Services for the Oil and Gas Industry

For more than half a century, Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) has solved a wide range of problems for the oil and gas industry. As a result, the Institute has developed a comprehensive understanding of industry needs and priorities, as well as the technologies to meet those needs. With broad capabilities in oil and gas industry services, the Institute provides a significant, single resource to small service companies and independent operators as well as large, fully integrated corporations.

SwRI's success is based on a multidisciplinary, integrated approach to problem-solving that continually produces innovations in the presence of evolving technologies and market forces.

The Institute's comprehensive services address oil and gas industry needs in:

• Exploration
  
• Reservoir Characterization
  
• Drilling and Completion Technology
  
• Production, Pipeline, and Downstream Operations
  
• Product Properties and Processing
  
• Safety and Environmental Engineering
  
• Maintenance and Inspection Technology

Industry-Wide Services

SwRI operates a variety of deep ocean simulators to evaluate equipment, such as this subsea control module, under a wide range of deep sea conditions, including pressure, temperature, and salinity at various depths.

Combining customized consultations, field studies, and laboratory and analytical capabilities, SwRI offers real-world solutions to the most complex and challenging problems associated with oil and gas technology. The Institute's broad program applies a wide range of technical capabilities, including:

Materials and Structural Engineering

• Structural design and analysis
  
• Structural integrity inspection and monitoring
  
• Failure analysis of equipment and materials
  
• Welding and fabrication
  
• Advanced material development, evaluation, and characterization
  
• Product design, development, and testing

Offshore Technology

• Deep ocean simulation
  
• Deep ocean equipment development and testing
  
• Full-scale, large-scale structural testing
  
• Downhole equipment evaluation
  
• Advanced marine vehicle development
  
• Ocean applications for composites
  
• Rapid prototyping

Physical Environmental Simulation and Qualification Testing

• Shock, vibration, and acoustic
  
• Temperature, pressure, and humidity
  
• Combined environments

Fluid/Thermal Systems Optimization

• Computational fluid/thermal/structural dynamics analysis
  
• System and component performance testing
  
• Transient and steady-state evaluations

Exploration

With extensive field and modeling experience, SwRI scientists provide expertise in exploration geology and geophysics, including structural geology, hydrology, geochemistry, and geomorphology. Additional areas of expertise include instrumentation, geophysical data processing, and modeling. The Institute's unique laboratories are supported by sophisticated computer modeling and visualization techniques, providing integrated, multidisciplinary problem-solving capabilities.

Exploration Geology

• Mechanical and kinematic analyses of deformation processes
  
• In situ stress modeling and analysis
  
• Field courses in extensional tectonic regimes
  
• Tectonic field investigations
  
• Geographical information system and 3-D modeling and visualization
  
• Microstructural analysis
  
• Burial and exhumation analysis
  
• Neotectonics
  
• Paleomagnetics
  
• Hydrocarbon migration and trap modeling
  
• Geochemical analysis of diagenetic processes

SwRI scientists use physical analog models to study complex geologic structures such as this releasing bend in a strike-slip fault system (shown here in cross section). Modeling reveals the kinematic development of structurally complex hydrocarbon systems and provides information on areas of rapid subsidence and reservoir deposition, potential migration pathways, and hydrocarbon traps.

Geophysical Instrumentation and Modeling

• Wireline or logging cable telemetry
  
• Wireless telemetry
  
• Data collection, processing, and display
  
• Seismic, gravity, and electromagnetic modeling
  
• Electro-optical technology

Special Capabilities

• Physical analog modeling
  
• Core flood analysis
  
• Rock mechanics testing
  
• Rock sample preparation
  
• Optical microscopy and imaging
  
• Fluid inclusion microscopy and microthermometry
  
• Static and differential global positioning system (GPS) studies

The 3DStress™ program calculates slip tendency (top) and direction, dilation tendency (bottom), and leakage potential of faults and fractures, permitting two- and three-dimensional analyses of stress effects on faults and fractures. This SwRI-developed program received an R&D 100 award from R&D Magazine, designating it as one of the world's 100 most significant technical accomplishments of 1998.

Reservoir Characterization

Using SwRI's advanced seismic modeling, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) imaging, and data-processing capabilities, multidisciplinary project teams integrate geophysical and well-log data to characterize oil and gas reservoir properties. State-of-the-art simulation and visualization techniques provide predictive data inversion for the characterization of reservoir parameters.

Characterizing permeability barriers between hydrocarbon wells enables more accurate estimates of reserves and more effective implementation of production procedures. Synthetic data are processed by SwRI-developed models that analyze frequency and depth-dependent energy levels of crosswell seismic waves to predict the presence of continuous and discontinuous formations.

Geophysical Modeling

• Seismic modeling in anisotropic and poroelastic formations
  
• Computer modeling of vertical seismic profiling, crosswell, 3-D seismic, and multipole borehole acoustic logging
  
• Stochastic modeling
  
• Resistivity and electromagnetic modeling
  
• Acoustic logging modeling of fractured and anisotropic formations

Geophysical Data Processing

• Seismic and electromagnetic tomography
  
• Full waveform, dispersion, and attenuation analysis
  
• Continuity logging for predicting flow units, sealing surfaces, and boundary surfaces
  
• Scaling methodology for integrating core measurements, borehole logging data, and seismic data
  
• Geophysical data interpretation for building reservoir models

(Top) The seismic interwell modeling technique described below left was verified by actual data (in this case indicating a continuous structure) at well separations of more than one-half mile in a producing gas field. (Bottom) The seismic wave group velocity contours are overlain by calculated dispersive modes (colored lines) to further verify the continuity.

Nuclear Magnetic Resonance

• NMR measurements of cores
  
• NMR wireline log integration with core data and other well logs

SwRI-developed NMR instrumentation allows engineers to study petrophysical properties of core samples.

Reservoir Engineering

• 3-D geostatistical property estimations
  
• Stress-induced permeability change predictions
  
• Oil-field modeling
  
• Multiphase flow calculations

Drilling and Completion Technology

SwRI applies its field, laboratory, and analysis expertise to develop and optimize safe, efficient drilling and completion technologies. Using field-scale flow facilities, Institute engineers study drilling and completion processes and problems. In fully equipped rock mechanics laboratories, scientists determine the key physical properties of consolidated and unconsolidated geologic materials, as well as cementing agents.

Rock Mechanics

• Borehole stability analysis
  
• Laboratory rock properties testing

SwRI engineers devise novel techniques for solving drilling and completion problems, such as developing a unique, transparent, non-Newtonian transport slurry that allowed for a cost-effective study of the performance of mechanical flow modifiers applied to horizontal well bore cleaning.

Drilling Hydraulics

• Deviated well bore cleaning and cuttings transport
  
• Fluid flushing system development
  
• Drilling and cementing hydraulic system optimization

Drilling Cements

• Novel formulation development
  
  • Horizontal well bore cements
    
  • Elevated temperatures
    
  • Aggressive environments
    
  • Geothermal applications
    
  • CO₂ and other injection fluids
    
• Downhole environmental testing
  
• Strength and fracture testing
  
• Setting initiation and rate

Completions

• Sand screen erosion testing
  
• Multilateral juncture methods
  
• Gravel-packing methods

	SwRI conducts erosion tests on sand control screens to predict the screen's useful lifetime in a well. The SEM micrographs (25X) show a severely eroded screen (top) compared to a new screen (photos reduced to 60% in reproduction).

Polymers

• Seal materials evaluation
  
• Compatibility and environmental testing
  
• High temperature and pressure applications
  
• Novel drilling fluid development
  
• Fluid-loss control
  
• Additive modification

Downhole Fluids

• Fundamental studies
  
• Lubricity additive development
  
• Drilling fluid-oil compatibility testing
  
• Fire-resistant fluids development
  
• Additive encapsulation
  
• Formation damage evaluation

Downhole Tubulars

• Structural and sealing characteristics (API RP5C5)
  
• Corrosion resistance
  
• Sour gas evaluation
  
• Collapse resistance (API 5C3)
  
• Burst tests

Directional Drilling

• Navigational systems development
  
• Drill string behavior analysis
  
• Bottom-hole assembly configuration management
  
• Advanced drilling methods and hardware development

Production, Pipeline & Downstream Operations

SwRI scientists and engineers are world renowned for their expertise in piping technology, structural and fluid dynamics, and fluid machinery and systems engineering. The Institute provides solutions to oil and gas production, pipeline, and downstream operational problems. SwRI offers laboratory and analytical research, testing, prototype development, and field consultation services.

Multiphase Transportation

• Multiphase metering and pumping
  
• Chemical injection system design
  
• Hydrate and paraffin detection, avoidance, and remediation

Flow Metering

• Dry gas meter calibration and research
  
• Dry gas meter application and installation design
  
• Wet gas meter evaluation and research
  
• Multiphase meter application

Pipeline Engineering and Analysis

• Design and performance evaluation
  
• Plastic piping for natural gas
  
• Break flow analysis
  
• Block valve analysis
  
• Venting rate model and hazards analysis

This full-scale bending/burst test on a 48-inch Alyeska pipeline segment has simulated corrosion damage. Using a PC-based program, SwRI can assess damage or remaining life in the field.

Corrosion Prediction and Mitigation

• Cathodic protection modeling and testing
  
• Chemical inhibition
  
• Corrosion-resistant alloys and coatings
  
• Microbially influenced corrosion
  
• Corrosion monitoring

Using SwRI's high-temperature, high-pressure autoclave facilities, staff members predict the corrosivity of fluids associated with oil and gas operations.

Production Systems

• Conceptual studies and tradeoff analysis
  
• Detailed design and prototyping
  
• Component testing and maturation

Compression Plant Design Services

• Acoustical design
  
• Mechanical design
  
• Thermal design
  
• Compressor valve dynamics modeling
  
• Compressor valve performance analysis and prediction

Measuring vibration and strain, the Institute identifies and solves piping vibration and noise problems associated with turbulent fluid flow.

Separator and Scrubber Technology

• Sloshing in offshore separators
  
• Separator performance
  
• Instrumentation and control
  
• Scrubber optimization

Product Properties & Processing

Using a broad range of hydrocarbon analytical techniques and pilot plant facilities, SwRI engineers evaluate new or modified production liquids and gases under temperatures and pressures simulating field conditions. Oil and gas processes including separation, filtration, and solvent addition are available using glassware or pilot-scale equipment. Institute staff members perform routine laboratory processes, investigate advanced concepts such as sulfur adsorption or removal, and anticipate innovative downhole processing research to improve the capture, transportation, and refining of hydrocarbon fluids.

The Institute maintains a full array of blending and hydrocarbon-handling equipment for preparing test feedstocks and process fluids. The resulting samples are tested at SwRI or processed for on-site studies.

Hydrocarbon Analysis

• ASTM and specification testing
  
• Nonspecification measurements
  
• Hydrocarbon type analyses for paraffins, olefins, and all aromatics
  
• Vapor pressure and surface tension

Fluid Processing Evaluation

• Distillation (batch or continuous)
  
• Filtration and centrifugation
  
• Heat and settle
  
• Packed bed operations
  
• Hot surface tests

Support Functions

• Crude oil assay
  
• Waste stream evaluation
  
• Process selection and design
  
• Flowsheet evaluation
  
• Pilot plant fabrication
  
• Troubleshooting device design

Downhole Concepts

• Hydrogen addition
  
• Partial oxidation
  
• Sulfur removal

Hydrocarbon Fluid Services

• Test fluid preparation
  
• Fluid composition optimization
  
• Computer process modeling
  
• Product refining
  
• Waste material destruction

Safety & Environmental Engineering

With an international reputation in fire technology, environmental monitoring, and loss prevention, SwRI provides a wide range of safety and environmental assessment support, including advanced laboratory and analysis facilities and computer-modeling capabilities. SwRI expertise includes subsurface transport modeling and environmental performance assessment of complex systems. In addition, engineers test and evaluate components and equipment for the petroleum industry.

SwRI maintains fire testing facilities to qualify pipeline and well-head components to American Petroleum Institute standards.

Fire and Blast Technology

• Jet and pool fire dynamics
  
• Structural and material response
  
• Fire and blast protection

Loss Prevention

• Safety and hazards analysis
  
• Accident simulation and investigation
  
• Vapor cloud explosions
  
• Detonation and flame arrestor performance
  
• Risk assessment

Valve Testing

• Subsurface safety valve testing (API 14A)
  
• Wellhead surface safety valve testing (API 6FA)
  
• Safety valve fire testing (API 6F, API 607, API 589)
  
• Surface/subsurface valves (API 6AV1)
  
• Custom testing to meet special requirements

Environmental Risk Monitoring and Assessment

• Emission monitoring
  
• Trace contaminant analysis
  
• Subsurface contaminant transport modeling
  
• Health risk assessment
  
• Site assessment and audits
  
• Industrial hygiene surveys
  
• Probabilistic performance assessments
  
• Contaminant assessment and remediation

Environmental Engineering

• Site remediation modeling and technology
  
• Pollution control process evaluations
  
• Waste disposal technologies
  
• Pollution prevention analysis
  
• Multimedia environmental contamination studies

Maintenance & Inspection Technology

SwRI supplies comprehensive equipment and services for inspection and maintenance operations around the world. The Institute troubleshoots and solves industry problems, meeting the complete spectrum of industrial needs, from on-site field support to total maintenance program development.

SwRI-developed advanced diagnostic software detects compressor malfunctions from a cylinder pressure signature. Such techniques, applied either periodically or on-line, help prevent forced outages and reduce maintenance costs.

Dynamic Monitoring

• Compressor diagnostic software
  
• Turbomachinery vibration control
  
• Combustion turbine balancing
  
• Turbine alignment, distortion, and thermal gradient monitoring

Dynamic Testing

• Machinery dynamics
  
• Noise measurement and reduction

Using finite element analysis, engineers determined critical mode shapes and regions of high stress in a newly designed drilling fluid recovery shaker. Based on this analysis, engineers recommended modifications that improved product life and reliability.

Vibration Analysis

• Compressor foundation integrity analysis
  
• Compressor field support
  
• Pump diagnosis and field support
  
• Pulsation suppression

Using acoustic intensity measurement techniques, SwRI identifies the principal noise sources from a reciprocating compressor. With these measurements, engineers develop control measures and redesign or augment existing equipment to reduce industrial noise.

Nondestructive Evaluation Capabilities

• Custom nondestructive evaluation equipment development
  
• Magnetostrictive ultrasonic transducers
  
• Guided wave technology
  
• Eddy current
  
• Smart sensors
  
• Optical sensing
  
• Thermography
  
• Shearography
  
• Magnetic and electric current perturbation

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