We propose a mapping from fracture systems consisting of intersecting fracture sheets in three dimensions to an abstract network consisting of nodes and links. This makes it possible to analyze fracture systems with the methods developed within modern network theory. We test the mapping for two-dimensional geological fracture outcrops and find that the equivalent networks are small-world and dissasortative. By analyzing the Discrete Fracture Network model, which is used to generate artificial fracture outcrop networks, we also find small world networks. However, the networks turn out to be assortative.

The network formed by ridges in a straightened sheet of crumpled paper is studied using a laser profilometer. Square sheets of paper were crumpled into balls, unfolded, and their height profile measured. From these profiles the imposed ridges were extracted as networks. Nodes were defined as intersections between ridges, and links as the various ridges connecting the nodes. Many network and spatial properties have been investigated. The tail of the ridge length distribution was found to follow a power law, whereas the shorter ridges followed a log-normal distribution. The degree distribution was found to have an exponentially decaying tail, and the degree correlation was found to be disassortative. The facets created by the ridges and the Voronoi diagram formed by the nodes have also been investigated.

Modern society is to a larger and larger extent dependant on electric energy, and hence the reliance on and utilization of the electric grid is increasing steadily. At the same time the production and consumption patterns are changing from large centralized generation of electric power and pure consumers to distributed generation (DG) and more complex consumers. This transition causes higher stress on an aging infrastructure and major investments are required over the coming years to maintain a reliable supply of electric energy. Better monitoring solutions and predictive methods can increase the possible utilization of the existing grid and reduce the fault frequency. This paper presents some current challenges in the grid and a possible monitoring solution and fault prediction method. This is exemplified with statistics and field-measurements from the Norwegian power grid.

North Amethyst is the first subsea tieback field development for Husky Energy's White Rose project, located off the East Coast of Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. The geographical location presents some of the harshest weather conditions in the world due to the elevated sea states and ice conditions. The North Amethyst field achieved first oil in 2010 and at the end of December 2011, had three production wells and three water injectors. Further wells are planned as part of the development. To counter imbalance in the horizontal flow profile that can lead to early water or gas breakthrough, the field development strategy employed Inflow Control Device (ICD) technology. The ICD technology application was the first offshore on the East Coast of Canada. A method of proving effective horizontal clean-out and flow distribution for the ICD technology was necessary. However, due to the subsea configuration complexity, semi-submersible rig costs and delays due to unfavorable weather conditions, the prospect of production logging the horizontal wells was deemed a high risk and expensive operation. To overcome these hurdles, unique inflow tracer technology was used in tandem with the ICDs to provide validation of clean-out and horizontal flow distribution. The North Amethyst producers were equipped with unique oil and water soluble tracers placed along the horizontal, embedded in the ICD screens. The tracer technology's objectives were to monitor the zonal contributions during clean-out and during the production phase. Water tracers were to monitor and identify the location of zonal water breakthrough. Topside fluid samples were analyzed, and tracer concentrations provided the basis for extracting well inflow information. The utilization of inflow tracer systems in collaboration with other reservoir engineering tools has provided validation of horizontal contribution and feedback about individual ICD nozzle placement. This paper will document the design, execution, and analysis of the tracer results in two initial North Amethyst ICD producers.  

This paper describes the interventionless approach that was successfully executed during the Pyrenees early production phase to identify the timing and location of water breakthrough. Chemical inflow tracers were installed in key production wells within the lower completion along the horizontal production sections. Results from this work have supported the reservoir simulation history matching process and confirmed the performance of the inflow control devices (ICDs). These data in conjunction with the real time rate information from subsea multiphase meters has allowed proactive reservoir and production management that has contributed to the early identification of additional infill opportunities.