Behzad Elahifar
+4773592028
Petroleumsteknisk senter, Valgrinda, S. P. Andersens veg 15 A
About
Education
- Ph.D. in Drilling Engineering, University of Leoben
- MEng in Petroleum Well Engineering, Curtin University of Technology
- BSc in Drilling Engineering, Petroleum University of Technology
Working Experience
- Associate Professor, Geoscience and Petroleum Eng Department (NTNU)
- Project Manager, NOV (National Oil Well Varco) Company
- Project Manager/MPD Specialist, Enhanced Drilling Company
- Drilling Engineer, Advanced Drilling Solutions Company (TDE)
- Drilling Instructor/Researcher, University of Leoben
- Drilling Supervisor, NIOC
- Night Drilling Supervisor, PPZ
Research
Research Area
I am an Associate Professor / Project Manager / Sr. Drilling Engineer with long-term experience both in drilling operations and also in the academic field. I am specialized in Digitalization and Automation in Drilling and P&A (Plug and Abandonment) optimization processes. Here is the list of my research area:
- Digitalization of well planning
- Real-time downhole issues detection and prediction
- Using Bismuth alloy for P&A operation
- Automated drilling sequences
- MPD (Managed Pressure Drilling)
- CML (Control Mud Level)
- MPC (Managed Pressure cementing)
Publications
2025
-
Elahifar, Behzad;
Isania, Fatemeh.
(2025)
Advances in geothermal drilling: A comparative study with oil and gas techniques.
Geoenergy Science and Engineering
Academic article
2024
-
Hmadeh, Lewaa;
Feneuil, Blandine Fleur Prudence;
Wiggen, Even;
Skorpa, Ragnhild;
Sangesland, Sigbjørn;
Elahifar, Behzad.
(2024)
The Effect of Bismuth Plug Expansion on Cement Sheath Integrity.
SPE Norway Subsurface Conference
Popular scientific article
-
Hmadeh, Lewaa;
Elahifar, Behzad.
(2024)
Bismuth Metal Alloys: A Possible Future for Well Plugging and Abandonment.
Norges teknisk-naturvitenskapelige universitet
Doktoravhandlinger ved NTNU (2024/480)
Doctoral dissertation
-
Elahifar, Behzad.
(2024)
Real-Time Artificial Intelligence-Enhanced Machine Learning Technique for Accurate Drilling Parameter Prediction and Optimization.
Society of Petroleum Engineering
Popular scientific article
-
Hmadeh, Lewaa;
Jaculli, Marcelo Anunciacao;
Elahifar, Behzad;
Sangesland, Sigbjørn.
(2024)
Development of bismuth-based solutions for well plugging and abandonment: A review.
Petroleum Research
Academic literature review
-
Hmadeh, Lewaa;
Manataki, Andriani;
Anunciacao Jaculli, Marcelo;
Elahifar, Behzad;
Sangesland, Sigbjørn.
(2024)
A Sealability Study on Bismuth-Tin Alloys for Plugging and Abandonment of Wells.
SPE Journal
Academic article
-
Hmadeh, Lewaa;
Anunciacao Jaculli, Marcelo;
Vedvik, Noralf;
Elahifar, Behzad;
Sangesland, Sigbjørn.
(2024)
The effect of temperature on the sealability of bismuth–tin alloy plugs.
Geoenergy Science and Engineering
Academic article
-
Hmadeh, Lewaa;
Manataki, Andriani;
Anunciacao Jaculli, Marcelo;
Elahifar, Behzad;
Sangesland, Sigbjørn.
(2024)
Mitigating gas migration with eutectic bismuth alloy plugs.
Petroleum Research
Academic article
-
Anunciacao Jaculli, Marcelo;
Hmadeh, Lewaa;
Sangesland, Sigbjørn;
Elahifar, Behzad.
(2024)
Numerical Modeling of Bismuth-Based Plugs for Well Plug and Abandonment.
The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
Academic chapter/article/Conference paper
-
Elahifar, Behzad;
Hosseini, Erfan.
(2024)
Automated real-time prediction of geological formation tops during drilling operations: an applied machine learning solution for the Norwegian Continental Shelf.
Journal of Petroleum Exploration and Production Technology
Academic article
2023
-
Hmadeh, Lewaa;
Elahifar, Behzad;
Sangesland, Sigbjørn;
Abrahamsen, Andreas Elmer.
(2023)
A Full Laboratory Study on the Physical and Mechanical Properties of a Bismuth Plug.
Society of Petroleum Engineers
Academic chapter/article/Conference paper
-
Elahifar, Behzad.
(2023)
Managed Pressure Drilling and Cementing and Optimizing with Digital Solutions.
IntechOpen
Academic chapter/article/Conference paper
-
Elahifar, Behzad;
Gomar, Mostafa.
(2023)
REAL-TIME AUTOMATIC PREDICTION, DETECTION, AND MITIGATION OF FLUID LOSS DURING DRILLING OPERATION EMPLOYING ALONG STRING MEASUREMENT (ASM) DATA ALONG WIRED DRILL PIPES BY USING DIGITAL TWIN IN NORWEGIAN CONTINENTAL.
The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
Academic chapter/article/Conference paper
-
Gomar, Mostafa;
Elahifar, Behzad.
(2023)
Real time prediction and detection of drilling bit issues during drilling with the focus on bit status evaluation using along string measurement (ASM).
Geoenergy Science and Engineering
Academic article
-
Elahifar, Behzad;
Hosseini, Erfan.
(2023)
Laboratory study of plugging mechanism and seal integrity in fractured formations using a new blend of lost circulation materials.
Journal of Petroleum Exploration and Production Technology
Academic article
-
Elahifar, Behzad;
Hosseini, Erfan.
(2023)
A new approach for real-time prediction of stick–slip vibrations enhancement using model agnostic and supervised machine learning: a case study of Norwegian continental shelf.
Journal of Petroleum Exploration and Production Technology
Academic article
-
Hmadeh, Lewaa;
Elahifar, Behzad;
Sangesland, Sigbjørn.
(2023)
The Sealing Behavior of Bismuth-Based Metal Plugs.
The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
Academic chapter/article/Conference paper
-
Elahifar, Behzad;
Hosseini, Erfan.
(2023)
Digitalization: Python Application for Drilling & Geoscience Engineer.
Lambert Academic Publishing
Lambert Academic Publishing
Textbook
2022
-
Elahifar, Behzad;
Gomar, Mostafa.
(2022)
Application of Digitalization in Real-Time Analysis of Drilling Dynamics Using Along-String Measurement (ASM) Data along Wired Pipes.
Energies
Academic article
-
Elahifar, Behzad;
Hosseini, Erfan.
(2022)
Machine learning algorithm for prediction of stuck pipe incidents using statistical data: case study in middle east oil fields.
Journal of Petroleum Exploration and Production Technology
Academic article
-
Elahifar, Behzad;
Hosseini, Erfan.
(2022)
Improving the Rheological and Mechanical Properties of Oil Well Cement Slurries Using Multiple Chemical Admixtures for Enhancing Zonal Isolation: A Laboratory Evaluation.
Journal of energy resources technology
Academic article
Journal publications
-
Elahifar, Behzad;
Isania, Fatemeh.
(2025)
Advances in geothermal drilling: A comparative study with oil and gas techniques.
Geoenergy Science and Engineering
Academic article
-
Hmadeh, Lewaa;
Feneuil, Blandine Fleur Prudence;
Wiggen, Even;
Skorpa, Ragnhild;
Sangesland, Sigbjørn;
Elahifar, Behzad.
(2024)
The Effect of Bismuth Plug Expansion on Cement Sheath Integrity.
SPE Norway Subsurface Conference
Popular scientific article
-
Elahifar, Behzad.
(2024)
Real-Time Artificial Intelligence-Enhanced Machine Learning Technique for Accurate Drilling Parameter Prediction and Optimization.
Society of Petroleum Engineering
Popular scientific article
-
Hmadeh, Lewaa;
Jaculli, Marcelo Anunciacao;
Elahifar, Behzad;
Sangesland, Sigbjørn.
(2024)
Development of bismuth-based solutions for well plugging and abandonment: A review.
Petroleum Research
Academic literature review
-
Hmadeh, Lewaa;
Manataki, Andriani;
Anunciacao Jaculli, Marcelo;
Elahifar, Behzad;
Sangesland, Sigbjørn.
(2024)
A Sealability Study on Bismuth-Tin Alloys for Plugging and Abandonment of Wells.
SPE Journal
Academic article
-
Hmadeh, Lewaa;
Anunciacao Jaculli, Marcelo;
Vedvik, Noralf;
Elahifar, Behzad;
Sangesland, Sigbjørn.
(2024)
The effect of temperature on the sealability of bismuth–tin alloy plugs.
Geoenergy Science and Engineering
Academic article
-
Hmadeh, Lewaa;
Manataki, Andriani;
Anunciacao Jaculli, Marcelo;
Elahifar, Behzad;
Sangesland, Sigbjørn.
(2024)
Mitigating gas migration with eutectic bismuth alloy plugs.
Petroleum Research
Academic article
-
Elahifar, Behzad;
Hosseini, Erfan.
(2024)
Automated real-time prediction of geological formation tops during drilling operations: an applied machine learning solution for the Norwegian Continental Shelf.
Journal of Petroleum Exploration and Production Technology
Academic article
-
Gomar, Mostafa;
Elahifar, Behzad.
(2023)
Real time prediction and detection of drilling bit issues during drilling with the focus on bit status evaluation using along string measurement (ASM).
Geoenergy Science and Engineering
Academic article
-
Elahifar, Behzad;
Hosseini, Erfan.
(2023)
Laboratory study of plugging mechanism and seal integrity in fractured formations using a new blend of lost circulation materials.
Journal of Petroleum Exploration and Production Technology
Academic article
-
Elahifar, Behzad;
Hosseini, Erfan.
(2023)
A new approach for real-time prediction of stick–slip vibrations enhancement using model agnostic and supervised machine learning: a case study of Norwegian continental shelf.
Journal of Petroleum Exploration and Production Technology
Academic article
-
Elahifar, Behzad;
Gomar, Mostafa.
(2022)
Application of Digitalization in Real-Time Analysis of Drilling Dynamics Using Along-String Measurement (ASM) Data along Wired Pipes.
Energies
Academic article
-
Elahifar, Behzad;
Hosseini, Erfan.
(2022)
Machine learning algorithm for prediction of stuck pipe incidents using statistical data: case study in middle east oil fields.
Journal of Petroleum Exploration and Production Technology
Academic article
-
Elahifar, Behzad;
Hosseini, Erfan.
(2022)
Improving the Rheological and Mechanical Properties of Oil Well Cement Slurries Using Multiple Chemical Admixtures for Enhancing Zonal Isolation: A Laboratory Evaluation.
Journal of energy resources technology
Academic article
Books
-
Elahifar, Behzad;
Hosseini, Erfan.
(2023)
Digitalization: Python Application for Drilling & Geoscience Engineer.
Lambert Academic Publishing
Lambert Academic Publishing
Textbook
Part of book/report
-
Anunciacao Jaculli, Marcelo;
Hmadeh, Lewaa;
Sangesland, Sigbjørn;
Elahifar, Behzad.
(2024)
Numerical Modeling of Bismuth-Based Plugs for Well Plug and Abandonment.
The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
Academic chapter/article/Conference paper
-
Hmadeh, Lewaa;
Elahifar, Behzad;
Sangesland, Sigbjørn;
Abrahamsen, Andreas Elmer.
(2023)
A Full Laboratory Study on the Physical and Mechanical Properties of a Bismuth Plug.
Society of Petroleum Engineers
Academic chapter/article/Conference paper
-
Elahifar, Behzad.
(2023)
Managed Pressure Drilling and Cementing and Optimizing with Digital Solutions.
IntechOpen
Academic chapter/article/Conference paper
-
Elahifar, Behzad;
Gomar, Mostafa.
(2023)
REAL-TIME AUTOMATIC PREDICTION, DETECTION, AND MITIGATION OF FLUID LOSS DURING DRILLING OPERATION EMPLOYING ALONG STRING MEASUREMENT (ASM) DATA ALONG WIRED DRILL PIPES BY USING DIGITAL TWIN IN NORWEGIAN CONTINENTAL.
The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
Academic chapter/article/Conference paper
-
Hmadeh, Lewaa;
Elahifar, Behzad;
Sangesland, Sigbjørn.
(2023)
The Sealing Behavior of Bismuth-Based Metal Plugs.
The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
Academic chapter/article/Conference paper
Report
-
Hmadeh, Lewaa;
Elahifar, Behzad.
(2024)
Bismuth Metal Alloys: A Possible Future for Well Plugging and Abandonment.
Norges teknisk-naturvitenskapelige universitet
Doktoravhandlinger ved NTNU (2024/480)
Doctoral dissertation
Teaching
Courses
- PG8503 - Automatisert boring
- TPG4560 - Petroleumsteknologi, fordypningsprosjekt
- TPG4242 - Boreteknologi 3
- TPG4210 - Boreteknologi 1
- TPG4565 - Petroleumsteknologi, fordypningsemne
- TPG4215 - Boreteknologi 2
- TPG4105 - Petroleumsteknologi, grunnkurs
- TPG4920 - Petroleumsteknologi, masteroppgave
Supervision
Supervision
I have been the supervisor for many master's students at NTNU and exchange students from Politecnico di Torino. Following are the students that I am their supervisor:
2020-2023: Mostafa Gomar, Real-time fault, and symptoms detection in drilling operation with wired drill pipe data
2021-2024: Lewaa Hmadeh, Applications of bismuth alloys in well completion and well plugging
2023-2026: Claudio Rogerio Bregueje, Analysing chemical and physical properties of bismuth alloy for cementing and P&A application
Outreach
2025
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Popular scientific lectureElahifar, Behzad; Hmadeh, Lewaa; Essén, Tora; Sangesland, Sigbjørn. (2025) Evaluating the Performance of a Cost-Effective Creep Testing Setup on Bismuth-Tin Alloy Specimens: Challenges and Future Directions. SPE/IADC International Drilling Conference and Exhibition 2025-03-03 - 2025-03-06
2024
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Academic lectureElahifar, Behzad; Ibrahimli, Javidan. (2024) Innovative Strategies for Well Integrity in Offshore Top-Hole Cementing: Laboratory-Validated Success in Shallow Gas Mitigation. SPE/GOTECH Society Petroleum Engineers , Dubai 2024-05-07 - 2024-05-09
2023
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Academic lectureElahifar, Behzad; Gomar, Mostafa. (2023) Real-Time Prediction and Detection of Drilling Bit Issues Based on Along-String Measurements (ASM) Along Wired Pipes - A Case Study. Society Petroleum Engineers 2023-03-07 - 2023-03-10
2022
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LectureSangesland, Sigbjørn; Vedvik, Noralf; Opedal, Nils van der Tuuk; Elahifar, Behzad. (2022) Bismuth based barrier materials –Initial results from 3rd party testing in SWIPA. OFFSHORE NORGE 10th Norwegian Plug & Abandonment Seminar , Stavanger 2022-10-20 - 2022-10-20
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Academic lectureElahifar, Behzad; Gomar, Mostafa. (2022) Understanding Thermo-Poroelastic Mechanical Stress Induced Damages in Network of Pre-Existing Fractures During Drilling Operation. Society of Petroleum Engineer IADC/SPE Asia Pacific Drilling Technology Conference and Exhibition , Bangkok 2022-08-08 - 2022-08-10
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LectureGomar, Mostafa; Elahifar, Behzad. (2022) Real-Time Fault, Symptom Diagnosis and Drilling Events Prediction Using Wired Pipe During Operation - Cutter Force Modeling of Pdc (polycrystalline Diamond Compact) Bits. Society of Petroleum Engineering IADC/SPE International Drilling Conference and Exhibition , Galveston, Texas 2022-03-06 - 2022-03-08
2018
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Popular scientific lectureElahifar, Behzad; Claudey, Eric; Fossli, Børre; Qiang, Zhizhuang; Olsen, Max; Mo, Jakob. (2018) Experience Using Managed Pressure Cementing Techniques with Riserless Mud Recovery and Controlled Mud Level in the Barents Sea. Society of Petroleum Engineer Bergen SPE one day conference , Bergen 2018-04-18 - 2018-04-19
2017
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Academic lectureElahifar, Behzad. (2017) Successful Deep Water Drilling (MPD), Early Kick Detection and Performing Managed Pressure Cementing With CML (Controlled Mud Level) System in GOM and North Sea. SPE/IADC Conference and Exhibition 2017-03-14 - 2017-03-16
2014
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Popular scientific lectureElahifar, Behzad; Fasch, Franz; Tollschein, Christian; Thonhauser, Gerhard. (2014) Real Time Kick Detection Applying an Ultrasonic Caliper Featuring a Downhole Sonic Speed Measurement for Calibration Purposes. SPE Saudi Arabia Section Technical Symposium and Exhibition 2014-04-21 - 2014-04-24
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Academic lectureElahifar, Behzad; Fasch, Franz; Thonhauser, Gerhard. (2014) Real Time Kick Detection And Also Increasing Ultrasonic Caliper Accuracy By Measuring Speed Of Sound Within Drilling Fluid In The Downhole Condition. Society of Petroleum Engineer SPE Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition 2014-10-27 - 2014-10-29
2013
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Academic lectureElahifar, Behzad; Esmaeili, Abdolali; Thonhauser, Gerhard; Fruhwirth, Rudolf. (2013) Wellbore Instability Monitoring by Using 4D Imaging of Ultrasonic Caliper Logs in Real Time Drilling. Society Petroleum Engineers 2013-03-01 -
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Popular scientific lectureElahifar, Behzad; Esmaeili, Abdolali; Fruhwirth, Rudolf; Thonhauser, Gerhard. (2013) Real Time Determination of the Instability in the Borehole by Using 4D Images of the Wellbore with High Accuracy Ultrasonic Caliper. SPE/IADC Middle East Drilling Technology Conference and Exhibition 2013-10-07 - 2013-10-09
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Popular scientific lectureElahifar, Behzad; Esmaeili, Abdolali; Fruhwirth, Rudolf; Thonhauser, Gerhard. (2013) Formation Evaluation based on Drill String Vibration Measurements Using Laboratory Scale Rig. Society of Petroleum Engineer SPE/IADC Middle East Drilling Technology Conference and Exhibition 2013-10-07 - 2013-10-09
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Popular scientific lectureElahifar, Behzad; Esmaeili, Abdolali; Thonhauser, Gerhard. (2013) Real Time Data Transmission Method for Creating 4D Wellbore Images to Monitor Wellbore Shape and Detecting Instabilities. Society of Petroleum Engineer Kuwait SPE Oil and Gas show and conference 2013-10-07 - 2013-10-10
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Academic lectureElahifar, Behzad; Esmaeili, Abdolali; Thonhauser, Gerhard; Fruhwirth, Rudolf. (2013) Effect of Formations Compressive Strength on Drill String Vibrations. Society Petroleum Engineers 2013-03-01 -
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Academic lectureElahifar, Behzad; Esmaeili, Abdolali; Thonhauser, Gerhard; Fruhwirth, Rudolf. (2013) Experimental Determination of Wellbore Diameter and Shape (4D Imaging of Wellbore) by Using Ultrasonic Caliper within Different Fluids for Real-Time Drilling Application. Oil Gas European Magazine 2013-03-01 -
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Academic lectureElahifar, Behzad; Esmaeili, Abdolali; Thonhauser, Gerhard. (2013) Formation Changes Recognition by Real-time Monitoring of Drill String Vibrations and Mechanical Specific Energy. International Conference for Advanced Drilling Technology 2013-09-09 - 2013-09-10
2012
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Academic lectureElahifar, Behzad; Esmaeili, Abdolali; Thonhauser, Gerhard; Fruhwirth, Rudolf. (2012) Experimental Evaluation of Real Time Mechanical Formation Classification using Drill String Vibration Measurements. Society Petroleum Engineers 2012-10-01 -
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Academic lectureElahifar, Behzad; Esmaeili, Abdolali; Thonhauser, Gerhard; Fruhwirth, Rudolf. (2012) Determining the Accuracy of Ultrasonic Caliper Measurements for Real Time Drilling Application. Society Petroleum Engineers 2012-10-01 -
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Academic lectureElahifar, Behzad; Esmaeili, Abdolali; Thonhauser, Gerhard; Fruhwirth, Rudolf. (2012) Real Time Measurement of Borehole Shape and Diameter by Using Ultrasonic Caliper in Different Drilling Fluid and Wellbore Conditions for Detecting Instabilities. Society Petroleum Engineers 2012-11-01 -
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Academic lectureElahifar, Behzad; Esmaeili, Abdolali; Thonhauser, Gerhard; Fruhwirth, Rudolf. (2012) ROP Modeling Using Neural Network and Drill String Vibration Data. Society Petroleum Engineers 2012-12-01 -
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Academic lectureElahifar, Behzad; Esmaeili, Abdolali; Thonhauser, Gerhard; Fruhwirth, Rudolf. (2012) Using Neural Network Technique to Study the Effect of Formation's Mechanical Properties on Dynamic Behavior of Drill String. International Conference for Advanced Drilling Technology Celle Drilling 2012-09-01 -
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Academic lectureElahifar, Behzad; Esmaeili, Abdolali; Thonhauser, Gerhard; Fruhwirth, Rudolf. (2012) Axial Vibration Monitoring in Laboratory Scale Using CDC miniRig and Vibration Sensor Sub. IEEE, I2MTC 2012-03-01 -
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Academic lectureElahifar, Behzad; Esmaeili, Abdolali; Thonhauser, Gerhard; Fruhwirth, Rudolf. (2012) Laboratory Scale Control of Drilling Parameters to Enhance Rate of Penetration and Reduce Drill String Vibration. Society Petroleum Engineers 2012-01-01 -
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Academic lectureElahifar, Behzad; Esmaeili, Abdolali; Thonhauser, Gerhard; Fruhwirth, Rudolf. (2012) Accuracy of Ultrasonic Sensor in Caliper Log. IEEE, I2MTC 2012-03-01 -
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Academic lectureElahifar, Behzad; Esmaeili, Abdolali; Thonhauser, Gerhard; Fruhwirth, Rudolf. (2012) Experimental Determination of Wellbore Diameter and Shape by Using Ultrasonic Caliper Within Different Fluids for Real Time Drilling Application. International Conference for Advanced Drilling Technology Celle Drilling 2012-09-01 -
2011
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Academic lectureElahifar, Behzad; Esmaeili, Abdolali; Thonhauser, Gerhard; Prohaska, Michael. (2011) A Comparison of Specific Energy Consumption for Alternative and Conventional Drilling Methods. International Conference for Advanced Drilling Technology Celle Drilling 2011-08-01 -
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Academic lectureElahifar, Behzad; Esmaeili, Abdolali; Thonhauser, Gerhard; Prohaska, Michael. (2011) An Energy Based Comparison Drilling Method. Society Petroleum Engineers 2011-10-01 -
2005
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Academic lectureElahifar, Behzad; Naderian, Mohammad Amin; Hosseinzadeh, Ahmad. (2005) Application of Drilling Optimization- A Case Study for a Well in an Iranian Offshore Oil Field. Iranian Petroleum Engineering Student Conference 2005-01-01 -