EP March 2012 Edition

E&P Digital Edition: March 2012 Features New sensor listens to 'rock music' by Dick Ghiselin Spending increases in 2012 with a close eye on certain challenges by Pekka Paasivaara, GL NOble Denton Oil and gas industry leaders have forecast a year of signigicant capital expenditure in 2012, but companies are prepared to cut back if the economy fails. MPC technology optimizes production in remote locations by Tayvis Dunnahoe, Senior Editor Improvements highlight benefits of advancaed technology globally. Growing up in the digital age by Mark Thomas, International Editor The industry needs to take decisive action if it is to take the next step and broaden its journey toward widescale adoption of intelligent energy solutions. Is there a future for land 4-D? by David H. Johnston, ExxonMobil Production Co. It is easy to justify 4-D surveys offshore. Land surveys provide a few additional hurdles. Specialized fluid system improves horizontal applications  by Brett Bryer, Newpark Drilling Fluids LLC A lubricious and inhibitive fluid system can improve efficiency when drilling lateral production intervals prone to stuckpipe and lost circulation. Delivering improved recovery rates through digital gas lift by Ian Anderson, Camcon Oil Greater flexibility of real-time digital solution could produce more than 1,000 b/d extra oil from a typical well. Canadian producers target tight gas opportunities by Brian K. Tully, Oil and Gas Investor The big news in Canada is tight gas, particularly in northeast British Columbia, but markets and regulations could temper the country's gas future. New pipe design seeks industry uptake by Mark Thomas, International Editor Contolling differential pressure is the key to reducing wall thickness and costs for deepwater gas export systems. Extending the West African play by Mark Thomas, International Editor The emerging presalt potential offshore West Africa and its similarity to Brazi's giant reserves indicate that, despite decades of production, operators have seen only the tip of the iceberg. Taking the well construction conversation to total depth by Phil Vollands, Weatherford International Ltd. Total depth engineering is fast becoming a deep conversation in the well construction sector.