Technical Categories

Papers are invited on a variety of themes, including Exploration, Reservoir, Drilling and Completions, Production and Development, Mid-Stream Gas and Over-Arching Industry Issues (HSE, Security, Human Resources, Business and Social Challenges). The list of technical categories with a description of the various topics is provided below.

Exploration

1. THE FUTURE OF EXPLORATION

Papers are invited to cover future trends in exploration, new plays, difficult old plays and new strategies in exploring for oil and gas.

  • Exploration in Frontier Areas
  • New Plays
  • New Strategies for Future Exploration
  • Finding Costs - How to Manage
  • Managing Non-Technical Risks
  • Deep Water Exploration
  • Stratigraphic Traps
  • Sub-Salt Plays
  • ARC-GIS

2. PETROLEUM SYSTEMS
Papers are sought to cover advances in petroleum system analysis, in the following areas:

  • The Basin: Its Evolution and Fill History
  • The Reservoir: Including Siliciclastics and Carbonates, and Involving Provenance, Paleogeography, Reservoir Geometry and Quality
  • Burial History and Diagenesis
  • Source Rock: Including Generation and Migration of Hydrocarbons Plus Source Rock Geochemistry
  • Trap and Seal: Faults, Fractures and Seals, Including Stratigraphic and Structural Traps
  • Case Studies of the Petroleum System

3. ADVANCES IN GEOPHYSICS
Papers are invited to cover new advances in geophysical technology, from acquisition and processing to interpretation techniques and their impact on exploration strategy.

  • Geophysical Challenges in the Near-Subsurface
  • New Advances in Seismic Acquisition and Imaging
  • Advances in Electromagnetics (CSEM)
  • Time Lapse Seismic in Carbonates: Experience to-date
  • Quantitative Geophysics: Data Acquisition to Reservoir Model
  • Passive Seismic Uses in Exploration
  • Multi-Component Seismic and Gas Cloud Imaging
  • Electromagnetics
  • Ocean – Bottom Seismic
  • Low Frequency/Hyperspectrum Acquisition
  • Near Surface Statics
  • Shallow Hazards
  • Extracting New Value from Old Data

4. RISK AND UNCERTAINTY MANAGEMENT
Papers are invited to address issues related to identifying and quantifying both technical and non-technical risks and uncertainties affecting exploration.

  • Mitigating and Reducing Risk in Exploration
  • Uncertainty Quantification
  • Scenario Analysis
  • Case Studies and Best Practices
  • Value of Information Quantification

5. ADVANCED CONCEPTS IN SILICICLASTICS
Papers are invited to cover the new concepts in characterizing sandstone reservoir architecture and quality through the use of sequence stratigraphic principles and geophysics, and employing analogue data from modern and ancient depositional environments, including lacustrine, fluvial, shallow and deepwater-marine settings.

  • Sandstone Reservoir Characterisation
  • Sandbody Architecture
  • Depositional Environment (Non-Marine to Deepwater)
  • Diagenesis and Reservoir Quality Controls in Clastics
  • New Sequence Stratigraphic Concepts
  • Case Studies

6. EXPLORATION AND DEVELOPMENT OF SUBTLE TRAPS

  • Sub-Salt
  • Sub-Basalt
  • Overthrusting

7. QUANTITATIVE GEOPHYSICS: FROM SEISMIC ACQUISITION TO RESERVOIR MODEL
With the accelerating trend towards the seamless integration of seismic data, from acquisition to reservoir modelling, this topic covers new technologies and case studies of geophysical data integration in reservoir models.

  • Rock Physics and Modelling
  • Seismic Inversion
  • Calibration
  • Facies Classification
  • Probabilistic Techniques
  • AVO and Seismic Attributes
  • Spectral Decomposition
  • Fracture Prediction
  • Exploring Inter-Well Reservoir Space
  • Fluid Prediction

8. UNCONVENTIONAL OIL AND GAS
These are exciting and potentially huge resource plays that will sustain the global energy supply through the 21st century. Each unconventional resource play has unique characteristics but lessons in methods of extraction, statistical inventory and risking can be shared. Unconventional includes: Shale Gas, Shale Oil, CBM, Hydrates and Heavy Oil.

  • Approach to Mapping Unconventional Plays
  • Optimising Assessment of Productive Facies
  • Key Factors to Optimise Well Locations
  • Regional Environmental Impact Considerations
  • Shale Gas Case Histories
  • CBM Case Histories
  • Fractured Shale
  • Heavy Oil

9. ADVANCED GEOLOGICAL CONCEPTS IN CARBONATES
This topic covers the use of carbonate reservoir analogs, how to improve recovery and productivity in carbonate reservoirs. Evaluation and quantification of multi-level property heterogeneity in carbonate reservoirs within stratigraphic context.

  • Reservoir Characterisation
  • Reservoir Heterogeneity and Flow-Unit Definition
  • Mixed Carbonate-Clastic Systems
  • Tertiary Carbonates (Modern and Ancient) Case Studies
  • Improved Recovery and Productivity in Carbonate Reservoirs
  • Advanced Geophysical Methods for Defining Carbonate Reservoirs

10. RIFT BASIN ANALYSIS
Topics covering rift basins from megaregional to reservoir scales.

  • Extentional and Strike-Slip Tectonics and Rift Basins Formation
  • Syn-Rift Petroleum Systems
  • Lacustrine Source Rocks and Reservoirs
  • Nature and Impact of Inversion Structures
  • Nature of the Syn-Rift to Post-Rift Section
  • Stratigraphic Traps
  • Structural Traps

11. TRAPS, SEALS, FAULT AND
FRACTURE NETWORKS
Papers are sought on new approaches for detecting, interpreting, modelling faults and fractures networks and their impact on exploration, appraisal and development of reservoirs and other plays.

  • Effects of Fault Reactivation on Seals
  • Fault Seals and Risk Assessment
  • Exploration in Fractured Basement Plays
  • Fractured Reservoirs Integration of Geological and Geophysical Predictions of Fracture Networks
  • Fractures in Reservoir Models
  • Compartmentalisation of Reservoirs
  • Case Studies of Fracture Plays
  • Fractured Basements
  • Stratigraphic Traps

12. RESOLUTION ENHANCEMENT FOR SEISMIC INTERPRETATION
Papers are invited to focus on methodologies and case histories to aid interpretation in thin-bed environments. Topics may include:

  • Data Integration
  • Bandwidth Extension and High Resolution Processing Workflows
  • Spectral Decomposition
  • Stochastic Inversion
  • Reservoir Characterisation
  • Electrical and Seismic Anisotropy
  • Multi Component
  • Borehole and Surface Integration
  • Case Histories from Fluvial

Reservoir

13. PLANNING
This topic covers papers which look at the necessary activities that are used in reservoir development planning and economic optimisation.

  • Economic Evaluation
  • Reservoir Simulation
  • Forecasting
  • Integrated Reservoir Modelling
  • Reserves and Resource Evaluation
  • G&G Considerations
  • Reservoir Characterisation

14. RESERVOIR MONITORING AND MANAGEMENT
This topic covers papers that address the tools and techniques for the collection and analysis of data from the reservoir.

  • Surveillance and Monitoring (Tracers, Geochemical, etc.)
  • Depletion Management
  • Sampling Analysis (PVT, Core Studies, etc.)
  • Well Testing and Production Logging
  • 4D Seismic

15. EOR/IOR
This topic covers papers that address a variety of methods and technologies used to optimise recovery in all phases of oil and gas production.

  • Water Conformance Technologies
  • Advanced Technologies
  • Miscible Gas (Flue, Nitrogen, CO2, etc.)
  • Thermal
  • Chemical
  • MEOR/Foams
  • Waterflooding

16. GEOLOGICAL MODELLING: PUTTING GEOLOGY BACK INTO GEOLOGIC MODELLING
Reservoir rock typing has been effectively used to integrate information including  primary depositional lithology, diagenesis, pore geometry and a range of porosity, permeability and saturation data. This topic explores different approaches to reservoir rock typing and populating reservoir properties within a geologic model.

  • Reservoir Characterisation for Model Construction
  • Lithofacies, Diagenesis and Reservoir Quality
  • Integration of Rock Typing and Reservoir Properties
  • Pore Pressure and Reservoir Quality Prediction
  • Petrophysical Input to Geologic Modelling
  • Optimum Geologic Modelling Workflow
  • Quality Control in Modelling
  • Challenges in Modelling Stacked Reservoirs
  • Seismic and Stratigraphic Conditioning in Modelling
  • Case Histories of Integrated
  • Geologic Modelling

Drilling and Completions

17. OPTIMISATION OF WELL PLANNING AND EXECUTION
This topic will have papers that cover examples of plans, strategies and technologies that can deliver value.

  • Mature Field Revitalisation Strategies
  • Well Drilling Construction and Completion
  • Intelligent Well Construction
  • Multilateral Wells
  • Wellbore Quality Considerations
  • Drilling System Optimisation (Hardware, Equipment, Rigs, Tubulars, etc.)
  • Geomechanical Considerations
  • Well Intervention
  • Sand Control

18. CHALLENGES IN WELL CONSTRUCTION AND COMPLETION
This topic covers papers that address challenging environments and minimise technology gaps.

  • HP/HT
  • Ultra HP/HT
  • Deepwater
  • Ultra Deepwater
  • Extended Reach Drilling
  • Managed Pressure Drilling

19. ADVANCEMENTS IN TECHNOLOGY APPLICATION
This topic includes papers which bring forward new ideas, innovations and technology to enhance drilling and completion performance.

  • Completion Diagnostics
  • Well Testing
  • Intelligent Completions
  • Wellbore Construction Fluids (Mud and Cement)

Production and Development

20. GEOMECHANICS APPLICATIONS IN E&P
Understanding the impact of insitu stress, pore pressure and geomechanical properties are fundamental for improving the safety and cost effectiveness of drilling and production. Papers are invited to focus on the following topics:

  • Geomechanical Applications – Case Studies
  • Geomechanical Modelling (3-D Models: FEA, BEM, DPC, etc.)
  • Wellbore Stability
  • Pore Pressure Prediction
  • Reservoir Structural Geology
  • Subsidence
  • Sand Prediction
  • Sand Face Consolidation
  • Permeability Determination
  • Anisotropy and Fracture Prediction
  • Stress Prediction and Stress Fields
  • Geomechanical Reservoir Simulation

21. OPTIMISING THE EXISTING ASSETS
This topic covers papers that address and identify strategies to increase production, recovery, and maximise long-term return for current assets.

  • Improved Long-Term Recovery
  • Extending Economic Life of Mature Fields
  • Stimulation Techniques
  • Reservoir Management and Monitoring
  • Asset Integrity Management
  • Geomechanical Considerations

22. CHALLENGES IN DEVELOPMENT AND PRODUCTION
This topic covers papers which look at the issues which may arise in planning,  developing and producing resources.

  • Awakening Old Resources
  • Corrosion and Metallurgy
  • Planning and Forecasting
  • Integrated Network Modelling
  • Integrated Field Development
  • Production Chemistry and Flow Assurance
  • Innovative Field Development Strategies
  • Managing Risk and Uncertainties
  • Formation Damage Prevention
  • Specific Environment Considerations
  • Fractured Reservoirs

23. ADVANCEMENTS IN TECHNOLOGY APPLICATION
This topic includes papers which bring forward new ideas, innovations and technology to enhance reservoir performance.

  • Corrosion and Metallurgy
  • Digital/Intelligent Fields
  • Geochemical Techniques
  • Materials/Facilities

24. UNCONVENTIONAL RESOURCES
This topic will cover papers that focus on developing and producing resources that pose unique challenges and opportunities.

  • Coalbed Methane/Coal Seam Gas
  • Shale Oil and Gas
  • Gas Hydrates
  • Tight Gas
  • Geothermal
  • Heavy Oil/Ultra-Heavy Oil
  • Tar Sands

Over-Arching Industry Issues – HSE, Security, Human Resources, Business and Social Challenges

25. HEALTH, SAFETY, SECURITY, AND ENVIRONMENT

This topic will cover papers that focus on current safety culture issues, working environment and environmental considerations.

  • Environmental Impact
  • Waste Management
  • Contingency Planning
  • HSSE Management Systems
  • Fluid Remediation (Drilling, Oil and Produced Fluids)
  • Safety Leadership and Culture
  • Carbon Capture and Storage
  • Asset Integrity
  • Process Safety Management

26. HUMAN RESOURCES AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
This topic will cover papers that include social responsibility and employment practices that impact our industry today.

  • Recruitment
  • Training
  • Competency
  • Retainment
  • Data and Knowledge Sharing
  • Corporate Social Responsibility
  • Community Development Projects

Mid-Stream Gas

Natural gas and LNG from wellhead to markets, including supply and demand outlooks, technology and its applications to the gas value chain, and the development of carbon markets.

27. GAS VALUE CHAIN
Papers should address the drivers and the enablers in gas distribution and conversion, including gas markets (power, petrochemical, consumer, etc.), supply and demand outlooks, pricing and market regulation, regional infrastructure (transport and storage), gas by-products (condensates, LPG, ethane, etc.), and case studies.

  • Gas Market Development
  • Gas Distribution
  • Cross-Border Pipelines
  • Development of Reticulated Gas Networks (Industrial Estates,  Residential/Commercial Systems)
  • Gas to Power
  • CNG (Compressed Natural Gas)
  • GTL (Gas to Liquids), CTL (Coal to Liquids), XTL
  • DME (Di-Methyl Ether)

28. LNG
This topic covers the market forecast and dynamics for LNG, technological advances for LNG vessels and terminals, and case histories.

  • LNG Market Trends and Globalisation
  • Trading Patterns and Hubs
  • Change in Participation (China, India, North America, etc.)
  • Pricing of LNG
  • Floating LNG
  • Floating Gasification Terminal
  • CBM to LNG

29. GAS TECHNOLOGY
Papers will cover innovative technologies, breakthrough case studies, and ambitious solutions to long standing issues.

  • Gas Processing
  • Transportation
  • Gas Filtration and Treatment (Mercury Removal, Handling H2S, Sulfur Recovery)
  • Gas Dehydration
  • Gas Storage
  • Helium and Other Trace Gas Extraction
  • Hydrate Technology

30. CARBON MARKETS
Papers are invited to address the carbon markets, pricing and regulatory requirements associated with the global gas supply chain, including upstream operational issues (greenhouse gas emissions, contaminants, etc.)

  • Emissions Reduction
  • Carbon Pricing
  • CO2 Sequestration
  • Trends in Carbon Intensity Reduction
  • Processing, Transportation and Disposition of High CO2 Gas

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