An oil and gas expert will speak about the implications of formation damage in well performance, field life and value at an industry event in Aberdeen this week.
Michael Byrne, global technical head of formation damage at Senergy, will explain how formation damage can occur anywhere in a well – in the completion, very near the wellbore or deeper into the formation – and at any point during the life of exploration, appraisal, production or injection wells.
The event is being hosted by the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) Aberdeen section’s young professionals committee as part of its Simplified Series, which aims to demystify petroleum engineering.
It is open to young professional and student members of SPE Aberdeen.
Mr Byrne said: “Formation damage has become increasingly recognised as a key factor in the development of challenging reservoirs. In the past 20 years, the industry’s understanding of damage, and the processes for identification, have dramatically improved.
“This knowledge is allowing us to take steps to quantify the damaging processes and upscale detailed information to predict the future impact on a well.
“It is important that we share these best practices with industry peers, particularly the next generation of professionals who will be responsible for extending field life and improving well performance.”
Mr Byrne holds a BSc in geology and mathematics, and has published over 10 SPE papers focusing on formation damage mechanisms.
He has previously held the roles of editor and distinguished lecturer for SPE and is currently a technical editor and short course instructor.
In 2010, he received the SPE Aberdeen section award for outstanding contribution to drilling.
His presentation takes place on Wednesday, January 30, at Robert Gordon University’s Schoolhill campus from 6-8pm.
The event is open to all SPE students and young professionals as well as those interested in becoming a member.