American Oil and Gas Reporter - July 2017 - 27

Is Now The Time
For 'Closeology' To Give Way
To Technology?
I have noticed a trend lately among oil field folks I talk with
about using technology on the job. It appears technology still
plays a significant part in our industry, however, there are those
who have yet to overcome the "closeology" or "cookie cutter"
approach to well development. In other words, some still apply
surrounding well data to other wells in the area, and sometimes
even to wells not in the area.
We all know there never have been two wells that were just
alike, and that what an operator sees on one well can be
completely different just a few hundred feet away. However,
people continue to take this approach because it appears to
work. The well is drilled, completed and put on line, and we get
production. The question is how well it works.
A few years back, I defined closeology as (1) "the act of
using a technology in the field to recover hydrocarbons simply
because one's competitors are using a similar technology with
perceived success and cost savings;" or (2) "the act of duplicating
a process that worked in one formation for multiple additional
formations in multiple areas because it worked in the original
formation."
This phenomenon, of course, is nothing new to the oil field.
For many years, folks have taken what has worked for them
nearby-or even what has worked for a neighbor-and applied it
to their wells. This approach can work in today's uncertain
market, in which many operators are just beginning to drill
again, and are being very selective about what they choose to
drill and how much they spend.
But it makes sense that they would want to produce every
bit of hydrocarbon out of every well they drill. For me, this is
where technology and training come into play. We all know
there is no shortage of emerging technology designed and developed to optimize wells and increase production. We also understand that there are multiple opportunities to train and learn
from industry peers, although cost often becomes a factor for
operators who, in some cases, are moving forward just to keep
their doors open.
A friend who has been in the industry for his entire career
pointed out to me, "The problem with training and technology
is that when things are booming, we feel like we don't have
time to train; we just want to keep things moving. Then when
things are slow, we have the time, but don't want to spend the
money."
From what I have seen lately, this appears to be true.
This is especially unsettling when one looks at the number
of wells that may need special treatment, refracturing, enhanced
oil recovery, etc., in the coming years. According to data from
the U.S. Energy Information Administration, more than 50
percent of the lower-48 states are sitting on top of unconventional
opportunities. Many of these areas have wells that have been
shut in and will need to be revisited and produced in the future.
It is unclear at present what will work for these wells and
what types of technology will be needed to produce these areas
efficiently and economically. As we begin this process, using

"There is no substitute for having a solid

foundation and an appreciation for funda-

mental technology.

technology and training will be critical.
So, what are we to do? For me, it begins with fundamentals.
There is no substitute for having a solid foundation and an appreciation for fundamental technology. Always keep in mind
the essential elements of geology, reservoir characterization,
drilling, completions, and production. From there, begin considering new technology.
Organizations such as the Research Partnership to Secure
Energy for America, the Petroleum Technology Transfer Council,
the Society of Petroleum Engineers, and the American Association
of Petroleum Geologists are all credible sources of emerging
technology, and offer training with a mission of supporting the
oil and gas industry.
Additionally, in part because of market conditions, many
highly experienced professionals have retired and now are
available and actively teaching courses, often for these very
groups. Individuals with 30+ years of experience are sharing
their experience eagerly at workshops, trainings and conferences
near you. This is the time to take advantage of the experience
and technology that is at our finger tips.
Experience and knowing what works does matter, especially
when paired with useful technology rooted in good data supported
by training. The oil field has a rich history of doing what one's
neighbor is doing. But it also has a rich history of using
experience and technology to innovate and move forward. I encourage everyone to carry on that tradition by exploring new
ways to optimize every well every time.
r

JEREMY VISCOMI is the MidContinent regional lead for
the Petroleum Technology
Transfer Council. He has more
than a decade of experience
in developing and organizing
technical conferences and special events, primarily in the
oil and gas industry.
JULY 2017 27

American Oil and Gas Reporter - July 2017

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