary scenario development: (1) exploratory drilling penetrates a GCD borehole, (2) drilling of a withdrawal/injection well penetrates a GCD borehole, (3) subsidence occurs at the RWMS, and (4) irrigation occurs at the RWMS. A logic diagram was used to develop 16 scenarios from the four events. No screening of these scenarios was attempted at this time. Additional screening of the currently retained events and processes will be based on additional data and information from site-characterization activities. When screening of the events and processes is completed, a final set of scenarios will be developed and screened based on consequence and probability of occurrence.« less

VEGETATIVE REHABILITATION OF ARID LAND DISTURBED IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF OIL SHALE AND COAL

EPA Science Inventory

Field experiments were established on sites disturbed by exploratory drilling in the oil shale region of northeastern Utah and on disturbed sites on a potential coal mine in south central Utah. Concurrently, greenhouse studies were carried out using soil samples from disturbed si...

30 CFR 254.47 - Determining the volume of oil of your worst case discharge scenario.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... associated with the facility. In determining the daily discharge rate, you must consider reservoir characteristics, casing/production tubing sizes, and historical production and reservoir pressure data. Your...) For exploratory or development drilling operations, the size of your worst case discharge scenario is...

Oil and gas developments in far East in 1982

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Fletcher, G.L.

1983-10-01

In 1982, the Far East region was one of the brighter parts of the world for the petroleum industry. Exploratory acreage acquisition, drilling, and seismic activity maintained the busy pace set in 1981. Most parts of the Far East region showed significant and even increased activity compared with 1981. Although drilling was active in 1982, there were no nationally important oil or gas discoveries in the region. Indonesia, Philippines, Malaysia, and India all recorded multiple discoveries, but these for the most part followed the pattern of previous years. Indonesia was the most active country outside of China. A record numbermore » of exploratory and delineation wells was drilled in 1982. As in previous years, a plethora of oil and gas discoveries was recorded, but only 1 discovery, a gas discovery in onshore east Kalimantan, is possibly of major significance. Countries which had disappointing exploration programs in 1982 are Bangladesh, Burma, Japan, Philippines, and Taiwan. Exploration in these countries did little to enhance their resource bases. Production in the Far East declined slightly in 1982 to approximately 4.3 million BOPD from 4.4 million BOPD in 1981. This appears to have been mainly due to market conditions. Curtailment of production in Indonesia as a result of the worldwide oil glut offset healthy production gains in India, Malaysia, Philippines, and Thailand. The general attitude of the petroleum industry toward the region was enthusiasm for exploration prospects. Acreage acquisition was brisk in Indonesia, Malyasia, and Thailand. Drilling was on the increase in India, Indonesia, and Thailand. Seismic activity continued strong in most parts of the reporting area. Exploration appears to be alive and well in the Far East.« less

Western Newfoundland's oil; Gas hopes lie with carbonate platform

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

DeSilva, N.R.

1991-12-30

This paper reports on the presence of hydrocarbons onshore western Newfoundland that was known through numerous occurrences of oil and gas seeps and bituminous residues since early 1800s, when local residents first used it as a treatment for rheumatism. The first exploratory well was drilled in 1867, and since then a total of 60 wells have been drilled in the area. Despite the fact that most of these wells were relatively shallow, average 300--500 m, and have been drilled with limited geological control and no seismic mapping, more than half the wells encountered minor amounts of hydrocarbons with a totalmore » cumulative production of about 6,000 bbl in the early 1900s. Issuance and administration of petroleum exploration rights off Newfoundland is the responsibility of the Canada- Newfoundland Offshore Petroleum Board.« less

77 FR 19967 - Safety Zone, Port of Dutch Harbor; Dutch Harbor, AK

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-04-03

... radius of moored or anchored offshore exploration or support vessels, and the navigable waters within a 100-yard radius of underway offshore exploration or support vessels. The purpose of the safety zones... exploratory drilling operations in the Chukchi and Beaufort seas during the summer of 2012. DATES: Comments...

Exploration and development of hydrocarbon resources in Pacific basins of Ecuador--summary

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Jarrin, A.

1976-01-01

The Pacific basins of Ecuador have excellent geologic characteristics for the accumulation of hydrocarbons. Geologic, seismic, gravity, and magnetic surveys provided a basis for exploratory drilling in the provinces of Esmeraldas, Manabi, and Guayas. Exploratory drilling in the Santa Elena Peninsula has resulted in the discovery of the Ancon, Petropolis, Santa Paula, Concepcion, Certeza, and other oil fields. In 1970, the Amistad gas field was discovered in the Gulf of Guayaquil. Shows of gas and oil were obtained in stratigraphic units penetrated in wildcats elsewhere in Guays Province. The best petroleum prospects of the Ecuadorian littoral zone are placed offshoremore » in the Gulf of Guayaquil. Important gas accumulations are present at depths between 9,000 and 14,000 ft (2,740 to 4,270 m), principally in the Miocene Subibaja Formation. Cumulative production of oil in this area to June 1974 was 106,300,000 bbl. Although data on gas reserves are scarce, proved reserves in the Gulf of Guayaquil are estimated at 145,111 MMcf, and probable reserves at 373,536 MMcf.« less

Union Texas hopes to reproduce its Pakistan Badin experience

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Petzet, G.A.

1997-11-03

Union Texas Petroleum Holdings Inc. has resolved to transplant elsewhere in the world the success of tis 20 year old grass-roots exploration effort on the Badin block in Pakistan. Union Texas Pakistan Inc. (UTP) is actively seeking exploration concessions in Pakistan, and the parent company is on an international bent aimed at finding other areas where it might reproduce its performance in Pakistan. The 104 exploratory wells drilled through April 1, 1997, resulted in 47 discoveries and 57 dry holes for a 45% success rate. Some oil and gas are produced from the Middle Sand units, and some gas ismore » produced from the Basal Sand units. The 1997 Badin exploration plan called for 11 exploratory wells, including one, Tarai Deep-3, that would test a new play concept in Jurassic Chiltan. It also called for Badin`s first 3D seismic surveys, at South Buzdar and Tangri fields on the northern part of the block, and 146 km of 2D seismic acquisition. The paper discusses Badin development, drilling status, operating challenges, oil price and sales, gas markets, local effects, and future developments.« less

Venezuela offshore oil and gas production development: Past, present and future

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Perez La Salvia, H.; Schwartz, E.; Contreras, M.

1995-12-01

This paper presents a short history of offshore oil and gas production in Venezuela starting in Lake Maracaibo in 1923. The main emphasis has been the results of the recent R and D and the exploratory offshore programs in areas like Orinoco Delta located in the Atlantic Ocean, Northeast and Northwest Venezuela in the Caribbean sea. In the R and D offshore program the main objectives were: (1) To establish the local environmental, oceanographical, geotechnical and seismicity conditions for the Venezuelan Continental Platform. (2) To give a technical support to the PDVSA Operating Affiliates during the exploratory programs including: (a)more » to develop accurate drilling vessel positioning systems; (b) evaluation of sea bottom geotechnical conditions for safely operating the jack-ups and drilling vessels involved in the exploratory wells and (c) to identify those areas which because of their special nature require further investigation to establish preliminary type of platforms required for the areas to be developed or to evaluate other solutions proposed by Foreign Consultant Engineering Companies to the PDVSA Operating Affiliated Companies. The main objective of PDVSA for the coming future will be to develop the North of Paria Gas Field through the initially named Christopher Columbus Project now Sucre Gas, S.A., a consortium conformed by LaGoven, S.A. Shell, Exxon and Mitsubishi. objective of this paper is to give an idea of the history of the Venezuelan Oil and Gas Offshore development giving emphasis to the results of the INTEVEP S.A. Red offshore program and to show some results of the particular characteristics of oceanographical, environmental, geotechnical and seismic conditions in the main areas evaluated during the exploratory program: Orinoco Delta, Gulf of Paria and North of Paria.« less

Linkage effects between deposit discovery and postdiscovery exploratory drilling

USGS Publications Warehouse

Drew, Lawrence J.

1975-01-01

For the 1950-71 period of petroleum exploration in the Powder River Basin, northeastern Wyoming and southeastern Montana, three specific topics were investigated. First, the wildcat wells drilled during the ambient phases of exploration are estimated to have discovered 2.80 times as much petroleum per well as the wildcat wells drilled during the cyclical phases of exploration, periods when exploration plays were active. Second, the hypothesis was tested and verified that during ambient phases of exploration the discovery of deposits could be anticipated by a small but statistically significant rise in the ambient drilling rate during the year prior to the year of discovery. Closer examination of the data suggests that this anticipation effect decreases through time. Third, a regression model utilizing the two independent variables of (1) the volume of petroleum contained in each deposit discovered in a cell and the directly adjacent cells and (2) the respective depths of these deposits was constructed to predict the expected yearly cyclical wildcat drilling rate in four 30 by 30 min (approximately 860 mi2) sized cells. In two of these cells relatively large volumes of petroleum were discovered, whereas in the other two cells smaller volumes were discovered. The predicted and actual rates of wildcat drilling which occurred in each cell agreed rather closely.

Temperature data from wells in Long Valley Caldera, California

USGS Publications Warehouse

Farrar, Christopher; DeAngelo, Jacob; Williams, Colin; Grubb, Frederick; Hurwitz, Shaul

2010-01-01

The 30-by-20-km Long Valley Caldera (LVC) in eastern California (fig.1) formed at 0.76 Ma in a cataclysmic eruption that resulted in the deposition of 600 km? of Bishop Tuff outside the caldera rim (Bailey, 1989). By approximately 0.6 Ma, uplift of the central part of the caldera floor and eruption of rhyolitic lava formed the resurgent dome. The most recent eruptive activity in the area occurred approximately 600 yr ago along the Mono-Inyo craters volcanic chain (Bailey, 2004; Hildreth, 2004). LVC hosts an active hydrothermal system that includes hot springs, fumaroles, mineral deposits, and an active geothermal well field and power plant at Casa Diablo along the southwestern boundary of the resurgent dome (Sorey and Lewis, 1976; Sorey and others, 1978; Sorey and others, 1991). Electric power generation began in 1985 with about 10 Mwe net capacity and was expanded to about 40 Mwe (net) in 1991 (Campbell, 2000; Suemnicht and others, 2007). Plans for further expansion are focused mainly on targets in the caldera?s western moat (Sass and Priest, 2002) where the most recent volcanic activity has occurred (Hildreth, 2004). LVC has been the site of extensive research on geothermal resources and volcanic hazards (Bailey and others, 1976; Muffler and Williams, 1976; Miller and others, 1982; Hill and others 2002). The first geothermal exploratory drilling was done in the shallow (< 200 m deep) hydrothermal system at Casa Diablo in the 1960?s (McNitt, 1963). Many more boreholes were drilled throughout the caldera in the 1970?s and 1980?s by private industry for geothermal exploration and by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and Sandia National Laboratory for volcanic and geothermal research and exploration. Temperature logs were obtained in some of these wells during or immediately following drilling, before thermal equilibration was complete. Most of the temperature logs, however, were obtained weeks, months, or years after well completion and are representative of dynamic thermal equilibrium. The maximum reservoir temperature for LVC is estimated to be about 220?C on the basis of chemical geothermometers (Fournier and Truesdell, 1973) using analytical results from water samples collected from a large number of wells and springs across the caldera and around its periphery (Lewis, 1974; Mariner and Wiley, 1976; Farrar and others, 1985, 1987, 1989, White and Peterson, 1991). The deepest well in LVC (~3 km) is the Long Valley Exploratory Well (LVEW) drilled in the 1990?s with funding from the U.S. Department of Energy to investigate the potential for near-magmatic-temperature energy extraction and the occurrence of magma under the central part of the resurgent dome (Finger and Eichelberger, 1990; Finger and Jacobsen, 1999; Sackett and others, 1999). However, temperatures beneath the resurgent dome have proved disappointingly low and in LVEW reach a maximum of only 102 degrees C in a long isothermal section (2,100 to 3,000 m) in Mesozoic basement rocks (Farrar and others, 2003). Temperature data from well logs and geothermometry reveal that the highest temperatures in LVC are beneath the western moat. The hottest temperatures measured in LVC exceed 200 degrees C in two wells (44-16 and RDO-8) located in the western moat. Well 44-16 was drilled through the entire thickness of post-caldera volcanic fill and bottomed in Mesozoic basement. Well RDO-8 was drilled through post-caldera volcanic rocks and 305 m into the Bishop Tuff (Wollenberg and others, 1986). Temperatures in the hydrothermal system decrease toward the east by processes of conduction and dilution from cold groundwater recharge that occurs mostly around the caldera margin and beneath the resurgent dome. Reservoir temperatures at Casa Diablo (fig.1) are about 170?C (for example, MBP-3 and Mammoth-1), decreasing to about 100 degrees C in wells near Hot Creek Gorge (for example, MW-4 and CH-10B), and are generally less than 50?C in thermal springs near Lake

Results of exploratory drilling at Point MacKenzie, Alaska, 1981

USGS Publications Warehouse

Patrick, Leslie

1981-01-01

The Matanuska-Susitna Borough anticipates industrial development near Point MacKenzie, Alaska. Because little hydrologic information is available for the area, the Borough contracted for the drilling of two test wells. It was found that: Both wells penetrated unconsolidated stratified clay, silt, sand, and gravel; each well penetrated a shallow unconfined and deeper confined aquifers; the water levels in the wells rise and fall with the tide; the chemical analyses indicate that the water quality meets the Alaska Drinking Water Standards, except for slightly high levels of manganese and pH; and the potential for saltwater intrusion should be evaluated as part of future studies. (USGS)

Test wells TW1 and TW2, and TW3, White Sands Missile Range, Otero County, New Mexico

USGS Publications Warehouse

Myers, R.G.; Pinckley, K.M.

1987-01-01

Three test wells, TW1, TW2, and TW3, were drilled at White Sands Missile Range in south-central New Mexico in July, August, and October 1983 as part of a joint military training program sponsored by the U.S. Navy and U.S. Army in July, August, and October 1983. The test wells were drilled as exploratory and monitoring wells for the toxic waste storage facility at White Sands Missile Range. Information obtained from these wells includes lithologic logs for all wells and borehole-geophysical logs for the cased wells. (Author 's abstract)

Exploratory drilling and aquifer testing at the Kipahulu District, Haleakala National Park, Maui, Hawaii

USGS Publications Warehouse

Souza, W.R.

1983-01-01

An exploratory well, located at 388 feet above sea level in Kipahulu Valley on Maui, Hawaii, was completed and tested in October 1980. The 410-foot well penetrates a series of very dense basaltic lava flows of the Hana Formation. At an elevation of 10 feet above mean sea level, the well penetrated a water-bearing zone of permeable basaltic rock. Water from this zone had a head of about 76 feet above sea level. In October of 1980, the well was pump tested for 9 hours at various discharge rates up to 350 gallons per minute with a maximum drawdown of about 12 feet. Based on the test data, the well should produce water at a rate of 200 gallons per minute with a drawdown of less than 3 feet. The water level in the well was continuously monitored from October 1980 to mid-November 1981, during which period a maximum decline of 20 feet was recorded. Water level fluctuations in the well can be correlated to the flow in nearby Palikea Stream. The long-term water level in the well should stabilize at about 75 feet above sea level. Water quality was excellent. The total dissolved-solids content was 49 milligrams per liter and the chloride content was 4.2 milligrams per liter. (USGS)

30 CFR 250.466 - What records must I keep?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... OFFSHORE OIL AND GAS AND SULPHUR OPERATIONS IN THE OUTER CONTINENTAL SHELF Oil and Gas Drilling Operations..., legible, and accurate records for each well. You must keep drilling records onsite while drilling activities continue. After completion of drilling activities, you must keep all drilling and other well...

30 CFR 250.466 - What records must I keep?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... OFFSHORE OIL AND GAS AND SULPHUR OPERATIONS IN THE OUTER CONTINENTAL SHELF Oil and Gas Drilling Operations..., legible, and accurate records for each well. You must keep drilling records onsite while drilling activities continue. After completion of drilling activities, you must keep all drilling and other well...

30 CFR 250.466 - What records must I keep?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... OFFSHORE OIL AND GAS AND SULPHUR OPERATIONS IN THE OUTER CONTINENTAL SHELF Oil and Gas Drilling Operations..., legible, and accurate records for each well. You must keep drilling records onsite while drilling activities continue. After completion of drilling activities, you must keep all drilling and other well...

Investigations related to scientific deep drilling to study reservoir-triggered earthquakes at Koyna, India

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gupta, Harsh; Purnachandra Rao, N.; Roy, Sukanta; Arora, Kusumita; Tiwari, V. M.; Patro, Prasanta K.; Satyanarayana, H. V. S.; Shashidhar, D.; Mallika, K.; Akkiraju, Vyasulu V.; Goswami, Deepjyoti; Vyas, Digant; Ravi, G.; Srinivas, K. N. S. S. S.; Srihari, M.; Mishra, S.; Dubey, C. P.; Raju, D. Ch. V.; Borah, Ujjal; Chinna Reddy, K.; Babu, Narendra; Rohilla, Sunil; Dhar, Upasana; Sen, Mrinal; Bhaskar Rao, Y. J.; Bansal, B. K.; Nayak, Shailesh

2015-09-01

Artificial water reservoir-triggered earthquakes have continued at Koyna in the Deccan Traps province, India, since the impoundment of the Shivaji Sagar reservoir in 1962. Existing models, to comprehend the genesis of triggered earthquakes, suffer from lack of observations in the near field. To investigate further, scientific deep drilling and setting up a fault zone observatory at depth of 5-7 km is planned in the Koyna area. Prior to undertaking deep drilling, an exploratory phase of investigations has been launched to constrain subsurface geology, structure and heat flow regime in the area that provide critical inputs for the design of the deep borehole observatory. Two core boreholes drilled to depths of 1,522 and 1,196 m have penetrated the Deccan Traps and sampled the granitic basement in the region for the first time. Studies on cores provide new and direct information regarding the thickness of the Deccan Traps, the absence of infra-Trappean sediments and the nature of the underlying basement rocks. Temperatures estimated at a depth of 6 km in the area, made on the basis of heat flow and thermal properties data sets, do not exceed 150 °C. Low-elevation airborne gravity gradient and magnetic data sets covering 5,012 line km, together with high-quality magnetotelluric data at 100 stations, provide both regional information about the thickness of the Deccan Traps and the occurrence of localized density heterogeneities and anomalous conductive zones in the vicinity of the hypocentral zone. Acquisition of airborne LiDAR data to obtain a high-resolution topographic model of the region has been completed over an area of 1,064 km2 centred on the Koyna seismic zone. Seismometers have been deployed in the granitic basement inside two boreholes and are planned in another set of six boreholes to obtain accurate hypocentral locations and constrain the disposition of fault zones.

Estimating usable resources from historical industry data.

USGS Publications Warehouse

Cargill, S.M.; Root, D.H.; Bailey, E.H.

1981-01-01

The commodities considered are mercury, copper and its byproducts gold and silver, and petroleum; the production and discovery data are for the US. The results indicate that the cumulative return per unit of effort, herein measured as grade of metal ores and discovery rate of recoverable petroleum, is proportional to a negative power of total effort expended, herein measured as total ore mined and total exploratory wells or footage drilled. This power relationship can be extended to some limiting point (a lower ore grade or a maximum number of exploratory wells or footage), and the apparent quantity of available remaining resource at that limit can be calculated. -from Authors

Israel: World Oil Report 1991

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Not Available

1991-08-01

This paper reports that Major activity in 1990 was Israel National Oil Co.'s startup in November of a $30 million exploratory drilling program near the Dead Sea. Isramco's deep Yam 2 offshore wildcat was apparently suspended after gas shows and mechanical problems. In 1990, the Negev venture 2, led by Isramco, acquired an additional one million-acre offshore exploration license between Ashdod (offshore from which Yam 2 was sited) and Haifa. The group plans a $40-million three-well program. Drilling last year totaled four wells and 31,114 ft of hole. Included were one oil well extension and three dry holes. This year,more » eight onshore wildcats and two development wells, plus one offshore wildcat are expected to be drilled. Production averaged only 248 bopd and 3.2 MMcfgd in 1990. Reserves are estimated at 1.3 million bbl of oil and 6.8 bcfg.« less

40 CFR 124.60 - Issuance and effective date and stays of NPDES permits.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 23 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false Issuance and effective date and stays of NPDES permits. 124.60 Section 124.60 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY... provisions of § 124.16(a)(1), if, for any offshore or coastal mobile exploratory drilling rig or coastal...

40 CFR 124.60 - Issuance and effective date and stays of NPDES permits.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 22 2014-07-01 2013-07-01 true Issuance and effective date and stays of NPDES permits. 124.60 Section 124.60 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY... provisions of § 124.16(a)(1), if, for any offshore or coastal mobile exploratory drilling rig or coastal...

40 CFR 124.60 - Issuance and effective date and stays of NPDES permits.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 23 2013-07-01 2013-07-01 false Issuance and effective date and stays of NPDES permits. 124.60 Section 124.60 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY... provisions of § 124.16(a)(1), if, for any offshore or coastal mobile exploratory drilling rig or coastal...

77 FR 10707 - Safety Zone; NOBLE DISCOVERER, Outer Continental Shelf Drillship, Chukchi and Beaufort Seas, Alaska

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-02-23

...-AA00 Safety Zone; NOBLE DISCOVERER, Outer Continental Shelf Drillship, Chukchi and Beaufort Seas... Chukchi and Beaufort Seas Outer Continental Shelf, Alaska, from 12:01 a.m. on July 1, 2012 through 11:59 p... order to drill exploratory wells in several prospects located in the Chukchi and Beaufort Seas during...

75 FR 8304 - Notice of Public Scoping Meetings for the Environmental Impact Statement on the Effects of Oil...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-02-24

... in the Arctic Ocean AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and...., seismic surveys and exploratory drilling) in the Arctic Ocean (U.S. Chukchi and Beaufort Seas). DATES: The... found on the Protected Resources webpage at: http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/permits/eis/arctic.htm . FOR...

78 FR 6303 - Notice of Intent To Prepare a Supplemental Draft Environmental Impact Statement on the Effects of...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-01-30

... activities (e.g., seismic surveys and exploratory drilling) in Federal and state waters of the U.S. Chukchi...), and if the permissible methods of taking and requirements pertaining to the mitigation, monitoring...., NMFS' issuance of MMPA ITAs for take of marine mammals incidental to G&G surveys, ancillary activities...

40 CFR 124.60 - Issuance and effective date and stays of NPDES permits.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 21 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Issuance and effective date and stays of NPDES permits. 124.60 Section 124.60 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY... provisions of § 124.16(a)(1), if, for any offshore or coastal mobile exploratory drilling rig or coastal...

40 CFR 124.60 - Issuance and effective date and stays of NPDES permits.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 22 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Issuance and effective date and stays of NPDES permits. 124.60 Section 124.60 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY... provisions of § 124.16(a)(1), if, for any offshore or coastal mobile exploratory drilling rig or coastal...

Trends in U.S. Oil and Natural Gas Upstream Costs

EIA Publications

2016-01-01

Average 2015 well drilling and completion costs in five onshore areas decline 25% and 30% below their level in 2012 The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) commissioned IHS Global Inc. (IHS) to perform a study of upstream drilling and production costs. The IHS report assesses capital and operating costs associated with drilling, completing, and operating wells and facilities.

25 CFR 226.32 - Well records and reports.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... keep accurate and complete records of the drilling, redrilling, deepening, repairing, treating... cement record of casing used in drilling each well; the record of drill-stem and other bottom hole... producing reservoir and to obtain information concerning formations drilled, and shall furnish reports...

Sediment studies associated with drilling activity on a tropical shallow shelf.

PubMed

Souza, Claudete R; Vital, Helenice; Melo, Germano; Souza, Cleuneide R; da Silva Nogueira, Mary Lucia; Tabosa, Werner Farkatt

2015-02-01

Environmental monitoring studies were developed in an area located on the outer shelf in the Potiguar Basin, Brazilian equatorial margin. This tropical shelf represents a modern, highly dynamic mixed carbonate-siliciclastic system. Field sampling was carried out during 3 cruises surrounding a shallow-water exploratory well to compare sediment properties of the seafloor, including grain size, texture, mineral composition, carbonate content, and organic matter, prior to drilling with samples obtained 3 and 12 months after drilling. The sample grid used had 16 stations located along 4 radials from 50 m the well up to a distance of 500 m. Sediments were analyzed in the first 0-2 cm and 0-10 cm layers. The results show that sedimentary cover around the well is dominated by bioclastic sediments, poor to very poorly sorted. Only minor sedimentological variations occurred in the area affected by drilling operations. The most noticeable effects were observed during the second cruise, in terms of a change in grain size distribution associated to a slight increase in siliciclastic content. This impact occurred in the most surficial sediment (0-2 cm), in the radials closest to the well (50 m), and could suggest the effects of drilling. However, in the third cruise, 1 year after drilling, the sediments return to show the same characteristics as in the first cruise. These results show no significant sedimentological variations due to drilling activity and indicate that ocean dynamics in this area was high enough to recover the environment original characteristics.

PRECONSTRUCTION IMAGE OF THE MTR SITE. ABANDONED IRRIGATION CANAL (FROM ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

PRE-CONSTRUCTION IMAGE OF THE MTR SITE. ABANDONED IRRIGATION CANAL (FROM EARLY 1900s) ILLUSTRATES FLATNESS OF MTR/TRA TERRAIN. FEATURE ON HORIZON IN LEFT OF VIEW IS EXPLORATORY WATER DRILLING EQUIPMENT. CAMERA LOOKS SOUTHEAST. INL NEGATIVE NO. 136. Unknown Photographer, 12/5/1949 - Idaho National Engineering Laboratory, Test Reactor Area, Materials & Engineering Test Reactors, Scoville, Butte County, ID

30 CFR 250.413 - What must my description of well drilling design criteria address?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... design criteria address? 250.413 Section 250.413 Mineral Resources BUREAU OF OCEAN ENERGY MANAGEMENT... must my description of well drilling design criteria address? Your description of well drilling design... drilling and the completion phases, including the anticipated surface pressure used for designing the...

Drilling Precise Orifices and Slots

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Richards, C. W.; Seidler, J. E.

1983-01-01

Reaction control thrustor injector requires precisely machined orifices and slots. Tooling setup consists of rotary table, numerical control system and torque sensitive drill press. Components used to drill oxidizer orifices. Electric discharge machine drills fuel-feed orifices. Device automates production of identical parts so several are completed in less time than previously.

WETTABILITY AND PREDICTION OF OIL RECOVERY FROM RESERVOIRS DEVELOPED WITH MODERN DRILLING AND COMPLETION FLUIDS

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Jill S. Buckley; Norman R. Morrow

2006-01-01

The objectives of this project are: (1) to improve understanding of the wettability alteration of mixed-wet rocks that results from contact with the components of synthetic oil-based drilling and completion fluids formulated to meet the needs of arctic drilling; (2) to investigate cleaning methods to reverse the wettability alteration of mixed-wet cores caused by contact with these SBM components; and (3) to develop new approaches to restoration of wetting that will permit the use of cores drilled with SBM formulations for valid studies of reservoir properties.

Results of the second phase of the drought-disaster test-drilling program near Morristown, N.J.

USGS Publications Warehouse

Vecchioli, John; Nichols, William D.; Nemickas, Bronius

1967-01-01

The continued drought in northeastern New Jersey through the summer of 1966 with its attendant water-supply problems resulted in an extension of the drought-disaster test-drilling program originally requested by the Office of Emergency Planning on August 30, 1965. Authorization to continue test drilling was fiven by the Office of Emergency Planning on September 26, 1966, with the stipulation that all field work be complete by January 31, 1977. Contractural costs were paid by the Office of Emergency Planning, whereas personnel costs were shared by the U.S. Geological Survey and the New Jersey Department of Conservation and Economic Development, Division of Water Policy and Supply.The work undertaken in 1965 by the Geological Survey was "...to preform the necessary drilling and testing of wells to identify the extent and nature of a reserve ground-water source in the vicinity of the Passaic River near the northern New Jersey metropolitan area." Results of this first phase were made available in the fall of 1966 in Water Resources Circular 16 of the New Jersey Department of Conservation and Economic Development. Three of the five areas tested (figure 1)--two in Parsippany-Troy Hills Township (areas 2 and 4) and one in East Hanover Township (area 1), Morris County--proved capable of providing an aggregate sustained yield of 7.5 million gallons daily (mgd) from wells constructed in sand and gravel deposits. Because significant supplies of ground water for emergency use were located in the first phase of the exploratory test-drilling program, it was though desirable to extend the originally planned studies so as to obtain maximum practicable information on emergency supplies.During this second phase of the investigation, drilling was conducted in 16 sites in Chatham, Madison, and Florham Park Boroughs and in Hanover and East Hanover Townships, Morris County. (See figure 2.) The drilling in Hanover and East Hanover Townships, and part of the drilling done in Florham Park was to explore the availability of large undeveloped ground-water supplies. Drilling in Chatham, Madison, and Florham Park Boroughs was done primarily to determine the extent and continuity of buried valley-fill aquifers, so that a full evaluation of the effects of pumpage from other areas on these already heavily pumped areas could be made. In addition, it was anticipated that the drilling could help in defining the feasibility of artificial recharge of the heavily pumped areas and in the determination of the prospective method of recharge and points of emplacement.Arrangements for easements with landowners, preparation of specifications for well drilling and seismic work, and supervision of well drilling and seismic contracts were all performed by the New Jersey District, Water Resources Division of the Geological Survey.Prior to the test drilling, seismic exploration under contract with Alpine Geophysical Associates of Norwood, N. J. was conducted at five locations in the Chatham-Madison-Florham Park area and at one place in Parsippany-Troy Hills Township. The seismic work was done to determine the most favorable location for a test well at several potential test-well sites and to help in the interpretation of subsurface geology between test sites.Contracts for the drilling of the test holes were awarded during November and drilling commences on November 30. Kaye Well drilling, Inc. of Jackson, N. J. was the recipient of a contract for eight of the test holes, and a second contract was awarded to Rinbrand Well Drilling Co., Inc. of Glen Rock, N. J.--also for eight test holes.Acknowledgment is due to the many public officials of Chatham, Madison, Florham Park, Morristown, and East Hanover Township as well as officials of the Braidburn Corporation and Esso Research and Engineering Co., who cooperated by making their lands available for exploration.

Development of experimental approach to examine U occurrence continuity over the extended area reconnoitory boreholes: Lostoin Block, West Khasi Hills district, Meghalaya (India).

PubMed

Kukreti, B M; Kumar, Pramod; Sharma, G K

2015-10-01

Exploratory drilling was undertaken in the Lostoin block, West Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya based on the geological extension to the major uranium deposit in the basin. Gamma ray logging of drilled boreholes shows considerable subsurface mineralization in the block. However, environmental and exploration related challenges such as climatic, logistic, limited core drilling and poor core recovery etc. in the block severely restricted the study of uranium exploration related index parameters for the block with a high degree confidence. The present study examines these exploration related challenges and develops an integrated approach using representative sampling of reconnoitory boreholes in the block. Experimental findings validate a similar geochemically coherent nature of radio elements (K, Ra and Th) in the Lostoin block uranium hosting environment with respect to the known block of Mahadek basin and uranium enrichment is confirmed by the lower U to Th correlation index (0.268) of hosting environment. A mineralized zone investigation in the block shows parent (refers to the actual parent uranium concentration at a location and not a secondary concentration such as the daughter elements which produce the signal from a total gamma ray measurement) favoring uranium mineralization. The confidence parameters generated under the present study have implications for the assessment of the inferred category of uranium ore in the block and setting up a road map for the systematic exploration of large uranium potential occurring over extended areas in the basin amid prevailing environmental and exploratory impediments. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Mesozoic stratigraphy and paleoenvironments of the Georges Bank Basin: A correlation of exploratory and cost wells

USGS Publications Warehouse

Poppe, L.J.; Poag, C.W.

1993-01-01

The Exxon 975-1, Conoco 145-1, and Mobil 312-1 hydrocarbon exploratory wells and the Continental Offshore Stratigraphic Test (COST) G-1 and G-2 wells were drilled in the southeastern part of the Georges Bank Basin. We used drill cuttings and logs from these wells to describe and correlate the dominant lithostratigraphic units and to document lateral changes in the depositional environments. The strata penetrated by the Exxon 975-1 and COST G-1 wells are much more terrestrial than at the seaward (downdip) COST G-2, Conoco 145-1, and Mobil 312-1 wellsites. Oldest rocks penetrated by the exploratory wells represent a Middle Jurassic carbonate-evaporite sequence that correlates to the Iroquois Formation. The Iroquois records nonmarine to marginal-marine sabkha, tidal-flat, and restricted lagoonal paleoenvironments in the Exxon 975-1 and COST G-1 wells, but progressively changes to inner neritic, littoral, and lagoonal paleoenvironments at the Mobil 312-1 wellsite. The nonmarine deltaic siliciclastics of the overlying Mohican Formation, Misaine Shale, and Mic Mac-Mohawk Formations are thicker and the marine carbonates of the Scatarie and Bacarro Limestones are usually thinner in the Jurassic strata of the Exxon 975-1 and COST G-1 wells than at the other wellsites. Similarly, lower delta-plain and delta-front facies of the Early Cretaceous Missisuaga and Logan Canyon Formations at the Exxon 975-1 and COST G-1 wellsites reflect a greater terrestrial influence than the laterally-equivalent shallow marine to delta-front facies present at the downdip wellsites. ?? 1993.

30 CFR 250.467 - How long must I keep records?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... days after you complete drilling operations. (b) Casing and liner pressure tests, diverter tests, and BOP tests Two years after the completion of drilling operations. (c) Completion of a well or of any... Permit to Modify and Well Records § 250.467 How long must I keep records? You must keep records for the...

Results of medical countermeasure drills among 72 cities readiness initiative metropolitan statistical areas, 2008-2009.

PubMed

Jones, Jaime R; Neff, Linda J; Ely, Elizabeth K; Parker, Andrew M

2012-12-01

The Cities Readiness Initiative is a federally funded program designed to assist 72 metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) in preparing to dispense life-saving medical countermeasures within 48 hours of a public health emergency. Beginning in 2008, the 72 MSAs were required to conduct 3 drills related to the distribution and dispensing of emergency medical countermeasures. The report describes the results of the first year of pilot data for medical countermeasure drills conducted by the MSAs. The MSAs were provided templates with key metrics for 5 functional elements critical for a successful dispensing campaign: personnel call down, site activation, facility setup, pick-list generation, and dispensing throughput. Drill submissions were compiled into single data sets for each of the 5 drills. Analyses were conducted to determine whether the measures were comparable across business and non-business hours. Descriptive statistics were computed for each of the key metrics identified in the 5 drills. Most drills were conducted on Mondays and Wednesdays during business hours (8:00 am-5:00 pm). The median completion time for the personnel call-down drill was 1 hour during business hours (n = 287) and 55 minutes during non-business hours (n = 136). Site-activation drills were completed in a median of 30 minutes during business hours and 5 minutes during non-business hours. Facility setup drills were completed more rapidly during business hours (75 minutes) compared with non-business hours (96 minutes). During business hours, pick lists were generated in a median of 3 minutes compared with 5 minutes during non-business hours. Aggregate results from the dispensing throughput drills demonstrated that the median observed throughput during business hours (60 people/h) was higher than that during non-business hours (43 people/h). The results of the analyses from this pilot sample of drill submissions provide a baseline for the determination of a national standard in operational capabilities for local jurisdictions to achieve in their planning efforts for a mass dispensing campaign during an emergency.

BOX-DEATH HOLLOW ROADLESS AREA, UTAH.

USGS Publications Warehouse

Weir, Gordon W.; Lane, Michael

1984-01-01

Geologic mapping, geochemical sampling, and a search for prospects and mineralized rock in the Box-Death Hollow Roadless Area, Utah indicate that there is little promise for the occurrence of mineral or energy resources in the area. Additional exploratory drilling by industry seems warranted if wells elsewhere in the region find oil or gas in strata as yet untested in the Box-Death Hollow Roadless Area.

State-of-the-art in coalbed methane drilling fluids

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Baltoiu, L.V.; Warren, B.K.; Natras, T.A.

2008-09-15

The production of methane from wet coalbeds is often associated with the production of significant amounts of water. While producing water is necessary to desorb the methane from the coal, the damage from the drilling fluids used is difficult to assess, because the gas production follows weeks to months after the well is drilled. Commonly asked questions include the following: What are the important parameters for drilling an organic reservoir rock that is both the source and the trap for the methane? Has the drilling fluid affected the gas production? Are the cleats plugged? Does the 'filtercake' have an impactmore » on the flow of water and gas? Are stimulation techniques compatible with the drilling fluids used? This paper describes the development of a unique drilling fluid to drill coalbed methane wells with a special emphasis on horizontal applications. The fluid design incorporates products to match the delicate surface chemistry on the coal, a matting system to provide both borehole stability and minimize fluid losses to the cleats, and a breaker method of removing the matting system once drilling is completed. This paper also discusses how coal geology impacts drilling planning, drilling practices, the choice of drilling fluid, and completion/stimulation techniques for Upper Cretaceous Mannville-type coals drilled within the Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin. A focus on horizontal coalbed methane (CBM) wells is presented. Field results from three horizontal wells are discussed, two of which were drilled with the new drilling fluid system. The wells demonstrated exceptional stability in coal for lengths to 1000 m, controlled drilling rates and ease of running slotted liners. Methods for, and results of, placing the breaker in the horizontal wells are covered in depth.« less

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wilson, H.M.

There are positive signs today that conditions may be changing for the better offshore California. The prospects for exploratory drilling and resumption of long-delayed development of existing fields have improved. Some of the favorable happenings offshore include (1) the Interior Department may actually hold the offshore S. California lease sale before the year is out; (2) the Interior Department has issued a favorable draft environmental impact statement for the Santa Barbara Channel (this will help clear the way to drilling virtually all federal leases); (3) Exxon most certainly will start development of Hondo field in the billion-barrel Santa Unit (itmore » has won a vote of confidence of Santa Barbara County citizens); and (4) the new California State Lands Commission, while much tougher than its predecessors, has gradually been approving some drilling programs on state leases. The moratorium definitely is over. While activity is increasing on existing leases along the California coast, the real push will come when--or if--Interior holds its planned S. California lease sale later this year.« less

HIGH-POWER TURBODRILL AND DRILL BIT FOR DRILLING WITH COILED TUBING

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Robert Radtke; David Glowka; Man Mohan Rai

2008-03-31

Commercial introduction of Microhole Technology to the gas and oil drilling industry requires an effective downhole drive mechanism which operates efficiently at relatively high RPM and low bit weight for delivering efficient power to the special high RPM drill bit for ensuring both high penetration rate and long bit life. This project entails developing and testing a more efficient 2-7/8 in. diameter Turbodrill and a novel 4-1/8 in. diameter drill bit for drilling with coiled tubing. The high-power Turbodrill were developed to deliver efficient power, and the more durable drill bit employed high-temperature cutters that can more effectively drill hardmore » and abrasive rock. This project teams Schlumberger Smith Neyrfor and Smith Bits, and NASA AMES Research Center with Technology International, Inc (TII), to deliver a downhole, hydraulically-driven power unit, matched with a custom drill bit designed to drill 4-1/8 in. boreholes with a purpose-built coiled tubing rig. The U.S. Department of Energy National Energy Technology Laboratory has funded Technology International Inc. Houston, Texas to develop a higher power Turbodrill and drill bit for use in drilling with a coiled tubing unit. This project entails developing and testing an effective downhole drive mechanism and a novel drill bit for drilling 'microholes' with coiled tubing. The new higher power Turbodrill is shorter, delivers power more efficiently, operates at relatively high revolutions per minute, and requires low weight on bit. The more durable thermally stable diamond drill bit employs high-temperature TSP (thermally stable) diamond cutters that can more effectively drill hard and abrasive rock. Expectations are that widespread adoption of microhole technology could spawn a wave of 'infill development' drilling of wells spaced between existing wells, which could tap potentially billions of barrels of bypassed oil at shallow depths in mature producing areas. At the same time, microhole coiled tube drilling offers the opportunity to dramatically cut producers' exploration risk to a level comparable to that of drilling development wells. Together, such efforts hold great promise for economically recovering a sizeable portion of the estimated remaining shallow (less than 5,000 feet subsurface) oil resource in the United States. The DOE estimates this U.S. targeted shallow resource at 218 billion barrels. Furthermore, the smaller 'footprint' of the lightweight rigs utilized for microhole drilling and the accompanying reduced drilling waste disposal volumes offer the bonus of added environmental benefits. DOE analysis shows that microhole technology has the potential to cut exploratory drilling costs by at least a third and to slash development drilling costs in half.« less

Emission factors for hydraulically fractured gas wells derived using well- and battery-level reported data for Alberta, Canada.

PubMed

Tyner, David R; Johnson, Matthew R

2014-12-16

A comprehensive technical analysis of available industry-reported well activity and production data for Alberta in 2011 has been used to derive flaring, venting, and diesel combustion greenhouse gas and criteria air contaminant emission factors specifically linked to drilling, completion, and operation of hydraulically fractured natural gas wells. Analysis revealed that in-line ("green") completions were used at approximately 53% of wells completed in 2011, and in other cases the majority (99.5%) of flowback gases were flared rather than vented. Comparisons with limited analogous data available in the literature revealed that reported total flared and vented natural gas volumes attributable to tight gas well-completions were ∼ 6 times larger than Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers (CAPP) estimates for natural gas well-completion based on wells ca. 2000, but 62% less than an equivalent emission factor that can be derived from U.S. EPA data. Newly derived emission factors for diesel combustion during well drilling and completion are thought to be among the first such data available in the open literature, where drilling-related emissions for tight gas wells drilled in Alberta in 2011 were found to have increased by a factor of 2.8 relative to a typical well drilled in Canada in 2000 due to increased drilling lengths. From well-by-well analysis of production phase flared, vented, and fuel usage natural gas volumes reported at 3846 operating tight gas wells in 2011, operational emission factors were developed. Overall results highlight the importance of operational phase GHG emissions at upstream well sites (including on-site natural gas fuel use), and the critical levels of uncertainty in current estimates of liquid unloading emissions.

Geology of drill hole UE25p No. 1: A test hole into pre-Tertiary rocks near Yucca Mountain, southern Nevada

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Carr, M.D.; Waddell, S.J.; Vick, G.S.

1986-12-31

Yucca Mountain in southern Nye County, Nevada, has been proposed as a potential site for the underground disposal of high-level nuclear waste. An exploratory drill hole designated UE25p No. 1 was drilled 3 km east of the proposed repository site to investigate the geology and hydrology of the rocks that underlie the Tertiary volcanic and sedimentary rock sequence forming Yucca Mountain. Silurian dolomite assigned to the Roberts Mountain and Lone Mountain Formations was intersected below the Tertiary section between a depth of approximately 1244 m (4080 ft) and the bottom of the drill hole at 1807 m (5923 ft). Thesemore » formations are part of an important regional carbonate aquifer in the deep ground-water system. Tertiary units deeper than 1139 m (3733 ft) in drill hole UE25p No. 1 are stratigraphically older than any units previously penetrated by drill holes at Yucca Mountain. These units are, in ascending order, the tuff of Yucca Flat, an unnamed calcified ash-flow tuff, and a sequence of clastic deposits. The upper part of the Tertiary sequence in drill hole UE25p No. 1 is similar to that found in other drill holes at Yucca Mountain. The Tertiary sequence is in fault contact with the Silurian rocks. This fault between Tertiary and Paleozoic rocks may correlate with the Fran Ridge fault, a steeply westward-dipping fault exposed approximately 0.5 km east of the drill hole. Another fault intersects UE25p No. 1 at 873 m (2863 ft), but its surface trace is concealed beneath the valley west of the Fran Ridge fault. The Paintbrush Canyon fault, the trace of which passes less than 100 m (330 ft) east of the drilling site, intersects drill hole UE25p No. 1 at a depth of approximately 78 m (255 ft). The drill hole apparently intersected the west flank of a structural high of pre-Tertiary rocks, near the eastern edge of the Crater Flat structural depression.« less

Exploratory drilling in the Prairie du Chien group of the Wisconsin zinc-lead districts by the U.S. Geological Survey in 1949-1950

USGS Publications Warehouse

Heyl, Allen Van; Lyons, Erwin J.; Agnew, Allen F.

1951-01-01

The U. S. Geological Survey in cooperation with the Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey explored the Prairie du Chien group in the main productive area of the Wisconsin zinc-lead district during 1949-50. Eight properties--Crow Branch diggings, Leix, Harris, Spitzbarth, Kennedy, James, Raisbeck and Vinegar Hill Roaster--were explored using both diamond and churn drills. Twenty holes were drilled that totaled 8,582 feet in depth. The objectives of the exploration were to determine if the Prairie du Chien and other formations below the principal ore-bearing strata (Galena, Decorah, and Platteville formations) of the district are favorable for ore deposits, and to determine the type of ore deposits, if present. Lean deposits of sphalerite, marcasite, and pyrite were found in the Prairie du Chien on five properties--Crow Branch, Leix, Harris, Spitzbarth, and Vinegar Hill 1%ouster-and also in the Franconia sandstone on the Leix property. In the drilled area the sulfides in the Prairie du Chien group occur in certain more brittle or soluble dolomite beds that contain cavities formed by brecciation or solution.

The Iceland Deep Drilling Project (IDDP): (I) A New Era in Geothermal Development?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Elders, W. A.; Fridleifsson, G. O.; Bird, D. K.; Reed, M. H.; Schiffman, P.; Zierenberg, R.

2007-12-01

The Iceland Deep Drilling Project (IDDP) announced in September 2007 that an international industrial consortium has signed a new contract to collaborate in exploratory deep drilling in Iceland. The main objective of the IDDP is to investigate whether it is economically feasible to produce energy from geothermal systems at supercritical conditions. This will require drilling to depths of 4 to 5 km in order to reach temperatures of 400 to 600°C. Today, geothermal wells in Iceland typically range up to 2.5 km in depth and produce steam at about 300°C, or less, at a rate sufficient to generate about 4 to 7 megawatts of electricity. It is estimated that producing steam from a well penetrating a reservoir with temperatures >450°C, and at a rate of 0.67 cubic meters a second, could generate 40 to 50 MWe. If IDDP's test of this concept proves successful, it could lead to major improvements in the development of high-temperature geothermal resources worldwide. The consortium collaborating to fund this investigation of supercritical geothermal energy consists of three leading Icelandic power companies, Hitaveita Sudurnesja Ltd., Landsvirkjun, Orkuveita Reykjavikur, together with Orkustofnun (the National Energy Authority) and Alcoa Inc. (an international aluminum company). The three power companies financed a feasibility study for the project that was completed in 2003. Each of the three power companies is committed to drill, at their own cost, a 3.5 to 4.0 km deep well in a geothermal field that they operate. The design of these wells will permit them to be deepened to 4.5 or 5.0 km by the IDDP, and funded by the consortium with additional funds from international scientific agencies. The first deep IDDP well will be drilled in the latter part of 2008 in the Krafla geothermal field near the northern end of the central rift zone of Iceland, within a volcanic caldera that has had recent volcanic activity. Two new wells, ~4 km deep, will then be drilled at the Hengill and the Reykjanes geothermal fields during 2009-2010, and subsequently deepened. In contrast to the fresh water systems at Krafla and Hengill, the Reykjanes geothermal system produces hydrothermally modified seawater on the Reykjanes peninsula, in southern Iceland, where the Mid-Atlantic Ridge comes on land in southern Iceland. Processes at depth at Reykjanes should be similar to those responsible for black smokers on ocean spreading centers. The IDDP has engendered considerable international scientific interest. The US National Science Foundation and the International Continental Scientific Drilling Program will jointly fund the coring and sampling for scientific studies. In preparation for studying the data and samples that will be recovered by deep drilling research is underway on samples from existing wells in the target geothermal fields, and on exposed "fossil" geothermal systems and active mid-ocean ridge systems that have conditions believed to be similar to those that will be encountered in deep drilling by the IDDP. Some of these initial scientific studies by US investigators are reported in the accompanying papers.

Austin chalk maintains brisk drilling pace

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Not Available

1991-04-01

Horizontal drilling in the Cretaceous Austin chalk trend of South Texas continues to set a fast pace. The Texas Railroad Commission has issued nearly 900 permits to drill horizontal wells in the Pearsall field area alone from 1984 through February 1991. TRC issued 1,485 permits for horizontal wells statewide during that period, including 1,285 since Jan. 1, 1990. Statewide, operators have reported completion of 685 horizontal wells. That includes 472 in Pearsall field, where TRC has issued 882 permits, and 121 in Giddings field, where 305 permits have been issued. Frio County, site of Pearsall field, led Texas counties withmore » 494 permits and 278 horizontal completions. Oil drilling and reentry work is under way in many areas, and horizontal Austin chalk gas/condensate completions have been reported in Dimmit and Burleson counties.« less

Preparatory Drilling Test on Martian Target Windjana

NASA Image and Video Library

2014-04-30

NASA Curiosity Mars rover completed a shallow mini drill test April 29, 2014, in preparation for full-depth drilling at a rock target called Windjana. The hole results from the test is 0.63 inch across and about 0.8 inch deep.

Landslide investigations, southern Cianjur Regency, West Java Province, Indonesia; a progress report

USGS Publications Warehouse

Ege, John R.

1983-01-01

Two landslide-monitoring sites have been established for a minimum 2-year investigation near the villages of Pasirpari and Cibacang in southern Cianjur Regency, West Java, Indonesia. Surveyed-in lines will measure amounts of surface movement and tilt, borings that produced exploratory cores now serve as slip-surface detectors and open-pipe piezometers, and rain gages will record rainfall at both sites. Exploratory cores and field observations located upper slip surfaces ranging in depth between 4 and 14 m. Rises of borehole-water levels of as much as 63 cm during drilling suggest that pore pressures exist at the inferred-slip surfaces. Sliding along slip surfaces and slope failures occurred during the rainy season between November 1980 and April 1981.

Crump Geyser Exploration and Drilling Project. High Precision Geophysics and Detailed Structural Exploration and Slim Well Drilling

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Fairbank, Brian D.; Smith, Nicole

The Crump Geyser Exploration and Drilling Project – High Precision Geophysics and Detailed Structural Exploration and Slim Well Drilling ran from January 29, 2010 to September 30, 2013. During Phase 1 of the project, collection of all geophysical surveys was completed as outlined in the Statement of Project Objectives. In addition, a 5000-foot full sized exploration well was drilled by Ormat, and preexisting drilling data was discovered for multiple temperature gradient wells within the project area. Three dimensional modeling and interpretation of results from the geophysical surveys and drilling data gave confidence to move to the project into Phase 2more » drilling. Geological and geophysical survey interpretations combined with existing downhole temperature data provided an ideal target for the first slim-hole drilled as the first task in Phase 2. Slim-hole 35-34 was drilled in September 2011 and tested temperature, lithology, and permeability along the primary range-bounding fault zone near its intersection with buried northwest-trending faults that have been identified using geophysical methods. Following analysis of the results of the first slim-hole 35-34, the second slim hole was not drilled and subsequent project tasks, including flowing differential self-potential (FDSP) surveys that were designed to detail the affect of production and injection on water flow in the shallow aquifer, were not completed. NGP sold the Crump project to Ormat in August 2014, afterwards, there was insufficient time and interest from Ormat available to complete the project objectives. NGP was unable to continue managing the award for a project they did not own due to liability issues and Novation of the award was not a viable option due to federal award timelines. NGP submitted a request to mutually terminate the award on February 18, 2015. The results of all of the technical surveys and drilling are included in this report. Fault interpretations from surface geology, aeromag, seismic, and gravity data sets are in good agreement, illustrating two or more major range-bounding faults and buried northwest trending faults. The intersections of these fault systems provide the primary targets for drilling.« less

Drilling Predation on Serpulid Polychaetes (Ditrupa arietina) from the Pliocene of the Cope Basin, Murcia Region, Southeastern Spain

PubMed Central

Martinell, Jordi; Kowalewski, Michał; Domènech, Rosa

2012-01-01

We report quantitative analyses of drilling predation on the free-living, tube-dwelling serpulid polychaete Ditrupa arietina from the Cope Cabo marine succession (Pliocene, Spain). Tubes of D. arietina are abundant in the sampled units: 9 bulk samples from 5 horizons yielded ∼5925 specimens of D. arietina. Except for fragmentation, tubes were well preserved. Complete specimens ranged from 3.1 to 13.4 mm in length and displayed allometric growth patterns, with larger specimens being relatively slimmer. Drilled Ditrupa tubes were observed in all samples. Drillholes, identified as Oichnus paraboloides, were characterized by circular to elliptical outline (drillhole eccentricity increased with its diameter), parabolic vertical profile, outer diameter larger than inner diameter, penetration of one tube wall only, narrow range of drill-hole sizes, and non-random (anterior) distribution of drillholes. A total of 233 drilled specimens were identified, with drilling frequencies varying across horizons from 2.7% to 21% (3.9% for pooled data). Many tube fragments were broken across a drillhole suggesting that the reported frequencies are conservative and that biologically-facilitated (drill-hole induced) fragmentation hampers fossil preservation of complete serpulid tubes. No failed or repaired holes were observed. Multiple complete drillholes were present (3.9%). Drilled specimens were significantly smaller than undrilled specimens and tube length and drill-hole diameter were weakly correlated. The results suggest that drillholes were produced by a size-selective, site-stereotypic predatory organism of unknown affinity. The qualitative and quantitative patterns reported here are mostly consistent with previous reports on recent and fossil Ditrupa and reveal parallels with drilling patterns documented for scaphopod mollusks, a group that is ecologically and morphologically similar to Ditrupa. Consistent with previous studies, the results suggest that free-dwelling serpulid polychaetes are preyed upon by drilling predators and may provide a viable source of data on biotic interactions in the fossil record. PMID:22496828

Locating scatterers while drilling using seismic noise due to tunnel boring machine

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Harmankaya, U.; Kaslilar, A.; Wapenaar, K.; Draganov, D.

2018-05-01

Unexpected geological structures can cause safety and economic risks during underground excavation. Therefore, predicting possible geological threats while drilling a tunnel is important for operational safety and for preventing expensive standstills. Subsurface information for tunneling is provided by exploratory wells and by surface geological and geophysical investigations, which are limited by location and resolution, respectively. For detailed information about the structures ahead of the tunnel face, geophysical methods are applied during the tunnel-drilling activity. We present a method inspired by seismic interferometry and ambient-noise correlation that can be used for detecting scatterers, such as boulders and cavities, ahead of a tunnel while drilling. A similar method has been proposed for active-source seismic data and validated using laboratory and field data. Here, we propose to utilize the seismic noise generated by a Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM), and recorded at the surface. We explain our method at the hand of data from finite-difference modelling of noise-source wave propagation in a medium where scatterers are present. Using the modelled noise records, we apply cross-correlation to obtain correlation gathers. After isolating the scattered arrivals in these gathers, we cross-correlate again and invert for the correlated traveltime to locate scatterers. We show the potential of the method for locating the scatterers while drilling using noise records due to TBM.

Nuclear Waste Disposal: Can Government Cope?

DTIC Science & Technology

1983-12-01

Kansas (1972) and Alpena , Michigan (1975) sites. Less publicized are the increased costs (transaction costs and delayed schedules) which result when...first site focused on by OWI (in 1975) was in Alpena , Michigan. S In response to the criticism that ERDA officials had not consulted adequately with...Congressman Phillip Ruppe, in whose district Alpena lay, of its intention to start exploratory drilling activities. In response to being confronted with what

Map showing the depth to the base of the deepest ice-bearing permafrost as determined from well logs, North Slope, Alaska

USGS Publications Warehouse

Collett, T.S.; Bird, K.J.; Kvenvolden, K.A.; Magoon, L.B.

1989-01-01

Because gas hydrates from within a limited temperature range, subsurface equilibrium temperature data are necessary to calculate the depth and thickness of the gas-hydrate stability field.  Acquiring these data is difficult because drilling activity often disrupts equilibrium temperatures in the subsurface, and a well mush lie undisturbed until thermal equilibrium is reestablished (Lachenbruch and Brewer, 1959).  On the North Slope if Akaska, a series of 46 oil and gas exploratory wells, which were considered to be near thermal equilibrium (Lachenbruch and others, 1982; 1987), were surveyed with high-resolution temperature devices (see table 1).  However, several thousand other exploratory and production wells have been drilled on the North Slope, and although they do not include temperature profiles, their geophysical logs often allow descrimination between ice-bearing and non-ice-bearing strata.  At the outset of this study, the coincidence of the base of ice-bearing strata being near the same depth as the 0°C isotherm at Prudhoe Bay (Lachenbruch and others, 1982) appeared to offer an opportunity to quickly and inexpensively expand the size of our subsurface temperature data base merely by using well logs to identify the base of the ice-bearing strata.

Drilling cost-cutting

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Capuano, L.E. Jr.

This presentation by Louis E. Capuano, Jr., President, ThermaSource, Inc., discusses cost-cutting in the drilling phase of geothermal energy exploration and production. All aspects of a geothermal project including the drilling must be streamlined to make it viable and commercial. If production could be maximized from each well, there would be a reduction in drilling costs. This could be achieved in several ways, including big hole and multi-hole completion, directional drilling, better knowledge of the resource and where to penetrate, etc.

Comments on some of the drilling and completion problems in Cerro Prieto geothermal wells

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Dominguez A, B.; Sanchez G, G.

From 1960 to the present, 85 wells with a total drilling length exceeding 160,000 m have been constructed at Cerro Prieto, a modest figure compared to an oil field. This activity took place in five stages, each characterized by changes and modifications required by various drilling and well-completion problems. Initially, the technical procedures followed were similar to those used in the oil industry. However, several problems emerged as a result of the relatively high temperatures found in the geothermal reservoir. The various problems that have been encountered can be considered to be related to drilling fluids, cements and cementing operations,more » lithology, geothermal fluid characteristics, and casings and their accessories. As the importance of high temperatures and the characteristics of the geothermal reservoir fluids were better understood, the criteria were modified to optimize well-completion operations, and satisfactory results have been achieved to date.« less

Hydrogeologic data for the McKay Creek subsurface waste-injection test site, Pinellas County, Florida

USGS Publications Warehouse

Hickey, John D.

1977-01-01

Lithologic, hydraulic, geophysical, and water-quality data collected at the McKay Creek subsurface waste-injection test site in Pinellas County, Florida, are reported. Data were collected to determine the possibility of subsurface injection of waste-treatment plant effluent. One exploratory hole, one test injection well, and eight observation wells were constructed between May 1973 and February 1976. The exploratory hole was drilled to a depth of 1,750 feet below land surface; the test injection well is open in dolomite between 952 and 1 ,040 feet; and the observation wells are open to intervals above , in, and below the test injection zone. The lithology of the upper 100 feet is predominantly clay. From 100 to 1,750 feet below land surface, limestone and dolomite predominate. Gypsum is present 1,210 feet below land surface. Laboratory analyses of cores taken during drilling are given for vertical intrinsic permeability, porosity, interval transit time, and compressibility. Specific capacities tested during drilling range from 4 to 2,500 gallons per minute per foot of drawdown. An 83-hour withdrawal test at 4,180 gallons per minute and a 2-month injection test at 650 gallons per minute were run. Small water-quality changes were observed in one observation well immediately above the test injection zone during and after the injection test. Formation water in all of the wells with the exception of the shallowest observation wells is saline. The vertical position of saltwater is estimated to be at about 280 feet below land surface. Thirteen wells within a 1-mile radius of the test site were located and sampled for water quality. (USGS)

Spent Fuel Test-Climax: core logging for site investigation and instrumentation

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wilder, D.G.; Yow, J.L. Jr.; Thorpe, R.K.

1982-05-28

As an integral part of the Spent Fuel Test-Climax 5150 ft (1570 m) of granite core was obtained. This core was diamond drilled in various sizes, mainly 38-mm and 76-mm diameters. The core was teken with single tube core barrels and was unoriented. Techniques used to drill and log this core are discussed, as well as techniques to orient the core. Of the 5150 ft (1570 m) of core more than 3645 ft (1111 m) was retained and logged in some detail. As a result of the core logging, geologic discontinuities were identified, joint frequency and spacing characterized. Discontinuities identifiedmore » included several joint sets, shear zones and faults. Correlations based on coring along were generally found to be impossible, even for the more prominent features. The only feature properly correlated from the exploratory drilling was the fault system at the end of the facility, but it was not identified from the exploratory core as a fault. Identification of discontinuities was later helped by underground mapping that identified several different joint sets with different characteristics. It was found that joint frequency varied from 0.3 to 1.1 joint per foot of core for open fractures and from 0.3 to 3.3/ft for closed or healed fractures. Histograms of fracture spacing indicate that there is likely a random distribution of spacing superimposed upon uniformly spaced fractures. It was found that a low angle joint set had a persistent mean orientation. These joints were healed and had pervasive wall rock alteration which made identification of joints in this set possible. The recognition of a joint set with known attitude allowed orientation of much of the core. This orientation technique was found to be effective. 10 references, 25 figures, 4 tables.« less

Exploratory Hydrocarbon Drilling Impacts to Arctic Lake Ecosystems

PubMed Central

Thienpont, Joshua R.; Kokelj, Steven V.; Korosi, Jennifer B.; Cheng, Elisa S.; Desjardins, Cyndy; Kimpe, Linda E.; Blais, Jules M.; Pisaric, Michael FJ.; Smol, John P.

2013-01-01

Recent attention regarding the impacts of oil and gas development and exploitation has focused on the unintentional release of hydrocarbons into the environment, whilst the potential negative effects of other possible avenues of environmental contamination are less well documented. In the hydrocarbon-rich and ecologically sensitive Mackenzie Delta region (NT, Canada), saline wastes associated with hydrocarbon exploration have typically been disposed of in drilling sumps (i.e., large pits excavated into the permafrost) that were believed to be a permanent containment solution. However, failure of permafrost as a waste containment medium may cause impacts to lakes in this sensitive environment. Here, we examine the effects of degrading drilling sumps on water quality by combining paleolimnological approaches with the analysis of an extensive present-day water chemistry dataset. This dataset includes lakes believed to have been impacted by saline drilling fluids leaching from drilling sumps, lakes with no visible disturbances, and lakes impacted by significant, naturally occurring permafrost thaw in the form of retrogressive thaw slumps. We show that lakes impacted by compromised drilling sumps have significantly elevated lakewater conductivity levels compared to control sites. Chloride levels are particularly elevated in sump-impacted lakes relative to all other lakes included in the survey. Paleolimnological analyses showed that invertebrate assemblages appear to have responded to the leaching of drilling wastes by a discernible increase in a taxon known to be tolerant of elevated conductivity coincident with the timing of sump construction. This suggests construction and abandonment techniques at, or soon after, sump establishment may result in impacts to downstream aquatic ecosystems. With hydrocarbon development in the north predicted to expand in the coming decades, the use of sumps must be examined in light of the threat of accelerated permafrost thaw, and the potential for these industrial wastes to impact sensitive Arctic ecosystems. PMID:24223170

Exploratory hydrocarbon drilling impacts to Arctic lake ecosystems.

PubMed

Thienpont, Joshua R; Kokelj, Steven V; Korosi, Jennifer B; Cheng, Elisa S; Desjardins, Cyndy; Kimpe, Linda E; Blais, Jules M; Pisaric, Michael F J; Smol, John P

2013-01-01

Recent attention regarding the impacts of oil and gas development and exploitation has focused on the unintentional release of hydrocarbons into the environment, whilst the potential negative effects of other possible avenues of environmental contamination are less well documented. In the hydrocarbon-rich and ecologically sensitive Mackenzie Delta region (NT, Canada), saline wastes associated with hydrocarbon exploration have typically been disposed of in drilling sumps (i.e., large pits excavated into the permafrost) that were believed to be a permanent containment solution. However, failure of permafrost as a waste containment medium may cause impacts to lakes in this sensitive environment. Here, we examine the effects of degrading drilling sumps on water quality by combining paleolimnological approaches with the analysis of an extensive present-day water chemistry dataset. This dataset includes lakes believed to have been impacted by saline drilling fluids leaching from drilling sumps, lakes with no visible disturbances, and lakes impacted by significant, naturally occurring permafrost thaw in the form of retrogressive thaw slumps. We show that lakes impacted by compromised drilling sumps have significantly elevated lakewater conductivity levels compared to control sites. Chloride levels are particularly elevated in sump-impacted lakes relative to all other lakes included in the survey. Paleolimnological analyses showed that invertebrate assemblages appear to have responded to the leaching of drilling wastes by a discernible increase in a taxon known to be tolerant of elevated conductivity coincident with the timing of sump construction. This suggests construction and abandonment techniques at, or soon after, sump establishment may result in impacts to downstream aquatic ecosystems. With hydrocarbon development in the north predicted to expand in the coming decades, the use of sumps must be examined in light of the threat of accelerated permafrost thaw, and the potential for these industrial wastes to impact sensitive Arctic ecosystems.

Structure and stress state of Hawaiian island basalts penetrated by the Hawaii Scientific Drilling Project deep core hole

USGS Publications Warehouse

Morin, R.H.; Wilkens, R.H.

2005-01-01

As part of the Hawaii Scientific Drilling Project (HSDP), an exploratory hole was drilled in 1993 to a depth of 1056 meters below sea level (mbsl) and a deeper hole was drilled to 3098 mbsl in 1999. A set of geophysical well logs was obtained in the deeper hole that provides fundamental information regarding the structure and the state of stress that exist within a volcanic shield. The acoustic televiewer generates digital, magnetically oriented images of the borehole wall, and inspection of this log yields a continuous record of fracture orientation with depth and also with age to 540 ka. The data depict a clockwise rotation in fracture strike through the surficial Mauna Loa basalts that settles to a constant heading in the underlying Mauna Kea rocks. This behavior reflects the depositional slope directions of lavas and the locations of volcanic sources relative to the drill site. The deviation log delineates the trajectory of the well bore in three-dimensional space. This path closely follows changes in fracture orientation with depth as the drill bit is generally prodded perpendicular to fracture strike during the drilling process. Stress-induced breakouts observed in the televiewer log identify the orientations ot the maximum and minimum horizontal principal stresses to be north-south and east-west, respectively. This stress state is attributed to the combination of a sharp break in onshore-offshore slope that reduces stress east-west and the emergence of Kilauea that increases stress north-south. Breakouts are extensive and appear over approximately 30% of the open hole. Copyright 2005 by the American Geophysical Union.

Geothermal well drilling manual at Cerro Prieto

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Fernandez P., A.; Flores S., M.

The objective of the drilling manual is to solve all problems directly related to drilling during the construction of a well. In this case, the topics dealt which are drilling fluids and hydraulics to be applied in the field to improve drilling progress, eliminate risks and achieve good well-completion. There are other topics that are applicable such as drill bits and the drilling string, which are closely linked to drilling progress. On this occasion drilling fluid and hydraulics programs are presented, in addition to a computing program for a Casio FX-502P calculator to be applied in the field to optimizemore » hydraulics and in the analysis of hydraulics for development and exploration wells at their different intervals.« less

Compact drilling and sample system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gillis-Smith, Greg R.; Petercsak, Doug

1998-01-01

The Compact Drilling and Sample System (CDSS) was developed to drill into terrestrial, cometary, and asteroid material in a cryogenic, vacuum environment in order to acquire subsurface samples. Although drills were used by the Apollo astronauts some 20 years ago, this drill is a fraction of the mass and power and operates completely autonomously, able to drill, acquire, transport, dock, and release sample containers in science instruments. The CDSS has incorporated into its control system the ability to gather science data about the material being drilled by measuring drilling rate per force applied and torque. This drill will be able to optimize rotation and thrust in order to achieve the highest drilling rate possible in any given sample. The drill can be commanded to drill at a specified force, so that force imparted on the rover or lander is limited. This paper will discuss the cryo dc brush motors, carbide gears, cryogenic lubrication, quick-release interchangeable sampling drill bits, percussion drilling and the control system developed to achieve autonomous, cryogenic, vacuum, lightweight drilling.

Ankle Spatting Compared to Bracing or Taping during Maximal-Effort Sprint Drills

PubMed Central

REUTER, GRANT D; DAHL, ANGELA R; SENCHINA, DAVID S

2011-01-01

The purpose of this study was to compare the influences of 4 ankle conditions (no support, bracing, taping, taping + spatting; all in football cleats) during 2 maximal-effort field drills (40-yd dash and 34-yd cutting drill) on perceptions of comfort and stability and performance outcomes. Fourteen young adult males participated. Subjects’ perceptions of comfort and stability were assessed by visual analogue scales after each drill for each ankle condition. Time-to-completion and post-completion heart rate were recorded. For both drills, significant differences in comfort perception were found such that subjects perceived no support as equivocal to bracing but more comfortable than either taping or spatting + taping. Stability results differed by drill. For the dash, significant differences in stability perception were found such that subjects perceived no support as equivocal to bracing but less stable than either taping or spatting + taping. By contrast, for the cutting drill significant differences in stability perception were found such that subjects perceived their ankles as less stable during the no support condition as compared to all 3 other conditions. Generally, bracing was perceived as equivocal to all 3 other conditions for comfort and stability. There were no significant differences in time-to-completion or heart rate for any comparison. Compared to bracing or taping, spatting + taping (a) did not influence performance time in explosive/sprint-type drills, (b) was perceived as equivalent to taping alone in terms of ankle comfort and stability, and (c) was perceived as equivalent to bracing in terms of stability but not comfort. PMID:27478530

Improved recovery demonstration for Williston Basin carbonates. Final report

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sippel, M.A.

The purpose of this project was to demonstrate targeted infill and extension drilling opportunities, better determinations of oil-in-place, and methods for improved completion efficiency. The investigations and demonstrations were focussed on Red River and Ratcliffe reservoirs in the Williston Basin within portions of Montana, North Dakota and South Dakota. Both of these formations have been successfully explored with conventional 2-dimensional (2D) seismic. Improved reservoir characterization utilizing 3-dimensional (3D) seismic was investigated for identification of structural and stratigraphic reservoir compartments. These seismic characterizations were integrated with geological and engineering studies. The project tested lateral completion techniques, including high-pressure jetting lance technologymore » and short-radius lateral drilling to enhance completion efficiency. Lateral completions should improve economics for both primary and secondary oil where low permeability is a problem and higher-density drilling of vertical infill wells is limited by drilling cost. New vertical wells were drilled to test bypassed oil in ares that were identified by 3D seismic. These new wells are expected to recover as much or greater oil than was produced by nearby old wells. The project tested water injection through vertical and horizontal wells in reservoirs where application of waterflooding has been limited. A horizontal well was drilled for testing water injection. Injection rates were tested at three times that of a vertical well. This demonstration well shows that water injection with horizontal completions can improve injection rates for economic waterflooding. This report is divided into two sections, part 1 covers the Red River and part 2 covers the Ratcliffe. Each part summarizes integrated reservoir characterizations and outlines methods for targeting by-passed oil reserves in the respective formation and locality.« less

Flexible roof drill for low coal. Volume 2. Phase III and Phase IV

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Shoup, N.H.

1977-09-01

Design specifications were developed for a flexible drilling and bolting system. The system configuration is based on the use of the Galis dual-boom roof drill as a vehicle for the drilling/bolting system. The WSU Flex-drill drivehead is mounted on the Galis drill boom and the Galis parts are modified to accommodate the revised system. The flexible drillhead supports a bolt bender/inserter designed by Bendix Corporation and is integrated into the system operation. A supplemental bolt thruster was designed to complete insertion of the roof bolt following operation and removal of the Bendix bender from the bolt shank. The complete cyclemore » of drilling a 1-3/8-in. diameter bolt hole, bending a roof bolt into the hole, thrusting the bolt head and washer to the roof surface, and final torquing of the bolt is manually controlled by the operator located in the new position behind the bolting line. The new operating position is beneath newly bolted roof in a safer location in back of the stab jack ad roof jacks positioning the drill boom and drivehead. The Flex-drill/bolting system prototype was constructed from both purchased components and parts specially fabricated in the shops for this design. This unit was assembled and test-operated with appropriate support equipment in a laboratory test stand. Numerous test holes were drilled in blocks of concrete at feed rates of 5 ft/min with drill rotation speeds of 360 rpm. The drill feeds uniformly and cuts smoothly with no difficulty in collection of dust or clogging of the drill bit. The holes drilled were straight, as evidence by passage of a 1-1/4-in. diameter bar full depth into the hole with no binding or evidence of curvature. The flexible drill is capable of drilling 8-ft-deep roof bolt holes in low coal 36 in. in height.« less

30 CFR 250.413 - What must my description of well drilling design criteria address?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... design criteria address? 250.413 Section 250.413 Mineral Resources BUREAU OF SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL... of well drilling design criteria address? Your description of well drilling design criteria must... the completion phases, including the anticipated surface pressure used for designing the production...

30 CFR 250.413 - What must my description of well drilling design criteria address?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... design criteria address? 250.413 Section 250.413 Mineral Resources BUREAU OF SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL... of well drilling design criteria address? Your description of well drilling design criteria must... the completion phases, including the anticipated surface pressure used for designing the production...

30 CFR 250.413 - What must my description of well drilling design criteria address?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... design criteria address? 250.413 Section 250.413 Mineral Resources BUREAU OF SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL... of well drilling design criteria address? Your description of well drilling design criteria must... the completion phases, including the anticipated surface pressure used for designing the production...

30 CFR 250.1616 - Supervision, surveillance, and training.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... THE INTERIOR OFFSHORE OIL AND GAS AND SULPHUR OPERATIONS IN THE OUTER CONTINENTAL SHELF Sulphur... supervision of drilling operations at all times. (b) From the time drilling operations are initiated and until the well is completed or abandoned, a member of the drilling crew or the toolpusher shall maintain rig...

40 CFR 146.14 - Information to be considered by the Director.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

..., logging procedures, deviation checks, and a drilling, testing, and coring program; and (16) A certificate... information listed below which are current and accurate in the file. For a newly drilled Class I well, the..., construction, date drilled, location, depth, record of plugging and/or completion, and any additional...

40 CFR Appendix 1 to Subpart A of... - Static Sheen Test

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... drilling fluids, drill cuttings, produced sand, and well treatment, completion and workover fluids. “Free... drill cuttings or produced sand are introduced into ambient seawater in a container having an air-to... specified. 6. Quality Control Procedures None currently specified. 7. Sample Collection and Handling 7...

Technology Development and Field Trials of EGS Drilling Systems at Chocolate Mountain

DOE Data Explorer

Steven Knudsen

2012-01-01

Polycrystalline diamond compact (PDC) bits are routinely used in the oil and gas industry for drilling medium to hard rock but have not been adopted for geothermal drilling, largely due to past reliability issues and higher purchase costs. The Sandia Geothermal Research Department has recently completed a field demonstration of the applicability of advanced synthetic diamond drill bits for production geothermal drilling. Two commercially-available PDC bits were tested in a geothermal drilling program in the Chocolate Mountains in Southern California. These bits drilled the granitic formations with significantly better Rate of Penetration (ROP) and bit life than the roller cone bit they are compared with. Drilling records and bit performance data along with associated drilling cost savings are presented herein. The drilling trials have demonstrated PDC bit drilling technology has matured for applicability and improvements to geothermal drilling. This will be especially beneficial for development of Enhanced Geothermal Systems whereby resources can be accessed anywhere within the continental US by drilling to deep, hot resources in hard, basement rock formations.

Tectonic map of the Arabian Peninsula

USGS Publications Warehouse

Brown, Glen F.

1972-01-01

This tectonic map of the Arabian peninsula, prepared for the Audi Arabian Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resource, is the first of a series of peninsular maps that attempt to show regional features. Much recent information resulting from detailed geologic mapping notably within the Arabian craton, from geophysical surveys, both airborne and oceanographic in adjacent seas, from deep exploratory drilling, and from photography from the Gemini and Apollo space programs, has been used in the tectonic evaluation.

Prospects of oil field development in Tomsk region

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Il'ina, M. N.; Il'ina, G. F.

2017-12-01

The article describes the geologic structure of the formation located not far from Strezhevoy, Tomsk Oblast. The formation has been poorly studied by seismic methods. The reserves categories C1 and C2 as well as hydrocarbon potential are presented. 4 exploratory and 39 production wells are designed to be drilled depending on geologic knowledge and formation conditions. The article deals with the investment plan including development, oil export expenditures and implementing cost calculation.

Horizontal technology helps spark Louisiana`s Austin chalk trend

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Koen, A.D.

1996-04-29

A handful of companies paced by some of the most active operators in the US are pressing the limits of horizontal technology to ramp up Cretaceous Austin chalk exploration and development (E and D) across Louisiana. Companies find applications in Louisiana for lessons learned drilling horizontal wells to produce chalk intervals in Texas in Giddings, Pearsall, and Brookeland fields. Continuing advances in horizontal well technology are helping operators deal with deeper, hotter reservoirs in more complex geological settings that typify the chalk in Louisiana. Better horizontal drilling, completion, formation evaluation, and stimulation techniques have enabled operators to produce oil andmore » gas from formations previously thought to be uneconomical. Most of the improved capabilities stem from better horizontal tools. Horizontal drilling breakthroughs include dual powered mud motors and retrievable whipstocks, key links in the ability to drill wells with more than one horizontal lateral. Better geosteering tools have enabled operators to maintain horizontal wellbores in desired intervals by signaling bit positions downhole while drilling. This paper reviews the technology and provides a historical perspective on the various drilling programs which have been completed in this trend. It also makes predictions on future drilling successes.« less

Analytical results from samples collected during coal-bed methane exploration drilling in Caldwell Parish, Louisiana

USGS Publications Warehouse

Warwick, Peter D.; Breland, F. Clayton; Hackley, Paul C.; Dulong, Frank T.; Nichols, Douglas J.; Karlsen, Alexander W.; Bustin, R. Marc; Barker, Charles E.; Willett, Jason C.; Trippi, Michael H.

2006-01-01

In 2001, and 2002, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and the Louisiana Geological Survey (LGS), through a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) with Devon SFS Operating, Inc. (Devon), participated in an exploratory drilling and coring program for coal-bed methane in north-central Louisiana. The USGS and LGS collected 25 coal core and cuttings samples from two coal-bed methane test wells that were drilled in west-central Caldwell Parish, Louisiana. The purpose of this report is to provide the results of the analytical program conducted on the USGS/LGS samples. The data generated from this project are summarized in various topical sections that include: 1. molecular and isotopic data from coal gas samples; 2. results of low-temperature ashing and X-ray analysis; 3. palynological data; 4. down-hole temperature data; 5. detailed core descriptions and selected core photographs; 6. coal physical and chemical analytical data; 7. coal gas desorption results; 8. methane and carbon dioxide coal sorption data; 9. coal petrographic results; and 10. geophysical logs.

Effects of tones associated with drilling activities on bowhead whale calling rates

PubMed Central

Nations, Christopher S.; Thode, Aaron M.; Kauffman, Mandy E.; Conrad, Alexander S.; Norman, Robert G.; Kim, Katherine H.

2017-01-01

During summer 2012 Shell performed exploratory drilling at Sivulliq, a lease holding located in the autumn migration corridor of bowhead whales (Balaena mysticetus), northwest of Camden Bay in the Beaufort Sea. The drilling operation involved a number of vessels performing various activities, such as towing the drill rig, anchor handling, and drilling. Acoustic data were collected with six arrays of directional recorders (DASARs) deployed on the seafloor over ~7 weeks in Aug–Oct. Whale calls produced within 2 km of each DASAR were identified and localized using triangulation. A “tone index” was defined to quantify the presence and amplitude of tonal sounds from industrial machinery. The presence of airgun pulses originating from distant seismic operations was also quantified. For each 10-min period at each of the 40 recorders, the number of whale calls localized was matched with the “dose” of industrial sound received, and the relationship between calling rates and industrial sound was modeled using negative binomial regression. The analysis showed that with increasing tone levels, bowhead whale calling rates initially increased, peaked, and then decreased. This dual behavioral response is similar to that described for bowhead whales and airgun pulses in earlier work. Increasing call repetition rates can be a viable strategy for combating decreased detectability of signals arising from moderate increases in background noise. Meanwhile, as noise increases, the benefits of calling may decrease because information transfer becomes increasingly error-prone, and at some point calling may no longer be worth the effort. PMID:29161308

Effects of tones associated with drilling activities on bowhead whale calling rates.

PubMed

Blackwell, Susanna B; Nations, Christopher S; Thode, Aaron M; Kauffman, Mandy E; Conrad, Alexander S; Norman, Robert G; Kim, Katherine H

2017-01-01

During summer 2012 Shell performed exploratory drilling at Sivulliq, a lease holding located in the autumn migration corridor of bowhead whales (Balaena mysticetus), northwest of Camden Bay in the Beaufort Sea. The drilling operation involved a number of vessels performing various activities, such as towing the drill rig, anchor handling, and drilling. Acoustic data were collected with six arrays of directional recorders (DASARs) deployed on the seafloor over ~7 weeks in Aug-Oct. Whale calls produced within 2 km of each DASAR were identified and localized using triangulation. A "tone index" was defined to quantify the presence and amplitude of tonal sounds from industrial machinery. The presence of airgun pulses originating from distant seismic operations was also quantified. For each 10-min period at each of the 40 recorders, the number of whale calls localized was matched with the "dose" of industrial sound received, and the relationship between calling rates and industrial sound was modeled using negative binomial regression. The analysis showed that with increasing tone levels, bowhead whale calling rates initially increased, peaked, and then decreased. This dual behavioral response is similar to that described for bowhead whales and airgun pulses in earlier work. Increasing call repetition rates can be a viable strategy for combating decreased detectability of signals arising from moderate increases in background noise. Meanwhile, as noise increases, the benefits of calling may decrease because information transfer becomes increasingly error-prone, and at some point calling may no longer be worth the effort.

30 CFR 250.467 - How long must I keep records?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... OF THE INTERIOR OFFSHORE OIL AND GAS AND SULPHUR OPERATIONS IN THE OUTER CONTINENTAL SHELF Oil and Gas Drilling Operations Applying for A Permit to Modify and Well Records § 250.467 How long must I... records relating to Until (a) Drilling Ninety days after you complete drilling operations. (b) Casing and...

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Mehra, S.; Bryce, T.

Sedco Forex has recently completed a new land drilling rig, currently deployed in Gabon, that integrates well construction activities with multiskilling to create cost savings across the board in drilling operations. Historically, operators have produced a comprehensive tender package specifying strictly the type and size of individual rig components and the number of personnel required to drill. In this case, the drilling contractor provides a fit-for-purpose rig, consistent with field location, well profile, operator`s priorities, and local constraints.

Targeting Low-arsenic Groundwater with Mobile-phone Technology in Araihazar, Bangladesh

PubMed Central

Trevisani, M.; Immel, J.; Jakariya, Md.; Osman, N.; Cheng, Z.; Gelman, A.; Ahmed, K.M.

2006-01-01

The Bangladesh Arsenic Mitigation and Water Supply Program (BAMWSP) has compiled field-kit measurements of the arsenic content of groundwater for nearly five million wells. By comparing the spatial distribution of arsenic inferred from these field-kit measurements with geo-referenced laboratory data in a portion of Araihazar upazila, it is shown here that the BAMWSP data could be used for targeting safe aquifers for the installation of community wells in many villages of Bangladesh. Recent experiences with mobile-phone technology to access and update the BAMWSP data in the field are also described. It is shown that the technology, without guaranteeing success, could optimize interventions by guiding the choice of the drilling method that is likely to reach a safe aquifer and identifying those villages where exploratory drilling is needed. PMID:17366770

Origin of a rhyolite that intruded a geothermal well while drilling at the Krafla volcano, Iceland

USGS Publications Warehouse

Elders, W.A.; Fridleifsson, G.O.; Zierenberg, R.A.; Pope, E.C.; Mortensen, A.K.; Gudmundsson, A.; Lowenstern, J. B.; Marks, N.E.; Owens, L.; Bird, D.K.; Reed, M.; Olsen, N.J.; Schiffman, P.

2011-01-01

Magma flowed into an exploratory geothermal well at 2.1 km depth being drilled in the Krafla central volcano in Iceland, creating a unique opportunity to study rhyolite magma in situ in a basaltic environment. The quenched magma is a partly vesicular, sparsely phyric, glass containing ~1.8% of dissolved volatiles. Based on calculated H2O-CO2 saturation pressures, it degassed at a pressure intermediate between hydrostatic and lithostatic, and geothermometry indicates that the crystals in the melt formed at ~900 ??C. The glass shows no signs of hydrothermal alteration, but its hydrogen and oxygen isotopic ratios are much lower than those of typical mantle-derived magmas, indicating that this rhyolite originated by anhydrous mantle-derived magma assimilating partially melted hydrothermally altered basalts. ?? 2011 Geological Society of America.

CHAMA RIVER CANYON WILDERNESS AND CONTIGUOUS ROADLESS AREA, NEW MEXICO.

USGS Publications Warehouse

Ridgley, Jennie L.; Light, Thomas D.

1984-01-01

Results of mineral surveys indicate that the Chama River Canyon Wilderness and contiguous roadless area in new Mexico have a probable mineral-resource potential for copper with associated uranium and silver. Gypsum occurs throughout the area, exposed in the canyon walls. Further study of the wilderness should concentrate on exploratory drilling to test the oil and gas potential of Pennsylvanian strata and evaluate vanadium anomalies in the Todilto as a prospecting guide for locating uranium.

The Yucca Mountain Project prototype air-coring test, U12g tunnel, Nevada test site

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ray, J.M.; Newsom, J.C.

1994-12-01

The Prototype Air-Coring Test was conducted at the Nevada Test Site (NTS) G-Tunnel facility to evaluate standard coring techniques, modified slightly for air circulation, for use in testing at a prospective nuclear waste repository at Yucca Mountain, Nevada. Air-coring technology allows sampling of subsurface lithology with minimal perturbation to ambient characteristic such as that required for exploratory holes near aquifers, environmental applications, and site characterization work. Two horizontal holes were cored, one 50 ft long and the other 150 ft long, in densely welded fractured tuff to simulate the difficult drilling conditions anticipated at Yucca Mountain. Drilling data from sevenmore » holes on three other prototype tests in nonwelded tuff were also collected for comparison. The test was used to establish preliminary standards of performance for drilling and dust collection equipment and to assess procedural efficiencies. The Longyear-38 drill achieved 97% recovery for HQ-size core (-2.5 in.), and the Atlas Copco dust collector (DCT-90) captured 1500 lb of fugitive dust in a mine environment with only minor modifications. Average hole production rates were 6-8 ft per 6-h shift in welded tuff and almost 20 ft per shift on deeper holes in nonwelded tuff. Lexan liners were successfully used to encapsulate core samples during the coring process and protect core properties effectively. The Prototype Air-Coring Test demonstrated that horizontal air coring in fractured welded tuff (to at least 150 ft) can be safely accomplished by proper selection, integration, and minor modification of standard drilling equipment, using appropriate procedures and engineering controls. The test also indicated that rig logistics, equipment, and methods need improvement before attempting a large-scale dry drilling program at Yucca Mountain.« less

30 CFR 250.1604 - General requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... moving equipment such as a well-drilling, well-completion, or well-workover rig or associated equipment..., platform age, and previous stresses. (f) Traveling-block safety device. All drilling units being used for...

30 CFR 250.1604 - General requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... moving equipment such as a well-drilling, well-completion, or well-workover rig or associated equipment..., platform age, and previous stresses. (f) Traveling-block safety device. All drilling units being used for...

30 CFR 250.1604 - General requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... moving equipment such as a well-drilling, well-completion, or well-workover rig or associated equipment..., platform age, and previous stresses. (f) Traveling-block safety device. All drilling units being used for...

43 CFR 3261.21 - How do I get approval to change an approved drilling operation?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... paragraph (c) of this section. If your operations such as redrilling, deepening, drilling a new directional... send us a new drilling permit (see 43 CFR 3261.13). A significant change would be, for example, redrilling the well to a completely different target, especially a target in an unknown area. (b) If your...

43 CFR 3261.21 - How do I get approval to change an approved drilling operation?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... paragraph (c) of this section. If your operations such as redrilling, deepening, drilling a new directional... send us a new drilling permit (see 43 CFR 3261.13). A significant change would be, for example, redrilling the well to a completely different target, especially a target in an unknown area. (b) If your...

43 CFR 3261.21 - How do I get approval to change an approved drilling operation?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... paragraph (c) of this section. If your operations such as redrilling, deepening, drilling a new directional... send us a new drilling permit (see 43 CFR 3261.13). A significant change would be, for example, redrilling the well to a completely different target, especially a target in an unknown area. (b) If your...

43 CFR 3261.21 - How do I get approval to change an approved drilling operation?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... paragraph (c) of this section. If your operations such as redrilling, deepening, drilling a new directional... send us a new drilling permit (see 43 CFR 3261.13). A significant change would be, for example, redrilling the well to a completely different target, especially a target in an unknown area. (b) If your...

A Brief History of the Philosophical Foundations of Exploratory Factor Analysis.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mulaik, Stanley A.

1987-01-01

Exploratory factor analysis derives its key ideas from many sources, including Aristotle, Francis Bacon, Descartes, Pearson and Yule, and Kant. The conclusions of exploratory factor analysis are never complete without subsequent confirmatory factor analysis. (Author/GDC)

Oil and Gas Data Infrastructure Project: Project Accomplishments Summary CRADA No. TO-1111-95

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wagoner, Jeff; Paul, Robert; Chesser, Joe

2000-11-14

Obtaining a substantially complete set of the relevant data for an oil or gas producing property is a very time-consuming and nearly impossible task which limits the producer's effectiveness in making sound business and engineering decisions. The data are located in a variety of places, some of which are completely inaccessible to the average user. Access to information on existing wells is a crucial component of a producer's ability to assess the feasibility of purchasing and operating a well. The more effective the access the producer has to the information, the greater the likelihood that a wider suite of choicesmore » can be considered and a profitable business decision reached. California, like a number of other states, provides public access to oil and gas production data, and other types of supplemental well information. However, access mechanisms are often ineffective, tedious, and expensive to maintain as much of the data is centrally located and in a format that is difficult to search, retrieve, and refile. The California Division of Oil and Gas and Geothermal Resources (CADOGGR) regulates California's oil and gas drilling and production operations. The CADOGGR administers the state laws for the conservation of oil and gas resources to prevent damage to life, health, property, and natural resources. The principal mandated objectives in regulating oil and gas exploratory, development, and production operations are to prevent conditions that may be hazardous to health or damaging to the environment. As part of the regulatory program, well records are maintained on each well. There is information for each well consisting of applications to do work, permits issued, drilling and exploration histories, geophysical logs, production data, maps, reports, test results, well logs, abandonment and other types of information which the producers are required to provide to the states on an on-going basis. These well records are also considered vital to the industry because they are the only complete source of public information needed for continued exploration and development work. Making copies of the well records available to the industry and the public is an important function.« less

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

William C. Maurer; William J. McDonald; Thomas E. Williams

Underbalanced drilling is experiencing growth at a rate that rivals that of horizontal drilling in the mid-1980s and coiled-tubing drilling in the 1990s. Problems remain, however, for applying underbalanced drilling in a wider range of geological settings and drilling environments. This report addresses developments under this DOE project to develop products aimed at overcoming these problems. During Phase I of the DOE project, market analyses showed that up to 12,000 wells per year (i.e., 30% of all wells) will be drilled underbalanced in the U.S.A. within the next ten years. A user-friendly foam fluid hydraulics model (FOAM) was developed formore » a PC Windows environment during Phase I. FOAM predicts circulating pressures and flow characteristics of foam fluids used in underbalanced drilling operations. FOAM is based on the best available mathematical models, and was validated through comparison to existing models, laboratory test data and field data. This model does not handle two-phase flow or air and mist drilling where the foam quality is above 0.97. This FOAM model was greatly expanded during Phase II including adding an improved foam rheological model and a ''matching'' feature that allows the model to be field calibrated. During Phase I, a lightweight drilling fluid was developed that uses hollow glass spheres (HGS) to reduce the density of the mud to less than that of water. HGS fluids have several advantages over aerated fluids, including they are incompressible, they reduce corrosion and vibration problems, they allow the use of mud-pulse MWD tools, and they eliminate high compressor and nitrogen costs. Phase II tests showed that HGS significantly reduce formation damage with water-based drilling and completion fluids and thereby potentially can increase oil and gas production in wells drilled with water-based fluids. Extensive rheological testing was conducted with HGS drilling and completion fluids during Phase II. These tests showed that the HGS fluids act similarly to conventional fluids and that they have potential application in many areas, including underbalanced drilling, completions, and riserless drilling. Early field tests under this project are encouraging. These led to limited tests by industry (which are also described). Further field tests and cost analyses are needed to demonstrate the viability of HGS fluids in different applications. Once their effectiveness is demonstrated, they should find widespread application and should significantly reduce drilling costs and increase oil and gas production rates. A number of important oilfield applications for HGS outside of Underbalanced Drilling were identified. One of these--Dual Gradient Drilling (DGD) for deepwater exploration and development--is very promising. Investigative work on DGD under the project is reported, along with definition of a large joint-industry project resulting from the work. Other innovative products/applications are highlighted in the report including the use of HGS as a cement additive.« less

Site selection for DOE/JIP gas hydrate drilling in the northern Gulf of Mexico

USGS Publications Warehouse

Hutchinson, Deborah; Shelander, Dianna; Dai, J.; McConnell, D.; Shedd, William; Frye, Matthew; Ruppel, Carolyn D.; Boswell, R.; Jones, Emrys; Collett, Timothy S.; Rose, Kelly K.; Dugan, Brandon; Wood, Warren T.

2008-01-01

n the late spring of 2008, the Chevron-led Gulf of Mexico Gas Hydrate Joint Industry Project (JIP) expects to conduct an exploratory drilling and logging campaign to better understand gas hydrate-bearing sands in the deepwater Gulf of Mexico. The JIP Site Selection team selected three areas to test alternative geological models and geophysical interpretations supporting the existence of potential high gas hydrate saturations in reservoir-quality sands. The three sites are near existing drill holes which provide geological and geophysical constraints in Alaminos Canyon (AC) lease block 818, Green Canyon (GC) 955, and Walker Ridge (WR) 313. At the AC818 site, gas hydrate is interpreted to occur within the Oligocene Frio volcaniclastic sand at the crest of a fold that is shallow enough to be in the hydrate stability zone. Drilling at GC955 will sample a faulted, buried Pleistocene channel-levee system in an area characterized by seafloor fluid expulsion features, structural closure associated with uplifted salt, and abundant seismic evidence for upward migration of fluids and gas into the sand-rich parts of the sedimentary section. Drilling at WR313 targets ponded sheet sands and associated channel/levee deposits within a minibasin, making this a non-structural play. The potential for gas hydrate occurrence at WR313 is supported by shingled phase reversals consistent with the transition from gas-charged sand to overlying gas-hydrate saturated sand. Drilling locations have been selected at each site to 1) test geological methods and models used to infer the occurrence of gas hydrate in sand reservoirs in different settings in the northern Gulf of Mexico; 2) calibrate geophysical models used to detect gas hydrate sands, map reservoir thicknesses, and estimate the degree of gas hydrate saturation; and 3) delineate potential locations for subsequent JIP drilling and coring operations that will collect samples for comprehensive physical property, geochemical and other analyses

Enhanced oil recovery utilizing high-angle wells in the Frontier Formation, Badger Basin Field, Park County, Wyoming. Quarterly technical progress report, 1 October 1993--31 December 1993

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Fortmann, R.G.

1994-01-14

The goals during this period included the following objectives from the Statement of Work: in Phase 2A, completion of Subtask 2.1.4 -- Interpret data, of Task 2.1 -- Acquire 3-D seismic data; and, in Phase 2B, completion of Subtask 2.2.1 -- Solicit bids and award, and initiation of Subtask 2.2.2 -- Acquire cores, of Task 2.2 -- Drill slant hole. Subtask 2.1.4 -- Interpret data: Interpretation of the 3- D seismic survey was completed on a Sun Sparcstation10 workstation (UNIX based), using Landmark Graphics latest version of Seisworks 3D software. Subtask 2.2.2 -- Acquire cores: Sierra had picked a locationmore » and prepared a drilling plan for the slant/horizontal wellbores. Sierra was ready to submit an Application for Permit to Drill. However, due to the fact that Sierra entered into an agreement to sell the Badger Basin property, the drilling phase was put on hold.« less

Congenital middle ear abnormalities with absence of the oval window: diagnosis, surgery, and audiometric outcomes.

PubMed

Su, Yu; Yuan, Hu; Song, Yue-shuai; Shen, Wei-dong; Han, Wei-ju; Liu, Jun; Han, Dong-yi; Dai, Pu

2014-08-01

Congenital absence of the oval window (CAOW) is a rare condition in which the stapes footplate fails to develop, resulting in a significant conductive hearing loss in the affected ear. The purpose of this study was to describe the surgical management and outcomes of patients with CAOW undergoing the oval window drill-out (OWD) procedure. A retrospective chart review of patients with CAOW between 1996 and 2011 was performed. Clinical data of patients who underwent OWD were collected. Seventy-nine patients (103 ears) were confirmed using exploratory tympanotomy as having congenital stapes anomalies and CAOW without any anomalies of the tympanic membrane and external auditory canal. Demographic data, CT findings, operative findings, complications, and preoperative/postoperative audiometry data of patients who underwent OWD were collected. The preoperative and postoperative audiologic findings were analyzed in 42 patients (56 ears) with complete data. Hearing restoration surgery was aborted for various reasons in 14 cases. Six patients underwent revision operations for worsening hearing after their first surgery. The average preoperative 4 tone air conduction threshold was 67 dB; the average 6-month postoperative four tone air conduction threshold was 49 dB, and the average postoperative hearing gain was 18 dB. For the 56 ears, the average 4 tone air conduction threshold 6 months after surgery was significantly lower than the preoperative threshold. The oval window drill-out procedure is a viable operation for patients with congenital absence of the oval window, and it is important for surgeons to develop personalized treatment programs to improve patients' hearing with minimal complications.

Geologic report on the San Rafael Swell Drilling Project, San Rafael Swell, Utah

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Bluhm, C.T.; Rundle, J.G.

1981-08-01

Twenty-two holes totaling 34,874 feet (10,629.6 meters) were rotary and core drilled on the northern and western flanks of the San Rafael Swell to test fluvial-lacustrine sequences of the Morrison Formation and the lower part of the Chinle Formation. The objective of the project was to obtain subsurface data so that improved uranium resource estimates could be determined for the area. Although the Brushy Basin and the Salt Wash Members of the Morrison Formation are not considered favorable in this area for the occurrence of significant uranium deposits, uranium minerals were encountered in several of the holes. Some spotty ormore » very low-grade mineralization was also encountered in the White Star Trunk area. The lower part of the Chinle Formation is considered to be favorable for potentially significant uranium deposits along the west flank of the San Rafael Swell. One hole (SR-202) east of Ferron, Utah, intersected uranium, silver, molybdenum, and copper mineralization. More exploratory drilling in the vicinity of this hole is recommended. As a result of the study of many geochemical analyses and a careful determination of the lithology shown by drilling, a sabkha environment is suggested for the concentration of uranium, zinc, iron, lead, copper, silver, and perhaps other elements in parts of the Moody Canyon Member of the Moenkopi Formation.« less

Saga of coal bed methane, Ignacio Blanco gas field, Colorado

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Boyce, B.C.; Harr, C.L.; Burch, L.C.

1989-09-01

Prior to the 1977 discovery of the Cedar Hill Basal Fruitland pool (the first officially designated coal-bed methane field in the western US) 28.5 bcf of gas had been produced from Fruitland Formation coal seams in the Ignacio Blanco Fruitland-Pictured Cliffs field, Northern San Juan basin, Colorado. The discovery well for the field, Southern Ute D-1, was drilled and completed in 1951 on the Ignacio anticline, La Plata County, Colorado. Initial completion was attempted in the Pictured Cliffs Sandstone. The well was plugged back after making water from the Pictured Cliffs and was completed in the lower coal-bearing section ofmore » the Fruitland Formation. The well produced 487,333 mcf of gas in nine years and was abandoned in 1959 due to water encroachment. Additionally, 52 similarly completed Ignacio anticline Fruitland wells were abandoned by the early 1970s due to the nemesis of If it's starting to kick water, you're through. Under today's coal-bed methane technology and economics, Amoco has twinned 12 of the abandoned wells, drilled five additional wells, and is successfully dewatering and producing adsorbed methane from previously depleted coal sections of the Ignacio structure. Field-wide drilling activity in 1988 exceeded all previous annual levels, with coal-seam degasification projects leading the resurgence. Drilling and completion forecasts for 1989 surpass 1988 levels by 50%.« less

Impacts of gas drilling on human and animal health.

PubMed

Bamberger, Michelle; Oswald, Robert E

2012-01-01

Environmental concerns surrounding drilling for gas are intense due to expansion of shale gas drilling operations. Controversy surrounding the impact of drilling on air and water quality has pitted industry and lease-holders against individuals and groups concerned with environmental protection and public health. Because animals often are exposed continually to air, soil, and groundwater and have more frequent reproductive cycles, animals can be used as sentinels to monitor impacts to human health. This study involved interviews with animal owners who live near gas drilling operations. The findings illustrate which aspects of the drilling process may lead to health problems and suggest modifications that would lessen but not eliminate impacts. Complete evidence regarding health impacts of gas drilling cannot be obtained due to incomplete testing and disclosure of chemicals, and nondisclosure agreements. Without rigorous scientific studies, the gas drilling boom sweeping the world will remain an uncontrolled health experiment on an enormous scale.

Rock Drilling Performance Evaluation by an Energy Dissipation Based Rock Brittleness Index

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Munoz, H.; Taheri, A.; Chanda, E. K.

2016-08-01

To reliably estimate drilling performance both tool-rock interaction laws along with a proper rock brittleness index are required to be implemented. In this study, the performance of a single polycrystalline diamond compact (PDC) cutter cutting and different drilling methods including PDC rotary drilling, roller-cone rotary drilling and percussive drilling were investigated. To investigate drilling performance by rock strength properties, laboratory PDC cutting tests were performed on different rocks to obtain cutting parameters. In addition, results of laboratory and field drilling on different rocks found elsewhere in literature were used. Laboratory and field cutting and drilling test results were coupled with values of a new rock brittleness index proposed herein and developed based on energy dissipation withdrawn from the complete stress-strain curve in uniaxial compression. To quantify cutting and drilling performance, the intrinsic specific energy in rotary-cutting action, i.e. the energy consumed in pure cutting action, and drilling penetration rate values in percussive action were used. The results show that the new energy-based brittleness index successfully describes the performance of different cutting and drilling methods and therefore is relevant to assess drilling performance for engineering applications.

Novel fiber-based technique for inspection of holes in narrow-bore tubes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bernard, Fabien; Flaherty, Tony; O'Connor, Gerard M.

2009-06-01

Optical tools offer a route to increasing throughput and efficiency in industrial inspection operations, one of the most time-consuming and labour-intensive aspects of modern manufacturing. One prominent example in the medical device industry is inspection of drilled holes, particularly in narrow-bore tubes (precision-flow devices, such as catheters for drug delivery, radio-opaque contrast agents, etc). The products in which these holes feature are increasing in complexity (reduced dimensions, increasing number of drilled features- in some products now reaching into the hundreds). These trends present a number of technical challenges, not least to ensure that holes are completed and that no damage to the part occurs as a result of over-drilling, for example. This paper will present a novel sensor based on back-side illumination of the drilled hole using side-glowing optical fibers to detect, qualify and quantify drilled holes. The concept is based on inserting a laser-coupled side-glowing optical fiber into the lumen of the tube to be drilled, and imaging the light emitted from this fiber through a drilled hole using a vision system mounted external to the tube. The light from the fiber allows rapid determination of hole completion, shape and size, as well as quantity in the case of products with multiple holes. If the fiber is mounted in the tube prior to drilling, the light emitted from the fiber can be used as a real-time hole breakthrough sensor, preventing under or overdrilling of the tube.

Summary: High Temperature Downhole Motor

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Raymond, David W.

2017-10-01

Directional drilling can be used to enable multi-lateral completions from a single well pad to improve well productivity and decrease environmental impact. Downhole rotation is typically developed with a motor in the Bottom Hole Assembly (BHA) that develops drilling power (speed and torque) necessary to drive rock reduction mechanisms (i.e., the bit) apart from the rotation developed by the surface rig. Historically, wellbore deviation has been introduced by a “bent-sub,” located in the BHA, that introduces a small angular deviation, typically less than 3 degrees, to allow the bit to drill off-axis with orientation of the BHA controlled at themore » surface. The development of a high temperature downhole motor would allow reliable use of bent subs for geothermal directional drilling. Sandia National Laboratories is pursuing the development of a high temperature motor that will operate on either drilling fluid (water-based mud) or compressed air to enable drilling high temperature, high strength, fractured rock. The project consists of designing a power section based upon geothermal drilling requirements; modeling and analysis of potential solutions; and design, development and testing of prototype hardware to validate the concept. Drilling costs contribute substantially to geothermal electricity production costs. The present development will result in more reliable access to deep, hot geothermal resources and allow preferential wellbore trajectories to be achieved. This will enable development of geothermal wells with multi-lateral completions resulting in improved geothermal resource recovery, decreased environmental impact and enhanced well construction economics.« less

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Thomas, Donald M.; Lienert, Barry R.; Wallin, Erin L.

Our objectives for the current project were to develop an innovative inversion and analysis procedure for magnetotelluric field data and time variable self-potentials that will enable us to map not only the subsurface resistivity structure of a geothermal prospect but to also delineate the permeability distribution within the field. Hence, the ultimate objective were to provide better targeting information for exploratory and development drilling of a geothermal prospect. Field data were collected and analyzed from the Kilauea Summit, Kilauea East Rift Zone, and the Humuula Saddle between Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea volcanoes. All of these areas were known ormore » suspected to have geothermal activity of varying intensities. Our results provided evidence for significant long-term coordinated changes in spontaneous potential that could be associated with subsurface flows, significant interferences were encountered that arose from surface environmental changes (rainfall, temperature) that rendered it nearly impossible to unequivocally distinguish between deep fluid flow changes and environmental effects. Further, the analysis of the inferred spontaneous potential changes in the context of depth of the signals, and hence, permeability horizons, were unable to be completed in the time available.« less

An Industry/DOE Program to Develop and Benchmark Advanced Diamond Product Drill Bits and HP/HT Drilling Fluids to Significantly Improve Rates of Penetration

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

TerraTek

2007-06-30

A deep drilling research program titled 'An Industry/DOE Program to Develop and Benchmark Advanced Diamond Product Drill Bits and HP/HT Drilling Fluids to Significantly Improve Rates of Penetration' was conducted at TerraTek's Drilling and Completions Laboratory. Drilling tests were run to simulate deep drilling by using high bore pressures and high confining and overburden stresses. The purpose of this testing was to gain insight into practices that would improve rates of penetration and mechanical specific energy while drilling under high pressure conditions. Thirty-seven test series were run utilizing a variety of drilling parameters which allowed analysis of the performance ofmore » drill bits and drilling fluids. Five different drill bit types or styles were tested: four-bladed polycrystalline diamond compact (PDC), 7-bladed PDC in regular and long profile, roller-cone, and impregnated. There were three different rock types used to simulate deep formations: Mancos shale, Carthage marble, and Crab Orchard sandstone. The testing also analyzed various drilling fluids and the extent to which they improved drilling. The PDC drill bits provided the best performance overall. The impregnated and tungsten carbide insert roller-cone drill bits performed poorly under the conditions chosen. The cesium formate drilling fluid outperformed all other drilling muds when drilling in the Carthage marble and Mancos shale with PDC drill bits. The oil base drilling fluid with manganese tetroxide weighting material provided the best performance when drilling the Crab Orchard sandstone.« less

Drilling Productivity Report

EIA Publications

2017-01-01

Energy Information Administration’s (EIA) new Drilling Productivity Report (DPR) takes a fresh look at oil and natural gas production, starting with an assessment of how and where drilling for hydrocarbons is taking place. The DPR uses recent data on the total number of drilling rigs in operation along with estimates of drilling productivity and estimated changes in production from existing oil and natural gas wells to provide estimated changes in oil and natural gas production for six key fields. EIA's approach does not distinguish between oil-directed rigs and gas-directed rigs because once a well is completed it may produce both oil and gas; more than half of the wells produce both.

Reward and uncertainty in exploration programs

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kaufman, G. M.; Bradley, P. G.

1971-01-01

A set of variables which are crucial to the economic outcome of petroleum exploration are discussed. These are treated as random variables; the values they assume indicate the number of successes that occur in a drilling program and determine, for a particular discovery, the unit production cost and net economic return if that reservoir is developed. In specifying the joint probability law for those variables, extreme and probably unrealistic assumptions are made. In particular, the different random variables are assumed to be independently distributed. Using postulated probability functions and specified parameters, values are generated for selected random variables, such as reservoir size. From this set of values the economic magnitudes of interest, net return and unit production cost are computed. This constitutes a single trial, and the procedure is repeated many times. The resulting histograms approximate the probability density functions of the variables which describe the economic outcomes of an exploratory drilling program.

Looking For a Needle in the Haystack: Deciphering Indigenous 1.79 km Deep Subsurface Microbial Communities from Drilling Mud Contaminants Using 454 Pyrotag Sequencing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dong, Y.; Cann, I.; Mackie, R.; Price, N.; Flynn, T. M.; Sanford, R.; Miller, P.; Chia, N.; Kumar, C. G.; Kim, P.; Sivaguru, M.; Fouke, B. W.

2010-12-01

Knowledge of the composition, structure and activity of microbial communities that live in deeply buried sedimentary rocks is fundamental to the future of subsurface biosphere stewardship as it relates to hydrocarbon exploration and extraction, carbon sequestration, gas storage and groundwater management. However, the study of indigenous subsurface microorganisms has been limited by the technical challenges of collecting deep formation water samples that have not been heavily contaminated by the mud used to drill the wells. To address this issue, a “clean-sampling method” deploying the newly developed Schlumberger Quicksilver MDT probe was used to collect a subsurface sample at a depth of 1.79 km (5872 ft) from an exploratory well within Cambrian-age sandstones in the Illinois Basin. This yielded a formation water sample that was determined to have less than 4% drilling mud contamination based on tracking changes in the aqueous geochemistry of the formation water during ~3 hours of pumping at depth prior to sample collection. A suite of microscopy and culture-independent molecular analyses were completed using the DNA extracted from microbial cells in the formation water, which included 454 amplicon pyrosequencing that targeted the V1-V3 hypervariable region of bacterial 16S rRNA gene sequences. Results demonstrated an extremely low diversity microbial community living in formation water at 1.79 km-depth. More than 95 % of the total V1-V3 pyrosequencing reads (n=11574) obtained from the formation water were affiliated with a halophilic γ-proteobacterium and most closely related to the genus Halomonas. In contrast, about 3 % of the V1-V3 sequences in the drilling mud library (n=13044) were classified as genus Halomonas but were distinctly different and distantly related to the formation water Halomonas detected at 1.79 km-depth. These results were consistent with those obtained using a suite of other molecular screens (e.g., Terminal-Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (T-RFLP) and the initial full length 16S rRNA amplicon libraries) and bioinformatic analyses (e.g., 16S rRNA and Open Reading Frame (ORF) calls established from the 454 metagenomic community analyses). Functional pathway modeling is underway to evaluate the adaptation of this indigenous microbial community to the hydrologic and geologic history of the deep subsurface environment of the Illinois Basin.

An Exploratory Usability Evaluation of Colorado State University Libraries' Digital Collections and the Western Waters Digital Library Web Sites

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Zimmerman, Don; Paschal, Dawn Bastian

2009-01-01

In an exploratory study, participants (n = 18) completed 11 usability tasks to assess ease of use of two Web sites, and then a Web site perception questionnaire for each. Participants rated both Web sites positively, but 25% and 36% could not complete all tasks; doing so required more than a minute to complete. (Contains 2 figures and 7 tables.)

Handpiece speed and postoperative outcomes in third molar surgery.

PubMed

Campbell, John H; Murray, R Anthony

2004-01-01

This study was performed to assess surgical outcomes when externally irrigated slow-speed surgical handpieces (30,000 rpm) were compared to externally irrigated high-speed handpieces (90,000 rpm) in the removal of impacted lower third molar teeth. One hundred patients with bilater ally impacted third molar s were enrolled in the study; 53 remained to completion. Each patient served as his/her own control. The experimental side was treated using a 30,000 rpm electric rotary drill incorporating irrigation, while the control side was treated using the same drill system, but with a 90,000 rpm handpiece. Drill speeds used were alternated between the right and left sides of patients to avoid bias introduced by the dominant hand of the surgeon. Patients were blinded to drill speed, and were asked to complete a standardized pain/swelling questionnaire for seven days immediately following surgery. Data was analyzed to determine differences in pain, swelling, and complications in relation to the drill type used. No statistically significant differences were found in degree of pain, swelling, or complications when the slower drill was compared to the high-speed instrument. The study suggests that there is no difference in postoperative outcome when impacted third molar teeth are removed with either slow- or high-speed instrumentation, and that the choice of the drill type should be determined solely by the preference of the operator.

OPTIMIZATION OF MUD HAMMER DRILLING PERFORMANCE - A PROGRAM TO BENCHMARK THE VIABILITY OF ADVANCED MUD HAMMER DRILLING

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Gordon Tibbitts; Arnis Judzis

2001-10-01

This document details the progress to date on the OPTIMIZATION OF MUD HAMMER DRILLING PERFORMANCE -- A PROGRAM TO BENCHMARK THE VIABILITY OF ADVANCED MUD HAMMER DRILLING contract for the quarter starting July 2001 through September 2001. Accomplishments to date include the following: TerraTek highlighted DOE's National Energy Technology Laboratory effort on Mud Hammer Optimization at the recent Annual Conference and Exhibition for the Society of Petroleum Engineers. The original exhibit scheduled by NETL was canceled due to events surrounding the September tragedies in the US. TerraTek has completed analysis of drilling performance (rates of penetration, hydraulics, etc.) for themore » Phase One testing which was completed at the beginning of July. TerraTek jointly with the Industry Advisory Board for this project and DOE/NETL conducted a lessons learned meeting to transfer technology vital for the next series of performance tests. Both hammer suppliers benefited from the testing program and are committed to pursue equipment improvements and ''optimization'' in accordance with the scope of work. An abstract for a proposed publication by the society of Petroleum Engineers/International Association of Drilling Contractors jointly sponsored Drilling Conference was accepted as an alternate paper. Technology transfer is encouraged by the DOE in this program, thus plans are underway to prepare the paper for this prestigious venue.« less

Unsupervised learning on scientific ocean drilling datasets from the South China Sea

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tse, Kevin C.; Chiu, Hon-Chim; Tsang, Man-Yin; Li, Yiliang; Lam, Edmund Y.

2018-06-01

Unsupervised learning methods were applied to explore data patterns in multivariate geophysical datasets collected from ocean floor sediment core samples coming from scientific ocean drilling in the South China Sea. Compared to studies on similar datasets, but using supervised learning methods which are designed to make predictions based on sample training data, unsupervised learning methods require no a priori information and focus only on the input data. In this study, popular unsupervised learning methods including K-means, self-organizing maps, hierarchical clustering and random forest were coupled with different distance metrics to form exploratory data clusters. The resulting data clusters were externally validated with lithologic units and geologic time scales assigned to the datasets by conventional methods. Compact and connected data clusters displayed varying degrees of correspondence with existing classification by lithologic units and geologic time scales. K-means and self-organizing maps were observed to perform better with lithologic units while random forest corresponded best with geologic time scales. This study sets a pioneering example of how unsupervised machine learning methods can be used as an automatic processing tool for the increasingly high volume of scientific ocean drilling data.

Bridging worlds/charting new courses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

This report describes the work being done within Sandia's renewable energy program. This work touches on four major disciplines. (1) Photovoltaics. The goal of this project is to develop costeffective, reliable energy system technologies for energy supplies worldwide produced by U.S. industry. It encompasses cell research and development, collector development, technology evaluation, systems engineering, domestic and international applications, and design assistance. (2) Solar Thermal. This project endeavors to develop and increase acceptance of solar thermal electric and industrial technologies as cost-competitive candidates for power generation and to promote their commercialization. Its' major activities are with dish/Stirling systems, the Solar Two power tower, design assistance to industry and users, technology development and research activities. (3) Wind. The wind project impacts domestic and international markets with commercially feasible systems for utility-scale and other applications of wind energy. The project conducts applied research in aerodynamics, structural dynamics, fatigue, materials and controls, and engineering systems, and develops cooperative work with industry. (4) Geothermal. This project is developing technology to increase proven geothermal reserves and is assisting industry in expanding geothermal power on-line. Development work is in stemhole drilling, drilling techniques, instrumentation for geothermal wells, acoustic telemetry, and drilling exploratory wells.

A new scientific drilling infrastructure in Sweden

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rosberg, J.-E.; Lorenz, H.

2012-04-01

A new scientific drilling infrastructure is currently under commissioning at Lund University in southern Sweden and is intended primarily for Swedish scientific drilling projects. However, it will be available to the scientific community and even industry when not occupied. The drill rig, a crawler mounted Atlas Copco CT20, was funded by the Swedish Research Council (VR) after an application by the Swedish scientific drilling community under the lead of Prof. Leif Bjelm, Lund University. As a national resource it is, together with support of the Swedish Deep Drilling Program (SDDP) and the Swedish membership in ICDP, part of VR's commitment to scientific drilling. The Atlas Copco CT20 is a top modern, versatile diamond wireline core-drilling rig which can handle P, H and N sizes. It can operate on very small drill sites (500-800 m2) and, thus, leaves a minimal environmental footprint. The crawler makes the rig ideal for operations in remote locations. A total of only 3-4 truckloads is necessary for mobilization of the basic drilling equipment. Main technical specifications are: Depth capacity coring, based on vertical water filled hole: P-size to around 1050 m, hole size 123 mm and core size 85 mm. H-size to around 1600 m, hole size 96 mm and core size 63 mm. N-size to around 2500 m, hole size 76 mm and core size 48 mm. Weight: Complete rig including crawler, wet - 23500 kg Dimensions in (length, width, height) transport position: 11560 x 2500 x 3750 mm. Available in-hole equipment: Complete core retrieval system for PQ, HQ and NQ-sizes, including PHD, HRQ (V-Wall) and NRQ (V-Wall) drill rods covering the maximum drilling depth for each size (see rig depth capacity above). Both dual and triple tube for HQ and NQ-sizes. Casing advancers (PW, HW, NW and BW). Casing PWT, HWT, NW and BW. Bits and reamers. Additional equipment: Mud cleaning and mixing system. MWD-system (Measurements While Drilling). Cementing equipment. Fishing tools (Bowen Spear). Blow Out Preventer (BOP). Deviation tools. Wireline packers. And more.

Self-Advancing Step-Tap Drills

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pettit, Donald R.; Camarda, Charles J.; Penner, Ronald K.; Franklin, Larry D.

2007-01-01

Self-advancing tool bits that are hybrids of drills and stepped taps make it possible to form threaded holes wider than about 1/2 in. (about 13 mm) without applying any more axial force than is necessary for forming narrower pilot holes. These self-advancing stepped-tap drills were invented for use by space-suited astronauts performing repairs on reinforced carbon/carbon space-shuttle leading edges during space walks, in which the ability to apply axial drilling forces is severely limited. Self-advancing stepped-tap drills could also be used on Earth for making wide holes without applying large axial forces. A self-advancing stepped-tap drill (see figure) includes several sections having progressively larger diameters, typically in increments between 0.030 and 0.060 in. (between about 0.8 and about 1.5 mm). The tip section, which is the narrowest, is a pilot drill bit that typically has a diameter between 1/8 and 3/16 in. (between about 3.2 and about 4.8 mm). The length of the pilot-drill section is chosen, according to the thickness of the object to be drilled and tapped, so that the pilot hole is completed before engagement of the first tap section. Provided that the cutting-edge geometry of the drill bit is optimized for the material to be drilled, only a relatively small axial force [typically of the order of a few pounds (of the order of 10 newtons)] must be applied during drilling of the pilot hole. Once the first tap section engages the pilot hole, it is no longer necessary for the drill operator to apply axial force: the thread engagement between the tap and the workpiece provides the axial force to advance the tool bit. Like the pilot-drill section, each tap section must be long enough to complete its hole before engagement of the next, slightly wider tap section. The precise values of the increments in diameter, the thread pitch, the rake angle of the tap cutting edge, and other geometric parameters of the tap sections must be chosen, in consideration of the workpiece material and thickness, to prevent stripping of threads during the drilling/tapping operation. A stop-lip or shoulder at the shank end of the widest tap section prevents further passage of the tool bit through the hole.

Effects of a drill diameter on the temperature rise in a bone during implant site preparation under clinical conditions.

PubMed

Bogovič, Valerija; Svete, Andrej; Bajsić, Ivan

2016-10-01

Heat, generated during the drilling of a dental implant site preparation, leads to a temperature rise and consequently to a thermal injury of the bone tissue surrounding the implant site, which can cause the subsequent implant failure. In this article, we present new findings related to the temperature rise during implant site drilling under real conditions on a bovine rib bone specimen. The experiments were designed with the help of a full-factorial design in randomized complete blocks, where the main effects of the drill diameter in combination with the drilling force and the drilling speed, and their interactions, on the temperature rise were determined. The temperature rise in the bone under real conditions was measured as the implant site was being prepared by a dentist using intermittent, graduated drilling and external irrigation. Results show that the drill diameter has statistically significant effect, independent of the drilling procedure used. Among the examined drilling parameters, the drill diameter has the greatest effect, where an increase in the drill diameter first causes a decrease in the temperature rise and further increase in the drill diameter causes its increase. During the continuous and one-step drilling, the temperatures of the bones were up to 40.5 °C and during the drilling under actual conditions up to 30.11 °C. © IMechE 2016.

OPTIMIZATION OF MUD HAMMER DRILLING PERFORMANCE - A PROGRAM TO BENCHMARK THE VIABILITY OF ADVANCED MUD HAMMER DRILLING

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Gordon Tibbitts; Arnis Judzis

2001-04-01

This document details the progress to date on the OPTIMIZATION OF MUD HAMMER DRILLING PERFORMANCE -- A PROGRAM TO BENCHMARK THE VIABILITY OF ADVANCED MUD HAMMER DRILLING contract for the quarter starting January 2001 through March 2001. Accomplishments to date include the following: (1) On January 9th of 2001, details of the Mud Hammer Drilling Performance Testing Project were presented at a ''kick-off'' meeting held in Morgantown. (2) A preliminary test program was formulated and prepared for presentation at a meeting of the advisory board in Houston on the 8th of February. (3) The meeting was held with the advisorymore » board reviewing the test program in detail. (4) Consensus was achieved and the approved test program was initiated after thorough discussion. (5) This new program outlined the details of the drilling tests as well as scheduling the test program for the weeks of 14th and 21st of May 2001. (6) All the tasks were initiated for a completion to coincide with the test schedule. (7) By the end of March the hardware had been designed and the majority was either being fabricated or completed. (8) The rock was received and cored into cylinders.« less

Exploration in petroleum development in Oman: Getting a kick into the creaming curve

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Knox, G.J.

1993-09-01

Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) currently explores an 80,000 mi[sup 2] concession area. Major discoveries were made in the early 1960s in north Oman and in south Oman in the 1970s. However, in the middle to late 1980s, discovery sizes decreased, consistent with classical creaming curves, particularly as exploration concentrated on areas around the hydrocarbon fairways. With a flattening creaming curve, the outlook did not look rosy. PDO faced the question, [open quotes]Does this curve represent the future or could new ideas, a change in approach, or application of newer technologies give an upward kick to the creaming curve [close quotes]more » A major strategy review took place in which the potential of all plays was reviewed. Prospects were place into frontier, conventional, and exploratory appraisal types. String time was allocated over a five-year period on a basis of play testing for frontier plays and a steady realization of conventional and exploratory appraisal drilling as partial fulfillment of the annual exploration reserves replenishment target. Initial results are promising, and specific challenges including new plays, one unique to Oman, have been defined beyond the aims of the original strategy. Resolution of these challenges will lead to delineation of new hydrocarbon resources in Oman. At the same time, technological advances such as slim-hole drilling and extensive three-dimensional seismic, in concert with work-station interpretation, are being used, in order to minimize costs and increase the success ratio.« less

Noise characterization of oil and gas operations.

PubMed

Radtke, Cameron; Autenrieth, Daniel A; Lipsey, Tiffany; Brazile, William J

2017-08-01

In cooperation with The Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission, researchers at Colorado State University performed area noise monitoring at 23 oil and gas sites throughout Northern Colorado. The goals of this study were to: (1) measure and compare the noise levels for the different phases of oil and gas development sites; (2) evaluate the effectiveness of noise barriers; and (3) determine if noise levels exceeded the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission noise limits. The four phases of oil and gas development include drilling, hydraulic fracturing, completion and production. Noise measurements were collected using the A- and C-weighted sound scales. Octave band analysis was also performed to characterize the frequency spectra of the noise measurements.  Noise measurements were collected using noise dosimeters and a hand-held sound-level meter at specified distances from the development sites in each cardinal direction. At 350 ft (107 m), drilling, hydraulic fracturing, and completion sites without noise barriers exceeded the maximum permissible noise levels for residential and commercial zones (55 dBA and 60 dBA, respectively). In addition, drilling and hydraulic fracturing sites with noise barriers exceeded the maximum permissible noise level for residential zones (55 dBA). However, during drilling, hydraulic fracturing, and completion operations, oil producers are allowed an exception to the noise permissible limits in that they only must comply with the industrial noise limit (80 dBA). It is stated in Rule 604.c.(2)A. that: "Operations involving pipeline or gas facility installation or maintenance, the use of a drilling rig, completion rig, workover rig, or stimulation is subject to the maximum permissible noise levels for industrial zones (80dBA)." [8] Production sites were within the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission permissible noise level criteria for all zones. At 350 ft (107 m) from the noise source, all drilling, hydraulic fracturing, and completion sites exceeded 65 dBC.  Current noise wall mitigation strategies reduced noise levels in both the A- and C-weighted scale measurements. However, this reduction in noise was not sufficient to reduce the noise below the residential permissible noise level (55 dBA).

Application of drilling, coring, and sampling techniques to test holes and wells

USGS Publications Warehouse

Shuter, Eugene; Teasdale, Warren E.

1989-01-01

The purpose of this manual is to provide ground-water hydrologists with a working knowledge of the techniques of test drilling, auger drilling, coring and sampling, and the related drilling and sampling equipment. For the most part, the techniques discussed deal with drilling, sampling, and completion of test holes in unconsolidated sediments because a hydrologist is interested primarily in shallow-aquifer data in this type of lithology. Successful drilling and coring of these materials usually is difficult, and published research information on the subject is not readily available. The authors emphasize in-situ sampling of unconsolidated sediments to obtain virtually undisturbed samples. Particular attention is given to auger drilling and hydraulic-rotary methods of drilling because these are the principal means of test drilling performed by the U.S. Geological Survey during hydrologic studies. Techniques for sampling areas contaminated by solid or liquid waste are discussed. Basic concepts of well development and a detailed discussion of drilling muds, as related to hole conditioning, also are included in the report. The information contained in this manual is intended to help ground-water hydrologists obtain useful subsurface data and samples from their drilling programs.

The Detection Method of Fire Abnormal Based on Directional Drilling in Complex Conditions of Mine

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huijun, Duan; Shijun, Hao; Jie, Feng

2018-06-01

In the light of more and more urgent hidden fire abnormal detection problem in complex conditions of mine, a method which is used directional drilling technology is put forward. The method can avoid the obstacles in mine, and complete the fire abnormal detection. This paper based on analyzing the trajectory control of directional drilling, measurement while drilling and the characteristic of open branch process, the project of the directional drilling is formulated combination with a complex condition mine, and the detection of fire abnormal is implemented. This method can provide technical support for fire prevention, which also can provide a new way for fire anomaly detection in the similar mine.

WETTABILITY AND PREDICTION OF OIL RECOVERY FROM RESERVOIRS DEVELOPED WITH MODERN DRILLING AND COMPLETION FLUIDS

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Jill S. Buckley; Norman r. Morrow

2002-06-01

This first semiannual report covers efforts to select the materials that will be used in this project. Discussions of crude oils, rocks, smooth mineral surfaces, and drilling mud additives are included in this report.

PRELIMINARY DRILLING IN THE POWDER RIVER BASIN, CONVERSE, CAMPBELL, AND JOHNSON COUNTRIES, WYOMING

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Geslin, H.E.; Bromley, C.P.

1957-06-01

On July 16, 1953, a diamond core-drilling program was begun in the pumpkin Buttes area to secure geologic information. Drilling was terminated March 11, 1964, after 12 holes had been completed for a total of 5,813 feet. An investigational rotary noncore-drilling project was conducted from June l4, to September 17, 1954, in the southern part of the Powder River Basin, Campbell, Johnson, and Converse Counties, Wyoming. Drilling was done in the Pumpkin Buttes area and the Converse County area. A total of 52,267 feet was drilled and the average depth of hole was 75.3 feet. Forty-one anomalous areas in themore » Powder River Basin were drilled; of these, three in Converse County were found to contain possible commercial ore bodies. All of the drilling was done in the Wasatch formation of Eocene age except one locality, which was in the Fort Union formation of Paleocene age. (auth)« less

78 FR 11676 - Notice of Inventory Completion: National Guard Bureau/A7AN, Air National Guard, Joint Base...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-02-19

..., and wolf tooth necklace containing drilled canines; 4 drilled canines; 6 bone awls; 9 polished or worked bone tools; 2 polished small mammal mandibles; 1 worked canine; 2 fish spine needles; 1 antler...

Neurosurgical robotic arm drilling navigation system.

PubMed

Lin, Chung-Chih; Lin, Hsin-Cheng; Lee, Wen-Yo; Lee, Shih-Tseng; Wu, Chieh-Tsai

2017-09-01

The aim of this work was to develop a neurosurgical robotic arm drilling navigation system that provides assistance throughout the complete bone drilling process. The system comprised neurosurgical robotic arm navigation combining robotic and surgical navigation, 3D medical imaging based surgical planning that could identify lesion location and plan the surgical path on 3D images, and automatic bone drilling control that would stop drilling when the bone was to be drilled-through. Three kinds of experiment were designed. The average positioning error deduced from 3D images of the robotic arm was 0.502 ± 0.069 mm. The correlation between automatically and manually planned paths was 0.975. The average distance error between automatically planned paths and risky zones was 0.279 ± 0.401 mm. The drilling auto-stopping algorithm had 0.00% unstopped cases (26.32% in control group 1) and 70.53% non-drilled-through cases (8.42% and 4.21% in control groups 1 and 2). The system may be useful for neurosurgical robotic arm drilling navigation. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

The Nokomis Cu-Ni-PGE Deposit, Duluth Complex: A sulfide-bearing, crystal-laden magmatic slurry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Peterson, D. M.

2009-12-01

Duluth Metals Limited’s Nokomis deposit is the most recently discovered Cu-Ni-PGE deposit in the 1.1 Ga. Duluth Complex, Minnesota. The deposit was discovered utilizing a genetic ore deposit model that identified and back-tracked channelized magma flow within the basal zone of the South Kawishiwi intrusion (SKI). The model led to exploratory drilling in 2006, deposit discovery and initial resource estimation in 2007, and significant resource expansion in 2008, all in a period of 18 months. The deposit’s updated 2008 NI 43-101 compliant Resource Estimate, based on 108 holes drilled by Duluth Metals and 52 historic drill holes on and off the property, contains 449 million tonnes of Indicated Resources grading 0.624% copper, 0.199% nickel, and 0.600 grams per tonne of total precious metals (TPM = Platinum+Palladium+Gold), and an additional 284 million tonnes of Inferred Resources grading 0.627% copper, 0.194% nickel, and 0.718 grams per tonne of TPM. The combined Indicated and Inferred Resources contain approximately 10 billion lbs Cu, 3.1 billion lbs Ni, 165 million lbs Co, 4 million ounces Pt, 9 million ounces Pd, and 2 million ounces of Au. Within these NI 43-101 resources are large tonnages of higher grade material, and the company has commenced an internal research program to identify the geologic controls on the formation nickel-rich and PGE-rich mineralization in the SKI, as well as copper-PGE rich mineralization in the footwall Archean rocks. To date, Duluth Metals has drilled more than 500,000 Ft. (~155,000 m) of core in 155 holes into the deposit, and has only drilled about half of the property. The ore deposit model was developed in cooperation with researchers from the Natural Resources Research Institute of the University of Minnesota, Duluth. As well, research and collaboration with faculty and students at Johns Hopkins University on the Ferrar Dolerites of the Antarctic Dry Valleys has played a key role in developing the magmatic model for the deposit. A fundamental aspect of the ever-developing ore deposit model is an understanding of the initial conditions of the magmatic system - its crystallinity, sulfur capacity, geochemistry, and geometry - and how the sulfur saturated SKI magma lived, worked, and died. Such understanding includes the realization that the magma was a crystal-liquid (silicate and sulfide liquids) slurry and the identification of magma channelways and sub-channels and their associated thermal anomalies. In addition, the SKI magmas locally melted the footwall granitoid rocks, and such melts have been incorporated into the sulfide-bearing troctolitic melts of the SKI. In the end, hard work (>16,000 outcrops mapped, ~20,000 geochemical analyses completed, and >155,000 meters of core drilled) and intellectual geologic thought has been used to identify one of the world’s largest resources of Cu-Ni-PGEs.

Habitat impacts of offshore drilling, eastern Gulf of Mexico

USGS Publications Warehouse

Shinn, Eugene A.; Lidz, Barbara H.; Reich, Christopher D.

1994-01-01

In this survey six offshore exploratory drill sites in a variety of environments and water depths were examined using a small research submersible. Sites varied from locations off northwest Florida to as far west as offshore Alabama. Water depths ranged from 21 m (70 ft) to 149 m (489 ft), and bottom sediments ranged from carbonate mud to Shelly quartz sand and silt to hard limestone. The age of the sites (the time between cessation of drilling activities and our observations) ranged from 15 months to 17 years . In a previous MMS-funded study, Shinn et al. (1989) and Dustan et al . (1991) examined eight sites off South Florida, where the age of the sites ranged from 2 to 29 years. The study documented repeatedly variability of impact from site to site . In the present study, we note a similar wide divergence of impacts . Using the concentration of barium (the major component of drill mud), cuttings, and trace metals as a basis, we found that time is the single most important factor determining the nature of habitat recovery. Older sites, particularly the 17-year-old site, were relatively pristine. At a 7-year-old site, two hurricanes did far more damage than drilling . At other sites, we documented a significant amount of discarded debris, and at two 5-year-old sites, large concentrations of barium and cuttings. Impacts, such as the extent of debris and cuttings, affected the bottom ranging in area from almost negligible (17-year-old site) to as much as 3 acres (4-year-old site) . As suspected, those sites with the most debris and/or open boreholes attracted the most abundant and diverse fish fauna.

Evaluation of drilled-ball bearings at DN values to three million. 2: Experimental skid study and endurance tests

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Holmes, P. W.

1972-01-01

Both drilled-and solid-ball 120-mm-bore bearings were tested at speeds up to 24,000 rpm to determine skid characteristics. The thrust loads were varied from 5000 lb down to 370 lb. No gross skidding occurred, and the behavior of the two bearing types was generally similar; however, two drilled-ball bearing failures occurred during the skid tests. In the endurance tests, 25 cycles of start, run (for one hour), and stop were completed before a drilled-ball bearing failed. In all three cases, the ball had failed in flexure fatigue.

Implementation of improved underbalanced drilling in AbuDhabi onshore field

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alhammadi, Adel Mohammed

Abu Dhabi Company for Onshore Oil Operations (ADCO) is considering Underbalanced Drilling (UBD) as a means to develop lower permeability units in its fields. In addition to productivity and recovery gains, ADCO also expects reservoir characterization benefits from UBD. Reservoir screening studies were carried out on all of ADCO's reservoirs to determine their applicability for UBD. The primary business benefits of UBD were determined to be reservoir characterization, damage Mitigation, and rate of Penetration "ROP" Improvement. Apart from the primary benefits, some of the secondary benefits of UBD that were identified beforehand included rig performance. Since it's a trial wells, the challenge was to drill these wells safely, efficiently and of course meeting well objectives. Many operators worldwide drill these well in underbalanced mode but complete it overbalanced. In our case the plan was to drill and complete these wells in underbalanced condition. But we had to challenge most operators and come up with special and unique casing hanger design to ensure well control barriers exists while fishing the control line of the Downhole Deployment Valve "DDV". After intensive studies and planning, the hanger was designed as per our recommendations and found to be effective equipment that optimized the operational time and the cost as well. This report will provide better understanding of UBD technique in general and shade on the special designed casing hanger compared to conventional or what's most used worldwide. Even thought there were some issues while running the casing hanger prior drilling but managed to capture the learning's from each well and re-modified the hanger and come up with better deign for the future wells. Finally, the new design perform a good performance of saving the operation time and assisting the project to be done in a safe and an easy way without a major impact on the well cost. This design helped to drill and complete these wells safely with requirement to kill the wells and this ensured least reservoir damage.

A Proposed Borehole Scientific Laboratory in Quay County, New Mexico, USA

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nielson, Dennis; Eckels, Marc; Mast, Peter; Zellman, Mark; Creed, Robert

2017-04-01

Our team has received funding from the US Department of Energy to initiate a Deep Borehole Field Test that will develop a subsurface test site to evaluate the drilling and scientific aspects of deep borehole disposal of nuclear waste in crystalline rock. Phase 1 of the project will focus on Public Outreach and land acquisition whereas Phase 2 will generate a drilling and testing plan and secure regulatory approvals. Phase 3 will complete the Drilling and Testing Plan and Phase 4 will include the drilling and testing. Phase 5 will be devoted to borehole science and experiments with emplacement technology. Although we are specifically considering issues associated with the disposal of waste, this project is a proof of concept, and no waste will be emplaced at our site. In brief, the concept envisions an 8-1/2 inch open-hole completion at a depth of 5000 m in crystalline rock. There will be an extensive program of sample collection (including core) and analysis as well as geophysical logging and borehole testing. Critical issues will be low permeability in the crystalline rock as well as the ability to manage borehole quality. Our team has proposed a site in Quay County, New Mexico that has an 850 meter thick Paleozoic section overlying homogeneous Precambrian granite. A subsequent phase of the project may drill a second hole with a 17-1/2 inch completion located about 200 m from the first. Our long-term plan is that this site will be managed as a deep scientific observatory that also provides a facility for scientific experiments and testing of borehole infrastructure and drilling equipment.

Reservoir characterization of the Mississippian Ratcliffe, Richland County, Montana, Williston Basin. Topical report, September 1997

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sippel, M.; Luff, K.D.; Hendricks, M.L.

1998-07-01

This topical report is a compilation of characterizations by different disciplines of the Mississippian Ratcliffe in portions of Richland County, MT. Goals of the report are to increase understanding of the reservoir rocks, oil-in-place, heterogeneity and methods for improved recovery. The report covers investigations of geology, petrography, reservoir engineering and seismic. The Ratcliffe is a low permeability oil reservoir which appears to be developed across much of the study area and occurs across much of the Williston Basin. The reservoir has not been a primary drilling target in the study area because average reserves have been insufficient to payout themore » cost of drilling and completion despite the application of hydraulic fracture stimulation. Oil trapping does not appear to be structurally controlled. For the Ratcliffe to be a viable drilling objective, methods need to be developed for (1) targeting better reservoir development and (2) better completions. A geological model is presented for targeting areas with greater potential for commercial reserves in the Ratcliffe. This model can be best utilized with the aid of 3D seismic. A 3D seismic survey was acquired and is used to demonstrate a methodology for targeting the Ratcliffe. Other data obtained during the project include oriented core, special formation-imaging log, pressure transient measurements and oil PVT. Although re-entry horizontal drilling was unsuccessfully tested, this completion technology should improve the economic viability of the Ratcliffe. Reservoir simulation of horizontal completions with productivity of three times that of a vertical well suggested two or three horizontal wells in a 258-ha (640-acre) area could recover sufficient reserves for profitable drilling.« less

Summary report on the regional geology, environmental considerations for development, petroleum potential, and estimates of undiscovered recoverable oil and gas resources of the United States southeastern Atlantic continental margin in the area of proposed oil and gas lease sale No. 78

USGS Publications Warehouse

Dillon, William P.

1981-01-01

This report summarizes our general knowledge of the geology and petroleum potential, as well as potential problems and hazards associated with development of petroleum resources, of the area proposed for nominations for lease sale number 78. This area includes the U.S. eastern continental margin from the mouth of Chesapeake Bay to approximately Cape Canaveral, Florida, including the upper Continental Slope and inner Blake Plateau. The area for possible sales and the previous areas leased are shown in figure 1; physiographic features of the region are shown in figure 2. Six exploration wells have been drilled within the proposed lease area (figs. 3 and 4) but no commercial discoveries have been made. All six wells were drilled on the Continental Shelf in the Southeast Georgia Embayment. No commercial production has been obtained onshore in the region. The areas already drilled have thin sedimentary sections, and the deeper rocks are dominantly continental facies. Petroleum formation may have been hindered by a lack of organic material and sufficient burial for thermal maturation. Analysis of drill and seismic profiling data presented here, however, indicates that a much thicker sedimentary rock section containing a much higher proportion of marine deposits exists seaward of the exploratory wells on the Continental Shelf. These geologic conditions imply that the offshore basins may be more favorable environments for generating petroleum.

Drilled shaft bridge foundation design parameters and procedures for bearing in SGC soils.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2006-04-01

This report provides a simplified method to be used for evaluating the skin friction and tip resistance of : axially loaded drilled shafts. A summary of literature and current practice was completed and then a : comprehensive set of field and laborat...

Calibration of resistance factors for drilled shafts for the new FHWA design method.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2013-01-01

The Load and Resistance Factor Design (LRFD) calibration of deep foundation in Louisiana was first completed for driven piles (LTRC Final Report 449) in May 2009 and then for drilled shafts using 1999 FHWA design method (ONeill and Reese method) (...

EIA Completes Corrections to Drilling Activity Estimates Series

EIA Publications

1999-01-01

The Energy Information Administration (EIA) has published monthly and annual estimates of oil and gas drilling activity since 1978. These data are key information for many industry analysts, serving as a leading indicator of trends in the industry and a barometer of general industry status.

Fluid-inclusion evidence for previous higher temperatures in the SUNEDCO 58-28 drill hole near Breitenbush hot springs, Oregon

USGS Publications Warehouse

Bargar, Keith E.; ,

1993-01-01

The SUNEDCO 58-28 geothermal exploration drill hole was completed in 1981 to a depth of 2, 457 m near Breitenbush Hot Springs in the Western Cascade Mountains of northern Oregon. One hundred thirteen liquid-rich fluid inclusions (mostly secondary) were analyzed from drill cuttings samples of hydrothermal quartz, calcite, and anhydrite, as well as primary quartz phenocrysts. Except for one hydrothermal quartz specimen, minimum homogenization temperature (Th) measurements of fluid inclusions plot very close to the present measured temperatures for the drill hole. Fluid-inclusion data from near the bottom of the drill hole suggest that these rocks were altered by water of significantly greater salinity than Breitenbush Hot Springs water.

Review-Esso Resources Canada Ltd. , Norman Wells expansion project drilling program

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Schaef, D.G.

Esso Resources Canada Limited has embarked on a project to increase production from its Norman Wells Oil field located 145 km south of the Arctic Circle, from 475 m/sup 3//D to 4000 m/sup 3//D of crude oil. This paper provides details on the development drilling portion of the project which is comprised of 150 wells to be drilled in 3 years utilizing 2 drilling rigs from July 1982 through September 1985. The majority of the wells will be directionally drilled from multiwell land pads and artificial islands to shallow reservoir targets underlying the Mackenzie River, a major river intersecting themore » field boundaries. Experience from the initial 27 wells completed is provided.« less

Renewed mining and reclamation: Imapacts on bats and potential mitigation

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Brown, P.E.; Berry, R.D.

Historic mining created new roosting habitat for many bat species. Now the same industry has the potential to adversely impact bats. Contemporary mining operations usually occur in historic districts; consequently the old workings are destroyed by open pit operations. Occasionally, underground techniques are employed, resulting in the enlargement or destruction of the original workings. Even during exploratory operations, historic mine openings can be covered as drill roads are bulldozed, or drills can penetrate and collapse underground workings. Nearby blasting associated with mine construction and operation can disrupt roosting bats. Bats can also be disturbed by the entry of mine personnelmore » to collect ore samples or by recreational mine explorers, since the creation of roads often results in easier access. In addition to roost disturbance, other aspects of renewed mining can have adverse impacts on bat populations, and affect even those bats that do not live in mines. Open cyanide ponds, or other water in which toxic chemicals accumulate, can poison bats and other wildlife. The creation of the pits, roads and processing areas often destroys critical foraging habitat, or change drainage patterns. Finally, at the completion of mining, any historic mines still open may be sealed as part of closure and reclamation activities. The net result can be a loss of bats and bat habitat. Conversely, in some contemporary underground operations, future roosting habitat for bats can be fabricated. An experimental approach to the creation of new roosting habitat is to bury culverts or old tires beneath waste rock. Mining companies can mitigate for impacts to bats by surveying to identify bat-roosting habitat, removing bats prior to renewed mining or closure, protecting non-impacted roost sites with gates and fences, researching to identify habitat requirements and creating new artificial roosts.« less

Data inconsistencies from states with unconventional oil and gas activity.

PubMed

Malone, Samantha; Kelso, Matthew; Auch, Ted; Edelstein, Karen; Ferrar, Kyle; Jalbert, Kirk

2015-01-01

The quality and availability of unconventional oil and gas (O&G) data in the United States have never been compared methodically state-to-state. By conducting such an assessment, this study seeks to better understand private and publicly sourced data variability and to identify data availability gaps. We developed an exploratory data-grading tool - Data Accessibility and Usability Index (DAUI) - to guide the review of O&G data quality. Between July and October 2013, we requested, collected, and assessed 5 categories of unconventional O&G data (wells drilled, violations, production, waste, and Class II disposal wells) from 10 states with active drilling activity. We based our assessment on eight data quality parameters (accessibility, usability, point location, completeness, metadata, agency responsiveness, accuracy, and cost). Using the DAUI, two authors graded the 10 states and then averaged their scores. The average score received across all states, data categories, and parameters was 67.1 out of 100, largely insufficient for proper data transparency. By state, Pennsylvania received the highest average ( = 93.5) and ranked first in all but one data category. The lowest scoring state was Texas ( = 44) largely due to its policy of charging for certain data. This article discusses the various reasons for scores received, as well as methodological limitations of the assessment metrics. We argue that the significant variability of unconventional O&G data-and its availability to the public-is a barrier to regulatory and industry transparency. The lack of transparency also impacts public education and broader participation in industry governance. This study supports the need to develop a set of data best management practices (BMPs) for state regulatory agencies and the O&G industry, and suggests potential BMPs for this purpose.

Similkameen River Multipurpose Project Feasibility Study, Cultural Resource Reconnaissance

DTIC Science & Technology

1987-04-01

fill below the vicinity of Nighthawk. Soil survey data and well drilling logs suggest that a large block of ice occupied the western half of Palmer Lake...granodiorite on the south side of the river opposite the staging gauge at R.M. 15.3 (Rinehart and Fox 1972); the north side of the river does not...Utilized 7 Penetration Drilling Drill 1 Projectile Impact Projectile Point 10 Percussion Chopping Chopper 2 Flaking Complete Flake 84 Broken Flake 40

30 CFR 250.1604 - General requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 30 Mineral Resources 2 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false General requirements. 250.1604 Section 250.1604 Mineral Resources MINERALS MANAGEMENT SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR OFFSHORE OIL AND GAS AND SULPHUR... stresses. (f) Traveling-block safety device. All drilling units being used for drilling, well-completion...

The effect of an oil drilling operation on the trace metal concentrations in offshore bottom sediments of the Campos Basin oil field, SE Brazil.

PubMed

Rezende, C E; Lacerda, L D; Ovalle, A R C; Souza, C M M; Gobo, A A R; Santos, D O

2002-07-01

The concentrations of Al, Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Pb, Ni, Cr, Ba, V, Sn and As in offshore bottom sediments from the Bacia de Campos oil field, SE Brazil, were measured at the beginning and at 7 months after completion of the drilling operation. Concentrations of Al, Fe, Ba, Cr, Ni and Zn were significantly higher closer to the drilling site compared to stations far from the site. Average concentrations of Al, Cu, and in particular of Ni, were significantly higher at the end of the drilling operation than at the beginning. Comparison between drilling area sediments with control sediments of the continental platform, however, showed no significant difference in trace metal concentrations. Under the operation conditions of this drilling event, the results show that while changes in some trace metal concentrations do occur during drilling operations, they are not significantly large to be distinguished from natural variability of the local background concentrations.

Seismic definition of Lower Cretaceous delta, south Whale subbasin, offshore Newfoundland

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Jayasinghe, N.R.; Stokes, R.E.

1986-05-01

Recognition of stratigraphic traps in areas where previous prospects were structural is a trend attributable partly to the availability of new, high-quality seismic data. In the South Whale subbasin, offshore Newfoundland, Canada, such a change in exploration philosophy is presently being evaluated. Exploratory drilling offshore eastern Canada began in 1966 in the South Whale subbasin. By the end of 1973, 13 wells were drilled in this subbasin; however, lack of success discouraged further drilling. These wells evaluated large, salt-related structures, well defined by seismic data. Although an adequate reservoir was encountered in a number of these wells, faulting associated withmore » halokinesis may have resulted in petroleum migration out of the reservoir. Interpretation of recently acquired high-quality seismic data indicate a delta in the Lower Cretaceous Missisauga Formation in the study area. Seismic dip sections across the delta show a shingled progradation pattern suggesting a wave-dominated depositional environment. The delta comprises approximately 400 km/sup 2/, with closure in the eastern half. Data from wells in the area indicate that adequate source and sealing beds could be present. Furthermore, rocks of similar age in the nearby Avalon basin contain significant petroleum accumulations, the most notable being within the Hibernia oil field.« less

Subcellular distributions of metals and metal induced stress: A field study

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Jenkins, K.D.; Howe, S.; Sanders, B.M.

This paper reports the results of a field study which took place around an exploratory well located in the Santa Barbara Channel. This study was designed to test for significant temporal and spatial differences in the concentrations of a number of drilling fluid-associated metals in both the sediments and biota. Temporal changes in the distribution of Ba, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb, and Zn were examined in the sediments, and the bioaccumulation and subcellular distribution of these metals were examined in three benthic invertebrate species before and after drilling. Statistically significant increases in the accumulation of several of themore » metals were found in the surface sediments down current from the site after drilling with Ba showing the most pronounced increase. Statistically significant increases in the bioaccumulation of Ba were also observed in two of the three species examined, Cyclocardia ventricosa and Pactinaria californiensis. Within these organisms the majority of the Ba was localized in the granular pellets (>97%) and less than 0.1% accumulated in the cytosol. These data indicate that although bioaccumulation of Ba occurs in some species immediately down current from the well, most of it remains in an insoluble for, presumably as BaSO{sub 4}.« less

Results of hydraulic tests in U.S. Department of Energy's wells DOE-4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9, Salt Valley, Grand County, Utah

USGS Publications Warehouse

Wollitz, Leonard E.; Thordarson, William; Whitfield, Merrick S.; Weir, James E.

1982-01-01

Six exploratory wells were drilled into the cap rock underlying Salt Valley, Utah, for geologic, geophysical, and hydrologic data to augment information obtained from three previous test wells. Drilling of three other test holes was abandoned due to caving and loss of drilling tools, Before reaching the zone of saturation; the upper 100 meters of cap rock is unsaturated. Within the saturated part of the cap rock, hydraulic heads generally decrease with depth and to the northwest in this part of the valley.Hydraulic conductivity of the cap rock, as determined from pumping tests, ranged from 9.3 X 10-5 to 2.06 X 10-1 meters per day; as a result, groundwater flow rates in the cap rock are low. Water ranges from a calcium bicarbonate sulfate type on the western edge of the valley to a calcium magnesium sodium bicarbonate, sulfate, chloride type near the center of the valley. Carbon-14 specific activity for cap-rock water yielded an uncorrected age of about 17,000 to 26,000 years before present near the western edge of the valley and about 41,000 years before present near the center of the valley.

Unconventional Reservoirs: Ideas to Commercialization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tinker, S. W.

2015-12-01

There is no shortage of coal, oil, and natural gas in the world. What are sometimes in short supply are fresh ideas. Scientific innovation combined with continued advances in drilling and completion technology revitalized the natural gas industry in North America by making production from shale economic. Similar advances are now happening in shale oil. The convergence of ideas and technology has created a commercial environment in which unconventional reservoirs could supply natural gas to the North American consumer for 50 years or more. And, although not as far along in terms of resource development, oil from the Eagle Ford and Bakken Shales and the oil sands in Alberta could have a similar impact. Without advanced horizontal drilling, geosteering, staged hydraulic-fracture stimulation, synthetic and natural proppants, evolution of hydraulic fluid chemistry, and high-end monitoring and simulation, many of these plays would not exist. Yet drilling and completion technology cannot stand alone. Also required for success are creative thinking, favorable economics, and a tolerance for risk by operators. Current understanding and completion practices will leave upwards of 80% of oil and natural gas in the shale reservoirs. The opportunity to enhance recovery through advanced reservoir understanding and imaging, as well as through recompletions and infill drilling, is considerable. The path from ideas to commercialization will continue to provide economic results in unconventional reservoirs.

30 CFR 250.1616 - Supervision, surveillance, and training.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... OFFSHORE OIL AND GAS AND SULPHUR OPERATIONS IN THE OUTER CONTINENTAL SHELF Sulphur Operations § 250.1616 Supervision, surveillance, and training. (a) The lessee shall provide onsite supervision of drilling operations at all times. (b) From the time drilling operations are initiated and until the well is completed...

43 CFR 3137.71 - What must I do to meet continuing development obligations?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... following operations— (1) Drilling, testing, or completing additional wells to the primary target or other...; (3) Recompleting wells or other operations that establish new unit production; or (4) Drilling existing wells to a deeper target. (b) No later than 90 calendar days after meeting initial development...

43 CFR 3137.71 - What must I do to meet continuing development obligations?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... following operations— (1) Drilling, testing, or completing additional wells to the primary target or other...; (3) Recompleting wells or other operations that establish new unit production; or (4) Drilling existing wells to a deeper target. (b) No later than 90 calendar days after meeting initial development...

43 CFR 3137.71 - What must I do to meet continuing development obligations?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... following operations— (1) Drilling, testing, or completing additional wells to the primary target or other...; (3) Recompleting wells or other operations that establish new unit production; or (4) Drilling existing wells to a deeper target. (b) No later than 90 calendar days after meeting initial development...

43 CFR 3137.71 - What must I do to meet continuing development obligations?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... following operations— (1) Drilling, testing, or completing additional wells to the primary target or other...; (3) Recompleting wells or other operations that establish new unit production; or (4) Drilling existing wells to a deeper target. (b) No later than 90 calendar days after meeting initial development...

Usefulness of temporal bone prototype for drilling training: A prospective study.

PubMed

Aussedat, C; Venail, F; Nguyen, Y; Lescanne, E; Marx, M; Bakhos, D

2017-12-01

Dissection of cadaveric temporal bones (TBs) is considered the gold standard for surgical training in otology. For many reasons, access to the anatomical laboratory and cadaveric TBs is difficult for some facilities. The aim of this prospective and comparative study was to evaluate the usefulness of a physical TB prototype for drilling training in residency. Prospective study. Tertiary referral centre. Thirty-four residents were included. Seventeen residents (mean age 26.7±1.6) drilled on only cadaveric TBs ("traditional" group), in the traditional training method, while seventeen residents (mean age 26.5±1.7) drilled first on a prototype and then on a cadaveric TB ("prototype" group). Drilling performance was assessed using a validated scale. Residents completed a mastoid image before and after each drilling to enable evaluation of mental representations of the mastoidectomy. No differences were observed between the groups with respect to age, drilling experience and level of residency. Regarding drilling performance, we found a significant difference across the groups, with a better score in the prototype group (P=.0007). For mental representation, the score was statistically improved (P=.0003) after drilling in both groups, suggesting that TB drilling improves the mental representation of the mastoidectomy whether prototype or cadaveric TB is used. The TB prototype improves the drilling performance and mental representation of the mastoidectomy in the young resident population. A drilling simulation with virtual or physical systems seems to be a beneficial tool to improve TB drilling. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Membrane triangles with corner drilling freedoms. I - The EFF element

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Alvin, Ken; De La Fuente, Horacio M.; Haugen, Bjorn; Felippa, Carlos A.

1992-01-01

The formulation of 3-node 9-DOF membrane elements with normal-to-element-plane rotations (drilling freedoms) is examined in the context of parametrized variational principles. In particular, attention is given to the application of the extended free formulation (EFF) to the construction of a triangular membrane element with drilling freedoms that initially has complete quadratic polynomial expansions in each displacement component. The main advantage of the EFF over the free formulation triangle is that an explicit form is obtained for the higher-order stiffness.

Effects of offshore oil drilling on Philippine reef corals.

USGS Publications Warehouse

Hudson, J.H.; Shinn, E.A.; Robbin, D.M.

1982-01-01

An offshore drilling site in an area of extensive live-coral bottom off NW Palawan Island, Philippines, was examined 15 months after well completion. Porites lutea growth rates showed that little suppression of head coral growth could be attributed to drilling. Diver observation, however, together with analysis of sampling transect photomosaics, revealed 70-90% reduction in foliose, branching, and plate-like corals in an iron-stained area that extended out from the wellheads in a 115 X 85-m ellipse.-from Authors

Assessing Households Preparedness for Earthquakes: An Exploratory Study in the Development of a Valid and Reliable Persian-version Tool.

PubMed

Ardalan, Ali; Sohrabizadeh, Sanaz

2016-02-25

Iran is placed among countries suffering from the highest number of earthquake casualties. Household preparedness, as one component of risk reduction efforts, is often supported in quake-prone areas. In Iran, lack of a valid and reliable household preparedness tool was reported by previous disaster studies. This study is aimed to fill this gap by developing a valid and reliable tool for assessing household preparedness in the event of an earthquake.  This survey was conducted through three phases including literature review and focus group discussions with the participation of eight key informants, validity measurements and reliability measurements. Field investigation was completed with the participation of 450 households within three provinces of Iran. Content validity, construct validity, the use of factor analysis; internal consistency using Cronbach's alpha coefficient, and test-retest reliability were carried out to develop the tool.  Based on the CVIs, ranging from 0.80 to 0.100, and exploratory factor analysis with factor loading of more than 0.5, all items were valid. The amount of Cronbach's alpha (0.7) and test-retest examination by Spearman correlations indicated that the scale was also reliable. The final instrument consisted of six categories and 18 questions including actions at the time of earthquakes, nonstructural safety, structural safety, hazard map, communications, drill, and safety skills.  Using a Persian-version tool that is adjusted to the socio-cultural determinants and native language may result in more trustful information on earthquake preparedness. It is suggested that disaster managers and researchers apply this tool in their future household preparedness projects. Further research is needed to make effective policies and plans for transforming preparedness knowledge into behavior.

Drilling and completion specifications for CA series multilevel piezometers

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Clawson, T.S.

1986-08-01

CX Series multilevel piezometer boreholes will provide information on hydraulic heads in the Rosalia, Sentinel Gap, Ginkgo, Rocky Coulee, Cohassett, Birkett, and Umtanum flow tops. The borehole sites will be located adjacent to the reference repository location. In addition, information from the boreholes will provide input data used to determine horizontal and vertical flow rates, and identify possible geologic structures. This specification includes details for drilling, piezometer design, hydrologic testing, and hydrochemical sampling of the boreholes. It includes drilling requirements, design, and installation procedures for the series piezometer nests, intervals selected for head monitoring and schedules for drilling and piezometermore » installation. Specific drilling and piezometer installation specifications for boreholes DC-24CX and DC-25CX are also included. 27 refs., 5 figs., 3 tabs.« less

Data on cost analysis of drilling mud displacement during drilling operation.

PubMed

Okoro, Emeka Emmanuel; Dosunmu, Adewale; Iyuke, Sunny E

2018-08-01

The focus of this research was to present a data article for analyzing the cost of displacing a drilling fluid during the drilling operation. The cost of conventional Spud, KCl and Pseudo Oil base (POBM) muds used in drilling oil and gas wells are compared with that of a Reversible Invert Emulsion Mud. The cost analysis is limited to three sections for optimum and effective Comparison. To optimize drilling operations, it is important that we specify the yardstick by which drilling performance is measured. The most relevant yardstick is the cost per foot drilled. The data have shown that the prices for drilling mud systems are a function of the mud system formulation cost for that particular mud weight and maintenance per day. These costs for different mud systems and depend on the base fluid. The Reversible invert emulsion drilling fluid, eliminates the cost acquired in displacing Pseudo Oil Based mud (POBM) from the well, possible formation damage (permeability impairment) resulting from the use of viscous pill in displacing the POBM from the wellbore, and also eliminates the risk of taking a kick during mud change-over. With this reversible mud system, the costs of special fluids that are rarely applied for the well-completion purpose (cleaning of thick mud filter cake) may be reduced to the barest minimum.

Soil properties affecting wheat yields following drilling-fluid application.

PubMed

Bauder, T A; Barbarick, K A; Ippolito, J A; Shanahan, J F; Ayers, P D

2005-01-01

Oil and gas drilling operations use drilling fluids (mud) to lubricate the drill bit and stem, transport formation cuttings to the surface, and seal off porous geologic formations. Following completion of the well, waste drilling fluid is often applied to cropland. We studied potential changes in soil compaction as indicated by cone penetration resistance, pH, electrical conductivity (EC(e)), sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), extractable soil and total straw and grain trace metal and nutrient concentrations, and winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L. 'TAM 107') grain yield following water-based, bentonitic drilling-fluid application (0-94 Mg ha(-1)) to field test plots. Three methods of application (normal, splash-plate, and spreader-bar) were used to study compaction effects. We measured increasing SAR, EC(e), and pH with drilling-fluid rates, but not to levels detrimental to crop production. Field measurements revealed significantly higher compaction within areas affected by truck travel, but also not enough to affect crop yield. In three of four site years, neither drilling-fluid rate nor application method affected grain yield. Extractions representing plant availability and plant analyses results indicated that drilling fluid did not significantly increase most trace elements or nutrient concentrations. These results support land application of water-based bentonitic drilling fluids as an acceptable practice on well-drained soils using controlled rates.

Review of technology for Arctic offshore oil and gas recovery

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sackinger, W. M.

1980-08-01

The technical background briefing report is the first step in the preparation of a plan for engineering research oriented toward Arctic offshore oil and gas recovery. A five-year leasing schedule for the ice-prone waters of the Arctic offshore is presented, which also shows the projected dates of the lease sale for each area. The estimated peak production rates for these areas are given. There is considerable uncertainty for all these production estimates, since no exploratory drilling has yet taken place. A flow chart is presented which relates the special Arctic factors, such as ice and permafrost, to the normal petroleummore » production sequence. Some highlights from the chart and from the technical review are: (1) in many Arctic offshore locations the movement of sea ice causes major lateral forces on offshore structures, which are much greater than wave forces; (2) spray ice buildup on structures, ships and aircraft will be considerable, and must be prevented or accommodated with special designs; (3) the time available for summer exploratory drilling, and for deployment of permanent production structures, is limited by the return of the pack ice. This time may be extended by ice-breaking vessels in some cases; (4) during production, icebreaking workboats will service the offshore platforms in most areas throughout the year; (5) transportation of petroleum by icebreaking tankers from offshore tanker loading points is a highly probable situation, except in the Alaskan Beaufort; and (6) Arctic pipelines must contend with permafrost, making instrumentation necessary to detect subtle changes of the pipe before rupture occurs.« less

High Temperature 300°C Directional Drilling System

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Chatterjee, Kamalesh; Aaron, Dick; Macpherson, John

2015-07-31

Many countries around the world, including the USA, have untapped geothermal energy potential. Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS) technology is needed to economically utilize this resource. Temperatures in some EGS reservoirs can exceed 300°C. To effectively utilize EGS resources, an array of injector and production wells must be accurately placed in the formation fracture network. This requires a high temperature directional drilling system. Most commercial services for directional drilling systems are rated for 175°C while geothermal wells require operation at much higher temperatures. Two U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Geothermal Technologies Program (GTP) projects have been initiated to develop a 300°Cmore » capable directional drilling system, the first developing a drill bit, directional motor, and drilling fluid, and the second adding navigation and telemetry systems. This report is for the first project, “High Temperature 300°C Directional Drilling System, including drill bit, directional motor and drilling fluid, for enhanced geothermal systems,” award number DE-EE0002782. The drilling system consists of a drill bit, a directional motor, and drilling fluid. The DOE deliverables are three prototype drilling systems. We have developed three drilling motors; we have developed four roller-cone and five Kymera® bits; and finally, we have developed a 300°C stable drilling fluid, along with a lubricant additive for the metal-to-metal motor. Metal-to-metal directional motors require coatings to the rotor and stator for wear and corrosion resistance, and this coating research has been a significant part of the project. The drill bits performed well in the drill bit simulator test, and the complete drilling system has been tested drilling granite at Baker Hughes’ Experimental Test Facility in Oklahoma. The metal-to-metal motor was additionally subjected to a flow loop test in Baker Hughes’ Celle Technology Center in Germany, where it ran for more than 100 hours.« less

How PEMEX engineered a deep well completion

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Antimo A., J.C.

1971-09-01

Completion and testing of Petroleos Mexicano's W. Reynosa Well No. 1 in the NE. Frontier District south of the Texas border required engineering innovation to combat the 375/sup 0/F temperatures and pressures near 18,000 psi. Drilled to nearly 18,000 ft, the well was completed and tested below 17,000 ft. Completion plans were designed to determine the economic importance of the reservoir and to provide information and experience in planning future completions to 20,000 ft and deeper. Interval selection was based in part on data acquired during drilling, including lithology, geologic age, rock characteristics, and sensitivity to damage caused by drillingmore » fluids. A set of logs was obtained and evaluated by computer in correlation with mud-log and pressure data. The logs also were correlated with logs from other wells in the area. Pressure gradients in the Reynosa field indicated the possibility of pressures on the order of 10,000 psi, and required the use of specially designed valves rated to 20,000 psi, in conjunction with a casinghead that would permit drilling to the projected depth. A choke manifold consisted of an interchangeable, manually operated positive choke and a set of automatic adjustable chokes. Well conditioning, including cementing, perforating, and well plugging are described.« less

Planning and design considerations in karst terrain

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fischer, J. A.; Greene, R. W.; Ottoson, R. S.; Graham, T. C.

1988-10-01

This article discusses the various steps that the authors feel are necessary to the successful progression of an engineered project sited in karst terrain. The procedures require a multidisciplined approach with liaison and cooperation among the various parties to the project. Initially, the prospective owner must have sufficient understanding of the potential engineering problems to incorporate the engineering geologist into the early stages of any planned acquisition. The first step in an investigation should include a review of the available geologic information, aerial photo interpretation, consultation with the State Geological Survey, and a geologic reconnaissance of the prospective site and surrounding area. A go-no-go decision as to purchase can often been made at an early time. Although, in some instances, more study is needed for a particularly intriguing property. The second stage should consider the various planning alternatives that are feasible based upon the limited available information. At this stage planning/purchase decisions can be made as to purchasing options, value of the property, design constraints, and the possible economic penalties that could be associated with the potential site construction. Various planning and construction alternatives should be considered in this phase of the work. The third stage should include a site investigation program of moderate size, consisting of test pits and/or exploratory borings. The borings should be drilled using water as the drilling fluid, with an experienced crew and qualified technical inspection. The authors find the use of geophysical techniques can be extremely misleading unless used in conjunction with exploratory drilling. Successful evaluations using geophysical procedures occur only under ideal conditions. The geotechnical viability of the plan and preliminary design should be investigated in the fourth phase. Additionally, the physical parameters required for the design of structures founded atop cavities can be obtained at this time. Several support schemes which incorporate cavity roof thickness, rock strength, and cavity space are discussed. Possible construction procedures include excavation and dental concrete, grouting, piers or piles to sound rock, or moving to another area. The relative economies of these procedures are discussed in relation to the size and depth of the soil or rock cavity, possible future cavity formation, magnitude of loading and acceptable safety factors.

Ocean Drilling Program: TAMRF Administrative Services: Meeting, Travel, and

Science.gov Websites

Port-Call Information ODP/TAMU Science Operator Home Mirror sites ODP/TAMU staff Cruise information Science and curation services Publication services and products Drilling services and tools Online ODP Meeting, Travel, and Port-Call Information All ODP meeting and port-call activities are complete

30 CFR 250.466 - What records must I keep?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... THE INTERIOR OFFSHORE OIL AND GAS AND SULPHUR OPERATIONS IN THE OUTER CONTINENTAL SHELF Oil and Gas Drilling Operations Applying for A Permit to Modify and Well Records § 250.466 What records must I keep? You must keep complete, legible, and accurate records for each well. You must keep drilling records...

Approach to in-process tool wear monitoring in drilling: Application of Kalman filter theory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

He, Ning; Zhang, Youzhen; Pan, Liangxian

1993-05-01

The two parameters often used in adaptive control, tool wear and wear rate, are the important factors affecting machinability. In this paper, it is attempted to use the modern cybernetics to solve the in-process tool wear monitoring problem by applying the Kalman filter theory to monitor drill wear quantitatively. Based on the experimental results, a dynamic model, a measuring model and a measurement conversion model suitable for Kalman filter are established. It is proved that the monitoring system possesses complete observability but does not possess complete controllability. A discriminant for selecting the characteristic parameters is put forward. The thrust force Fz is selected as the characteristic parameter in monitoring the tool wear by this discriminant. The in-process Kalman filter drill wear monitoring system composed of force sensor microphotography and microcomputer is well established. The results obtained by the Kalman filter, the common indirect measuring method and the real drill wear measured by the aid of microphotography are compared. The result shows that the Kalman filter has high precision of measurement and the real time requirement can be satisfied.

Stratigraphic and palaeoenvironmental summary of the south-east Georgia Embayment: a correlation of exploratory wells

USGS Publications Warehouse

Poppe, L.J.; Popenoe, P.; Poag, C.W.; Swift, B.A.

1995-01-01

A Continental Offshore Stratigraphic Test (COST) well and six exploratory wells have been drilled in the south-east Georgia embayment. The oldest rocks penetrated are weakly metamorphosed Lower Ordovician quartz arenites and Silurian shales and argillites in the Transco 1005-1 well and Upper Devonian argillites in the COST GE-1 well. The Palaeozoic strata are unconformably overlain by interbedded non-marine Jurassic sandstones and shales and marginal marine Lower Cretaceous rocks. Together, these rocks are stratigraphically equivalent to the onshore Fort Pierce and Cotton Valley(?) Formations and rocks of the Lower Cretaceous Comanchean Provincial Series. The Upper Cretaceous part of the section is composed mainly of neritic calcareous shales and shaley limestones stratigraphically equivalent to the primarily marginal marine facies of the onshore Atkinson, Cape Fear and Middendorf Formations and Black Creek Group, and to limestones and shales of the Lawson Limestone and Peedee Formations. Cenozoic strata are also described. -from Authors

The Hominin Sites and Paleolakes Drilling Project (HSPDP): Understanding the paleoenvironmental and paleoclimatic context of human origins through continental drilling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cohen, Andrew S.; Campisano, Christopher; Asrat, Asfawossen; Arrowsmith, Ramon; Deino, Alan; Feibel, Craig; Hill, Andrew; Kingston, John; Lamb, Henry; Lowenstein, Tim; Olago, Daniel; Bernhart Owen, R.; Renaut, Robin; Schabitz, Frank; Trauth, Martin

2015-04-01

The influence of climate and environmental history on human evolution is an existential question that continues to be hotly debated, in part because of the paucity of high resolution records collected in close proximity to the key fossil and archaeological evidence. To address this issue and transform the scientific debate, the HSPDP was developed to collect lacustrine sediment drill cores from basins in Kenya and Ethiopia that collectively encompass critical time intervals and locations for Plio-Quaternary human evolution in East Africa. After a 17 month campaign, drilling was completed in November, 2014, with over 1750m of core collected from 11 boreholes from five areas (1930m total drilling length, avg. 91% recovery). The sites, from oldest to youngest, include 1) N. Awash, Ethiopia (~3.5-2.9Ma core interval); 2) Baringo-Tugen Hills, Kenya (~3.3-2.5Ma); 3) West Turkana, Kenya (~1.9-1.4Ma); L. Magadi, Kenya (0.8-0Ma) and the Chew Bahir Basin, Ethiopia (~0.5-0Ma). Initial core description (ICD) and sampling for geochronology, geochemistry and paleoecology studies had been completed by mid2014, with the two remaining sites (Magadi and Chew Bahir) scheduled for ICD work in early 2015. Whereas the primary scientific targets were the lacustrine deposits from the hominin-bearing basin depocenters, many intervals of paleosols (representative of low lake stands and probable arid periods) were also encountered in drill cores. Preliminary analyses of drill core sedimentology and geochemistry show both long-term lake level changes and cyclic variability in lake levels, both of which may be indicative of climatic forcing events of interest to paleoanthropologists. Authors of this abstract also include the entire HSPDP field team.

Results of core drilling for uranium-bearing lignites in the Bar H area, Slim Buttes, Harding County, South Dakota

USGS Publications Warehouse

Zeller, Howard D.

1953-01-01

Core drilling in the Car H area, Slim Buttes, Harding County, South Dakota, under a contract with the B. H. Mott Drilling Co., Huntington, West Virginia, was resumed June 12, 1952 after a 6-month recess during the winter and was completed July 18, 1952. The drilling was undertaken to obtain information on the distribution and extent of the uranium-bearing lignite beds along the southeast edge of the Bar H area. Eight holes totalling 885 feet were drilled and 52 feet of lignite core submitted for study and analysis. The report includes detailed lithographic descriptions of the lignite cores, Bureau of Mines coal analyses, and the results of 100 chemical analyses for uranium. The drilling showed that the thicker, more persistent lignite beds exposed in the northern part of the Bar H area were removed by erosion prior to the deposition of the overlaying White River formation in the south-eastern part of the area. The beds penetrated by drilling were not of sufficient thickness or uranium content to add to the previously known reserves.

Rapid Pore Cranial Drilling With External Ventricular Drainage for Treatment of Intraventricular Hemorrhage: A 36-Year Case Series

PubMed Central

Zhang, Wei; Wei, Lin; Li, Gang; Sun, Jinlong; Jin, Peng; Yang, Jun; Wang, Daokui; Bai, Yunan; Li, Xingang; Fei, Chang; Wang, Chengwei; Wang, Baoan; Pan, Shumao; Du, Jihai; Xie, Bo; Xu, Dongfang; Xin, Changming; Wang, Jihua; Zhang, Qinglin

2015-01-01

This study aimed to describe the technique details of rapid pore cranial drilling with external ventricular drainage and document its clinical outcomes by highlighting the advantages over the traditional and modified cranial drilling technique. Intraventricular hemorrhage is one of the most severe subtypes of hemorrhagic stroke with high mortality. The amount of blood in the ventricles is associated with severity of outcomes, and fast removal of the blood clot is the key to a good prognosis. Between 1977 and 2013, 3773 patients admitted for intraventricular hemorrhage underwent rapid pore cranial drilling drainage. The therapeutic effects and clinical outcomes were retrospectively analyzed. Of these patients, 1049 (27.8%) experienced complete remission, 1788 (47.4%) had improved condition, and 936 (24.8%) died. A total of 3229 (85.6%) patients gained immediate remission. One typical case was illustrated to demonstrate the efficacy of the rapid pore drilling technique. Rapid pore cranial drilling drainage in patients with intraventricular hemorrhage is fast, effective, and provides immediate relief in patients with severe conditions. It could be a better alternative to the conventional drilling approach for treatment of intraventricular hemorrhage. A randomized controlled trial for direct comparison between the rapid pore cranial drilling drainage and conventional drilling technique is in urgent need. PMID:25590642

Rapid Pore Cranial Drilling With External Ventricular Drainage for Treatment of Intraventricular Hemorrhage: A 36-Year Case Series.

PubMed

Zhang, Wei; Wei, Lin; Li, Gang; Sun, Jinlong; Jin, Peng; Yang, Jun; Wang, Daokui; Bai, Yunan; Li, Xingang; Fei, Chang; Wang, Chengwei; Wang, Baoan; Pan, Shumao; Du, Jihai; Xie, Bo; Xu, Dongfang; Xin, Changming; Wang, Jihua; Zhang, Qinglin

2015-06-01

This study aimed to describe the technique details of rapid pore cranial drilling with external ventricular drainage and document its clinical outcomes by highlighting the advantages over the traditional and modified cranial drilling technique. Intraventricular hemorrhage is one of the most severe subtypes of hemorrhagic stroke with high mortality. The amount of blood in the ventricles is associated with severity of outcomes, and fast removal of the blood clot is the key to a good prognosis. Between 1977 and 2013, 3773 patients admitted for intraventricular hemorrhage underwent rapid pore cranial drilling drainage. The therapeutic effects and clinical outcomes were retrospectively analyzed. Of these patients, 1049 (27.8%) experienced complete remission, 1788 (47.4%) had improved condition, and 936 (24.8%) died. A total of 3229 (85.6%) patients gained immediate remission. One typical case was illustrated to demonstrate the efficacy of the rapid pore drilling technique. Rapid pore cranial drilling drainage in patients with intraventricular hemorrhage is fast, effective, and provides immediate relief in patients with severe conditions. It could be a better alternative to the conventional drilling approach for treatment of intraventricular hemorrhage. A randomized controlled trial for direct comparison between the rapid pore cranial drilling drainage and conventional drilling technique is in urgent need.

Guadalupe Escarpment Wilderness study area, New Mexico

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hayes, P.T.; Thompson, J.R.

1984-01-01

A mineral-resource survey of the Guadalupe Escarpment Wilderness study area made by the USGS and the USBM in 1981 and 1982 indicates little possibility for the occurrence of metallic mineral resources. The area is underlain by thousands of feet of sedimentary rock that could contain either stratigraphic or structural oil and (or) gas traps. The oil and gas resource potential is assessed to be probable, but cannot be conclusively known before several exploratory holes have been drilled in the area. Limestone, gravel, and guano occur in the area but these commodities also occur elsewhere outside the area.

Mechanical Properties of Gas Shale During Drilling Operations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yan, Chuanliang; Deng, Jingen; Cheng, Yuanfang; Li, Menglai; Feng, Yongcun; Li, Xiaorong

2017-07-01

The mechanical properties of gas shale significantly affect the designs of drilling, completion, and hydraulic fracturing treatments. In this paper, the microstructure characteristics of gas shale from southern China containing up to 45.1% clay were analyzed using a scanning electron microscope. The gas shale samples feature strongly anisotropic characteristics and well-developed bedding planes. Their strength is controlled by the strength of both the matrix and the bedding planes. Conventional triaxial tests and direct shear tests are further used to study the chemical effects of drilling fluids on the strength of shale matrix and bedding planes, respectively. The results show that the drilling fluid has a much larger impact on the strength of the bedding plane than that of the shale matrix. The impact of water-based mud (WBM) is much larger compared with oil-based mud. Furthermore, the borehole collapse pressure of shale gas wells considering the effects of drilling fluids are analyzed. The results show that the collapse pressure increases gradually with the increase of drilling time, especially for WBM.

Physical demand of seven closed agility drills.

PubMed

Atkinson, Mark; Rosalie, Simon; Netto, Kevin

2016-11-01

The present study aimed to quantify the demand of seven generic, closed agility drills. Twenty males with experience in invasion sports volunteered to participate in this study. They performed seven, closed agility drills over a standardised 30-m distance. Physical demand measures of peak velocity, total foot contacts, peak impacts, completion time, and maximum heart rate were obtained via the use of wearable sensor technologies. A subjective rating of perceived exertion (RPE) was also obtained. All measures, with the exception of maximum heart rates and RPE were able to delineate drills in terms of physical and physiological demand. The findings of this study exemplify the differences in demand of agility-type movements. Drill demand was dictated by the type of agility movement initiated with the increase in repetitiveness of a given movement type also contributing to increased demand. Findings from this study suggest agility drills can be manipulated to vary physical and physiological demand. This allows for the optimal application of training principles such as overload, progression, and periodisation.

Carboxymethylhydroxyethyl cellulose in drilling, workover and completion fluids

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sauber, C. A.

Certain carboxymethylhydroxyethyl cellulose (CMHEC) solutions in waters of various salinities are gelled by dichromate ion at a pH of about 5 or less, thus forming a drilling fluid or component thereof. In an embodiment a CMHEC water solution is gelled using an alkali metal dichromate, e.g., Na2Cr2O7.2H2O.

A Theoretical Investigation of Radial Lateral Wells with Shockwave Completion in Shale Gas Reservoirs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shan, Jia

As its role in satisfying the energy demand of the U.S. and as a clean fuel has become more significant than ever, the shale gas production in the U.S. has gained increasing momentum over recent years. Thus, effective and environmentally friendly methods to extract shale gas are critical. Hydraulic fracturing has been proven to be efficient in the production of shale gas. However, environmental issues such as underground water contamination and high usage of water make this technology controversial. A potential technology to eliminate the environmental issues concerning water usage and contamination is to use blast fracturing, which uses explosives to create fractures. It can be further aided by HEGF and multi-pulse pressure loading technology, which causes less crushing effect near the wellbore and induces longer fractures. Radial drilling is another relatively new technology that can bypass damage zones due to drilling and create a larger drainage area through drilling horizontal wellbores. Blast fracturing and radial drilling both have the advantage of cost saving. The successful combination of blast fracturing and radial drilling has a great potential for improving U.S. shale gas production. An analytical productivity model was built in this study, considering linear flow from the reservoir rock to the fracture face, to analyze factors affecting shale gas production from radial lateral wells with shockwave completion. Based on the model analyses, the number of fractures per lateral is concluded to be the most effective factor controlling the productivity index of blast-fractured radial lateral wells. This model can be used for feasibility studies of replacing hydraulic fracturing by blast fracturing in shale gas well completions. Prediction of fracture geometry is recommended for future studies.

Completion Report for Well ER-EC-5

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Bechtel Nevada

2004-10-01

Well ER-EC-5 was drilled for the U.S. Department of Energy, National Nuclear Security Administration Nevada Site Office in support of the Nevada Environmental Restoration Project at the Nevada Test Site, Nye County, Nevada. This well was drilled in the summer of 1999 as part of the U.S. Department of Energy's hydrogeologic investigation program in the Western Pahute Mesa - Oasis Valley region just west of the Nevada Test Site. A 44.5-centimeter surface hole was drilled and cased off to a depth of 342.6 meters below ground surface. The borehole diameter was then decreased to 31.1 centimeters for drilling to amore » total depth of 762.0 meters. One completion string with three isolated slotted intervals was installed in the well. A preliminary composite, static water level was measured at the depth of 309.9 meters, 40 days after installation of the completion string. Detailed lithologic descriptions with stratigraphic assignments are included in the report. These are based on composite drill cuttings collected every 3 meters, and 18 sidewall samples taken at various depths below 349.6 meters, supplemented by geophysical log data and results from detailed chemical and mineralogical analyses of rock samples. The well penetrated Tertiary-age tuffs of the Thirsty Canyon Group, caldera moat-filling sedimentary deposits, lava of the Beatty Wash Formation, and landslide breccia and tuffs of the Timber Mountain Group. The well reached total depth in welded ashflow tuff of the Ammonia Tanks Tuff after penetrating 440.1 meters of this unit, which is also the main water-producing unit in the well. The geologic interpretation of data from this well constrains the western margin of the Ammonia Tanks caldera to the west of the well location.« less

Smaller Footprint Drilling System for Deep and Hard Rock Environments; Feasibility of Ultra-High-Speed Diamond Drilling

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Arnis Judzis; Alan Black; Homer Robertson

2006-03-01

The two phase program addresses long-term developments in deep well and hard rock drilling. TerraTek believes that significant improvements in drilling deep hard rock will be obtained by applying ultra-high rotational speeds (greater than 10,000 rpm). The work includes a feasibility of concept research effort aimed at development that will ultimately result in the ability to reliably drill ''faster and deeper'' possibly with smaller, more mobile rigs. The principle focus is on demonstration testing of diamond bits rotating at speeds in excess of 10,000 rpm to achieve high rate of penetration (ROP) rock cutting with substantially lower inputs of energymore » and loads. The significance of the ultra-high rotary speed drilling system is the ability to drill into rock at very low weights on bit and possibly lower energy levels. The drilling and coring industry today does not practice this technology. The highest rotary speed systems in oil field and mining drilling and coring today run less than 10,000 rpm--usually well below 5,000 rpm. This document details the progress to date on the program entitled ''Smaller Footprint Drilling System for Deep and Hard Rock Environments: Feasibility of Ultra-High-Speed Diamond Drilling'' for the period starting 1 October 2004 through 30 September 2005. Additionally, research activity from 1 October 2005 through 28 February 2006 is included in this report: (1) TerraTek reviewed applicable literature and documentation and convened a project kick-off meeting with Industry Advisors in attendance. (2) TerraTek designed and planned Phase I bench scale experiments. Some difficulties continue in obtaining ultra-high speed motors. Improvements have been made to the loading mechanism and the rotational speed monitoring instrumentation. New drill bit designs have been provided to vendors for production. A more consistent product is required to minimize the differences in bit performance. A test matrix for the final core bit testing program has been completed. (3) TerraTek is progressing through Task 3 ''Small-scale cutting performance tests''. (4) Significant testing has been performed on nine different rocks. (5) Bit balling has been observed on some rock and seems to be more pronounces at higher rotational speeds. (6) Preliminary analysis of data has been completed and indicates that decreased specific energy is required as the rotational speed increases (Task 4). This data analysis has been used to direct the efforts of the final testing for Phase I (Task 5). (7) Technology transfer (Task 6) has begun with technical presentations to the industry (see Judzis).« less

Confidence Hills Mineralogy and Chemin Results from Base of Mt. Sharp, Pahrump Hills, Gale Crater, Mars

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cavanagh, P. D.; Bish, D. L.; Blake, D. F.; Vaniman, D. T.; Morris, R. V.; Ming, D. W.; Rampe, E. B.; Achilles, C. N.; Chipera, S. J.; Treiman, A. H.;

Reconnaissance report on geology of Eklutna Lake dam site and conduit route near Anchorage, Alaska

USGS Publications Warehouse

Bateman, A.F.

1947-01-01

C. A foundation exploration program is recommended that includes deepening test pit No. 1 and drill hole No. 2, and drilling 11 new holes. It is suggested that one drill hold near the center of the valley be taken to bedrock to give a complete picture of the fill materials underlying the foundation. 3. Delivery of water from the forebay of the reservoir to the powerhouse eight miles downvalley by means of a conduit is regarded as infeasible because: difficult terrain of the route will require earthwork more extensive than the volume of the dam; the route is subject to land slides, and will require expensive maintenance; it is more or less completely exposed to adverse winter conditions that may engender icing conditions; and it is easily subject to sabotage. It is recommended that the water be taken to the powerhouse through a rock tunnel.

US corn and soybeans exploratory experiment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Carnes, J. G. (Principal Investigator)

1981-01-01

The results from the U.S. corn/soybeans exploratory experiment which was completed during FY 1980 are summarized. The experiment consisted of two parts: the classification procedures verification test and the simulated aggregation test. Evaluations of labeling, proportion estimation, and aggregation procedures are presented.

Abnormal pressure study in the Malay and Penyu Basins: A regional understanding

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kader, M.S.; Leslie, W.

1994-07-01

A majority of wells drilled in the Malay and Penyu basins were terminated due to abnormal pressure. Blowouts and the subsequent loss of technical data have always been a concern during drilling operations. This study employs data from 94 exploratory wells spread throughout the Malay and Penyu basins. The postdrill abnormal pressure predictive method used is pressure vs. depth plots of data obtained from Repeat Formation tester (RFT) readings. The study results indicate that abnormal pressure occurs in a progressively older stratigraphic unit toward the basin margins. The margins of the Malay and the entire Penyu basins tend to bemore » normally pressured. The onset of abnormal pressure appears to be abrupt in the northern portion and more gradual in the southern part of the Malay Basin. Abnormal pressure in the Malay Basin is found to be neither depth dependent nor age related. Many factors can cause the abnormal formation pressures. In some areas, a combination of factors prevails. Rapid deposition of the middle to late Miocene siliciclastic sediments appears to be a dominant cause particularly in the center of the Malay Basin. A low sand:shale ratio coupled with a high geothermal gradient is also found to be a local cause near the axis of the basin. This phenomenon is crucial to the understanding of hydrocarbon migration and will enable the planning of safe and efficient drilling campaigns.« less

Computational methods for a three-dimensional model of the petroleum-discovery process

USGS Publications Warehouse

Schuenemeyer, J.H.; Bawiec, W.J.; Drew, L.J.

1980-01-01

A discovery-process model devised by Drew, Schuenemeyer, and Root can be used to predict the amount of petroleum to be discovered in a basin from some future level of exploratory effort: the predictions are based on historical drilling and discovery data. Because marginal costs of discovery and production are a function of field size, the model can be used to make estimates of future discoveries within deposit size classes. The modeling approach is a geometric one in which the area searched is a function of the size and shape of the targets being sought. A high correlation is assumed between the surface-projection area of the fields and the volume of petroleum. To predict how much oil remains to be found, the area searched must be computed, and the basin size and discovery efficiency must be estimated. The basin is assumed to be explored randomly rather than by pattern drilling. The model may be used to compute independent estimates of future oil at different depth intervals for a play involving multiple producing horizons. We have written FORTRAN computer programs that are used with Drew, Schuenemeyer, and Root's model to merge the discovery and drilling information and perform the necessary computations to estimate undiscovered petroleum. These program may be modified easily for the estimation of remaining quantities of commodities other than petroleum. ?? 1980.

[open quotes]Rejuvenation[close quotes] of a very mature productive area: Application of sequence stratigraphy, depositional facies and reservoir architectural studies in inactive old fields - Dorsal de Huincul - Neuquen Basin, Argentina

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kokogian, D.A.; Vasquez, J.R.

1996-01-01

The project objectives were to define the upside potential and identified drilling locations, both for exploratory and development wells, in Loma Negra-Nl-Huincul old fields, inactive due to pressure depletion Fields are located in Dorsal de Huincul area (Huincul Range) which is a highly complex structure associated with a major transtensive-transpressive wrench system. Several angular unconformities are very noticeable, having eroded hundreds of meters of the stratigraphic column. Study was focused on the fluvial-deltaic sediments of the Cuyo Group (Bajocian-Bathonian), the main productive levels in the area. An understanding of the stratigraphic units, visible at outcrop, seismic and well scales, providedmore » the appropriated framework for the analysis. Seismic facies, detailed log and core analysis allowed us to generate paleogeographic maps and predict the reservoir distribution into each individual stratigraphic unit, Fluvial channels, overbank, crevasses splay, mouth-bar, interdistributary and delta front facies were recognized. Finally, the integrated model was compared and adjusted with the outcrop data. As a result of this study, exploratory and development wells were proposed, being all of them productive either gas or oil. Several of the new drilled wells found new productive horizons with original reservoir pressure, proving the presence of different tanks predicted by the model. This fact encourages the evaluation of the whole adjacent areas. Summing up, this integrated approach using the best outputs of the geology and geophysics in subsurface as well as in surface has been proved as a powerful tool to explore and reactivate a very mature area.« less

{open_quotes}Rejuvenation{close_quotes} of a very mature productive area: Application of sequence stratigraphy, depositional facies and reservoir architectural studies in inactive old fields - Dorsal de Huincul - Neuquen Basin, Argentina

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kokogian, D.A.; Vasquez, J.R.

1996-12-31

The project objectives were to define the upside potential and identified drilling locations, both for exploratory and development wells, in Loma Negra-Nl-Huincul old fields, inactive due to pressure depletion Fields are located in Dorsal de Huincul area (Huincul Range) which is a highly complex structure associated with a major transtensive-transpressive wrench system. Several angular unconformities are very noticeable, having eroded hundreds of meters of the stratigraphic column. Study was focused on the fluvial-deltaic sediments of the Cuyo Group (Bajocian-Bathonian), the main productive levels in the area. An understanding of the stratigraphic units, visible at outcrop, seismic and well scales, providedmore » the appropriated framework for the analysis. Seismic facies, detailed log and core analysis allowed us to generate paleogeographic maps and predict the reservoir distribution into each individual stratigraphic unit, Fluvial channels, overbank, crevasses splay, mouth-bar, interdistributary and delta front facies were recognized. Finally, the integrated model was compared and adjusted with the outcrop data. As a result of this study, exploratory and development wells were proposed, being all of them productive either gas or oil. Several of the new drilled wells found new productive horizons with original reservoir pressure, proving the presence of different tanks predicted by the model. This fact encourages the evaluation of the whole adjacent areas. Summing up, this integrated approach using the best outputs of the geology and geophysics in subsurface as well as in surface has been proved as a powerful tool to explore and reactivate a very mature area.« less

Drilling and production aspects of horizontal wells in the Austin Chalk

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sheikholeslami, B.A.; Scholhman, B.W.; Seidel, F.A.

1991-07-01

This paper discusses testing of horizontal technology for use in the highly fractured Giddings oil field. Three short-and seven medium-radius wells were drilled successfully in the Austin Chalk formation. The paper discusses well plans, bottomhole assemblies, trajectory control, telemetry, mud systems, hydraulics, hole cleaning, casing design, cementing, problems encountered, formation evaluation, completions, and reservoir response.

Results from Geothermal Logging, Air and Core-Water Chemistry Sampling, Air Injection Testing and Tracer Testing in the Northern Ghost Dance Fault, YUCCA Mountain, Nevada, November 1996 to August 1998

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lecain, G.D.; Anna, L.O.; Fahy, M.F.

1998-08-01

Geothermal logging, air and core-water chemistry sampling, air-injection testing, and tracer testing were done in the northern Ghost Dance Fault at Yucca Mountain, Nevada, from November 1996 to August 1998. The study was done by the U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Energy. The fault-testing drill room and test boreholes were located in the crystal-poor, middle nonlithophysal zone of the Topopah Spring Tuff, a tuff deposit of Miocene age. The drill room is located off the Yucca Mountain underground Exploratory Studies Facility at about 230 meters below ground surface. Borehole geothermal logging identified a temperature decreasemore » of 0.1 degree Celsius near the Ghost Dance Fault. The temperature decrease could indicate movement of cooler air or water, or both, down the fault, or it may be due to drilling-induced evaporative or adiabatic cooling. In-situ pneumatic pressure monitoring indicated that barometric pressure changes were transmitted from the ground surface to depth through the Ghost Dance Fault. Values of carbon dioxide and delta carbon-13 from gas samples indicated that air from the underground drill room had penetrated the tuff, supporting the concept of a well-developed fracture system. Uncorrected carbon-14-age estimates from gas samples ranged from 2,400 to 4,500 years. Tritium levels in borehole core water indicated that the fault may have been a conduit for the transport of water from the ground surface to depth during the last 100 years.« less

Conducting a 3D Converted Shear Wave Project to Reduce Exploration Risk at Wister, CA

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Matlick, Skip; Walsh, Patrick; Rhodes, Greg

2015-06-30

Ormat sited 2 full-size exploration wells based on 3D seismic interpretation of fractures, prior drilling results, and temperature anomaly. The wells indicated commercial temperatures (>300 F), but almost no permeability, despite one of the wells being drilled within 820 ft of an older exploration well with reported indications of permeability. Following completion of the second well in 2012, Ormat undertook a lengthy program to 1) evaluate the lack of observed permeability, 2) estimate the likelihood of finding permeability with additional drilling, and 3) estimate resource size based on an anticipated extent of permeability.

High precision and high aspect ratio laser drilling: challenges and solutions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Uchtmann, Hermann; He, Chao; Gillner, Arnold

2016-03-01

Laser drilling is a very versatile tool to produce high accuracy bores in small and large geometries using different technologies. In large and deep hole drilling laser drilling can be found in drilling cooling holes into turbomachinery components such as turbine blades. In micro drilling, the technology is used for the generation of nozzles and filters. However, especially in macro drilling, the process often causes microstructure changes and induces defects such as recast layers and cracks. The defects are caused by the melt dominated drilling process by using pulse durations in the range of some 100 μm up to a few ms. A solution of this problem is the use of ultrashort pulsed laser radiation with pulse durations in the range of some 100 fs up to a few ps, however with the disadvantage of long drilling times. Thus, the aim of this work is to combine the productive process by using ms pulsed fiber laser radiation with subsequent ablation of existing recast layers at the hole wall by using ultrashort pulsed laser radiation. By using fast scanning techniques the recast layer can be avoided almost completely. With a similar technology also very small hole can be produced. Using a rotating dove prism a circular oscillation of the laser spots is performed and holes are drilled at intervals in 1 mm thick stainless steel (1.4301) by ultra-short laser pulses of 7 ps at 515 nm. The formation of hole and the behavior of energy deposition differ from other drilling strategies due to the helical revolution. The temporal evolution of the hole shape is analyzed by means of SEM techniques from which three drilling phases can be distinguished.

Performance of High School Students in a Laparoscopic Training Program.

PubMed

Furer, Scott; Alam, Sarah; Rosser, James

2017-01-01

We hypothesized that high school students can be subjected to the same laparoscopic surgical training curriculum used by surgeons and successfully complete it. The goal of this study was to evaluate the appropriateness of early training in minimally invasive surgical techniques. Thirteen high school students, ages 15-18, participated in the validated Top Gun Surgeon Laparoscopic Skills and Suturing program. The students performed 3 preparatory drills 10 times each. The students' scores were then compared to a database of 393 surgeons. Performance graphs were prepared to allow comparison of skills acquisition between the 2 training groups. All 13 students successfully completed the tasks. The Students' performance (expressed as time/percentile range/average percentile) for each task were as follows: rope pass 101.8 seconds/3.8-47.1/11.8; bean drop 149.5 seconds/18.7-96.0/59.4; triangle transfer 303.2 seconds/1.3-16.0/5.8. The students started each drill with slower times, but their average improvement (decreased time to complete tasks) was more rapid than that of the surgeons between the first and second trials for each drill (-83 seconds vs -25 seconds, -120 seconds vs -53 seconds, -100 seconds vs -60 seconds). Average student times compared to average surgeon times during the last trials measured were not significantly different in the triangle transfer and rope pass drills ( P = .40 and .18, respectively). Students' times were significantly faster than surgeons' in the last measured trial of the bean drop ( P = .039). Despite the small sample size, this investigation suggests that high school students can successfully complete skill-building programs in minimally invasive surgery. Further study is needed to evaluate the appropriateness of starting surgical training of future residents at an earlier stage of their careers.

43 CFR 3253.11 - Must I notify BLM when I have completed my exploration operations?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... (Continued) BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT, DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR MINERALS MANAGEMENT (3000) GEOTHERMAL...) Complete any geophysical exploration operations; (b) Complete the drilling of temperature gradient well(s... gradient well; and (d) Plug shot holes and reclaim all exploration sites. ...

Petroleum scene heating in fledgling crude exporter Papua New Guinea

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Not Available

1994-04-18

Operators, paced by a feisty independent based in Port Moresby, have drilled a string of discoveries near the infrastructure of the Kutubu development project that supports Papua New Guinea crude exports. All signs point to the increasing likelihood of good sized -- maybe world class -- oil discoveries that promise to sustain exploration and development interest beyond 2000. Also in the offing are world class gas strikes that eventually could support a liquefied natural gas export project. And integration is the newest concept in Papua New Guinea petroleum. Efforts are under way to build the country's first refineries. Most operatorsmore » in Papua New Guinea believe thy have merely scratched the surface of the country's oil and gas potential. Thy agree there still will be frustrations and setbacks -- political as well as technical -- but the prevailing opinion is that these problems are no greater than they are in a number of other countries with similar exploration/development potential. The paper discusses the development of Papua New Guinea's oil and gas industry, and exploratory drilling in areas other than Kutubu.« less

Geographic information system (GIS)-based maps of Appalachian basin oil and gas fields: Chapter C.2 in Coal and petroleum resources in the Appalachian basin: distribution, geologic framework, and geochemical character

USGS Publications Warehouse

Ryder, Robert T.; Kinney, Scott A.; Suitt, Stephen E.; Merrill, Matthew D.; Trippi, Michael H.; Ruppert, Leslie F.; Ryder, Robert T.

2014-01-01

In 2006 and 2007, the greenline Appalachian basin field maps were digitized under the supervision of Scott Kinney and converted to geographic information system (GIS) files for chapter I.1 (this volume). By converting these oil and gas field maps to a digital format and maintaining the field names where noted, they are now available for a variety of oil and gas and possibly carbon-dioxide sequestration projects. Having historical names assigned to known digitized conventional fields provides a convenient classification scheme into which cumulative production and ultimate field-size databases can be organized. Moreover, as exploratory and development drilling expands across the basin, many previously named fields that were originally treated as conventional fields have evolved into large, commonly unnamed continuous-type accumulations. These new digital maps will facilitate a comparison between EUR values from recently drilled, unnamed parts of continuous accumulations and EUR values from named fields discovered early during the exploration cycle of continuous accumulations.

Assessment Methods for Well Integrity During the Hydraulic Fracturing Cycle, March 11, 2011

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

The focus of this assessment is to concentrate on well integrity during drilling & completion activities associated with running & cementing of production casing operations, completion activities including the HF process & post-frac activities.

Paraformaldehyde-Resistant Starch-Fermenting Bacteria in “Starch-Base” Drilling Mud

PubMed Central

Myers, G. E.

1962-01-01

Starch-fermenting bacteria were found in each of 12 samples of nonfermenting starch-base drilling mud examined. Of the 12 samples, 3 contained very active starch-fermenting gram-positive spore-bearing bacilli closely resembling Bacillus subtilis. Similar active starch-fermenting bacteria were found in fermenting starch-base drilling mud and in corn starch and slough water used to prepare such mud. The active starch-fermenting microorganisms completely hydrolyzed 1% (w/v) corn starch within 24 hr at 37.5 C. The active starch-fermenting bacteria isolated from fermenting drilling mud were capable of surviving 12 hr of continuous exposure to 0.1% (w/w) paraformaldehyde or 1 hr of continuous exposure to 0.5% (w/w) paraformaldehyde, with no diminution in starch-fermenting ability. The same organisms fermented starch after 3 hr of continuous exposure to 0.5% (w/w) paraformaldehyde, but not after 4 hr of exposure. The phenomenon of rapid disappearance of paraformaldehyde from fermenting drilling mud was observed in the laboratory using a modified sodium sulfite test. Paraformaldehyde, initially present in a concentration of 0.192 lb per barrel of mud, completely disappeared in 9 hr at 22 to 23 C. A significant decrease in paraformaldehyde concentration was detected 0.5 hr after preparation of the mud. It is suggested that the presence of relatively high concentrations of ammonia and chloride in the mud may facilitate the disappearance of paraformaldehyde. The failure of 0.1% (w/w) paraformaldehyde to inhibit the strong starch-fermenting microorganisms isolated from fermenting drilling mud, and the rapid disappearance of paraformaldehyde from the mud, explains the fermentation of starch which occurred in this mud, despite the addition of paraformaldehyde. PMID:13936949

Rapid Access Ice Drill: A New Tool for Exploration of the Deep Antarctic Ice Sheets and Subglacial Geology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Goodge, J. W.; Severinghaus, J. P.

2014-12-01

The Rapid Access Ice Drill (RAID) will penetrate the Antarctic ice sheets in order to core through deep ice, the glacial bed, and into bedrock below. This new technology will provide a critical first look at the interface between major ice caps and their subglacial geology. Currently in construction, RAID is a mobile drilling system capable of making several long boreholes in a single field season in Antarctica. RAID is interdisciplinary and will allow access to polar paleoclimate records in ice >1 Ma, direct observation at the base of the ice sheets, and recovery of rock cores from the ice-covered East Antarctic craton. RAID uses a diamond rock-coring system as in mineral exploration. Threaded drill-pipe with hardened metal bits will cut through ice using reverse circulation of Estisol for pressure-compensation, maintenance of temperature, and removal of ice cuttings. Near the bottom of the ice sheet, a wireline bottom-hole assembly will enable diamond coring of ice, the glacial bed, and bedrock below. Once complete, boreholes will be kept open with fluid, capped, and made available for future down-hole measurement of thermal gradient, heat flow, ice chronology, and ice deformation. RAID will also sample for extremophile microorganisms. RAID is designed to penetrate up to 3,300 meters of ice and take sample cores in less than 200 hours. This rapid performance will allow completion of a borehole in about 10 days before moving to the next drilling site. RAID is unique because it can provide fast borehole access through thick ice; take short ice cores for paleoclimate study; sample the glacial bed to determine ice-flow conditions; take cores of subglacial bedrock for age dating and crustal history; and create boreholes for use as an observatory in the ice sheets. Together, the rapid drilling capability and mobility of the drilling system, along with ice-penetrating imaging methods, will provide a unique 3D picture of the interior Antarctic ice sheets.

Thoracoscopic resection of parosteal lipoma of the rib using orthopedic electric micro drill.

PubMed

Go, Tetsuhiko; Nakajima, Nariyasu; Yokota, Naoya; Yokomise, Hiroyasu

2018-05-09

Parosteal lipoma derived from the rib is extremely rare and is usually resected through open thoracotomy despite its benign nature. A 33-year-old man who had no symptoms was referred to our hospital for treatment of a 30-mm chest wall mass that has slightly increased in size during 2 years of follow-up. En bloc resection of the tumor with parts of the 3rd and 4th ribs was performed through a complete thoracoscopic approach using orthopedic electric micro drill. This was the first report on a case of parosteal lipoma of the rib that was resected by a complete thoracoscopic procedure.

Esmeralda Energy Company, Final Scientific Technical Report, January 2008. Emigrant Slimhole Drilling Project, DOE GRED III

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Deymonaz, John; Hulen, Jeffrey B.; Nash, Gregory D.

2008-01-22

The Emigrant Slimhole Drilling Project (ESDP) was a highly successful, phased resource evaluation program designed to evaluate the commercial geothermal potential of the eastern margin of the northern Fish Lake Valley pull-apart basin in west-central Nevada. The program involved three phases: (1) Resource evaluation; (2) Drilling and resource characterization; and (3) Resource testing and assessment. Efforts included detailed geologic mapping; 3-D modeling; compilation of a GIS database; and production of a conceptual geologic model followed by the successful drilling of the 2,938 foot deep 17-31 slimhole (core hole), which encountered commercial geothermal temperatures (327⁰ F) and exhibits an increasing, conductive,more » temperature gradient to total depth; completion of a short injection test; and compilation of a detailed geologic core log and revised geologic cross-sections. Results of the project greatly increased the understanding of the geologic model controlling the Emigrant geothermal resource. Information gained from the 17-31 core hole revealed the existence of commercial temperatures beneath the area in the Silver Peak Core Complex which is composed of formations that exhibit excellent reservoir characteristics. Knowledge gained from the ESDP may lead to the development of a new commercial geothermal field in Nevada. Completion of the 17-31 core hole also demonstrated the cost-effectiveness of deep core drilling as an exploration tool and the unequaled value of core in understanding the geology, mineralogy, evolutional history and structural aspects of a geothermal resource.« less

San Andreas fault zone drilling project: scientific objectives and technological challenges

USGS Publications Warehouse

Hickman, S.H.; Younker, L.W.; Zoback, M.D.

1995-01-01

We are leading a new international initiative to conduct scientific drilling within the San Andreas fault zone at depths of up to 10 km. This project is motivated by the need to understand the physical and chemical processes operating within the fault zone and to answer fundamental questions about earthquake generation along major plate-boundary faults. Through a comprehensive program of coring, fluid sampling, downhole measurements, laboratory experimentation, and long-term monitoring, we hope to obtain critical information on the structure, composition, mechanical behavior and physical state of the San Andreas fault system at depths comparable to the nucleation zones of great earthquakes. The drilling, sampling and observational requirements needed to ensure the success of this project are stringent. These include: 1) drilling stable vertical holes to depths of about 9 km in fractured rock at temperatures of up to 300°C; 2) continuous coring and completion of inclined holes branched off these vertical boreholes to intersect the fault at depths of 3, 6, and 9 km; 3) conducting sophisticated borehole geophysical measurements and fluid/rock sampling at high temperatures and pressures; and 4) instrumenting some or all of these inclined core holes for continuous monitoring of earthquake activity, fluid pressure, deformation and other parameters for periods of up to several decades. For all of these tasks, because of the overpressured clay-rich formations anticipated within the fault zone at depth, we expect to encounter difficult drilling, coring and hole-completion conditions in the region of greatest scientific interest.

Drilling and Production Testing the Methane Hydrate Resource Potential Associated with the Barrow Gas Fields

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Steve McRae; Thomas Walsh; Michael Dunn

2010-02-22

In November of 2008, the Department of Energy (DOE) and the North Slope Borough (NSB) committed funding to develop a drilling plan to test the presence of hydrates in the producing formation of at least one of the Barrow Gas Fields, and to develop a production surveillance plan to monitor the behavior of hydrates as dissociation occurs. This drilling and surveillance plan was supported by earlier studies in Phase 1 of the project, including hydrate stability zone modeling, material balance modeling, and full-field history-matched reservoir simulation, all of which support the presence of methane hydrate in association with the Barrowmore » Gas Fields. This Phase 2 of the project, conducted over the past twelve months focused on selecting an optimal location for a hydrate test well; design of a logistics, drilling, completion and testing plan; and estimating costs for the activities. As originally proposed, the project was anticipated to benefit from industry activity in northwest Alaska, with opportunities to share equipment, personnel, services and mobilization and demobilization costs with one of the then-active exploration operators. The activity level dropped off, and this benefit evaporated, although plans for drilling of development wells in the BGF's matured, offering significant synergies and cost savings over a remote stand-alone drilling project. An optimal well location was chosen at the East Barrow No.18 well pad, and a vertical pilot/monitoring well and horizontal production test/surveillance well were engineered for drilling from this location. Both wells were designed with Distributed Temperature Survey (DTS) apparatus for monitoring of the hydrate-free gas interface. Once project scope was developed, a procurement process was implemented to engage the necessary service and equipment providers, and finalize project cost estimates. Based on cost proposals from vendors, total project estimated cost is $17.88 million dollars, inclusive of design work, permitting, barging, ice road/pad construction, drilling, completion, tie-in, long-term production testing and surveillance, data analysis and technology transfer. The PRA project team and North Slope have recommended moving forward to the execution phase of this project.« less

Endoscopically Assisted Drilling, Exposure of the Fundus through a Presigmoid Retrolabyrinthine Approach: A Cadaveric Feasibility Study.

PubMed

Muelleman, Thomas; Shew, Matthew; Alvi, Sameer; Shah, Kushal; Staecker, Hinrich; Chamoun, Roukouz; Lin, James

2018-01-01

The presigmoid retrolabyrinthine approach to the cerebellopontine angle is traditionally described to not provide access to the internal auditory canal (IAC). We aimed to evaluate the extent of the IAC that could be exposed with endoscopically assisted drilling and to measure the percentage of the IAC that could be visualized with the microscope and various endoscopes after drilling had been completed. Presigmoid retrolabyrinthine approaches were performed bilaterally on 4 fresh cadaveric heads. We performed endoscopically assisted drilling to expose the fundus of the IAC, which resulted in exposure of the entire IAC in 8 of 8 temporal bone specimens. The microscope afforded a mean view of 83% (n = 8) of the IAC. The 0°, 30°, 45°, and 70° endoscope each afforded a view of 100% of the IAC in 8 of 8 temporal bone specimens. In conclusion, endoscopic drilling of the IAC of can provide an extradural means of exposing the entire length of the IAC while preserving the labyrinth.

Drilling, logging, and testing information from borehole UE-25 UZ{number_sign}16, Yucca Mountain, Nevada

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Thamir, F.; Thordarson, W.; Kume, J.

Borehole UE-25 UZ{number_sign}16 is the first of two boreholes that may be used to determine the subsurface structure at Yucca Mountain by using vertical seismic profiling. This report contains information collected while this borehole was being drilled, logged, and tested from May 27, 1992, to April 22, 1994. It does not contain the vertical seismic profiling data. This report is intended to be used as: (1) a reference for drilling similar boreholes in the same area, (2) a data source on this borehole, and (3) a reference for other information that is available from this borehole. The reference information includesmore » drilling chronology, equipment, parameters, coring methods, penetration rates, completion information, drilling problems, and corrective actions. The data sources include lithology, fracture logs, a list of available borehole logs, and depths at which water was recorded. Other information is listed in an appendix that includes studies done after April 22, 1994.« less

US NDC Modernization Iteration E2 Prototyping Report: User Interface Framework

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lewis, Jennifer E.; Palmer, Melanie A.; Vickers, James Wallace

2014-12-01

During the second iteration of the US NDC Modernization Elaboration phase (E2), the SNL US NDC Modernization project team completed follow-on Rich Client Platform (RCP) exploratory prototyping related to the User Interface Framework (UIF). The team also developed a survey of browser-based User Interface solutions and completed exploratory prototyping for selected solutions. This report presents the results of the browser-based UI survey, summarizes the E2 browser-based UI and RCP prototyping work, and outlines a path forward for the third iteration of the Elaboration phase (E3).

DE-FOA-EE0005502 Advanced Percussive Drilling Technology for Geothermal Exploration and Development Phase II Report.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Su, Jiann-Cherng; Raymond, David W.; Prasad, Somuri V.

Percussive hammers are a promising advance in drilling technology for geothermal since they rely upon rock reduction mechanisms that are well-suited for use in the hard, brittle rock characteristic of geothermal formations. The project research approach and work plan includes a critical path to development of a high-temperature (HT) percussive hammer using a two- phase approach. The work completed in Phase I of the project demonstrated the viability of percussive hammers and that solutions to technical challenges in design, material technology, and performance are likely to be resolved. Work completed in Phase II focused on testing the findings from Phasemore » I and evaluating performance of the materials and designs at high- operating temperatures. A high-operating temperature (HOT) drilling facility was designed, built, and used to test the performance of the DTH under extreme conditions. Results from the testing indicate that a high-temperature capable hammer can be developed and is a viable alternative for user in the driller's toolbox.« less

Advanced Percussive Drilling Technology for Geothermal Exploration and Development

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Su, Jiann; Raymond, David; Prasad, Somuri

Percussive hammers are a promising advance in drilling technology for geothermal since they rely upon rock reduction mechanisms that are well-suited for use in the hard, brittle rock characteristic of geothermal formations. The project research approach and work plan includes a critical path to development of a high-temperature (HT) percussive hammer using a two phase approach. The work completed in Phase I of the project demonstrated the viability of percussive hammers and that solutions to technical challenges in design, material technology, and performance are likely to be resolved. Work completed in Phase II focused on testing the findings from Phasemore » I and evaluating performance of the materials and designs at high operating temperatures. A high-operating temperature (HOT) drilling facility was designed, built, and used to test the performance of the DTH under extreme conditions. Results from the testing indicate that a high-temperature capable hammer can be developed and is a viable alternative for use in the driller’s toolbox.« less

Drilling a deep geologic test well at Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

USGS Publications Warehouse

Schultz, Arthur P.; Seefelt, Ellen L.

2011-01-01

The U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SCDHEC), is drilling a deep geologic test well at Hilton Head Island, S.C. The test well is scheduled to run between mid-March and early May 2011. When completed, the well will be about 1,000 feet deep. The purpose of this test well is to gain knowledge about the regional-scale Floridan aquifer, an important source of groundwater in the Hilton Head area. Also, cores obtained during drilling will enable geologists to study the last 60 million years of Earth history in this area.

Feasibility of Optimizing Recovery and Reserves from a Mature and Geological Complex Multiple Turbidite Offshore Calif. Reservoir through the Drilling and Completion of a Trilateral Horizontal Well, Class III

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Pacific Operators Offshore, Inc.

The intent of this project was to increase production and extend the economic life of this mature field through the application of advanced reservoir characterization and drilling technology, demonstrating the efficacy of these technologies to other small operators of aging fields. Two study periods were proposed; the first to include data assimilation and reservoir characterization and the second to drill the demonstration well. The initial study period showed that a single tri-lateral well would not be economically efficient in redevelopment of Carpinteria's multiple deep water turbidite sand reservoirs, and the study was amended to include the drilling of a seriesmore » of horizontal redrills from existing surplus well bores on Pacific Operators' Platform Hogan.« less

Knowledge, Attitudes and Behaviours. Concerning Education for Sustainable Development: Two Exploratory Studies

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Michalos, Alex C.; Creech, Heather; McDonald, Christina; Kahlke, P. Maurine Hatch

2011-01-01

Celebrating the UN Decade of Education for Sustainable Development (2005-2014), this paper presents results of two exploratory surveys taken in the province of Manitoba, Canada in January to March 2008. A random sample of 506 adults completed a mailed out questionnaire designed to measure respondents' knowledge, attitudes and behaviours concerning…

50 CFR 680.40 - Crab Quota Share (QS), Processor QS (PQS), Individual Fishing Quota (IFQ), and Individual...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... exclude any deadloss, test fishing, fishing conducted under an experimental, exploratory, or scientific..., education, exploratory, or experimental permit, or under the Western Alaska CDQ Program. (iv) Documentation... information is true, correct, and complete to the best of his/her knowledge and belief. If the application is...

50 CFR 680.40 - Crab Quota Share (QS), Processor QS (PQS), Individual Fishing Quota (IFQ), and Individual...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... exclude any deadloss, test fishing, fishing conducted under an experimental, exploratory, or scientific..., education, exploratory, or experimental permit, or under the Western Alaska CDQ Program. (iv) Documentation... information is true, correct, and complete to the best of his/her knowledge and belief. If the application is...

50 CFR 680.40 - Crab Quota Share (QS), Processor QS (PQS), Individual Fishing Quota (IFQ), and Individual...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... exclude any deadloss, test fishing, fishing conducted under an experimental, exploratory, or scientific..., education, exploratory, or experimental permit, or under the Western Alaska CDQ Program. (iv) Documentation... information is true, correct, and complete to the best of his/her knowledge and belief. If the application is...

50 CFR 680.40 - Crab Quota Share (QS), Processor QS (PQS), Individual Fishing Quota (IFQ), and Individual...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... exclude any deadloss, test fishing, fishing conducted under an experimental, exploratory, or scientific..., education, exploratory, or experimental permit, or under the Western Alaska CDQ Program. (iv) Documentation... information is true, correct, and complete to the best of his/her knowledge and belief. If the application is...

Contingency Management for Adolescent Smokers: An Exploratory Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tevyaw, Tracy O'Leary; Gwaltney, Chad; Tidey, Jennifer W.; Colby, Suzanne M.; Kahler, Christopher W.; Miranda, Robert; Barnett, Nancy P.; Rohsenow, Damaris J.; Monti, Peter M.

2007-01-01

This exploratory study investigated the efficacy and feasibility of a contingency management (CM) protocol for adolescent smokers that included use of a reduction phase. Using a within-participants design, 19 adolescents completed three 7-day phases: (1) reinforcement for attendance and provision of breath samples (RA) phase, (2) a washout phase,…

Prediction of penetration rate of rotary-percussive drilling using artificial neural networks - a case study / Prognozowanie postępu wiercenia przy użyciu wiertła udarowo-obrotowego przy wykorzystaniu sztucznych sieci neuronowych - studium przypadku

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aalizad, Seyed Ali; Rashidinejad, Farshad

2012-12-01

Penetration rate in rocks is one of the most important parameters of determination of drilling economics. Total drilling costs can be determined by predicting the penetration rate and utilized for mine planning. The factors which affect penetration rate are exceedingly numerous and certainly are not completely understood. For the prediction of penetration rate in rotary-percussive drilling, four types of rocks in Sangan mine have been chosen. Sangan is situated in Khorasan-Razavi province in Northeastern Iran. The selected parameters affect penetration rate is divided in three categories: rock properties, drilling condition and drilling pattern. The rock properties are: density, rock quality designation (RQD), uni-axial compressive strength, Brazilian tensile strength, porosity, Mohs hardness, Young modulus, P-wave velocity. Drilling condition parameters are: percussion, rotation, feed (thrust load) and flushing pressure; and parameters for drilling pattern are: blasthole diameter and length. Rock properties were determined in the laboratory, and drilling condition and drilling pattern were determined in the field. For create a correlation between penetration rate and rock properties, drilling condition and drilling pattern, artificial neural networks (ANN) were used. For this purpose, 102 blastholes were observed and drilling condition, drilling pattern and time of drilling in each blasthole were recorded. To obtain a correlation between this data and prediction of penetration rate, MATLAB software was used. To train the pattern of ANN, 77 data has been used and 25 of them found for testing the pattern. Performance of ANN models was assessed through the root mean square error (RMSE) and correlation coefficient (R2). For optimized model (14-14-10-1) RMSE and R2 is 0.1865 and 86%, respectively, and its sensitivity analysis showed that there is a strong correlation between penetration rate and RQD, rotation and blasthole diameter. High correlation coefficient and low root mean square error of these models showed that the ANN is a suitable tool for penetration rate prediction.

Progress and challenges associated with digitizing and serving up Hawaii's geothermal data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thomas, D. M.; Lautze, N. C.; Abdullah, M.

2012-12-01

This presentation will report on the status of our effort to digitize and serve up Hawaii's geothermal information, an undertaking that commenced in 2011 and will continue through at least 2013. This work is part of national project that is funded by the Department of Energy and managed by the Arizona State Geology Survey (AZGS). The data submitted to AZGS is being entered into the National Geothermal Data System (see http://www.stategeothermaldata.org/overview). We are also planning to host the information locally. Main facets of this project are to: - digitize and generate metadata for non-published geothermal documents relevant to the State of Hawaii - digitize ~100 years of paper records relevant to well permitting and water resources development and serve up information on the ~4500 water wells in the state - digitize, organize, and serve up information on research and geothermal exploratory drilling conducted from the 1980s to the present. - work with AZGS and OneGeology to contribute a geologic map for Hawaii that integrates geologic and geothermal resource data. By December 2012, we anticipate that the majority of the digitization will be complete, the geologic map will be approved, and that over 1000 documents will be hosted online through the University of Hawaii's library system (in the "Geothermal Collection" within the "Scholar Space" repository, see http://scholarspace.manoa.hawaii.edu/handle/10125/21320). Developing a 'user-friendly' web interface for the water well and drilling data will be a main task in the coming year. Challenges we have faced and anticipate include: 1) ensuring that no personally identifiable information (e.g. SSN, private telephone numbers, bank or credit account) is contained in the geothermal documents and well files; 2) Homeland Security regulations regarding release of information on critical infrastructure related to municipal water supply systems; 3) maintenance of the well database as future well data are developed with the state's expanding inventory of wells to meet private and public needs. Feedback is welcome.

Installation of Groundwater Monitoring Wells TAV-MW15 and TAV-MW16.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lum, Clinton C. L.

This report documents the installation of two groundwater monitoring wells at the Technical Area V Groundwater (TAVG) Area of Concern at Sandia National Laboratories, New Mexico (SNL/NM). SNL/NM is managed and operated by National Technology and Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLC., a wholly owned subsidiary of Honeywell International Inc., for the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration under contract DE-NA- 0003525. Well installation activities were conducted in accordance with the New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) Hazardous Waste Bureau (HWB)-approved work plan Revised Treatability Study Work Plan for In-Situ Bioremediation at the Technical Area-V Groundwater Area of Concern (Workmore » Plan) (SNL/NM March 2016). The Work Plan was approved by NMED HWB prior to the start of field work (NMED May 2016). Project activities were performed from November 2016 through January 2017 by SNL/NM Environmental Restoration (ER) Operations personnel, and the SNL/NM drilling contractor Cascade Drilling LP. Drilling activities began with borehole drilling and sampling on November 30, 2016. Well construction and development fieldwork was completed on January 31, 2017. Land surveys to establish the location coordinates and elevations of the two wells were completed on March 23, 2017, and transmitted to SNL/NM personnel on April 17, 2017.« less

El Paso County Geothermal Project at Fort Bliss. Final Project Report

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lear, Jon; Bennett, Carlon; Lear, Dan

The El Paso County Geothermal Project at Fort Bliss was an effort to determine the scale and scope of geothermal resources previously identified on Fort Bliss’ McGregor Range in southern Otero County, New Mexico. The project was funded with a $5,000,000 grant to El Paso County from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 and a $4,812,500 match provided by private sector partners. The project was administered through the DOE Golden Field Office to awardee El Paso County. The primary subcontractor to El Paso County and project Principal Investigator -more » Ruby Mountain Inc. (RMI) of Salt Lake City, Utah - assembled the project team consisting of Evergreen Clean Energy Management (ECEM) of Provo, Utah, and the Energy & Geoscience Institute at the University of Utah (EGI) in Salt Lake City, UT to complete the final phases of the project. The project formally began in May of 2010 and consisted of two preliminary phases of data collection and evaluation which culminated in the identification of a drilling site for a Resource Confirmation Well on McGregor Range. Well RMI 56-5 was drilled May and June 2013 to a depth of 3,030 ft. below ground level. A string of slotted 7 inch casing was set in 8.75 inch hole on bottom fill at 3,017 ft. to complete the well. The well was drilled using a technique called flooded reverse circulation, which is most common in mineral exploration. This technique produced an exceptionally large and complete cuttings record. An exciting development at the conclusion of drilling was the suspected discovery of a formation that has proven to be of exceptionally high permeability in three desalinization wells six miles to the south. Following drilling and preliminary testing and analysis, the project team has determined that the McGregor Range thermal anomaly is large and can probably support development in the tens of megawatts.« less

Reconsidering Volcanic Ocean Island Hydrology: Recent Geophysical and Drilling Results

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thomas, D. M.; Pierce, H. A.; Lautze, N. C.

2017-12-01

Recent results of geophysical surveys and exploratory drilling in Hawaii have suggested that Hawaii's hydrogeology may be more complex than has been generally recognized. Instead of a more-or-less homogeneous pile of highly permeable eruptive basalts that are intermittently punctuated by volcanic dikes confined to calderas and rift zones, we are finding that dike compartmentalization is occurring outside of recognized rift zones, leading to significantly higher volumes of stored groundwater within the island. Analysis of recent geophysical surveys have shown local water table elevations that are substantially higher than can be accounted for by the high hydraulic conductivities of Hawaiian basalts. Recent diamond wireline drilling results have also shown that sub-horizontal variations in permeability, associated with significant changes in eruptive character (e.g. explosive vs effusive activity) are acting as significant perching and confining bodies over significant aerial extents and suggest that these features also contribute to increased storage of recharge. Not only is storage much higher than previously assumed, these features appear to impact subsurface groundwater flow in ways that are not accounted for in traditional methods of computing sustainable yields for near shore aquifers: where buried confining formations extend to depths well below sea level, higher elevation recharge is being intercepted and diverted to deep submarine groundwater discharge well below depths that are typically investigated or quantified. We will provide a summary of the recent geophysical survey results along with a revised conceptual model for groundwater circulation within volcanic ocean islands.

Summary of hydrologic testing in Tertiary limestone aquifer, Tenneco offshore exploratory well--Atlantic OCS, lease-block 427 (Jacksonville NH 17-5)

USGS Publications Warehouse

Johnston, Richard H.; Bush, Peter W.; Krause, Richard E.; Miller, James A.; Sprinkle, Craig L.

1982-01-01

A summary of hydrologic testing in an offshore oil-test well (LB427) drilled for Tenneco, Inc., 55 miles east of Fernandina Beach, Florida, is presented. The interval tested (1,050 to 1,070 feet below sea level) is in a calcarenite that is equivalent to the Ocala Limestone (late Eocene) of onshore Florida and South Georgia. At this site the Ocala forms the highly productive Tertiary limestone aquifer system of the southeastern United States. Pressure-head measurements indicate an equivalent freshwater head of 24 to 29 feet above sea level. These pressure-head measurements and an earlier one made in the nearby JOIDES J- I hole are the only hydraulic head determinations to date in the offshore extensions of any of the aquifers underlying the Atlantic coastal plain. A drill-stem test recovered water samples containing about 7,000 milligrams per liter chloride. However, seawater used in the drilling process apparently contaminated the samples and the formation water is considered slightly fresher. The head and salinity data from the Tenneco well suggest that the sampled interval lies in the transition zone between fresh and seawater in the limestone aquifer. These data, when viewed with similar data from JOIDES J-I, show the transition zone to slope very slightly landward. The interface position is probably intermediate between a position compatible with present-day heads and a position compatible with predevelopment heads.

Post-Drilling Changes in Seabed Landscape and Megabenthos in a Deep-Sea Hydrothermal System, the Iheya North Field, Okinawa Trough

PubMed Central

Nakajima, Ryota; Yamamoto, Hiroyuki; Kawagucci, Shinsuke; Takaya, Yutaro; Nozaki, Tatsuo; Chen, Chong; Fujikura, Katsunori; Miwa, Tetsuya; Takai, Ken

2015-01-01

There has been an increasing interest in seafloor exploitation such as mineral mining in deep-sea hydrothermal fields, but the environmental impact of anthropogenic disturbance to the seafloor is poorly known. In this study, the effect of such anthropogenic disturbance by scientific drilling operations (IODP Expedition 331) on seabed landscape and megafaunal habitation was surveyed for over 3 years using remotely operated vehicle video observation in a deep-sea hydrothermal field, the Iheya North field, in the Okinawa Trough. We focused on observations from a particular drilling site (Site C0014) where the most dynamic change of landscape and megafaunal habitation was observed among the drilling sites of IODP Exp. 331. No visible hydrothermal fluid discharge had been observed at the sedimentary seafloor at Site C0014, where Calyptogena clam colonies were known for more than 10 years, before the drilling event. After drilling commenced, the original Calyptogena colonies were completely buried by the drilling deposits. Several months after the drilling, diffusing high-temperature hydrothermal fluid began to discharge from the sedimentary subseafloor in the area of over 20 m from the drill holes, ‘artificially’ creating a new hydrothermal vent habitat. Widespread microbial mats developed on the seafloor with the diffusing hydrothermal fluids and the galatheid crab Shinkaia crosnieri endemic to vents dominated the new vent community. The previously soft, sedimentary seafloor was hardened probably due to barite/gypsum mineralization or silicification, becoming rough and undulated with many fissures after the drilling operation. Although the effects of the drilling operation on seabed landscape and megafaunal composition are probably confined to an area of maximally 30 m from the drill holes, the newly established hydrothermal vent ecosystem has already lasted 2 years and is like to continue to exist until the fluid discharge ceases and thus the ecosystem in the area has been altered for long-term. PMID:25902075

Post-drilling changes in seabed landscape and megabenthos in a deep-sea hydrothermal system, the Iheya North field, Okinawa Trough.

PubMed

Nakajima, Ryota; Yamamoto, Hiroyuki; Kawagucci, Shinsuke; Takaya, Yutaro; Nozaki, Tatsuo; Chen, Chong; Fujikura, Katsunori; Miwa, Tetsuya; Takai, Ken

2015-01-01

There has been an increasing interest in seafloor exploitation such as mineral mining in deep-sea hydrothermal fields, but the environmental impact of anthropogenic disturbance to the seafloor is poorly known. In this study, the effect of such anthropogenic disturbance by scientific drilling operations (IODP Expedition 331) on seabed landscape and megafaunal habitation was surveyed for over 3 years using remotely operated vehicle video observation in a deep-sea hydrothermal field, the Iheya North field, in the Okinawa Trough. We focused on observations from a particular drilling site (Site C0014) where the most dynamic change of landscape and megafaunal habitation was observed among the drilling sites of IODP Exp. 331. No visible hydrothermal fluid discharge had been observed at the sedimentary seafloor at Site C0014, where Calyptogena clam colonies were known for more than 10 years, before the drilling event. After drilling commenced, the original Calyptogena colonies were completely buried by the drilling deposits. Several months after the drilling, diffusing high-temperature hydrothermal fluid began to discharge from the sedimentary subseafloor in the area of over 20 m from the drill holes, 'artificially' creating a new hydrothermal vent habitat. Widespread microbial mats developed on the seafloor with the diffusing hydrothermal fluids and the galatheid crab Shinkaia crosnieri endemic to vents dominated the new vent community. The previously soft, sedimentary seafloor was hardened probably due to barite/gypsum mineralization or silicification, becoming rough and undulated with many fissures after the drilling operation. Although the effects of the drilling operation on seabed landscape and megafaunal composition are probably confined to an area of maximally 30 m from the drill holes, the newly established hydrothermal vent ecosystem has already lasted 2 years and is like to continue to exist until the fluid discharge ceases and thus the ecosystem in the area has been altered for long-term.

Carnotite resources of the Spud Patch area, San Miguel County, Colorado

USGS Publications Warehouse

Bell, Henry

1953-01-01

The Spud Patch area comprises about 8 square in T. 43 M., R. 18 and 19 W., San Miguel County, Colo., and is about 4 miles northeast of Egnar, Colo. Claims of the United States Vanadium Co. and the Vanadium Corp. of America cover about half the area. Claims of other owners, public land, and patented agricultural land, comprise the remainder of the area. The area is about 38 miles from the Government mill at Montecello, Utah, and 55 miles from the Vanadium Corp. of America mill at Naturita, Colo.Between 1940 and 1951, the Spud Patch area yielded about 24,000 short tons of carnotite ore that probably averaged 0.21 percent U3O8 and 2.2 percent V2O5.The deposits are in a broad sandstone lens near the top of the Salt Wash member of the Jurassic Morrison formation. Although the deposits mined have been mainly impregnations of sandstone by carnotite and gray vanadium-bearing clay minerals, some of the richer deposits found by Geological Survey drilling have a finely disseminated black uranium mineral but no carnotite. The deposits commonly are thin irregular tabular layers, which locally thicken to form elongate masses called "rolls". These rolls have a dominant northeasterly trend. Geologic features found to be most useful as guides to ore are listed.From November 1949 to May 1952, the U.S. Geological Survey drilled 415 diamond-drill holes totaling 67,215 feet in the Spud Patch area. The purpose of this drilling was to find deposits that would make new mines and to appraise the reserves in the unexplored area.As a result of Geological Survey drilling, indicated and inferred reserves computed at the cutoff of 1 foot or more thick and 0.10 percent U3O8 or 1.0 percent V2O5 total 20,500 short tons, averaging 0.28 percent U3O8 and 2.1 percent V2O5. These reserves and those computed at a lower grade cutoff of 0.05 percent U3O8 or 0.50 percent V2O5 and the pounds of contained metal are summarized in table 1.Potential reserves, whose existence is based on geologic evidence alone, are predicted to total about 42,000 short tons, averaging 0.25 percent U3O8 and 2.0 percent V2O5.No additional exploratory-type drilling by the Geological Survey is planned in the Spud Patch area. Recommendations are offered for additional development-type drilling, preferably by claim owners or lessees in specific areas in the vicinity of deposits discovered by Geological Survey drilling.

Completion Report for Well ER-3-3 Corrective Action Unit 97: Yucca Flat/Climax Mine, Revision 0

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wurtz, Jeffrey; Rehfeldt, Ken

Well ER-3-3 was drilled for the U.S. Department of Energy, Nevada National Security Administration Nevada Field Office in support of the Underground Test Area (UGTA) Activity. The well was drilled and completed from February 21 to March 15, 2016, as part of the Corrective Action Investigation Plan (CAIP) for Yucca Flat/Climax Mine Corrective Action Unit (CAU) 97. The primary purpose of the well was to collect hydrogeologic data to assist in validating concepts of the flow system within the Yucca Flat/Climax Mine CAU, and to test for potential radionuclides in groundwater from the WAGTAIL (U3an) underground test.

Counter-Rotating Tandem Motor Drilling System

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kent Perry

2009-04-30

Gas Technology Institute (GTI), in partnership with Dennis Tool Company (DTC), has worked to develop an advanced drill bit system to be used with microhole drilling assemblies. One of the main objectives of this project was to utilize new and existing coiled tubing and slimhole drilling technologies to develop Microhole Technology (MHT) so as to make significant reductions in the cost of E&P down to 5000 feet in wellbores as small as 3.5 inches in diameter. This new technology was developed to work toward the DOE's goal of enabling domestic shallow oil and gas wells to be drilled inexpensively comparedmore » to wells drilled utilizing conventional drilling practices. Overall drilling costs can be lowered by drilling a well as quickly as possible. For this reason, a high drilling rate of penetration is always desired. In general, high drilling rates of penetration (ROP) can be achieved by increasing the weight on bit and increasing the rotary speed of the bit. As the weight on bit is increased, the cutting inserts penetrate deeper into the rock, resulting in a deeper depth of cut. As the depth of cut increases, the amount of torque required to turn the bit also increases. The Counter-Rotating Tandem Motor Drilling System (CRTMDS) was planned to achieve high rate of penetration (ROP) resulting in the reduction of the drilling cost. The system includes two counter-rotating cutter systems to reduce or eliminate the reactive torque the drillpipe or coiled tubing must resist. This would allow the application of maximum weight-on-bit and rotational velocities that a coiled tubing drilling unit is capable of delivering. Several variations of the CRTDMS were designed, manufactured and tested. The original tests failed leading to design modifications. Two versions of the modified system were tested and showed that the concept is both positive and practical; however, the tests showed that for the system to be robust and durable, borehole diameter should be substantially larger than that of slim holes. As a result, the research team decided to complete the project, document the tested designs and seek further support for the concept outside of the DOE.« less

43 CFR 3264.10 - What must I submit to BLM after I complete a well?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... RESOURCE LEASING Reports-Drilling Operations § 3264.10 What must I submit to BLM after I complete a well... all logs; (c) Copies of all directional surveys; and (d) Copies of all mechanical, flow, reservoir...

Smaller Footprint Drilling System for Deep and Hard Rock Environments; Feasibility of Ultra-High-Speed Diamond Drilling

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Arnis Judzis; Homer Robertson; Alan Black

2006-06-22

The two phase program addresses long-term developments in deep well and hard rock drilling. TerraTek believes that significant improvements in drilling deep hard rock will be obtained by applying ultra-high rotational speeds (greater than 10,000 rpm). The work includes a feasibility of concept research effort aimed at development that will ultimately result in the ability to reliably drill ''faster and deeper'' possibly with smaller, more mobile rigs. The principle focus is on demonstration testing of diamond bits rotating at speeds in excess of 10,000 rpm to achieve high rate of penetration (ROP) rock cutting with substantially lower inputs of energymore » and loads. The significance of the ''ultra-high rotary speed drilling system'' is the ability to drill into rock at very low weights on bit and possibly lower energy levels. The drilling and coring industry today does not practice this technology. The highest rotary speed systems in oil field and mining drilling and coring today run less than 10,000 rpm-usually well below 5,000 rpm. This document details the progress at the end of Phase 1 on the program entitled ''Smaller Footprint Drilling System for Deep and Hard Rock Environments: Feasibility of Ultra-High-Speed Diamond Drilling'' for the period starting 1 March 2006 and concluding 30 June 2006. (Note: Results from 1 September 2005 through 28 February 2006 were included in the previous report (see Judzis, Black, and Robertson)). Summarizing the accomplished during Phase 1: {lg_bullet} TerraTek reviewed applicable literature and documentation and convened a project kickoff meeting with Industry Advisors in attendance (see Black and Judzis). {lg_bullet} TerraTek designed and planned Phase I bench scale experiments (See Black and Judzis). Some difficulties continued in obtaining ultra-high speed motors. Improvements were made to the loading mechanism and the rotational speed monitoring instrumentation. New drill bit designs were developed to provided a more consistent product with consistent performance. A test matrix for the final core bit testing program was completed. {lg_bullet} TerraTek concluded Task 3 ''Small-scale cutting performance tests.'' {sm_bullet} Significant testing was performed on nine different rocks. {sm_bullet} Five rocks were used for the final testing. The final tests were based on statistical design of experiments. {sm_bullet} Two full-faced bits, a small diameter and a large diameter, were run in Berea sandstone. {lg_bullet} Analysis of data was completed and indicates that there is decreased specific energy as the rotational speed increases (Task 4). Data analysis from early trials was used to direct the efforts of the final testing for Phase I (Task 5). {lg_bullet} Technology transfer (Task 6) was accomplished with technical presentations to the industry (see Judzis, Boucher, McCammon, and Black).« less

Recovery Efficiency Test Project: Phase 1, Activity report

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Overbey, W.K. Jr.; Wilkins, D.W.; Keltch, B.

1988-04-01

This report is the second volume of the Recovery Efficiency Test Phase I Report of Activities. Volume 1 covered selection, well planning, drilling, coring, logging and completion operations. This volume reports on well testing activities, reclamation activities on the drilling site and access roads, and the results of physical and mechanical properties tests on the oriented core material obtained from a horizontal section of the well. 3 refs., 21 figs., 10 tabs.

Gorilla jackup offers drilling advantages

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Tanner, R.

1983-12-01

The Rowan Gorilla I, recently completed for Rowan Cos. Inc. at Vicksburg, Mississippi, is a 32-million-lb jackup drilling rig - the largest ever built. The rig is designed for use in hostile environments, where it can endure for long periods without resupply. The Gorilla's hull is 297 ft. long, 292 ft. wide and 30 ft. deep. It is designed to survive 90 ft. waves and 82-knots winds in up to 328 ft. of ice-free water.

Seismic and chronostratigraphic results from SHALDRIL II, northwestern Weddell Sea

USGS Publications Warehouse

Anderson, J.B.; Wellner, J.; Wise, S.; Bohaty, S.; Manley, P.; Smith, T.; Weaver, F.; Kulhanek, D.

2007-01-01

The 2006 SHALDRIL II cruise was conducted in the northwestern Weddell Sea, with primary drilling targets in the James Ross Basin. A site drilled along the northern edge of the James Ross Basin sampled either latest Eocene or earliest Oligocene deposits, providing a lower chronostratigraphic benchmark for our seismic stratigraphic age model. Severe sea ice conditions forced abandonment of several of the James Ross Basin sites. Three alternate sites were drilled along the southern flank of the Joinville Plateau. Seismic data from the area show a thick, southward dipping stratigraphic succession with no conspicuous gaps. Three drill sites sampled this succession and recovered Oligocene, middle Miocene, and early Pliocene strata overlain by a thin drape of Pleistocene deposits. The Pliocene-Miocene boundary appears to be represented by a disconformity within the cored interval. Otherwise, this is one of the most complete post-Eocene successions anywhere on Antarctica and its adjacent margins

Non-technical skills: enhancing safety in operating theatres (and drilling rigs).

PubMed

Flin, Rhona

2014-03-01

On April 20th 2010, a large Transocean drilling rig called the Deepwater Horizon was operating in the Gulf of Mexico to drill the Macondo well, for the oil company BP. The job was six weeks behind schedule and $58 million over budget and had not been without difficulty: it was a high pressure well, 2.5 miles below the seabed. At 5.45 am, the Halliburton cementing engineer sent an email to say: 'We have completed the job and it went well'. At 9.43 pm, 16 hours later, there was a release of hydrocarbons into the well bore and the drilling rig experienced a catastrophic blowout as the high pressure oil and gas escaped onto the rig and into the ocean. The resulting explosions and fire killed 11 of the crew of 126, injured many more and created an enormous oil spill across the Gulf.

Application program of CRUST-1 10km continental scientific drilling rig in SK-2 scientific drilling well

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sun, Youhong; Gao, Ke; Yu, Ping; Liu, Baochang; Guo, Wei; Ma, Yinlong; Yang, Yang

2014-05-01

SK-2 Well is located in DaQing city,where is site of the largest oil field in China,Heilongjiang province, north-east of China.The objective of SK-2 well is to obtain full cores of cretaceous formation in Song Liao basin,and to build the time tunnel of Cretaceous greenhouse climate change,and to clarify the causes,processes and results of the formations of DaQing oil field. This will ensure to achieve our ultimate goals,to test the CRUST-1 drilling rig and improve China's deep scientific drilling technology,to form the scientific drilling technology,method and system with independent intellectual property rights,and to provide technical knowledge and information for China's ten kilometers super-deep scientific drilling technical resources.SK-2 Well is at 6400 meter depth, where the drilling inclination is 90 degree and the continuous coring length is 3535 meter that from 2865 to 6400 meter,the recovery rate of the core is greater or equal to 95 percent with 100 millimeters core diameter and 3.9 degree per 100 meter geothermal gradient.The CRUST-1 rig is designated with special drilling equipment for continental scientific drilling combined to the oil drilling equipment ability with advanced geological drilling technology which is highly automatic and intelligent. CRUST-1 drilling ability is 10000 meter with the maximum hook load 700 tons, the total power is 4610 Kilowatt.CRUST-1 will be integrated with a complete set of automation equipment,including big torque hydraulic top drive,high accuracy automatic drilling rod feeding system, suspended automatic drill string discharge device,hydraulic intelligent iron roughneck,and hydraulic automatic catwalk to fully meet the drilling process requirements of SK-2.Designed with advanced drilling technique for 260 degree in the bottom of SK-2 well and hard rock,including the drilling tools of high temperature hydraulic hammer,high temperature resistance and high strength aluminum drill pipe,high temperature preparation of mud treatment and high temperature resistant cementing materials, and bionic bits,that is coupling bionic PDC tooth bit and diamond-impregnated bit for hard rock.All parts of CRUST-1 were successfully assembled along with the derrick and base lift and transported about 3456 kilometers from manufacture,GuangHan city in southwest China's Sichuan province,to the well site of SK-2 in end of 2013.SK-2 will be finished during next 4 years.

Lithology, stratigraphy, and paleoenvironments of the Mobil 312-1 well, Georges Bank Basin, US North Atlantic outer continental shelf

USGS Publications Warehouse

Poppe, L.J.; Poag, C.W.; Stanton, R.W.

1992-01-01

The Mobil 312-1 hydrocarbon exploratory well, southeastern Georges Bank Basin penetrated a section entirely composed of sedimentary rocks that range from Middle to Pliocene age. Carbonates are the dominant lithologies in the intervals at 6096-3444 m, 2560-2096 m and 1067-887 m; siliciclastics make up most of the remaining section. Although inferred paleoenvironments range primarily from supratidal to outer neritic, thin lignitic coal beds at 2204-2195 m and 1929-1920 m record brief periods of nonmarine sedimentation. Middle and Upper Jurassic calcarenites, the drilling targets of the well, have little or no visible porosity and underwent at least three episodes of cementation. 

An exploratory drilling exhaustion sequence plot program

USGS Publications Warehouse

Schuenemeyer, J.H.; Drew, L.J.

1977-01-01

The exhaustion sequence plot program computes the conditional area of influence for wells in a specified rectangular region with respect to a fixed-size deposit. The deposit is represented by an ellipse whose size is chosen by the user. The area of influence may be displayed on computer printer plots consisting of a maximum of 10,000 grid points. At each point, a symbol is presented that indicates the probability of that point being exhausted by nearby wells with respect to a fixed-size ellipse. This output gives a pictorial view of the manner in which oil fields are exhausted. In addition, the exhaustion data may be used to estimate the number of deposits remaining in a basin. ?? 1977.

OVERFLOW ROADLESS AREA, GEORGIA AND NORTH CAROLINA.

USGS Publications Warehouse

Koeppen, Robert P.; Davis, Michael P.

1984-01-01

The Overflow Roadless Area in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Georgia and North Carolina is underlain by complexly folded schist and gneiss of Proterozoic age. A mineral-resource survey found little likelihood for the occurrence of mineral or energy resources in the area. Minor isolated localities of mica pegmatite and amethyst gemstone occur in the area. Gneiss and schist suitable for rock aggregate are present in large quantities, but similar rocks abound outside the area. Natural gas may possibly be present at great depth beneath the overthrust of the Blue Ridge. Further seismic studies and exploratory drilling are needed to evaluate the natural gas potential of this part of the Eastern Overthrust Belt.

Development of a Piezoelectric Rotary Hammer Drill

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Domm, Lukas N.

2011-01-01

The Piezoelectric Rotary Hammer Drill is designed to core through rock using a combination of rotation and high frequency hammering powered by a single piezoelectric actuator. It is designed as a low axial preload, low mass, and low power device for sample acquisition on future missions to extraterrestrial bodies. The purpose of this internship is to develop and test a prototype of the Piezoelectric Rotary Hammer Drill in order to verify the use of a horn with helical or angled cuts as a hammering and torque inducing mechanism. Through an iterative design process using models in ANSYS Finite Element software and a Mason's Equivalent Circuit model in MATLAB, a horn design was chosen for fabrication based on the predicted horn tip motion, electromechanical coupling, and neutral plane location. The design was then machined and a test bed assembled. The completed prototype has proven that a single piezoelectric actuator can be used to produce both rotation and hammering in a drill string through the use of a torque inducing horn. Final data results include bit rotation produced versus input power, and best drilling rate achieved with the prototype.

Potential for thermal damage to the blood–brain barrier during craniotomy: implications for intracortical recording microelectrodes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shoffstall, Andrew J.; Paiz, Jen E.; Miller, David M.; Rial, Griffin M.; Willis, Mitchell T.; Menendez, Dhariyat M.; Hostler, Stephen R.; Capadona, Jeffrey R.

2018-06-01

Objective. Our objective was to determine how readily disruption of the blood–brain barrier (BBB) occurred as a result of bone drilling during a craniotomy to implant microelectrodes in rat cortex. While the phenomenon of heat production during bone drilling is well known, practices to evade damage to the underlying brain tissue are inconsistently practiced and reported in the literature. Approach. We conducted a review of the intracortical microelectrode literature to summarize typical approaches to mitigate drill heating during rodent craniotomies. Post mortem skull-surface and transient brain-surface temperatures were experimentally recorded using an infrared camera and thermocouple, respectively. A number of drilling conditions were tested, including varying drill speed and continuous versus intermittent contact. In vivo BBB permeability was assayed 1 h after the craniotomy procedure using Evans blue dye. Main results. Of the reviewed papers that mentioned methods to mitigate thermal damage during craniotomy, saline irrigation was the most frequently cited (in six of seven papers). In post mortem tissues, we observed increases in skull-surface temperature ranging from  +3 °C to  +21 °C, dependent on drill speed. In vivo, pulsed-drilling (2 s-on/2 s-off) and slow-drilling speeds (1000 r.p.m.) were the most effective methods we studied to mitigate heating effects from drilling, while inconclusive results were obtained with saline irrigation. Significance. Neuroinflammation, initiated by damage to the BBB and perpetuated by the foreign body response, is thought to play a key role in premature failure of intracortical recording microelectrodes. This study demonstrates the extreme sensitivity of the BBB to overheating caused by bone drilling. To avoid damage to the BBB, the authors recommend that craniotomies be drilled with slow speeds and/or with intermittent drilling with complete removal of the drill from the skull during ‘off’ periods. While saline alone was ineffective at preventing overheating, its use is still recommended to remove bone dust from the surgical site and to augment other cooling methods.

Optimisation of the geometry of the drill bit and process parameters for cutting hybrid composite/metal structures in new aircrafts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Isbilir, Ozden

Owing to their desirable strength-to-weight characteristics, carbon fibre reinforced polymer composites have been favourite materials for structural applications in different industries such as aerospace, transport, sports and energy. They provide a weight reduction in whole structure and consequently decrease fuel consumption. The use of lightweight materials such as titanium and its alloys in modern aircrafts has also increased significantly in the last couple of decades. Titanium and its alloys offer high strength/weight ratio, high compressive and tensile strength at high temperatures, low density, excellent corrosion resistance, exceptional erosion resistance, superior fatigue resistance and relatively low modulus of elasticity. Although composite/metal hybrid structures are increasingly used in airframes nowadays, number of studies regarding drilling of composite/metal stacks is very limited. During drilling of multilayer materials different problems may arise due to very different attributes of these materials. Machining conditions of drilling such structures play an important role on tool wear, quality of holes and cost of machining.. The research work in this thesis is aimed to investigate drilling of CFRP/Ti6Al4V hybrid structure and to optimize process parameters and drill geometry. The research work consist complete experimental study including drilling tests, in-situ and post measurements and related analysis; and finite element analysis including fully 3-D finite element models. The experimental investigations focused on drilling outputs such as thrust force, torque, delamination, burr formation, surface roughness and tool wear. An algorithm was developed to analyse drilling induced delamination quantitatively based on the images. In the numerical analysis, novel 3-D finite element models of drilling of CFRP, Ti6Al4V and CFRP/Ti6Al4V hybrid structure were developed with the use of 3-D complex drill geometries. A user defined subroutine was developed to model material and failure behaviour of CFRP. The effects of process parameters on drilling outputs have been investigated and compared with the experimental results. The influences of drill bit geometries have been simulated in this study..

Preliminary geologic framework developed for a proposed environmental monitoring study of a deep, unconventional Marcellus Shale drill site, Washington County, Pennsylvania

USGS Publications Warehouse

Stamm, Robert G.

2018-06-08

BackgroundIn the fall of 2011, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) was afforded an opportunity to participate in an environmental monitoring study of the potential impacts of a deep, unconventional Marcellus Shale hydraulic fracturing site. The drill site of the prospective case study is the “Range Resources MCC Partners L.P. Units 1-5H” location (also referred to as the “RR–MCC” drill site), located in Washington County, southwestern Pennsylvania. Specifically, the USGS was approached to provide a geologic framework that would (1) provide geologic parameters for the proposed area of a localized groundwater circulation model, and (2) provide potential information for the siting of both shallow and deep groundwater monitoring wells located near the drill pad and the deviated drill legs.The lead organization of the prospective case study of the RR–MCC drill site was the Groundwater and Ecosystems Restoration Division (GWERD) of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Aside from the USGS, additional partners/participants were to include the Department of Energy, the Pennsylvania Geological Survey, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, and the developer Range Resources LLC. During the initial cooperative phase, GWERD, with input from the participating agencies, drafted a Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP) that proposed much of the objectives, tasks, sampling and analytical procedures, and documentation of results.Later in 2012, the proposed cooperative agreement between the aforementioned partners and the associated land owners for a monitoring program at the drill site was not executed. Therefore, the prospective case study of the RR–MCC site was terminated and no installation of groundwater monitoring wells nor the collection of nearby soil, stream sediment, and surface-water samples were made.Prior to the completion of the QAPP and termination of the perspective case study the geologic framework was rapidly conducted and nearly completed. This was done for three principal reasons. First, there was an immediate need to know the distribution of the relatively undisturbed surface to near-surface bedrock geology and unconsolidated materials for the collection of baseline surface data prior to drill site development (drill pad access road, drill pad leveling) and later during monitoring associated with well drilling, well development, and well production. Second, it was necessary to know the bedrock geology to support the siting of: (1) multiple shallow groundwater monitoring wells (possibly as many as four) surrounding and located immediately adjacent to the drill pad, and (2) deep groundwater monitoring wells (possibly two) located at distance from the drill pad with one possibly being sited along one of the deviated production drill legs. Lastly, the framework geology would provide the lateral extent, thickness, lithology, and expected discontinuities of geologic units (to be parsed or grouped as hydrostratigraphic units) and regional structure trends as inputs into the groundwater model.This report provides the methodology of geologic data accumulation and aggregation, and its integration into a geographic information system (GIS) based program. The GIS program will allow multiple data to be exported in various formats (shapefiles [.shp], database files [.dbf], and Keyhole Markup Language files [.KML]) for use in surface and subsurface geologic site characterization, for sampling strategies, and for inputs for groundwater modeling.

Factor Structure of the Primary Scales of the Inventory of Personality Organization in a Nonclinical Sample Using Exploratory Structural Equation Modeling

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ellison, William D.; Levy, Kenneth N.

2012-01-01

Using exploratory structural equation modeling and multiple regression, we examined the factor structure and criterion relations of the primary scales of the Inventory of Personality Organization (IPO; Kernberg & Clarkin, 1995) in a nonclinical sample. Participants (N = 1,260) completed the IPO and measures of self-concept clarity, defenses,…

Sexual Behaviors during the First Year of College: An Exploratory Comparison of First and Second Semester Freshmen

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Vail-Smith, Karen; Maguire, Rachel L.; Brinkley, Jason; Burke, Sloane

2010-01-01

The transition from high school to college offers adolescents more freedom that may result in increased risky sexual behaviors. This exploratory study examines sexual behaviors of freshmen. Half of participants completed a questionnaire during the first week of college and the other half during the last week of their freshmen year. Significant…

Self-Esteem in Children with Speech and Language Impairment: An Exploratory Study of Transition from Language Units to Mainstream School

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rannard, Anne; Glenn, Sheila

2009-01-01

Little is known about the self-perceptions of children moving from language units to mainstream school. This longitudinal exploratory study examined the effects of transition on perceptions of competence and acceptance in one group of children with speech and language impairment. Seven children and their teachers completed the Pictorial Scale of…

Using Web-Based Exploratory Tasks to Develop Intercultural Competence in a Homogeneous Cultural Environment

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Stockwell, Esther

2016-01-01

This study adapted web-based exploratory tasks using WebQuests as a means of enabling students to understand and reflect on both the target and their own culture. Learners actively used various authentic resources selected to meet their linguistic and cognitive needs to complete the tasks. The aim of this study was to help Japanese university…

The ICDP Hotspot Scientific Drilling Program: Overview of geophysical logging and seismic imaging through basaltic and rhyolitic volcanic deposits

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schmitt, D. R.; Liberty, L. M.; Kessler, J. A.; Kueck, J.; Kofman, R. S.; Bishop, R. A.; Shervais, J. W.; Evans, J. P.; Champion, D. E.

2012-12-01

The recently completed ICDP Hotspot drilling program consisted of drilling of three scientific drill holes each to at least 1800 m depth across the Snake River Plain of Idaho. The three boreholes include i) Kimama: thick sequences of basalt flows with sediment interbeds; ii) Kimberley: near surface basalt flows overlying rhyolite deposits, and iii) Mountain Home: geothermally altered basalts overlain by lacustrine sediments. The program consisted of high resolution 2D surface tied to vertical and walk-a-way borehole seismic profiles and an extensive suite of full waveform sonic, ultrasonic televiewer, electrical resistivity, magnetic susceptibility, and hydrogen index neutron logging. There are a number of highlights out of this work. First, seismic imaging beneath basalt flows is a classic problem in reflection seismology and has long been believed to be due to rapid attenuation of the downgoing seismic pulse. Here, however, we observed strong arrivals at all depths suggesting that seismic energy is penetrating such formations and that issues in imaging may be a result of the heterogeneous nature of the formations. Second, the neutron log responses correlate well with the structure of individual basalt flows. High and low backscattered neutron counts correspond to massive low porosity basalt rock and with the higher porosity and sediment filled flow tops, respectively. Third, the ultrasonic borehole televiewer information is being used to orient the nearly complete sets of core in order to obtain information on the azimuths of natural and drilling induced core fractures. This together with examination of borehole breakouts and drilling induced tensile fractures on the wellbore wall will allow for semi-quantitative stress estimates across the Snake River Plain. Finally, the Mountain Home borehole provides an unique opportunity to study the geothermally altered basalts. There are a number of correlations between, for example, the sonic and electrical logs that must relate to the style of alteration.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Barker, Ben; Moore, Joe; Segall, Marylin

The Tularosa-Hueco basin in south-central New Mexico has long been known as an extensional area of high heat flow. Much of the basin is within the Fort Bliss military reservation, which is an exceptionally high value customer for power independent of the regional electric grid and for direct use energy in building climate control. A series of slim holes drilled in the 1990s established the existence of a thermal anomaly but not its practical value. This study began in 2009 with a demonstration of new exploration drilling technology. The subsequent phases reported here delivered a useful well, comparative exploration datamore » sets and encouragement for further development. A production-size well, RMI56-5, was sited after extensive study of archival and newly collected data in 2010-2011. Most of 2012 was taken up with getting state and Federal authorities to agree on a lead agency for permitting purposes, getting a drilling permit and redesigning the drilling program to suit available equipment. In 2013 we drilled, logged and tested a 924 m well on the McGregor Range at Fort Bliss using a reverse circulation rig. Rig tests demonstrated commercial permeability and the well has a 7-inch slotted liner for use either in production or injection. An August 2013 survey of the completed well showed a temperature of 90 C with no reversal, the highest such temperature in the vicinity. The well’s proximity to demand suggests a potentially valuable resource for direct use heat and emergency power generation. The drilling produced cuttings of excellent size and quality. These were subjected to traditional analyses (thin sections, XRD) and to the QEMScan™ for comparison. QEMScan™ technology includes algorithms for determining such properties of rocks as density, mineralogy, heavy/light atoms, and porosity to be compared with direct measurements of the cuttings. In addition to a complete cuttings set, conventional and resistivity image logs were obtained in the open hole before the well was cased.« less

Shipping lanes or offshore rigs

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Not Available

1980-09-01

This information was from the Los Angeles Steamship Association (LASSA) luncheon meeting. The problems of limiting access and availability of the Santa Barbara/Santa Catalina channels to commercial vessel traffic and other related uses. LASSA speaks for about 85% of the maritime industry in Southern California. The Association is actively seeking a compromise with the oil companies in keeping the Vessel Traffic Separation Scheme (VTSS) in the channels; however, the Western Oil and Gas Association (WOGA) is seeking to abolish VTSS as currently established in the channels and move the sea lanes outside the Channel Islands, and open up the entiremore » Santa Barbara Channel to unlimited drilling sites. LASSA claims that moving the VTSS sea lanes outside of the Channel Islands would add 18 to 22 miles to the average trip from San Francisco to Los Angeles, with fuel cost etc. would make for a big loss to the merchant ship operators. LASSA has offered to support the concept of opening up the Buffer Zone that separates the Sea Lanes themselves to exploratory drilling. This two mile wide stretch of water is off limits to vessels and it would open new areas to the oil companies heretofore unaccessible to them. (DP)« less

Geologic Analysis of Priority Basins for Exploration and Drilling

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Carroll, H.B.; Reeves, T.K.

1999-04-27

There has been a substantial decline in both exploratory drilling and seismic field crew activity in the United States over the last 10 years, due primarily to the declining price of oil. To reverse this trend and to preserve the entrepreneurial independent operator, the U.S. DOE is attempting to encourage hydrocarbon exploration activities in some of the under exploited regions of the United States. This goal is being accomplished by conducting broad regional reviews of potentially prospective areas within the lower 48 states. Data are being collected on selected areas, and studies are being done on a regional scale generallymore » unavailable to the smaller independent. The results of this work will be made available to the public to encourage the undertaking of operations in areas which have been overlooked until this project. Fifteen criteria have been developed for the selection of study areas. Eight regions have been identified where regional geologic analysis will be performed. This report discusses preliminary findings concerning the geology, early tectonic history, structure and potential unconventional source rocks for the Black Mesa basin and South Central states region, the two highest priority study areas.« less

Treatability Study in Support of Intrinsic Remediation for the Hangar 10 Site. Elmendorf Air Force Base, Anchorage, Alaska

DTIC Science & Technology

1995-03-01

Monitoring Well Installation ....................................... 2-8 2.1.3.1 Well Materials Decontamination ..................... 2-9 2.1.3.2 Well...event, with a clean water/phosphate-free detergent mix and a clean water rinse. All well completion materials were factory sealed. All... materials were not stored near or in areas which could be affected by these substances. 2.1.2.3 Drilling and Soil Sampling Drilling was accomplished by using

Geothermal Energy Geopressure Subprogram: DOE Lafourche Crossing No. 1, Terrebonne Parish and Lafourche Parish, Louisiana: Environmental assessment

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Not Available

1978-10-01

The proposed action will consist of drilling one geothermal fluid well for intermittent production testing of 284 days over a three year period. Two disposal wells will initially be drilled to provide disposal of lower volume fluids produced during initial testing. Two additional disposal wells will be drilled, logged, completed, tested, and operated prior to commencement of high volume fluid production. Construction of the proposed action will change the land-use of 2 ha (5 ac) for the test well and each of the injection wells from agriculture or wetlands to resource exploration. Lands will be cleared and erosion and runoffmore » will result. During operation of the well test, the only expected impacts are from venting of gases or flaring of gases and noise. After the tests are completed, the area will be restored as much as possible to its natural condition by revegetation programs using nature species. All sources of pollutants will be collected and disposed in environmentally acceptable ways. Accidents may result from this proposed action.« less

Bit selection using field drilling data and mathematical investigation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Momeni, M. S.; Ridha, S.; Hosseini, S. J.; Meyghani, B.; Emamian, S. S.

2018-03-01

A drilling process will not be complete without the usage of a drill bit. Therefore, bit selection is considered to be an important task in drilling optimization process. To select a bit is considered as an important issue in planning and designing a well. This is simply because the cost of drilling bit in total cost is quite high. Thus, to perform this task, aback propagation ANN Model is developed. This is done by training the model using several wells and it is done by the usage of drilling bit records from offset wells. In this project, two models are developed by the usage of the ANN. One is to find predicted IADC bit code and one is to find Predicted ROP. Stage 1 was to find the IADC bit code by using all the given filed data. The output is the Targeted IADC bit code. Stage 2 was to find the Predicted ROP values using the gained IADC bit code in Stage 1. Next is Stage 3 where the Predicted ROP value is used back again in the data set to gain Predicted IADC bit code value. The output is the Predicted IADC bit code. Thus, at the end, there are two models that give the Predicted ROP values and Predicted IADC bit code values.

Methodology for quantifying uncertainty in coal assessments with an application to a Texas lignite deposit

USGS Publications Warehouse

Olea, R.A.; Luppens, J.A.; Tewalt, S.J.

2011-01-01

A common practice for characterizing uncertainty in coal resource assessments has been the itemization of tonnage at the mining unit level and the classification of such units according to distance to drilling holes. Distance criteria, such as those used in U.S. Geological Survey Circular 891, are still widely used for public disclosure. A major deficiency of distance methods is that they do not provide a quantitative measure of uncertainty. Additionally, relying on distance between data points alone does not take into consideration other factors known to have an influence on uncertainty, such as spatial correlation, type of probability distribution followed by the data, geological discontinuities, and boundary of the deposit. Several geostatistical methods have been combined to formulate a quantitative characterization for appraising uncertainty. Drill hole datasets ranging from widespread exploration drilling to detailed development drilling from a lignite deposit in Texas were used to illustrate the modeling. The results show that distance to the nearest drill hole is almost completely unrelated to uncertainty, which confirms the inadequacy of characterizing uncertainty based solely on a simple classification of resources by distance classes. The more complex statistical methods used in this study quantify uncertainty and show good agreement between confidence intervals in the uncertainty predictions and data from additional drilling. ?? 2010.

Measurement of laser absorptivity for operating parameters characteristic of laser drilling regime

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schneider, M.; Berthe, L.; Fabbro, R.; Muller, M.

2008-08-01

Laser drilling in the percussion regime is commonly used in the aircraft industry to drill sub-millimetre holes in metallic targets. Characteristic laser intensities in the range of 10 MW cm-2 are typically employed for drilling metallic targets. With these intensities the temperature of the irradiated matter is above the vaporization temperature and the drilling process is led by hydrodynamic effects. Although the main physical processes involved are identified, this process is not correctly understood or completely controlled. A major characteristic coefficient of laser-matter interaction for this regime, which is the absorptivity of the laser on the irradiated surface, is still unknown, because of the perturbing effects due to laser beam geometrical trapping inside the drilled hole. So, by using time resolved experiments, this study deals with the direct measurement of the variation of the intrinsic absorption of aluminium, nickel and steel materials, as a function of the incident laser intensity up to 20 MW cm-2. We observe that for this incident intensity, the absorptivity can reach up to 80%. This very high and unexpected value is discussed by considering the microscopic behaviour of the heated matter near the vapour-liquid interface that undergoes possible Rayleigh-Taylor instability or volume absorption.

Chicxulub Impact Crater and Yucatan Carbonate Platform - PEMEX Oil Exploratory Wells Revisited

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pérez-Drago, G.; Gutierrez-Cirlos, A. G.; Pérez-Cruz, L.; Urrutia-Fucugauchi, J.

2008-12-01

Geophysical oil exploration surveys carried out by PEMEX in the 1940's revealed occurrence of an anomalous pattern of semi-circular concentric gravity anomalies. The Bouguer gravity anomalies covered an extensive area over the flat carbonate platform in the northwestern Yucatan Peninsula; strong density contrasts were suggestive of a buried igneous complex or basement uplift beneath the carbonates, which was referred as the Chicxulub structure. The exploration program carried out afterwards included a drilling program, starting with Chicxulub-1 well in 1952 and comprising eight deep boreholes through the 1970s. An aeromagnetic survey in late 1970's showed high amplitude anomalies in the gravity anomaly central sector. Thus, research showing Chicxulub as a large complex impact crater formed at the K/T boundary was built on the PEMEX decades-long exploration program. Despite frequent reference to PEMEX information and samples, original data and cores have not been openly available for detailed evaluation and integration with results from recent investigations. Core samples largely remain to be analyzed and interpreted in the context of recent marine, aerial and terrestrial geophysical surveys and the drilling/coring projects of UNAM and ICDP. In this presentation we report on the stratigraphy and paleontological data for PEMEX wells: Chicxulub- 1 (1582m), Sacapuc-1 (1530m), Yucatan-6 (1631m), Ticul-1 (3575m) Yucatan-4 (2398m), Yucatan-2 (3474m), Yucatan-5A (3003m) and Yucatan-1 (3221m). These wells remain the deepest drilled in Chicxulub, providing samples of impact lithologies, carbonate sequences and basement, which give information on post- and pre-impact stratigraphy and crystalline basement. We concentrate on stratigraphic columns, lateral correlations and integration with UNAM and ICDP borehole data. Current plans for deep drilling in Chicxulub crater target the peak ring and central sector, with offshore and onshore boreholes proposed to the IODP and ICDP programs.

Petrology of deep drill hole, Kilauea Volcano

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Grose, L.T.; Keller, G.V.

1976-12-01

The first deep drill hole (1262 m TD) at the summit of an active volcano (1102 m elev) was drilled in 1973 at Kilauea volcano, Hawaii with support from NSF and USGS. The hole is located within southern margin of Kilauea caldera in northern part of a 15 km/sup 2/ triangular block bounded by east rift zone, Koae fault zone, and southwest rift zone-a summit area relatively free of faults, rifts, and extrusions. Nearest eruptions are from fissures 1.2 km away which are active in 1974 and which do not trend toward the drill hole. Core recovery totals 47 mmore » from 29 core runs at rather evenly spaced intervals to total depth. Megascopic, thin-section, and X-ray examination reveals: (1) Recovered core is essentially vesicular, intergranular, nonporphyritic to porphyritic olivine basalt with minor olivine diabase, picrite diabase, and basalt, (2) Hyaloclastite and pillow basalt are absent, (3) Below water table (614 m elev) with increasing depth, vesicularity decreases, and density, crystallinity, competence, vesicle fill, and alteration irregularly increase, (4) Alteration first occurs at water table where calcite and silica partially fill vesticles and olivine is partially serpentinized, (5) At about 570 m elev massive serpentinization of olivine and deposition of montmorillonite-nontronite occur; at about 210 m elev truscottite and tobermorite occur in vesicles; at about 35 m elev mordenite occurs in vesicles, (6) Bottom-hole cores have complete filling of vesicles with silica, minor silica replacement, and complete alteration of olivine, and (7) Plagioclase is unaltered. Chemical analyses of bottom-hole cores are similar to those of modern summit lavas. Alteration and low porosity in bottom-hole cores plus abrupt temperature increase suggest the drill hole penetrated a self-sealed ''cap rock'' to a hydrothermal convection cell and possibly a magma body.« less

Hawaii Geothermal Project. Phase II: final report on well HGP-A extension to Contract E(04-3)-1093

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Shupe, J.W.

1976-07-01

Drilling was completed on HGP-A to a depth of 6445 feet on April 27, 1976. A final core was taken; a series of logging runs performed, both with Gearhart-Owen equipment and with the Kuster temperature gauge; and the drill stem was withdrawn and laid down on the side adjacent to the rig - as a safety measure against possible volcanic tremors. A maximum temperature to date of 288/sup 0/C (550/sup 0/F) was recorded on May 13 at 4500 feet. The weighted temperature probe would penetrate no deeper into the drilling mud, which apparently is stiffening. The temperature depth relationship developedmore » in HGP-A is illustrated.« less

Independent focuses Philippines exploration on Visayan basin

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Rillera, F.G.

1995-08-21

Cophil Exploration Corp., a Filipino public company, spearheaded 1995 Philippine oil and gas exploration activity with the start of its gas delineation drilling operations in Libertad, northern Cebu. Cophil and its Australian partners, Coplex Resources NL and PacRim Energy NL, have set out to complete a seven well onshore drilling program within this block this year. The companies are testing two modest shallow gas plays, Libertad and Dalingding, and a small oil play, Maya, all in northern Cebu about 500 km southeast of Manila. Following a short discussion on the geology and exploration history of the Visayan basin, this articlemore » briefly summarizes Cophil`s ongoing Cebu onshore drilling program. Afterwards, discussion focuses on identified exploration opportunities in the basin`s offshore sector.« less

New Era of Scientific Ocean Drilling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Eguchi, N.; Toczko, S.; Sanada, Y.; Igarashi, C.; Kubo, Y.; Maeda, L.; Sawada, I.; Takase, K.; Kyo, N.

2014-12-01

The D/V Chikyu, committed to scientific ocean drilling since 2007, has completed thirteen IODP expeditions, and Chikyu's enhanced drilling technology gives us the means to reach deep targets, enhanced well logging, deep water riserless drilling, and state of the art laboratory. Chikyu recovered core samples from 2466 meters below sea floor (mbsf) in IODP Exp. 337, and drilled to 3058.5 mbsf in IODP Exp. 348, but these are still not the limit of Chikyu's capability. As deep as these depths are, they are just halfway to the 5200 mbsf plate boundary target for the NanTroSEIZE deep riser borehole. There are several active IODP proposals in the pipeline. Each has scientific targets requiring several thousand meters of penetration below the sea floor. Riser technology is the only way to collect samples and data from that depth. Well logging has been enhanced with the adoption of riser drilling, especially for logging-while-drilling (LWD). LWD has several advantages over wireline logging, and provides more opportunities for continuous measurements even in unstable boreholes. Because of the larger diameter of riser pipes and enhanced borehole stability, Chikyu can use several state-of-the-art downhole tools, e.g. fracture tester, fluid sampling tool, wider borehole imaging, and the latest sonic tools. These new technologies and tools can potentially expand the envelope of scientific ocean drilling. Chikyu gives us access to ultra-deep water riserless drilling. IODP Exp. 343/343T investigating the March 2011 Tohoku Oki Earthquake, explored the toe of the landward slope of the Japan Trench. This expedition reached the plate boundary fault target at more than 800 mbsf in water depths over 6900 m for logging-while-drilling, coring, and observatory installation. This deep-water drilling capability also expands the scientific ocean drilling envelope and provides access to previously unreachable targets. On top of these operational capabilities, Chikyu's onboard laboratory is equipped with state-of-the-art instruments to analyze all science samples. X-ray CT creates non-destructive 3D images of core samples providing high resolution structural detail. The microbiology laboratory offers clean and contamination-free work environments required for microbiological samples.

Multivariate analysis of subsurface radiometric data in Rongsohkham area, East Khasi Hills district, Meghalaya (India): implication on uranium exploration.

PubMed

Kukreti, B M; Pandey, Pradeep; Singh, R V

2012-08-01

Non-coring based exploratory drilling was under taken in the sedimentary environment of Rangsohkham block, East Khasi Hills district to examine the eastern extension of existing uranium resources located at Domiasiat and Wakhyn in the Mahadek basin of Meghalaya (India). Although radiometric survey and radiometric analysis of surface grab/channel samples in the block indicate high uranium content but the gamma ray logging results of exploratory boreholes in the block, did not obtain the expected results. To understand this abrupt discontinuity between the two sets of data (surface and subsurface) multivariate statistical analysis of primordial radioactive elements (K(40), U(238) and Th(232)) was performed using the concept of representative subsurface samples, drawn from the randomly selected 11 boreholes of this block. The study was performed to a high confidence level (99%), and results are discussed for assessing the U and Th behavior in the block. Results not only confirm the continuation of three distinct geological formations in the area but also the uranium bearing potential in the Mahadek sandstone of the eastern part of Mahadek Basin. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Marine Seismic System Deployment (MSS). Phase 2. Investigation of Techniques and Deployment Scenarios for Installation of Triaxial Seismometer in a Borehole in the Deep Ocean

DTIC Science & Technology

1981-01-09

CHALLENGER for an estimated period of six days. The design for the test Borehole Instrumentation Package (BIP) reentry-sub and associated handling...equipment has been completed ard hmi been submitted for vendor bid. Details of the specialized support equipment for installation on the GLOMAR CHALLENGER ...developed under the direction of the Deep Sea Drilling Project (DSDP) by the dynamically positioned drilling vessel GLOMAR CHALLENGER . Deployment of the

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Stone, D.M.; Huffmyer, W.A.; Greener, J.M.

This paper describes the geoscience and engineering aspects of the Opon Gas Field located in the Middle Magdalena Basin, Colombia. The remoteness and extreme downhole conditions make the drilling, completion, testing and geoscience interpretation of the two most recent Opon wells technically very challenging. Multiple faults, steep dips, rugged topography, a sensitive jungle environment and variable surface velocities complicate field definition. A full assessment of the commercial potential of the reservoir requires additional development drilling. Now in the early development stages, the Opon Gas Field has first production scheduled for late 1996.

Long- and short-term effects of smothering and burial by drill cuttings on calcareous algae in a static-renewal test.

PubMed

Reynier, Márcia V; Tâmega, Frederico T S; Daflon, Sarah D A; Santos, Maurício A B; Coutinho, Ricardo; Figueiredo, Marcia A O

2015-07-01

Discharge of drill cuttings into the ocean during drilling of offshore oil wells can impact benthic communities through an increase in the concentrations of suspended particles in the water column and sedimentation of particles on the seafloor around the drilling installation. The present study assessed effects of water-based drill cuttings, barite, bentonite, and natural sediments on shallow- and deep-water calcareous algae in short-term (30 d) and long-term (90 d) experiments, using 2 species from Peregrino's oil field at Campos Basin, Brazil: Mesophyllum engelhartii and Lithothamnion sp. The results were compared with the shallow-water species Lithothamnion crispatum. Smothering and burial exposures were simulated. Oxygen production and fluorescence readings were recorded. Although less productive, M. engelhartii was as sensitive to stress as Lithothamnion sp. Mesophyllum engelhartii was sensitive to smothering by drill cuttings, barite, and bentonite after 60 d of exposure and was similarly affected by natural sediments after 90 d. These results indicate that smothering by sediments caused physical effects that might be attributable to partial light attenuation and partial restriction on gas exchange but did not kill the calcareous algae in the long term. However, 1-mo burial by either natural sediments or drill cuttings was sufficient after 60 d for both species to reduce oxygen production, and the algae were completely dead under both sources of sediments. © 2015 SETAC.

Completion Report for Well ER-2-2 Corrective Action Unit 97: Yucca Flat/Climax Mine, Revision 1

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wurtz, Jeffrey

Well ER-2-2 was drilled for the U.S. Department of Energy, Nevada National Security Administration Nevada Field Office in support of the Underground Test Area (UGTA) Activity. The well was drilled from January 17 to February 8, 2016, as part of the Corrective Action Investigation Plan (CAIP) for Corrective Action Unit 97: Yucca Flat/Climax Mine, Nevada Test Site, Nevada. The primary purpose of the well was to collect hydrogeologic data to evaluate uncertainty in the flow and transport conceptual model and its contamination boundary forecasts, and to detect radionuclides in groundwater from the CALABASH (U2av) underground test. Well ER-2-2 was notmore » completed as planned due to borehole stability problems. As completed, the well includes a piezometer (p1) to 582 meters (m) (1,909 feet [ft]) below ground surface (bgs) installed in the Timber Mountain lower vitric-tuff aquifer (TMLVTA) and a 12.25-inch (in.) diameter open borehole to 836 m (2,743 ft) bgs in the Lower tuff confining unit (LTCU). A 13.375-in. diameter carbon-steel casing is installed from the surface to a depth of 607 m (1,990 ft) bgs. Data collected during borehole construction include composite drill cutting samples collected every 3.0 m (10 ft), geophysical logs to a depth of 672.4 m (2,206 ft) bgs, water-quality measurements (including tritium), water-level measurements, and slug test data. The well penetrated 384.05 m (1,260 ft) of Quaternary alluvium, 541.93 m (1,778 ft) of Tertiary Volcanics (Tv) rocks, and 127.71 m (419 ft) of Paleozoic carbonates. The stratigraphy and lithology were generally as expected. However, several of the stratigraphic units were significantly thicker then predicted—principally, the Tunnel formation (Tn), which had been predicted to be 30 m (100 ft) thick; the actual thickness of this unit was 268.22 m (880 ft). Fluid depths were measured in the borehole during drilling as follows: (1) in the piezometer (p1) at 552.15 m (1,811.53 ft) bgs and (2) in the main casing (m1) at 551.69 m (1,810.01 ft) bgs. As expected, field measurements for tritium were above the Safe Drinking Water Act limit (20,000 picocuries per liter) for a portion of the Tertiary volcanic section near the water table. Tritium concentrations were at or near the field detection limit in the Lower carbonate aquifer (LCA) while drilling. During drilling, a sample was collected while circulating in the LCA. The sample was submitted for off-site laboratory analysis. The sample results indicated low but measurable tritium concentrations. All Fluid Management Plan requirements were met during drilling activities.« less

Geothermal Exploration of Newberry Volcano, Oregon

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Waibel, Albert F.; Frone, Zachary S.; Blackwell, David D.

Davenport Newberry (Davenport) has completed 8 years of exploration for geothermal energy on Newberry Volcano in central Oregon. Two deep exploration test wells were drilled by Davenport on the west flank of the volcano, one intersected a hydrothermal system; the other intersected isolated fractures with no hydrothermal interconnection. Both holes have bottom-hole temperatures near or above 315°C (600°F). Subsequent to deep test drilling an expanded exploration and evaluation program was initiated. These efforts have included reprocessing existing data, executing multiple geological, geophysical, geochemical programs, deep exploration test well drilling and shallow well drilling. The efforts over the last three yearsmore » have been made possible through a DOE Innovative Exploration Technology (IET) Grant 109, designed to facilitate innovative geothermal exploration techniques. The combined results of the last 8 years have led to a better understanding of the history and complexity of Newberry Volcano and improved the design and interpretation of geophysical exploration techniques with regard to blind geothermal resources in volcanic terrain.« less

Use of Cutting-Edge Horizontal and Underbalanced Drilling Technologies and Subsurface Seismic Techniques to Explore, Drill and Produce Reservoired Oil and Gas from the Fractured Monterey Below 10,000 ft in the Santa Maria Basin of California

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

George Witter; Robert Knoll; William Rehm

2005-09-29

This project was undertaken to demonstrate that oil and gas can be drilled and produced safely and economically from a fractured Monterey reservoir in the Santa Maria Basin of California by employing horizontal wellbores and underbalanced drilling technologies. Two vertical wells were previously drilled in this area with heavy mud and conventional completions; neither was commercially productive. A new well was drilled by the project team in 2004 with the objective of accessing an extended length of oil-bearing, high-resistivity Monterey shale via a horizontal wellbore, while implementing managed-pressure drilling (MPD) techniques to avoid formation damage. Initial project meetings were conductedmore » in October 2003. The team confirmed that the demonstration well would be completed open-hole to minimize productivity impairment. Following an overview of the geologic setting and local field experience, critical aspects of the application were identified. At the pre-spud meeting in January 2004, the final well design was confirmed and the well programming/service company requirements assigned. Various design elements were reduced in scope due to significant budgetary constraints. Major alterations to the original plan included: (1) a VSP seismic survey was delayed to a later phase; (2) a new (larger) surface hole would be drilled rather than re-enter an existing well; (3) a 7-in. liner would be placed into the top of the Monterey target as quickly as possible to avoid problems with hole stability; (4) evaluation activities were reduced in scope; (5) geosteering observations for fracture access would be deduced from penetration rate, cuttings description and hydrocarbon in-flow; and (6) rather than use nitrogen, a novel air-injection MPD system was to be implemented. Drilling operations, delayed from the original schedule by capital constraints and lack of rig availability, were conducted from September 12 to November 11, 2004. The vertical and upper curved sections were drilled and lined through the problematic shale member without major stability problems. The top of the targeted Monterey was thought to be seen at the expected TVD of 10,000 ft where the 7-in. liner was set at a 60{sup o} hole angle. Significant oil and gas shows suggested the fractured interval anticipated at the heel location had been penetrated. A total of 2572 ft of 6 1/8-in. near-horizontal interval was placed in the shale section, extending planned well length by approximately 470 ft. Very little hydrocarbon in-flow was observed from fractures along the productive interval. This may be a result of the well trajectory falling underneath the Monterey fractured zone. Hydrocarbon observations, cuttings analysis and gamma-ray response indicated additional fractured intervals were accessed along the last {+-}900 ft of well length. The well was completed with a 2 7/8-in. tubing string set in a production packer in preparation for flow and swab tests to be conducted later by a service rig. The planned well time was estimated as 39 days and overall cost as $2.4 million. The actual results are 66 days at a total cost of $3.4 million. Well productivity responses during subsequent flow and swabbing tests were negative. The well failed to inflow and only minor amounts (a few barrels) of light oil were recovered. The lack of production may suggest that actual sustainable reservoir pressure is far less than anticipated. Temblor is currently planning to re-enter and clean out the well and run an Array Induction log (primarily for resistivity and correlation purposes), and an FMI log (for fracture detection). Depending on the results of these logs, an acidizing or re-drill program will be planned.« less

Horizontal natural gas storage caverns and methods for producing same

DOEpatents

Russo, Anthony

1995-01-01

The invention provides caverns and methods for producing caverns in bedded salt deposits for the storage of materials that are not solvents for salt. The contemplated salt deposits are of the bedded, non-domed variety, more particularly salt found in layered formations that are sufficiently thick to enable the production of commercially usefully sized caverns completely encompassed by walls of salt of the formation. In a preferred method, a first bore hole is drilled into the salt formation and a cavity for receiving insolubles is leached from the salt formation. Thereafter, at a predetermined distance away from the first bore hole, a second bore hole is drilled towards the salt formation. As this drill approaches the salt, the drill assumes a slant approach and enters the salt and drills through it in a horizontal direction until it intersects the cavity for receiving insolubles. This produces a substantially horizontal conduit from which solvent is controlledly supplied to the surrounding salt formation, leaching the salt and producing a concentrated brine which is removed through the first bore hole. Insolubles are collected in the cavity for receiving insolubles. By controlledly supplying solvent, a horizontal cavern is produced with two bore holes extending therefrom.

Preliminary geological interpretation and lithologic log of the exploratory geothermal test well (INEL-1), Idaho National Engineering Laboratory, eastern Snake River Plain, Idaho

USGS Publications Warehouse

Doherty, David J.; McBroome, Lisa Ann; Kuntz, Mel A.

1979-01-01

A 10,365 ft (3,159 m) geothermal test well was drilled in the spring of 1979 at the Idaho National Engineering Laboratory, eastern Snake River Plain, Idaho: The majority of rock types encountered in the borehole are of volcanic origin. An upper section above 2,445 ft (745 m) consists of basaltic lava flows and interbedded .sediments of alluvial, lacustrine, and volcanic origin. A lower section below 2,445 ft (745 m) consists exclusively of rhyolitic welded ash-flow tuffs, air-fall ash deposits, nonwelded ash-flow ruffs, and volcaniclastic sediments. The lithology and thickness of the rhyolitic rocks suggest that they are part of an intracaldera fill.

First observations of the bigfin squid Magnapinna sp. in the Colombian Southern Caribbean

PubMed Central

Cantera, Jaime; Puentes, Vladimir; Leon, Jorge

2018-01-01

Abstract Herein, first observations are reported of Magnapinna squids in the Colombian Southern Caribbean. Two specimens were observed by Remote Operated Vehicles (ROV) during exploratory drilling surveys for hydrocarbons at 1,883 and 2,294 m depth. These are the first observations of specimens of Magnapinna in the Southern Caribbean. Resumen La primera observación del calamar Magnapinna sp. en el caribe sur colombiano. Dos especímenes de calamares de aleta grande fueron observados con submarino de operación remota (ROV) durante un proyecto de perforación exploratoria de hidrocaburos a profundidades de 1,883 y de 2,294 m, respectivamente. Estas son las primeras observaciones de especímenes de Magnapinna en el Caribe Sur. PMID:29765263

First observations of the bigfin squid Magnapinna sp. in the Colombian Southern Caribbean.

PubMed

Guerrero-Kommritz, Jurgen; Cantera, Jaime; Puentes, Vladimir; Leon, Jorge

2018-01-01

Herein, first observations are reported of Magnapinna squids in the Colombian Southern Caribbean. Two specimens were observed by Remote Operated Vehicles (ROV) during exploratory drilling surveys for hydrocarbons at 1,883 and 2,294 m depth. These are the first observations of specimens of Magnapinna in the Southern Caribbean. Resumen La primera observación del calamar Magnapinna sp. en el caribe sur colombiano. Dos especímenes de calamares de aleta grande fueron observados con submarino de operación remota (ROV) durante un proyecto de perforación exploratoria de hidrocaburos a profundidades de 1,883 y de 2,294 m, respectivamente. Estas son las primeras observaciones de especímenes de Magnapinna en el Caribe Sur.

Low- to moderate-temperature geothermal resource assessment for Nevada: area specific studies, Pumpernickel Valley, Carlin and Moana. Final report June 1, 1981-July 31, 1982

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Trexler, D.T.; Flynn, T.; Koenig, B.A.

1982-01-01

Geological, geophysical and geochemical surveys were used in conjunction with temperature gradient hole drilling to assess the geothermal resources in Pumpernickel Valley and Carlin, Nevada. This program is based on a statewide assessment of geothermal resources that was completed in 1979. The exploration techniques are based on previous federally-funded assessment programs that were completed in six other areas in Nevada and include: literature search and compilation of existing data, geologic reconnaissance, chemical sampling of thermal and non-thermal fluids, interpretation of satellite imagery, interpretation of low-sun angle aerial photographs, two-meter depth temperature probe survey, gravity survey, seismic survey, soil-mercury survey, andmore » temperature gradient drilling.« less

Transesterification reaction for synthesis of palm-based ethylhexyl ester and formulation as base oil for synthetic drilling fluid.

PubMed

Abdul Habib, Nor Saiful Hafiz; Yunus, Robiah; Rashid, Umer; Taufiq-Yap, Yun H; Abidin, Zurina Zainal; Syam, Azhari Muhammad; Irawan, Sonny

2014-01-01

The use of vegetable oil-based ester as a base fluid in synthetic drilling fluid has become a trend in drilling operations due to its environmental advantages. The transesterification reaction of palm oil methyl ester (POME) with 2-ethylhexanol (2EH) produced 98% of palm oil-based ethylhexyl ester in less than 30 minutes. Since the transesterification reaction of POME with 2EH is a reversible reaction, its kinetics was studied in the presence of excess EH and under vacuum. The POME-to-EH molar ratio and vacuum pressure were held constant at 1:2 and 1.5 mbar respectively and the effects of temperature (70 to 110°C) were investigated. Using excess of EH and continual withdrawal of methanol via vacuum promoted the reaction to complete in less than 10 minutes. The rate constant of the reaction (k) obtained from the kinetics study was in the range of 0.44 to 0.66 s⁻¹ and the activation energy was 15.6 kJ.mol⁻¹. The preliminary investigations on the lubrication properties of drilling mud formulated with palm oil-based 2EH ester indicated that the base oil has a great potential to substitute the synthetic ester-based oil for drilling fluid. Its high kinematic viscosity provides better lubrication to the drilling fluid compared to other ester-based oils. The pour point (-15°C) and flash point (204°C) values are superior for the drilling fluid formulation. The plastic viscosity, HPHT filtrate loss and emulsion stability of the drilling fluid had given acceptable values, while gel strength and yield point could be improved by blending it with proper additives.

OPTIMIZATION OF MUD HAMMER DRILLING PERFORMANCE--A PROGRAM TO BENCHMARK THE VIABILITY OF ADVANCED MUD HAMMER DRILLING

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Arnis Judzis

2004-04-01

This document details the progress to date on the OPTIMIZATION OF MUD HAMMER DRILLING PERFORMANCE--A PROGRAM TO BENCHMARK THE VIABILITY OF ADVANCED MUD HAMMER DRILLING contract for the quarter starting January 2004 through March 2004. The DOE and TerraTek continue to wait for Novatek on the optimization portion of the testing program (they are completely rebuilding their fluid hammer). The latest indication is that the Novatek tool would be ready for retesting only 3Q 2004. Smith International's hammer will be tested in April of 2004 (2Q 2004 report). Accomplishments included the following: (1) TerraTek presented a paper for publication inmore » conjunction with a peer review at the GTI Natural Gas Technologies Conference February 10, 2004. Manuscripts and associated presentation material were delivered on schedule. The paper was entitled ''Mud Hammer Performance Optimization''. (2) Shell Exploration and Production continued to express high interest in the ''cutter impact'' testing program Task 8. Hughes Christensen supplied inserts for this testing program. (3) TerraTek hosted an Industry/DOE planning meeting to finalize a testing program for ''Cutter Impact Testing--Understanding Rock Breakage with Bits'' on February 13, 2004. (4) Formal dialogue with Terralog was initiated. Terralog has recently been awarded a DOE contract to model hammer mechanics with TerraTek as a sub-contractor. (5) Novatek provided the DOE with a schedule to complete their new fluid hammer and test it at TerraTek.« less

Technical summary of accomplishments made in preparation for the USSR barley exploratory experiment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chapman, G. M.; Dailey, C. L.

1982-01-01

The highlights of the work accomplished under each subcomponent of the U.S.S.R. Barley Pilot Experiment, which is scheduled for completion in 1984, are summarized. A significant amount of developmental system implementation activity was in the final stages of preparation prior to the rescoping of project tasks. Unpublished materials which are significant to this exploratory experiment are incorporated into the appendixes.

Subsurface sediment contamination during borehole drilling with an air-actuated down-hole hammer.

PubMed

Malard, Florian; Datry, Thibault; Gibert, Janine

2005-10-01

Drilling methods can severely alter physical, chemical, and biological properties of aquifers, thereby influencing the reliability of water samples collected from groundwater monitoring wells. Because of their fast drilling rate, air-actuated hammers are increasingly used for the installation of groundwater monitoring wells in unconsolidated sediments. However, oil entrained in the air stream to lubricate the hammer-actuating device can contaminate subsurface sediments. Concentrations of total hydrocarbons, heavy metals (Cu, Ni, Cr, Zn, Pb, and Cd), and nutrients (particulate organic carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus) were measured in continuous sediment cores recovered during the completion of a 26-m deep borehole drilled with a down-hole hammer in glaciofluvial deposits. Total hydrocarbons, Cu, Ni, Cr and particulate organic carbon (POC) were all measured at concentrations far exceeding background levels in most sediment cores. Hydrocarbon concentration averaged 124 +/- 118 mg kg(-1) dry sediment (n = 78 samples) with peaks at depths of 8, 14, and 20 m below the soil surface (maximum concentration: 606 mg kg(-1)). The concentrations of hydrocarbons, Cu, Ni, Cr, and POC were positively correlated and exhibited a highly irregular vertical pattern, that probably reflected variations in air loss within glaciofluvial deposits during drilling. Because the penetration of contaminated air into the formation is unpreventable, the representativeness of groundwater samples collected may be questioned. It is concluded that air percussion drilling has strong limitations for well installation in groundwater quality monitoring surveys.

Brief: Multizone subsea completions in the Dai Hung field, Vietnam

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lay, K.R.

1996-04-01

The early production phase of the Dai Hung field development involved drilling and completion of five subsea wells. Owing to the complex nature of the reservoirs, selective multizone completions were installed for effective reservoir data acquisition and reservoir management. Downhole completion designs used equipment that was primarily of existing proven design, and downhole equipment was installed in a single trip. Ongoing reservoir management will be aided by use of a subsea wireline system to facilitate data acquisition.

Answers from deep inside the Earth; Continental Scientific Drilling at Cajon Pass, California

USGS Publications Warehouse

Russ, D.P.

1989-01-01

Drilling of a 12,000-foot-deep scientific well has been completed at Cajon Pass in southern California to measure crustal properties, to determine crustal structure, and to better understanding the generation of earthquakes along the San Andreas fault. A joint effort of the National Science Foundation (NFS) and the U.S Geological Survey (USGS), the well was begun in November 1986, and is one of the first projects to be undertaken in the new national Continental Scientific Drilling Program. This program aims to enchance our knowledge of the compostiion, sturcture, dynamics, and evolution of the continental crust and of how these factors affect the origin and distribution of mineral and energy resources and natural phenomena such as volcanic eruptions and earthquakes. 

MotionExplorer: exploratory search in human motion capture data based on hierarchical aggregation.

PubMed

Bernard, Jürgen; Wilhelm, Nils; Krüger, Björn; May, Thorsten; Schreck, Tobias; Kohlhammer, Jörn

2013-12-01

We present MotionExplorer, an exploratory search and analysis system for sequences of human motion in large motion capture data collections. This special type of multivariate time series data is relevant in many research fields including medicine, sports and animation. Key tasks in working with motion data include analysis of motion states and transitions, and synthesis of motion vectors by interpolation and combination. In the practice of research and application of human motion data, challenges exist in providing visual summaries and drill-down functionality for handling large motion data collections. We find that this domain can benefit from appropriate visual retrieval and analysis support to handle these tasks in presence of large motion data. To address this need, we developed MotionExplorer together with domain experts as an exploratory search system based on interactive aggregation and visualization of motion states as a basis for data navigation, exploration, and search. Based on an overview-first type visualization, users are able to search for interesting sub-sequences of motion based on a query-by-example metaphor, and explore search results by details on demand. We developed MotionExplorer in close collaboration with the targeted users who are researchers working on human motion synthesis and analysis, including a summative field study. Additionally, we conducted a laboratory design study to substantially improve MotionExplorer towards an intuitive, usable and robust design. MotionExplorer enables the search in human motion capture data with only a few mouse clicks. The researchers unanimously confirm that the system can efficiently support their work.

Basic data from five core holes in the Raft River geothermal area, Cassia County, Idaho

USGS Publications Warehouse

Crosthwaite, E. G.

1976-01-01

meters) were completed in the area (Crosthwaite, 1974), and the Aerojet Nuclear Company, under the auspices of the U.S. Energy Research and Development Administration, was planning some deep drilling 4,000 to 6,000 feet (1,200 to 1,800 meters) (fig. 1). The purpose of the core drilling was to provide information to test geophysical interpretations of the subsurface structure and lithology and to provide hydrologic and geologic data on the shallow part of the geothermal system. Samples of the core were made available to several divisions and branches of the Geological Survey and to people and agencies outside the Survey. This report presents the basic data from the core holes that had been collected to September 1, 1975, and includes lithologic and geophysical well logs, chemical analyses of water (table 1), and laboratory analyses of cores (table 2) that were completed as of the above date. The data were collected by the Idaho District office, Hydrologic Laboratory, Borehole Geophysics Research Project, and Drilling, Sampling, and Testing Section, all of the Water Resources Division, and the Branch of Central Environmental Geology of the Geologic Divison.

Factors Contributing to High PhD Completion Rates: A Case Study in a Research-Intensive University in New Zealand

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Spronken-Smith, Rachel; Cameron, Claire; Quigg, Robin

2018-01-01

This exploratory study determined PhD completions at a research-intensive university in New Zealand and considered factors affecting PhD completions. Completion data were calculated for PhD cohorts at the University of Otago from 2000 to 2012 (n = 2770) and survival models determined whether gender, enrolment status, age at admission, citizenship,…

Intensities of drilling predation of molluscan assemblages in intertidal and subtidal soft substrates in the Persian (Arabian) Gulf

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Handler, Sabine M.; Albano, Paolo G.; Bentlage, Rudolf; Drummond, Hannah; García-Ramos, Diego A.; Zuschin, Martin

2016-04-01

Intensities of drilling predation of molluscan assemblages in intertidal and subtidal soft substrates in the Persian (Arabian) Gulf Sabine Maria Handler1, Paolo G. Albano1, Rudolf Bentlage2, Hannah Drummond2, D.A. García-Ramos1, Martin Zuschin1 1 Department of Paleontology, University of Vienna, Austria 2 St. Lawrence University, Canton, New York 13617, USA Trace fossils left by predators in the skeleton of their prey are arguably one of the most powerful sources of direct data on predator-prey interactions available in the fossil record. Drill holes, especially those attributed to naticid and muricid gastropods, are unambiguous marks of predation and allow discriminating between successful and unsuccessful predation attempts (complete and incomplete holes, respectively). Latitude and water depth influence drilling frequency. We inspected death assemblages of an intertidal flat and of two subtidal (water depth between 6 and 20 m) sandy sites in the Persian (Arabian) Gulf, off the coast of the United Arab Emirates, to determine the patterns of predation on shelled molluscs along the depth gradient. The study is based on ~7,000 and ~60,000 shells from the intertidal and subtidal, respectively. Drilling Frequency (DF, the number of drilled individuals), Incomplete Drilling Frequency (IDF, number of incomplete drill holes), and Prey Effectiveness (ratio between the number of incomplete drill holes and the total number of drilling attempts) were used as metrics of drilling intensity. We observed major differences between the intertidal and subtidal study areas. Drilling frequencies were generally remarkably low and intertidal flats showed a much lower drilling frequency than the subtidal (1.4% and 6.7%, respectively). In the subtidal, we observed significant differences of drilling intensity among bivalve species and between the two sites. However, predation metrics did not correlate with environmental factors such as substrate type and depth, nor with species life habits such as infaunal vs. epifaunal and death assemblage indices such as diversity, abundance and evenness. The abundance of naticid and muricid predators in the living and death assemblage also did not correlate with predation intensities, with the single exception of muricid abundance in the LA at one of the two subtidal sites. The study shows that bivalve predation intensity in the studied area is highly variable among prey species and depth zones (intertidal vs subtidal), but poorly dependant upon other environmental and community structure factors. Results for gastropods are currently being analysed.

Assessment of continuous (unconventional) oil and gas resources in the Late Cretaceous Mancos Shale of the Piceance Basin, Uinta-Piceance Province, Colorado and Utah, 2016

USGS Publications Warehouse

Hawkins, Sarah J.; Charpentier, Ronald R.; Schenk, Christopher J.; Leathers-Miller, Heidi M.; Klett, Timothy R.; Brownfield, Michael E.; Finn, Tom M.; Gaswirth, Stephanie B.; Marra, Kristen R.; Le, Phoung A.; Mercier, Tracey J.; Pitman, Janet K.; Tennyson, Marilyn E.

2016-06-08

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) completed a geology-based assessment of the continuous (unconventional) oil and gas resources in the Late Cretaceous Mancos Shale within the Piceance Basin of the Uinta-Piceance Province (fig. 1). The previous USGS assessment of the Mancos Shale in the Piceance Basin was completed in 2003 as part of a comprehensive assessment of the greater UintaPiceance Province (U.S. Geological Survey Uinta-Piceance Assessment Team, 2003). Since the last assessment, more than 2,000 wells have been drilled and completed in one or more intervals within the Mancos Shale of the Piceance Basin (IHS Energy Group, 2015). In addition, the USGS Energy Resources Program drilled a research core in the southern Piceance Basin that provided significant new geologic and geochemical data that were used to refine the 2003 assessment of undiscovered, technically recoverable oil and gas in the Mancos Shale.

Application of Formation Testing While Drilling (GeoTap) for acquiring formation pressure data from the Azeri, Chirag and Guneshli wells which were drilled in the Khazarian-Caspian Sea of the Azerbaijan Republic

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Amirov, Elnur

2016-04-01

A new technology to acquire wireline quality pressure tests using a Logging While Drilling approach has been successfully implemented few years ago in Azeri, Chirag and Guneshli wells which were drilled in the Khazarian-Caspian Sea of the Azerbaijan Republic. The Formation Tester While Drilling tool (GeoTap) uses a testing sequence similar to wireline tools. A single probe is extended to the borehole wall and a small pretest volume withdrawn from the formation. The resulting pressure transient is then analyzed for formation pressure, formation permeability and mobility information. Up-link and down-link capabilities have been added to achieve test control and quality feedback. An efficient downlink algorithm is used downhole to analyze the data. The parameters and pressure data are transmitted to the surface in real-time for continuous monitoring of the test. More detailed pressure data is recorded and retrieved after returning to surface. Use of a quartz gauge allows excellent accuracy. Azeri, Chirag and Guneshli fields consist of layered sand reservoirs alternation with shale sequences and detailed pressure data is acquired on a high percentage of wells in order to understand lateral and vertical continuity of different flow units. The formation tester can be utilized with the 'triple combo' Logging While Drilling string which eliminates the need to rig up wireline on many wells. Wireline formation tester runs are time consuming - particularly if high deviation or high overbalance conditions are encountered requiring pipe conveyed techniques. Non-Productive Time is high when the wireline tools are stuck and fishing operations are required. The Sperry Drilling GeoTap formation pressure tester service provides real-time formation pressure measurements. It bridges the critical gap between drilling safety and optimization, by providing early and reliable measurements of key reservoir properties, while improving reservoir understanding and completion design in real time. The GeoTap tester obtains direct pore-pressure measurements as the well is being drilled, with accuracy and precision comparable to that of wireline testers. The GeoTap service can eliminate the time, risk, and cost associated with running pipe-conveyed wireline test tools. It also measures annular and bore pressure while drilling, providing accurate, continuous, real-time hydrostatic pressure, and equivalent circulating density (ECD) information. This aids in determining and maintaining optimal mud weight, reduces formation damage, increases the rate of penetration, and increases operational safety. GeoTap benefits can be improvement of formation evaluation, real-time fluid gradients and fluid mobility (permeability/viscosity indicator), identification of fluid contact points, determination of reservoir connectivity/compartmentalization and depletion, increase safety of operation, determination of optimal mud weight and manage of ECD. We can also continuously monitor wellbore stability for assessments in order to reduce formation damage which in turns will help to increase drilling effectiveness (determine precise overbalance for maximizing ROP and continuously monitor hole-cleaning effectiveness with pressure-while-drilling, while reducing formation damage due to swab/surge). Save time and money by reducing rig down time associated with wireline testing. GeoTap Tool capable of performing more than 150 pressure tests per run and optional orientation of pressure measurement is available (top, right, bottom or left). GeoTap testing has been completed with encouraging results in many wells up to circa 3000m deep. Data has been acquired successfully both in a "Drill-Test-Drill' mode and a "Post-Drill-Test" mode. GeoTap tests have spanned wide ranges of borehole temperature, pressure, mobility as well as formation permeability and overbalance conditions. GeoTap tests in Azeri, Chirag and Guneshli wells which were drilled in the Khazarian-Caspian Sea of the Azerbaijan Republic have proved that a logging while drilling approach can be successfully employed to acquire formation pressure data in open hole (which is also very useful for fluid gradient analysis, oil water and gas oil contacts delineation/identification).

Astrobiology Drilling Program of the NASA Astrobiology Institute

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Runnegar, B.

2004-12-01

Access to unweathered and uncontaminated samples of the least altered, oldest, sedimentary rocks is essential for understanding the early history of life on Earth and the environments in which it may have existed. For this reason, the NASA Astrobiology Institute (NAI) has embarked on two international programs, a series of Field Workshops aimed at making the most important surface samples available to investigators, and the Astrobiology Drilling Program (ADP), which serves to provide access to fresh subsurface samples when the scientific objectives require them. The Astrobiology Drilling Program commenced in Western Australia in 2003 with the initiation of its first project, the Archean Biosphere Drilling Project (ABDP). Funding for the ABDP came mainly from the Japanese Government through Kagoshima University and from NASA through the NAI Team at Pennsylvania State University, but significant technical and logistic support was provided by the Geological of Western Australia and, to a lesser extent, by the University of Western Australia. Six diamond drill cores totalling 1.4 km were obtained from astrobiologically important successions in the 3.3-3.5 Ga-old Pilbara Craton of northern Western Australia. Drilling in 2004 also occurred in Western Australia. The Deep Time Drilling Project (DTDP), a spin-off from the NAI's Mission to Early Earth Focus Group, completed one long hole, aimed mainly at fossil biomolecules (biomarkers) and other geochemical indicators of early life. The DTDP and the ABDP also jointly drilled two other important holes 2004, one through the oldest known erosion surface (and possible soil profile). The other intersected well-preserved middle Archean sediments. These efforts parallel other drilling initiatives within the wider astrobiological community that are taking place in Western Australia, South Africa, Spain, and arctic Canada. The ADP is managed by the NAI through a Steering Committee appointed by the NAI Director. Samples of cores obtained through ADP projects are available to the whole community, following a one year embargo, upon application to project PIs and the ADP Steering Committee.

Adolescent Motherhood and Postpartum Depression

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Birkeland, Robyn; Thompson, J. Kevin; Phares, Vicky

2005-01-01

Adolescent mothers undergo unique personal and social challenges that may contribute to postpartum functioning. In this exploratory investigation completed within a risk and resilience framework, 149 adolescent mothers, ages 15 to 19, who participated in school-based teen parents' programs, completed measures of parental stress (social isolation…

Hamdah ancient gold mines, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

USGS Publications Warehouse

Bosch, Paul S.; Jannadi, Eyad; Helaby, A.M.; Johnson, P.R.; Bookstrom, A.A.; Bazzari, M.A.

1990-01-01

It is recommended that the thickness of the dumps be more accurately determined, and that the gold leachability of bulk dump material be tested. Shallow reverse-circulation drilling is recommended on 25-m centers in the northeast quadrant, and diamond drilling is recommended elsewhere at the prospect. Geophysical surveys are required to help establish depths to the serpentinite/schist contact on the northeastern, southern, and western margins of the prospect. Detailed mapping should be undertaken at the prospect, and a mineral-belt type of mapping program should be completed over the larger Hamdah region.

77 FR 27283 - Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-05-09

... deemed the application complete. The September 2, 2011, application was the one available for public... and analyses that are generally not repeated in this document. Only in cases where descriptions or... (July through October), Shell plans to complete two exploration wells at two drill sites, one well each...

76 FR 69957 - Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-11-09

... addresses other than the one provided here. Comments sent via email, including all attachments, must not... determined that the application is complete. The September 12, 2011, application is the one available for... completion of the drilling season, one or two ice-management vessels, along with various support vessels...

Multizone subsea completions in the Dai Hung field, Vietnam

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lay, K.R.

1996-09-01

The early production phase of the Dai Hung field development resulted in the drilling and completion of five subsea wells. Because of the complex nature of the reservoirs, selective multizone completions were installed for effective reservoir data acquisition and reservoir management. The downhole completion designs used equipment that was primarily of existing proven design and downhole equipment installation was successfully achieved in a single trip. Ongoing reservoir management will be aided by the use of a subsea wireline system to facilitate data acquisition.

New insights into microbial responses to oil spills from the Deepwater Horizon incident

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Mason, O.U.; Hazen, T.C.

2011-06-15

On April 20, 2010, a catastrophic eruption of methane caused the Deepwater Horizon exploratory drill rig drilling the Macondo Well in Mississippi Canyon Block 252 (MC252) to explode. The Deepwater Horizon oil spill was unprecendeted for several reasons: the volume of oil released; the spill duration; the well depth; the distance from the shore-line (77 km or about 50 miles); the type of oil (light crude); and the injection of dispersant directly at the wellhead. This study clearly demonstrated that there was a profound and significant response by certain members of the in situ microbial community in the deep-sea inmore » the Gulf of Mexico. In particular putative hydrocarbon degrading Bacteria appeared to bloom in response to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, even though the temperature at these depths is never >5 C. As the plume aged the shifts in the microbial community on a temporal scale suggested that different, yet metabolically important members of the community were able to respond to a myriad of plume constituents, e.g. shifting from propane/ethane to alkanes and finally to methane. Thus, the biodegradation of hydrocarbons in the plume by Bacteria was a highly significant process in the natural attenuation of many compounds released during the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.« less

Hydrocarbon potential assessment of Ngimbang formation, Rihen field of Northeast Java Basin

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pandito, R. H.; Haris, A.; Zainal, R. M.; Riyanto, A.

2017-07-01

The assessment of Ngimbang formation at Rihen field of Northeast Java Basin has been conducted to identify the hydrocarbon potential by analyzing the response of passive seismic on the proven reservoir zone and proposing a tectonic evolution model. In the case of petroleum exploration in Northeast Java basin, the Ngimbang formation cannot be simply overemphasized. East Java Basin has been well known as one of the mature basins producing hydrocarbons in Indonesia. This basin was stratigraphically composed of several formations from the old to the young i.e., the basement, Ngimbang, Kujung, Tuban, Ngerayong, Wonocolo, Kawengan and Lidah formation. All of these formations have proven to become hydrocarbon producer. The Ngrayong formation, which is geologically dominated by channels, has become a production formation. The Kujung formation that has been known with the reef build up has produced more than 102 million barrel of oil. The Ngimbang formation so far has not been comprehensively assessed in term its role as a source rock and a reservoir. In 2013, one exploratory well has been drilled at Ngimbang formation and shown a gas discovery, which is indicated on Drill Stem Test (DST) reading for more than 22 MMSCFD of gas. This discovery opens new prospect in exploring the Ngimbang formation.

Long Valley Coring Project, Inyo County, California, 1998, preliminary stratigraphy and images of recovered core

USGS Publications Warehouse

Sackett, Penelope C.; McConnell, Vicki S.; Roach, Angela L.; Priest, Susan S.; Sass, John H.

1999-01-01

Phase III of the Long Valley Exploratory Well, the Long Valley Coring Project, obtained continuous core between the depths of 7,180 and 9,831 ft (2,188 to 2,996 meters) during the summer of 1998. This report contains a compendium of information designed to facilitate post-drilling research focussed on the study of the core. Included are a preliminary stratigraphic column compiled primarily from field observations and a general description of well lithology for the Phase III drilling interval. Also included are high-resolution digital photographs of every core box (10 feet per box) as well as scanned images of pieces of recovered core. The user can easily move from the stratigraphic column to corresponding core box photographs for any depth. From there, compressed, "unrolled" images of the individual core pieces (core scans) can be accessed. Those interested in higher-resolution core scans can go to archive CD-ROMs stored at a number of locations specified herein. All core is stored at the USGS Core Research Center in Denver, Colorado where it is available to researchers following the protocol described in this report. Preliminary examination of core provided by this report and the archive CD-ROMs should assist researchers in narrowing their choices when requesting core splits.

Quantitative assessment of mineral resources with an application to petroleum geology

USGS Publications Warehouse

Harff, Jan; Davis, J.C.; Olea, R.A.

1992-01-01

The probability of occurrence of natural resources, such as petroleum deposits, can be assessed by a combination of multivariate statistical and geostatistical techniques. The area of study is partitioned into regions that are as homogeneous as possible internally while simultaneously as distinct as possible. Fisher's discriminant criterion is used to select geological variables that best distinguish productive from nonproductive localities, based on a sample of previously drilled exploratory wells. On the basis of these geological variables, each wildcat well is assigned to the production class (dry or producer in the two-class case) for which the Mahalanobis' distance from the observation to the class centroid is a minimum. Universal kriging is used to interpolate values of the Mahalanobis' distances to all locations not yet drilled. The probability that an undrilled locality belongs to the productive class can be found, using the kriging estimation variances to assess the probability of misclassification. Finally, Bayes' relationship can be used to determine the probability that an undrilled location will be a discovery, regardless of the production class in which it is placed. The method is illustrated with a study of oil prospects in the Lansing/Kansas City interval of western Kansas, using geological variables derived from well logs. ?? 1992 Oxford University Press.

Geothermal Development and the Use of Categorical Exclusions Under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (Presentation)

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Levine, A.; Young, K. R.

2014-09-01

The federal environmental review process under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) can be complex and time consuming. Currently, a geothermal developer may have to complete the NEPA process multiple times during the development of a geothermal project. One mechanism to reduce the timeframe of the federal environmental review process for activities that do not have a significant environmental impact is the use of Categorical Exclusions (CXs), which can exempt projects from having to complete an Environmental Assessment or Environmental Impact Statement. This study focuses primarily on the CX process and its applicability to geothermal exploration. In thismore » paper, we: Provide generalized background information on CXs, including previous NEPA reports addressing CXs, the process for developing CXs, and the role of extraordinary circumstances; Examine the history of the Bureau of Land Management's (BLM) geothermal CXs; Compare current CXs for oil, gas, and geothermal energy; Describe bills proposing new statutory CXs; Examine the possibility of standardizing geothermal CXs across federal agencies; and Present analysis from the Geothermal NEPA Database and other sources on the potential for new geothermal exploration CXs. As part of this study, we reviewed Environmental Assessments (EAs) conducted in response to 20 geothermal exploration drilling permit applications (Geothermal Drilling Permits or Notices of Intents) since the year 2001, the majority of which are from the last 5 years. All 20 EAs reviewed for this study resulted in a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI). While many of these FONS's involved proponent proposed or federal agency required mitigation, this still suggests it may be appropriate to create or expand an exploration drilling CX for geothermal, which would have a significant impact on reducing geothermal exploration timelines and up-front costs. Ultimately, federal agencies tasked with permitting and completing environmental reviews for geothermal exploration drilling activities and/or legislative representatives are the responsible parties to discuss the merits and implementation of new or revised CXs for geothermal development.« less

Geothermal Development and the Use of Categorical Exclusions (Poster)

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Levine, A.; Young, K. R.

2014-09-01

The federal environmental review process under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) can be complex and time consuming. Currently, a geothermal developer may have to complete the NEPA process multiple times during the development of a geothermal project. One mechanism to reduce the timeframe of the federal environmental review process for activities that do not have a significant environmental impact is the use of Categorical Exclusions (CXs), which can exempt projects from having to complete an Environmental Assessment or Environmental Impact Statement. This study focuses primarily on the CX process and its applicability to geothermal exploration. In thismore » paper, we Provide generalized background information on CXs, including previous NEPA reports addressing CXs, the process for developing CXs, and the role of extraordinary circumstances; Examine the history of the Bureau of Land Management's (BLM) geothermal CXs;Compare current CXs for oil, gas, and geothermal energy; Describe bills proposing new statutory CXs; Examine the possibility of standardizing geothermal CXs across federal agencies; and Present analysis from the Geothermal NEPA Database and other sources on the potential for new geothermal exploration CXs. As part of this study, we reviewed Environmental Assessments (EAs) conducted in response to 20 geothermal exploration drilling permit applications (Geothermal Drilling Permits or Notices of Intents) since the year 2001, the majority of which are from the last 5 years. All 20 EAs reviewed for this study resulted in a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI). While many of these FONSI's involved proponent proposed or federal agency required mitigation, this still suggests it may be appropriate to create or expand an exploration drilling CX for geothermal, which would have a significant impact on reducing geothermal exploration timelines and up-front costs. Ultimately, federal agencies tasked with permitting and completing environmental reviews for geothermal exploration drilling activities and/or legislative representatives are the responsible parties to discuss the merits and implementation of new or revised CXs for geothermal development.« less

Oil and gas developments in Far East in 1984

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Soeparjadi, R.A.; Valachi, L.Z.; Sosromihardjo, S.

1985-10-01

In 1984, the Far East region was no exception to the general worldwide slowdown in petroleum activities, although exploration and production were maintained at relatively high rates. Exploratory drilling decreased by 14%, and development drilling was down by 7%. The slowdown in Indonesia, the most active country for which data are available, was the main reason for the overall decline. In contrast, Brunei, Burma, Pakistan significantly increased their exploration drilling. Seismic activity in the region was up by 6%. A significant increase in marine seismic acquisition occurred in India, whereas Indonesia, Burma, and Brunei had a slowdown. As in themore » past, Indonesia maintained its role as the most active country in the region. No detailed exploration data were available for the People's Republic of China. The bulk of the exploration efforts in the region took place in relatively mature areas; frontier areas had a relatively low level of activity. There were no major oil or gas discoveries in the region, although Brunei, Burma, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, and Thailand had multiple successes in finding modest hydrocarbon reserves. Record acreage awards were made in Pakistan and Thailand, in contrast to Indonesia where awards were at the lowest level in recent years. A general increase of farm-out offering reflected the need to spread the risk of large exploration commitments. Production of both oil and gas increased significantly. Output of crude and condensate was up by 10% (an increase of 445,000 BOPD). A 21% increase was achieved in gas production, mainly due to expansions at Mobil's Arun and Huffcoi's Bontang LNG plants in North Sumatra and East Kalimantan, respectively. 31 figures, 9 tables.« less

Oil and gas developments in Far East in 1984

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Soeparjadi, R.A.; Sosromihardjo, S.; Valachi, L.Z.

1985-10-01

In 1984, the Far East region was no exception to the general worldwide slowdown in petroleum activities, although exploration and production were maintained at relatively high rates. Exploratory drilling decreased by 14%, and development drilling was down by 7%. The slowdown in Indonesia, the most active country for which data are available, was the main reason for the overall decline. In contrast, Brunei, Burma, and Pakistan significantly increased their exploration drilling. Seismic activity in the region was up by 6%. A significant increase in marine seismic acquisition occurred in India, whereas Indonesia, Burma, and Brunei had a slowdown. As inmore » the past, Indonesia maintained its role as the most active country in the region. No detailed exploration data were available for the People's Republic of China. The bulk of the exploration efforts in the region took place in relatively mature areas; frontier areas had a relatively low level of activity. There were no major oil or gas discoveries in the region, although Brunei, Burma, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, and Thailand had multiple successes in finding modest hydrocarbon reserves. Record acreage awards were made in Pakistan and Thailand, in contrast to Indonesia where awards were at the lowest level in recent years. A general increase in farm-out offerings reflected the need to spread the risk of large exploration commitments. Production of both oil and gas increased significantly. Output of crude and condensate was up by 10% (an increase of 445,000 BOPD). A 21% increase was achieved in gas production, mainly due to expansions at Mobil's Arun and Huffco's Bontang LNG plants in North Sumatra and East Kalimantan, respectively.« less

Test wells SF-1A, 1B, 1C, and SF-2A, 2B, 2C, Santa Fe County, New Mexico

USGS Publications Warehouse

Hart, D.L.

1989-01-01

Two well nests, SF-1 and SF-2, were drilled in Santa Fe County, New Mexico, to monitor the hydraulic head within selected zones of the aquifer. Each well nest consists of three piezometers of shallow, middle, and deep completion within the aquifer. Each set of wells was drilled to a depth of about 2,000 ft before actual construction of the piezometers. Each piezometer was completed using either 5 or 10 ft of wire-wrapped screen. These piezometers were constructed as part of a larger ongoing program with the Santa Fe Metropolitan Water Board and New Mexico State Engineer Office to establish a regional observation-well network and to define better the groundwater flow system in the vicinity of Santa Fe and Santa Fe well fields. (USGS)

Comparison of MWD and wireline applications and decision criteria, Malay Basin

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zainun, K.; Redzuan, M.; Said, M.

1994-07-01

Since 1987, usage of measurement while drilling (MWD) technology within Esso Production Malaysia Inc. (EPMI) has evolved from an auxiliary directional drilling service to providing a reliable alternative to wireline logs for formation evaluation and well-completion purposes. The shift in EPMI's attitude toward the use of MWD in formation evaluation is attributed to the availability of a complete suite of logging services for the log analysis procedure, accuracy of the data, sufficient control in reservoir quality, and continuity in fields where there are already a high density of wireline-logged wells, increasing number of high angle and horizontal wells being drilled,more » a favorable track record, and realized economic benefits. The in-house analysis procedure, (EPMILOG[sup 6]), requires the availability of a deep and/or shallow investigating resistivity, formation density, neutron porosity, and gamma ray tools for a complete analysis. The availability of these services in MWD and also comparative evaluations of MWD responses with their correlative wireline counterparts show that MWD technology can be used, to a large extent, to complement or replace routine wireline logging services. MWD resistivity measurements are frequently observed to be less effected by mud filtrate invasion than the correlative wireline measurements and are, therefore, closer to the true resistivity of the formation. MWD formation evaluation services are most widely used in fields where there are already a high density of wells that were logged using wireline. The MWD data is used to decide perforation depths and intervals.« less

Key Technologies and Applications of Gas Drainage in Underground Coal Mine

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhou, Bo; Xue, Sheng; Cheng, Jiansheng; Li, Wenquan; Xiao, Jiaping

2018-02-01

It is the basis for the long-drilling directional drilling, precise control of the drilling trajectory and ensuring the effective extension of the drilling trajectory in the target layer. The technology can be used to complete the multi-branch hole construction and increase the effective extraction distance of the coal seam. The gas drainage and the bottom grouting reinforcement in the advanced area are realized, and the geological structure of the coal seam can be proved accurately. It is the main technical scheme for the efficient drainage of gas at home and abroad, and it is applied to the field of geological structure exploration and water exploration and other areas. At present, the data transmission method is relatively mature in the technology and application, including the mud pulse and the electromagnetic wave. Compared with the mud pulse transmission mode, the electromagnetic wave transmission mode has obvious potential in the data transmission rate and drilling fluid, and it is suitable for the coal mine. In this paper, the key technologies of the electromagnetic wave transmission mode are analyzed, including the attenuation characteristics of the electromagnetic transmission channel, the digital modulation scheme, the channel coding method and the weak signal processing technology. A coal mine under the electromagnetic wave drilling prototype is developed, and the ground transmission experiments and down hole transmission test are carried out. The main work includes the following aspects. First, the equivalent transmission line method is used to establish the electromagnetic transmission channel model of coal mine drilling while drilling, and the attenuation of the electromagnetic signal is measured when the electromagnetic channel measured. Second, the coal mine EM-MWD digital modulation method is developed. Third, the optimal linear block code which suitable for EM-MWD communication channel in coal mine is proposed. Fourth, the noise characteristics of well near horizontal directional drilling are analyzed, and the multi-stage filter method is proposed to suppress the natural potential and strong frequency interference signal. And the weak electromagnetic communication signal is extracted from the received signal. Finally, the detailed design of the electromagnetic wave while drilling is given.

USE OF CUTTING-EDGE HORIZONTAL AND UNDERBALANCED DRILLING TECHNOLOGIES AND SUBSURFACE SEISMIC TECHNIQUES TO EXPLORE, DRILL AND PRODUCE RESERVOIRED OIL AND GAS FROM THE FRACTURED MONTEREY BELOW 10,000 FT IN THE SANTA MARIA BASIN OF CALIFORNIA

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

George Witter; Robert Knoll; William Rehm

2005-02-01

This project was undertaken to demonstrate that oil and gas can be drilled and produced safely and economically from a fractured Monterey reservoir in the Santa Maria Basin of California by employing horizontal wellbores and underbalanced drilling technologies. Two vertical wells were previously drilled in this area by Temblor Petroleum with heavy mud and conventional completions; neither was commercially productive. A new well was drilled by the project team in 2004 with the objective of accessing an extended length of oil-bearing, high-resistivity Monterey shale via a horizontal wellbore, while implementing managed-pressure drilling (MPD) techniques to avoid formation damage. Initial projectmore » meetings were conducted in October 2003. The team confirmed that the demonstration well would be completed open-hole to minimize productivity impairment. Following an overview of the geologic setting and local field experience, critical aspects of the application were identified. At the pre-spud meeting in January 2004, the final well design was confirmed and the well programming/service company requirements assigned. Various design elements were reduced in scope due to significant budgetary constraints. Major alterations to the original plan included: (1) a VSP seismic survey was delayed to a later phase; (2) a new (larger) surface hole would be drilled rather than re-enter an existing well; (3) a 7-in. liner would be placed into the top of the Monterey target as quickly as possible to avoid problems with hole stability; (4) evaluation activities were reduced in scope; (5) geosteering observations for fracture access would be deduced from penetration rate, cuttings description and hydrocarbon in-flow; and (6) rather than use nitrogen, a novel air-injection MPD system was to be implemented. Drilling operations, delayed from the original schedule by capital constraints and lack of rig availability, were conducted from September 12 to November 11, 2004. The vertical and upper curved sections were drilled and lined through the problematic shale member without major stability problems. The top of the targeted Monterey was thought to be seen at the expected TVD of 10,000 ft where the 7-in. liner was set at a 60{sup o} hole angle. Significant oil and gas shows suggested the fractured interval anticipated at the heel location had been penetrated. A total of 2572 ft of 6.-in. near-horizontal interval was placed in the shale section, extending planned well length by approximately 470 ft. Very little hydrocarbon in-flow was observed from fractures along the productive interval. This may be a result of the well trajectory falling underneath the Monterey fractured zone. Hydrocarbon observations, cuttings analysis and gamma-ray response indicated additional fractured intervals were accessed along the last {+-}900 ft of well length. The well was completed with a 2 7/8-in. tubing string set in a production packer in preparation for flow and swab tests to be conducted later by a service rig. The planned well time was estimated as 39 days and overall cost as $2.4 million. The actual results are 66 days at a total cost of $3.4 million. Well productivity responses during subsequent flow and swabbing tests were negative. The well failed to inflow and only minor amounts (a few barrels) of light oil were recovered. The lack of production may suggest that actual sustainable reservoir pressure is far less than anticipated. Temblor is currently investigating the costs and operational viability of re-entering the well and conducting an FMI (fracture detection) log and/or an acid stimulation. No final decision or detailed plans have been made regarding these potential interventions at this time.« less

An Early Pleistocene high-resolution paleoclimate reconstruction from the West Turkana (Kenya) HSPDP drill site

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stockhecke, Mona; Beck, Catherine; Brown, Erik T.; Cohen, Andrew; Deocampo, Daniel M.; Feibel, Craig S.; Pelletier, Jon D.; Rabideaux, Nathane M.; Sier, Mark

2016-04-01

The Hominin Sites and Paleolakes Drilling Project (HSPDP), and the related Olorgesailie Drilling Project (ODP), recovered ~2 km of drill core since 2012. At the HSPDP West Turkana Kaitio (WTK) site a 216 m-long core that covers the Early Pleistocene time window (1.3 to 1.87 Ma) during which hominids first expanded out of Africa and marine records document reorganization of tropical climate and the development of the strong Walker circulation. WTK carries particular interest for paleoclimate and paleoenvironmental reconstructions as it is located only 2.5 km from the location of one of the most complete hominin skeletons ever recovered (Nariokotome Boy). XRF core scanning data provide a means of evaluating records of past environmental conditions continuously and at high resolution. However, the record contains complex lithologies reflecting repeated episodes of inundation and desiccation along a dynamic lake margin. Here we present a methodological approach to address the highly variable lithostratigraphy of the East African records to establish comprehensive paleoclimate timeseries. The power spectrum of the presented hydroclimate record peaks at Milankovitch cycles, qualifying HSPDP drill cores from the Turkana Basin to be used as high-resolution Early Pleistocene paleoclimate archive. Comparing these data with marine climate reconstructions sheds light into athmospheric processes and continental climate dynamics.

Horizontal drilling in the Austin Chalk: Stratigraphic factors

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Durham, C.O. Jr.; Bobigian, R.A.

1990-05-01

Horizontal drilling has renewed interest in the Austin chalk in south-central Texas. Large fields on opposite sides of the San Marcos arch Giddings to the northeast and Pearsall to the southwest were active with vertical drilling 10 years ago. Giddings' 4,500 Austin wells produced 209 million BO and 934 bcfg of gas through 1988; Pearsall's 1,440 wells produced 57 million BO and 35 bcfg of gas. Most vertical wells were completed, 20% were economic successes, 40% were marginal, 40% were uneconomic due to uneven areal distribution of near-vertical fractures and small faults, which provide reservoirs in otherwise tight chalk. Horizontalmore » drilling, led by Amoco in Giddings and Oryx in Pearsall, enhances the chances of encountering the fractures by drilling perpendicular to the fracture trend. Horizontal drilling requires preselection of the stratigraphic horizon to be penetrated. One must understand the variable Austin stratigraphy to choose the zone with the most brittle character and best matrix porosity, both reduced by increased clay content. Chalk 130 ft thick on the San Marcos arch thickens to 600 to 800 ft in central Giddings field where middle marl separates lower and upper chalk Northeastward only lower chalk is preserved beneath a post-Austin submarine channel. The Austin thickens to 300-500 ft in Pearsall field where middle member ash beds separate lower and upper chalk inhibiting vertical reservoir communication. Locally, on the Pearsall arch, ash is missing, lower chalk thickens, and upper chalk thins.« less

The 1997 core drilling through Ordovician and Silurian strata at Röstånga, S. Sweden: preliminary stratigraphic assessment and regional comparison

USGS Publications Warehouse

Bergstrom, Stig M.; Huff, W.D.; Koren', T.; Larsson, K.; Ahlberg, P.; Kolata, Dennis R.

1999-01-01

A core drilling at Ro??sta??nga, the first such drilling ever undertaken in this classical Lower Paleozoic outcrop area in W-central Scania, penetrated an approximately 96 m thick succession of Lower Silurian-upper Middle Ordovician marine rocks. The drilling was stopped at a depth of 132.59 m in an interval of crushed rocks, probably a prominent fault zone, that proved impossible to drill through. The core contains a stratigraphical sequence from the basal Upper Llandoverian (Telychian Stage) to the upper Middle Ordovician (Harjuan Stage). The following units are recognized in descending stratigraphic order (approximate thickness in parenthesis): Kallholn Formation (35 m), Lindega??rd Mudstone (27 m), Fja??cka Shale (13 m), Mossen Formation (0.75 m), Skagen Formation (2.5 m), and Sularp Shale (19 m+). Except for the Skagen Formation, the drilled sequence consists of shales and mudstones with occasional thin limestone interbeds and is similar to coeval successions elsewhere in Scania. There are 11 K-bentonite beds in the Kallholn Formation, 2(3?) in the Lindega??rd Mudstone, 1 in the Mossen Formation, 7 in the Skagen Formation, and 33 in the Sularp Shale. The core serves as an excellent Lower Silurian-upper Middle Ordovician reference standard not only for the Ro??sta??nga area but also for southernmost Sweden in general because the cored sequence is the stratigraphically most complete one known anywhere in this region.

A Modified Personalized Image-Based Drill Guide Template for Atlantoaxial Pedicle Screw Placement: A Clinical Study

PubMed Central

Jiang, Lianghai; Dong, Liang; Tan, Mingsheng; Qi, Yingna; Yang, Feng; Yi, Ping; Tang, Xiangsheng

2017-01-01

Background Atlantoaxial posterior pedicle screw fixation has been widely used for treatment of atlantoaxial instability (AAI). However, precise and safe insertion of atlantoaxial pedicle screws remains challenging. This study presents a modified drill guide template based on a previous template for atlantoaxial pedicle screw placement. Material/Methods Our study included 54 patients (34 males and 20 females) with AAI. All the patients underwent posterior atlantoaxial pedicle screw fixation: 25 patients underwent surgery with the use of a modified drill guide template (template group) and 29 patients underwent surgery via the conventional method (conventional group). In the template group, a modified drill guide template was designed for each patient. The modified drill guide template and intraoperative fluoroscopy were used for surgery in the template group, while only intraoperative fluoroscopy was used in the conventional group. Results Of the 54 patients, 52 (96.3%) completed the follow-up for more than 12 months. The template group had significantly lower intraoperative fluoroscopy frequency (p<0.001) and higher accuracy of screw insertion (p=0.045) than the conventional group. There were no significant differences in surgical duration, intraoperative blood loss, or improvement of neurological function between the 2 groups (p>0.05). Conclusions Based on the results of this study, it is feasible to use the modified drill guide template for atlantoaxial pedicle screw placement. Using the template can significantly lower the screw malposition rate and the frequency of intraoperative fluoroscopy. PMID:28301445

Bone augmentation in dental implantology using press-fit bone cylinders and twin-principle diamond hollow drills: a case series.

PubMed

Draenert, Florian Guy; Huetzen, Dominic; Kämmerer, Peer; Wagner, Wilfried

2011-09-01

Bone transplants are mostly prepared with cutting drills, chisels, and rasps. These techniques are difficult for unexperienced surgeons, and the implant interface is less precise due to unstandardized preparation. Cylindrical bone transplants are a known alternative. Current techniques include fixation methods with osteosynthesis screws or the dental implant. A new bone cylinder transplant technique is presented using a twin-drill principle resulting in a customized pressfit of the transplant without fixation devices and combining this with the superior grinding properties of a diamond coating. New cylindrical diamond hollow drills are used for customized press fit bone transplants in a case series of five patients for socket reconstruction in the front and molar region of maxilla and mandibula with and without simultaneous implant placement. The technical approach was successful without intra or postoperative complications during the acute healing phase. The customized press fit completes a technological trias of bone cylinder transplant techniques adding to the assisted press fit with either osteosynthesis screws or the dental implant itself. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Microgravity Drill and Anchor System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Parness, Aaron; Frost, Matthew A.; King, Jonathan P.

2013-01-01

This work is a method to drill into a rock surface regardless of the gravitational field or orientation. The required weight-on-bit (WOB) is supplied by a self-contained anchoring mechanism. The system includes a rotary percussive coring drill, forming a complete sampling instrument usable by robot or human. This method of in situ sample acquisition using micro - spine anchoring technology enables several NASA mission concepts not currently possible with existing technology, including sampling from consolidated rock on asteroids, providing a bolt network for astronauts visiting a near-Earth asteroid, and sampling from the ceilings or vertical walls of lava tubes and cliff faces on Mars. One of the most fundamental parameters of drilling is the WOB; essentially, the load applied to the bit that allows it to cut, creating a reaction force normal to the surface. In every drilling application, there is a minimum WOB that must be maintained for the system to function properly. In microgravity (asteroids and comets), even a small WOB could not be supported conventionally by the weight of the robot or astronaut. An anchoring mechanism would be needed to resist the reactions, or the robot or astronaut would push themselves off the surface and into space. The ability of the system to anchor itself to a surface creates potential applications that reach beyond use in low gravity. The use of these anchoring mechanisms as end effectors on climbing robots has the potential of vastly expanding the scope of what is considered accessible terrain. Further, because the drill is supported by its own anchor rather than by a robotic arm, the workspace is not constrained by the reach of such an arm. Yet, if the drill is on a robotic arm, it has the benefit of not reflecting the forces of drilling back to the arm s joints. Combining the drill with the anchoring feet will create a highly mobile, highly stable, and highly reliable system. The drilling system s anchor uses hundreds of microspine toes that independently find holes and ledges on a rock to create an anchor. Once the system is anchored, a linear translation mechanism moves the drill axially into the surface while maintaining the proper WOB. The linear translation mechanism is composed of a ball screw and stepper motor that can translate a carriage with high precision and applied load. The carriage slides along rails using self-aligning linear bearings that correct any axial misalignment caused by bending and torsion. The carriage then compresses a series of springs that simultaneously transmit the load to the drill along the bit axis and act as a suspension that compensates for the vibration caused by percussive drilling. The drill is a compacted, modified version of an off-the-shelf rotary percussive drill, which uses a custom carbide-tipped coring bit. By using rotary percussive drilling, the drill time is greatly reduced. The percussive action fractures the rock debris, which is removed during rotation. The final result is a 0.75-in. (.1.9- cm) diameter hole and a preserved 0.5- in. (.1.3-cm) diameter rock core. This work extends microspine technology, making it applicable to astronaut missions to asteroids and a host of robotic sampling concepts. At the time of this reporting, it is the first instrument to be demonstrated using microspine anchors, and is the first self-contained drill/anchor system to be demonstrated that is capable of drilling in inverted configurations and would be capable of drilling in microgravity.

Investigating Miocene Mediterranean-Atlantic Gateway Exchange (IMMAGE) - an amphibious drilling proposal

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Flecker, Rachel

2017-04-01

Today Mediterranean seawater flows out through the Gibraltar Straits, forming a saline plume at intermediate depths in the Atlantic. The plume's sedimentary record of distinctive, contouritic deposits has recently been recovered during IODP Leg 339 in the Gulf of Cadiz documenting a Mediterranean contribution to Atlantic thermohaline circulation since the Pliocene. However, before the Pliocene, the conduit for Mediterranean-Atlantic exchange is unclear. Gibraltar may have already been open, but two additional marine corridors also existed through northern Morocco and southern Spain. The restriction and closure of these Miocene connections resulted in extreme salinity fluctuations in the Mediterranean, leading to the precipitation of thick evaporites. This event is known as the Messinian Salinity Crisis (MSC) and recovering a complete record of the MSC is the target of current IODP drilling proposals (e.g. DREAM). Understanding both the causes of high-amplitude salinity change in the Mediterranean and its global consequences for thermohaline circulation in the Atlantic is dependent on recovering a complete record of Mediterranean-Atlantic exchange before, during and after the MSC. This key objective of the IMMAGE drilling proposal requires core recovery on-shore at the mouths of the Betic and Rifian corridors which are now exposed on land, as well as offshore, in the Alborán Sea and on the Atlantic continental margin. Consequently to meet this objective, an amphibious drilling strategy is necessary, involving both IODP and ICDP targets. In addition to allowing us to reconstruct Mediterranean-Atlantic exchange during high amplitude salinity fluctuations and identify the conduit through which exchange occurred, the sediments recovered from IMMAGE drilling will also provide us with a unique and explicit test for ocean physics hypotheses describing the location, size and velocity of overflow plumes under conditions where the density contrast between the two water bodies is up to two orders of magnitude higher than today.

A critical review of existing innovative science and drilling proposals within IODP

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Behrmann, J. H.

2009-04-01

In the present phase of the Integrated Ocean Drilling Program (IODP) activities are guided by the Initial Science Plan that identified three major themes: The Deep Biosphere and the Subseafloor Ocean; Environmental Change, Processes and Effects; and Solid Earth Cycles and Geodynamics. New initiatives and complex drilling proposals were developed that required major advances in drilling platforms and technologies, and expansion of the drilling community into new areas of specialization. The guiding themes in the Initial Science Plan are instrumental for the proposal development and evaluation, and will continue to represent the goals of IODP until 2013. A number of innovative and highly ranked individual proposals and coordinated sets of proposals ready to be drilled has been forwarded by the Science Planning Committee (SPC) to the IODP Operations Task Force (OTF) for scoping, planning and scheduling. For the Deep Biosphere theme these include proposals to drill targets in the Central Atlantic, the Okinawa Trough, and the Southern Pacific. The Environmental Change, Processes and Effects theme is proposed to - among others - be studied by a coordinated approach regarding the Southeast Asian Monsoon, but also by proposals addressing sdimentation, facies evolution and the paleoclimate record in the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. The Solid Earth Cycles and Geodynamics theme is represented by several proposals addressing subduction processes, seismogenesis, and oceanic crust formation mainly in the Pacific. Some of these have shaped drilling programs that are already in the process of being carried out, such as drilling in the Nankai Trough off Japan (the NantroSEIZE project), or drilling in oceanic crust created in a superfast spreading environment in the Eastern Pacific. There are many remaining issues to be addressed, and drilling programs to be completed before the end of the present phase of IODP in 2013. Planning of expeditions needs to be done in such a way that a balance between risk, cost, and scientific impact is achieved. At least part of the dilling also is required to be a necessary precursor for future investigations in coming phases of Ocean Drilling. Presently IODP faces the challenges of tight budgetary constraints, increasing operating costs of their platforms, and the need to develop drilling schedules that allow off-contract work of the R/V Chikyu and R/V Joides Resolution drilling vessels. Chikyu will operate within IODP for an average of 7 months per year over a 5-year period with the goals of achieving major milestones in NantroSEIZE, maximizing the use of the vessel for riser drilling, and start a new IODP project that requires riser drilling. Joides Resolution will also operate an average of 7 months per year with the goal of optimizing operating days within the restrictions imposed by the prioritized science. Mission Specific Platform expeditions will be carried out once every two years on average, with the goal of pioneering drilling in new, challenging environments. For the first time in IODP history, operations of Chikyu, Joides Resolution and Mission Specific Platform expeditions will be conducted simultaneously in 2009. This new phase of operations provides an unprecedented chance of progress in scientific ocean drilling.

Exploring the Contributions of School Belonging to Complete Mental Health Screening

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Moffa, Kathryn; Dowdy, Erin; Furlong, Michael J.

2016-01-01

Considering the many positive outcomes associated with adolescents' sense of school belonging, including psychological functioning, it is possible that including an assessment of school belonging within a complete mental health screening process could contribute to the prediction of students' future mental health status. This exploratory study…

Mapping "StrengthsQuest" Themes to Holland's Vocational Personality Types

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Carson, Andrew D.; Evans, Karen; Gitin, Elena; Eads, Jonathan

2011-01-01

A sample of 1,747 students attending undergraduate classes in legal education at an online university completed the "StrengthsQuest" assessment as part of a larger investigation; of this number, 117 students also completed the "Kuder Career Search". Exploratory factor analysis (principal components followed varimax rotation) of…

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Malone, R.D.

This is volume II of papers which were presented at the natural gas RD&D contractors review meeting. Topics include: natural gas upgrading, storage, well drilling, completion, and stimulation. Individual papers were processed separately for the United States Department of Energy databases.

40 CFR 147.2918 - Permit application information.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... location, depth, date drilled, and record of plugging and/or completion. (3) Operating data: (i) Maximum... logging and testing data on the well (for existing wells, i.e., wells to be converted or wells previously...

Alaskan North Slope Geology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hamilton, Warren

The discovery well for the Prudhoe Bay field, the largest oil accumulatn yet found in the United States, was drilled on the Arctic coast of Alaska by ARCO and Exxon in 1968. A decade of exploratory geology and increasingly detailed geophysical surveys, mostly by Sinclair and British Petroleum in the early years, but then by a number of companies, preceded the discovery. Systematic U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) reconnaissance of the Brooks Range—the great mountain system of northern Alaska—had begun in the 1940s and was accelerated after the discovery, as was industry work. In the last decade, scientists from the Alaska Division of Geology and Geophysics and from various universities have become increasingly involved. This modestly priced two-volume work presents hitherto unavailable summaries of much of this modern work.

RAMSEYS DRAFT WILDERNESS STUDY AREA AND ADDITION, VIRGINIA.

USGS Publications Warehouse

Lesure, Frank G.; Mory, Peter C.

1984-01-01

Mineral-resource surveys of the Ramseys Draft Wilderness Study Area and adjoining roadless area addition in George Washington National Forest in the western valley and ridge province, Augusta and Highland Counties, Virginia, were done. The surveys outlined three small areas containing anomalous amounts of copper, lead, and zinc related to stratabound red-bed copper mineralization, but these occurrences are not large and are not considered as having mineral-resource potential. The area contains abundant sandstone suitable for construction materials and shale suitable for making brick, tile, and other low-grade ceramic products, but these commodities occur in abundance outside the wilderness study area. Structural conditions are probably favorable for the accumulation of natural gas, but exploratory drilling has not been done sufficiently near the area to evaluate the gas potential.

Meta-evaporite in the Carajás mineral province, northern Brazil

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Riehl, Walter; Cabral, Alexandre Raphael

2018-05-01

Evidence for connecting evaporite-sourced high-salinity fluids with iron-oxide-copper-gold (IOCG) deposits in the Carajás mineral province has solely been based on boron-isotope compositions of tourmaline. Presence of meta-evaporitic rocks remains unrecognised. Here, we report laminated albitite, tourmalinite and banded albite-phlogopite rock, intercepted by exploratory drilling in a clastic metasedimentary sequence. These rocks represent evaporite precursors. Their location in the copper-gold prospects Açaí and Angélica, in the westernmost part of the Carajás mineral province, indicates that (i) evaporite-sourced fluids were regional and (ii) evaporite-bearing metasedimentary sequences may have been an important source of high-salinity fluids and/or sulfur for the IOCG deposits of the Carajás mineral province.

EEC focuses new energy budget on solar and conservation R and D

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Not Available

1979-12-17

Solar energy, followed by conservation and geothermal energy, will have top priority for the European Economic Community's (ECC) $142 million energy research budget through 1983. Proposals for the cost-shared projects, of which EEC will pay half, are being accepted by eligible companies and research organizations. Committees for each technology advise the European Commission on which proposals to accept and suggest an appropriate funding level. The EEC also funds demonstrations of promising research to determine economic feasibility. Major emphasis will be placed during the present four-year budget for solar research on photovoltaics. Other projects include a European solar-insolation atlas and solar-heatingmore » manual, advanced batteries, and energy storage systems. Geothermal projects will focus on resource mapping, exploratory drilling, hydrogen production, and energy forecasting. (DCK)« less

PROMETHEE II: A knowledge-driven method for copper exploration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abedi, Maysam; Ali Torabi, S.; Norouzi, Gholam-Hossain; Hamzeh, Mohammad; Elyasi, Gholam-Reza

2012-09-01

This paper describes the application of a well-known Multi Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) technique called Preference Ranking Organization METHod for Enrichment Evaluation (PROMETHEE II) to explore porphyry copper deposits. Various raster-based evidential layers involving geological, geophysical, and geochemical geo-datasets are integrated to prepare a mineral prospectivity mapping (MPM). In a case study, thirteen layers of the Now Chun copper deposit located in the Kerman province of Iran are used to explore the region of interest. The PROMETHEE II technique is applied to produce the desired MPM, and the outputs are validated using twenty-one boreholes that have been classified into five classes. This proposed method shows a high performance when providing the MPM while reducing the cost of exploratory drilling in the study area.

Serum anti-Mullerian hormone levels after ovarian drilling for the second-line treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome: a pilot-randomized study comparing laparoscopy and transvaginal hydrolaparoscopy.

PubMed

Giampaolino, Pierluigi; Morra, Ilaria; Della Corte, Luigi; Sparice, Stefania; Di Carlo, Costantino; Nappi, Carmine; Bifulco, Giuseppe

2017-01-01

Aim of the study was to asses and compare serum anti-Mullerian harmone (AMH) levels after laparoscopic ovarian drilling (LOD) and transvaginal hydrolaparoscopy (THL) ovarian drilling in clomifene citrate (CC)-resistant polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) patients; secondary outcome was to evaluate postoperative pain to estimate the acceptability of procedures. A total of 246 patients with CC-resistant PCOS were randomized into two groups: 123 underwent LOD and 123 underwent THL ovarian drilling. AMH serum levels were evaluated before and after the procedure; moreover, women were asked to rate pain on a visual analog scale (VAS) from 0 (no pain, perfectly acceptable) to 10 (unbearable pain, completely unacceptable). In both groups, postoperative serum AMH levels were significantly reduced compared to preoperative levels (6.06 ± 1.18 and 5.84 ± 1.16 versus 5.00 ± 1.29 and 4.83 ± 1.10; p < 0.0001). Comparing postoperative serum AMH levels, no statistically significant difference was observed between the two surgical technique. After the procedure, mean pain VAS score was significantly higher for women who underwent LOD ovarian drilling in comparison to THL (3.26 ± 1.1 versus 1.11 ± 0.5; p < 0.0001). In conclusion, THL ovarian drilling is comparable to the LOD in terms of reduction in AMH, but it is preferred by patients in terms of acceptability. These results could support to use of THL ovarian drilling in the treatment of patients with CC- resistant PCOS.

Accurate pre-surgical determination for self-drilling miniscrew implant placement using surgical guides and cone-beam computed tomography.

PubMed

Miyazawa, Ken; Kawaguchi, Misuzu; Tabuchi, Masako; Goto, Shigemi

2010-12-01

Miniscrew implants have proven to be effective in providing absolute orthodontic anchorage. However, as self-drilling miniscrew implants have become more popular, a problem has emerged, i.e. root contact, which can lead to perforation and other root injuries. To avoid possible root damage, a surgical guide was fabricated and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) was used to incorporate guide tubes drilled in accordance with the planned direction of the implants. Eighteen patients (5 males and 13 females; mean age 23.8 years; minimum 10.7, maximum 45.5) were included in the study. Forty-four self-drilling miniscrew implants (diameter 1.6, and length 8 mm) were placed in interradicular bone using a surgical guide procedure, the majority in the maxillary molar area. To determine the success rates, statistical analysis was undertaken using Fisher's exact probability test. CBCT images of post-surgical self-drilling miniscrew implant placement showed no root contact (0/44). However, based on CBCT evaluation, it was necessary to change the location or angle of 52.3 per cent (23/44) of the guide tubes prior to surgery in order to obtain optimal placement. If orthodontic force could be applied to the screw until completion of orthodontic treatment, screw anchorage was recorded as successful. The total success rate of all miniscrews was 90.9 per cent (40/44). Orthodontic self-drilling miniscrew implants must be inserted carefully, particularly in the case of blind placement, since even guide tubes made on casts frequently require repositioning to avoid the roots of the teeth. The use of surgical guides, fabricated using CBCT images, appears to be a promising technique for placement of orthodontic self-drilling miniscrew implants adjacent to the dental roots and maxillary sinuses.

Are the results of multiple drilling and alendronate for osteonecrosis of the femoral head better than those of multiple drilling? A pilot study.

PubMed

Kang, Pengde; Pei, Fuxing; Shen, Bin; Zhou, Zongke; Yang, Jing

2012-01-01

The treatment of osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) remains controversial. A recently proposed treatment is multiple drilling core decompression combined with systemic alendronate as a femoral head-preserving procedure for ONFH. However, it is not known whether alendronate enhances the risk of collapse. We wondered whether the combined procedure could delay or prevent progression of ONFH compared to multiple drilling alone. Patients with early-stage ONFH were randomly assigned to be treated with either multiple drilling combined with alendronate (47 patients, 67 hips) or multiple drilling alone (46 patients, 60 hips). We defined failure as the need for THA or a Harris score less than 70. The minimum follow-up was 48 months for the 77 patients completing the protocol. After a minimum 4-year follow-up, 91% (40/44) of patients with Stage II disease and 62% (8/13) of patients with Stage III disease had not required THA in alendronate group, compared to 79% (31/39) of patients with Stage II disease and 46% (6/13) of patients with Stage III disease had not required THA in control group (P=0.12, P=0.047, respectively). Small or medium and central lesions had a better successful rate in both groups. Risk factors did not seem to affect the clinical successful rate of this procedure. Multiple small-diameter drilling core decompression combined with systemic alendronate administration can reduce pain and delay progression of early-stage ONFH. Even in Ficat IIA and III hips, some benefit was obtained from this approach at least delay in the need for THA. Copyright © 2011. Published by Elsevier SAS.

Advanced Geothermal Turbodrill

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

W. C. Maurer

2000-05-01

Approximately 50% of the cost of a new geothermal power plant is in the wells that must be drilled. Compared to the majority of oil and gas wells, geothermal wells are more difficult and costly to drill for several reasons. First, most U.S. geothermal resources consist of hot, hard crystalline rock formations which drill much slower than the relatively soft sedimentary formations associated with most oil and gas production. Second, high downhole temperatures can greatly shorten equipment life or preclude the use of some technologies altogether. Third, producing viable levels of electricity from geothermal fields requires the use of largemore » diameter bores and a high degree of fluid communication, both of which increase drilling and completion costs. Optimizing fluid communication often requires creation of a directional well to intersect the best and largest number of fracture capable of producing hot geothermal fluids. Moineau motor stators made with elastomers cannot operate at geothermal temperatures, so they are limited to the upper portion of the hole. To overcome these limitations, Maurer Engineering Inc. (MEI) has developed a turbodrill that does not use elastomers and therefore can operate at geothermal temperatures. This new turbodrill uses a special gear assembly to reduce the output speed, thus allowing a larger range of bit types, especially tri-cone roller bits, which are the bits of choice for drilling hard crystalline formations. The Advanced Geothermal Turbodrill (AGT) represents a significant improvement for drilling geothermal wells and has the potential to significantly reduce drilling costs while increasing production, thereby making geothermal energy less expensive and better able to compete with fossil fuels. The final field test of the AGT will prepare the tool for successful commercialization.« less

Auto Indexer Auto-Indexer for Percussive Hammers: Vane Motor Dynamometer Testing

DOE Data Explorer

Su, Jiann

2012-01-01

Objectives Options associated with geothermal drilling operations are generally limited by factors such as formation temperature and rock strength. The objective of the research is to expand the "tool box" available to the geothermal driller by furthering the development of a high-temperature drilling motor that can be used in directional drilling applications for drilling high temperature geothermal formations. The motor is specifically designed to operate in conjunction with a pneumatic down-the-hole-hammer. It provides a more compact design compared to traditional drilling motors such as PDMs (positive displacement motors). The packaging can help to enhance directional drilling capabilities. It uses no elastomeric components, which enables it to operate in higher temperatures ( >250 °F). Current work on the motor has shown that is a capable of operating under pneumatic power with a down-the-hole-hammer. Further development work will include continued testing and refining motor components and evaluating motor capabilities. Targets/Milestones Complete testing current motor - 12/31/2010 Make final material and design decisions - 01/31/2011 Build and test final prototype - 04/31/2011 Final demonstration - 07/31/2011 Impacts The development of the motor will help to achieve program technical objectives by improving well construction capabilities. This includes enabling high-temperature drilling as well as enhancing directional drilling. A key component in the auto indexer is the drive motor. It is an air-driven vane motor that converts the energy stored in the compressed air to mechanical energy. The motor is attached to hammer-like components which impart an impulsive load onto the drive shaft. The impulsive force on the drive shaft in turn creates an indexing action. A controlled test was performed to characterize the performance of the the vane motor for a given pressure. The Sandia dynamometer test station was used to determine the performance of the motor for a given input pressure.

Neogene deformation in the West Antarctic Rift in the McMurdo Sound region from studies of the ANDRILL and Cape Roberts drill cores

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Paulsen, T. S.; Wilson, T. J.; Jarrard, R. D.; Millan, C.; Saddler, D.; Läufer, A.; Pierdominici, S.

2010-12-01

Seismic studies indicate that the West Antarctic rift system records at least two distinct periods of Cenozoic rifting (Paleogene and Neogene) within the western Ross Sea. Natural fracture data from ANDRILL and Cape Roberts drill cores are revealing a picture of the geodynamic patterns associated with these rifting episodes. Kinematic indicators along faults recovered in drill cores document dominant normal faulting, although reverse and strike-slip faults are also present. Ongoing studies of mechanically twinned calcite in veins recovered in the drill cores yield predominantly vertical shortening strains with horizontal extension, consistent with a normal fault regime. In the Cape Roberts Project drill core, faults of inferred Oligocene age document a dominant NNE maximum horizontal stress associated with Paleogene rifting within the Victoria Land Basin. The NNE maximum horizontal stress at Cape Roberts is at an oblique angle to Transantarctic Mountain front, and consistent with previous interpretations invoking Cenozoic dextral transtensional shear along the boundary. In the ANDRILL SMS (AND-2A) drill core, faults and veins presumably associated with Neogene rifting document a dominant NNW to NE faulting of an expanded Lower Miocene section, although subsidiary WNW faulting is also present within the upper sections of oriented core. In the ANDRILL MIS (AND-1B) drill core, natural fractures are consistently present through the core below c. 450 mbsf, the estimated depth of the ‘B-clino’ seismic reflector. This is consistent with the presence of seismically-detectable faults below this horizon, which record the major faulting episode associated with Neogene rifting in the Terror Rift. Sedimentary intrusions and steep veins folded by compaction indicate that deformation occurred prior to complete lithification of the strata, suggesting that deformation was at least in part coeval with deposition. Faults and associated veins intersected in the AND-1B drill core also cut Pliocene and Pleistocene strata, suggesting that deformation has continued to the recent or may perhaps ongoing.

Crowdsourcing: a valid alternative to expert evaluation of robotic surgery skills.

PubMed

Polin, Michael R; Siddiqui, Nazema Y; Comstock, Bryan A; Hesham, Helai; Brown, Casey; Lendvay, Thomas S; Martino, Martin A

2016-11-01

Robotic-assisted gynecologic surgery is common, but requires unique training. A validated assessment tool for evaluating trainees' robotic surgery skills is Robotic-Objective Structured Assessments of Technical Skills. We sought to assess whether crowdsourcing can be used as an alternative to expert surgical evaluators in scoring Robotic-Objective Structured Assessments of Technical Skills. The Robotic Training Network produced the Robotic-Objective Structured Assessments of Technical Skills, which evaluate trainees across 5 dry lab robotic surgical drills. Robotic-Objective Structured Assessments of Technical Skills were previously validated in a study of 105 participants, where dry lab surgical drills were recorded, de-identified, and scored by 3 expert surgeons using the Robotic-Objective Structured Assessments of Technical Skills checklist. Our methods-comparison study uses these previously obtained recordings and expert surgeon scores. Mean scores per participant from each drill were separated into quartiles. Crowdworkers were trained and calibrated on Robotic-Objective Structured Assessments of Technical Skills scoring using a representative recording of a skilled and novice surgeon. Following this, 3 recordings from each scoring quartile for each drill were randomly selected. Crowdworkers evaluated the randomly selected recordings using Robotic-Objective Structured Assessments of Technical Skills. Linear mixed effects models were used to derive mean crowdsourced ratings for each drill. Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated to assess the correlation between crowdsourced and expert surgeons' ratings. In all, 448 crowdworkers reviewed videos from 60 dry lab drills, and completed a total of 2517 Robotic-Objective Structured Assessments of Technical Skills assessments within 16 hours. Crowdsourced Robotic-Objective Structured Assessments of Technical Skills ratings were highly correlated with expert surgeon ratings across each of the 5 dry lab drills (r ranging from 0.75-0.91). Crowdsourced assessments of recorded dry lab surgical drills using a validated assessment tool are a rapid and suitable alternative to expert surgeon evaluation. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Elastic anisotropy and borehole stress estimation in the Seve Nappe Complex from the COSC-1 well, Åre, Sweden.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wenning, Quinn; Almquist, Bjarne; Ask, Maria; Schmitt, Douglas R.; Zappone, Alba

2015-04-01

The Caledonian orogeny, preserved in Scandinavia and Greenland, began with the closure of the Iapetus Ocean and culminated in the collision of Baltica and Laurentia cratons during the middle Paleozoic. The COSC scientific drilling project aims at understanding the crustal structure and composition of the Scandinavian Caledonides. The first well of the dual phase drilling program, completed in Summer of 2014, drilled through ~2.5 km of the Seve Nappe Complex near the town of Åre, Sweden. Newly acquired drill core and borehole logs provide fresh core material for physical rock property measurements and in-situ stress determination. This contribution presents preliminary data on compressional and shear wave ultrasonic velocities (Vp, Vs) determined from laboratory measurements on drill cores, together with in-situ stress orientation analysis using image logs from the first borehole of the Collisional Orogeny in the Scandinavian Caledonides project (COSC-1). An hydrostatically oil pressurized apparatus is used to test the ultrasonic Vp and Vs on three orthogonally cut samples of amphibolite, calcium bearing and felsic gneiss, meta-gabbro, and mylonitic schist from drill core. We measure directional anisotropy variability for each lithology using one sample cut perpendicular to the foliation and two additional plugs cut parallel to the foliation with one parallel to the lineation and the other perpendicular. Measurements are performed using the pulse transmission technique on samples subjected to hydrostatic pressure from 1-350 MPa at dry conditions. We present preliminary results relating Vp and Vs anisotropy to geologic units and degree of deformation. Additionally, we use acoustic borehole televiewer logs to estimate the horizontal stress orientation making use of well developed techniques for observed borehole breakouts (compressive failure) and drilling induced fractures (tensile failure). Preliminary observations show that very few drilling-induced tensile fractures are produced, and that borehole breakouts are episodic and suggests a NE-SW minimum horizontal stress direction

Recent Developments and Adaptations in Diamond Wireline Core Drilling Technology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thomas, D. M.; Nielson, D. L.; Howell, B. B.; Pardey, M.

2001-05-01

Scientific drilling using diamond wireline technology is presently undergoing a significant expansion and extension of activities that has allowed us to recover geologic samples that have heretofore been technically or financially unattainable. Under the direction and management of DOSECC, a high-capacity hybrid core drilling system was designed and fabricated for the Hawaii Scientific Drilling Project (HSDP) in 1998. This system, the DOSECC Hybrid Coring System (DHCS), has the capacity to recover H-sized core from depths of more than 6 km. In 1999, the DHCS completed the first phase of the HSDP to a depth of 3100 m at a substantially lower cost per foot than any previous scientific borehole to comparable depths and, in the process, established a new depth record for recovery of H-sized wireline core. This system has been offered for use in the Unzen Scientific Drilling Project, the Chicxulub (impact crater) Scientific Drilling Project, and the Geysers Deep Geothermal Reservoir Project. More recently, DOSECC has developed a smaller barge-mounted wireline core drilling system, the GLAD800, that is capable of recovering P-sized sediment core to depths of up to 800 m. The GLAD800 has been successfully deployed on Great Salt Lake and Bear Lake in Utah and is presently being mobilized to Lake Titicaca in South America for an extensive core recovery effort there. The coring capabilities of the GLAD800 system will be available to the global lakes drilling community for acquisition of sediment cores from many of the world's deep lakes for use in calibrating and refining global climate models. Presently under development by DOSECC is a heave-compensation system that will allow us to expand the capabilities of the moderate depth coring system to allow us to collect sediment and bottom core from the shallow marine environment. The design and capabilities of these coring systems will be presented along with a discussion of their potential applications for addressing a range of earth sciences questions.

Ambient changes in tracer concentrations from a multilevel monitoring system in Basalt

USGS Publications Warehouse

Bartholomay, Roy C.; Twining, Brian V.; Rose, Peter E.

2014-01-01

Starting in 2008, a 4-year tracer study was conducted to evaluate ambient changes in groundwater concentrations of a 1,3,6-naphthalene trisulfonate tracer that was added to drill water. Samples were collected under open borehole conditions and after installing a multilevel groundwater monitoring system completed with 11 discrete monitoring zones within dense and fractured basalt and sediment layers in the eastern Snake River aquifer. The study was done in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Energy to test whether ambient fracture flow conditions were sufficient to remove the effects of injected drill water prior to sample collection. Results from thief samples indicated that the tracer was present in minor concentrations 28 days after coring, but was not present 6 months after coring or 7 days after reaming the borehole. Results from sampling the multilevel monitoring system indicated that small concentrations of the tracer remained in 5 of 10 zones during some period after installation. All concentrations were several orders of magnitude lower than the initial concentrations in the drill water. The ports that had remnant concentrations of the tracer were either located near sediment layers or were located in dense basalt, which suggests limited groundwater flow near these ports. The ports completed in well-fractured and vesicular basalt had no detectable concentrations.

Utilizing the International GeoSample Number Concept during ICDP Expedition COSC

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Conze, Ronald; Lorenz, Henning; Ulbricht, Damian; Gorgas, Thomas; Elger, Kirsten

2016-04-01

The concept of the International GeoSample Number (IGSN) was introduced to uniquely identify and register geo-related sample material, and make it retrievable via electronic media (e.g., SESAR - http://www.geosamples.org/igsnabout). The general aim of the IGSN concept is to improve accessing stored sample material worldwide, enable the exact identification, its origin and provenance, and also the exact and complete citation of acquired samples throughout the literature. The ICDP expedition COSC (Collisional Orogeny in the Scandinavian Caledonides, http://cosc.icdp-online.org) prompted for the first time in ICDP's history to assign and register IGSNs during an ongoing drilling campaign. ICDP drilling expeditions are using commonly the Drilling Information System DIS (http://doi.org/10.2204/iodp.sd.4.07.2007) for the inventory of recovered sample material. During COSC IGSNs were assigned to every drill hole, core run, core section, and sample taken from core material. The original IGSN specification has been extended to achieve the required uniqueness of IGSNs with our offline-procedure. The ICDP name space indicator and the Expedition ID (5054) are forming an extended prefix (ICDP5054). For every type of sample material, an encoded sequence of characters follows. This sequence is derived from the DIS naming convention which is unique from the beginning. Thereby every ICDP expedition has an unlimited name space for IGSN assignments. This direct derivation of IGSNs from the DIS database context ensures the distinct parent-child hierarchy of the IGSNs among each other. In the case of COSC this method of inventory-keeping of all drill cores was done routinely using the ExpeditionDIS during field work and subsequent sampling party. After completing the field campaign, all sample material was transferred to the "Nationales Bohrkernlager" in Berlin-Spandau, Germany. Corresponding data was subsequently imported into the CurationDIS used at the aforementioned core storage facility. This CurationDIS assigns IGSNs on samples newly taken in the repository in the identical fashion as done in the field. Thereby, the parent-child linkage of the IGSNs is ensured consistently throughout the entire sampling process. The only difference between ExpeditionDIS and CurationDIS sample curation is using the name space ICDP and BGRB respectively as part of the corresponding ID string. To prepare the IGSN registry, a set of metadata is generated for every assigned IGSN using the DIS, which is then exported from the DIS into one common xml-file. The xml-file is based on the SESAR schema and a proposal of IGSN e.V. (http://schema.igsn.org). This systematics has been recently extended for drilling data to achieve additional information for future retrieval options. The two allocation agents GFZ Potsdam und PANGAEA are currently involved in the registry of IGSNs in the case of COSC drill campaigns. An example for the IGSN registration of the COSC-1 drill hole A (5054_1_A) is "ICDP5054EEW1001" and can be resolved using the URL http://hdl.handle.net/10273/ICDP5054EEW1001. Opening the landing page for the complete COSC core material for this particular hole showcases graphically a hierarchical tree entitled "Sample Family". An example of an IGSN citation associated with a COSC sample set is featured on an EGU-2016 poster presentation by Ulrich Harms, Johannes Hierold et al. (EGU2016-8646).

Blast from the past

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Carlowicz, Michael

1996-02-01

Forget dynamite or hydraulic and mechanical drills. Industrial and federal researchers have started boring holes with rocket fuel. In a cooperative arrangement between Sandia National Laboratory, Global Environmental Solutions, and Universal Tech Corp., scientists and engineers extracted fuel from 200 rocket motors and used it as a mining explosive. In a demonstration completed last fall, researchers used 4950 kg of solid rocket propellant to move more than 22,500 metric tons of rock from the Lone Star Quarry in Prairie, Oklahoma. They found that the fuel improved blast energy and detonation velocity over traditional explosives, and it required fewer drill holes.

Courseware Review.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Risley, John S.

1984-01-01

Evaluates two computer programs for Apple II which provide drill and practice in Newton's laws of motion and in work-energy relationships. Student performance is recorded on the diskette allowing the teacher to view the number of questions completed and percentage correct. (JM)

Drilling Students’ Communication Skill through Science, Environment, Technology, and Society (SETS)-Based Learning

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Al-Farisi, B. L.; Tjandrakirana; Agustini, R.

2018-01-01

Student’s communication skill paid less attention in learning activity at school, even though communication skill is needed by students in the 21st century based on the demands of new curriculum in Indonesia (K13). This study focuses on drilling students’ communication skill through science, environment, technology, and society (SETS)-based learning. The research is a pre-experimental design with a one-shot case study model involving 10 students of ninth-grader of SMPN 2 Manyar, Gresik. The research data were collected through observation method using communication observation sheet. The data were analyzed using the descriptive qualitative method. The result showed that students’ communication skill reached the completeness of skills decided both individually and classically in the curriculum. The fundamental result of this research that SETS-based learning can be used to drill students’ communication skill in K13 context.

Point tenderness - abdomen

MedlinePlus

... such as a complete blood count In some cases, you may need surgery right away. This may involve an exploratory laparotomy or an emergency appendectomy . Alternative Names Abdominal tenderness Images Anatomical landmarks, ...

DEVELOPMENT OF NEW DRILLING FLUIDS

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

David B. Burnett

2003-08-01

The goal of the project has been to develop new types of drill-in fluids (DIFs) and completion fluids (CFs) for use in natural gas reservoirs. Phase 1 of the project was a 24-month study to develop the concept of advanced type of fluids usable in well completions. Phase 1 tested this concept and created a kinetic mathematical model to accurately track the fluid's behavior under downhole conditions. Phase 2 includes tests of the new materials and practices. Work includes the preparation of new materials and the deployment of the new fluids and new practices to the field. The project addressesmore » the special problem of formation damage issues related to the use of CFs and DIFs in open hole horizontal well completions. The concept of a ''removable filtercake'' has, as its basis, a mechanism to initiate or trigger the removal process. Our approach to developing such a mechanism is to identify the components of the filtercake and measure the change in the characteristics of these components when certain cleanup (filtercake removal) techniques are employed.« less

Microhole Coiled Tubing Bottom Hole Assemblies

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Don Macune

2008-06-30

The original objective of the project, to deliver an integrated 3 1/8-inch diameter Measurement While Drilling (MWD) and Logging While Drilling (LWD) system for drilling small boreholes using coiled tubing drilling, has been achieved. Two prototype systems have been assembled and tested in the lab. One of the systems has been successfully tested downhole in a conventional rotary drilling environment. Development of the 3 1/8-inch system has also lead to development and commercialization of a slightly larger 3.5-inch diameter system. We are presently filling customer orders for the 3.5-inch system while continuing with commercialization of the 3 1/8-inch system. Themore » equipment developed by this project will be offered for sale to multiple service providers around the world, enabling the more rapid expansion of both coiled tubing drilling and conventional small diameter drilling. The project was based on the reuse of existing technology whenever possible in order to minimize development costs, time, and risks. The project was begun initially by Ultima Labs, at the time a small company ({approx}12 employees) which had successfully developed a number of products for larger oil well service companies. In September, 2006, approximately 20 months after inception of the project, Ultima Labs was acquired by Sondex plc, a worldwide manufacturer of downhole instrumentation for cased hole and drilling applications. The acquisition provided access to proven technology for mud pulse telemetry, downhole directional and natural gamma ray measurements, and surface data acquisition and processing, as well as a global sales and support network. The acquisition accelerated commercialization through existing Sondex customers. Customer demand resulted in changes to the product specification to support hotter (150 C) and deeper drilling (20,000 psi pressure) than originally proposed. The Sondex acquisition resulted in some project delays as the resistivity collar was interfaced to a different MWD system and also as the mechanical design was revised for the new pressure requirements. However, the Sondex acquisition has resulted in a more robust system, secure funding for completion of the project, and more rapid commercialization.« less

Scoring Dawg Core Breakoff and Retention Mechanism

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Badescu, Mircea; Sherrit, Stewart; Bar-Cohen, Yoseph; Bao, Xiaoqi; Backes, Paul G.

2011-01-01

This novel core break-off and retention mechanism consists of a scoring dawg controlled by a set of two tubes (a drill tube and an inner tube). The drill tube and the inner tube have longitudinal concentric holes. The solution can be implemented in an eccentric tube configuration as well where the tubes have eccentric longitudinal holes. The inner tube presents at the bottom two control surfaces for controlling the orientation of the scoring dawg. The drill tube presents a sunk-in profile on the inside of the wall for housing the scoring dawg. The inner tube rotation relative to the drill tube actively controls the orientation of the scoring dawg and hence its penetration and retrieval from the core. The scoring dawg presents a shaft, two axially spaced arms, and a tooth. The two arms slide on the control surfaces of the inner tube. The tooth, when rotated, can penetrate or be extracted from the core. During drilling, the two tubes move together maintaining the scoring dawg completely outside the core. After the desired drilling depth has been reached the inner tube is rotated relative to the drill tube such that the tooth of the scoring dawg moves toward the central axis. By rotating the drill tube, the scoring dawg can score the core and so reduce its cross sectional area. The scoring dawg can also act as a stress concentrator for breaking the core in torsion or tension. After breaking the core, the scoring dawg can act as a core retention mechanism. For scoring, it requires the core to be attached to the rock. If the core is broken, the dawg can be used as a retention mechanism. The scoring dawg requires a hard-tip insert like tungsten carbide for scoring hard rocks. The relative rotation of the two tubes can be controlled manually or by an additional actuator. In the implemented design solution the bit rotation for scoring was in the same direction as the drilling. The device was tested for limestone cores and basalt cores. The torque required for breaking the 10-mm diameter limestone cores was 5 to 5.8 lb-in. (0.56 to 0.66 N-m).

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sibbett, B.S.; Nielson, D.L.; Adams, M.C.

This technical report on the Phase II geothermal exploration of Ascension Island documents the data collected during thermal gradient drilling and the subsequent thermal and fluid chemical investigations. It also documents the completion of the Phase II exploration strategy which was proposed at the end of the Phase I--Preliminary Examination of Ascension Island. The thermal gradient drilling resulted in seven holes which range from 206 to 1750 ft (53-533 m) deep, with a cumulative footage of 6563 ft (2000 m). The drilling procedure and the problems encountered during the drilling have been explained in detail to provide information valuable formore » any subsequent drilling program on the island. In addition, the subsurface geology encountered in the holes has been documented and, where possible, correlated with other holes or the geology mapped on the surface of the island. Temperatures measured in the holes reach a maximum of 130 F (54.4 C) at 1285 ft (391.7 m) in hole GH-6. When the temperatures of all holes are plotted against elevation, the holes can be classed into three distinct groups, those which have no thermal manifestations, those with definite geothermal affinities, and one hole which is intermediate between the other two. From consideration of this information, it is clear that the highest geothermal potential on the island is in the Donkey Flat area extending beneath Middleton Ridge, and in the Cricket Valley area. Because of the greater drilling depths and the remote nature of the Cricket Valley area, it is recommended that future exploration concentrate in the area around Middleton Ridge.« less

Use of rapid prototyping drill template for the expansive open door laminoplasty: A cadaveric study.

PubMed

Rong, Xin; Wang, Beiyu; Chen, Hua; Ding, Chen; Deng, Yuxiao; Ma, Lipeng; Ma, Yanzhao; Liu, Hao

2016-11-01

Trough preparation is a technically demanding yet critical procedure for successful expansive open door laminoplasty (EOLP), requiring both proper position and appropriate bone removal. We aimed to use the specific rapid prototyping drill template to achieve such requirement. The 3D model of the cadaveric cervical spine was reconstructed using the Mimics 17.0 and Geomagic Studio 12.0 software. The drilling template was designed in the 3-Matic software. The trough position was simulated at the medial margin of the facet joint. Two holders were designed on both sides. On the open side, the holder would just allow the drill penetrate the ventral cortex of the lamina. On the hinge side, the holder was designed to keep the ventral cortex of the lamina intact. One orthopedic resident performed the surgery using the rapid prototyping drill template on four cadavers (template group). A control group of four cadavers were operated upon without the use of the template. The deviation of the final trough position from the simulated trough position was 0.18mm±0.51mm in the template group. All the troughs in the template group and 40% of the troughs in the control group were at the medial side of the facet joint. The complete hinge fracture rate was 5% in the template group, significantly lower than that (55%) in the control group (P=0.01). The rapid prototyping drill template could help the surgeon accomplish proper trough position and appropriate bone removal in EOLP on the cadaveric cervical spine. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Minimally-Invasive, Image-Guided Cochlear Implantation Surgery: First report of clinical implementation

PubMed Central

Labadie, Robert F; Balachandran, Ramya; Noble, Jack H; Blachon, Grégoire S; Mitchell, Jason E; Reda, Fitsum A; Dawant, Benoit M; Fitzpatrick, J Michael

2015-01-01

OBJECTIVE Minimally-invasive image-guided approach to cochlear implantation (CI) involves drilling a narrow, linear tunnel to the cochlea. Reported herein is the first clinical implementation of this approach. STUDY DESIGN Prospective, cohort study. METHODS On preoperative CT, a safe linear trajectory through the facial recess targeting the scala tympani was planned. Intraoperatively, fiducial markers were bone-implanted, a second CT was acquired, and the trajectory was transferred from preoperative to intraoperative CT. A customized microstereotactic frame was rapidly designed and constructed to constrain a surgical drill along the desired trajectory. Following sterilization, the frame was employed to drill the tunnel to the middle ear. After lifting a tympanomeatal flap and performing a cochleostomy, the electrode array was threaded through the drilled tunnel and into the cochlea. RESULTS Eight of nine patients were successfully implanted using the proposed approach with six insertions completely within scala tympani. Traditional mastoidectomy was performed on one patient following difficulty threading the electrode array via the narrow tunnel. Other difficulties encountered included use of the back-up implant when an electrode was dislodged during threading via the tunnel, tip fold-over, and facial nerve paresis (House-Brackmann II/VII at 12 months) secondary to heat during drilling. Average time of intervention was 182±36 minutes. CONCLUSION Minimally-invasive, image-guided CI is clinically achievable. Further clinical study is necessary to address technological difficulties during drilling and insertion and to assess potential benefits including decreased time of intervention, standardization of surgical intervention, and decreased tissue dissection potentially leading to shorter recovery and earlier implant activation. PMID:24272427

Gas Hydrate Research Site Selection and Operational Research Plans

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Collett, T. S.; Boswell, R. M.

2009-12-01

In recent years it has become generally accepted that gas hydrates represent a potential important future energy resource, a significant drilling and production hazard, a potential contributor to global climate change, and a controlling factor in seafloor stability and landslides. Research drilling and coring programs carried out by the Ocean Drilling Program (ODP), the Integrated Ocean Drilling Program (IODP), government agencies, and several consortia have contributed greatly to our understanding of the geologic controls on the occurrence of gas hydrates in marine and permafrost environments. For the most part, each of these field projects were built on the lessons learned from the projects that have gone before them. One of the most important factors contributing to the success of some of the more notable gas hydrate field projects has been the close alignment of project goals with the processes used to select the drill sites and to develop the project’s operational research plans. For example, IODP Expedition 311 used a transect approach to successfully constrain the overall occurrence of gas hydrate within the range of geologic environments within a marine accretionary complex. Earlier gas hydrate research drilling, including IODP Leg 164, were designed primarily to assess the occurrence and nature of marine gas hydrate systems, and relied largely on the presence of anomalous seismic features, including bottom-simulating reflectors and “blanking zones”. While these projects were extremely successful, expeditions today are being increasingly mounted with the primary goal of prospecting for potential gas hydrate production targets, and site selection processes designed to specifically seek out anomalously high-concentrations of gas hydrate are needed. This approach was best demonstrated in a recently completed energy resource focused project, the Gulf of Mexico Gas Hydrate Joint Industry Project Leg II (GOM JIP Leg II), which featured the collection of a comprehensive set of logging-while-drilling (LWD) data through expected gas-hydrate-bearing sand reservoirs in seven wells at three sites in the Gulf of Mexico. The discovery of thick hydrate-bearing sands at two of the sites drilled in the Gulf Mexico validated the integrated geological and geophysical approach used in the pre-drill site selection process to identify gas hydrate reservoirs that may be conducive to energy production. The results of the GOM JIP Leg II LWD expedition are also being used to support the selection of sites for a future drilling, logging, and coring program. Operationally, recent drilling programs, such as ODP Leg 204, IODP Expedition 311, the Japanese Toaki-oki to Kumano-nada drilling leg, the Indian NGHP Expedition 01, and the South Korean Gas Hydrate Research and Development Organization Expedition 01 have demonstrated the great benefit of a multi-leg drilling approach, including the initial acquisition of LWD data that was used to then select sites for the drilling of complex core and wireline logging test holes. It is obvious that a fully integrated site selection approach and a “goal based” operational plan, possibly including numerous drill sites and drilling legs, are required considerations for any future gas hydrate research project.

Effect of verification cores on tip capacity of drilled shafts.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2009-02-01

This research addressed two key issues: : 1) Will verification cores holes fill during concrete backfilling? If so, what are the mechanical properties of the : filling material? In dry conditions, verification core holes always completely fill with c...

OPTIMIZATION OF MUD HAMMER DRILLING PERFORMANCE - A PROGRAM TO BENCHMARK THE VIABILITY OF ADVANCED MUD HAMMER DRILLING

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Arnis Judzis

2003-07-01

This document details the progress to date on the ''OPTIMIZATION OF MUD HAMMER DRILLING PERFORMANCE--A PROGRAM TO BENCHMARK THE VIABILITY OF ADVANCED MUD HAMMER DRILLING'' contract for the quarter starting April 2003 through June 2003. The DOE and TerraTek continue to wait for Novatek on the optimization portion of the testing program (they are completely rebuilding their fluid hammer). Accomplishments included the following: (1) Hughes Christensen has recently expressed interest in the possibility of a program to examine cutter impact testing, which would be useful in a better understanding of the physics of rock impact. Their interest however is notmore » necessarily fluid hammers, but to use the information for drilling bit development. (2) Novatek (cost sharing supplier of tools) has informed the DOE project manager that their tool may not be ready for ''optimization'' testing late summer 2003 (August-September timeframe) as originally anticipated. During 3Q Novatek plans to meet with TerraTek to discuss progress with their tool for 4Q 2003 testing. (3) A task for an addendum to the hammer project related to cutter impact studies was written during 2Q 2003. (4) Smith International internally is upgrading their hammer for the optimization testing phase. One currently known area of improvement is their development program to significantly increase the hammer blow energy.« less

Selective phylogenetic analysis targeting 16S rRNA genes of hyperthermophilic archaea in the deep-subsurface hot biosphere.

PubMed

Kimura, Hiroyuki; Ishibashi, Jun-Ichiro; Masuda, Harue; Kato, Kenji; Hanada, Satoshi

2007-04-01

International drilling projects for the study of microbial communities in the deep-subsurface hot biosphere have been expanded. Core samples obtained by deep drilling are commonly contaminated with mesophilic microorganisms in the drilling fluid, making it difficult to examine the microbial community by 16S rRNA gene clone library analysis. To eliminate mesophilic organism contamination, we previously developed a new method (selective phylogenetic analysis [SePA]) based on the strong correlation between the guanine-plus-cytosine (G+C) contents of the 16S rRNA genes and the optimal growth temperatures of prokaryotes, and we verified the method's effectiveness (H. Kimura, M. Sugihara, K. Kato, and S. Hanada, Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 72:21-27, 2006). In the present study we ascertained SePA's ability to eliminate contamination by archaeal rRNA genes, using deep-sea hydrothermal fluid (117 degrees C) and surface seawater (29.9 degrees C) as substitutes for deep-subsurface geothermal samples and drilling fluid, respectively. Archaeal 16S rRNA gene fragments, PCR amplified from the surface seawater, were denatured at 82 degrees C and completely digested with exonuclease I (Exo I), while gene fragments from the deep-sea hydrothermal fluid remained intact after denaturation at 84 degrees C because of their high G+C contents. An examination using mixtures of DNAs from the two environmental samples showed that denaturation at 84 degrees C and digestion with Exo I completely eliminated archaeal 16S rRNA genes from the surface seawater. Our method was quite useful for culture-independent community analysis of hyperthermophilic archaea in core samples recovered from deep-subsurface geothermal environments.

Scientific investigation in deep wells for nuclear waste disposal studies at the Meuse/Haute Marne underground research laboratory, Northeastern France

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Delay, Jacques; Rebours, Hervé; Vinsot, Agnès; Robin, Pierre

Andra, the French National Radioactive Waste Management Agency, is constructing an underground test facility to study the feasibility of a radioactive waste disposal in the Jurassic-age Callovo-Oxfordian argillites. This paper describes the processes, the methods and results of a scientific characterization program carried out from the surface via deep boreholes with the aim to build a research facility for radioactive waste disposal. In particular this paper shows the evolution of the drilling programs and the borehole set up due to the refinement of the scientific objectives from 1994 to 2004. The pre-investigation phase on the Meuse/Haute-Marne site started in 1994. It consisted in drilling seven scientific boreholes. This phase, completed in 1996, led to the first regional geological cross-section showing the main geometrical characteristics of the host rock. Investigations on the laboratory site prior to the sinking of two shafts started in November 1999. The sinking of the shafts started in September 2000 with the auxiliary shaft completed in October 2004. The experimental gallery, at a depth of 445 m in the main shaft, was in operation by end 2004. During the construction of the laboratory, two major scientific programs were initiated to improve the existing knowledge of the regional hydrogeological characteristics and to accelerate the process of data acquisition on the shales. The aim of the 2003 hydrogeological drilling program was to determine, at regional scale, the properties of groundwater transport and to sample the water in the Oxfordian and Dogger limestones. The 2003-2004 programs consisted in drilling nine deep boreholes, four of which were slanted, to achieve an accurate definition of the structural features.

Petroleum-resource appraisal and discovery rate forecasting in partially explored regions

USGS Publications Warehouse

Drew, Lawrence J.; Schuenemeyer, J.H.; Root, David H.; Attanasi, E.D.

1980-01-01

PART A: A model of the discovery process can be used to predict the size distribution of future petroleum discoveries in partially explored basins. The parameters of the model are estimated directly from the historical drilling record, rather than being determined by assumptions or analogies. The model is based on the concept of the area of influence of a drill hole, which states that the area of a basin exhausted by a drill hole varies with the size and shape of targets in the basin and with the density of previously drilled wells. It also uses the concept of discovery efficiency, which measures the rate of discovery within several classes of deposit size. The model was tested using 25 years of historical exploration data (1949-74) from the Denver basin. From the trend in the discovery rate (the number of discoveries per unit area exhausted), the discovery efficiencies in each class of deposit size were estimated. Using pre-1956 discovery and drilling data, the model accurately predicted the size distribution of discoveries for the 1956-74 period. PART B: A stochastic model of the discovery process has been developed to predict, using past drilling and discovery data, the distribution of future petroleum deposits in partially explored basins, and the basic mathematical properties of the model have been established. The model has two exogenous parameters, the efficiency of exploration and the effective basin size. The first parameter is the ratio of the probability that an actual exploratory well will make a discovery to the probability that a randomly sited well will make a discovery. The second parameter, the effective basin size, is the area of that part of the basin in which drillers are willing to site wells. Methods for estimating these parameters from locations of past wells and from the sizes and locations of past discoveries were derived, and the properties of estimators of the parameters were studied by simulation. PART C: This study examines the temporal properties and determinants of petroleum exploration for firms operating in the Denver basin. Expectations associated with the favorability of a specific area are modeled by using distributed lag proxy variables (of previous discoveries) and predictions from a discovery process model. In the second part of the study, a discovery process model is linked with a behavioral well-drilling model in order to predict the supply of new reserves. Results of the study indicate that the positive effects of new discoveries on drilling increase for several periods and then diminish to zero within 2? years after the deposit discovery date. Tests of alternative specifications of the argument of the distributed lag function using alternative minimum size classes of deposits produced little change in the model's explanatory power. This result suggests that, once an exploration play is underway, favorable operator expectations are sustained by the quantity of oil found per time period rather than by the discovery of specific size deposits. When predictions of the value of undiscovered deposits (generated from a discovery process model) were substituted for the expectations variable in models used to explain exploration effort, operator behavior was found to be consistent with these predictions. This result suggests that operators, on the average, were efficiently using information contained in the discovery history of the basin in carrying out their exploration plans. Comparison of the two approaches to modeling unobservable operator expectations indicates that the two models produced very similar results. The integration of the behavioral well-drilling model and discovery process model to predict the additions to reserves per unit time was successful only when the quarterly predictions were aggregated to annual values. The accuracy of the aggregated predictions was also found to be reasonably robust to errors in predictions from the behavioral well-drilling equation.

Results of coal bed methane drilling, Mylan Park, Monongalia County, West Virginia

USGS Publications Warehouse

Ruppert, Leslie F.; Fedorko, Nick; Warwick, Peter D.; Grady, William C.; Crangle, Robert D.; Britton, James Q.

2004-01-01

The Department of Energy National Energy Technology Laboratory funded drilling of a borehole (39.64378 deg E , -80.04376 deg N) to evaluate the potential for coal bed methane and carbon dioxide sequestration at Mylan Park, Monongalia County, West Virginia. The drilling commenced on September 23, 2002 and was completed on November 14, 2002. The 2,525 ft deep hole contained 1,483.41 ft of Pennsylvanian coal-bearing strata, 739.67 feet of Mississippian strata, and 301.93 ft. of Devonian strata. The drill site was located directly over abandoned Pittsburgh and Sewickley coal mines. Coal cores from remaining mine pillars were cut and retrieved for desorption from both mines. In addition, coals were cored and desorbed from the Pittsburgh Roof, Little Pittsburgh, Elk Lick, Brush Creek, Upper Kittanning, Middle Kittanning, Clarion, Upper Mercer, Lower Mercer, and Quakertown coal beds. All coals are Pennsylvanian in age and are high-volatile-A bituminous in rank. A total of 34.75 ft of coal was desorbed over a maximum period of 662 days, although most of the coal was desorbed for about 275 days. This report is provided in Adobe Acrobat format. Appendix 3 is provided in Excel format.

Records of wells drilled for oil and gas in Montana, June 1, 1951 through December 31, 1953

USGS Publications Warehouse

Smith, Howard R.

1955-01-01

Data concerning about 1, 800 dry holes and selected producing wells drilled in Montana from June 1, 1951, through December 31, 1953, are contained in this circular, which supplements Circular 172 published in 1952. Also included is a table listing the oil and gas fields of Montana. WELLS DRILLED FOR OIL AND GAS IN MONTANA FROM JUNE 1, 1951, THOROUGH DECEMBER 31, 1953 This circular contains data on dry holes and selected producing wells drilled in Montana from June 1, 1951, through December 31, 1953, and supplements Circular 172 published in 1952 showing records of wells drilled prior to June 1, 1951. Table 1 lists the oil and gas fields of Montana (see map OM 130). The list of wells in table 2 has been compiled from information in Geological Survey files and includes most if not all the unsuccessful wildcat test wells and unsuccessful field extension wells drilled from June 1, 1951 to December 31, 1953. It also includes some older but successful field extension wells that had not been listed in Circular 172. Data are tabulated under location, county, field or geologic structure, operator, lease, and well number, elevation, geologic formation (at the surface and lowest formation reached), production or shows of oil or gas, total depth, and status and date. The wells are tabulated by township, range, quarter, and section in the order of townships north-ranges west, townships north-ranges east, townships south-ranges east, and townships south-ranges west. The names entered under 'Field or geologic structure' are those of the productive area or the geologic structure on or near which the wells have been drilled. Ground elevations have been given for wells for which the records indicated the reference point of the elevation. The surface formation and lowest formation reached in the wells are indicated by symbols which are identified on the accompanying explanation of formation symbols (fig. 1). Not all of the nomenclature is in accord with current Geological Survey usage. In the column 'Production or shows of oil and gas' the symbol GS is used for gas shows, OS for oil shows, GOS for shows of both gas and oil, GP for gas production, and OP for oil production. A number following the symbol for a show or production indicates the depth to the top of the zone in which the gas or oil was found. The letter symbol following the number or the hyphen indicates the geologic formation in which the gas or oil occurs. The status and depth of each well is indicated. The letters A, C, and D preceding the date indicate abandoned, completed, or drilling, respectively, in the specified year. Most if not all producing wells that have been abandoned are shown as completed wells. The date of abandonment is the year in which drilling ceased, except for a few wells in which the abandonment was preceded by one or more years of suspended operations. The diagrammatic representation of the succession of geologic formations in Montana (fig. 1) provides identification of the letter symbols used in the tabulation to indicate geologic formations.

Fractures in outcrops in the vicinity of drill hole USW G-4. Yucca Mountain, Nevada; data analysis and compilation

USGS Publications Warehouse

Barton, Christopher C.; Page, William R.; Morgan, Terrance L.

1989-01-01

Fractures on outcrops in the vicinity of drill hole USW G-4, Yucca Mountain, Nevada, were studied in order to contribute to characterization of fractures for hydrologjc, geomechanical, and tectonic modeling of the Yucca Mountain block and to characterize fractures prior to the excavation of a proposed exploratory shaft located near USW G-4. Yucca Mountain is a prospective site for the construction of an underground repository for high-level nuclear waste.Measurements were taken and recorded on 5,000 fractures at 50 outcrop stations primarily in the upper lithophysal unit of the Tiva Canyon Member of the Miocene Paintbrush Tuff. Fracture orientation and surface roughness were recorded for each fracture. Additionally, notes were taken on fracture abutting, crossing, and offsetting relations, swarming, curvature, brecciation, slickensides, and fracture fillings. Frequency distributions of orientation and roughness were plotted and analyzed. Fractures with low roughness coefficients (0-4) group tightly into two sets based on orientation. We conclude that such fractures are cooling joints and that all other fractures are tectonic. The development of small-scale fractures adjacent, subparallel, and possibly related to the Ghost Dance fault has been addressed in a preliminary way based on data collected in this study. Such sympathetic fractures are abundant in the upper cliff unit but not in the upper lithophysal unit.

Eastern Europe: USSR aims to improve production

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Rigassi, D.A.

1986-08-01

This article details the perspectives for Eastern European petroleum development. Observations include: Oil output in Russia declined 2.6% last year, a drop more than twice as bad as 1984; Gorbachev cleaned house in 1985 after inspecting production problems in West Siberia; USSR exploratory/appraisal drilling the next five years should exceed 1981-85 by 40%; Gas output in USSR for '85 was 57.5 bcfd. A peak of 64 bcfd was reached last February; Poland hit a major offshore oil and gas find in the Baltic Sea during October 1985; Cash-short Yugoslavia plans to develop Ivana offshore gas field in the Adriatic Sea;more » Faced with stumbling domestic oil production, Romania turns to the USSR to fill the gap; Gas production in Hungary may drop despite added production from new and old fields.« less

Snohomish County Public Utility District Geothermal Energy Exploration Study Final Technical Report

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lewis, Adam; Collar, Craig W.

2012-10-04

Supported by funds from this award, the District thoroughly explored the feasibility of a hydrothermal geothermal development within its service territory. The District successfully planned and drilled six exploratory geothermal wells and added significantly to the knowledge of the geology of the area. The Straight Creek Fault region, which was the sole location that showed significant potential for hydrothermal development in the District's service territory, was determined not to be feasible for development. The District subsequently expanded its search for geothermal development locations to include all of Washington State. Mount Baker has been identified as the area of the statemore » with the greatest potential for geothermal development. Having gathered additional information about the Mount Baker region with support from this award, the District is actively pursuing exploration and development in the area.« less

JPRS Report, Science & Technology, USSR: Science & Technology Policy..

DTIC Science & Technology

1987-11-13

is necessary to have for comparison a gauge —"how much he should have done." How to surmount these difficulties is a theme for a separate study. Here...undergo in the shop complete machining, including the milling of complex surfaces, the boring of sockets, grooving, the drilling of holes, including deep...particularly machine building products. Thus, the sectorial ministries are implementing programs of the complete standardization and metrological

Reprographics Career Ladder AFSC 703X0.

DTIC Science & Technology

1988-02-01

paper by hand adjust stitchers pack printed materials manually wax drill bit ends VI. PRODUCTION CONTROL PERSONNEL CLUSTER (STG033, N=38). Comprising...work requests notify customer of completed work verify duplicating requests maintain job logs manually 16 Two jobs were identified within this...E146 MAINTAIN LOGS OF JOBS PROCESSED 47 E138 DISTRIBUTE COMPLETED PRODUCTS 47 N441 MAINTAIN JOB LOGS MANUALLY 43 E169 PROCESS INCOMING DISTRIBUTION 6.l

A Combined Structural and Electromechanical FE Approach for Industrial Ultrasonic Devices Design

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schorderet, Alain; Prenleloup, Alain; Colla, Enrico

2011-05-01

Ultrasonic assistance is widely used in manufacturing, both for conventional (e.g. grinding, drilling) and non-conventional (e.g. EDM) processes. Ultrasonic machining is also used as a stand alone process for instance for micro-drilling. Industrial application of these processes requires increasingly efficient and accurate development tools to predict the performance of the ultrasonic device: the so-called sonotrode and the piezo-transducer. This electromechanical system consists of a structural part and of a piezo-electrical part (actuator). In this paper, we show how to combine two simulation softwares—for stuctures and electromechanical devices—to perform a complete design analysis and optimization of a sonotrode for ultrasonic drilling applications. The usual design criteria are the eigenfrequencies of the desired vibrational modes. In addition, during the optimization phase, one also needs to consider the maximum achievable displacement for a given applied voltage. Therefore, one must be able to predict the electromechanical behavior of the integrated piezo-structure system, in order to define, adapt and optimize the electric power supply as well as the control strategy (search, tracking of the eigenfrequency). In this procedure, numerical modelling follows a two-step approach, by means of a solid mechanics FE code (ABAQUS) and of an electromechanical simulation software (ATILA). The example presented illustrates the approach and describes the obtained results for the development of an industrial sonotrode system dedicated to ultrasonic micro-drilling of ceramics. The 3D model of the sonotrode serves as input for generating the FE mesh in ABAQUS and this mesh is then translated into an input file for ATILA. ABAQUS results are used to perform the first optimization step in order to obtain a sonotrode design leading to the requested modal behaviour—eigen-frequency and corresponding dynamic amplification. The second step aims at evaluating the dynamic mechanical response of the complete sonotrode subjected to an ultrasonic voltage excitation. Piezoelectric properties as well as damping properties are requested to fulfill this step. The obtained electrical results—complex system's impedance and electric current- are used to optimize the sonotrode-power supply complete system.

Tube cutter tool and method of use for coupon removal

DOEpatents

Nachbar, H.D.; Etten, M.P. Jr.; Kurowski, P.A.

1997-05-06

A tube cutter tool is insertable into a tube for cutting a coupon from a damaged site on the exterior of the tube. Prior to using the tool, the damaged site is first located from the interior of the tube using a multi-coil pancake eddy current test probe. The damaged site is then marked. A fiber optic probe is used to monitor the subsequent cutting procedure which is performed using a hole saw mounted on the tube cutter tool. Prior to completion of the cutting procedure, a drill in the center of the hole saw is drilled into the coupon to hold it in place. 4 figs.

A Comprehensive Well Testing Implementation during Exploration Phase in Rantau Dedap, Indonesia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Humaedi, M. T.; Alfiady; Putra, A. P.; Martikno, R.; Situmorang, J.

2016-09-01

This paper describes the implementation of comprehensive well testing programs during the 2014-2015 exploration drilling in Rantau Dedap Geothermal Field. The well testing programs were designed to provide reliable data as foundation for resource assessment as well as useful information for decision making during drilling. A series of well testing survey consisting of SFTT, completion test, heating-up downhole logging, discharge test, chemistry sampling was conducted to understand individual wells characteristics such as thermodynamic state of the reservoir fluid, permeability distribution, well output and fluid chemistry. Furthermore, interference test was carried out to investigate the response of reservoir to exploitation.

Tube cutter tool and method of use for coupon removal

DOEpatents

Nachbar, Henry D.; Etten, Jr., Marvin P.; Kurowski, Paul A.

1997-01-01

A tube cutter tool is insertable into a tube for cutting a coupon from a damaged site on the exterior of the tube. Prior to using the tool, the damaged site is first located from the interior of the tube using a multi-coil pancake eddy current test probe. The damaged site is then marked. A fiber optic probe is used to monitor the subsequent cutting procedure which is performed using a hole saw mounted on the tube cutter tool. Prior to completion of the cutting procedure, a drill in the center of the hole saw is drilled into the coupon to hold it in place.

Drill Cuttings-based Methodology to Optimize Multi-stage Hydraulic Fracturing in Horizontal Wells and Unconventional Gas Reservoirs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ortega Mercado, Camilo Ernesto

Horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing techniques have become almost mandatory technologies for economic exploitation of unconventional gas reservoirs. Key to commercial success is minimizing the risk while drilling and hydraulic fracturing these wells. Data collection is expensive and as a result this is one of the first casualties during budget cuts. As a result complete data sets in horizontal wells are nearly always scarce. In order to minimize the data scarcity problem, the research addressed throughout this thesis concentrates on using drill cuttings, an inexpensive direct source of information, for developing: 1) A new methodology for multi-stage hydraulic fracturing optimization of horizontal wells without any significant increases in operational costs. 2) A new method for petrophysical evaluation in those wells with limited amount of log information. The methods are explained using drill cuttings from the Nikanassin Group collected in the Deep Basin of the Western Canada Sedimentary Basin (WCSB). Drill cuttings are the main source of information for the proposed methodology in Item 1, which involves the creation of three 'log tracks' containing the following parameters for improving design of hydraulic fracturing jobs: (a) Brittleness Index, (b) Measured Permeability and (c) An Indicator of Natural Fractures. The brittleness index is primarily a function of Poisson's ratio and Young Modulus, parameters that are obtained from drill cuttings and sonic logs formulations. Permeability is measured on drill cuttings in the laboratory. The indication of natural fractures is obtained from direct observations on drill cuttings under the microscope. Drill cuttings are also the main source of information for the new petrophysical evaluation method mentioned above in Item 2 when well logs are not available. This is important particularly in horizontal wells where the amount of log data is almost non-existent in the vast majority of the wells. By combining data from drill cuttings and previously available empirical relationships developed from cores it is possible to estimate water saturations, pore throat apertures, capillary pressures, flow units, porosity (or cementation) exponent m, true formation resistivity Rt, distance to a water table (if present), and to distinguish the contributions of viscous and diffusion-like flow in the tight gas formation. The method further allows the construction of Pickett plots using porosity and permeability obtained from drill cuttings, without previous availability of well logs. The method assumes the existence of intervals at irreducible water saturation, which is the case of the Nikanassin Group throughout the gas column. The new methods mentioned above are not meant to replace the use of detailed and sophisticated evaluation techniques. But the proposed methods provide a valuable and practical aid in those cases where geomechanical and petrophysical information are scarce.

Overt and occult vidian canal involvement in juvenile angiofibroma and its possible impact on recurrence.

PubMed

Thakar, Alok; Hota, Ashutosh; Bhalla, Ashu Seth; Gupta, Siddharth Datta; Sarkar, Chitra; Kumar, Rakesh

2016-04-01

Postexcision residual disease in the vidian canal is speculated to contribute to recurrence in juvenile angiofibroma. We composed a prospective cohort of 16 consecutive patients with juvenile angiofibroma (stages IIA-IIIB). The presurgical vidian canal assessment was done by contrast-enhanced CT (1.2 mm collimation). At surgery after complete tumor excision, the vidian canal tissue was sampled for histology. Postexcision drilling of the vidian canal was done in 8 of 15 patients to remove microscopic residual disease, with a 24 to 48 month follow-up period. Presurgical radiology indicated ipsilateral vidian canal enlargement (≥3 mm)/destruction in 13 of 16 patients. Radiologically occult involvement was documented only by histology in another 1 of 16 patients. Postexcision sampling of the vidian canal noted microscopic residual tumor in 3 of 15 patients. No recurrences were noted in 8 cases (0 of 8) with postexcision drilling of the vidian canal and 2 recurrences in 7 cases (2 of 7) with no drilling (p = .20). Vidian canal involvement in juvenile angiofibroma is almost universal (14 of 16) and may be occult to CT evaluation. The site may harbor microscopic residual tumor after seemingly complete excision. Surgical attention toward it may reduce recurrences. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: E421-425, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

MACH 3: Past and future approaches to intelligent tutoring

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Acchione-Noel, Sylvia; Psotka, Joseph

1993-01-01

In 1986, the U.S. Army Research Institute created an intelligent tutoring system as a proof-of-concept for artificial intelligence applications in Army training. The Maintenance Aid Computer HAWK Intelligent Institutional Instructor (MACH 3) taught student mechanics to maintain and troubleshoot the AN/MPQ-57 High Power Illuminator Radar (HPIR) of the HAWK Air Defense Missile System. In 1989, TRADOC Analysis Command compared the effectiveness of MACH 3 to traditional paper-based troubleshooting drills. For the study, all students received lecture and hands-on training as usual. However, during troubleshooting drills, students traced faults using either MACH 3 or the traditional paper-based method. Class records showed that the MACH 3 group completed significantly more troubleshooting tasks and progressed through tasks of greater difficulty than the paper-based group. Upon completion of training, students took written, practical, and oral essay tests. Mean test scores showed that students performed similarly regardless of the drill method used. However, significantly different standard deviations showed that the MACH 3 group performed more consistently than the paper-based group. Furthermore, significantly different time measures showed that the MACH 3 group reached faster troubleshooting solutions on the actual radar transmitter than the paper-based group. We will present the study results and discuss how updating the design of the MACH 3 can include desktop computing in a virtual environment.

Honey Lake Geothermal Project, Lassen County, California

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

1984-11-01

The drilling, completion, and testing of deep well WEN-2 for a hybrid electric power project which will use the area's moderate temperature geothermal fluids and locally procured wood fuel is reported. The project is located within the Wendel-Amedee Known Geothermal Resource Area.

Use of Cutting-Edge Horizontal and Underbalanced Drilling Technologies and Subsurface Seismic Techniques to Explore, Drill and Produce Reservoired Oil and Gas from the Fractured Monterey Below 10,000 ft in the Santa Maria Basin of California

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

George Witter; Robert Knoll; William Rehm

2006-06-30

This project was undertaken to demonstrate that oil and gas can be drilled and produced safely and economically from a fractured Monterey reservoir in the Santa Maria Basin of California by employing horizontal wellbores and underbalanced drilling technologies. Two vertical wells were previously drilled in this area with heavy mud and conventional completions; neither was commercially productive. A new well was drilled by the project team in 2004 with the objective of accessing an extended length of oil-bearing, high-resistivity Monterey shale via a horizontal wellbore, while implementing managed-pressure drilling (MPD) techniques to avoid formation damage. Initial project meetings were conductedmore » in October 2003. The team confirmed that the demonstration well would be completed open-hole to minimize productivity impairment. Following an overview of the geologic setting and local field experience, critical aspects of the application were identified. At the pre-spud meeting in January 2004, the final well design was confirmed and the well programming/service company requirements assigned. Various design elements were reduced in scope due to significant budgetary constraints. Major alterations to the original plan included: (1) a VSP seismic survey was delayed to a later phase; (2) a new (larger) surface hole would be drilled rather than re-enter an existing well; (3) a 7-in. liner would be placed into the top of the Monterey target as quickly as possible to avoid problems with hole stability; (4) evaluation activities were reduced in scope; (5) geosteering observations for fracture access would be deduced from penetration rate, cuttings description and hydrocarbon in-flow; and (6) rather than use nitrogen, a novel air-injection MPD system was to be implemented. Drilling operations, delayed from the original schedule by capital constraints and lack of rig availability, were conducted from September 12 to November 11, 2004. The vertical and upper curved sections were drilled and lined through the problematic shale member without major stability problems. The top of the targeted Monterey was thought to be seen at the expected TVD of 10,000 ft where the 7-in. liner was set at a 60{sup o} hole angle. Significant oil and gas shows suggested the fractured interval anticipated at the heel location had been penetrated. A total of 2572 ft of 6{Delta}-in. near-horizontal interval was placed in the shale section, extending planned well length by approximately 470 ft. Very little hydrocarbon in-flow was observed from fractures along the productive interval. This may be a result of the well trajectory falling underneath the Monterey fractured zone. Hydrocarbon observations, cuttings analysis and gamma-ray response indicated additional fractured intervals were accessed along the last {+-}900 ft of well length. The well was completed with a 2 and 7/8-in. tubing string set in a production packer in preparation for flow and swab tests to be conducted later by a service rig. The planned well time was estimated as 39 days and overall cost as $2.4 million. The actual results are 66 days at a total cost of $3.4 million. Well productivity responses during subsequent flow and swabbing tests were negative. The well failed to inflow and only minor amounts (a few barrels) of light oil were recovered. The lack of production may suggest that actual sustainable reservoir pressure is far less than anticipated. Temblor attempted in July, 2006, to re-enter and clean out the well and run an Array Induction log (primarily for resistivity and correlation purposes), and an FMI log (for fracture detection). Application of surfactant in the length of the horizontal hole, and acid over the fracture zone at 10,236 was also planned. This attempt was not successful in that the clean out tools became stuck and had to be abandoned.« less

Scientific objectives of the Gulf of Mexico gas hydrate JIP leg II drilling

USGS Publications Warehouse

Jones, Emrys; Latham, T.; McConnell, Daniel R.; Frye, Matthew; Hunt, J.H.; Shedd, William; Shelander, Dianna; Boswell, Ray; Rose, Kelly K.; Ruppel, Carolyn D.; Hutchinson, Deborah R.; Collett, Timothy S.; Dugan, Brandon; Wood, Warren T.

2008-01-01

The Gulf of Mexico Methane Hydrate Joint Industry Project (JIP) has been performing research on marine gas hydrates since 2001 and is sponsored by both the JIP members and the U.S. Department of Energy. In 2005, the JIP drilled the Atwater Valley and Keathley Canyon exploration blocks in the Gulf of Mexico to acquire downhole logs and recover cores in silt- and clay-dominated sediments interpreted to contain gas hydrate based on analysis of existing 3-D seismic data prior to drilling. The new 2007-2009 phase of logging and coring, which is described in this paper, will concentrate on gas hydrate-bearing sands in the Alaminos Canyon, Green Canyon, and Walker Ridge protraction areas. Locations were selected to target higher permeability, coarser-grained lithologies (e.g., sands) that have the potential for hosting high saturations of gas hydrate and to assist the U.S. Minerals Management Service with its assessment of gas hydrate resources in the Gulf of Mexico.This paper discusses the scientific objectives for drilling during the upcoming campaign and presents the results from analyzing existing seismic and well log data as part of the site selection process. Alaminos Canyon 818 has the most complete data set of the selected blocks, with both seismic data and comprehensive downhole log data consistent with the occurrence of gas hydrate-bearing sands. Preliminary analyses suggest that the Frio sandstone just above the base of the gas hydrate stability zone may have up to 80% of the available sediment pore space occupied by gas hydrate.The proposed sites in the Green Canyon and Walker Ridge areas are also interpreted to have gas hydrate-bearing sands near the base of the gas hydrate stability zone, but the choice of specific drill sites is not yet complete. The Green Canyon site coincides with a 4-way closure within a Pleistocene sand unit in an area of strong gas flux just south of the Sigsbee Escarpment. The Walker Ridge site is characterized by a sand-prone sedimentary section that rises stratigraphically across the base of the gas hydrate stability zone and that has seismic indicators of gas hydrate.

Clinical Considerations of Adapted Drilling Protocol by Bone Quality Perception.

PubMed

Toia, Marco; Stocchero, Michele; Cecchinato, Francesca; Corrà, Enrico; Jimbo, Ryo; Cecchinato, Denis

To evaluate insertion torque value (ITV) and marginal bone loss (MBL) of an implant system after a clinically perceived bone quality-adapted drilling. This multicenter retrospective study included patients treated with implants, conventionally loaded, in completely healed sites. Operators customized the osteotomy preparation according to radiographic assessment and their perception of bone quality. Drilling sequence, bone quality, and ITV were recorded at the time of surgery. Radiographs were taken at the time of implant placement and permanent restoration. MBL between implant placement and permanent restoration was calculated. The implant was used as the statistical unit. Demographic and implant characteristics were shown by means of descriptive statistics. Outcome values were compared using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Kruskal-Wallis tests. Multiple regression models were used to test the effect of independent variables on ITV and MBL. One hundred eighty-eight implants placed in 87 patients were included in the analysis. The mean observation period was 144 ± 59 days. The mean ITV was 30.8 ± 15.1 Ncm. ITV differed significantly based on arches (mandible/maxilla) (P = .001), bone quality (P < .001), implant diameter (P = .032), and drilling protocol (P = .019). Median MBL was 0.05 mm (0.00; 0.24). A significant difference was found between the mandible and maxilla (P = .008) and between drilling protocols (P = .011). In particular, significantly higher MBL was found in the undersized drilling protocol. Multiple regression analysis showed that ITV was influenced by bone quality and implant diameter. MBL was influenced by bone quality, implant diameter, ITV, and the interaction between bone quality and ITV. It was estimated that MBL was greater with increased bone density and ITV. Excessive ITV in dense bone can cause negative marginal bone responses. A presurgical radiographic assessment and the perception of bone quality are necessary to select an optimal drilling protocol and to minimize surgical trauma.

A 3-D wellbore simulator (WELLTHER-SIM) to determine the thermal diffusivity of rock-formations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wong-Loya, J. A.; Santoyo, E.; Andaverde, J.

2017-06-01

Acquiring thermophysical properties of rock-formations in geothermal systems is an essential task required for the well drilling and completion. Wellbore thermal simulators require such properties for predicting the thermal behavior of a wellbore and the formation under drilling and shut-in conditions. The estimation of static formation temperatures also needs the use of these properties for the wellbore and formation materials (drilling fluids and pipes, cements, casings, and rocks). A numerical simulator (WELLTHER-SIM) has been developed for modeling the drilling fluid circulation and shut-in processes of geothermal wellbores, and for the in-situ determination of thermal diffusivities of rocks. Bottomhole temperatures logged under shut-in conditions (BHTm), and thermophysical and transport properties of drilling fluids were used as main input data. To model the thermal disturbance and recovery processes in the wellbore and rock-formation, initial drilling fluid and static formation temperatures were used as initial and boundary conditions. WELLTHER-SIM uses these temperatures together with an initial thermal diffusivity for the rock-formation to solve the governing equations of the heat transfer model. WELLTHER-SIM was programmed using the finite volume technique to solve the heat conduction equations under 3-D and transient conditions. Thermal diffusivities of rock-formations were inversely computed by using an iterative and efficient numerical simulation, where simulated thermal recovery data sets (BHTs) were statistically compared with those temperature measurements (BHTm) logged in some geothermal wellbores. The simulator was validated using a well-documented case reported in the literature, where the thermophysical properties of the rock-formation are known with accuracy. The new numerical simulator has been successfully applied to two wellbores drilled in geothermal fields of Japan and Mexico. Details of the physical conceptual model, the numerical algorithm, and the validation and application results are outlined in this work.

The Effect of Teaching Search Strategies on Perceptual Performance.

PubMed

van der Gijp, Anouk; Vincken, Koen L; Boscardin, Christy; Webb, Emily M; Ten Cate, Olle Th J; Naeger, David M

2017-06-01

Radiology expertise is dependent on the use of efficient search strategies. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of teaching search strategies on trainee's accuracy in detecting lung nodules at computed tomography. Two search strategies, "scanning" and "drilling," were tested with a randomized crossover design. Nineteen junior radiology residents were randomized into two groups. Both groups first completed a baseline lung nodule detection test allowing a free search strategy, followed by a test after scanning instruction and drilling instruction or vice versa. True positive (TP) and false positive (FP) scores and scroll behavior were registered. A mixed-design analysis of variance was applied to compare the three search conditions. Search strategy instruction had a significant effect on scroll behavior, F(1.3) = 54.2, P < 0.001; TP score, F(2) = 16.1, P < 0.001; and FP score, F(1.3) = 15.3, P < 0.001. Scanning instruction resulted in significantly lower TP scores than drilling instruction (M = 10.7, SD = 5.0 versus M = 16.3, SD = 5.3), t(18) = 4.78, P < 0.001; or free search (M = 15.3, SD = 4.6), t(18) = 4.44, P < 0.001. TP scores for drilling did not significantly differ from free search. FP scores for drilling (M = 7.3, SD = 5.6) were significantly lower than for free search (M = 12.5, SD = 7.8), t(18) = 4.86, P < 0.001. Teaching a drilling strategy is preferable to teaching a scanning strategy for finding lung nodules. Copyright © 2017 The Association of University Radiologists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Morphological and ultrastructural comparative analysis of bone tissue after Er:YAG laser and surgical drill osteotomy.

PubMed

Panduric, Dragana Gabric; Juric, Ivona Bago; Music, Svetozar; Molčanov, Krešimir; Sušic, Mato; Anic, Ivica

2014-07-01

The purpose of this study was to analyze morphological, chemical, and crystallographic changes of bone tissue after osteotomy performed with an erbium:yttrium-aluminium-garnet (Er:YAG) laser and a low speed pilot drill. Bone blocks were prepared from porcine ribs, and on each block, two tunnel preparations were performed using the Er:YAG laser (pulse energy: 1000 mJ, pulse duration: 300 μs, pulse repetition rate: 20 Hz) or the low-speed surgical pilot drill. The morphological changes of the cortical and the spongious surface of the tunnel preparations were analyzed under the field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) at low and high resolution. The distribution and the level of chemical elements in the treated surfaces were evaluated by qualitative and semiquantitative energy dispersive x-ray analysis (SEM-EDX). Diffraction x-ray analysis was used to detect any differences and thermally induced modifications of hydroxyapatite crystals. FE-SEM revealed sharp edges of the Er:YAG preparations, with empty intertrabecular spaces and no signs of carbonization. In the drill group, the surface of the preparations was smooth, completely covered with smear layer and microcracks, and with hairy-like irregularities on the edges. SEM-EDX analysis did not reveal any differences in the number of specific chemical elements between the laser and the drill group. There were no thermally induced modifications of hydroxyapatite crystal structure in the bone tissue in either group. The Er:YAG laser ablation did not cause any chemical or crystallographic changes of the bone tissue. Compared with the drill, Er:YAG laser created well-defined edges of the preparations, and cortical bone had no smear layer.

Fracture Gap Reduction With Variable-Pitch Headless Screws.

PubMed

Roebke, Austin J; Roebke, Logan J; Goyal, Kanu S

2018-04-01

Fully threaded, variable-pitch, headless screws are used in many settings in surgery and have been extensively studied in this context, especially in regard to scaphoid fractures. However, it is not well understood how screw parameters such as diameter, length, and pitch variation, as well as technique parameters such as depth of drilling, affect gap closure. Acutrak 2 fully threaded variable-pitch headless screws of various diameters (Standard, Mini, and Micro) and lengths (16-28 mm) were inserted into polyurethane blocks of "normal" and "osteoporotic" bone model densities using a custom jig. Three drilling techniques (drill only through first block, 4 mm into second block, or completely through both blocks) were used. During screw insertion, fluoroscopic images were taken and later analyzed to measure gap reduction. The effect of backing the screw out after compression was evaluated. Drilling at least 4 mm past the fracture site reduces distal fragment push-off compared with drilling only through the proximal fragment. There were no significant differences in gap closure in the normal versus the osteoporotic model. The Micro screw had a smaller gap closure than both the Standard and the Mini screws. After block contact and compression with 2 subsequent full forward turns, backing the screw out by only 1 full turn resulted in gapping between the blocks. Intuitively, fully threaded headless variable-pitch screws can obtain compression between bone fragments only if the initial gap is less than the gap closed. Gap closure may be affected by drilling technique, screw size, and screw length. Fragment compression may be immediately lost if the screw is reversed. We describe characteristics of variable-pitch headless screws that may assist the surgeon in screw choice and method of use. Copyright © 2018 American Society for Surgery of the Hand. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Effect of Number of Players and Maturity on Ball-Drills Training Load in Youth Basketball

PubMed Central

Conte, Daniele; Favero, Terence; Niederhausen, Meike; Capranica, Laura; Tessitore, Antonio

2017-01-01

This study aimed to assess the basketball ball-drills workload analyzing: (1) the effect of varying the number of players involved on physiological and technical demands; (2) the temporal changes in players’ responses across bouts; and (3) the relationship of players’ workload with their maturation status and training age. Twelve young male basketball players (mean ± SD; age 13.9 ± 0.7 years; height 1.76 ± 0.06 m; body mass 65.7 ± 12.5 kg; HRmax 202 ± 8 beat·min−1) completed three bouts of 4 min interspersed by 2 min of passive recovery of two vs. two and four vs. four ball-drills. The mean percentage of HRmax (%HRmax) and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) were collected. Technical actions (TAs) (dribbles, passes, shots, interceptions, steals, rebounds, and turnovers) were calculated through notational analysis. Players’ genitalia development (GD) and pubic hair (PH) growth were assessed using Tanner scale. Results showed a higher %HRmax (p = 0.018), RPE (p = 0.042), dribbles (p = 0.007), shots (p = 0.003), and rebounds (p = 0.006) in two vs. two compared to four vs. four condition. Furthermore, a statistical difference was found for %HRmax (p = 0.005) and number of passes (p = 0.020) between bouts. In addition, no correlation between GD, PH, and training age with %HRmax, RPE, and TAs was found. These findings suggest that variations of the number of players involved affect ball-drills workload and that ball-drills training intensity varies across bouts. Finally, ball-drills elicit an adequate training stimulus, regardless of players’ maturation status and training age. PMID:29910363

Pre- and post-drill comparison of the Mount Elbert gas hydrate prospect, Alaska North Slope

USGS Publications Warehouse

Lee, M.W.; Agena, W.F.; Collett, T.S.; Inks, T.L.

2011-01-01

In 2006, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) completed a detailed analysis and interpretation of available 2-D and 3-D seismic data, along with seismic modeling and correlation with specially processed downhole well log data for identifying potential gas hydrate accumulations on the North Slope of Alaska. A methodology was developed for identifying sub-permafrost gas hydrate prospects within the gas hydrate stability zone in the Milne Point area. The study revealed a total of 14 gas hydrate prospects in this area.In order to validate the gas hydrate prospecting protocol of the USGS and to acquire critical reservoir data needed to develop a longer-term production testing program, a stratigraphic test well was drilled at the Mount Elbert prospect in the Milne Point area in early 2007. The drilling confirmed the presence of two prominent gas-hydrate-bearing units in the Mount Elbert prospect, and high quality well logs and core data were acquired. The post-drill results indicate pre-drill predictions of the reservoir thickness and the gas-hydrate saturations based on seismic and existing well data were 90% accurate for the upper unit (hydrate unit D) and 70% accurate for the lower unit (hydrate unit C), confirming the validity of the USGS approach to gas hydrate prospecting. The Mount Elbert prospect is the first gas hydrate accumulation on the North Slope of Alaska identified primarily on the basis of seismic attribute analysis and specially processed downhole log data. Post-drill well log data enabled a better constraint of the elastic model and the development of an improved approach to the gas hydrate prospecting using seismic attributes. ?? 2009.

Smaller Footprint Drilling System for Deep and Hard Rock Environments; Feasibility of Ultra-High-Speed Diamond Drilling

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

TerraTek, A Schlumberger Company

2008-12-31

The two phase program addresses long-term developments in deep well and hard rock drilling. TerraTek believes that significant improvements in drilling deep hard rock will be obtained by applying ultra-high rotational speeds (greater than 10,000 rpm). The work includes a feasibility of concept research effort aimed at development that will ultimately result in the ability to reliably drill 'faster and deeper' possibly with smaller, more mobile rigs. The principle focus is on demonstration testing of diamond bits rotating at speeds in excess of 10,000 rpm to achieve high rate of penetration (ROP) rock cutting with substantially lower inputs of energymore » and loads. The significance of the 'ultra-high rotary speed drilling system' is the ability to drill into rock at very low weights on bit and possibly lower energy levels. The drilling and coring industry today does not practice this technology. The highest rotary speed systems in oil field and mining drilling and coring today run less than 10,000 rpm - usually well below 5,000 rpm. This document provides the progress through two phases of the program entitled 'Smaller Footprint Drilling System for Deep and Hard Rock Environments: Feasibility of Ultra-High-Speed Diamond Drilling' for the period starting 30 June 2003 and concluding 31 March 2009. The accomplishments of Phases 1 and 2 are summarized as follows: (1) TerraTek reviewed applicable literature and documentation and convened a project kick-off meeting with Industry Advisors in attendance (see Black and Judzis); (2) TerraTek designed and planned Phase I bench scale experiments (See Black and Judzis). Improvements were made to the loading mechanism and the rotational speed monitoring instrumentation. New drill bit designs were developed to provided a more consistent product with consistent performance. A test matrix for the final core bit testing program was completed; (3) TerraTek concluded small-scale cutting performance tests; (4) Analysis of Phase 1 data indicated that there is decreased specific energy as the rotational speed increases; (5) Technology transfer, as part of Phase 1, was accomplished with technical presentations to the industry (see Judzis, Boucher, McCammon, and Black); (6) TerraTek prepared a design concept for the high speed drilling test stand, which was planned around the proposed high speed mud motor concept. Alternative drives for the test stand were explored; a high speed hydraulic motor concept was finally used; (7) The high speed system was modified to accommodate larger drill bits than originally planned; (8) Prototype mud turbine motors and the high speed test stand were used to drive the drill bits at high speed; (9) Three different rock types were used during the testing: Sierra White granite, Crab Orchard sandstone, and Colton sandstone. The drill bits used included diamond impregnated bits, a polycrystalline diamond compact (PDC) bit, a thermally stable PDC (TSP) bit, and a hybrid TSP and natural diamond bit; and (10) The drill bits were run at rotary speeds up to 5500 rpm and weight on bit (WOB) to 8000 lbf. During Phase 2, the ROP as measured in depth of cut per bit revolution generally increased with increased WOB. The performance was mixed with increased rotary speed, with the depth cut with the impregnated drill bit generally increasing and the TSP and hybrid TSP drill bits generally decreasing. The ROP in ft/hr generally increased with all bits with increased WOB and rotary speed. The mechanical specific energy generally improved (decreased) with increased WOB and was mixed with increased rotary speed.« less

Scientific Drilling in the Arctic Ocean: A challenge for the next decades

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stein, R.; Coakley, B.

2009-04-01

Although major progress in Arctic Ocean research has been made during the last decades, the knowledge of its short- and long-term paleoceanographic and paleoclimatic history as well as its plate-tectonic evolution is much behind that from the other world's oceans. That means - despite the importance of the Arctic in the climate system - the data base we have from this area is still very weak, and large parts of the climate history have not been recovered at all in sedimentary sections. This lack of knowledge is mainly caused by the major technological/ logistic problems in reaching this permanently ice-covered region with normal research vessels and in retrieving long and undisturbed sediment cores. With the successful completion of IODP Expedition 302 ("Arctic Coring Expedition" - ACEX), the first Mission Specific Platform (MSP) expedition within the Integrated Ocean Drilling Program - IODP, a new era in Arctic research has begun. For the first time, a scientific drilling in the permanently ice-covered Arctic Ocean was carried out, penetrating about 430 meters of Quaternary, Neogene, Paleogene and Campanian sediment on the crest of Lomonosov Ridge close to the North Pole. The success of ACEX has certainly opened the door for further scientific drilling in the Arctic Ocean, and will frame the next round of questions to be answered from new drill holes to be taken during the next decades. In order to discuss and plan the future of scientific drilling in the Arctic Ocean, an international workshop was held at the Alfred Wegener Institute (AWI) in Bremerhaven/Germany, (Nov 03-05, 2008; convenors: Bernard Coakley/University of Alaska Fairbanks and Ruediger Stein/AWI Bremerhaven). About 95 scientists from Europe, US, Canada, Russia, Japan, and Korea, and observers from oil companies participated in the workshop. Funding of the workshop was provided by the Consortium for Ocean Leadership (US), the European Science Foundation, the Arctic Ocean Sciences Board, and the Nansen Arctic Drilling Program as well as by sponsorships from British Petroleum, ConocoPhillips, ExxonMobil, Norwegian Petroleum Directorate, StatoilHydro, and Shell International. The major targets of the workshop were: (1) to bring together an international group of Arctic scientists, young scientists and ocean drilling scientists to learn and exchange ideas, experience and enthusiasm about the Arctic Ocean; (2) to develop a scientific drilling strategy to investigate the tectonic and paleoceanographic history of the Arctic Ocean and its role in influencing the global climate system; (3) to summarize the technical needs, opportunities, and limitations of drilling in the Arctic; (4) to define scientific and drilling targets for specific IODP-type campaigns in Arctic Ocean key areas to be finalized in the development of drilling proposals. Following overview presentations about the history of the Arctic Ocean, legacy of high-latitude ocean drilling, existing site-survey database, technical needs for high-latitude drilling, possibilities of collaboration with industry, and the process of developing ocean-drilling legs through IODP, the main part of the workshop was spent in thematic and regional break-out groups discussing the particular questions to be addressed by drilling and the particular targets for Arctic scientific drilling. Within the working groups, key scientific questions (related to the overall themes paleoceanography, tectonic evolution, petrology/geochemistry of basement, and gas hydrates) and strategies for reaching the overall goals were discussed and - as one of the main results - core groups for further developing drilling proposals were formed. Based on discussions at this workshop, approximately ten new pre-proposals are planned to be submitted to IODP for the April 01- 2009 deadline. We hope that the development of new scientific objectives through the pre-proposal process will help reshape plans for scientific ocean drilling beyond 2013 and direct the program north towards these critical priorities and advance exploration of the Arctic.

Bibliography of literature pertaining to Long Valley Caldera and associated volcanic fields

USGS Publications Warehouse

Ewert, John W.; Harpel, Christopher J.; Brooks, Suzanna K.; Marcaida, Mae

2011-01-01

On May 25-27, 1980, Long Valley caldera was rocked by four M=6 earthquakes that heralded the onset of a wave of seismic activity within the caldera which has continued through the present. Unrest has taken the form of seismic swarms, uplift of the resurgent dome, and areas of vegetation killed by increased CO2 emissions, all interpreted as resulting from magma injection into different levels beneath the caldera, as well as beneath Mammoth Mountain along the southwest rim of the caldera. Continuing economic development in the Mammoth Lakes area has swelled the local population, increasing the risk to people and property if an eruption were to occur. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has been monitoring geophysical activity in the Long Valley area since the mid-1970s and continues to track the unrest in real time with a sophisticated network of geophysical sensors. Hazards information obtained by this monitoring is provided to local, State, and Federal officials and to the public through the Long Valley Observatory. The Long Valley area also was scientifically important before the onset of current unrest. Lying at the eastern foot of the Sierra Nevada, the deposits from this active volcanic system have provided fertile ground for research into Neogene tectonics, Quaternary geology and geomorphology, regional stratigraphy, and volcanology. In the early 1970s, intensive studies of the area began through the USGS Geothermal Investigations Program, owing to the presence of a large young silicic volcanic system. The paroxysmal eruption of Long Valley caldera about 760,000 years ago produced the Bishop Tuff and associated Bishop ash. The Bishop Tuff is a well-preserved ignimbrite deposit that has continued to provide new and developing insights into the dynamics of ignimbrite-forming eruptions. Another extremely important aspect of the Bishop Tuff is that it is the oldest known normally magnetized unit of the Brunhes Chron. Thus, the age of the Bishop Tuff is used to define the beginning of the Brunhes Chron and helps constrain the Brunhes-Matuyama boundary. The Bishop ash, which was dispersed as far east as Nebraska, Kansas, and Texas, provides an important tephrostratigraphic marker throughout the Western United States. The obsidian domes of both the Mono and Inyo Craters, which were produced by rhyolitic eruptions in the past 40,000 years, have been well studied, including extensive scientific drilling through the domes. Exploratory drilling to 3-km depth on the resurgent dome and subsequent instrumentation of the Long Valley Exploratory Well (LVEW) have led to a number of important new insights. Scientific drilling also has been done within the Casa Diablo geothermal field, which, aside from drilling, has been commercially developed and is currently feeding 40 MW of power into the Southern California Edison grid. Studies in all the above-mentioned volcanic fields have contributed to the extensive scientific literature published on the Long Valley region. Although most of this scientific literature has been published since 1970, a significant amount of historical literature extends backward to the late 1800s. The purpose of this bibliography is to compile references pertaining to the Long Valley region from all time periods and all Earth science fields into a single listing, thus providing an easily accessible guide to the published literature for current and future researchers.

The CARBONATE project: Mid-latitude Carbonate Systems - Complete Sequences from Cold-Water Coral Carbonate Mounds in the Northeast Atlantic

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wheeler, A.; Freiwald, A.; Hebbeln, D.; Swennen, R.; van Weering, T.; de Haas, H.; Dorschel, B.

2007-12-01

Up to now the carbonate stored in carbonate mounds has not been considered in any global carbonate budget or linked to any global carbon budget involving greenhouse gases. A major challenge exists to quantify the amount and flux of carbon stored by these newly discovered areas of enhanced carbonate accumulation in intermediate water depth. Furthermore, investigations so far reveal that all mounds possess different growth histories depending on the environmental setting and the involved faunal associations. Unfortunately, existing cores only penetrated the upper few meters of the mounds thus limiting mound research to the very late stage of mound development. Access to the longer sequences preserved in giant carbonate mounds was overcome in May 2005 when the IODP Expedition 307 (Porcupine Mound Drilling) recovered complete sedimentary records from one 155 m high "Challenger Mound" in the Porcupine Seabight west off Ireland. Furthermore, EU-FP projects have revealed late stage history of giant mounds in different settings showing that different mounds respond in different ways to environmental forcing factors with no one mound being typical of all. CARBONATE will drill complete sequences through a number of mounds in differing environmental settings using the portable drill rig MeBo (University of Bremen). By understanding how biogeochemical processes control the development of these carbonate mounds and their response to climate change, we will make an important step in quantifying their role as mid-latitude carbonate sinks. In the end, a better understanding of the processes involved in mound formation and development may also result in new views on fossil analogues many of which are less accessible hydrocarbon reservoirs.

Assessment of Deep Seated Geothermal Reservoirs in Selected European Sedimentary Environments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ungemach, Pierre; Antics, Miklos

2014-05-01

Europe at large enjoys a variety of sedimentary environments. They most often host dependable geothermal reservoirs thus favouring the farming of hot fluids, within the low to medium enthalpy range, among which geothermal district heating (GDH) and combined heat and power (CHP) undertakings hold a dominant share. Three selected reservoir settings, addressing carbonate and clastic deposits, the Central part of the Paris Basin, the Southern Germany Molasse Basin in the Münich area and the Netherland Basin respectively will be presented and the exploratory, modeling and development strategies discussed accordingly. Whereas 2D (reprocessed) and 3D seismics have become a standard in matching the distinctive (reef facies, an echelon faulting, carbonate platform layering) features of a deep buried karst and a key to drilling success in the Molasse Basin, thus emphasizing a leading exploratory rationale, the Netherland and Paris Basin instead benefit from a mature data base inherited from extensive hydrocarbon exploration campaigns, with concerns focused on reservoir modeling and sustainable management issues. As a result the lessons learned from the foregoing have enabled to build up a nucleus of expertise in the whole chain from resource identification to reservoir assessment and market penetration. The seismic risk, indeed a sensitive though somewhat emotional issue, which is requiring special attention and due microseismic monitoring from the geothermal community will also be commented.

Late Cenozoic Climate History of the Ross Embayment from the AND-1B Drill Hole: Culmination of Three Decades of Antarctic Margin Drilling

USGS Publications Warehouse

Naish, T.R.; Powell, R.D.; Barrett, P.J.; Levy, R.H.; Henrys, S.; Wilson, G.S.; Krissek, L.A.; Niessen, F.; Pompilio, M.; Ross, J.; Scherer, R.; Talarico, F.; Pyne, A.; ,

2007-01-01

Because of the paucity of exposed rock, the direct physical record of Antarctic Cenozoic glacial history has become known only recently and then largely from offshore shelf basins through seismic surveys and drilling. The number of holes on the continental shelf has been small and largely confined to three areas (McMurdo Sound, Prydz Bay, and Antarctic Peninsula), but even in McMurdo Sound, where Oligocene and early Miocene strata are well cored, the late Cenozoic is poorly known and dated. The latest Antarctic geological drilling program, ANDRILL, successfully cored a 1285-m-long record of climate history spanning the last 13 m.y. from subsea-floor sediment beneath the McMurdo Ice Shelf (MIS), using drilling systems specially developed for operating through ice shelves. The cores provide the most complete Antarctic record to date of ice-sheet and climate fluctuations for this period of Earth’s history. The >60 cycles of advance and retreat of the grounded ice margin preserved in the AND-1B record the evolution of the Antarctic ice sheet since a profound global cooling step in deep-sea oxygen isotope records ~14 m.y.a. A feature of particular interest is a ~90-m-thick interval of diatomite deposited during the warm Pliocene and representing an extended period (~200,000 years) of locally open water, high phytoplankton productivity, and retreat of the glaciers on land.

Bedside Treatment of Chronic Subdural Hematoma: Using Radiographic Characteristics to Revisit the Twist Drill.

PubMed

Garber, Sarah; McCaffrey, Jamie; Quigley, Edward P; MacDonald, Joel D

2016-05-01

Conventional treatment strategies for the management of symptomatic chronic subdural hematoma (cSDH) in the elderly include observation, operative burr holes or craniotomy, and bedside twist drill drainage. The decision on which technique to use should be determined by weighing the comorbidities and symptoms of the patient with the potential risks and benefits. The goal of this study was to identify radiographic characteristics on computed tomography scan that might be used to guide surgical decision making in terms of operative versus bedside removal of cSDH. We retrospectively reviewed clinical and radiographic features in patients who underwent bedside twist drill evacuation of a cSDH and those for a cohort of patients who underwent operative intervention via burr holes. We did not identify any clinical features or preoperative imaging characteristics to suggest an advantage of one procedure over the other. Additionally, complete radiographic resolution of cSDH on postoperative imaging is not required to relieve patient symptoms. Although bedside twist drill evacuation may avoid operating room costs and anesthetic complications in an elderly patient population and allow earlier resumption of anticoagulation treatment if necessary, there is also a risk of morbidity if uncontrolled bleeding is encountered or the patient is unable to tolerate the bedside procedure. However, bedside twist drill craniostomy is a reasonable and effective option for the treatment of subacute/chronic SDH in patients who may not be optimal surgical candidates. Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

Subsurface fluid pressures from drill-stem tests, Uinta Basin, Utah

USGS Publications Warehouse

Nelson, P.H.

2002-01-01

High fluid pressures are known to be associated with oil and gas fields in the Uinta Basin, Utah. Shut-in pressure measurements from drill-stem tests show how pressure varies with depth and by area within the basin. The data base used in this report incorporates over 2,000 pressure measurements from drill-stem tests in wells completed prior to 1985. However, the number of useful pressure measurements is considerably less, because many drill-stem tests fail to stabilize at the actual formation pressure if the permeability is low. By extracting the maximum pressure measurements recorded in a collection of wells within an area, the trend of formation pressure within that area can be approximated. Areal compilations of pressures from drill-stem tests show that overpressured rock formations occur throughout much of the northern and eastern areas of the Uinta Basin. In particular, significant overpressuring (0.5 < pressure gradient < 0.8 psi/ft) is found throughout much of the Altamont-Bluebell field at depths ranging from 10,000 to 13,000 ft, equivalent to 5,000 to 8,000 ft below sea level. Limited data indicate that the pressure gradient declines at depths greater than 13,000 ft. An underpressured zone appears to exist in the Altamont-Bluebell field at depths shallower than 5,000 ft. Throughout the eastern Uinta Basin, moderately overpressured zones (0.46 < pressure gradient < 0.5 psi/ft) are common, with local evidence of significantly overpressured zones, but pressure gradients greater than 0.6 psi/ft are rare.

San Andreas fault zone drilling project: scientific objectives and technological challenges

USGS Publications Warehouse

Hickman, Stephen; Younker, Leland; Zobeck, Mark; Cooper, George; ,

1994-01-01

We are leading a new international initiative to conduct scientific drilling within the San Andreas fault zone at depths of up to 10 km. This project is motivated by the need to understand the physical and chemical processes operating within the fault zone and to answer fundamental questions about earthquake generation along major plate-boundary faults. Through an integrated program of coring, fluid sampling, in-situ and laboratory experimentation and long-term monitoring, we hope to provide fundamental constraints on the structure, composition, mechanical behavior and physical state of the San Andreas fault system at depths comparable to the nucleation zones of great earthquakes. The drilling, sampling and observational requirements needed to ensure the success of this project are stringent. These include: 1) drilling stable vertical holes to depths of about 9 km in fractured rock at temperatures of up to 300??C; 2) continuous coring of inclined holes branched off these vertical boreholes to intersect the fault at depths of 3, 6 and 9 km; 3) conducting sophisticated borehole geophysical measurements and fluid/rock sampling at high temperatures and pressures; and 4) instrumenting some or all of these inclined core holes for continuous monitoring of seismicity and a broad range of physical and chemical properties over periods of up to several decades. For all of these tasks, because of the overpressured clay-rich formations anticipated within the fault zone at depth, we expect to encounter difficult drilling, coring and hole-completion conditions in the regions of greatest scientific interest.

Subsurface multidisciplinary research results at ICTJA-CSIC downhole lab and test site

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jurado, Maria Jose; Crespo, Jose; Salvany, Josep Maria; Teixidó, Teresa

2017-04-01

Two scientific boreholes, Almera-1 and Almera-2 were drilled in the Barcelona University campus area in 2011. The main purpose for this drilling was to create a new geophysical logging and downhole monitoring research facility and infrastructure. We present results obtained in the frame of multidisciplinary studies and experiments carried out since 2011 at the ICTJA "Borehole Geophysical Logging Lab - Scientific Boreholes Almera" downhole lab facilities. First results obtained from the scientific drilling, coring and logging allowed us to characterize the urban subsurface geology and hydrology adjacent to the Institute of Earth Sciences Jaume Almera (ICTJA-CSIC) in Barcelona. The subsurface geology and structural picture has been completed with recent geophysical studies and monitoring results. The upper section of Almera-1 214m deep hole was cased with PVC after drilling and after the logging operations. An open hole interval was left from 112m to TD (Paleozoic section). Almera-2 drilling reached 46m and was cased also with PVC to 44m. Since completion of the drilling in 2011, both Almera-1 and Almera-2 have been extensively used for research purposes, tests, training, hydrological and geophysical monitoring. A complete set of geophysical logging measurements and borehole oriented images were acquired in open hole mode of the entire Almera-1 section. Open hole measurements included acoustic and optical imaging, spectral natural gamma ray, full wave acoustic logging, magnetic susceptibility, hydrochemical-temperature logs and fluid sampling. Through casing (PVC casing) measurements included spectral gamma ray logging, full wave sonic and acoustic televiewer. A Quaternary to Paleozoic section was characterized based on the geophysical logging and borehole images interpretation and also on the complete set of (wireline) cores of the entire section. Sample availability was intended for geological macro and micro-facies detailed characterization, mineralogical and petrophysical tests and analyses. The interpretation of the geophysical logging data and borehole oriented images, and core data allowed us to define the stratigraphy, structures and petrophysical properties in the subsurface. Quaternary sediments overlie unconformably weathered, deformed and partially metamorphosed Paleozoic rocks. A gap of the Tertiary rocks at the drillsite was detected. Structures at intensely fractured and faulted sections were measured and have yielded valuable data to understand the subsurface geology, hydrology and geological evolution in that area. Logging, borehole imaging and monitoring carried out in the scientific boreholes Almera-1 and Almera-2 has allowed also to identify three preferential groundwater flow paths in the subsurface. Geophysical logging data combined with groundwater monitoring allowed us to identify three zones of high permeability in the subsurface. Logging data combined with core analysis were used to characterize the aquifers lithology and their respective petrophysical properties. We also analyzed the aquifer dynamics and potential relationships between the variations in groundwater levels and the rainfalls by comparing the groundwater monitoring results and the rainfall. A seismic survey was carried out to outline the geological structures beyond Almera-1 borehole, a vertical reverse pseudo-3D (2.5D) seismic tomography experiment. The results allowed us to define the geological structure beyond the borehole wall and also a correlation between the different geological units in the borehole and their geometry and spatial geophysical and seismic image.

Tuna field, a recent Gippsland development

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

O'Byrne, M.J.; Henderson, D.J.

1983-05-09

Successfully completed in 1982, the Tuna field in Australia's Gippsland basin was the most complex of the fields developed by Esso in that area. The commercial oil and gas reserves are contained in four sets of reservoirs in the Upper Cretaceous to Eocene Latrobe group sediments in a faulted and partly eroded anticlinal closure. Some of these reservoirs were not discovered until the development phase of drilling, causing significant changes to the initial development plan, notably the installation of multiple completions in 13 wells. The types of completions used were single, tandem, dual, and dual/tandem.

Method for producing viscous hydrocarbons

DOEpatents

Poston, Robert S.

1982-01-01

A method for recovering viscous hydrocarbons and synthetic fuels from a subterranean formation by drilling a well bore through the formation and completing the well by cementing a casing means in the upper part of the pay zone. The well is completed as an open hole completion and a superheated thermal vapor stream comprised of steam and combustion gases is injected into the lower part of the pay zone. The combustion gases migrate to the top of the pay zone and form a gas cap which provides formation pressure to produce the viscous hydrocarbons and synthetic fuels.

Postbaccalaureate Reverse Transfer Students in Iowa: An Expanded Look at Community College Students with Previous Degrees Earned

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Friedel, Janice Nahra; Friesleben, Kelly L.

2017-01-01

Postbaccalaureate reverse transfer students (PRTSs) are students that enroll at a community college after completion of at least a bachelor's degree. This study expanded the definition of PRTSs by including students that had completed an associate's degree prior to enrolling at a community college. This report is an exploratory, descriptive study…

Magma Energy Research, 79-1. Semiannual report, October 1, 1978-March 31, 1979

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Traeger, R.K.; Colp, J.L.; Neel, R.R.

1979-07-01

A major effort in evaluating Kilauea Iki lava lake has been completed. The physical model based on FY 76 geophysical experiments is not correct in that a low viscosity, liquid lens of appreciable thickness does not exist. Mathematical models of the cooling of the lava lake and the state of solidification of the liquid lens were verified by thermal profile and permeability measurements. New jet-augmented drilling concepts successfully penetrated the viscous, multi-phase molten rock region in some locations where conventional drilling failed. Heat transfer studies in the lake suggest injection of fluids to enhance convection may be useful to extractmore » energy from magma chamber margins. Other activities resulted in the completion and successful testing of a 800 cc simulation facility for evaluating simulated magma properties at temperatures to 1500/sup 0/C and pressures to 4 kbar. In materials compatibility studies, thermodynamic stability diagrams were developed for 15 pure metals in basaltic magma systems and compatibility tests completed. Results are being used to define simple alloy systems which may be compatible with magmas and to identify other superalloy materials candidates.« less

Control system for high power laser drilling workover and completion unit

DOEpatents

Zediker, Mark S; Makki, Siamak; Faircloth, Brian O; DeWitt, Ronald A; Allen, Erik C; Underwood, Lance D

2015-05-12

A control and monitoring system controls and monitors a high power laser system for performing high power laser operations. The control and monitoring system is configured to perform high power laser operation on, and in, remote and difficult to access locations.

Oilfield reclamation in mixed grass prairie restores nematode but not plant communities

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Background/Questions/Methods: Energy development in North American grasslands involves developing oil well pads and access roads. Reclamation/revegetation is constant: interim reclaims are conducted when drilling is complete and pumping commences, and final reclamation occurs upon cessation of well ...

RoboSimian Cuts Hole in Wall

NASA Image and Video Library

2015-06-09

Using a cordless power drill, RoboSimian cuts a hole into a panel of drywall to complete one of the tasks in the DARPA Robotics Challenge Finals in Pomona, California. This image was taken on June 6, 2015. http://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA19326

Calibration of Resistance Factors Needed in the LRFD Design of Drilled Shafts

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2010-09-01

The first report on Load and Resistance Factor Design (LRFD) calibration of driven piles in Louisiana (LTRC Final Report 449) was : completed in May 2009. As a continuing effort to implement the LRFD design methodology for deep foundations in Louisia...

Calibration of resistance factors needed in the LRFD design of drilled shafts.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2010-09-01

The first report on Load and Resistance Factor Design (LRFD) calibration of driven piles in Louisiana (LTRC Final Report 449) was completed in May 2009. As a continuing effort to implement the LRFD design methodology for deep foundations in Louisiana...

Calibration of resistance factors needed in the LRFD design of drilled shafts.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2010-09-01

The first report on Load and Resistance Factor Design (LRFD) calibration of driven piles in Louisiana (LTRC Final Report 449) was : completed in May 2009. As a continuing effort to implement the LRFD design methodology for deep foundations in Louisia...

Self-cleaning effect in high quality percussion ablating of cooling hole by picosecond ultra-short pulse laser

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Wanqin; Yu, Zhishui

2018-06-01

Comparing with the trepanning technology, cooling hole could be processed based on the percussion drilling with higher processing efficiency. However, it is widely believed that the ablating precision of hole is lower for percussion drilling than for trepanning, wherein, the melting spatter materials around the hole surface and the recast layer inside the hole are the two main issues for reducing the ablating precision of hole, especially for the recast layer, it can't be eliminated completely even through the trepanning technology. In this paper, the self-cleaning effect which is a particular property just for percussion ablating of holes has been presented in detail. In addition, the reasons inducing the self-cleaning effect have been discussed. At last, based on the self-cleaning effect of percussion drilling, high quality cooling hole without the melting spatter materials around the hole surface and recast layer inside the hole could be ablated in nickel-based superalloy by picosecond ultra-short pulse laser.

Shear Ram Verification Test Protocol (VTP) Best Practices

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lindley, Roy A.; Braun, Joseph C.

A blowout preventer (BOP) is a critical component used on subsea oil and gas wells during drilling, completion, and workover operations on the U. S. outer continental shelf (OCS). The purpose of the BOP is to seal oil and gas wells, and in the case of an emergency well-control event, to prevent the uncontrolled release of hydrocarbons. One of the most important components of the BOP is the hydraulically operated blind shear ram (BSR) that shears drilling-related components, such as drill pipes, casings, tubings, and wire-related tools that may have been placed in the well. In addition to shearing thesemore » components, the BSR must form a seal to keep hydrocarbons within the well bore, even when under the highest well-fluid pressures expected. The purpose of this document is for Argonne National Laboratory (ANL) to provide an independent view, based on current regulations, and best practices for testing and confirming the operability and suitability of BSRs under realistic (or actual) well conditions.« less

Towngas Lantau link beach approach, Hong Kong and China Gas Co. Ltd.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Callnon, D.P.; Bertolucci, L.

1997-07-01

Horizontal directional drilling (HDD) laid dual, 12-in. OD, natural gas pipelines beneath a critical sea wall on Lantau island, Hong Kong New Territories. This was part of a 30-mile gas pipeline crossing under the South China Sea associated with the Towngas Lantau construction project for Hong Kong`s new Chep Lap Kok International Airport. During a twenty-one day project, Cherrington Corp. drilled and forward-reamed two, 20-in., 1,294-ft. holes to pull back the twin pipelines. The project was completed during typhoon weather, strong currents and logistical problems associated with operation in a remote uninhabited area. The successful installation of the twin gasmore » lines was the result of proper hole design, high-quality surveying techniques and innovative directional drilling methods. Each hole exited approximately 90-ft. from the pre-installed product pipe in the sea floor trench. A 20-in. reamer with bull-nose and rear stabilizer was used to open both holes from 9 to 20-inches.« less

Libya: a dynamic Arab oil power

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hobbs, M.

1965-06-01

Libya has become the most dynamic oil-producing nation in the world. Less than 4 yr ago, Libya exported only peanuts, olive oil, and hides. Today, in crude-oil production Libya ranks eighth in the world, with daily production of 1.2 million bbl. Twenty-five oil companies hold concessions and have spent $1.3 billion developing reserves. Petroleum has brought new wealth to the country- an estimated $272 million in 1965. Some 2.75 million ft of hole was drilled in 1964, resulting in 97 oil fields and 4 major basins. Lost circulation has been a problem Transportation and communication are difficult in the vastmore » Libyan desert. Water-contaminated crude and high salt content have plagued production. These problems are being solved. With 45 drillings rigs active, crude production is expected to reach 2 million bpd by 1966. Most of the rigs used are trailer-mounted, unitized 8,000-12,000 ft capacity, that have been specially adapted to work in the Sahara. The drilling-completion programs are briefly described.« less

Historical Isotopic Temperature Record from the Vostok Ice Core (420,000 years BP-present)

DOE Data Explorer

Petit, J. R. [Laboratoire de Glaciogie et Geophysique de l'Environnement; Raynaud, D. [Laboratoire de Glaciogie et Geophysique de l'Environnement; Lorius, C. [Laboratoire de Glaciogie et Geophysique de l'Environnement; Jouzel, J. [Laboratoire des Sciences du Climat et de l'Environnement; Delaygue, G. [Laboratoire des Sciences du Climat et de l'Environnement; Barkov, N. I. [Arctic and Antarctic Research Inst. (AARI), St. Petersburg (Russian Federation); Kotlyakov, V. M. [Institute of Geography, Russia

2000-01-01

Because isotopic fractions of the heavier oxygen-18 (18O) and deuterium (D) in snowfall are temperature-dependent and a strong spatial correlation exists between the annual mean temperature and the mean isotopic ratio (18O or δD) of precipitation, it is possible to derive ice-core climate records. The record presented by Jouzel et al. (1987) was the first ice core record to span a full glacial-interglacial cycle. That record was based on an ice core drilled at the Russian Vostok station in central east Antarctica. The 2083-m ice core was obtained during a series of drillings in the early 1970s and 1980s and was the result of collaboration between French and former-Soviet scientists. Drilling continued at Vostok and was completed in January 1998, reaching a depth of 3623 m, the deepest ice core ever recovered (Petit et al. 1997, 1999). The resulting core allows the ice core record of climate properties at Vostok to be extended to ~420 kyr BP.

Integrated test plan for directional boring

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Volk, B.W.

This integrated test plan describes the field testing of the DITCH WITCH Directional Boring System. DITCH WITCH is a registered trademark of The Charles Machine Works, Inc., Perry, Oklahoma. The test is being conducted as a coordinated effort between Charles Machine Works (CMW), Sandia National Laboratories (SNL), and the Westinghouse Hanford Company (WHC). Funding for the WHC portion of the project is through the Volatile Organic Compound-Arid Integrated Demonstration (VOC-Arid ID). The purpose of the test is to evaluate the performance of the directional boring system for possible future use on environmental restoration projects at Hanford and other Department ofmore » Energy (DOE) sites. The test will be conducted near the 200 Areas Fire Station located between the 200 East and 200 West Area of the Hanford Site. The directional boring system will be used to drill and complete (with fiberglass casing) two horizontal boreholes. A third borehole will be drilled to test sampling equipment but will not be completed with casing.« less

Smoking and the bandit: a preliminary study of smoker and nonsmoker differences in exploratory behavior measured with a multiarmed bandit task.

PubMed

Addicott, Merideth A; Pearson, John M; Wilson, Jessica; Platt, Michael L; McClernon, F Joseph

2013-02-01

Advantageous decision-making is an adaptive trade-off between exploring alternatives and exploiting the most rewarding option. This trade-off may be related to maladaptive decision-making associated with nicotine dependence; however, explore/exploit behavior has not been previously investigated in the context of addiction. The explore/exploit trade-off is captured by the multiarmed bandit task, in which different arms of a slot machine are chosen to discover the relative payoffs. The goal of this study was to preliminarily investigate whether smokers differ from nonsmokers in their degree of exploratory behavior. Smokers (n = 18) and nonsmokers (n = 17) completed a 6-armed bandit task as well as self-report measures of behavior and personality traits. Smokers were found to exhibit less exploratory behavior (i.e., made fewer switches between slot machine arms) than nonsmokers within the first 300 trials of the bandit task. The overall proportion of exploratory choices negatively correlated with self-reported measures of delay aversion and nonplanning impulsivity. These preliminary results suggest that smokers make fewer initial exploratory choices on the bandit task. The bandit task is a promising measure that could provide valuable insights into how nicotine use and dependence is associated with explore/exploit decision-making. (c) 2013 APA, all rights reserved.

Smoking and the bandit: A preliminary study of smoker and non-smoker differences in exploratory behavior measured with a multi-armed bandit task

PubMed Central

Addicott, Merideth A.; Pearson, John M.; Wilson, Jessica; Platt, Michael L.; McClernon, F. Joseph

2014-01-01

Advantageous decision-making is an adaptive trade-off between exploring alternatives and exploiting the most rewarding option. This trade-off may be related to maladaptive decision-making associated with nicotine dependence; however, explore/exploit behavior has not been previously investigated in the context of addiction. The explore/exploit trade-off is captured by the multi-armed bandit task, in which different arms of a slot machine are chosen to discover the relative payoffs. The goal of this study was to preliminarily investigate whether smokers differ from non-smokers in their degree of exploratory behavior. Smokers (n = 18) and non-smokers (n = 17) completed a six-armed bandit task as well as self-report measures of behavior and personality traits. Smokers were found to exhibit less exploratory behavior (i.e. made fewer switches between slot machine arms) than non-smokers within the first 300 trials of the bandit task. The overall proportion of exploratory choices negatively correlated with self-reported measures of delay aversion and nonplanning impulsivity. These preliminary results suggest that smokers make fewer initial exploratory choices on the bandit task. The bandit task is a promising measure that could provide valuable insights into how nicotine use and dependence is associated with explore/exploit decision-making. PMID:23245198

Laboratory Equipment for Investigation of Coring Under Mars-like Conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zacny, K.; Cooper, G.

2004-12-01

To develop a suitable drill bit and set of operating conditions for Mars sample coring applications, it is essential to make tests under conditions that match those of the mission. The goal of the laboratory test program was to determine the drilling performance of diamond-impregnated bits under simulated Martian conditions, particularly those of low pressure and low temperature in a carbon dioxide atmosphere. For this purpose, drilling tests were performed in a vacuum chamber kept at a pressure of 5 torr. Prior to drilling, a rock, soil or a clay sample was cooled down to minus 80 degrees Celsius (Zacny et al, 2004). Thus, all Martian conditions, except the low gravity were simulated in the controlled environment. Input drilling parameters of interest included the weight on bit and rotational speed. These two independent variables were controlled from a PC station. The dependent variables included the bit reaction torque, the depth of the bit inside the drilled hole and the temperatures at various positions inside the drilled sample, in the center of the core as it was being cut and at the bit itself. These were acquired every second by a data acquisition system. Additional information such as the rate of penetration and the drill power were calculated after the test was completed. The weight of the rock and the bit prior to and after the test were measured to aid in evaluating the bit performance. In addition, the water saturation of the rock was measured prior to the test. Finally, the bit was viewed under the Scanning Electron Microscope and the Stereo Optical Microscope. The extent of the bit wear and its salient features were captured photographically. The results revealed that drilling or coring under Martian conditions in a water saturated rock is different in many respects from drilling on Earth. This is mainly because the Martian atmospheric pressure is in the vicinity of the pressure at the triple point of water. Thus ice, heated by contact with the rotating bit, sublimed and released water vapor. The volumetric expansion of ice turning into a vapor was over 150 000 times. This continuously generated volume of gas effectively cleared the freeze-dried rock cuttings from the bottom of the hole. In addition, the subliming ice provided a powerful cooling effect that kept the bit cold and preserved the core in its original state. Keeping the rock core below freezing also reduced drastically the chances of cross contamination. To keep the bit cool in near vacuum conditions where convective cooling is poor, some intermittent stops would have to be made. Under virtually the same drilling conditions, coring under Martian low temperature and pressure conditions consumed only half the power while doubling the rate of penetration as compared to drilling under Earth atmospheric conditions. However, the rate of bit wear was much higher under Martian conditions (Zacny and Cooper, 2004) References Zacny, K. A., M. C. Quayle, and G. A. Cooper (2004), Laboratory drilling under Martian conditions yields unexpected results, J. Geophys. Res., 109, E07S16, doi:10.1029/2003JE002203. Zacny, K. A., and G. A. Cooper (2004), Investigation of diamond-impregnated drill bit wear while drilling under Earth and Mars conditions, J. Geophys. Res., 109, E07S10, doi:10.1029/2003JE002204. Acknowledgments The research supported by the NASA Astrobiology, Science and Technology Instrument Development (ASTID) program.

Otolith Dysfunction Alters Exploratory Movement in Mice

PubMed Central

Blankenship, Philip A.; Cherep, Lucia A.; Donaldson, Tia N.; Brockman, Sarah N.; Trainer, Alexandria D.; Yoder, Ryan M.; Wallace, Douglas G.

2017-01-01

The organization of rodent exploratory behavior appears to depend on self-movement cue processing. As of yet, however, no studies have directly examined the vestibular system’s contribution to the organization of exploratory movement. The current study sequentially segmented open field behavior into progressions and stops in order to characterize differences in movement organization between control and otoconia-deficient tilted mice under conditions with and without access to visual cues. Under completely dark conditions, tilted mice exhibited similar distance traveled and stop times overall, but had significantly more circuitous progressions, larger changes in heading between progressions, and less stable clustering of home bases, relative to control mice. In light conditions, control and tilted mice were similar on all measures except for the change in heading between progressions. This pattern of results is consistent with otoconia-deficient tilted mice using visual cues to compensate for impaired self-movement cue processing. This work provides the first empirical evidence that signals from the otolithic organs mediate the organization of exploratory behavior, based on a novel assessment of spatial orientation. PMID:28235587

Rescuing the Cahoon Mine drill cores: Opportunities for modern mapping of the ca. 1.7 Ga Freedom Formation in southern Wisconsin

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stanley, V.; Stewart, E.

2016-12-01

Rock cores collected during historic mineral exploration can provide invaluable data for modern analyses, but only if the samples are properly curated. The Cahoon Mine operated in Baraboo, WI during the 1910's and produced iron ore from the ca. 1.7 Ga Freedom Formation. The Freedom Formation is part of the well-known Baraboo-interval stratigraphy and is only present in the subsurface of Wisconsin (Weidman, 1904). Seventeen exploratory drill cores were rescued by Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey (WGNHS) from the original drying house at the mine site. The condition of the containers endangered the stratigraphic context of the collection; identifiers and depth markings were often obscured or lost. The individual core pieces were coated in residue and dust. Most of what is known about the Freedom Formation is from core logs and master's theses from the early 1900's (Leith, 1935; Schmidt, 1951). Ongoing subsurface mapping of the Baraboo-interval sediments and underlying basement of southern Wisconsin integrates new and existing subsurface and regional geophysical datasets. Mapping involves calibrating unique signals in regional aeromagnetic data to known lithology from drill core and cuttings. The Freedom Formation is especially important in this process as its iron-rich composition and regional continuity causes it to have a somewhat unique signal in regional aeromagnetic data. The Cahoon Mine cores in the WGNHS repository are the most extensive collection of physical samples from the Freedom Formation still in existence. We are in the process of curating the cores to facilitate their use in ongoing bedrock mapping. Today the cost and logistics of extensive sampling of this unit makes the existing core collection irreplaceable. We transferred the material to new containers, digitally recorded metadata, and created archival labels. As a result of this effort, the Cahoon Mine cores are now stored in a format that is physically and digitally accessible.

New exploration targets in Malaysia: Deep sandstone reservoirs in Malay basin and turbidites in Sabah basin

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ngah, K.B.

1996-12-31

Much of the production in Malaysia is from middle to upper Miocene sandstones and carbonates in three main basins: Malay, Sarawak (Its three subbasins-Central Luconia, Balingian and Baram), and Sabah. Fifteen fields produce an average of 630,000 bopd and 3.0 bcfgpd. More than 4.0 billion barrels of oil and 20 tcf of gas have been produced, and reserves are 4.2 billion barrels of oil and 90 tcf. Oil production will decline within the next 1 0 years unless new discoveries are made and/or improved oil recovery methods introduced, but gas production of 5 tcf, expected after the turn of themore » century, can be sustained for several decades. Successful exploratory wells continue to be drilled in the Malaysian Tertiary basins, and others are anticipated with application of new ideas and technology. In the Malay basin, Miocene sandstone reservoirs in Groups L and M have been considered as very {open_quote}high risk{close_quotes} targets, the quality of the reservoirs has generally been thought to be poor, especially toward the basinal center, where they occur at greater depth. The cause of porosity loss is primarily burial-related. Because of this factor and overpressuring, drilling of many exploration wells has been suspended at or near the top of Group L. In a recent prospect drilled near the basinal axis on the basis of advanced seismic technology, Groups L and M sandstones show fair porosity (8-15%) and contain gas. In the Sabah basin, turbidite play has received little attention, partly because of generally poor seismic resolution in a very complex structural setting. Only one field is known to produce oil from middle Miocene turbidities. However, using recently acquired 3-D seismic data over this field, new oil pools have been discovered, and they are currently being developed. These finds have created new interest, as has Shell`s recent major gas discovery from a turbidite play in this basin.« less

New exploration targets in Malaysia: Deep sandstone reservoirs in Malay basin and turbidites in Sabah basin

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ngah, K.B.

1996-01-01

Much of the production in Malaysia is from middle to upper Miocene sandstones and carbonates in three main basins: Malay, Sarawak (Its three subbasins-Central Luconia, Balingian and Baram), and Sabah. Fifteen fields produce an average of 630,000 bopd and 3.0 bcfgpd. More than 4.0 billion barrels of oil and 20 tcf of gas have been produced, and reserves are 4.2 billion barrels of oil and 90 tcf. Oil production will decline within the next 1 0 years unless new discoveries are made and/or improved oil recovery methods introduced, but gas production of 5 tcf, expected after the turn of themore » century, can be sustained for several decades. Successful exploratory wells continue to be drilled in the Malaysian Tertiary basins, and others are anticipated with application of new ideas and technology. In the Malay basin, Miocene sandstone reservoirs in Groups L and M have been considered as very [open quote]high risk[close quotes] targets, the quality of the reservoirs has generally been thought to be poor, especially toward the basinal center, where they occur at greater depth. The cause of porosity loss is primarily burial-related. Because of this factor and overpressuring, drilling of many exploration wells has been suspended at or near the top of Group L. In a recent prospect drilled near the basinal axis on the basis of advanced seismic technology, Groups L and M sandstones show fair porosity (8-15%) and contain gas. In the Sabah basin, turbidite play has received little attention, partly because of generally poor seismic resolution in a very complex structural setting. Only one field is known to produce oil from middle Miocene turbidities. However, using recently acquired 3-D seismic data over this field, new oil pools have been discovered, and they are currently being developed. These finds have created new interest, as has Shell's recent major gas discovery from a turbidite play in this basin.« less

Sweet lake geopressured-geothermal project, Magma Gulf-Technadril/DOE Amoco Fee. Annual report, December 1, 1979-February 27, 1981. Volume I. Drilling and completion test well and disposal well

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Rodgers, R.W.

The Sweet lake site is located approximately 15 miles southeast of Lake Charles in Cameron Parish, Louisiana. A geological study showed that the major structure in this area is a graben. The dip of the beds is northwesterly into the basin. A well drilled into the deep basin would find the target sand below 18,000', at high pressures and temperatures. However, since there is no well control in the basin, the specific site was chosen on the 15,000' contour of the target sand in the eastern, more narrow part of the garben. Those key control wells are present within onemore » mile of the test well. The information acquired by drilling the test well confirmed the earlier geologic study. The target sand was reached at 15,065', had a porosity of over 20% and a permeability to water of 300 md. The original reservoir pressure was 12,060 psi and the bottom hole temperature 299{sup 0}F. There are approximately 250 net feet of sand available for the perforation. The disposal well was drilled to a total depth of 7440'.« less

OPTIMIZATION OF MUD HAMMER DRILLING PERFORMANCE - A PROGRAM TO BENCHMARK THE VIABILITY OF ADVANCED MUD HAMMER DRILLING

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Arnis Judzis

2002-10-01

This document details the progress to date on the OPTIMIZATION OF MUD HAMMER DRILLING PERFORMANCE -- A PROGRAM TO BENCHMARK THE VIABILITY OF ADVANCED MUD HAMMER DRILLING contract for the quarter starting July 2002 through September 2002. Even though we are awaiting the optimization portion of the testing program, accomplishments include the following: (1) Smith International agreed to participate in the DOE Mud Hammer program. (2) Smith International chromed collars for upcoming benchmark tests at TerraTek, now scheduled for 4Q 2002. (3) ConocoPhillips had a field trial of the Smith fluid hammer offshore Vietnam. The hammer functioned properly, though themore » well encountered hole conditions and reaming problems. ConocoPhillips plan another field trial as a result. (4) DOE/NETL extended the contract for the fluid hammer program to allow Novatek to ''optimize'' their much delayed tool to 2003 and to allow Smith International to add ''benchmarking'' tests in light of SDS Digger Tools' current financial inability to participate. (5) ConocoPhillips joined the Industry Advisors for the mud hammer program. (6) TerraTek acknowledges Smith International, BP America, PDVSA, and ConocoPhillips for cost-sharing the Smith benchmarking tests allowing extension of the contract to complete the optimizations.« less

78 FR 38704 - Mississippi Hub, LLC; Notice of Application

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-06-27

... finished drilling the injection and withdrawal wells for Cavern 3 and is presently leaching the underground salt formation. The proposed increase in capacity will entail continued leaching of Cavern 3 to reach the proposed new capacity levels. The activity will be completed using the existing leaching...

Enriching Addition and Subtraction Fact Mastery through Games

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bay-Williams, Jennifer M.; Kling, Gina

2014-01-01

The learning of "basic facts"--single-digit combinations for addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division--has long been a focus of elementary school mathematics. Many people remember completing endless worksheets, timed tests, and flash card drills as they attempted to "master" their basic facts as children. However,…

An Overview of Current and Projected Shale and Tight Gas Water Use in Texas: Implications for Local Water Resources, March 29-30, 2011

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

The objective of the study was to determine the amount of water used for different purposes (well drilling, completion, and secondary and tertiary recovery processes of conventional resources) across the state.

30 CFR 33.12 - Changes after certification.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

..., AND APPROVAL OF MINING PRODUCTS DUST COLLECTORS FOR USE IN CONNECTION WITH ROCK DRILLING IN COAL MINES... current recognition by a laboratory accrediting organization; (ii) Complete technical explanation of how... Subchapter D of this chapter (Bureau of Mines Schedule 2, revised, the current revision of which is Schedule...

30 CFR 33.12 - Changes after certification.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

..., AND APPROVAL OF MINING PRODUCTS DUST COLLECTORS FOR USE IN CONNECTION WITH ROCK DRILLING IN COAL MINES... current recognition by a laboratory accrediting organization; (ii) Complete technical explanation of how... Subchapter D of this chapter (Bureau of Mines Schedule 2, revised, the current revision of which is Schedule...

Users manual for the Texas quick-load method for foundation load testing.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1976-12-01

The Texas State Department of Highways and Public Transportation has developed and implemented a "quick-load" method for load testing piling and drilled shafts. Using this method a load test can be completed in a relatively short time of one to two...

30 CFR 250.1607 - Field rules.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... engineering information in a field enables a District Manager to determine specific operating requirements, field rules may be established for drilling, well completion, or well workover on the District Manager's... cause at any time upon the initiative of the District Manager or upon the request of a lessee. ...

Completion Report for Well ER-20-12: Corrective Action Units 101 and 102: Central and Western Pahute Mesa

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wurtz, Jeff

2016-08-01

Well ER-20-12 was drilled for the U.S. Department of Energy, Nevada National Security Administration Nevada Field Office in support of the Underground Test Area Activity. The well was drilled from October 2015 to January 2016 as an addition to the Central and Western Pahute Mesa corrective action units 101 and 102 the Phase II drilling program. Well ER-20-12 was identified based on recommendations of the Pahute Mesa Guidance Team as a result of anomalous tritium detections in groundwater samples collected from Well PM-3 in 2011 and 2013. The primary purpose of the well was to provide information on the hydrogeologymore » in the area downgradient of select underground tests on Western Pahute Mesa and define hydraulic properties in the saturated Tertiary volcanic rocks. The main 46.99-centimeter (cm) (18.5-inch [in.]) borehole was drilled to a depth of 765.14 meters (m) (2,510.3 ft) and the hole opened to 66.04 cm (26 in.); followed by the 50.80-cm (20-in.) surface casing, which was installed and sealed with cement; and a piezometer (p4) was set in the Timber Mountain welded-tuff aquifer (TMWTA) between the casing and the open borehole. The borehole was continued with a 46.99-cm (18.5-in.) drill bit to a depth of 1,326.53 m (4,352.16 ft), and an intermediate 24.44-cm (9.625-in.) casing was installed and sealed to 1,188.72 m (3,900.00 ft) A piezometer (p3) was installed across the Calico Hills zeolitic composite unit (CHZCM) (lava-flow aquifer [LFA]) in the annulus of the open borehole. Two additional piezometers were installed and completed between the intermediate casing and the borehole wall, one (p2) in the CHZCM and one (p1) in the Belted Range aquifer (BRA). The piezometers are set to monitor groundwater properties in the completed intervals. The borehole was continued with a 21.59-cm (8.5-in.) drill bit to a total depth of 1,384.80 m (4,543.33 ft), and the main completion 13.97-cm (5.5-in.) casing was installed in the open borehole across the Pre-Belted Range composite unit (PBRCM). Data collected during hole construction include composite drill cutting samples collected every 3.0 m (10 ft), geophysical logs, hydrophysical logs, percussion core samples, water-quality measurements (including tritium), and water-level measurements. The well penetrated 1,384.4 m (4,543.33 ft) of Tertiary volcanic rocks. The stratigraphy and lithology were generally as expected with one noted exception. A thick lava-flow and related ash-flow tuffs were identified as Calico Hills Formation (Th), and no Crater Flat units were noted. Additionally, many of the Thirsty Canyon and Timber Mountain units were thicker than expected. Fluid levels measured in the borehole during drilling are the following: (1) on November 2, 2015, Navarro measured the fluid level in the borehole at a depth of 492.33 m (1,615.25 ft) below ground surface (bgs); (2) Schlumberger and COLOG recorded fluid levels during geophysical logging on November 4 and 5, 2015, at a depth of 492.86 m (1,617 ft) and 492.25 m (1,615 ft) bgs, respectively; and (3) on December 4, 2015, COLOG and Navarro measured fluid level in the 20-in. casing with an open borehole to 1,326.54 m (4,352.16 ft) bgs at 575.77 m (1,889.00 ft) and 574.03 m (1,883.3 ft) bgs, respectively. These and subsequent water-level measurements indicate a potential head difference of greater than 76.2 m (250 ft) for groundwater in aquifers above and below the Upper Paintbrush confining unit (UPCU). As expected, tritium was occasionally measured above the Safe Drinking Water Act limit (20,000 picocuries per liter [pCi/L]). Lab analysis on four bailed samples and taken from the undeveloped well indicate that the tritium activities average approximately 36,545 pCi/L. All Fluid Management Plan (FMP) requirements for Well ER-20-12 were met. Analysis of monitoring samples and FMP confirmatory samples indicate that fluids generated during drilling at ER-20-12 met the FMP criteria for discharge to the lined sump and designated infiltration area. All sanitary and hydrocarbon waste generated was properly handled and disposed of.« less

[Case-control study on two suturing methods for the repairing of complete rupture of the deltoid ligament].

PubMed

Zhang, Tao; Wan, Chun-you; Ma, Bao-tong; Xu, Wei-guo; Mei, Xiao-long; Jia, Peng; Liu, Lei

2016-05-01

To compare clinical outcomes between two suturing methods using non absorbable materials through drilling the bone and suturing anchors for the treatment of complete rupture of the deltoid ligament. From January 2009 to January 2013, 58 hospitalized patients with ankle fracture combined with complete rupture of the deltoid ligament were treated with suturing using non absorbable materials through drilling the bone or suturing anchors. There were 29 patients who received suturing treatments using non absorbable materials through drilling the bone (Group A), including 18 males and 11 females, with an average age of (39.76 +/- 11.81) years old. According to the Lauge-Hansen classification, 12 patients had supination external rotation (SER) injuries with IV degree, 5 patients had pronation external rotation (PER) injuries with III degree, 10 patients had PER injuries with IV degrss, and 2 patients had pronation abduction injuries with III degree. There were 29 patients who received treatments with suturing using anchors (Group B), including 14 males and 15 females, with an average age of (41.79 +/- 13.28) years old. According to the Lauge-Hansen classification,9 patients had SER injuries with IV degree, 6 patients had PER injuries with III degree,13 patients had PER injuries with IV degree, and 1 patient had pronation abduction injuries with III degree. All the patients were treated with open reduction and internal fixation, as well as reconstruction of deltoid ligaments to restore the stability of the medial ankle structures. The clinical examination, imaging evaluation, American society for ankle surgery (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot score and visual analogue scale (VAS) were used to evaluate the clinical results after operation, and the results of the two groups were compared and analyzed statistically. The follow-up duration of the 58 patients ranged from 23 to 40 months,with an average of 27.3 months. All the patients had fracture union, and the mean healing time was 12.3 weeks (ranged, 10 to 17 weeks). There were no incision complications and ankle instability. There were no significant differences between two groups in AOFAS (P=0.666) and the VAS (P=0.905). Treatments of complete rupture of the deltiod ligaments with the two suturing methods get similar good clinical effects, but the suturing using non absorbable materials through drilling the bone has several advantages such as reducing the financial burden of patients, saving social medical resources and avoiding the shortcoming in difficult removal of anchor suture.