bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Managing of Aging Assets and Ways for its Remnant Life Extension
Authors: Rashad Hatem
Published: November 2017

Definitions

Asset Remnant Life Extension Study

A structured process for identifying, investigating and implementing effective actions to assure life extension of company assets for a specified time period.

Assessment Remnant Life Extension Recommendations

A set of actions that the Asset Life Extension researchers have determined to be the effective actions to assure life extension to company assets for a specified time period.

Ageing

Ageing is the general process in which the characteristics of a system, structure or component gradually change with time or use. It is the physical phenomenon which involves a modification of the physical and/or chemical characteristics of the material.

Life Extension

Life extension is the lifetime of a facility beyond the original expected/designed lifetime.

Obsolescence

Obsolescence is the process whereby the functionality of a system or component reduces with time for reasons other than ageing. This can include:

General

The remnant life and life extension analysis and evaluation shall demonstrate an understanding of how time and aging processes will affect health, safety and environment (HSE), technical integrity and resource exploitation and identify measures required to mitigate the impact of time and aging processes. The remnant life assessment should define the remaining life of equipment and conclude whether the life of facilities can be extended.

The remnant life and life extension shall addresses the material degradation, operational issues (maintenance and inspection) but also obsolescence and organisational (management) status and give recommendations that ensure the integrity of these factors (life extension indicators) are maintained during remnant life and life extension period. All possible challenges related to ageing should be identified.

Life extension refers to continued operation of an installation beyond the design life assumed at the time of design or revised following a reassessment. Ageing during service will most likely have changed the physical condition of the structure compared to the time of the design. Therefore, the baseline for assessment for life extension is not the same as at start of life, and therefore an assessment is required to establish the remaining life of equipment. Life extension may be accompanied by a change in use of the installation and/or modification of the structure.

In general, the remnant life and life extension assessment should address the following:
Assessing Peak Particle Velocity PPV and Air Pressure Disturbance from Marine Seismic Operations – Introducing a Method for Establishing Coastal Environmental Safety Distances
Authors: MacGlennon G. S. , Nilsson P. B. , Casson G. A.
Published: November 2017

When operating seismic sources in close proximity to sensitive structures the establishment and use of exclusion distances is a commonly used safety measure to prevent disturbance and/or damage. To date most work in this area has focused on safety distances to prevent structural damage to sensitive infrastructure. Here, we introduce a methodology for the assessment and establishment of environmental safety distances by which to prevent or minimise the level of disturbance to environmentally sensitive areas such as bird breeding colonies and turtle nesting areas. Once determined, these distances can then be factored into project design at the early planning stage during either an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) or project start-up, allowing the integrity of both data quality and environmental protection to be optimised.

The current study was carried out to achieve two aims to: investigate a methodology by which accurate data on optimal environmental safety distances can be calculated based on likely receiver levels, in doing so optimising a balance between project performance and data quality with effective environmental mitigation andprovide exact PPV and over air pressure levels recorded during the current seismic survey for comparison with pre-determined environmental safety distances with a review of their effectiveness in preventing injury/disturbance.

Effective calculation of likely received levels with distance could be calculated for PPV at a 99% confidence level (P=<0.001), however no such calculations could be made for over air pressure levels with data models that; while they are significant, do not demonstrate effectiveness in using distance to estimate receiver exposure levels where levels may be more susceptible to changing environmental conditions.
Configuring Dynamic Underbalance to Achieve Perforation Tunnel Cleanup in a Gas Well at High Static Overbalance
Authors: Haggerty Dennis , McGregor Jacob , Akhmadikin Vadim
Published: November 2017

The strategy of improving gas production by removing perforation debris from perforation tunnels with dynamic underbalance (DUB), even in an overbalanced (OB) wellbore setting, was advanced by conducting a series of perforation tests. Based on API RP 19B (2014) Section 4, perforation tests were simulated matching well configurations and conditions in a high-pressure gas field to help improve production.

Simulation models that included field DUB were used to adjust the laboratory test configuration such that a similar DUB response could be achieved and the degree of perforation tunnel cleanup quantified. These models of the subject formation indicated that to achieve at least a 90% cleanout of flow-obstructing material in the perforation tunnels, a post-perforating instantaneous wellbore pressure drop slightly greater than 5,000 psi would be necessary. Laboratory components were adjusted to mimic the downhole tubing conveyed perforating (TCP) string and vent chambers to achieve this magnitude of instantaneous pressure drop, or DUB. Gas-flow measurements immediately followed to determine productivity.

Laboratory results indicated that the higher the DUB, the higher the degree of open perforation tunnel and, consequentially, productivity. Computed tomography (CT) images of the target cores after perforating showed a direct correlation between DUB and the extent of an open or clear perforation tunnel. An additional method of gas-flow measurement that accounts for inertial flow effects (Barree and Conway 2004) further validated the observation that as the DUB increased, the absolute open-flow potential (AOFP) increased. Viewed another way, both mechanical and inertial-based skin were reduced by the effective cleanup with higher DUB. The DUB occurrence timeframe is approximately one second in the API RP 19B (2014) Section 4 tests and approximately two seconds in the surge models, which considers the entire perforating string.

These tests and early field indicators show that despite perforating at a high static OB, optimizing DUB effects with added volume space in the gun string improves perforation cleanup, which results in productive perforations.
Fluid Front Monitoring Using Smart & Safe Pulsed Neutron Technology on Slick-Line
Authors: Grover Rahul , Perkins Luke , Nibodeau Fabien , Korkin Roman
Published: November 2017

Managing mature fields requires monitoring changes in formation fluid saturations as well as production from individual wells effectively and efficiently. Reservoir saturation monitoring is usually performed using slim pulsed neutron logging (PNL) tools because they can be deployed through tubing and operate in different modes providing a wealth of information. PNL tools, however, have typically long lengths, which become a disadvantage when used on offshore platforms.

A smart and safe pulsed neutron technology, recently introduced to the industry, can help in reducing the HSE risk associated with operating a pulsed neutron generator on memory, while optimizing the equipment and people footprint, and enhancing the operational efficiency of memory based tools. The technology also introduces an adaptive neutron burst "sliding-gate" scheme [1] to reduce environmental effects on the PNL measurements. The algorithms of the tools were designed with the help of extensive MCNP [2] modelling and measurements in laboratory conditions.

This paper presents the results from the field test of these new tools in mature offshore UAE field formations with back-to-back comparison with the previous conventional wireline technology. The production in the field started in the 1960s, followed in the 1970s by down-flank injection of water with much lower salinity than the connate water, and crestal gas injection in the 1990s. Completions consist of multiple combinations of tubing, casing, and hole sizes along with packers and other hardware components. Often the borehole is filled with gas across the zones of interest. The new PNL device was tested in several wells, in which it operated in sigma mode with an adaptive burst scheme. Integration of all the recorded information made it possible to accurately track the three-phase fluid saturation changes even in the gas-filled wellbores with complex completions.
The Potential Evaluation of Superheated Steam with High Degree Assisted Gravity Drainage Process in Oil Sands Project
Authors: Liang Guangyue , Liu Shangqi , Liu Yang , Luo Yanyan , Han Bin , Huang Jixin
Published: November 2017

Compared with conventional wet saturated steam, both enthalpy and specific volume of superheated steam are much larger. Combination superheated steam as injected media with SAGD process is expected to improve development effect of oil sands with less steam consumption.

In this paper, SAGD performance in certain oil sands project considering aquathermolysis reactions mechanism was evaluated and compared by physical simulation, theoretical analysis and numerical simulation for superheated steam and wet saturated steam.

Superheated steam enhances oil recovery a little under the same heat, but can significantly reduce steam injection rate. This is because superheated steam injected mainly concentrates on small region in the bottom of steam chamber, and doesn't expand to the drainage boundary of the whole steam chamber, under the action of subcool control. The optimum bottom-hole temperature of superheated steam is about 350°C considering the heat loss along vertical well section, SAGD performance and facilitating subcool control in field operation. In order to further improve oil rate and recovery factor, the technology gravity drainage assisted in superheated steam flooding during late SAGD process as well as superheated steam-assisted gravity drainage process with mixed solvent were proposed and evaluated. The former can increase swept volume of bypassed bitumen with wedge-shape between adjacent well pairs, but consume more steam. Whereas, the latter can attain higher recovery factor, solvent recovery, and incremental bitumen to solvent loss ratio compared with wet saturated steam.

Superheated steam with high degree assisted gravity drainage process wasn't applied in oil sands project, and aquathermolysis reactions were considered for the first time by combining physical simulation, theoretical analysis and numerical simulation. These insights of two technologies proposed probably improve the economics of oil sands project by increasing oil rate and decreasing steam injection rate at the same time, especially in low-price environment.
Sealing Faults: A Bamboozling Problem in Abu Dhabi Fields
Authors: Noufal Abdelwahab , Obaid Khalid
Published: November 2017

Abu Dhabi Fields are showing the presence of several leads/prospects with a significant amount of hydrocarbon accumulations, where the faults provide the critical up-dip closure. The classical approach of fault sealing based on the construction of a deterministic juxtaposition and Shale gouge ratio analysis will not work in Abu Dhabi fields, as most of the section is mainly consisting of carbonates and the faulting history is mainly overcoming by strike-slip movement, where the vertical offset along the faults are minimum. Therefore, implementing a new approach based on construction of an integrated modeling using well logs, seismic, outcrop analogues, 1D MEM and 3D MEM, complemented with modeled and measured pressure data is necessary.

The sealing behavior of faults is known to control aspects of hydrocarbon migration and reservoir distribution in space and time, the least understood factor in petroleum system. Fault planes can be sealing and prevent flow of fluids in one time and be leaking in another time. It can be sealing for oil and leaking for gas/oil or it can be sealing at one horizon and leaking at another horizon. This paper provides a workflow for assessing the risk of fault seal in undrilled prospects. This is an integrated approach based on statistical analysis of a database of sealing and non-sealing faults to solving fault seal issues, which involves a combination of: Detailed microstructural, geometries and petrophysical property analysis of fault rocks; fault zone poroperm histories, sealing mechanisms, sealing capacities, stability and the timing of fault activity during the burial history. In addition to the geomechanical modeling aspects with the characterization of fault array geometry, population, distribution of sub-seismic faults from wells, cores and outcrop data and an evaluation of the seismic scale fault array attributes.

Faulting mechanisms in Abu Dhabi petroleum system have complicated movement histories involving numerous periods of reactivation and, in some cases multiple reversals of fault-movement direction. Therefore, to fully assess fault-seal potential it is necessary to examine the evolution of faults through time and the stress history, in addition to fault characterization, population, sealing criteria, and fault geometry/orientation. The results offer useful insights in the main factors and highlights how the faults behave, with risk evaluation, in terms of uncertainty ranges and sensitivities. As a result, the explorationist will have indication to remove the "uncertain" results. In addition, well data, 3D seismic data, and advanced interpretation tools can make it possible to accurately characterize the geometry/distribution and kinematics of faults, the in situ pressure differences across them and the possible compartmentalization.
Optimizing the Drill Bit / Bottom Hole Assembly Pull Out of Hole Decision-Making Process Through the Use of Realtime, Downhole Drilling Data and Downhole Mechanical Specific Energy
Authors: Al-Kindi Rashid , Cesetti Maurizio , Singh Rudra , Antillon Rodrigo , Kirby Cliff , Vanlammeran Charles , Paila Phalgun
Published: November 2017

This paper seeks to demonstrate how the use of real-time downhole drilling data can help facilitate the timely, well-informed decision to pull out of hole (POOH) if the rate of penetration (ROP) reduces beyond expectation.

The traditional decision process starts with offset ROP comparison. If the ROP is lower than expected, then typically there are two scenarios: either the drill bit has become dull or the formation is harder to drill than expected. If the first scenario is suspected then a cost-benefit analysis is performed whereby the remaining footage is assessed and the time to drill to section TD with the current ROP is calculated and compared to the cost of a new drill bit, rig time and the cost of round tripping to change the bit. However, when the bit is on surface and seen to still have good cutting structure then the round trip has been a waste of time and money and more patience should have been exercised in keeping the drill bit on bottom.

With real-time, downhole drilling data it is possible to assess the drillability of the formation and estimate the dull condition of the bit. Primary parameters that are used for this assessment are downhole weight on bit and downhole torque, and their relationship to one another. In addition, the trend of the downhole mechanical specific energy is evaluated.

The first case study under discussion was drilled in 12¼-in. section, offshore UAE field. For the initial 4,500ft the average ROP was 80ft/hr, at which point a dramatic decrease in ROP was observed. A reduction in ROP was expected at this point because of formation change, but the magnitude of the reduction was much greater.

Because the ROP was expected to reduce, the drilling continued with some short-lived increases in ROP. After a sustained time period of low ROP the decision to POOH was made, when the drill bit was on surface the dull grade was 1-6-HC-S-X-I-RO-PR. Upon evaluation of downhole drilling data with the aid of hindsight regarding eventual dull grade it was seen that there were clear indications that the bit was no longer effective and the decision to POOH should have been made. The time period that elapsed between the drill bit becoming damaged and POOH was 30 hours.

This base case lesson learned was utilized on a subsequent well in the drilling campaign on an analogous application. By using this downhole signature a quicker, more effective POOH decision was made. The POOH decision in this case was made after just 2.5 hours compared to the 30 hours on the previous well. Once on surface, the dull grade of the bit was 2-7-WT-S-X-I-RO-PR.
Maximize the Value of 3D Seismic with AVO Inversion for Reservoir Modeling and Field Development Optimizing, Offshore Abu Dhabi, UAE
Authors: Miyamoto H. , Kohda A. , Alfarhan Z. A. , Shibasaki T. , Bellah S. , Al-Ameri M. B. , Jasem S. M.
Published: November 2017

Seismic reservoir characterization is commonly conducted after seismic acquisition and processing projects to support the following static/dynamic modeling. In general, such study for carbonate reservoir has high difficulty to evaluate fluid saturation or formation pressure change due to the stiffer matrix of carbonate rock than siliciclastic reservoir. Therefore, porosity prediction through seismic AI inversion tends to be solely applied owing to a clear correlation between porosity and AI. However, the field had experienced water/gas injection as well as oil production as at the 3D survey acquisition; hence the porosity map from the conventional AI inversion should be disturbed by these field development effects. Our workflow first involved rock physics analysis, AVO modeling in order to find out the correlation between the subsurface properties and the seismic response. AVO inversion was implemented and interpreted based on such fundamental steps. It resulted in delineating the quantitative behavior of gas/water injection and oil production schemes in Xp-p.p domain and generating the best seismic attributes to separate fluid saturation and pressure changes from porosity. These attributes are of value to interpret the spatial pattern of field development activities and to refine the porosity prediction.
New Challenges on Qualification and Selection of High Strength Materials for Critical Sour Environment
Authors: Oliveira J. , Thébault F. , Dalbert V. , Guedes D. , Yanik A. , Néel G.
Published: November 2017

In recent years, oil and gas operators have faced new challenges regarding the resistance of sour service 110ksi specified minimum yield strength material in extreme sour conditions, meaning partial pressures of H2S higher than 15psi (1bar). Furthermore, high pressure wells in presence of H2S such as deepwater and HPHT require high strength 140ksi specified minimum yield strength carbon steel, for which even at high temperature can develop sulfide stress cracking.

This paper describes a methodology to select and qualify materials for such critical conditions, taking into account the aspects from material design to specific laboratory testing to provide suitable material for the well environment. The results presented highlight the importance of material qualification in the well design phase prior to product application.

A few well architecture examples are presented, explaining the benefits of using qualified materials with high mechanical properties and improved sulfide stress cracking resistance, opening the doors of new oil and gas field explorations with profitable solutions.
Improving Pore Network Imaging & Characterization of Microporous Carbonate Rocks Using Multi-Scale Imaging Techniques
Authors: Hassan A. , Chandra V. , Yutkin M. P. , Patzek T. W. , Espinoza D. N.
Published: November 2017

Epoxy-pore casting is widely used to characterize geological samples. In this study, we present a robust pore imaging approach that applies Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy (CLSM) to obtain high resolution 3D images of etched epoxy-pore casts of highly heterogeneous carbonates. In our approach, we have increased the depth of investigation for carbonates 20-fold, from 10 μm reported by (Fredrich, 1999; Shah et al., 2013) to 200 μm. In addition, high resolution 2D images from scanning electron microscopy (SEM) have been correlated with the 3D models from CLSM to develop a multi-scale imaging approach that covers a range of scales, from millimeters in 3D to micrometers in 2D. The developed approach was implemented to identify various pore types, e.g., the inter-crystalline and intra-granular microporosity, and the inter-boundary sheet pores in the limestone and dolomite samples.
Rectifying the Inherent Compressor Control Issues Using Dynamic Simulation
Authors: Nalagatla Vijayakrishna , Al-Kalbani Haitham
Published: November 2017

A dynamic study was performed to evaluate the proposed compressor control scheme (migrating from the existing standalone compressor vendor control scheme) for the existing propane compressor system. Dynamic study was required as the system included complex compressor controls. It was intended that the inherent control design issues could be identified with the dynamic simulations before implementing the complex control designs in highly critical compressor.

The main objectives of the dynamic simulation were to: Confirm the control scheme and it's transient responsesConfirm the anti-surge / capacity control system designConfirm the control and trip set points

The study included building a dynamic model (using Unisim dynamics) of the relevant process equipment in the propane compressor loop, and subjecting it to transient conditions to evaluate the control scheme.

The main conclusions / recommendations of the study were: The proposed control scheme was able to maintain a constant desired suction pressure while keeping all other controllers in the compressor loop stable and ensured that the compressor operate with a safe margin from surge during normal operating conditions.During the turndown, frequent oscillations were observed due to the antisurge parameter oscillations. This was mainly due to the opening of the quench valve and atomization valve by the temperature controller during hot recycle and subsequent closing of atomization valve. This could have led to the damage of the compressor in the longterm. To avoid, it was recommended to change the control logic such that the atomization valve to close only (once opened) when operating point reaches to right side of the surge control line with sufficient margin.

Based on the above recommendations, the proposed logic was implemented in the plant successfully. Turndown operation is stable and no oscillations are observed. Hence it is recommended to carry out dynamic simulations to verify such complex and critical compressor control schemes to prevent any control issues and long term integrity issues with compressors.
Geomechanical and Thermal Dynamics of Distributed and Far-Field Dielectric Heating of Rocks Assisted by Nano-Enablers — A Numerical Exploration
Authors: San-Roman-Alerigi Damian P. , Han Yanhui , Othman Haitham , Batarseh Sameeh I.
Published: November 2017

Thermal methods based on dielectric heating are of interest in several stimulation and production applications; however, most downhole fluids and rocks have uneven electromagnetic absorption. A potential solution is to create particles that can act as centers of electromagnetic absorption. These are known as enablers. In this technique, the rocks and fluids are not directly heated by the electromagnetic radiation; rather the enablers absorb the electromagnetic radiation, transform it into heat, and warm up the formation and fluids. This paper presents the numerical characterization of the thermal and geomechanical dynamics in this process as a function of different rock types and varying enabler distributions.

The numerical analysis explored the dynamics of high-power electromagnetic radiation (HPEM) and revealed key optimization variables and interactions. The results provide new insights about the relations between the competing physics, and suggest how to control the coupling dynamics to enhance different applications. Ultimately, the techniques and results detailed in this work could prove essential to optimize the next generation of electromagnetic heating and recovery methods.

Thermal and geomechanical modeling showed that the sudden increase in temperature across multiple points, could be used to enhance fracturing and induce other mechanical changes in the formation that are valuable for stimulation of tight formations. A comprehensive statistical analysis was used to determine key variables and optimal heating dynamics, as a function of volume and spatial distribution of enablers. It was observed that the efficiency of the energy transferred to the formation, depends on the volume and spatial distribution of the enablers within the rock matrix. The latter suggests that micro- and nano-particle size enablers could potentially improve heating and energy transfer for oil and gas applications.
New Method of Improving Formation Evaluation in High-Angle or Horizontal Wells Using Image-Constrained Inversion
Authors: Syofyan S. , Hanif M. S. , Latief A. I. , El Gazar A. L. , Al-Shabibi T. A. , Boesing D. , Deng L. , Fernandes W. , Soliman A. M. , Smart C.
Published: November 2017

The Archie equation is the most common approach for calculating water saturation. The true formation resistivity that is derived from resistivity logs is an important component. In high-angle or horizontal wells (Ha/Hz) the commonly employed induction style tools and multi-propagation resistivity (MPR) tools employed in logging-while-drilling (LWD) have challenges. In particular, at bed boundaries, the formation-to-wellbore geometry affects deep-reading logs and generates artifacts such as so-called polarization horns on the logs. These effects become more significant with increases in the relative dip and the resistivity contrast between the beds. These conditions impair the use of resistivity for water saturation determination. An innovative modeling workflow to generate a true formation resistivity (Rt) from LWD MPR logs is presented. In addition, a number of case examples from Abu Dhabi reservoirs are portrayed.

The workflow described in this study begins with the interpretation of borehole image data to build a structural earth model. For this, the picked boundaries are extended away from the trajectory within an investigative volume of the MPR responses and are used to constrain an inversion algorithm that solves for Rt. The inversion is conducted using eight short- and long-spaced apparent phase differences and attenuation data. Different starting models and inversion constraints are applied to evaluate the sensitivity of the inversion results. The inversion results are further qualified from the ‘misfit’ calculated by the inversion algorithm.

This methodology was used to process data from multiple wells in a development field near Abu Dhabi. These high-angle wells are from carbonate reservoirs with varying characteristics (such as tight, layered, high-permeability streaks, etc) and all employ LWD measurements. The integrated data of vertical wells formation evaluation, dean stark and dynamic data (well test) were used to validate results of the case study.

The processing results showed significant improvement in determining true resistivity that provided highly coherent saturation determination along the entire wellbore profile. It gave confidence in the effectiveness of the approach for an improved quantitative petrophysical evaluation in Ha/Hz wells.

This new processing method is able to solve the existing issue associated with LWD measurement in high angle wells thereby improving the saturation calculation significantly.
Feasibility and Influencing Factors of Oil Tolerant Nitrogen Foam on EOR Effect in the Fractured-Vuggy Carbonate Reservoir
Authors: Su Wei , Hou Jirui , Zhao Fenglan , Xi Yuan , Zhao Teng , Ding Baodong
Published: November 2017

The purpose of this paper is to research an oil tolerant foam agent as a displacing phase to improve oil recovery in the fractured-vuggy carbonate reservoir. The foamability and foam stability were tested to optimize the concentrations of the foam compositions, and its static performance was analyzed in the presence of crude oil. Meanwhile, a visualized fractured-vuggy physical model was designed and fabricated based on the geological condition of well S48 and well TK467 in Tahe oilfield, West China. The residual oil type and distribution after bottom water flooding in the visualized model were firstly summarized. Secondly, dynamic production performances of N2 flooding and oil-tolerant N2 foam flooding were comparatively studied. Finally, the two primary factors including positional relation between injection-production wells and injection methods were primarily studied.

Results indicate that the foamability and foam stability increase to a constant state when concentrations of surfactant and inorganic salt increase to 0.5 wt% and 0.35 wt%. And the polymer can significantly enhance the foam stability in the presence of oil. The displacing experiments in the model illustrate that the types of residual oil include oil trapped in the closed caves, "attic oil" on top of vugs, by-pass oil that can't be swept and oil film absorbed on the surface of fractures. The oil tolerant foam can stably accumulate in the vugs and expand swept volume due to gas mobility control. A better oil recovery can be achieved in foam injection by means of low positional flooding and high positional production. Besides, the oil recovery with slug foam injection is almost similar with continuous injection, but can significantly reduce the gas consumption.
In Situ Mercury Decontamination for Pipeline Decommissioning in the Gulf of Thailand
Authors: Chanvanichskul Chatawut , Punpruk Suchada , Silakorn Passaworn , Thammawong Chanya , Pornnimitthum Surapol , Kumseranee Sith
Published: November 2017

For offshore decommissioning in the Gulf of Thailand (GoT), Mercury (Hg) has been recognized as a serious contaminant in hydrocarbon streams. Consequently, for PTTEP, as the E&P operator in the Gulf of Thailand, one of the significant environmental and economical issues during decommissioning is the decontamination of Hg in the equipment and pipeline. PTTEP’s decommissioning plan focuses on leaving in situ of subsea pipelines which can be arranged only if Hg contaminated in the pipeline is almost fully cleaned and Hg content is below an acceptable level. Techniques to decontaminate Hg from pipeline and postmonitoring methods are required in the Final Decommissioning Program. Therefore, the research to identify the techniques to measure and remove Hg contents from metal is required. The three innovative steps have been studied including identifying depth of mercury penetration through the pipe surface, developing the technique for in-situ mercury decontamination from the pipeline and finally developing a tool for measuring contaminated Hg content in pipeline before leaving it in situ. According to the study result, the efficiency of the proposed decontamination technique is satisfactory which can remove the major content of Hg in a few hours. In addition, the prototype of tool to measure Hg inside the pipeline was developed and tested successfully. Cleaning process optimization in pilot facilities is currently in progress to finalize the methodology for field application.

The proposed methodology and tools are served as "the World First Methodology and Tools". It is considered as green decommissioning to reduce impact on seabed ecosystem and eliminate pipeline Hg contaminated wastes. Also, it is cost effective and potentially creates a new business opportunity for E&P worldwide.
Machines Performance Algorithmic Modeling for Anticipating Machines Health Using Real Time Condition Monitoring Data
Authors: Almadhoun Wael , Alashqar Ameed
Published: November 2017

Machine Performance is evaluated and indicated by several factors such as vibration, bearing temperature, pressure and flow among other important factors used in machine maintenance and repair decision. The majority of the Gas Turbine condition monitoring system depends on single factor with fixed values to judge the condition of the machine. In this paper the Authors proposed using algorithmic approach to model multiple factors, by developing a model using machine conditions monitoring data to forecast and anticipate the Machin's performance. Following HBR the new Technology Stack for connected smart devices which has three core elements: the mechanical and electrical parts are the physical components; the sensors, control systems, data storage, OS and software are the smart components; and the connection between all parts as the connectivity components. The capability of the connected smart devices can go through 4 Stages (Monitoring -> Control -> Optimization -> Autonomy). The scope of this paper will cover the optimization stage only, but also depends on the monitoring and control stages. The computer systems and artificial intelligence used to build a Machine Learning (ML) model that can predict the machine performance. The predicted results of this model can help operations to take the right decision in an advance proactive steps. The Support Victor Machine (SVM) learning algorithm has been used to training the model based on actual site data. The results of training and test data were accurate. The model which predicts the machine condition/status is promising and will provide the operators and the site engineers with a proactive support tool.
Low Resistivity Pay Identification in Lower Cretaceous Carbonates, Onshore UAE
Authors: Ruiz J. L. , Gohary M. E. , Beshr H. Al , Hosani M. A. , Hannon L. , Rajwade S.
Published: November 2017

The presence of Low Resistivity Pay (LRP) in reservoirs has been widely reported worldwide for both, clastic and calcareous formations. By definition, a LRP is not identified by the resistivity log, as its electrical beam is short circuited by the microporosity water bearing. This effect results in lower responses than expected for the conventional resistivity log, and hence, in higher estimations of water saturation that observed from production data. There are many factors that could create a LRP effect such as water invasion, conductive minerals, fracturing, thin bedding, fresh formation water or rock fabric (i.e. microporosity).

Regarding to rock fabric as driver for the LRP effect, the most common is the presence of the microporosity. This microporosity can be created by diagenetical processes (i.e. micritization) or whatever other component or process which preserves a microporous system inside the total porosity system of the rock. The presence of microporosity in the porous system, as a water bearing system, acts as an electrical shortcut for the electrical current, and it increases the general water content as calculated by the resistivity tool. The result is that SW due to microporosity contributes as Irreducible Water Saturation (SWirr) and not as Free Water Saturation (SW), with a direct effect on reserves assessment (Static Model), but with no significant effect to the field production (Dynamic Model).

The aim of this study is to identify the eventual presence of a LRP, and to determine its origin. By the above, a new fluid saturation assessment was performed based on both, available core and log data, together with a new set of core data focused on the available cored oil wells, in order to identify and recalculate the Gas, Oil and Water saturations for building a the new Static and Dynamic models. The new set of core analysis includes not only Conventional Core Analysis (CCAL), such as air porosity, grain density, Ka, Kk, Kg, CT Scanning or thin sections, but also Special Core Analysis (SCAL) as Mercury Injection Capillary Pressures (MICP) and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR).
Innovative Approach to Prolong ESP Run Life Using Algorithmic Models
Authors: Shuwaikhat Hisham Al , Ramos Marcelo , Aifan Abdul-Rahman , Al-Sadah Ali A.
Published: November 2017

Over the last few decades, numerous improvements have been made on Electrical Submersible Pumps (ESP) as an economical artificial lift method in the oil industry. However, the ESP reliability has just marginally increased considering the strategic alliances, maintenance fees, driven performances, and production deferrals. Also, the ESP was previously monitored by conventional ways and means (such as frequent and physical well site visits, obtaining ESP related parameters and evaluating the manual amperage (Amps) charts) for the required course of actions after the fact which hindered reaching optimum ESP performance and shortened its run life.

The ESP monitoring and surveillance program has been through several enhancements throughout the past years with an objective of timely maintaining the ESP parameters. Part of this process is the initiation of Artificial Lift Teams (ALT) who are tasked to enhance surveillance program, optimize ESP performance, and enhance the ESP best practices which led to prolong ESP run life.

The ALT has developed an era of optimized methodology and monitoring system that integrates all ESP parameters and variables in an assimilated platform. The system has a capability of a diagnostic process, production optimization, ESP track and trip prediction alert, ESP dashboard with production rates, and field overview in order to decide on the immediate remedial action. This approach acts as a quality assurance system using algorithmic models to proactively predict ESP trip or failure.

This paper will present the innovative methodology, which is being currently used, resulted in optimizing the monthly production, eliminating the deferred production, unifying the operational ESP data, integrating an ESP standalone platform, triggering flags, sending alerts, minimizing ESP downtime, and optimizing ESP maintenance costs. The system led to enhance the ESP daily operations and prolong its run life.
Surface Facilities for a Giant Thermal EOR Project - Cost and HSE Implications of Alternative Fuels for Steam Generation
Authors: Coll R. , Peña G. , Guitián J. , Mancera A. , Escobar E.
Published: November 2017

This paper describes three different surface facility configurations for an Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) project in the Orinoco Oil Belt (OOB), where steam-based, thermal EOR processes are planned to be used at a very large scale.

After an initial EOR screening process, four steam-based, thermal EOR technologies werepre-selected as potentially suitable options for the field: Cyclic Steam Stimulation (CSS), Steam Flooding (SF), Steam-Assisted Gravity Drainage (SAGD), and Horizontal Alternating Steam Drive (HASD). In the conceptualization phase, several alternative cases were consideredfor each technology, including variations in injection rates, deployment schedule, and well spacing. All these subsurface cases could be condensed into two design cases for the surface facilities: a low steam generation rate case, and a high steam generation case. However, due to the very large project size and the potential competition with other developments, uncertainty existed about the amount of natural gas that could be available as fuel for the steam generation, as well as about the environmental implications of the EOR operations.

To handle these uncertainties, two alternative fuels were considered in addition to natural gas: coke and extra-heavy oil (XHO); a fourth option consisting in a combination of gas and coke was also included in the study. Surface facilities for the two steam generation rates and for the four different fuel alternatives were conceptualized obtaining class V cost estimates. Environmental impact in terms of CO2 emissions and fresh water demand was also evaluated for all the design cases.

As expected, natural gas is the fuel that leads to lower cost facilities, as well as to a smaller environmental footprint. On the other hand, in the probable case that not enough gas is available, the decision to use coke or XHO as an alternative fuel will depend on the relative weight given to the economic and environmental factors, which are very related to the EOR technology selected for the field. Thus, this work demonstrates how the integration of the surface facility designs with the reservoir studies allows obtaining very useful insights on the advantages, risks and drawbacks of each EOR technology. This innovative subsurface-surface integrated approach sets the basis for high quality project decisions.
Replacement of Critical LP Booster Compressor High-Voltage Motor With Non-Similar Motor for Blower Application
Authors: Rege Atul , Bhat Satish , Al Kazeeri Ahmed , Badawy Ahmed , Surange Vivek , Ramasamy Babu
Published: November 2017

The objective of this paper is to share the successful experience of replacement of failed High-Voltage LP Booster Compressor Motor at Company Operating plant with non-similar blower Motor of different frame size, rating and torque speed characteristics available at different plant in order to minimize the production loss during the anticipated failed motor repair time of 6-8 weeks, and resume the production in less than 3 weeks.

Production loss to the upstream Operating Company (OPCO) due to un-availability of the failed motor was anticipated to the tune of 1.0 MMUSD per day, as LP Booster Compressor does not have stand-by unit.

Based on the criticality and urgent requirements, arduous efforts were exerted by Maintenance, Operation & Engineering teams to select new motor and modify the same to suit the required application.

In-spite of the fact that the short-listed motor to be retrofitted is being dissimilar in many aspects, various options to fit the motor to the existing compressor base frame, machine the motor shaft to couple with the existing gear-box, control the compressor load during starting, increase the prestart voltage to enable motor acceleration and necessary change to the protection settings have been studied and the optimum option from equipment integrity point of view have been selected in-house.

Mitigative pre-start measures were also studied through in-house motor starting studies and recommendations were further implemented at site in co-ordination between End User, Technical team, Compressor OEM and upstream electricity supplier to put back Compressor in service within short span of three weeks.
DigiCoal: A Numerical Toolbox for Fractured Coal Characterisation
Authors: Jing Yu , Armstrong Ryan , Mostaghimi Peyman
Published: November 2017

We present the DigiCoal toolbox that is an integrated set of numerical functions written in Matlab, dedicated to analyse 3D computed tomography (CT) images of coal and reconstructing representative digital models. The design is based on a comprehensive framework: CT image pre-processing, statistics extraction, digital coal modelling and structural analysis. This paper offers an overview of the structure and techniques used in the creation of the toolbox, together with code snippets and examples.
Marine Training Program for UAE Nationals
Authors: El Shehawy Mahmoud , Younes Helmy
Published: November 2017

Working on board Mobile Offshore Drilling units of National Drilling Company, require workforce with talented, high skills, knowledge and training to ensure that everyday operations can be undertaken safely and professionally. Having crews with the right competence, integrating education, training experience can perform the tasks accurately. The training program that the worker will receive must be of such quality and standard that personnel can be reliable to fulfill their task completely and securely.

NDC have a vision to promote Young local UAE for the technical positions on the drilling units, one very important post is the post of barge engineer, since there is no national academy to graduate Marine engineers, NDC doesn't have any UAE national barge engineer.

Consequently, NDC took the initiative to start a new program for training young UAE nationals both theoretically and practically in order to be qualified as Assistant Barge Engineers. Theoretical training has been done in collaboration with internationally recognized organizations like Maersk training (Denmark) and DNV-GL (Norway & Germany). On the other hand, on job training was carried out onboard NDC drilling jackups under the supervision of the experienced rig barge engineers. Allowing the young candidate to see and work with their own hands to feel the actual job he is going to occupy in the future.

In addition, another program has been created as a continuity of the first program to promote those candidates to be fully integrated as Barge engineers. One of the most important parts of this training was simulator training in Denmark to put the candidates into simulated real time scenarios where fast decisions needs to be taken.
Thinking Global, Acting Local: Customising Talent Development with International Exposure
Authors: Sequeira Neville , Gandhi Anoop , Almoosa Zakeyya
Published: November 2017

Objectives/Scope

A career path is comprised of a sequence of jobs, ideally with increasing complexity and responsibilities that help to make up a career plan. A career path typically includes the jobs that allow an individual to progress towards his or her targeted goals and objectives.

Methods, Procedures, Process

Total Abu Al Bukhoosh is part of the Total Group, a global energy company with operations in over 160 countries and a wealth of experience, procedures and processes covering all areas of Oil & Gas operations. Its culture of innovation is evident in its support functions as well and can be seen in various people development initiatives. We in Total Abu Al Bukhoosh, have leveraged this expertise to adapt some of the established career paths available with our Head Quarters for local conditions in Abu Dhabi. Applying these modified career path processes to our young Emirati Engineers in challenging areas like Process, Drilling and Reservoir Engineering has borne rich dividends and produced some impressive success stories.

Results, Observations, Conclusions

These "localized" career paths incorporate jobs in multiple geographic locations and in all cases involves an expatriation abroad. For example the path for a Process Engineer involves 2 years onshore followed by 2 years offshore and subsequently 2 years international expatriation in a full time operational position in the Group.

This not only benefits Total Abu Al Bukhoosh, but also allows the Group to take advantage to exchange some of their young talents to work on our sites. Some of our best talents go on to find international careers within the Group. Once the impatriate returns from his expatriation, he is able to diversify into other expertise streams, not necessarily limited to his domain. For example a Process Engineer can diversify in to other operational streams such as Wells Performance, Drilling, Safety, Projects, etc.

Novel/Additive Information

To date this strategy has been successfully implemented and has been well recognized in the group as well as in the ADNOC OPCOs. Some of our recruits who had joined us as Junior Engineers are today working in management positions, in different areas of operations, not only in Total but also in the ADNOC Group.