PBE Podcast

Tony Van Zuilekom, a Halliburton product champion with nearly five decades of experience in petrophysics and formation testing. The discussion highlights the transition of the oil and gas industry from analog to digital technologies, with a focus on the evolution of well logging and reservoir analysis. Van Zuilekom details the capabilities of the Reservoir Examiner and its "Deep" variant, which uses high-rate pumps and high-resolution gauges to investigate deeper into rock formations than traditional methods. A significant portion of the dialogue explains how these advancements allow for real-time data streaming and improved well control while circulating hydrocarbons. Ultimately, this show emphasizes how modular technology and data integration help operators reduce uncertainty and make more economical decisions regarding hydrocarbon recovery.

Peter Barrett of Halliburton discusses the evolution and technical importance of borehole imaging within the energy industry. He explains how this technology uses acoustic and resistivity data to create 360-degree subsurface visualizations, enabling experts to identify geological fractures and bedding. Barrett highlights the critical role of the SPWLA, a professional society that fosters global collaboration and the development of new digital initiatives. The conversation covers significant historical milestones, such as the 1969 origins of the first acoustic images and the later breakthrough of oil-based mud imaging. Ultimately, Barrett emphasizes the shift toward integrated data analysis and the vital importance of mentoring the next generation of petrophysicists.

Integrity Insitu, a company founded by Corey Fehr to modernize the way the energy industry measures geomechanical rock properties. Traditional methods for assessing rock strength are often prohibitively expensive and slow, requiring physical core samples to be shipped to distant labs for testing. In contrast, this new technology uses downhole pressure meters and shear heads to gather real-time physical data directly within the borehole. This precision allows engineers to better understand insitu stress patterns, which is critical for optimizing hydraulic fracturing and preventing catastrophic caprock failures. By replacing indirect calculations with direct measurements, operators can increase production efficiency and improve the structural safety of complex drilling projects. The interview also highlights the entrepreneurial persistence required to introduce such disruptive innovation into a risk-averse industry.

We got to attend this year’s NAPE, which didn’t disappoint. “You can tell when things are going good or bad in the industry based on the quality of the happy hours at NAPE.” The opening night Happy Hour was TOP NOTCH!!! In this episode, we sit down with a past guest, DeWitt Smith, and a new guest, Andrew Welshans, to discuss natural fractures and a prospect developed by DeWitt. His exploration focus was natural fractures filled with oil. Enjoy!

The focus of the panel discussion is on the long history of study by the West Texas Geological Society and how this extensive research influences current policies and future outcomes in the geosciences, particularly in the context of the Permian Basin. The discussion also touches on the impact of these studies on the economics, infrastructure, and technological advancements in the oil and gas industry.

Norman is a versatile Geologic Consultant with 15+ years of success in exploration, development, and petroleum geology. History of success in on-site support, drilling strategy optimization, and team mentorship. Expertise in wireline log interpretation, H2S risk management, and thorough well-logging in diverse basins worldwide. Skilled in productivity assessments, geologic modeling, and data accuracy, driving impactful contributions to production and exploration projects. Adept at instructing, leading, and mentoring new team members, elevating their expertise and professional development. Leverage advanced knowledge in petroleum production estimation software, enabling precise petrophysical analysis, reservoir characterization, and forward-thinking production forecasting.

Academic Geo’s, industry Geo’s, and discoveries! The Bureau of Economic Geology and the State of Texas Advanced Resource Recovery folks are going from Strawn carbonates to siliciclastics!

The 2024 AAPG GeoGulf was a hit. From technical talks, posters, and panels, to the field trips and conversations on the exhibit hall floor. This year rocked!! We were honored to sit down with Industry Professional Swapan Sahoo and Associate Professor at Steven F. Austin Julie Bloxson.