Knowledge

HOCOL recognizes that knowledge is generated from the experience gained through diverse activities. The subsequent creative use of information and additional resources are the key to success in the industry. Thus, the Company values the creation and sharing of knowledge and the adoption of best practices via in-house knowledge networks.

Through its experience, HOCOL has accumulated broad Production and Exploration knowledge in the region. The Company invests considerable resources in preserving and increasing its dataset using the latest international database management models. Only in Colombia, HOCOL’s state-of-the-art electronic files currently cover 9,500 wells, 1,500 of these, with complete digital information, over 20,000 km of 2D seismic and 2400 square km of 3D seismic data, as well as numerous reports, maps, and images.

The Upper Magdalena Valley has been HOCOL´s turf since its beginning. Through time, HOCOL has developed new understanding of this basin generating breakthrough in play conceps allowing finding around 850 Mmboe in the UMV.

 

Technology

During its long history, HOCOL has gained important knowledge of the areas where it operates, giving us insight into the most appropriate technology for operations in the Andean region.

HOCOL is recognized in the oil industry as a company for which technology has always been a critical factor for success.

After more than 25 years of designing, developing and operating secondary recovery projects, HOCOL has added around 100 Mmbo to its confirmed developed reserves by implementing primary and secondary recovery techniques in Colombian and Venezuelan Fields. HOCOL contributes greatly to technology transfer in both countries.

Some technological initiatives used by HOCOL are:

Drilling Technology

HOCOL pioneered horizontal drilling technology in Colombia. The first horizontal well, Santa Clara-12, was drilled in 1991 with good operational performance. Horizontal drilling is now standard practice where applicable, allowing HOCOL to lower development costs. HOCOL drilled 31 horizontal wells from 1997 to 2003, representing 60% of all development wells drilled in this period.

Enhanced and Improved Hydrocarbon Recovery Technology

A Water-Alternate Gas-Injection Project has been successfully implemented in the San Francisco Field with very positive results. It has increased the recovery factor by reducing residual oil saturation; consequently lowering operating costs through reduced water handling. Other technological initiatives are also being evaluated, such as polymer and micelles injection.

Sparse 3D Seismic

In 2003 HOCOL was the first company in Colombia to employ a Sparse 3D seismic acquisition system as part of the most ambitious seismic 3D program in the country to date. This initiative was carried out over an area of 540 square kilometers, employed 1431 people and was completed under budget, on time and without LTIF.

Artificial Lift Technology

In 2004 HOCOL installed a special arrangement in the La Hocha field wells were the produced sand quantities affected the artificial lift integrity. The implemented artificial lift consists of two progressive cavity pumps in tandem plus oil injection thru the annulus to avoid sand deposits in the wellbore and reduce the drawdown in the reservoir.