URTeC Takes Center Stage in Colorado
Record Attendance Expected as Professionals Across All Segments of the Unconventional Arena Converge for Integrated Event

Complimentary Press Passes Available Here

August 18, 2014//Tulsa, OK – The second edition of the Unconventional Resources Technology Conference (URTeC) takes center stage 25-27 August at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver, CO. The 2014 event highlights unconventional resource possibilities in North America and around the world, as well as takes an in-depth look at existing plays.

URTeC 2014 is attracting acute interest from the industry as it brings together scientists, engineers and business managers to cross-pollinate ideas and encourage an “asset team” approach to exploration and production. With attendance trending ahead of last year’s inaugural event, the multidisciplinary organizing committee is optimistic that this year’s event will exceed expectations.

“The response to URTeC affirms the importance of this approach to the industry and we look forward to providing a robust, highly-interactive and superior attendee experience,” said Mr. Luis Baez, Co-chair of URTeC’s Technical Program Committee. “The program committee has worked diligently to ensure that the content being offered serves professionals across all segments of the unconventional arena and is second to none.”

A joint project of the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE), the American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG) and the Society of Exploration Geophysicists (SEG) with help from the American Association of Mechanical Engineers, Petroleum Division (ASME-PD), URTeC is one of the industry’s only integrated science and technology events.

The opening plenary session features a panel of experts that will address the topic of “Using Science and Integrated Technologies to Develop Unconventional Plays.” Other interactive panel discussions include “Nimble Independents: Moving the Needle With Innovation and Execution Excellence,” “Converting Technology Into Dollars,” “Emerging International Plays,” “Water Management and the Link to License to Operate” and “Marcellus Shale: ‘Bottom Up’ Integrated Assessment of Future Production and Reserves.”

The program, comprising experts from every aspect of the unconventional sector, features multi-themed technical sessions including 190+ oral sessions, 60+ ePapers, team presentations, topical breakfasts and luncheons, and interactive panel sessions. Cores from several unconventional reservoirs will be on display allowing attendees to view the rocks and compare analyses and results summarized by service companies. Cores are expected from the Haynesville, Bossier, Eagle Ford, Marcellus, Utica, Woodford, Niobrara, Tuscaloosa and Bakken plays.

“Attendees with various levels of unconventional experience will attend. It attracts those that have expertise in unconventionals with its top-quality content,” said Jennifer Bell, chair of the ASME’s Petroleum Division and chief executive officer of Elements Offshore LLC in Houston. She will serve as co-chair for the URTeC session “Emerging Plays: Roadway from Ideas to Sweetspots.”

“URTeC is the best venue where technology can be shared,” said AAPG award-winning member Bob Hardage of the Texas Bureau of Economic Geology.

Several Companies Expected to Announce New Products
Press conferences by exhibiting companies will take place over the course of the event. For a complete schedule of events, visit www.urtec.org or contact press@urtec.org.

Complimentary Press Registrations Available
Members of the press are invited to attend URTeC free of charge, with access to conference sessions, the exhibition and opening plenary session. Expedite press registration or request additional information by contacting Vern Stefanic. For full conference program details, registration, exhibition and sponsorship information, visit www.urtec.org.

About SPE
The Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) is a not-for-profit professional association whose members are engaged in energy resources development and production. SPE serves more than 124,000 members in 135 countries worldwide. SPE is a key resource for technical knowledge related to the oil and gas exploration and production industry and provides services through its publications, events, training courses, and online resources at www.spe.org.

About AAPG
Founded in 1917, AAPG is the premiere global organization for petroleum explorationists with over 42,500 members in 129 countries. The original purpose of AAPG, to foster scientific research, to advance the science of geology, to promote technology, and to inspire high professional conduct, still guides the Association today. AAPG provides publications, conferences, and educational opportunities to geoscientists and disseminates the most current geological information available to the general public.

About SEG
The Society of Exploration Geophysicists is a not-for-profit organization that promotes the science of applied geophysics and the education of geophysicists. SEG’s mission is connecting, inspiring, and propelling the people and science of geophysics. It provides its members with a variety of resources designed to further their success in the geophysics community.  For more information, visit www.seg.org.

Photo by Travis W. Cooksey

BISMARCK, N.D. – The North Dakota Petroleum Council (NDPC) today released the final report detailing the results, research methodology and comparative analysis of the Bakken Crude Characteristics Study conducted this spring. The preliminary results of the study, which concluded Bakken crude is similar to other North American light, sweet crudes and does not pose a greater risk to transport by rail than other crudes and transportation fuels, were presented in May during the Williston Basin Petroleum Conference.

“This study provides the most thorough and comprehensive analysis of crude oil quality from a tight oil production basin to date,” said John Auers, executive vice president of Turner, Mason & Company, the engineering firm commissioned to conduct the study. “The study provides conclusive and consistent scientific data about Bakken crude that will help regulators, operators, shippers and other key stakeholders properly classify and monitor Bakken crude in the future.”

In addition to reinforcing the preliminary findings presented in May, the final report also outlined Field Operations Recommended Best Practices to ensure consistent operation of field treating equipment, Bakken crude oil quality and testing procedures and shipping classification. Some of the best recommended practices include (but are not limited to):

· Maintaining all fired treating equipment at a temperature between 90 degrees and 120 degrees Fahrenheit year round to help minimize light end components in crude and create a consistent industry standard to ensure optimal separation of water and gas from the crude oil stream;
· Providing maximum tank settling time possible prior to shipment;
· Reducing stock tank pressure to the lowest pressure possible to maintain vapor collection equipment (engineered flare, vapor recovery, etc.) operational integrity;
· Testing each unit train loading or tank shipment batch to ensure crude is within the established typical Bakken specifications;
· Classifying all Bakken crude as a Class III, Packing Group I hazardous material even if current testing methods would classify a shipment as Packing Group II.

“The study helped establish a baseline for Bakken crude characteristics, and by implementing the recommended best practices outlined in the report, we will ensure Bakken crude remains consistent to those properties,” said Kari Cutting, vice president of the NDPC. “Our members have already begun implementing many of those best practices, further emphasizing our commitment to safety, including in the movement of this valuable resource by rail.”

In addition to outlining recommended best practices and providing in-depth analysis of the final results from sampling and testing, the final report also compares analysis from other studies on Bakken crude, including a study commissioned by the American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers (AFPM) and the U.S. Department of Transportation Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA).

“The test results from this study are consistent with scientific data reported by the AFPM and PHMSA,” said Cutting. “All of this data does not support the speculation that Bakken crude is more volatile or flammable than other light, sweet crudes. We look forward to using this information to continue our work with regulators and rail companies to develop and implement standards that will ensure all flammable liquids, particularly crude oils that are safely transported by rail.”

Turner, Mason & Company will present the findings of the final report to the North Dakota Industrial Commission on Wednesday, August 6 at 11 a.m. The study was completed by Turner, Mason & Company and SGS Laboratories at a cost of approximately $400,000. The full report may be downloaded at www.ndoil.org/resources/BKN.

Since 1952, the Petroleum Council has been the primary voice of the oil and gas industry in North Dakota. The Petroleum Council represents more than 500 companies involved in all aspects of the oil and gas industry, including oil and gas production, refining, pipeline, mineral leasing, consulting, legal work, and oil field service activities in North Dakota, South Dakota, and the Rocky Mountain Region. For more information, go to www.ndoil.org.