Qatar Shell & Society of Petroleum Engineers support growth of energy professionals
Jun 03, 2014
Introduction to Well Construction’ educational course part of Qatar Shell Research and Technology Centre’s capacity building work
Qatar Shell and the Qatar Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) recently conducted a two-part education course, ‘Introduction to Well Construction’, on May 25 and June 1 at Texas A&M University at Qatar (TAMUQ).
Attended by over 30 professionals, the course explored the role of wells engineers, the different types of rigs and wells, their various components, and the various diverse aspects of drilling and well completion operations. The course also included an introduction to the basics of geology, reservoir fluid and rock properties, drilling techniques, completion engineering and production technology.
Blake Stephenson, Qatar Shell’s General Manager of Wells Operations, delivered the programme to participating professionals from the energy sector, including engineers, technical managers, geologists, geophysicists and chemists.
Commenting on the Qatar Shell Research and Technology Centre’s (QSRTC) collaboration with the SPE, Maha Al Mannai, University Collaboration Manager, said: “It is with great pride that Qatar Shell continues to support the growth of professionals within the energy industry through its collaborations with top-class academic institutions such as SPE and TAMUQ. Facilitating the transfer of industry best practice through such events is integral to QSRTC.”
“Our support of educational initiatives such as this upholds our commitment to promoting best industry practice amongst our stakeholders in the oil and gas industry in Qatar and around the world,” she added.
As part of the course, Stephenson also provided a technical overview of the management of drilling operations, including the engineering and installation of completions. In addition, he highlighted some of the key risks associated with process safety and management of hydrocarbons during wells operations.
"The Society of Petroleum Engineers in Qatar has organised this Continuing Education Event to bring together engineers and geoscientists to further their understanding and knowledge, which underpins safe operations in the oil and gas industry for the benefit of the State of Qatar," said Sheikh Faisal Al-Thani, Chairman of the Qatar Society of Petroleum Engineers Board.
Qatar Shell actively supports universities and other education institutes in Qatar by sharing skills and expertise, thereby effectively linking Shell scientists with professionals in the field.
Qatar Shell has a long-standing relationship with various local universities in an effort to increase the transfer of knowledge pertaining to technology relevant to the energy sector. Through its research arm at the QSRTC, Shell recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding with TAMUQ that strengthens a decade-old partnership in the fields of technology, science and research and development. This relationship has already yielded numerous productive initiatives, including the Aviation Fuel Consortium and the GTL Jet Fuel Programme.