Many oil companies in the Middle East are opting for new drilling technologies regardless of intrinsic risks and capital outlay.

What are the results? These are augmented production rates, highly developed well patterns, and better insight on operational techniques. Evolving economics in development of oil fields challenge operators and service firms to produce more oil at cheaper costs.

Progress of Drilling Technology

There are essential factors that can guarantee a sustainable future for the oil and gas sector. These are innovation, cooperation and technology. The Middle East faces similar challenges. At present, the region has to contend with huge reserves due to accumulation of output.

Collaboration in technology utilization has shown a lot of potential. However, financial support and technical expertise are very critical in the areas of oil and gas development. These oil firms require new technology to produce crude oil economically. Indeed, the mutual approach may be the only effective strategy to resolve these issues in a cost-effective manner.

Global convergence is also becoming more evident since the oil and gas industry continues to be established based on technical requirements. The complicated intervention reservoir needs to expand classification and improve the durability issue of older reservoirs. For that reason, passing on technology development from other regions to the Middle East will be important for independent research and progress.

Inter-Regional Teamwork

National oil companies (NOCs) used to control majority of oil exploration and development in the past. Cooperation was hardly tried in resolving issues related to oil drilling. Nonetheless, research facilities were put up in the region during the last decade. These consist of King Abdullah University of Science and Technology in Saudi Arabia; Abu Dhabi Petroleum Institute; Qatar Science and Technology Park; Sultan Qaboos University, Kuwait Institute of Science; and, Kuwait Institute of Science. These institutions embarked on inter-regional collaboration initiatives some NOCs, international oil conglomerates and international oil field service firms.

For the time being, many companies like small business operators from China, South Korea and Europe have tried their luck in the Middle East. This can affect frameworks for technology research and development to a certain extent. Likewise, it is expected to facilitate new partnerships in this industry. For example, an industry technology facilitator set up a headquarters in Abu Dhabi three years ago. Now, it is trying to promote improved cooperation between major players in the area.

ITF Annual Conference

The first yearly conference of Industrial Technology Facilitators (ITF) was conducted in Abu Dhabi mainly for R & D personnel. Among the highlights of that convention was the importance of paying close attention to drilling efficiency which includes emerging technologies. One is called high-speed and dual-drill string technology from DURA (United States). The system is made up of inner/outer drill strings and combined with three technologies. These are casing, micro bore hole and high-speed diamond drilling technologies. On the other hand, GA Drilling Company presented its PLASMABIT drilling system. Contractor-participants were given feasibility studies of sustained case drilling by ITF. This technology is based on concentrated electron plasma energy.

Enhanced Oil Recovery

Industrial Technology Facilitator also inaugurated a joint industry project to develop an improved oil recovery or EOR knowledge database in the Gulf region. Some Middle Eastern countries have shown interest in Carbon Dioxide (Co2) injections for EOR. It is widely believed that this system will benefit the environment. Surface Active Solutions (SAS) also unveiled its surfactant and particulate technology used primarily to improve oil recovery techniques.

The company submitted a plan which looks at bringing down costs as well as risk mitigation for commercial purposes. It also quantifies potentials for enhanced oil recovery techniques. Another technology that ITF made public during the conference is a reusable solution that eliminates water and oil field gas flow, diffusion, conversion into emulsion, and, dissolution of hydro-carbons. This is an assurance that the level of oil in water will be lower than five parts per million (PPM). At the same time, this will not be capable of producing treated or disposable waste.

MEDT

Prominent oil and gas firms gained a lot from attending the Middle East Drilling Technology Conference and Exhibition (MEDT). This is a joint effort made by the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) and International Association of Drilling Contractors. The exposition offers an unparalleled platform for principal players and industry specialists worldwide. It serves as venue for stakeholders to share their latest technologies and techniques as well as enlarge their existing knowledge base. MEDT makes possible technology transfer, exhibiting developments and technological progress, promoting networking opportunities, and spreading business prospects. 

MEDT is recommended for the following: well engineering directors; drilling services managers; procurement managers for drilling and exploration; petroleum engineers; contracts managers; drilling and completion engineers; project engineers and managers; geologists; rig operators; and, drilling team leaders and managers.

Indeed, the Use of Advance Technology for Oil Drilling in the Middle-East has gone a long way and has been beneficial for countries in this region.