Reservoir Engineering

Strip Over

Strip Over: A Critical Technique in Oil & Gas Production

Strip over is a crucial term in oil and gas operations, encompassing two distinct yet related practices:

1. Strip Over as a Recovery Method:

In this context, strip over refers to a secondary recovery method aimed at maximizing oil production from existing wells. This technique involves injecting a fluid, typically water or gas, into the reservoir to push remaining oil towards the wellbore. This process is often employed after primary recovery methods, like pumping, have become less effective.

Here's how it works:

  • Injection: Water or gas is injected into the formation through an injection well located strategically near the producing well.
  • Displacement: The injected fluid displaces the remaining oil in the reservoir, pushing it towards the producing well.
  • Extraction: The oil, now mobilized by the injected fluid, flows through the producing well and is extracted for processing.

Benefits of Strip Over:

  • Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR): Strip over significantly increases oil recovery rates, leading to more efficient use of the reservoir.
  • Increased Productivity: By mobilizing trapped oil, the method boosts the producing well's output.
  • Reservoir Management: Strip over helps maintain reservoir pressure, preventing premature decline in production.

2. Strip Over as a Wire Installation Method:

Less commonly, strip over also refers to a wire installation method utilized in the oil and gas industry. This involves using pipe to guide and protect wires during their installation, primarily in situations where wires need to be laid along long distances or through challenging terrain.

Here's how it works:

  • Pipe Preparation: A dedicated pipe is prepared to serve as a conduit for the wires.
  • Wire Installation: The wires are carefully inserted into the prepared pipe, providing them with a protective barrier.
  • Installation: The pipe with the installed wires is then laid along the desired route, protecting the wires from damage.

Benefits of Strip Over for Wire Installation:

  • Protection: The pipe shields the wires from harsh environmental conditions and physical damage.
  • Durability: The method ensures the longevity and reliability of the wire installation.
  • Ease of Installation: Utilizing pipe simplifies the installation process, making it efficient and less labor-intensive.

In summary:

Strip over is a versatile term with two distinct applications in the oil and gas industry. Whether it's used to maximize oil recovery through injection or to protect critical wiring, it plays a vital role in ensuring the efficient and safe operation of oil and gas facilities.


Test Your Knowledge

Strip Over Quiz

Instructions: Choose the best answer for each question.

1. Which of the following is NOT a benefit of using the "Strip Over" method for oil recovery?

a) Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR)

Answer

Incorrect. Strip over is a method specifically designed to enhance oil recovery.

b) Increased Productivity

Answer

Incorrect. Strip over mobilizes trapped oil, leading to higher production.

c) Reduced Reservoir Pressure

Answer

Correct. Strip over maintains reservoir pressure, preventing a decline in production.

d) Reservoir Management

Answer

Incorrect. Strip over helps in managing reservoir pressure and optimizing oil extraction.

2. In the context of oil recovery, what is injected into the reservoir during the "Strip Over" process?

a) Chemicals

Answer

Incorrect. While chemicals are sometimes used in enhanced oil recovery, they are not the primary fluid injected in strip over.

b) Water or Gas

Answer

Correct. Water or gas are typically used to displace the remaining oil in the reservoir.

c) Oil

Answer

Incorrect. Oil is what is being extracted, not injected.

d) Heat

Answer

Incorrect. While heat can be used in some EOR techniques, it's not the primary method in strip over.

3. Which of the following is NOT a benefit of using "Strip Over" for wire installation?

a) Protection from environmental factors

Answer

Incorrect. The pipe acts as a shield against environmental damage.

b) Increased installation time

Answer

Correct. Strip over simplifies installation, making it faster and more efficient.

c) Durability of the wire installation

Answer

Incorrect. The pipe enhances the longevity and reliability of the wiring.

d) Ease of installation

Answer

Incorrect. The use of pipe makes the installation process simpler and less labor-intensive.

4. What is the primary role of the pipe in the "Strip Over" method for wire installation?

a) To increase the conductivity of the wires

Answer

Incorrect. The pipe's role is to protect the wires, not enhance their conductivity.

b) To provide structural support for the wires

Answer

Incorrect. While the pipe provides some support, its main function is protection.

c) To act as a conduit for the wires

Answer

Correct. The pipe guides and protects the wires as they are installed.

d) To amplify the signal carried by the wires

Answer

Incorrect. The pipe's role is purely mechanical, not related to signal amplification.

5. The "Strip Over" method for oil recovery is primarily used:

a) As a primary recovery method

Answer

Incorrect. Strip over is a secondary recovery method, employed after primary methods become less effective.

b) As a tertiary recovery method

Answer

Incorrect. Strip over is considered a secondary recovery method.

c) As a secondary recovery method

Answer

Correct. Strip over is a secondary recovery method designed to increase oil recovery after primary methods.

d) For exploring new oil deposits

Answer

Incorrect. Strip over is used to maximize recovery from existing wells, not for exploration.

Strip Over Exercise

Scenario:

An oil company is exploring different options for increasing oil production from a mature oil field. They are considering using the "Strip Over" method for oil recovery.

Task:

  1. Explain to the company the advantages of using the "Strip Over" method in this situation.
  2. Discuss potential challenges the company might face when implementing the "Strip Over" method.

Possible Solutions:

Exercice Correction

Advantages:

  • Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR): Strip over significantly increases oil recovery rates, potentially extending the life of the oil field and maximizing resource extraction.
  • Increased Productivity: By mobilizing trapped oil, the method boosts the producing well's output, leading to higher revenue.
  • Reservoir Management: Strip over helps maintain reservoir pressure, preventing premature decline in production and improving overall field management.

Challenges:

  • Cost of implementation: Setting up the necessary infrastructure for injection wells, monitoring, and equipment can be costly.
  • Injection fluid availability: Ensuring a continuous and reliable source of water or gas for injection may be challenging.
  • Environmental concerns: The potential for groundwater contamination or land subsidence must be carefully considered and mitigated.
  • Technical difficulties: Reservoir heterogeneity, wellbore integrity, and potential for fluid channeling can pose technical challenges.

Further Considerations:

  • The company should conduct a thorough reservoir analysis and feasibility study to determine the suitability of the "Strip over" method for their specific field.
  • Environmental impact assessments and mitigation strategies are crucial for responsible implementation.


Books

  • Petroleum Engineering Handbook: This comprehensive handbook provides a detailed explanation of oil and gas production techniques, including secondary recovery methods. Look for sections on waterflooding, gas injection, and reservoir engineering.
  • Enhanced Oil Recovery: Books dedicated to Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) methods will include sections on strip over as a secondary recovery technique.
  • Oil and Gas Production Operations: Look for chapters on well completion, production optimization, and reservoir management to find relevant information about strip over in the context of well operations.

Articles

  • Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) publications: Search the SPE's journal articles and conference proceedings for articles titled "Strip Over," "Waterflooding," "Gas Injection," or "Secondary Recovery" to find relevant research and case studies.
  • Oil and Gas Industry Journals: Journals like "Journal of Petroleum Technology," "Oil & Gas Journal," and "Petroleum Technology Quarterly" often feature articles on various aspects of oil and gas production, including strip over.
  • Online Databases: Access online databases like Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, and JSTOR to search for scholarly articles related to strip over and its applications in the oil and gas industry.

Online Resources

  • SPE website: The SPE website offers a wealth of technical information, including research papers, case studies, and conference presentations on various oil and gas production topics.
  • Oil & Gas Industry Websites: Websites like the Oil & Gas Journal, Schlumberger, and Halliburton often provide technical articles, blogs, and resources related to oil and gas production techniques, including strip over.
  • Oil & Gas Industry Forums: Participate in online forums where oil and gas professionals discuss various technical aspects of the industry, including strip over.

Search Tips

  • Use specific keywords: Combine keywords like "strip over," "secondary recovery," "waterflooding," "gas injection," "EOR," and "oil and gas production" for focused search results.
  • Include relevant industry terms: Add terms like "reservoir," "well," "production," and "injection" to refine your search.
  • Use quotation marks: Enclose specific phrases, like "strip over method" or "strip over technique," within quotation marks to find exact matches.
  • Filter your results: Utilize Google's advanced search options to filter results by date, type (news, articles, etc.), and language.
  • Explore related searches: Google often suggests related search terms based on your initial query, which can help expand your research.

Techniques

Chapter 1: Techniques

Strip Over as a Recovery Method

Strip over, in the context of oil and gas production, refers to a secondary recovery technique employed to enhance oil production from existing wells. This method utilizes fluid injection to mobilize and displace remaining oil towards the wellbore, thereby increasing recovery rates.

1. Waterflooding:

  • The most common strip over method involves injecting water into the reservoir. Water, being less viscous than oil, pushes the oil towards the producing well.
  • This technique is particularly effective in reservoirs with high water saturation and good permeability.

2. Gas Injection:

  • In cases where waterflooding proves ineffective, gas injection can be employed. Gas, like natural gas or carbon dioxide, is injected into the reservoir, creating pressure and displacing oil.
  • Gas injection is beneficial for reservoirs with high oil viscosity and low permeability.

3. Polymer Flooding:

  • In some cases, polymers are added to the injected water to improve its viscosity and sweep efficiency. This allows for better displacement of oil and increases recovery rates.

4. Chemical Flooding:

  • This method utilizes specialized chemicals to reduce oil viscosity or improve its mobility. This technique is particularly effective in reservoirs with high oil viscosity or complex geological formations.

Strip Over as a Wire Installation Method

In this context, strip over refers to a wire installation method that utilizes pipe to protect and guide wires during their installation. This method is commonly employed in situations where wires need to be laid along long distances or through challenging terrains.

1. Pipe Preparation:

  • A dedicated pipe is prepared to serve as a conduit for the wires. The pipe's size and material are chosen based on the specific requirements of the installation.

2. Wire Insertion:

  • The wires are carefully inserted into the prepared pipe, ensuring they are properly positioned and secured. This process may involve using specialized tools and techniques.

3. Installation:

  • The pipe containing the wires is then laid along the desired route, providing protection for the wires during the installation process. This may involve using specialized equipment or techniques to handle the pipe and its contents.

4. Termination:

  • Once the pipe is laid, the wires are terminated at the desired locations, ensuring proper connections and functionality.

Chapter 2: Models

Reservoir Modeling for Strip Over Operations

Accurate reservoir modeling is crucial for successful strip over operations. This involves understanding the geological structure of the reservoir, including:

  • Porosity and Permeability: The ability of the reservoir to hold and transmit fluids.
  • Fluid Properties: The properties of the oil, water, and gas present in the reservoir, including their viscosity and density.
  • Reservoir Pressure and Temperature: The pressure and temperature conditions within the reservoir.

Software tools:

  • Geostatistical software: For creating detailed geological models based on available data.
  • Reservoir simulation software: For simulating fluid flow and predicting production behavior under different scenarios.

Wire Installation Modeling

While less common, modeling wire installation for strip over methods can help optimize the process and ensure efficient and reliable wire placement. This can involve:

  • 3D Modeling: Creating a virtual representation of the terrain and infrastructure to visualize the wire route and identify potential challenges.
  • Simulation Software: Simulating the wire installation process to optimize pipe size, wire arrangement, and installation techniques.

Chapter 3: Software

Software Solutions for Strip Over Operations

Numerous software solutions cater to different aspects of strip over operations, from reservoir modeling to well management.

1. Reservoir Simulation Software:

  • ECLIPSE (Schlumberger): Powerful software for simulating complex reservoir behavior and optimizing production strategies.
  • CMG (Computer Modelling Group): Comprehensive software for reservoir simulation, including black oil, compositional, and thermal models.

2. Well Management Software:

  • WellView (Schlumberger): Software for managing well data, optimizing well performance, and planning future operations.
  • WellCAD (Halliburton): Platform for well design, completion, and production optimization.

3. Wire Installation Design Software:

  • AutoCAD: Widely used for designing and documenting wire installations, including pipe layout and wire routing.
  • SolidWorks: Powerful 3D modeling software suitable for designing complex wire installations and analyzing potential challenges.

Chapter 4: Best Practices

Best Practices for Strip Over Operations

  • Thorough Reservoir Characterization: A comprehensive understanding of the reservoir is critical for successful strip over operations. This involves detailed geological modeling and analysis of fluid properties.
  • Optimal Well Placement: Strategic well placement is crucial for maximizing oil recovery. This involves considering the reservoir structure and flow patterns.
  • Injection Fluid Selection: The choice of injection fluid (water, gas, or chemical) depends on the reservoir characteristics and the desired results.
  • Monitoring and Control: Continuous monitoring of injection and production rates, pressure, and fluid composition is crucial for optimizing operations and ensuring safety.
  • Environmental Considerations: Strip over operations must comply with environmental regulations to minimize impact on surrounding areas.

Best Practices for Wire Installation

  • Proper Pipe Selection: Choose the appropriate pipe size and material based on the wire size, terrain conditions, and environmental factors.
  • Careful Wire Installation: Ensure wires are properly secured and protected within the pipe to avoid damage and maintain electrical integrity.
  • Thorough Inspection: Inspect the installed pipe and wires for any damage or defects before commissioning the installation.
  • Documentation: Maintain detailed records of the installation process, including pipe size, wire types, and installation date, for future reference and maintenance.

Chapter 5: Case Studies

Case Studies: Success Stories of Strip Over Operations

  • Case 1: Waterflooding in the North Sea: A successful waterflooding project in a North Sea oil field significantly increased oil recovery and extended the field's life. The project involved strategic well placement, optimal injection rates, and rigorous monitoring.
  • Case 2: Gas Injection in a Shale Reservoir: An unconventional gas injection project in a shale reservoir boosted production rates and extended the life of the field. The project employed a combination of horizontal wells and multi-stage fracturing to optimize gas injection.
  • Case 3: Wire Installation in a Harsh Environment: A successful wire installation project in a remote and challenging environment utilized a robust strip over method, ensuring the longevity and reliability of the wiring.

Case Studies: Challenges and Lessons Learned

  • Case 1: Unexpected Reservoir Behavior: A strip over project in a complex reservoir encountered unexpected fluid movement and pressure changes, highlighting the importance of thorough reservoir characterization and modeling.
  • Case 2: Environmental Concerns: A strip over operation faced environmental concerns due to potential ground water contamination, emphasizing the importance of proper planning and environmental protection.
  • Case 3: Cost Overruns: A wire installation project faced cost overruns due to unforeseen terrain challenges and delays in equipment delivery, highlighting the importance of careful planning and risk management.

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