The hole with a new bit and BHA (“Bottom Hole Assembly”).  10,785’ TD. We did not make any hole yesterday due to the bit trip.

 This morning, Wednesday, October 30, 2024, 6:00 am MST, we are tripping back in the hole with a new bit and BHA (“Bottom Hole Assembly”).  10,785’ TD. We did not make any hole yesterday due to the bit trip. Yesterday morning the decision was made to POOH to change out the bit and BHA. The new bit will have a more aggressive cutting structure to improve P rates. The new BHA arrangement will help maintain angle and azimuth also allowing an improvement in P rates. To change out a BHA is about a three-hour process. While TIH (“Tripping Back in Hole”), the routine procedure is to stop at ±3,000’ (inside the casing) and test the functionality of the mud motor and BHA. The drill string was pressured up and did not test (something was plugged up). We had to POOH again, break down the BHA, correct the problem, and then start back in the hole (about a 6-hour process). To compound matters even more, a winter blizzard blew in mid-morning (25⁰F, 30 to 40 mph winds)(wind chills 6⁰ to 8⁰F) . This turns a 10-hour trip into a 15-hour trip. There was no snow accumulation because it was blowing horizontally to the ground! For obvious reasons, people just don’t move as fast in frigid conditions, especially the derrick man on the monkey board 100’ above the ground. You gotta’ respect these guys for the conditions they work in! There is a link to a short video (3 seconds) below taken by Ben Hadden, LSOG Wellsite Supervisor. You will have to play the video back several times to get a better feel for the weather conditions.
 
Today’s video features Mr. Tracy Allen, Rig Manager for LSOG Rig 88. Tracy has been drilling in the Rocky Mountain region for 26 years and knows the area like the back of his hand. Rig Managers are responsible for all rig personnel, rig functionality, maintenance, and repairs. They spend most of their time talking and conferring with all rig personnel to ensure safe, efficient operations. One scene of interest in the video is inside the Electrical Power Control Room, commonly referred to as a SCR House. SCR stands for “Silicon-Controlled Rectifier”, a device that converts AC current to DC current. Obviously, the SCR House can be a very dangerous place if you don't know what you're doing!
2024 10 30

 

Rig 88 is a diesel electric rig, meaning the rig is totally run on electricity generated by three giant electric generators powered by diesel engines. All electrical currents to run the rig, pumps and motors are controlled from the SCR House and must be closely monitored by the rig crew and Rig Manager to assure safe and optimal operating conditions.

 

A big job, indeed!

 

This is one generator. We got three of these side-by-side.

2024 10 30

 

 

2024 10 30   https://vimeo.com/1024770206/6be86b1dc4?share=copy

2024 10 30 Profiles of Courage - Tracy Allen (Rig Manager)

 

2024 10 30   https://vimeo.com/1024795608/68c0bb7e9d?share=copy

2024 10 30 A Winter Day on Rig 88

2024 10 29 Profiles of Courage - Adeline Turner Halliburton

Oct 29, 2024

This morning, Tuesday, October 29, 2024, 6:00 am MST, we are drilling at 10,785’ TD, 15 fph. We made 295‘, averaging 13 fph (5 fph min, 20 fph max). Yesterday was another routine drilling day – our drillers working closely with the directional drillers, optimizing pump rates, weight on bit, rotary speed, slide drilling, and rotary drilling to maximize P rates, however; P rates are not as expected. We will keep monitoring drilling parameters to determine if a bit trip is necessary to change bits, BHA, etc. to improve P rates. Still fighting Green Mountain to maintain desired angle (12⁰) and trajectory (320⁰).

Today’s video features Ms. Adeline Turner, Fluids Specialist for Halliburton (old school called “Mud Engineer”). Adeline is one of two Fluids Specialists that are assigned to Lost Soldier. They work 24 hours a day, two weeks on/ two weeks off. They are responsible for maintaining the mud system to ensure the drilling fluid is properly mixed, controlled, and tested to specifications. She was also with us last year in the drilling of the Green Mountain Federal #4 sidetrack. That mud system was in excellent condition and encountered no problems! Please find attached a typical mud report that is prepared at least twice a day. It gives a complete analysis of all properties of the mud as well as, the chemicals and additives that were added to the mud that day. You will have to zoom in on the attachment to see all the details.

Enjoy!

2024 10 28 Profiles of Courage - Troy Sanford

Oct 28, 2024 

This morning, Monday, October 28, 2024, 6:00 am MST, we are drilling at 10,490’ TD, 21 fph. We made 338‘, averaging 14 fph (5 fph min, 25 fph max). Yesterday was a routine drilling day – our drillers working closely with the directional drillers, optimizing pump rates, weight on bit, rotary speed, slide drilling, rotary drilling to maximize P rates.

 

Today’s video focuses Mr. Troy Sanford, Lead Floor Hand on the daylight crew. Troy has been on and around drilling rigs for 35+ years. He has had some good teachers. His stepfather is Earl Sanford. Troy is one hard-working dude and serves as an inspiration to the younger guys on the crew. This is evident in today’s video!

Enjoy!

 

Former CEO Lance Robertson: Permian Basin Outlook Strong

With finite oil reserves, infinite innovation will allow the Permian to endure.

October 28, 2024

By Jennifer Pallanich

Journal of Petroleum Technology

Even as the world faces the threat of full-scale war in the Middle East and oil prices fluctuate, former Endeavor Energy Resources CEO Lance Robertson is confident the industry can adapt. Addressing SPE’s Permian Basin Energy Conference in Midland, Texas, on 22 October, the CEO for the company recently purchased by Diamondback Energy said the outlook for the Permian is busier than ever and that the region’s contribution to the energy mix will be necessary to meet growing demand for the foreseeable future. The growth of oil production from the Permian Basin over the past decade has underpinned the nation’s growth, he said. “The last 5 years, the only oil growth in the entire world has been in west Texas,” he said. “The gas side is equally impressive, though; in west Texas today, gas has almost no value based on differentials.” The region produces “an enormous amount of gas” but lacks local consumption and transportation to unlock the value of that gas, Robertson added. Over the past 10 years, oil production from the Lower 48 has grown from 2 million BOPD to 11 million BOPD. “We are the largest hydrocarbon producer on the planet, and 10 years ago, we weren't even in the top five,” he said, calling the Permian “America's unique asset.” Oil and natural gas have created an energy trade surplus in the US for the past decade, upending a negative trade balance with the rest of the world, he said. “For the last 5 years, we've had a positive trade balance. It's largely been oil exports, petrochemical exports, NGL [natural gas liquid] exports, and liquefied natural gas exports. That is the driver of trade balance in the United States. It's a huge economic tailwind of the country, and it starts here. It starts with you.” 

 The Energy Mix 

Robertson said wind and solar are contributing less to the energy mix in the US than they are globally, based on data from Liberty Energy’s Bettering Human Lives report. “If you look at wind and solar, unreliable intermittent energy, their cumulative impact over the last 10 years in the United States is really almost negligible. Based on what we were hearing in the media, what we look at in government policy, and certainly our tax incentives, this would be the most important thing in the whole world. It's really not making an impact in the US,” he said. Globally, he said, wind and solar have made “a bit more” of an impact over the last decade, although wind’s growth has largely replaced the decrease of biomass as a fuel source. He believes wind and solar will have “a huge impact” on the world over the next 30 years. “An energy abundance means all of the above, in my view. And I think the whole world's going to need all of it. So, I'm not saying it's bad. It's just it hasn't been the impact that the media would have us believe it is.” Energy efficiency will continue to be important, he added, especially with the Energy Institute’s recent report estimating that energy demand will double by 2050.

Lance Robertson, who was CEO of Endeavor Energy Resources before the company was purchased by Diamondback, addresses attendees during the lunch keynote at SPE’s Permian Basin Energy Conference in Midland, Texas, on 22 October.

Source: Jennifer Pallanich/JPT

“Today, the demand is just shy of 600 exajoules, and we're going to double that in the next 15 years. That will be the fastest pace of doubling in human time, and where's all that going to come from?” he asked. “We're going to do a lot more of everything. We need more of what we do. We need more of what everybody does. Because there isn't a single source that can fill a doubling in demand in the next 15 years.” And even with the expectation that oil and natural gas will continue to supply a major portion of the energy mix, it can be difficult for oil companies to commit to investing in major projects. “It's hard to plan a budget for 1 year or 5 years” when oil prices fluctuate as much as they do, he said. “Let's just look at 10 years. If you look at the last 10 years, it turns out that is every bit as volatile as the other 80 years. It goes up and it goes down.” And the current geopolitical turmoil is a complicating factor, he said. “We actually are kind of standing right on the toes of the cliff of full-blown Middle East war, which hasn't happened in about 45 years. And anything could happen. It feels terrifying in a lot of ways,” Robertson said. And as scary as the potential for Middle East war is right now, he said, the market currently pricing oil around $70/bbl doesn’t reflect that risk or the risk that OPEC might bring back online shut-in capacity. “I think there’s a reasonable chance that oil (price) starts with a 5 before the end of the year,” he said. “It’s hard to plan your next year budget cycle. You know, oil’s going to be $50 (per barrel) or it’s going to be $80. That’s a really, really wide range.” However, he said, he believes that as long as oil prices remain at above $60 or $65, activity will remain relatively flat and that most could “make a profit” even if it’s not as large a profit as they’d like. Right now, the Permian is busier than ever, developing 5,400 wells per year. “That’s the same as all the other basins in North America combined,” he said. “No one's ever been busier in the history of the oil field, at least drilling more viable wells than Permian is today.” And even though oil resources are finite, he believes the industry will continue to find ways to innovate and extract more resources from the reservoirs. “There's going to be production, large-volume production for many, many decades. It just won't look the same,” he said. “I'm confident whatever we're going to do next decade will look a little different than this decade.”

The Journal of Petroleum Technology, the Society of Petroleum Engineers’ flagship magazine, presents authoritative briefs and features on technology advancements in exploration and production, oil and gas industry issues, and news about SPE and its members.

ISSN: 1944-978X (Online)
ISSN: 0149-2136 (Print)

2024 10 27 Profiles of Courage - Cody Davis

Oct 25, 2024

This morning, Sunday, October 27, 2024, 6:00 am MST, we are drilling at 10,152’ TD, 21 fph. We made 241‘, averaging 11 fph (2 fph min, 15 fph max). After the bit trip, it took us a while to get back to drilling because we had to spend 5 hours circulating and raising the mud weight from 9.3 ppg to 9.5 ppg. There is an old oilfield saying “Let the hole tell you what to do”. After we got back in the hole, we had to wash our way back to the bottom and there was an excessive amount of fill and cuttings coming over the shaker. This was the hole telling us “You better raise the mud weight or I’m going to fall in on you!!”. After circulating and raising the mud weight, the cuttings coming back over the shaker went back to normal and we resumed drilling at a respectable P rate.

 

Today’s video focuses on one of the Drillers on Rig 88, Mr. Cody Davis, and his dog “Diesel”. He is one of us. You gotta remember that all the hands you see on the rig with LSOG hard hats are part of the LSOG family – employees of LSOG. Drillers are the guys who actually run and operate the rig. They have 4 or 5 other “hands” or crew that report to him. He is responsible for “getting things done” around the rig in a safe and efficient manner. In the video, you can see Cody conferring and working closely with the Directional Driller to ensure the bit is drilling in the desired trajectory at maximum P rates. Diesel is also keeping a close eye on Cody’s sandwich!

 

2022 10 13 Earl Sanford - Tripping Pipe.m4v

Oct 14, 2022

Our vintage video today is entitled “2022 10 13 Earl Sanford - Tripping Pipe”. At the time, Earl was the Rig Manager for CWC Ironhand Rig #112, drilling the original hole for Green Mountain Federal #4. Earl explains in detail the process of pulling out of the hole (“POOH”).

2024 10 26 Tripping for Bit

Oct 25, 2024

This morning, Saturday, October 26, 2024, 6:00 am MST, we are drilling at 9,911’ TD, 15 fph. We made 24‘, averaging 7 fph (2 fph min, 15 fph max). P rates decreased significantly from yesterday as it became increasingly more difficult to maintain the desired trajectory. As a result, the decision was made to trip for a new bit and change out the BHA (“Bottom Hole Assembly”) to a more aggressive configuration. The total trip took 19 hours. The bit definitely needed to be pulled. Many of the cutters were worn, chipped, or cracked (see attachment). The condition of the bit is the result of slide drilling, required to maintain the desired trajectory to our target (“fighting Green Mountain”). This is nothing out of the ordinary and was expected.
 
Today's video is entitled “Tripping for Bit”. The rig crew is POOH (“Pulling Out of Hole”) and they are at the MWD BHA that contains all the electronics used to guide the trajectory of the bit. Last but not least, they get to the bit, break it out, and examine its condition. Things can get a tad bit messy on the floor with all the excess mud that drains from the drill string. The hand in the maroon sweatshirt is Mr. Hayden Sullivan, the newest member of the LSOG team! Hayden has been with us for about 10 days showing great promise! Welcome to the LSOG family Hayden!

2022 10 13 Split Rock Bar Cafe Jeffrey City WY

Oct 15, 2022 

Mud pressure pulses are converted into 1’s and 0’s, a form of binary computer language that computers can decode at the surface.

 Colten’s downhole tools record and transmit downhole drilling data from the bit to the surface. This data is then relayed to Jeremy who makes a decision on what parameters to adjust to maintain the desired bit trajectory. Colten describes these tools and their function in detail in the video. This data is transmitted up the mud column inside the drill pipe using a series of positive and negative mud pulses. These mud pressure pulses are converted into 1’^s and 0’^s, a form of binary computer language that computers can decode at the surface. Messages in letters and numbers are converted to 1’s and 0’s and sent in one long data chain as shown below. Interesting stuff!! See the images below.

2025 10 25 Profiles of Courage - Colten Wilson MWD

 Oct 25, 2024

This morning, Friday, October 25, 2024, 6:00 am MST, we are drilling at 9,877’ TD, 25 fph. We made 400‘, averaging 17 fph (2 fph min, 30 fph max). P rates decreased from yesterday. We had a change in rock type and/or geology that caused the bit to start dropping angle. Corrective measures decrease our P rate and slow us down. Still, have to fight Green Mountain to maintain the desired trajectory.
 
Today’s video focuses on one of the Measurement While Drilling (“MWD”) Technicians, Mr. Colten Wilson actually works in the same trailer as yesterday's video interviewee Directional Driller Jeremy Cunningham with APS Technologies.

Colten’s downhole tools record and transmit downhole drilling data from the bit to the surface. This data is then relayed to Jeremy who makes a decision on what parameters to adjust to maintain the desired bit trajectory. Colten describes these tools and their function in detail in the video. This data is transmitted up the mud column inside the drill pipe using a series of positive and negative mud pulses. These mud pressure pulses are converted into 1’^s and 0’^s, a form of binary computer language that computers can decode at the surface. Messages in letters and numbers are converted to 1’s and 0’s and sent in one long data chain as shown below. Interesting stuff!! See the images below.

2024 10 25 Wild Mustangs on the Wild Mustang Federal Unit!

Oct 25, 2024 

2024 10 24 Jeremy Cunningham - Profiles of Courage

Hello Everyone!

 

This morning, Thursday, October 24, 2024, 6:00 am MST, we are drilling at 9,477’ TD, 60 fph. We made 665‘, averaging 28 fph (6 fph min, 80 fph max). P rates increased from yesterday as our directional drillers started fine tuning the process to maximize P rates within the mechanical limits we have (i.e. surface pump pressure, downhole mud motor constraints, weight on bit, bit torque, drill string drag, etc.). Still having to fight Green Mountain to maintain the desired trajectory.

 

Today’s video actually focuses on one of the Directional Drillers here on location. Mr. Jeremy Cunningham with APS Technologies works daylights as our Directional Driller. He is actually the man in the driver's seat calling the shots to control the trajectory of the bit. He is at the “front line” of the action. There are two directional drillers on location, each working 12-hour shifts until the end of the well. They stay in constant communication with the Drillers on the rig floor and our Wellsite Supervisors (Ben and Duane). In the video, you can see him on the rig floor controlling the bit trajectory using the latest computer technologies and software. Pretty impressive to say the least…

Oct 23, 2024 

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2022 10 20 Running 7-inch Intermediate Casing

Uploaded on Oct 20, 2022  

Hello Everyone!

 

This morning, Wednesday, October 23, 2024, 6:00 am MST, we are drilling at 8,812’ TD, 45 fph. We made 564‘, averaging 26 fph (6 fph min, 75 fph max). P rates were essentially the same as yesterday. We’re down to routine drilling today, striving to maximize P rates within the mechanical limits we have (i.e. surface pump pressure, downhole mud motor constraints, weight on bit, bit torque, drill string drag, etc.). Nothing out of the ordinary. The directional drillers are still having to fight Green Mountain to maintain the desired trajectory.

2024 10 23 Profiles of Courage Bryan Worrall

Oct 22, 2024 

Today’s video focuses on one of the Rig Managers for Rig 88. Mr. Bryan Worrall has been in the oilfield for over 40 years and has an extensive family history in the same. There are four Rig Managers for Rig 88.
Two Rig Managers are always on the rig working 12-hour shifts. Two are always on days off. During their respective tour, Rig Managers are responsible for all rig personnel, rig functionality, maintenance, and repairs.
They spend most of their time talking and conferring with all rig personnel to ensure safe, efficient operations.
A big job, indeed!

___________

2022 10 20 Tony's Cuisine.m4v

Oct 21, 2022

Our vintage video today is entitled “Tony’s Cuisine”. Tony Lotito, LSOG Chief Financial Officer, is also a great cook, having grown up in the restaurant business. In the video, he is preparing his very own “Italian Stew” from scratch. All the rig hands and crew were very much appreciative of the meal! Needless to say, it tasted great!!
 
Enjoy!! 

2024 10 20 Profiles of Courage

 Hello Everyone!

 

This morning, Sunday, October 20, 2024, 6:00 am MST, we are drilling at 7,500’ TD. We made 455‘ averaging 25 fph (8 fph min, 50 fph max). Prates were lower than yesterday due it being necessary to adjust directional drilling parameters to maintain the desired angle and direction. We are maintaining the desired trajectory at a 12-degree angle with a 319-degree azimuth.

 

Today’s video will focus on Mr. Mike Seidensticker, our main mudlogger on location. It is really Dr. Mike Seidensticker, PhD. Dr. Mike earned his doctorate degree from Rice University in Houston, Texas. After a short stint in academia, Dr. Mike found his true calling in evaluating drill cuttings from oil and gas exploration wells. Here at LSOG, we are very grateful to have someone with his expertise on location evaluating the geology beneath us. We will have additional videos in the future with Dr. Mike explaining more in detail about the mudlogging process and procedures.

 

In future videos, I will also be including earlier videos with informative insights and views of the Wild Mustang Federal Unit. This particular video was recorded by Mr. Nate Wixom, an executive within International Petroleum. The video will give you a good feel for the lay of the land.

 

Enjoy!!

 

2024 10 20   https://vimeo.com/1021418361/37ec59c5e1?share=copy

2024 10 20 Profiles of Courage – Dr. Mike Seidensticker

 

2022 10 04   https://vimeo.com/757320686/8ce503b2c2?share=copy

                        Nate Wixom Drone Footage Drilling Rig @ Sunset

Found Soldier Federal #1 - 2024 10 20 Profiles of Courage

2024 10 19 Profiles of Courage - Dwayne Winkler

____________

Saturday, October 19, 2024, 6:00 am MST, we are drilling at 7,045’ TD. We made 823‘ averaging 34 fph (10 fph min, 80 fph max). Prates were lower than yesterday due it being necessary to adjust directional drilling parameters to maintain the desired angle and direction. It is in this geological section of the hole that the formations have a strong tendency to cause the bit to drift in a Southeast direction. The desired trajectory is to the Northwest.

 

Today’s video will focus on Mr. Duane Winkler, our nighttime Wellsite Supervisor and Ben Hadden’s counterpart. Duane is highly trained and very good at what he does with decades of experience, both domestic and international. He is responsible for all wellsite operations and the success thereof. His daily routine involves a considerable amount of time communicating with rig personnel and service company representatives to assure optimal drilling operations, efficiencies, and cost control.

 

Enjoy!!

 

2024 10 19   https://vimeo.com/1021068924/1704613912?share=copy 

2024 10 19 Profiles of Courage - Dwayne Winkler

_______________________

Hello Everyone!

 

Please find below a link to today’s video. It shows the Driller and Rig 88 hands making up the directional drilling tools at the bottom of the drill string.

Everyone must be very careful working on the floor during this time to prevent getting a hand or fingers caught in between some of the big iron shown in the video!

Please note that the opening screen in the video was inadvertently left blank.

It should read:

 

2024 10 15 Rig 88 Update

                 Bit Trip!

       October 15, 2024

 

The video is being revised as we speak and will be ready shortly.

In the meantime, here is the original video.

 

https://vimeo.com/1019986411/e603bf29af?share=copy

 

Enjoy!! 

_______________ Oh yeah Good one 10-15-2024

Video - 2024 10 12 BOP Nipple Up and Testing

VRA Lost Soldier Oil and Gas Investor Update - October 08, 2024

https://vimeo.com/1017765418?&signup=true#

October 10, 2024

2024 10 10 Rig 88 Update from Steve Richards

 

October 9, 2024

 

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October 8, 2024

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Investor update: October 8, 2024

Lost Soldier Oil and Gas Investor Update - September 12, 2024

NW Lost Solider - Wild Mustang Prospect = 2022

Lost Soldier Wild Mustang Zoom Conference - November 2, 2022    Tax answers begin at the 38-minute mark...