Which recent innovations or technologies has your company introduced to the energy sector, and how do you see these shaping the industry in coming years?

Special Oilfield Services (SOS), is a Joint Venture between The Industrialization and Energy Services Company (TAQA), an international company, headquartered in Dhahran, that offers leading well solutions for the energy industry and Mohsin Haider Darwish LLC (MHD), one of the largest and oldest business houses in Oman. We take pride in introducing several cutting-edge TAQA and Principal technologies that are re-shaping the industry; a few of which are listed below.

Firstly, TAQA’s Mechanical Thruster technology has made a significant impact to operators drilling efficiency in Hard Rock wells, by improving the Rate of Penetration (ROP) and Weight on Bit (WOB), setting a new record for the longest section drilled in a single run. This technology will be supplemented by the Threlix, a TAQA patented technology designed to assist operators in mitigating drilling dysfunctions by balancing downhole torque against downhole WOB, while drilling with rotary steerable systems (RSS). In addition, a unique resettable packer BHA (Bottom Hole Assembly) was recently employed in a leak hunt operation at 5400 meters, showcasing its durability and flexibility in HPHT wellbore environments. The BHA also includes a frac assembly that can enhance hydraulic fracturing operational efficiency by ensuring a multi-stage pinpoint frac. The Ultra High-Speed ESP (Electric Submersible Pump) stands out for its ability to handle gas and solids in challenging well conditions, ensuring reliable and efficient performance. This ESP is crucial for maximizing production and minimizing downtime in complex well scenarios.

Radial drilling technology is designed to enhance production in declining mature wells, offering a significant boost in recovery rates and extending the productive life of these wells. For hydraulic fracturing evaluations, SOS offer both radioactive and chemical tracers that provide detailed insights into fracturing performance and reservoir characteristics. SOS also offers TAQA specialty Swell plug solutions, which is specifically designed for water shutoff and refrac applications. This solution effectively isolates water-producing zones and optimizes well performance during refracturing processes. SOS have introduced a proprietary Multiphase Flow Meter, which are non-radioactive and highly accurate even at high gas flow rates. This advancement allows for precise measurement and better management of multiphase flows, improving overall operational efficiency.

Together, these innovations are transforming the energy sector by improving efficiency, reducing costs, and expanding our capabilities in addressing complex well conditions. As we move forward, we anticipate these technologies will continue to set new industry standards and drive future advancements in the sector.

Can you share how your company is contributing to the energy transition and the impact your strategy will have?

As part of our transition into a sustainable future, SOS’s strategy is focused on enhancing ESG and enabling new business models while leveraging energy transition opportunities and addressing climate change. Apart from working consistently to reduce our carbon footprint, TAQA the international partner in SOS is well positioned to lead the way in global Geothermal Energy Exploration and Carbon Capture Utilization and Storage (CCUS) with multiple projects currently ongoing or in the development stage in the GGC and MENA region. Additionally, both SOS as well as TAQA at a regional level are developing solutions for Flare gas recovery which focus on capturing and reprocessing flare gas that would otherwise be wasted or released into the atmosphere. This not only reduces emissions but also transforms wasted gas into a valuable alternative energy source, improving overall efficiency and sustainability in oil and gas operations.

TAQA’s GHG Emission Monitoring System, a technology designed with smart sensor gas modules providing a larger coverage range of extended mesh wireless monitoring & reporting system. The system also provides a heatmap feature of gas concentration enabling a comprehensive understanding of GHG emissions. This system provide for full compliance with the regulatory frameworks as well as the company’s internal requirements and HSE regulations.

Collectively, these strategies reflect our commitment to the energy transition and demonstrate our proactive approach in addressing environmental challenges. By developing and expanding into Geothermal, CCUS and flare gas recovery, we strive not only to enhance our operational sustainability but also contribute to global efforts in combating climate change and support a cleaner, more sustainable energy landscape.

What value does participating at OPES bring to your company and your overall business strategy?

OPES provides a platform to explore new business opportunities in the oil and gas industry, by connecting with other industry professionals we can identify potential business partners, explore new markets and expand our business, introduce and show case our latest innovations & technologies and gain valuable insights into emerging industry trends.

What are some of the key innovations that energy professionals can look forward to seeing from your participation at OPES?

At OPES, energy professionals can look forward to seeing a wide range of our latest innovations. At the SOS booth, we will exhibit advanced multistage hydraulic fracturing technologies designed for precision and efficiency including TAQA’s CHALLENGER, DISCOVERY and EXPLORER tools developed in-house for production enhancement. We will also introduce enhanced well testing and interventions technologies; as well as state-of-the-art artificial lift systems that optimize production in challenging conditions.

We will be showcasing TAQA’s next-generation completion solutions which will contribute in enhancing well integrity, production and limit water inflow; TAQA’s offering from cutting-edge drilling tools can address major drilling challenges. Additionally, we will present technologies for effective well interventions such as radial drilling technology, sustained casing pressure solutions, tracer diagnostics, high-precision instrumentation for better data and operation optimization, and advanced oilfield inspection technologies. Additionally, TAQA’s H2S safety solutions will also be highlighted, offering robust protection in high-risk environments.

We are excited to demonstrate how these innovations will drive operational efficiency, safety, and sustainability in the energy sector.

Can you share a successful project or case study where your products/services made a significant impact?

Flaring System for Environment Protection & Net Zero Emissions: Method for Reducing Carbon Intensity and Footprint in Oil Production Wells using Autonomous Inflow Control Devices.

Project Summary:

• Evaluation of reduced carbon emissions using TAQA’s Autonomous Inflow Control Devices (AICD) in Oil Producers.
• RCP AICD is a self-regulating valve, optimizes oil production while reducing unwanted fluids (gas and water).
• Study of 28 wells in Oman: 14 with AICDs, 14 with Stand Alone Screen (SAS) was performed to evaluate the effectiveness of AICD in reducing carbon intensity and footprint.
• AICDs improved oil production by 217% and reduced water production by 52% compared to SAS.
• Significant reductions in carbon intensity, GHG emissions, and energy consumption were observed in AICD wells:
  
  - Carbon intensity: -51%
  - GHG emissions: -47%
  - Energy consumption: -110%

• AICD usage reduces CAPEX and OPEX, with fewer wells needed, less energy-intensive production, and reduced re-injection of unwanted fluids.
• Results presented in technical paper ‘SPE-218695’, co-authored by PDO and TAQA.

Innovation

Challenge

• Early production of unwanted fluids reduces oil production efficiency.
• Issues associated well integrity and limitations on surface processing capacity
• Increases costs, GHG emissions and energy consumption with water treatment and reinjection.

AICD Technology

• TAQA’s AICD is a self-regulating device based on fluid properties passes through, successfully deployed in light and heavy oil wells.
• Keep unwanted fluids in the ground to minimize economic and environmental impacts.
• Balances the influx of reservoir fluids and delays the production of unwanted fluids.
• Once breakthrough occurs, the AICD limits production of the unwanted fluids autonomously.

Benefits of TAQA's AICD Technology

• Positive impact on overall cost and design of surface facilities.
• Choking back water by AICDs lowers gross fluid production which lowers number of pumps in operation and/or volume in separators.
• Significantly reduces GHG emissions and carbon intensity in oil producers.