Oil Gas & Energy Information

Microsoft Great Plains Oil & Gas - Implementation & Customization Highlights

2009-07-11T07:45:00.001-07:00

Microsoft Great Plains serves the wide spectrum of horizontal markets. Great Plains could be considered as ERP platform, which you could expand with third party modules or advance with your own in-house custom functionality. The best approach would be reasonable and balanced combination of existing modules and new custom logic. In this small article we’ll give some highlights on Microsoft Business Solutions Great Plains implementation and setup in Oil & Gas industry, especially for companies, specializing in off-shore platform installation and drilling.

• Fixed/Production Assets. Crude oil and gas production is a highly asset intensive activity, all the assets: wellheads, drills, offshore platform itself, etc. must be regularly and appropriately maintained. No wonder, that petroleum production is 24x7 with minimal downtime for repair, to maximize output produced and to minimize costs. In Microsoft Great Plains you can utilize combination of Fixed Assets module, where you depreciate your large assets – such as platform itself plus Great Plains Manufacturing with the emphasis on Capacity Resource Planning. Considering that it is not a real manufacturing, but rather allocation of your production assets and time – you could use Great Plains Project Accounting just to allocate resources, or even Great Plains Dexterity customization to serve resources allocation and assignment to the cost centers

• Logistics. Oil & Gas production is under the strict safety and environmental standards and requirements at the company, industry and governmental levels. These requirements imply best practices and efficiency in logistics, from procurement of materials to the receipt of those materials at the relevant wellsite - the right materials, right on time, at the right location. In Microsoft Great Plains you use Inventory (IV), Sales Order Processing (SOP) and Purchase Order Processing (POP) modules to automate your Logistics via Barcoding, automated shipping/receiving, etc. You combine these technologies: Great Plains Dexterity, VB/VBA (Barcoding reading and uploading to GP), MS SQL scripting, .Net web publishing.

• Production Phases. Drilling, Water/Gas preparation for injection, oil processing, cleaning, leaks monitoring – these could be set up as phases in your light manufacturing or project accounting module. You will need custom logic to be implemented in Great Plains Dexterity.

• Market Size. Estimated number of offshore drilling platforms worldwide is about 7,000. Current trend is total expenses reduction, which in turn encourages companies management to revise ERP efficiency and cost plus analyze the evolution in computer technologies.

5 Leading Oil Companies of the World

2008-08-25T23:30:00.002-07:00

The production of oil is decreasing. This is true at nearly all of the leading global oil companies. The reserves of these companies are also decreasing. These companies have therefore no other option but to expand their exploration in order to find new petroleum fields and to increase their production. Trillions of dollars may be exhausted in the next 15 to 20 years in their pursuit of oil and gas.

Let us take a look at 5 of the leading global oil companies.

Saudi Arabian Oil Company

Saudi Aramco is the state-owned domestic oil company of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Aramco is an acronym for the Arabian American Oil Company. It is probably the world's biggest company in terms of verified petroleum reserves and output. The company's headquarters is located in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia.

National Iranian Oil Company

The National Iranian Oil Company is believed to be the second biggest petroleum company in the world. It was founded in 1948 and is involved with the exploration, production and sales of petroleum and natural gas. Its main office is in Tehran, the capital of Iran.

Qatar Petroleum

Qatar Petroleum is presently the third largest oil company in the world because of its oil and gas stockpiles. It is situated in Qatar and is involved with the exploration, production, refinement and storage of petroleum.

Abu Dhabi National Oil Company

The Abu Dhabi National Oil Company is among the world's leading oil companies with major stockpiles. It is a state-owned company of the United Arab Emirates. It is a fully integrated company and their processes include all aspects of working in the petroleum industry.

Petróleos de Venezuela South America

Petróleos de Venezuela is a crude oil company owned by the Venezuelan state. It has activities in exploring, producing and exporting oil and natural gas. It predominates the oil business of the Republic of Venezuela.

Oil answers for a significant percentage of the world's energy needs. Crude oil is critical to numerous industries and is necessary to sustain an industrialized society.

Copyright 2008 - Dan Theron. All Rights Reserved Worldwide. Reprint Rights: You may reprint this article as long as you leave all of the links active, do not edit the article in any way, give author name credit and follow all of the EzineArticles terms of service for Publishers.

There are thousands of job vacancies in the oil industry! Don't know where to start? How to get a job on an offshore oil rig

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Natural Gas Production

2008-08-25T23:30:00.001-07:00

According to basic data provided by the Energy Information Administration, the total world output is 95 trillion cubic feet of natural gas. The major producers are the US and the Gulf countries. The US accounts for one-fifth of the production.

Natural gas is produced in gas and oil fields, which are conventional sources, and coalfields, which are non-conventional. Conventional sources have higher gas recovery rates than non-conventional sources. According to the National Assessment of Oil and Gas fact sheet, 94 percent of natural gas is produced from conventional sources. Gas wells account for two-thirds of the production, and the remaining comes from oil wells.

Natural gas is produced from wells, both in land and offshore locations such as the Gulf of Mexico. Natural gas production is concentrated in the lower 48 states. Texas is the largest producer of gas, and San Juan Basin is the top-producing field in the US. The number of wells in the US is approximately 393,000, out of which 68,000 wells are found in Texas and negligible number of wells in Missouri, Arizona, Nevada, and Maryland.

The production of gas has been enhanced by new drilling technologies, and the extraction losses are estimated at 3 percent of production. Production is hampered by weather conditions such as hurricanes, which stop the production in offshore fields and also result in the possible destruction of transmission pipelines. Hurricane Katrina is one such instance which disrupted the supply. The price decontrol measures by Federal Energy Regulation Commission have also stimulated the supply of gas.

The total proven reserves in the US are approximately 200 trillion cubic feet, which in its current demand pattern, may last for ten years. Furthermore, there are unexplored fields such as the Alaskan fields.

Natural Gas provides detailed information on Natural Gas, Natural Gas Generators, Natural Gas Prices, Natural Gas Production and more. Natural Gas is affiliated with Current Oil Prices.

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Energy Map Of China - Energy Map Of The Caribbean - Energy Map Of Mexico

2008-08-25T23:30:00.000-07:00

Energy Map of China

The complete energy map for China, now featuring a third generation satellite derived basemap. Mapping: Digital terrain modeling. All oil and gas fields, major oil and gas pipelines, including those currently planned or under construction. Major oil refineries and tanker terminals. LNG import terminals, including those under construction, and planned or proposed. Major hydro electric dams, nuclear power stations, existing and under development. Strategic petroleum reserve sites. Inset map of coal basins and coal fields. Country and regional statistics, plus oil, gas and coal production, consumption and reserves data.

Energy Map of Mexico

Mapping: Third Generation mapping, with high-definition satellite derived imagery .Mapping content: Oil and gas fields. Oil, gas and product pipelines, existing, under construction and planned Oil refineries, gas processing plants, tanker terminals and oil storage .Planned LNG Import terminals. Electricity power network with power stations by fuel type. Data and Tables: Oil and gas reserves, production and consumption over past 10 years, consumption by fuel type. LNG projects and oil and gas trade from/to Mexico. Inset maps: Bahia de Campeche, Northeast Mexico and Yucatan Peninsula

Energy Map of the Caribbean

The complete energy map for the Caribbean region. Mapping: Satellite derived imagery .Mapping content: Oil/gas fields and pipelines, refineries, tanker terminals, LNG import terminals and export plants and power stations by fuel type. Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and Association of Caribbean States (ACS) members and associate members .Data and tables: Oil and gas value chain (in English, French and Spanish); World energy graphs for production, consumption and reserves; Caribbean oil imports/exports; Caribbean refining capacity; Caribbean LNG import/export facilities; Caribbean primary energy consumption; Caribbean population and economic demographics; Energy facts boxes for individual countries. Inset maps: Trinidad and Tobago

Anjali

Bharat Book Bureau

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Convert Your Car to Run on Water - Water Fuel or Hydrogen Fuel

2008-02-18T01:09:00.000-08:00

Hydrogen fuel and kits allowing you to convert your car to run on water gain popularity as several sources claim the price of oil will reach $200/barrel by the end of the this year.

This means about $7 per gallon of gas - incredible but probably true.

So how can you avoid this future problem of paying so much for money?

* Sell your car and use public transportation

* Purchase a hybrid car

* Get better gas mileage using your current car

Sell your car and use public transportation. This could be very useful and easy to do for many people who live in a large Metropolis such as New Your City in the USA or Montreal, Canada. This option will not serve as a solution for people who depend on their car for numerous reasons such as: In existence public transportation available, long daily distances, obligation to drive to work / drive children to school.

Using public transportation is much cheaper than owning a personal automobile, unfortunately it is not always possible, good service is not guaranteed and most of the time it is simply inconvenient. Many cities and smaller town do not offer public transportation.

You could buy one of those hybrid cars - the inconvenience is a waste of at least $15 000 plus the registration, insurance and all the regular jam. Of course a hybrid would be more gas efficient then a 6 cylinder car or your favorite V8 truck... but than again, spending almost 20 K is not a possibility for many folks.

Get better gas mileage using your current car - this is most likely the best solution for you because: There are numerous ways of getting better gas mileage, you already own a car and most likely enjoy it a lot (that's why you bought it in the first place, right) it is far more comfortable and more convenient than using public transportation.

So what can you do to get the best gas mileage?

Let's start with the basics:

* Accelerate gently. Sudden accelerations waste A LOT of gas.

* Keep your distance in order to avoid breaking and acceleration

* Try keeping your speed constant, use cruise control is available/possible

* Keep your car maintained; a simple oil change and suggested pressure in all four tires will save you gas and money.

* Try to avoid congested highways, when your engine is running but the car doesn't move you get Zero MPG.

Another thing you could do is convert your car to run on water. This method will allow you to save up to 75% of gas; in some case you will be able to DOUBLE your gas mileage.

As seen in a recent Fox News video report, water could be used as fuel in order increase the fuel economy and decrease the pollution. This new hydrogen-on-demand system will cost you under $200 dollars, it is easy to install, maintain and remove. Most importantly, it makes your engine run smoother and quieter, it cleans your engine and reduce the wear and tear of its parts, it equally reduces the pollution.

Thousands of drivers convert their car to use Water as fuel. It is cheap, simple and saves 1000's of dollars a year. This site will give you all the juicy details about converting your car to use this great fuel efficient system.

When you convert your car to run on water you are eligible for the IRS refunded applied to hybrid cars. Need more reasons for using the system?

- Your car gains power
- Your car longevity increases as this system cleans the engine
- You get a fuel economy increase of up to 75%, some users even reported 100% increase which means DOUBLE the mileage!

Soaring Gas Prices Have Lightened American Wallets

2008-02-18T01:07:00.000-08:00

Unbelievable gas prices have slowly siphoned money from American wallets. The skyrocketing fuel prices not only affects individual Americans. It also affects businesses that rely on shipping product to one place to another.

Escalating fuel costs might even threaten some tourist destinations, like Disney World or Cedar Point. Not only will you have to pay a fortune traveling around in your car. You have to expect higher cost at your travel destination.

It seems now that warmer weather has eclipsed most of the nation. Our gasoline prices have risen out of control. Would we be paying $3.50 a gallon if this was December? I hardly doubt it. It is a lack of responsibility by our elected officials. Americans are being taken advantage, by the ruthless oil tycoons.

I am tired of not getting the same amount of gas that I used to receive. Heck, ten bucks might get me a quarter of a tank, if I am lucky.

I want to know where is my congressman. Why has legislation not been introduced to help ease our pain at the pump. It is sickening to hear of record profits reported every quarter, from the oil companies.

Imagine if the entire nation stopped pumping gas for just one day. Maybe the oil companies would sympathize with us, if just for a moment.

I would hope that there is not an American running any of the big oil companies. I know that's not true but it would be nice. Everytime I have to fill up I feel the money in my wallet has wings and just keeps flying away toward the Middle East.

I am trying to raise a family and this extra dent in my wallet is not helping matters, it is why I took matters into my own hands.

It is why I began researching fuel saving techniques. Might as well get as much mileage as possible per gallon.

I have actually found some incredible tips and methods for making my fillup last longer. I also found some great resources right here on the internet, that help ease the pain at the pump.

I learned the secret of turning the hose 180 degrees and letting that extra half cup of gas run into my tank, instead of the next customers tank.

I found that if you excellerate before you go up a hill it will add to your fuel economy.

You might want to check this out if you are tired of paying high prices at the pump. My methods and tips are sure to make your dollar stretch a little further.

TransGlobe Energy Corporation Announces Filing of its 2004 Year End Disclosure Documents

2008-02-15T02:52:00.000-08:00

CALGARY, Alberta -- TransGlobe Energy Corporation (TSX:TGL) (AMEX:TGA) ("TransGlobe" or the "Company") today filed its Renewal Annual Information Form, which includes TransGlobe's reserves data and other oil and gas information for the period ended December 31, 2004 as required by National Instrument 51-101 Standards of Disclosure for Oil and Gas Activities of the Canadian Securities Administrators.

Copies of TransGlobe's AIF and disclosure documents may be obtained at www.sedar.com.

TransGlobe is a growth oriented international energy company engaged in the exploration, development and production of crude oil and natural gas in the Republic of Yemen, the Arab Republic of Egypt and Alberta, Canada.This release includes certain statements that may be deemed to be "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the US Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts that address future production, reserve potential, exploration drilling, exploitation activities and events or developments that the Company expects, are forward-looking statements. Although TransGlobe believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include oil and gas prices, exploitation and exploration successes, continued availability of capital and financing, and general economic, market or business conditions.

Baytex Energy Trust Announces Filing of its 2005 Year End Disclosure Documents

2008-02-15T02:51:00.000-08:00

CALGARY, Alberta -- Baytex Energy Trust (TSX:BTE.UN) (NYSE:BTE) today filed its Annual Information Form which includes reserves data and other oil and gas information for the year ended December 31, 2005 as mandated by National Instrument 51-101 Standards of Disclosure for Oil and Gas Activities of the Canadian Securities Administrators.

Baytex has also filed its audited consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes for the year ended December 31, 2005 and related Management Discussion and Analysis with Canadian securities regulatory authorities. Copies of Baytex's 2005 disclosure documents may be obtained on www.sedar.com, the company's website at www.baytex.ab.ca, or by emailing investor@baytex.ab.ca.Baytex Energy Trust is a conventional oil and gas income trust focused on maintaining its production and asset base through internal property development and delivering consistent returns to its unitholders. Trust Units of Baytex are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol BTE.UN and on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol BTE.

TransGlobe Energy Corporation Announces Filing of its 2004 Year End Disclosure Documents

2008-02-14T03:50:00.000-08:00

Baytex Energy Trust Announces Filing of its 2005 Year End Disclosure Documents

2008-02-14T03:48:00.000-08:00

CALGARY, Alberta -- Baytex Energy Trust (TSX:BTE.UN) (NYSE:BTE) today filed its Annual Information Form which includes reserves data and other oil and gas information for the year ended December 31, 2005 as mandated by National Instrument 51-101 Standards of Disclosure for Oil and Gas Activities of the Canadian Securities Administrators.

Baytex has also filed its audited consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes for the year ended December 31, 2005 and related Management Discussion and Analysis with Canadian securities regulatory authorities. Copies of Baytex's 2005 disclosure documents may be obtained on www.sedar.com, the company's website at www.baytex.ab.ca, or by emailing investor@baytex.ab.ca.aytex Energy Trust is a conventional oil and gas income trust focused on maintaining its production and asset base through internal property development anddelivering consistent returns to its unitholders. Trust Units of Baytex are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol BTE.UN and on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol BTE.

What Will Happen When We Run Out of Oil?

2008-02-01T04:53:00.000-08:00

The dwindling supplies of crude oil will cause massive changes in our economy. Because of the rampant increase of people driving, the rising demands for gasoline alone is a monumental concern. Gas prices are influenced by many factors including the world supply of oil. The truth is that there is probably more oil to be discovered somewhere, but the costs of drilling it in far off remote areas or deep under the ocean floor will get too costly to pursue. It will be too expensive to find; we won't be able to afford it. Most likely, the rising costs will force us to develop other energy sources.

Oil companies start out exploring for oil in the easiest places, costing the least to drill and bring to the surface. They go to the areas closest to their refineries to cut costs in transportation. This enables the costs to the end consumer to be kept in line. Once the nearby places are tapped out, the oil companies go elsewhere to find oil which might be harder to harvest. If the oil supply continues to get harder and harder to find, unfortunately, it will continue to get more and more expensive.

However, there is always a possibility for surprising good news to surface too. Recently, scientists from Cornell University discovered an enormous amount of oil off the coast of Louisiana. The find is some 60 billion barrels or three times more than the current US recoverable oil of 20 billion barrels. This discovery should bring the United States total oil reserves to 80 billion barrels which is on par with Venezuela. In comparison to other finds around the world, this is twice the size of all oil ever found in the North Sea and six times larger than the estimates of the Alaskan Artic National Wildlife Refuge oil deposits.

A new method of oil discovery known as "gas washing" was used to find this area of about 10,000 square miles. It was found under layers of salt domes. With this method, geologist are able to track the movement of oil deposits by the way they interact with the flow of natural gas. It helps scientists to make extremely accurate 3D-seismic maps of deep underground oil deposits and mitigate the risk involved in drilling such deep under water wells.

A team lead by a chemical geologist from Cornell and funded by a grant from Chevron discovered the oil with information gathered from source rocks deep below the sea. Because of the devastation left by the hurricanes Katrina and Rita there is a critical shortage of equipment and manpower to do the kind of recovery work needed to bring the oil to the surface. At the present, crews are working hard to get the necessary equipment to the area to conduct more tests. It is estimated that it won't be until 2010 before oil will be pumped from the found area.

Oil companies like Triple Diamond Energy Corporation are always pleased when the new oil discoveries are made within the United States. Of course, it is discoveries like this which make the United States self sufficient and contribute to being less dependent on foreign oil. So, what will happen when we run out of oil? Maybe we won't.

Why We Need to Monitor Daily Crude Oil Prices

2008-02-01T04:51:00.000-08:00

While there are all sorts of financial experts who watch economic trends and duly report their projections, we as consumers may also benefit from watching the rise and fall of the daily crude oil prices. Here are a couple of reasons why monitoring this activity may be in our best interests.

When the price of crude oil goes up, we see a direct impact on what we will pay for petroleum products in the future. Generally, the first increase we see is as the gas pump. Prices of gasoline begin to creep up. However, we may also find that the costs for such products as motor oil also begin to rise. How long the increase stays in effect and how far the gas prices rise will depend a great deal on the availability of crude oil, and how much it currently costs per barrel.

Along with impacting our personal transportation costs, a change in daily crude oil prices can also make a difference in what we pay for goods that are routinely shipped into our cities and towns. A good example of this would be produce. Only in very rare occasions do large chain grocery stores purchase fruits and vegetables locally. Generally, the produce that you purchase was shipped in from across the country, or at the very least from out of state. Increases in the costs of petroleum products will be partially absorbed by raising the prices for the produce.

Because we can depend on the daily crude oil prices to act as an accurate indicator of what we will be paying within the next few weeks for not only the gasoline we need for our transportation needs, but also such important items as food, we need to keep abreast of the current price per barrel. When we do so, we have the opportunity to make adjustments in our budgets that will help us deal with the changes more effectively. Simply checking the newspaper or going online and getting the current cost per barrel can prevent any unpleasant surprises when you go for a tank of gas or head for the grocery store. Make it a habit to check every day and adjust your household operations accordingly.

Gas Cards – Time to Apply

2008-01-31T05:35:00.000-08:00

Most gas companies offer two types of gas card – a gas credit card and a gas charge card. Credit cards are self explanatory, and charge cards require consumers to make a full payment for expenses incurred within the agreed date. Charge cards differ to credit cards, as they do not allow consumers to carry forward a balance at the end of each month.

Gas cards with high annual fee benefit from higher credit limits, accident insurance cover, travel cover, and every other cover under the sun. In modern times due to high competition between banks, card issuers are quite often wavering joining fees and annual fees to attract more clients.

The Discover Gas Card is one of the top gas cards on the market offering up to 10% rebate on your gas purchase. As more cards appear on the market allowing greater flexibility of offering cash rebates regardless of where you top up with gas, consumers have a much varied choice, and discover gas cards are one of the top of the list.

This card caters mainly to consumers looking for better gas deals, it offers 5% cash rebate on gas or up to 10% savings on gas to consumers who accept their rebate as gift certificates from their partner retailers.

As with any type of card application there are a certain amount of items and documents about your self needed in order to apply for a card.

You can apply and submit your application for a gas card online. If you have an existing account with a bank this can help make the process a lot easier and quicker. Alternatively if you are not internet familiar or prefer to send things the old fashioned way, then you can use the postal system to mail off your application form.

As standard the application form will need your bank details, details of your current job and annual income, as well as the years held in your current job position, and you social security number. Other questions will just be about yourself and details on where you live.

Many oil and gas companies are now offering revolving accounts. A revolving account is the credit facility extended to the cardholder, which allows consumers to use the credit up to the amount the consumer reimburses in to the bank as a repayment on or before the due date.

There are two kinds of gas station credit card. The first type is a gas station or an oil company credit card. These will carry a Visa or a Master Card logo and is accepted everywhere, and you will receive a discount on gas purchased from that specific station that has issued the card only.

The second types of cards are available from major credit card companies and they offer a discount on fuel at any gas station, as well as rebates on other purchases at supermarkets, drug stores or restaurants.

Outrageous Gas Prices

2008-01-31T05:33:00.000-08:00

The real cause of our current energy crisis of skyrocketing fuel prices - leading to our gas pains at the pump - is our failure to create alternative energy resources. Ouch. Pointing the finger at ourselves? Not going to happen…we always need a villain as the cause of our woe.

We can look to Washington and blame our various administrations. Many of us were not even born to witness the gas rationing during World War II. However many of us recall the late 70’s and early 80’s and how we were – excuse my choice of words – “over the barrel” when it came to crude oil prices. Following the lead of President Jimmy Carter, we turned our thermostats to 68?? degrees in the dead of winter in an effort to conserve energy.

These measures which attempted to rein in our dependency made for great headlines but little else.

We eventually cranked up the thermostats…once again purchased gas guzzling cars which we drove all over (consuming gazillions of galloons of crude) without any concern.

An energy conservation or energy alternative program? Please. There is plenty of cheap crude oil to last us hundreds of years.

Wrong answer.

Crude oil is not a renewable energy source. Once you use barrel, it does not spontaneously regenerate another barrel to replace itself. It is gone and can never be replaced.

This is what oil producing nations have to be concerned about…their limited fossil fuel (oil) supply. Once it is gone, it is gone. There goes their oil dependent economy. (AND with their inability to supply us with crude…our economy will slide as well.)

Put yourself in the role of supplying a product, any product, which is heavily in demand and you only have the ability to sell so much. Would you try to extract the most amount of money for it?

This is exactly what is happening to fuel prices right now. That gas pump is trying to extort an obscene amount of money from you because of limited supply of crude yet we – along with other developed and developing countries - demand more and more.

The solution.

Ready for this?

The solution is simple. Simple economics.

The plan to execute the solution is extremely complex.

First the solution: we have to cut down on crude oil demand which would then lead to an overabundance of supply. Oil tankers will continue to be loaded with crude and no place to unload as the demand for their loads has been substantially decreased.

Increased crude supply (due to no one wanting all the crude that is being produced) caused by lower demand for it equals major reductions of crude oil prices by the oil producing countries. How does this happen?

Alternative sources of energy with a heavy concentration of renewable energy such as the sun or wind power. (I am not even going to mention a few of the other alternative energy sources such as grain or vegetable oil converted to fuel.)

We have the ability to get ourselves out of this gas pain at the gas pump.

The more we can encourage American imagination, the sooner our answer will come to relieve our gas pains. The sooner our answer will come to decrease our demand for crude. The sooner will crude supplies start to fill crude storage tanks in oil producing countries. Prices will have to radically fall to move this crude as our alternative energy technology spreads worldwide.

How Proper And Regular Maintenance Can Increase Your Gas Mileage

2008-01-30T04:34:00.001-08:00

One of the areas that many people neglect and do not consider when it comes to better fuel economy is maintenance. Something as simple as a fouled spark plug can cause the engine to run poorly and result in greatly reduced fuel economy. This is another reason why regular tune-ups as recommended by the manufacturer of your vehicle are so crucial, it can make as much as a twenty percent difference in your fuel economy.

Tire pressure is another issue that is important to getting the best fuel economy so it is important to keep them inflated at the correct pressure. Even the type of tires can make a difference with radial tires being proven to increase gas mileage. Snow tires can hurt your gas mileage as well as any tires with a deeper tread. Improper front end alignment will not only ruin your tires but because of the resistance poor alignment adds to the tires it also hurts fuel economy.

The use of the proper motor oil weight is crucial to good gas mileage too so be sure to use the oil recommended for your vehicle. The new energy conserving grades of engine oil are also good for increasing fuel economy. These types of oil will have a designation of "EC" stamped on the container.

Don't make the mistake of assuming that a higher octane fuel will be better for your engine, one fifth of the gas marketed in the United States is premium, high octane fuel but only a little better than 5% of automobiles should use this type of fuel. Contrary to popular opinion a higher octane does not equate to better gas mileage.

Some vehicles will benefit from the higher octane as they will advance the ignition timing and result in better fuel economy. To make sure, run an experiment with you vehicle by filling the tank with regular and keeping track of your gas mileage then doing the same with premium after you have run the tank down as empty as possible.

Check your oxygen sensor as needed; these should be replaced every 30,000-50,000 miles depending upon your car. If the sensor isn't working as it should this can cause the vehicle to use too much gas.

Another simple maintenance item that is often neglected is the air filter. Clogged air filters can reduce fuel economy by as much as ten percent and they can also be harmful to your engine. According to studies nearly a third of all vehicles on the road need a filter change.

Gas Prices Driving You Nuts? Look At These Tips To Help Save At The Pump

2008-01-30T04:33:00.000-08:00

Gas prices today are ridiculous. Many wish for a return to the days when gas was only $.75 a gallon. Unfortunately, those days are over and now gas prices are higher than ever. The prices of gas are hitting people where it hurts; in the pocket and in their social lives. Many families, in an effort to save money, have cut out after school activities and make their kids ride to school with someone else's mom. Despite the fact that cutting out all the fun in your lives is to help you save money, there are other ways to save at the pump that won't have you indoors all the time.

A huge reason why some people lose money at the pumps is that they are using the wrong kind of gas. Gas comes in three different levels of octane, regular, high grade, and super. Normally, cars can operate fine on the lower octane level. The regular grade is the cheapest, but when your engine starts to "ping" you should consider upgrading to the next level of octane. The difference in price between the two levels is a few pennies, but when your tank holds 40 gallons of gas, that can be a lot of pennies.

How your car is running and is maintained is also big deal when it comes to saving money on gas. Keeping your engine tuned, your fuel filters clean, fluid levels high, and changing your spark plugs, all adds precious fuel efficiency to your car. Want some proof? Well, when your engine is properly tuned you can get 4% more mileage out of your car. That is a lot of fuel in the long run.

Another gas saving innovation is oil changes. Changing your oil every 3,000 miles isn't a big money making scheme thought up my big oil companies, (like my wife likes to think), it helps save money on gas. When your engine is properly lubricated, it runs more efficiently, lowering the amount of fuel it consumes. This is all so logical, people. The kind of oil you use should be the best kind for your type of vehicle.

If you drive like a maniac, you are probably getting bad gas mileage. The faster your car goes, the more fuel it uses. Going 60mph or lower, (driving at speed limit in most cases), will help you keep your gas consumption down. A good idea for long trips is to use your car's cruise control. This will help you maintain the right speed throughout the trip. When you let your car sit idling you are wasting gas. Not only are you making the hole in the ozone layer bigger, you are wasting money. If you know that you are going to have to wait for a long time, turn your car off and just listen to the radio. Using your car’s overdrive feature will help you save gas on the highway where speeds are over 35mph.

Now that you know there are different and better ways to save gas, than being a hermit and miser, go out and do what you want without worrying about paying more at the pump.

US EPA establishes RFS program requirements

2007-04-12T02:46:00.001-07:00

The US government announced a requirement for refiners, blenders, and importers to increasingly use renewable fuels from 2007 through 2012. Officials portrayed the renewable fuels standard (RFS), which was authorized under the 2005 Energy Policy Act (EPACT), as an important step toward meeting US President George W. Bush's goal of reducing domestic gasoline use by 20% within 10 years.

US Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Stephen L. Johnson, US Department of Energy Sec. Samuel W. Bodman, and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Chief Nicole R. Nason told reporters that the RFS would help domestic renewable and alternative transportation fuel use climb to 35 billion gal/year by 2017.

For 2007, the RFS establishes a renewable fuel share of 4.02%, or roughly 4.7 billion gal, of the total motor fuel consumed in the US. By 2012, the equivalent of at least 7.5 billion gal will be required as part of the US motor fuel mix.

Officials said that the program will promote the use of ethanol, biodiesel, and other petroleum alternatives as it establishes special incentives to produce and use motor fuels produced from switch grass, wood chips, and other cellulosic biomass. It also will use a trading system to give fuel producers flexibility in using the most economical alternatives, they added.

An RFS standard is only the first step, according to Nason. "We must also continue to improve the efficiency of our passenger cars and light trucks. As a part of the president's '20-in-10' energy security plan, we need Congress to give the secretary of transportation authority to reform the current passenger car fuel economy standard," she said.

Charles T. Drevna, vice-president of the National Petrochemical & Refiners Association, said EPA has issued a reasonable framework to implement EPACT's renewable fuel provisions. "NPRA believes that the RFS credit program—the core of the program—must be understandable, allow unambiguous enforcement, and promote adequate flexibility for refiners and gasoline importers," he said.

FTC opposes Western Refining's merger with Giant

2007-04-12T02:45:00.000-07:00

The US Federal Trade Commission said it will oppose Western Refining Inc.'s planned $1.4 billion acquisition of Giant Industries Inc. because it would significantly reduce competition in northern New Mexico's light products market.

The commission unanimously approved a complaint challenging the transaction on Apr. 10 and cleared the way for its staff to seek a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction in federal district court to halt the deal while an administrative trial is held.

Western Refining and Giant Industries immediately issued a statement saying that the federal agency's decision is without basis in law and would be vigorously challenged in court. A hearing schedule on the matter will be determined in the next few days, they said.

The two independent refiner-marketers compete as bulk suppliers of gasoline, diesel fuel, and other light petroleum products in Albuquerque, Santa Fe, and elsewhere in northern New Mexico, according to Jeffrey Schmidt, director of FTC's Bureau of Competition. "Western's acquisition of Giant would eliminate this competition, leading to higher prices of these important energy products," he said.

The federal agency noted that Giant owns and operates two refineries and adjacent terminals in northern New Mexico at Bloomfield and Ciniza from which it supplies bulk gasoline and diesel to New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, and Colorado. The Scottsdale, Ariz., company also supplies light products to northern New Mexico from its Albuquerque terminal, FTC said.

FTC said Western operates a single refinery in El Paso that supplies gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, and other light products to Albuquerque, El Paso, Phoenix, Tucson, and Juarez, Mexico. The company also is one of two refiners using the Plains Pipeline to ship light products from El Paso to northern New Mexico, it added.

Already concentrated
FTC contends that if Giant is not acquired by Western, it would soon increase the supply of gasoline to northern New Mexico by bringing up to capacity production at its two area refineries and that the merger would prevent this. The combination would substantially increase concentration in an already concentrated market and substantially reduce competition in the bulk supply of gasoline to northern New Mexico, it added.

It also contends that Western "has both the incentive and the means" to limit gasoline supplies to northern New Mexico once the acquisition is complete by diverting some of Giant's planned additional supplies for Albuquerque and Santa Fe to other markets. Western also could reduce supplies into the area by shifting some of its current bulk supply on the Plains Pipeline, FTC said.

Officials of the two companies expressed surprise at the agency's action. "This merger will result in more product being provided to the combined companies' customers and is, therefore, procompetitive. The FTC's decision demonstrates a fundamental and troubling lack of understanding about the areas in which Western Refining and Giant operate, the competitors in those areas and the competitive nature of those areas," said Paul L. Foster, Western's president and chief executive officer.

Fred L. Hollinger, Giant's chairman and chief executive officer, noted that the two companies represent less than 1.5% of the nation's total refining capacity, and that FTC has approved mergers and acquisitions in the past several years that have created much larger refining companies. "The employees of both companies have spent countless hours preparing documents in response to the FTC's information requests, and we and our advisors haven't seen anything that we believe would serve as a basis for the FTC to oppose this merger," he said.

The companies said FTC has never suggested the need for divestitures or other potential remedies, and that numerous state and trade association officials submitted letters supporting the merger and noting that the companies are small, independent refiners; that the areas in which they operate are highly competitive and have numerous fuel supply options; that Western has one of the industry's best operates and its expertise would help ensure more reliable gasoline and diesel supplies by improving utilization rates and reducing the risk of unplanned refinery shutdowns; and that the combination would create a more stable organization.

SPE approves new reserves definitions

2007-04-12T02:44:00.002-07:00

Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) board members approved a new Petroleum Resources Management System, ending 2 years of collaboration by SPE, the World Petroleum Council (WPC), the American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG), and the Society of Petroleum Evaluation Engineers (SPEE).

The boards of the other societies also approved the system following industry review and comment. Coordinated by the SPE Oil and Gas Reserves Committee (OGRC), the new system consolidates and replaces guidance contained in the 1997 SPE-WPC Petroleum Reserves Definitions, the 2000 SPE-WPC-AAPG Petroleum Resources Classification and Definitions publications, and the 2001 SPE-WPC-SPEE Guidelines for the Evaluation of Petroleum Reserves and Resources. The new system also includes the 2005 SPE-WPC-AAPG Glossary.

ORGC Chairman John Ritter, who is reserves manager for Chevron North American Operating Co., said previous guidelines were "not sufficiently rigorous or encompassing to meet the requirements of industry stakeholders due to advancements in technology, the international expansion of the industry, and the increasing role of unconventional resources." The 2007 system builds on industry efforts to achieve consistency in estimating reserves (OGJ, Oct. 23, 2006, Newsletter).

The old and new resource classification remains basically the same. The new system explains the classification in 30 pages, plus a glossary, compared with a 4-page explanation for the 2000 classification. The new explanation emphasizes project-based resources and makes recommendations on various topics, including aggregating methods and economic criteria.

The primary updates are:

-- Categorization is based on quantities recovered by applying a defined project to a reservoir base case that uses evaluator's forecast of future conditions (including prices and costs, technology available, environmental standards, fiscal terms, and regulatory constraints) but permits option to use constant conditions.

-- Recognition of the growing importance of unconventional resources (including bitumen, oil shale, coalbed methane, and gas hydrates).

-- A way to enable low, middle, and high categories of contingent resources.

-- An introduction of classification modifiers.

Shell to pay $353 million in reserves settlement

2007-04-12T02:44:00.001-07:00

Royal Dutch Shell PLC agreed to pay $352.6 million, plus administrative costs, to investors outside the US in a settlement related to a series of reserves writedowns. Shell admitted no wrongdoing in the settlement. Investors had said the oil and gas major was involved in improper accounting for oil and gas reserves during 1997-2003.

The company reclassified reserves five times in a little over a year (OGJ Online, Feb. 4, 2005).

In an Apr. 11 news release, Shell said it agreed to settle with a group of European and other investors outside the US. Parties to the settlement involve institutional investors including Dutch pension funds led by Stichting Pensioenfonds ABP. Others are organizations representing individual shareholders in The Netherlands and the Shell Reserves Compensation Foundation, a settlement foundation.

The agreement depends on the Amsterdam Court of Appeals declaring the settlement binding for all of the shareholders that it covers and is subject to agreed opt-out provisions. Regarding US investors, Shell intends to offer a same proportional settlement to them, pending approval from the US court overseeing the case. A legal director for Shell told reporters at a news conference in London that the firm plans to offer US investors an $80 million settlement.

In addition, Shell is asking the US Securities and Exchange Commission to distribute to shareholders the $120 million that Shell paid in 2004 under a consent agreement resolving the SEC's investigation into Shell's reserves recategorization.

Grant & Eisenhofer PA attorney Jay Eisenhofer said it was an unprecedented settlement of a large-scale European shareholder dispute. His law firm represented the investor group and the special purpose foundation. Grant & Eisenhofer is based in Wilmington, Del., and New York

"The scale of recovery and the sheer collective unity of the investor group are both unique in a European context," Eisenhofer said, noting that the shareholder class involved a broad swath of public pension funds.

MARKET WATCH Crude prices reverse decline

2007-04-12T02:43:00.000-07:00

Just a day after the biggest price drop in 3 months, a rally in gasoline and heating oil boosted crude futures prices Apr. 10 for the first time in five sessions on the New York market.

The front-month crude contract's $2.77 fall to $61.51/bbl on Apr. 9 "was due to heavy trading and not to light holiday action," said Olivier Jakob, managing director of Petromatrix GMBH, Zug, Switzerland. Trading volume for US crude on the New York Mercantile Exchange was "the highest in the last 7 days and the second highest in the last 19 days," he said.

"Due to outages, refiners are struggling to produce enough fuel, of the right quantity and type, in advance of the summer driving season," said analysts in the Houston office of Raymond James & Associates Inc. "Refinery shutdowns have led to a build-up in crude oil reserves and depressed prices compared to Brent Sea crude prices on the London Stock Exchange. Iran remains a catalyst for high oil prices, however. The country asserts it is enriching uranium on an industrial scale in defiance of global sanctions."

US inventories
On Apr. 11, the Energy Information Administration reported commercial US crude inventories increased by 700,000 bbl to 333.4 million bbl during the week ended Apr. 6, well below the jump that some analysts had expected in the face of recent refining outages.

Moreover, with the summer driving season fast approaching, gasoline stocks fell 5.5 million barrels to a below-average level of 333.4 million bbl. Distillate fuel inventories inched up just 100,000 bbl to 118.1 million bbl, with a modest gain in diesel offsetting a drop in heating oil. Propane and propylene inventories rose 700,000 bbl to 25.8 million bbl in the same week.

Imports of crude into the US fell by 441,000 b/d to 9.8 million b/d during that period. However, the input of crude into US refineries increased by 231,000 b/d to 15.1 million b/d, with units operating at 88.4% of capacity. Gasoline production declined to 8.5 million b/d while distillate fuel production increased to 4.2 million b/d.

Energy prices
The May contract for benchmark US light, sweet crudes gained 38¢ to $61.89/bbl Apr. 10 on NYMEX. The June contract escalated by 57¢ to $64.88/bbl. On the US spot market, West Texas Intermediate was up 38¢ to $61.90/bbl. Heating oil for May delivery surged by 4.04¢ to $1.86/gal on NYMEX. The May contract for reformulated blend stock for oxygenate blending (RBOB) increased 2.84¢ to $2.12/gal.

The May natural gas contract jumped by 32.3¢ to $7.87/MMbtu on NYMEX. On the US spot market, gas at Henry Hub, La., gained 7¢ to $7.73/MMbtu. Colder-than-normal weather over the Easter weekend and in forecasts for the Northeast and Rockies helped propel gas prices. "Activity was up as traders covered short positions and pushed the price of gas up to close almost 4% higher," said Raymond James analysts

In London, the May IPE contract for North Sea Brent crude climbed 83¢ to $67.42/bbl. However, gas oil for April lost $5.75 to $582.25/tonne.

Tower Resources to drill two exploration wells in Uganda

2007-03-23T06:16:00.001-07:00

Tower Resources PLC plans to drill two exploration wells on Block EA5 in western Uganda by 2008 and may also drill a contingent well under the second exploration phase of its Ugandan license. The government also has extended the company's initial exploration period for another 6 months, meaning the license will now end on Mar. 28, 2008.

Tower Resources will shoot a 250 km, 2D seismic survey in July and hopes to drill the exploration wells in first half 2008. The extension of its license will "facilitate optimum management of the seismic program and implementation of an early exploration well," Tower said.

Tower said the drilling program was appropriate, given the recent success in other similar licenses in the Rift Valley, in reference to Heritage Oil Corp.'s oil find in nearby acreage; Heritage is operator of the Kingfisher-1 exploration well in Uganda (OGJ Online, Feb. 16, 2007).

Tower's onshore block covers 6,040 sq km and has Tertiary rift sediments that hold oil and gas-bearing segments to the south. The company said the main exploration risk for the unexplored block is the thermal maturity of source rocks.

ONGC, Petrobras closer to equity agreements

2007-03-23T06:15:00.002-07:00

India's state-owned Oil & Natural Gas Corp. (ONGC) and Brazil's Petroleo Brasileiro SA (Petrobras) are nearing an equity partnership for deepwater oil and gas blocks in India and Brazil.

During a joint working group meeting earlier this month, ONGC agreed to allow Petrobras to view data on nine offshore blocks for the possible purchase of a stake in them.

"The blocks are spread across the country, but are primarily concentrated in the Krishna-Godavari, and Mahanadi basins. Petrobras is keen on the Krishna-Godavari basin," said ONGC director of exploration D.K. Pande.

The Brazilian company has shown interest in 27 ONGC-operated deepwater blocks. These include those won by ONGC in the sixth round of bidding under the New Exploration Licensing Policy (NELP-VI).

Pande said ONGC was keen to access Petrobras technology. "Evacuation of oil and gas from deepwater blocks demands high technical knowledge, and Petrobras specializes in deepwater exploration and production," he said.

Farm-ins would give ONGC an opportunity to improve its average recovery rate, which is 28%, compared with the world average of about 45%.

ONGC recently discovered large gas reserves on the UD-1 block in the ultradeepwater Krishna-Godavari basin, 55 km off Andhra Pradesh.

However, the company has sparred with the directorate general of hydrocarbons, the upstream regulator, over gas assessment and testing. "Petrobras will give us expertise which would help us avoid similar run-ins," Pande said.

ONGC and Petrobras likely will enter into a swap deal where Petrobras will be offered stakes in oil blocks in India and in return will offer ONGC stakes in oil blocks in Brazil. ONGC, thorough its overseas investment arm ONGC Videsh, already owns a 15% stake in Block BC-10 in Brazil.

ONGC has initiated talks with other overseas companies as well, including British Petroleum, for possible farm-in opportunities in its offshore blocks.

Royale targets Rio Bravo Monterey shale oil

2007-03-23T06:15:00.001-07:00

Royale Energy Inc., San Diego, plans to begin work by the end of May to further develop Rio Bravo field west of Bakersfield in Kern County, Calif.

Royale signed a letter agreement with Matris Exploration Co. LP to acquire 50% of Matris's interest in the field and fund future development. Royale will target the shallow, unconventional Monterey shale and more-conventional deeper reservoirs.

The first project is to complete the Weber 27-27 well in Monterey shale, source rock for the San Joaquin basin. The vertical well had good oil and gas shows in several intervals before being drilled horizontally in the deepest of the show zones.

Texas Crude, EOG Resources, and Chevron have produced more than 7 million bbl of light, sweet oil from Monterey shale in North Shafter field, the closest analog to Rio Bravo, Royale said.

Replace inline sensors without stopping the flow!

2007-01-04T08:14:00.001-08:00

Russell Mainstream Supply are proud to announce the launch of the new EconoRUSH retractable electro-chemical sensor holder, designed to allow the replacement of electrochemical sensors without interrupting the process flow, greatly reducing down time and maintenance. The EconoRUSH utilises the Ingold 25mm port system, a unique gimbal mounting and o-rings with a low compression set. The majority of the components are constructed of 316L stainless steel.
With the EconoRUSH sensor holder installed, sensors can be easily replaced and returned to measuring mode in a matter of seconds, without shutting down the process.
Any sensor (pH, DO, conductivity, etc) with a diameter of 12mm and a working length of 120mm (below the cap) can be used.
The EconoRUSH sensor holder is currently designed to receive sensor caps with 13.5 PG threads, although other types can be accommodated.
The only stipulation is that the 'measuring' end of the sensor maintains a 12mm diameter beyond the o-ring seals.
The sensors are mounted in the holder with a unique (patent pending) gimbal system, designed to prevent stress points at the sensor cap/body juncture.
Firstly, the o-ring and washer that come attached to the sensor need to be removed as they are not required.
Secondly, the gimbal is threaded onto the sensor until it fully seats.
The sensor/gimbal assembly is then fitted into the holder, past the o-ring seals at the front.
Finally, the gimbal nut is threaded onto the holder.
It can now be seen that the gimbal freely 'floats' within a spherical chamber.
Any misalignment between the sensor cap and body, or bowing in the body, does not result in applied stress to the sensor, as is the case with fixed thread systems.
The gimbal assembly also allows for threads other than 13.5 PG to be used.
A simple, economical change of gimbal design is all that is required.06