Abstract: An improved methodology for managing hydrocarbon exploration of at least one prospect. The methodology involves iterative processing that allows decision makers to iterate on assumptions and refine underlying probabilistic models as well as optimize the set of recommended exploration activities that are to be performed over time as additional knowledge is gained.

Abstract: Methods of making and using wellbore casing are described, one method comprising providing a plurality of flow-through passages in a portion of a casing while the casing is out of hole; temporarily plugging the flow-through passages with a composition while out of hole; running the casing in hole in a wellbore intersecting a hydrocarbon-bearing formation; and exposing the composition to conditions sufficient to displace the composition from the flow-through passages while in hole. Methods of using the casing may include pumping a stimulation treatment fluid through the casing string and into a formation through the flow-through passages in the first casing joint; plugging the flow-through passages in the first casing section; and exposing a second casing joint of the casing string to conditions sufficient to displace the composition from the flow-through passages in the second casing joint.

Abstract: A method for stimulating a reservoir formation while running a casing string into the wellbore includes the steps of: connecting a stimulation assembly to a casing string, the stimulation assembly including a packer actuator in operational connection with a packer and a logging sensor; running the casing string into the wellbore and positioning the logging assembly proximate to a selected reservoir formation; logging the reservoir formation; positioning the stimulation assembly proximate to the reservoir formation; actuating the packer to substantially isolate the reservoir formation from the wellbore; performing the stimulation operation; releasing the packers from sealing engagement with the wellbore; positioning the logging assembly proximate to the reservoir formation; logging the reservoir formation; and disconnecting the stimulation assembly from the casing string.

Abstract: Methods of making and using wellbore casing are described, one method comprising providing a plurality of flow-through passages in a portion of a casing while the casing is out of hole; temporarily plugging the flow-through passages with a composition while out of hole; running the casing in hole in a wellbore intersecting a hydrocarbon-bearing formation; and exposing the composition to conditions sufficient to displace the composition from the flow-through passages while in hole. Methods of using the casing may include pumping a stimulation treatment fluid through the casing string and into a formation through the flow-through passages in the first casing joint; plugging the flow-through passages in the first casing section; and exposing a second casing joint of the casing string to conditions sufficient to displace the composition from the flow-through passages in the second casing joint.

Abstract: Methods of making and using wellbore casing are described, one method comprising providing a plurality of flow-through passages in a portion of a casing while the casing is out of hole; temporarily plugging the flow-through passages with a composition while out of hole; running the casing in hole in a wellbore intersecting a hydrocarbon-bearing formation; and exposing the composition to conditions sufficient to displace the composition from the flow-through passages while in hole. Methods of using the casing may include pumping a stimulation treatment fluid through the casing string and into a formation through the flow-through passages in the first casing joint; plugging the flow-through passages in the first casing section; and exposing a second casing joint of the casing string to conditions sufficient to displace the composition from the flow-through passages in the second casing joint.

Abstract: An improved methodology for managing hydrocarbon exploration of at least one prospect. The methodology involves iterative processing that allows decision makers to iterate on assumptions and refine underlying probabilistic models as well as optimize the set of recommended exploration activities that are to be performed over time as additional knowledge is gained.

Abstract: Methods of making and using wellbore casing are described, one method comprising providing a plurality of flow-through passages in a portion of a casing while the casing is out of hole; temporarily plugging the flow-through passages with a composition while out of hole; running the casing in hole in a wellbore intersecting a hydrocarbon-bearing formation; and exposing the composition to conditions sufficient to displace the composition from the flow-through passages while in hole. Methods of using the casing may include pumping a stimulation treatment fluid through the casing string and into a formation through the flow-through passages in the first casing joint; plugging the flow-through passages in the first casing section; and exposing a second casing joint of the casing string to conditions sufficient to displace the composition from the flow-through passages in the second casing joint.

Abstract: A method for stimulating a reservoir formation while running a casing string into the wellbore includes the steps of: connecting a stimulation assembly to a casing string, the stimulation assembly including a packer actuator in operational connection with a packer and a logging sensor; running the casing string into the wellbore and positioning the logging assembly proximate to a selected reservoir formation; logging the reservoir formation; positioning the stimulation assembly proximate to the reservoir formation; actuating the packer to substantially isolate the reservoir formation from the wellbore; performing the stimulation operation; releasing the packers from sealing engagement with the wellbore; positioning the logging assembly proximate to the reservoir formation; logging the reservoir formation; and disconnecting the stimulation assembly from the casing string.

Abstract: An oilfield data analysis system is based on a four-tier software model which includes a “shared earth model” and a federation of “directory services”. The first tier is a universal graphical user interface (GUI) which can operate on any inexpensive computer as well as on an expensive workstation, i.e. a “web browser”. The second tier is an application server which is coupled to users via the worldwide web and serves geoscientific software applications. The third tier is a geometric modelling system where geometric data is stored and processed. The third tier embodies the “shared earth model”. The fourth tier is a database management system where non-geometric data is stored. According to the invention, there can be (and preferably are) multiple instances of each tier. Communication of data between different tiers is accomplished via XML data exchange.

Abstract: A computer-based apparatus for creating subsurface models having a graphical display device, a user input device, means for selecting a region of the world to be modeled; means for providing geophysical and geographical data corresponding to the selected region of the world; means for providing an archive of known geological structures; and means for providing an interface which permits a user to create a subsurface model of the identified region. The invention further involves related computer-based apparatuses for interactive creation of geological subsurface models, for managing geological hypotheses, and for providing information for creation of a geological model.

Abstract: A computer implemented-method of creating subsurface models, including, for example, the steps of: selecting a region of the world to be modeled; providing geophysical and geographical data corresponding to the selected region; providing an archive of known geological structures; and providing an interface which permits a user to create a subsurface model of the identified region. The invention further involves related computer-implemented methods for interactive creation of geological subsurface models, for managing geological hypotheses, and for providing information for creation of geological models.

Abstract: An article of manufacture for use in connection with a computer, said article of manufacture comprising a computer-readable storage medium having a program recorded thereon that enables a user of a computer executing said program to interactively: display data obtained from a subsurface area; select an object from a plurality of different three-dimensional objects; place the selected three-dimensional object within a model of the subsurface area; and transform the selected three-dimensional object to better fit the data obtained from the subsurface area. The invention further involves related methods for interactive creation of a subsurface model.