Low-cost modifications boost capacity, crude processing flexibility

A project design that maximizes use of existing equipment in expanding a refinery’s crude oil processing capacity, and limits equipment additions to only those necessary, improves timelines and yields while reducing costs. Source: News

Modeling ensures stability of Chinese CBM horizontal wells

Successfully drilling horizontal coalbed methane wells depends on wellbore stability, which in turn depends on coal-seam thickness, seam depth, coal cohesion, overburden stress, wellbore length, reservoir pressure, and the drilling fluid used. Source: News

Resistivity, magnetic data delineate volcanic tuff in Travis County, Tex.

A combination of resistivity and magnetic data provided valuable information for delineating volcanic vents and dikes, further defining geological contacts of volcanic tuff and solid basaltic rocks in the Austin area and throughout Texas. Source: News

Educational drones

Rice Center for Engineering Leadership (RCEL) partnered with BP PLC and Trumbull Unmanned this past summer on a 3-day drone camp to help Houston-area middle-school and high-school students understand better the technology and social issues surrounding unmanned aerial vehicles. Source: News

SPE ATCE: Panel draws industry roadmap to 2040

Panelists at the opening general session of the Society of Petroleum Engineers’ Annual Technology Conference & Expo (ATCE) were asked to discuss how the oil and gas industry will meet energy demand that is expected to rise 32% by 2040. Source: News