bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recent Advances in Laboratory Test Protocols to Evaluate Optimum Drilling, Completion and Stimulation Practices for Low Permeability Gas Reservoirs
Authors: Bennion D.B. , Thomas F.B. , Ma T.
Published: December 2007

Low permeability gas reservoirs often exhibit high resistivity and low initial water saturations. Reservoirs of this type may also be susceptible to problems associated with the retention of water or hydrocarbon based drilling and completion fluids, as well as the accumulation of hydrocarbon liquids from the production of rich retrograde gas systems. These phenomena are referred to as aqueous and hydrocarbon phase trapping and have been extensively discussed in the literature as a major source of reduced productivity in low permeability gas reservoirs. This paper briefly describes specific laboratory procedures which have been developed to diagnose problems with phase trapping for given reservoir applications. This allows for the selection of the optimum drilling and completion fluids and practices prior to the costly execution of a potentially ineffective or damaging treatment in the reservoir. Specific examples of tests results and detailed protocols based on extensive testing and refinement of lab procedures are presented.

Introduction

Phase trapping or adverse relative permeability effects has been discussed extensively in the literature (Refs. 1 to 13) from both a theoretical and field production perspective. This mechanism of formation damage is becoming increasingly recognized as a significant issue in the reduced productivity of low permeability gas wells, and may occur in a number of different areas during drilling and completion operations and subsequent production operations. Most notably, with respect to low permeability gas reservoirs, the areas which are often evaluated on an experimental design basis include:Water-based phase trappingOil-based phase trappingRetrograde condensate dropout trapping and removal.

Water-Based Phase Trapping (Water Blocking, Aqueous Phase Trapping)

Due to the relative preponderance of water-based fluids that are used as drilling and completion media on a worldwide basis, this particular type of phase trap tends to be more common in most situations, and a considerable effort has been made to diagnose and evaluate its effect.

Water-based phase trapping occurs when a water-based fluid is introduced into the reservoir matrix in the region surrounding the wellbore (or in certain situations a natural or induced fracture face), and a portion of this fluid in retained in the rock matrix upon commencing production (or in some cases when initiating injection). The severity of a water trap is highly influenced by:Initial fluid saturations in the reservoirRock wettabilityPore system geometry
New Downhole Tool for Coiled Tubing Extended Reach
Authors: Sola Kjell-Inge , Lund Bjørnar
Published: December 2007

Extending the reach is one of the main challenges for coiled tubing operators, as illustrated by the multiple efforts to develop downhole traction devices for coiled tubing (CT). This paper presents a simple, yet reliable and efficient tool for extending the reach of CT. The tool, called CT Friction Drag Reducer (FDR), is based on a unique patented concept, and uses fluid flow to generate axial oscillation in the CT and bottom hole assembly. As a result, time-averaged friction forces can be reduced significantly. Calculations based on a simple physics-based model predict that the reach can be extended by over 3000 meter in a horizontal well with a measured depth to true vertical depth ratio (MD/TVD) greater than 2.0. Model results match well with full-scale tests. The tool will normally be integrated as a part of the bottom hole assembly (see Figure 1).

The FDR tool has been developed and tested at RF-Rogaland Research (RF) as part of a joint industry project (JIP) with Saga Petroleum ANS and Shell International Exploration & Production B.V. as main industrial sponsors and with co-funding from commercial investors. The FDR tool has an outer diameter of 3.5 inch, is 1.2 meters long and is designed for flow rates in the region of 100 to 900 liters per minutes. Laboratory tests at RF demonstrate the feasibility and functional efficiency of the concept.

Full-scale tests using a 7-inch internal diameter horizontal surface loop at RF have proven the friction reducing efficiency of the concept. In several tests with 600 meter of 1.75 inch coiled tubing and a bottom hole assembly weighing 600 kg, the friction force during run-in and pullout from the 7-inch test well was reduced by up to 90 %. In one case of run-in, the measured friction reduction was 94%.

An acceptance test with 2-inch CT has been conducted at RF using the CT unit at the Well Intervention Test Center to demonstrate and document the endurance of the FDR tool.

The technology will aid in CT intervention and drilling operations, but can also be used in conventional operations such as placing liners in extended reach wells and pipeline operations.
Advantages to Remedial Operations of Coiled-Tubing-Enables Under-balanced Removal of Latest-Generation Composite Bridge Plugs
Authors: Plante Mark E. , Lockhart Robert D.
Published: December 2007

This paper discusses the advantages that accrue to remedial operations as a result of using coiled tubing to enable the fast and safe removal of the latest-generation composite bridge plugs in an underbalanced environment. The paper addresses the development and early field history of latest-generation composite bridge plugs, which are designed to set securely in the casing and then be easily removed using coiled-tubing-conveyed downhole motors and drilling tools in an under-balanced environment after remedial operations are complete.

The new technology is particularly applicable in multi-zone, commingled gas wells with varying bottom-hole pressure, where there is a need to reduce overall operator expense and minimize formation damage, without compromising reliability of safety.

Field experience verifies that a reliable and easily removable composite bridge plug requires substantially less rig time than conventional cast iron bridge plugs while at the same time reducing formation damage. These benefits result from the ability of coiled tubing conveyance to eliminate the need for kill weigh fluid and to enable the well to be worked over "live".

The paper includes a listing with brief descriptions of more than 100 field runs to date for zonal isolation and treatment using this new technology (see Figure 1). It also examines in detail the following two case histories: Phillips Davis Lease Well #8 in Louisiana’s WebsterParishMarathon’s J. Kaye Field Well #3-33 in Oklahoma’s Grady County.
Development of a Power and Data Transmission Thermoplastic Composite Coiled Tubing for Electric Drilling
Authors: Kamp G. P. , Betts M.
Published: December 2007

Composite Coiled Tubing (CCT) is well on its way of becoming a widely accepted alternative to steel CT. Increased corrosion and fatigue resistance combined with a high strength to weight ratio are the main drivers behind these developments. Current CCT applications are limited to service strings and flowlines, however in 1997 Shell International Exploration and Production together with Airborne Development started the development of a thermoplastic composite coiled tubing for drilling purposes. To date, various prototypes have been manufactured and tested for internal pressure, tension, compression, bending, bending fatigue and chemical ageing.

Latest developments aim to embed electric power conductors within the wall thickness of the composite pipe that will enable the use of Electric Drilling Motors, Electric Submersible Pumps and electric tractors. In addition, real-time data transmission is possible by superimposing the data signal onto the power conduit. Such a Power & Data Transmission Composite Coiled Tubing (PDT-CCT) has better hydraulic performance than a CT with internal wireline, and is easier to use from an operational aspect. Coil materials used include advanced thermoplastic matrix materials, glass fibres for strength layers and electric insulation, and carbon fibres to provide strength, stiffness and electrical screening. Furthermore there is the possibility to embed optical fibres to measure temperature, flow and pressure along the complete string length and to monitor the condition of the composite material.

This coil avoids currently encountered problems with thermosetting CCT such as: Low working temperatures; temperatures in excess of 150°C will be possible with the PDT-CCTCollapse of thermoplastic liner; the PDT-CCT liner is welded to the structural layersUnexpected failure; monitoring strain and chemical ageing provides early warning for failureLow density; the copper conductors increase the coil density to avoid buoyancy induced bucklingLow stiffness; electric or hydraulic tractors along the string length enable Extended Reach CT Drilling
Composite Coiled Tubing Solution
Authors: Wheaton Terry R. , Berning Scott A. , Headrick Dick , Feechan Mike , Isennock Clint , Fowler Stewart H.
Published: December 2007

Depending on the application, composite coiled tubing (CCT) may serve as a cost-effective alternative to conventional coiled tubing.1

Gas wells in Alberta, Canada often lose production when hydrates form as a result of temperature drops in gas flow. To reduce gas-flow temperature drop and prevent hydrates from forming, operators commonly use a steel heater string to heat the annular area between the production tubing and casing. Some wells require more heat to reach the critical hydrate temperature depth than others, resulting in higher costs for heating and pumping equipment.

To reduce these costs, operators looked for a solution to temperature drop, and found it in CCT. Because of its low thermal conductivity (heat loss), a CCT heater string can reduce the need for upgrading or replacing surface heating and pumping equipment.
Measuring Safety and Environmental Performance in the U.S. Offshore Oil and Gas Industry
Authors: Beittel R. L. , Atkins S. R.
Published: December 2007

The U.S. Minerals Mangement Service (MMS), U.S. Coast Guard, and oil and gas interests that operate in the U.S. Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) cooperated to create four types of quantitative, normalized, historical indicators of the safety and environmental performance of offshore operations. The indicators cover employee injuries, oil spills, other incidents that could cause injuries or pollution, and noncompliances with safety and environmental regulations. The performance indicators are reported as OCS industry incident rates or participating company incident rates. Twenty specific incident rates are generated annually using arithmetic formulas that operate on performance data developed by MMS and the participating OCS operating companies. This paper explains the process used to develop the OCS performance measures, describes the OCS performance data, and presents the performance measures formulas. In addition, the industry and participating companies’ incident rates for 1996, 1997, and 1998 are reported and discussed.
Managing Stress: A Team Approach
Authors: Delaney Martin
Published: December 2007

There is growing evidence to suggest that stress is one of the most common factors contributing to work related ill health, sickness absence and lowered work performance.

Using material already developed within BP Amoco and with some external support, a number of interventions were developed to target specific aspects or work related stress. The interventions are delivered as separate workshop based packages. This paper will describe the development and use of these workshops and other resources.
Meeting the Challenges of New Environmental Regulations
Authors: Hassanali K. M. , Ramnath K.
Published: December 2007

The requirements of the Environmental Management Act of 1995 establish environmental regulations for industries in Trinidad and Tobago. Newly drafted rules and regulations soon to be presented to Parliament will place greater regulatory responsibilities on the energy industry in Trinidad and Tobago, in respect of compliance and its attendant cost.

The main environmental regulations and standards pertaining to the petroleum industry are:

Environmental Management Act (1995). Certificate of Environmental Clearance Rules (1999) (Draft). Environmentally Sensitive Areas Rules (1999) (Draft). Environmentally Sensitive Species Rules (1999) (Draft). Water Pollution Rules (1999) (Draft). Trinidad and Tobago National Environmental Policy. Specification for the effluent from industrial processes discharged into the Environment TTBS/EMA standard TTS 547:1998. Air Pollution (Stationary Sources) Rules.

The Petroleum Company of Trinidad and Tobago Limited (Petrotrin), has responded to this challenge by developing environmental management strategies as well as introducing new technologies in its operations, to reduce impacts on the environment. These strategies include:

Implementation of an ISO 14000 pilot project. Establishment of a ‘Quality Team’. Participation in the development of standards for liquid effluents and vehicle emissions. Training of management and supervisory staff. Monitoring of liquid effluents and air quality. Conducting environmental impact assessments. Conducting facility audits. Assessment of sensitive areas which the company operates within or in close proximity to. Development and implementation of waste management programmes.

The overall effect of these proactive programmes has improved Petrotrin's environmental performance and compliance.

Petrotrin's corporate commitment to excellence in the management of its environmental responsibilities is pervasive. As a leader in Trinidad and Tobago oil and gas industry, Petrotrin is ever mindful that every environmental event has an ultimate ecological consequence, regardless of its size, and that such a consequence could affect human health, animal and plant life. The overall effort has been worthwhile due to the enormous increase in the understanding of our environment and the improvements being achieved.
Hearing Conservation Program in the Upstream E&P Operations - A Case Study
Authors: Gourh Ramesh C. , Chakraborty Ashok B.
Published: December 2007

In the E & P operations, one of the critical area under the occupational health safety is the hearing conservation of employees. One of the main reason for the impairment of hearing is the excessive sound level commonly called "noise" in the work area. To undertake a comprehensive program on hearing conservation of employees, it is necessary to undertake surveillance of the area adopting different techniques along with proper study and to implement control actions, as necessary.

In this paper, the outcome of a study relating to the comprehensive noise exposure survey which was undertaken on two offshore platforms, one jack up rig recently, and few onland rigs earlier, have been covered along with the control measures which were found necessary. A review was made of 212 persons representing cross section of the work force. This group was studied for the audiometric performance changes over the period of their employment by comparing their recent audiogram with the first audiogram taken at the time of joining initially. At the same time the frequency spectrum of noise on the platforms and drilling rigs was studied and it was compared with the noise rating curve NR - 70. The hearing capacity of the work force was found to be within the normal range before work but after post work, there was marginal shift.

Based on the study on the noise level and the frequency characteristics, appropriate recommendations to the work situations were made for the noise control at the sources and also for minimizing the exposures levels. The other control measures included were the effective safety and environment management system, condition monitoring and technical audit besides a monitoring program. Basically, a 3C program called (collect - control - correct) was initiated along with imparting knowledge and to promote consciousness amongst employees about noise pollution, its effect on hearing, health and the preventive measures required to ensure safe and congenial work environment. This paper primarily relates to the sharing of experience in the area of occupational health safety.
EIA of Siri and South Arne -- the Two First Offshore EIAs in Denmark
Authors: Andersen H. V. , Stuer-Lauridsen F. , Kinn S. J. , Tüxen E. , Reed M.
Published: December 2007

Amerada Hess A/S and Statoil Efterforskning og Produktion A/S have published EIAs for the development and operation of the South Arne and the Siri fields, respectively. Both EIAs focused on planned and accidental emissions during development and operation. The major impacts identified were associated with potential accidental oil spills and affected seabirds and aquatic organisms. After public hearings supplementary studies were carried out.
Worldwide Oil Industry Helicopter Operations and Safety Review
Authors: Williams Robert G.
Published: December 2007

Developing a database of worldwide helicopter operational and safety activity would enable oil and gas industry companies to benchmark individual performance against the industry as a whole. Such a database could also be used to analyze and benchmark the relative safety performance of different category helicopters in differing operating environments. It would also provide a basis by which the industry, individual companies, or helicopter operators could further identify / define those helicopter accident causal factors and trends, and where possible to develop and implement appropriate mitigating strategies to reduce the overall risk of helicopter operations. Lastly, the database could be used by groups interested in influencing the development or revision of regulatory or advisory guidelines by providing relevant and accurate data for the industry helicopter operations.
Decommissioning of the Seacliff Oil Pier Complex, Ventura County, California: A Case Study
Authors: Brooks Gary A. , Marks Michael , Poulter Simon A. , Robb III Albert J.
Published: December 2007

Decommissioning of offshore facilities is becoming a major environmental issue for E&P Operators globally. A recent decommissioning operation undertaken by Mobil Oil Company in California State Waters highlighted the complexity of such projects in today's operating environment. The termination of production from the Ferguson, Needham and Whitten Leases (CA State Leases PRC-427.1, 429 & 3125) required that the operators completely dismantle and remove a multi-wharf production pier complex along an otherwise largely undeveloped, highly sensitive stretch of coastal Ventura County, California. The described decommissioning activities, for both offshore (nearshore) and onshore facilities, required the management of complex interrelated issues posed by engineering constraints and the interface with numerous regulatory agencies, public activists, and sometimes extreme environmental conditions. Significant cost savings resulted from the employed approach.
Impact of Seismic Surveys on Marine Life
Authors: Gausland Ingebret
Published: December 2007

During the last decade significant research has been performed on the possible impact of seismic surveys on marine life. Both fish and marine mammals have been studied. None of the studies have documented direct damage caused by the signals, but there may be a temporary behavior change out to a distance of a few kilometers.

Many reports dealing with this issue do not treat the acoustic principles or the measurement of signal pressure levels in a consistent manner. Therefore it may be difficult to make direct comparisons between the results given in these reports.

During the many years that I have worked with this topic, it has become clear that an understanding of acoustic principles is important for the assessment of what effect seismic surveys have on marine life. This abstract therefore have a more detailed discussion of seismic survey principles and the physics of sound than will be possible to give at the oral presentation.
Akassa: A New Approach to the Problems of the Niger Delta
Authors: Knight W. D. , Alagoa N. C. , Von Kemedi D.
Published: December 2007

In Nigeria, the Niger Delta is on fire, angry communities confronting government and oil industry. Firefighting has included military suppression and throwing money at problems, both counter-productive. Akassa has a different, grass-roots approach: interactive participatory development that is community-led, stakeholder-assisted and directly aimed at extinguishing the conflagration at its source. Others can learn to use it too.
Measuring Safety and Compliance in the U.S. Offshore Oil and Gas Industry
Authors: Slitor Doug
Published: December 2007

The U.S. Federal Government, through the Department of the Interior (DOI), has been regulating the offshore oil and gas industry for over 50 years. During this time, the government has developed, often in concert with industry, regulations to increase the safety of offshore operations. The Minerals Mangement Service's (MMS) Inspection Program is founded upon this regulatory regime and requires operators to undergo periodic inspections. The MMS Inspection Program regulates over 600 potential incidents of noncompliance or PINC's. The MMS issues an incident of noncompliance or INC when an operator has not met the requirements of the regulations.

The MMS has analyzed 10 years’ worth of inspection data and has determined a direct relationship between a facility receiving INC's and the increased probability of that facility having an accident. In an effort to focus closely on those operators having difficulty working their operations in compliance with MMS regulations, the MMS has developed a Safety Ranking formula that weights the values of INC's and accidents and normalizes these data so that MMS may rank order operators by these two measures. The Safety Ranking provides MMS with an initial comparative look at the performance of the offshore industry for the purpose of guiding poor operators toward better performance or removing operators who chronically operate in an unsafe manner.
Health Performance Indicators
Authors: de Jong Geert , Barbey A , Arnulf L , Covil M , Dahl-Hansen E , Dugelay F , Hide K , Jones D S , Jorgensen K , Keech J. , Rodier J , Ross J
Published: December 2007

Health Performance Indicators, HPIs, should be an essential tool of an HSE Management System. However, there are currently no common industry recognised performance measures. In response to the need, the Health committee of the International Association of Oil and Gas Producers (OGP) produced a set of health performance indicators, which are presented in a report issued in June 1999 (OGP report no.6.78/290, June 1999).

In the past, HSE management has concentrated on safety, with considerable success but with little emphasis on health. A similar commitment to health management can provide significant benefits to individual employees and companies. To help improve the management of health, companies are encouraged to select and use proactive performance indicators as proposed in the OGP report. Until such time that the industry agrees on pro-active HPIs, it is recommended that occupational illness frequency be reported by all E&P companies, with the aim to have reporting system in place by the year 2001.
Constructed Wetland Overview for the Petroleum Industry
Authors: Myers James E.
Published: December 2007

This paper introduces the subject of constructed (or treatment) wetlands. It identifies the many wetland applications that are currently in use for the treatment and re-use of water. Treatment wetlands are compared with traditional primary, secondary and tertiary wastewater treatments. Constructed wetland types are discussed along with estimated costs and design features. A nine-step process to put a treatment wetland on-line is presented. This paper shares best practices for the design, construction and operation of treatment wetlands.
Environmental and Meteo-Marine Monitoring Network for Eni Platforms in Adriatic Sea and Application of Numerical Models for the Study of Marine Pollution
Authors: Allinovi R. , Puletti M. , DeFillipi G.
Published: December 2007

At the end of 1992 ENI Div. AGIP realised a monitoring network of meteo-marine parameters on 13 of the over 80 producing platforms in Northern and Central Adriatic Sea, with real time data transmission.

The aim was the design of new structures, the maintenance of already existing platforms, the management of the marine spread as well the gathering of data for environmental studies.

Meteorological parameters, directional wave, sea level, and current data were measured, validated, processed, analysed and organised in a data-bank.

At the present time a complete data-set covering six years is available: the data permitted to improve the knowledge of the physical phenomena of the involved area as well as to increase the reliability level during the design activity.

A statistic model of wave generation-propagation, interfaced with measured data, was improved and utilised for short-medium term forecasting over a wide area of North Adriatic Sea.

Afterwards an hydrodynamic model, calibrated on measured data, was used to simulate typical and extreme current fields of the Adriatic Sea and to extend the local information, coming out from measured data, to the whole basin.

As the meteo-oceanographic data represent the main forcing terms for the marine environment, information were afterward used for the study of the marine environment on the whole and for the solution to possible pollution problems.

Numerical models to simulate different environmental parameters, interfaced to the hydrodynamic model, are under development; at the present time an integrated modelling system is tested in order to forecast wind and current fields over the whole Adriatic Sea as well as the transport and propagation of the oil during accidental spills and the consequences on the environment.

The results, which allow ENI Div. AGIP to identify the risk areas, are even transmitted to the interested Public Organisations.

Presently the optimisation of the monitoring network, based on the acquired experiences, is planned, with addition of new sensors and the development of the integrated system of numerical models which, calibrated and verified against measured data, can support timely and reliable decisions related to optimal management of possible alarms.
An Integrated Methodology for the Evaluation of the Safety and Environmental Consequences of a Blow-out
Authors: Blotto Paola , Andreussi Paolo , Bonuccelli Michele , Galinetto Rita , Podenzani Fabrizio
Published: December 2007

Increasingly stringent HS&E requirements inevitably leads to an improvement in the predictive risk analysis tools used to estimate the HS&E consequences of a major accident. One potentially major accident, associated with the exploration and exploitation of hydrocarbon fields, is a blow-out e.g. an uncontrolled release of formation fluid from the reservoir.

In the event of a blow-out it is essential to implement the blow-out contingency plan as quickly as possible to minimise the potential damage, particularly for onshore wells where the oil and gas is dispersed into the atmosphere and over the land. To improve the evaluation of the safety and environmental consequences of a blow-out the Agip Division commissioned a multi-disciplinary R&D project.

This project utilises technical and scientific support from EniTecnologie, TEA Sistemi and TEMARS companies.

The main objective of this project is the development, assessment and validation of an integrated methodology for the evaluation of the safety and environmental consequences of a blow-out.

The extension of the contaminated area, the gas and oil droplets concentration distribution and the oil and gas discharge flow-rates from the well are the main deliverables from the methodology.

As the primary use of this methodology would be in the management of the emergency response to a blow-out it is essential to optimise the response time.

Subsequently, the following predictive approaches were developed and validated against actual blow-outs:

A "One Minute" estimation tool; A "Ten Minute" estimation software; A "Best Estimation" approach.

To better characterise the oil droplet field from the wellhead to the environment "ad hoc" experimental work is undertaken to reproduce the real conditions associated with a blow-out.
Risk Management – We All Do It But Can We Prove It?
Authors: Hurst Sheryl P , McLean Ian H
Published: December 2007

The current international trend of goal setting safety legislation has led to the application of advanced risk identification and assessment techniques. Such exercises traditionally end with a demonstration that the risk levels are As Low As Reasonably Practicable. However, in practice risks will only be effectively managed for as long as controls are, and continue to be, in place and effective. Companies which successfully manage their risks establish a link between these risk controls and the organisation. By and large, this integration of risk control measures into the business remains an opportunity for improvement.

When a link is clearly established between risk control measures and individual responsibilities, tasks and procedures, not only can we be assured of improvements in risk management, but we can also demonstrate the effectiveness and completeness of the risk management process to regulators, management, shareholders, workforce, the public and any other stakeholders.

This paper describes a practical approach which links risk controls to the management system. The paper includes example case studies which highlight proven benefits such as:

■ workforce involvement and ownership of risk assessments, using graphical displays of interactive hazard assessments carried out ‘on line’ ■ increased communication of hazards and controls leading to minimised risk and safer operations ■ keeping the risk assessment ‘live’, the method is based around a relational database storing the risk assessment information and allowing easy data manipulation, sorting and filtering ■ clear demonstration of hazard control by directly linking control measures to workforce and supervisory tasks undertaken on a day to day basis.
Waste Management: An Approach to the Management of Drilling Waste
Authors: Priatna R. , Sjahroezah A. , Bledoeg R. I.
Published: December 2007

In Indonesia, waste produced during drilling activities of the oil and gas operations are categorized hazardous and toxic referred to the Government Regulation No.18 year 1999 regarding The Hazardous and Toxic Waste Management. This regulation considers drilling mud and cuttings as Hazardous and Toxic Waste. The State Owned Oil Company (PERTAMINA) and its Production Sharing Contractors (PSCs) have a difficulty in implementing the regulation due to technical, scientific, and economical reasons.

To solve the problem, PERTAMINA and PSCs proactively proposed and negotiated a ‘self-designed recommended practice’ that technically and economically more practicable and environmentally acceptable for handling drilling wastes. By applying this method, a high cost of treatment may be reduced. Until now, the negotiation is still undergoing.

The paper describes the Indonesian Oil and Gas Industry contributions in revising the Government Regulations to be applicable in industry. The proposed revision includes the categorization of hazardous and toxic waste by issuing recommended practices for drilling wastes handling.
Energy and Environment: The Dilemma of Global Warming
Authors: Sinha Ravi P.
Published: December 2007

About eighty-five (85%) percent of the current U.S. energy needs are met by fossil fuels, and therefore they play a very important role in our energy supply. In recent years, these primary sources of energy have come under vigorous attack based on the observation that the changes in the earth's climate might be altered by the increasing concentration of certain gases in the atmosphere, particularly carbon dioxide. Though the degree and extent of their impact is uncertain, the primary sources of these gases are found to be auto emissions and utility companies burning coal. Geological records show that climate of the earth in the past has indeed undergone changes due to natural causes. These natural causes, however, are very slow, extending over millions of years and are therefore insignificant. Climatic variations due to anthropogenic causes are going to have an impact, if any, over a much shorter time period (50-100 years) and therefore are of concern. One of the concerns, is that even with a small increase in the average temperature of the earth, its effect in the polar regions would be much greater than elsewhere and therefore the global impact of any warming will be greater. The challenge, therefore, is to find a way to reduce the impact of human activities on the climate, without jeopar-dizing the economies of both the industrialized and the developing countries. Our dependence on oil and coal as a means of providing energy in the forseable future is going to continue. Our challenge, therefore, is to find a harmonious balance between the environmental and economic factors. The Kyoto Protocol is scary for most of the industrialized world because of the fear of it's impact on the economy. Given what the scientists know today, some solutions are presented as to what can be done for climate control with little or insignificant impact on the economy.
HSE Management: Accident / Incident Investigation
Authors: ULLAH Z. , KHUSHNOOD S. S. , SUBHANI N. A.
Published: December 2007

The current research deals with the accidents/incidents investigations in the context of HSE management system. It is proposed to carry out a comparative research of global and local standards and practices. Local practices and compliance will also be critically discussed.

The proposed changes in regulations like, appointing competent personnel in the regulatory bodies dealing with Accidents/Incidents investigations for proper compliance will be highlighted. The above mentioned changes will be proposed in light of feed back from accident/incident investigation data. Investigation procedures and their effectiveness in various environments will be compared, based on the statistical data/analysis.

Inadequately equipped and improperly qualified HSE heads of department does play a vital role in the overall deterioration of the HSE system. Hence training needs and greater awareness of the correct and precise reporting and investigation of Accidents/Incident will form the core of the research. The feeling of punishment in workers to report properly is a potential barrier. A good questionnaire is proposed to be developed which could eliminate the problems of hallo effect and central tendency in getting maximum relevant and correct information on an appropriately defined scale.

The role of Labour union will also be taken in to account with regard to accident/incident investigations. From the standpoint of overall cost effectiveness, cost benefit analysis will be carried by considering direct and indirect costs. Hence we could say that the current research work would help in formulating improved safety strategies, making effective regulations and ultimately cost effective and safe operation of the overall HSE management system.
Risk Monitoring for Major Hazards
Authors: Vinnem Jan Erik
Published: December 2007

Parameters based on the occurrence of occupational accidents are often used as the main performance indicator for HES matters by industry and authorities. While this indicator is important, it fails to provide real insight into mechanisms that will determine the risk for major accidents. The objective of the paper is to present a monitoring scheme for major hazards, and to report how such a scheme has been effective in focusing on major hazard risk for several years within the petroleum industry. The potential however, is that it also could be applied to projection of trends by the authorities. The experience with derivation of suitable performance indicators for potential major accidents is discussed for the most critical systems and functions, reflecting qualitative as well as quantitative risk assessments. The indicators should address status feedback for safety systems, barriers and functions, emergency preparedness actions and drills and important operational prerequisites. If many indicators are used, the oversight may be lost, and overall trends may be difficult to spot. Accumulation of the individual parameters into an overall performance indicator for major hazards may be one solution, in order to enable observation of overall trends. The practical experience with such an overall indicator for some years demonstrates significant reduction of major hazard risk.
Challenges in Emergency Preparedness. Time for Changing Focus?
Authors: Lexow Kristian
Published: December 2007

During the period 1994 to 1998 Norwegian Air Ambulance - Global Medical Support division (NLA GMS) has organized a duty doctor service for several operators in the southern part of the North Sea, serving an offshore population varying from 1500 to 2500 people. We document every call from the offshore nurse and every medevac. In contrast to what is often generally believed, our figures indicate that the real health threats to offshore workers are acute medical conditions rather than trauma and accidents. Calls about trauma represent only approximately 20% of the total number of calls to the duty doctor and most of these traumas represent only minor injuries. During this period there were three deaths caused by acute coronary heart disease and no deaths caused by accidents and trauma. 49 patients with pure medical conditions were classified as 4 or worse at the NACA-scale (table 1) compared with only 10 cases caused by trauma. Focus on offshore emergency preparedness has traditionally been almost solely only upon accidents and trauma. Some might argue that acute medical conditions can strike onshore as well as offshore and therefore does not imply any specific challenge to offshore emergency preparedness. Can the traditional focus on accidents, trauma and "Lost Time Accidents" (LTA) have more do with implications on insurance and the reputation of the companies than the care for the safety and health of the offshore workers? As safety procedures has brought accidents to a low level, our study indicate that acute medical conditions now represent a greater threat to life and health than trauma. This allows health departments in offshore companies to argue for more focus upon challenges in preparedness for acute medical conditions and not only preparedness with focus upon trauma, accidents and LTA.
Waste Management in View of Environment
Authors: Hassan M. W. A. , Kamal K. A.
Published: December 2007

The waste management is a policy specifically mandated by the U.S. Congress in the 1984, hazardous & solid wastes amendments to The Resource Conservation & Recovery Act (RCRA). The waste management has been a vital parameter and essential for the oil and Gas exploration & production companies in view of health, safety & environment. A waste management can: save moony by reducing the treatment costs, meet state & national waste management policy goals. Reduce potential environmental liabilities, Protect the environment & the public health. It is important that all pollutant emissions into air, water & land, be consider as a wastes. The present focus of waste management activities is on waste water treatment in SINAI Oil Production Fields (API skimmer, Flotation unit, Bullast Tank & wast water treatment system Technique on platforms).

The waste management consists of source reduction & recycling but each comprised of a number of practices & approaches which performed through:(a) waste management Assessment program: a systematic planned procedure with the objective of identifying ways to reduce or eliminate wastes, it can be successful via (1) planning & organization(getting management commitment, setting goals & overcoming barriers, organizing assessment program task force). (2) Assessment phase: (collecting the process & facility data, prioritize & select assessment targets, review data & inspect site, generate options) (3) Feasibility analysis phase (technical & economic evaluation, select option for implementation) (4) Implementing waste management options, (justify projects, installation or equipment, implementation, performance evaluation). (b) Waste management techniques (source control: input material changes, technology changes (process, equipment), good operating practices (procedural measures, loss prevention, waste stream segregation).
Communicating Best Environmental Practice Throughout an Organization A Web Site Based Example
Authors: Cranmer G. J.
Published: December 2007

For the past three years BP Amoco have been compiling, as part of their Drilling Environmental Awareness Programme, an Intranet based web site on current best environmental practice in drilling operations. The aim of the site is to provide a single point resource for BP Amoco related environmental guidelines and strategies, to ensure information and technology transfer and enable knowledge sharing. It allows drilling engineers anywhere in the organisation to: access relevant information for their current operation, including: regulatory information, key environmental aspects and the best practices for fluid design, rig design, waste management etc. in order to comply with the legislation;compare their current or proposed operating practices with those from other similar areas in order to provide assurance and to generate possible new options for improvement.

The site contains information on a range of BP Amoco operating areas (Business Units). To allow for easy comparison of similar operating areas, the site has been divided into key environmental habitats, e.g. marine, land, polar. Typically each operating area contains an overview on the operation (from a drilling perspective) together with sections on legislation, well planning (including mud/rig and site selection) and well operations (including waste management). All information has been formatted into an easy-to-understand layout, containing, where appropriate, hyperlinks to relevant web sites, documents and key personnel (via e-mail).
Business Model for Implementing Health Care in International E&P Operations
Authors: Grice Kevin J. , Thomas Melissa L.
Published: December 2007

Rationale for Developing a Business Model for Health Care

With the decentralization of corporate services in 1997, the worldwide exploration and production business unit assumed complete ownership for all support services in 1998. Occupational Health Services was decentralized from the corporate model that has one medical director responsible for all domestic and international programs. The responsibilities were transferred to an internal medical group to manage both domestic and international services for E&P Operations.

The new Occupational Health group was now challenged to provide medical services overseas that addresses these three fundamental questions:Are we providing the appropriate services to all affected personnel in all parts of business?Does the level of service compliment the operations business plan?What knowledge transfer occurred to help raise the level of awareness within the business units?

A series of international health reviews was conducted to characterize the state of health care internationally. The reviews identified that there was no consistent level of health care provided. Each operation would independently arrange medical services to cover personnel and dependents. The corporate health reviews were interpreted by the operations as an audit. The findings and recommendation lacked specific business solutions. The recommendations would set medical priorities; however, they did not provide service cost comparisons or implementation timelines.

As a result, the business units were unable to either complete or take appropriate action on the listed recommendations. By identifying these deficiencies within our international occupational health system, the group was able to set the realignment objectives for our new organization.

The worldwide exploration and production group was challenged to develop a business model for managing health care that is aligned with the project lifecycle. The group formulated objectives based on the following objectives and philosophy:Establish a minimum standard of careCustomize the standards to each operating countryClose gaps with any noted deficiencies by providing business solutions, costs proposals, priorities, and implementation schedulesTransfer ownership of medical services to the country operation or business unitContinuously improve upon the existing medical services and infrastructureAllow for strategically managing medical services within the local community via alliances and establishing appropriate relationships with the National Governmental Organizations
Reduction of Emissions to Air Through Energy Optimisation on Offshore Installations
Authors: Kloster Pål
Published: December 2007

Increasing fuel cost and concern regarding emissions have incurred focus on energy conservation on offshore oil and gas installations. On the Norwegian continental shelf there has been an increased commercial value of natural gas and a CO2- tax on fuel consumption the last 10 years. For the time being the alternative value of natural gas is in the range 0 to 0.06 EUR/Sm3 and consumption of fuel is taxed with approx. 0.09 EUR/Sm3 burned. This has brought forward significant changes in operational procedures and technology development on the Norwegian oil and gas installations compared to installations in other oil and gas regions throughout the world. Focus has increased on keeping the power requirement down, avoiding unnecessary fuel consumption and designing more energy efficient systems. The most efficient way of achieving this is by installing cold process flares and steam cycles on existing or new gas turbines to form Combined Cycles (CC). In Norway three steam cycle plants fueled by gas turbine exhaust are under completion on offshore oil and gas installations. The overall electrical efficiency of these plants is around 50%. When steam is extracted for process heat the overall thermal efficiency is higher. Compared to conventional simple cycles the combined cycle reduces consumption of fuel gas and emissions of CO2 and NOX with minimum 25%. When designed as alternative to conventional simple cycle solutions, a combined cycle represents an alternative investment reducing the size and/or the number of gas turbines needed. This gives a good contribution to the overall Life Cycle evaluation in favor of the combined cycle option when compared to the simple cycle option.
Waste Inventory and Tracking in SPDC
Authors: Benebo T. E. T. , Adesida A. A. , Oyebanji A. R. , Okonkwo N. M. T. , Balogun T. G.
Published: December 2007

That generation of waste is a daily occurrence in all human activities cannot be challenged, however that cannot be said of effective management of such waste. With increasing global concern on environmental management, there are increasing challenges to waste management in the industry. Stringent regulatory measures are being put in place to ensure that waste generated during industrial and domestic activities are effectively managed and accounted for. The first line of actions in waste management is the identification, characterisation and the quantification of waste generated and disposed. How well is the waste quantified? How effectively is it tracked? How accessible are waste information? These and many more are the issues the Waste Management System Software(WMSS) is designed to address.