bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Serial Monitoring of Brain Natriuretic Peptide Concentrations for Drug Therapy Management in Patients with Chronic Heart Failure
Authors: Gallegos Patrick J. , MacLaughlin Eric J. , Haase Krystal K.
Published: February 2008

Heart failure is a major problem in the Unites States. Despite the availability of and increasing adherence to evidence‐based guidelines, the morbidity and mortality from this disease remain significant. Strides have been made in the last several years to develop objective tools to aid in the diagnosis of heart failure and in the prognosis of the affected patients. Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) and the N‐terminal prohormone of BNP are neurohormones released in response to ventricular wall stress and/or tension. As objective laboratory measures, both peptides have similar utility in the treatment of patients with heart failure. Currently, these laboratory tests are approved only to aid in diagnosis. However, data are beginning to emerge that suggest the utility of serial BNP monitoring for the management of chronic heart failure in patients with left ventricular dysfunction. Preliminary studies have shown that when added to traditional management combined with adherence to evidenced‐based national guidelines, serial monitoring of BNP levels with adjustment of therapy based on the results may improve outcomes in patients with chronic heart failure compared with traditional clinical management alone. Factors that may limit the use or confound interpretation of the laboratory test results include the effects of demographics (e.g., sex, age, body mass index), concurrent diseases, and drug therapies. Several large, outcomes‐based studies are under way to examine the use of serial BNP monitoring to decrease morbidity, mortality, and overall health care costs in patients with heart failure.
Rapid Dosage Titration of Levetiracetam in Children
Authors: Vaisleib Inna I. , Neft Robyn A.
Published: February 2008

Study Objective. To report our experience with rapid titration of levetiracetam regimens in children and adolescents who were unresponsive to or intolerant of other antiepileptic drugs.

Methods. A retrospective chart review was performed to identify patients with childhood epilepsy who underwent a rapid titration to full doses of levetiracetam in 2 weeks or less. Data regarding demographics, disease characteristics, previous use of antiepileptics, levetiracetam dosage titration schedule, and clinical outcomes were collected and analyzed.

Results. Eight children (seven girls, one boy) aged 19 months‐17 years were identified. The levetiracetam dosage was titrated to full maintenance doses over 2–14 days (mean 10 days). All patients demonstrated greater than 50% reduction in seizure frequency, with six patients (75%) becoming seizure free. Only one patient experienced a clinically significant adverse event.

Conclusion. Rapid dosage titration of levetiracetam is feasible and well tolerated in children who require rapid escalation to therapeutic doses.
Gabapentin as a Potential Option for Treatment of Sciatica
Authors: Grice Gloria R. , Mertens Marsha K.
Published: February 2008

Gabapentin has been approved in the United States for the treatment of epilepsy and postherpetic neuralgia. Gabapentin has also demonstrated proven efficacy for the treatment of diabetic peripheral neuropathy and trigeminal neuralgia, although these represent off‐label uses of the drug. However, to our knowledge, no data have been published regarding the efficacy of gabapentin for treating sciatica. We describe two patients with sciatica who were successfully treated with gabapentin. The first was a 32‐year‐old man with severe shooting pain in his left leg that was later diagnosed as sciatica secondary to a fifth lumbar‐first sacral intervertebral disk herniation. The patient was treated with acetaminophen, nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), narcotics, and muscle relaxants; he reported only limited pain relief with any of these agents or combination of agents. He was then prescribed gabapentin 300 mg once/day; his pain substantially improved, even after the first dose. The drug was titrated gradually up to 900 mg 3 times/day with good results. The patient subsequently underwent a laminectomy and diskectomy on the advice of his neurosurgeon, who assured him that the result would be immediate pain relief. After surgery, the patient continued to experience pain; however, his pain resolved completely after several weeks of receiving gabapentin 600 mg 3 times/day. The second patient was a 68‐year‐old Caucasian woman with renal insufficiency who experienced severe burning pain and numbness of abrupt onset in the posterior right leg; this was diagnosed as sciatica. The patient had contraindications for NSAID therapy and was intolerant of hydrocodone. Initial therapy with propoxyphene and acetaminophen, self‐started by the patient, was ineffective. Gabapentin 100 mg at bedtime was started and then titrated up to 100 mg twice/day with 200 mg at bedtime. The patient's pain improved rapidly, and at follow‐up approximately 5 weeks later, she was experiencing good pain control with gabapentin. Gabapentin is widely prescribed for management of peripheral neuropathic pain syndromes. To our knowledge, however, these two case reports are the first to describe sciatica successfully controlled with gabapentin. Because gabapentin has the potential to prevent central sensitization, consideration should be given to prescribing this therapy early in the course of sciatica. Further research using randomized, placebo‐controlled trials are needed to validate the benefit of gabapentin in the treatment of sciatica.
Olanzapine‐Associated Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome in a Patient Receiving Concomitant Rivastigmine Therapy
Authors: Stevens Debra L. , Lee Matthew R. , Padua Yolanda
Published: February 2008

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) is an idiosyncratic and uncommon but serious adverse effect that has been reported with both typical and atypical antipsychotic agents. We describe a 58‐year‐old man with Down syndrome and dementia who was receiving low‐dose olanzapine and rivastigmine therapy; he developed NMS 4 months after starting olanzapine. The patient presented with altered mental status, rigidity, fever, diaphoresis, and tremor, and his creatine kinase level was elevated. Olanzapine was discontinued, and the patient fully recovered; antipsychotic therapy was not restarted. Based on the Naranjo adverse drug reaction probability scale, olanzapine was the probable cause of the patient's NMS. In addition, use of rivastigmine in combination with olanzapine may have placed the patient at greater risk for NMS, possibly due to an acetylcholine‐dopamine imbalance. Clinicians should be aware of the potential for NMS even with low doses of antipsychotics, particularly in patients who have a limited ability to communicate. Concomitant administration of cholinesterase inhibitors such as rivastigmine may represent an unrecognized risk factor for NMS development.
Maintenance and monitoring of anchorages: case studies
Authors: Littlejohn S. , Mothersille D.
Published: February 2008

Three field case histories of permanent anchorage corrosion are reported, where the conditions of the ground or groundwater and anchorage components are quantified. Each case is discussed in detail to illustrate the nature of the problem encountered, how it was investigated and the lessons learned. When corrosion is discovered and the environmental conditions are established, the paper illustrates the value of detailed metallurgical examination and testing to investigate the nature, intensity and extent of the corrosion, in order to determine the risk of failure and the most appropriate remedial measures. These range from replacement or downgrading service loads to re-establishment of a corrosion-free environment and corrosion protection to maintain the original design intent.
Sustainability of land remediation. Part 1: overall analysis
Authors: Harbottle M. J. , Al-Tabbaa A. , Evans C. W.
Published: February 2008

A comparative assessment was carried out of the technical and environmental sustainability of five different contaminated land remediation projects completed in the UK between 1997 and 2002. The remediation technologies employed were in situ stabilisation/solidification, soil washing, ex situ bioremediation, cover system and excavation, and disposal to landfill. A further objective of the assessment was to highlight areas of sustainability concerns for the individual technologies and projects. The assessment is based around four principal criteria defined by the authors. Each project was assessed using both an overall multi-criteria analysis, detailed in this paper (Part 1), and a study of the detailed impacts on an individual project basis, detailed in Part 2.
Back to the Future—A Retrospective on 40 Years of Smart Fields Experience
Authors: Cramer Ron
Published: February 2008

Digital Oil Field, Computer Assisted Operations, Smart Fields and iFields are some of the names coined by different E&P Companies for processes that promise to use real time Information Technology to radically change the way the Oil and Gas business is run and is so doing enable significant business benefit.

The Digital Oil Field(DOF) has been the subject of much publicity and further development over recent years. However, there was also much DOF-related activity over prior decades, in which oil companies made their operations' progressively smarter using a combination of IT, instrument engineering, telecommunications and change management.

The intent of this document is to chronicle some of the learning's from DOF's history, initially from a Shell E&P perspective, as this is the author's bias. However, it is hoped that this will spark similar historic learning's from other Shell individuals and other E&P companies and that these thoughts and lessons be used to "grow" towards a more comprehensive view.

Winston Churchill said "Study history, study history. In history lies all the secrets." Looking at DOF through the lens of one person's experience is hardly history, but may give some clues regarding how to do "it" and how not to do "it."

This paper will trace DOF historic developments from the author's personal perspective and tease-out the issues then and now, providing an insight into where we have been, where we are now and what can be practically achieved.
DollarTarget - Optimize Trade-Off between Risk and Return in Well Planning and Drilling Operations
Authors: Smiseth Jo , Strømsvik Jon Friis , Viken May Hege Aalmen , Lerdahl Thomas Rage , Kløv Trygve , Melhuus Karen , Kjøensvik Dagrun , Moen Anita Smalø
Published: February 2008

A new cross disciplinary workflow and methodology for optimizing the hydrocarbon recovery of a well with respect to well placement, positional uncertainties, the net present value and risk assessment is presented. The methodology has been applied in integrated operations by well planning teams to identify the optimal well design, and was used as a base for decisions during drilling operations. It is implemented in a new internal StatoilHydro software tool called DollarTarget.

Focusing on a geological target of the well path, the methodology integrates geophysical and seismic pick uncertainty, uncertainty in the well trajectory and net present value variation in such a way that multiple drilling scenarios and different realizations of the reservoir model are considered when balancing risk and return of the planned well.

Using the methodology in planning and operation for several wells in the Norwegian Sea, a pilot project concluded that the methodology improved cross-disciplinary collaboration within the well planning team. In addition the well planning teams reported that the net present value risk analysis lead to a significant increase in the expected net present value and adjustments of the well path for several wells in the project. Moreover, improved risk evaluation was reported as a result. Use of the methodology made the well planning groups able to evaluate the economical consequence of increasing the risk with the purpose of maximizing the hydrocarbon production. This required input from the entire well planning team. With 3D visualization of input data and results, the new software tool worked as a facilitator for discussions and common understanding.

In this work application of the methodology in well planning and drilling operations for three wells in the Heidrun and Smørbukk fields in the Norwegian Sea is presented. The examples show the significant benefit and business value of using DollarTarget for net present value risk analyses, and support the conclusions from the pilot project.

DollarTarget introduces an integrated operations workflow and methodology which has proven to be highly beneficial in well planning and drilling operations. The technology is currently being implemented in the well planning and drilling operation work processes in StatoilHydro.
Real-time Reservoir Management from Data Acquisition Through Implementation: Closed-Loop Approach
Authors: Mubarak Saeed M.
Published: February 2008

The recent increase in deployment of intelligent field technologies is a clear sign of industry confidence in the ability of this new technology to deliver on its promises. Real-time enabling technologies, collaborative thinking and decision-making processes are three essential elements for real-time field management environment. This environment ensures that information from various sources is integrated leading to outcomes that meet business objectives.

With emphasis on Real-time Reservoir Management (RTRM), the petroleum industry is seeking more efficient management and production processes to improve the asset value throughout its various stages. RTRM can be described as constantly improving an objective function(s) that is dependent upon the concept of closed loop model.

In this paper, examples of various real-time optimization loops from Saudi Aramco fields will be presented to illustrate the above. These optimization loops have different cycle times depending on the process being optimized. To illustrate the concept, Haradh Increment-III development demonstrates a case study which is viewed as a milestone in real-time field management. The success of that development can be traced to the four elements of RTRM enabling technologies: geosteering, multilateral maximum reservoir wells, smart completions and I-Field. As a result of applying various real-time optimization loops, the Haradh Increment-III came on stream delivering 300 MBD five months ahead of schedule and has sustained better than expected performance.
New Generation Well Project Management Application Improves Cycle Time, Workflow Efficiency, Corporate Compliance and Knowledge Sharing and People Like It!
Authors: Kayser H. , McIntosh J. , Williamson I. , Hanson J.
Published: February 2008

A web based system has been developed to improve workflow optimisation, collaboration and the communication of a business process. This new generation project management application greatly enhances the ability of an organisation to comply with external standards and implement consistent internal systems. It helps people of all levels of experience to share information across geographical and organisational boundaries, can reduce cycle or reactivation time and helps to implement controls such as stage gates. The user interface displays the workflow and current status of single or multiple projects with unparalleled clarity.

All companies have management systems or work processes, some more formal than others, to help maintain consistency and quality in their business delivery and to ensure compliance with corporate and regulatory requirements. There is a common need across industry sectors and disciplines to define a way of working and then ensuring that this "business process" is used. Management systems may be inefficient or may even fail for a number of reasons, including lack of detail or too much detail, poorly defined requirements or inadequate information technology.

The simple but highly innovative web based system described in this paper was completed and implemented six months after coding began. An existing process had been mapped to the new software so users were immediately familiar with the task descriptions and terms used. The application delivered on its basic promise; improved process visibility, consistency and compliance with defined standards.

This paper contains a summary of the system attributes that led to a successful launch in Talisman Norway (TENAS) and suggests that a high degree of commonality exists between processes in different organisations. This paper will be of interest at all levels of an organisation - Managerial, Technical and Administrative.
CODIO—Collaborative Decisionmaking in Integrated Operations
Authors: Fjellheim Roar A. , Bratvold Reidar B. , Herbert Mike C.
Published: February 2008

We describe CODIO, an Integrated Operations (IO) development project currently underway in the North Sea region. The aim of the project is to optimize the drilling process by ensuring that drilling teams generate a continuous stream of right decisions made at the right time. Current IO projects do not fully address the challenges posed by decision making in the new IO environment with abundant real-time data, operation centers, virtual multidisciplinary teams, mobile workforce, etc. The CODIO project develops and evaluates a new model for decision support in IO. The model is based on advanced decision theory, combined with real-time situation assessment, collaborative ICT-supported work processes, and a semantic model for sharing data and knowledge. Decision support in CODIO exploits recent advances in Bayesian techniques, adapted to dynamic and (near) real-time decision situations. Constructing decision models "on the fly" is enabled by collaboration technology including visualization. Previous work on applying Semantic Web standards (OWL, RDF) in IO is used to support proactive information gathering and sharing. CODIO is being verified by systematic laboratory testing, followed by gradual introduction in the ODC (Onshore Drilling Center) facility operated by ConocoPhillips in Tananger, Norway.
Real Time Operations in Asset Performance Workflows
Authors: Garcia A. , Sankaran S. , Mijares G. , Rodriguez J. , Saputelli L.
Published: February 2008

It has been successfully demonstrated over the past few years that the use of a collaborative environment adds considerable value to the operation of oil and gas assets. The value achieved is maximized when asset personnel can access the right information in an easy, fast and comprehensive manner. In this respect, assets that invest significantly in measurement and automation demand technologies that allow the users to capture, validate and make use of data in business workflows on a real-time basis.

Integrated production operations require coordination of every sector involved to impact the performance of the asset in the most efficient way. Field personnel often have to perform complex tasks ranging from acquiring field measurements under the best known conditions of the reservoir and plant, analyzing and validating the data collected, updating well and field models, and taking timely decisions in accordance with asset studies and annual plans.

In this paper, we present the implementation of real time operations (RTO) technologies for Barracuda-Caratinga fields in Brazil's Campos basin, which enable asset teams to effectively execute workflows related to well production testing, production test validation, production estimation, production loss control, plant efficiency and key performance indicators (KPIs) management. The adopted workflows are enabled through change management processes in addition to innovative technologies. Reliable and time-effective workflows for production surveillance and testing, continuous performance modeling, and sharing consistent and validated data across multi-disciplinary teams provides better control of operations for the asset management. This paper discusses the methodology for selection of relevant technologies and the phased approach applied to implement the different workflows. Benefits include better understanding of asset performance based on the most recent and accurate information.
Closing the Loop for Improved Oil and Gas Production Management
Authors: van Dijk Freek , Goh Keat Choon , van Lienden Jan Willem
Published: February 2008

Well and Facility Operations make operating decisions based on processing huge amounts of data. However, there is a practical limit to the number of optimization moves an operator can make (due to: changing operating constraints, plant disturbances or interactions, fundamental process delays and dynamics, and the remoteness of wells). Automatic Process Control enhances the speed and accuracy with which decisions can be made and is essential for optimization. However, the advantages of automatic process control are often underestimated; hence the discipline is under-staffed and under-utilized.

Process Control also plays a crucial role in plant safety and availability as stable wells or facilities are operated more frequently within the design window. Stable operation results in fewer shutdowns, less breakdown maintenance, less deferment, less flaring, lower operational cost, and sometimes even higher ultimate recovery. The impact of process instabilities on overall well or facility performance are often not recognized; a single trip may wipe out months of optimization benefits.

To achieve the full potential of process control in Oil and Gas Production requires change management; Process Control technology skills need to be used throughout the whole projects lifecycle and integrated with the various processes from field development planning to surveillance and optimization.

This paper will provide the following examples: automatic control of producer wells to prevent coning and/or gas breakthrough,automatic control of injection wells to control water flooding and prevent fracturing,capacity and surge controls for compressor networks,control applications for the suppression of slugs, and,higher level process control applications,

where the application of automated control technology has improved production surveillance, management, and optimization.
Virtual Reality Training as a Method For Interactive and Experience based Learning
Authors: Holm Roland , Priglinger Markus
Published: February 2008

Most common training methods are not sufficient to prepare employees for complex or potentially dangerous tasks. We propose therefore Virtual Reality Training as a method for interactive and experienced based learning where employees can perform practical tasks in a virtual world without putting their health or the production at risk. The refinery of Schwechat has made a Virtual Reality training simulator part of their regular training curriculum. Experience has shown that the simulator helps in speeding up training time and effectively preparing employees for tasks which cannot be practically trained for in the real world.
Collaborative Working in the Oil and Gas Production Support Industry
Authors: Thompson Alan M.
Published: February 2008

This paper focuses on the collaborative working techniques in a ‘brownfield’ business environment within the oil & gas production support industry, based on experience gained from the introduction of a formal knowledge management programme within Production Services Network.

It describes the behavioural changes in the organization and the way the people within it respond to evolving collaborative technologies. It addresses the question, "How do we enable people to work in new ways in our new business model"

The paper explores the internal and external factors affecting how knowledge is shared and techniques which foster collaboration on a global scale, where people collaborating may well be in different continents and time zones. Demographic issues and the related subject of transfer of experience and know-how are discussed, as are the techniques to develop collaboration on an asynchronous basis and amongst people who don't know each other.

Probably most accurately categorised as being a ‘People, Process and Organizational Change’ topic, the paper offers some suggestions on how to apply knowledge sharing techniques in strategically important areas of activity, some of which are peculiar to the oil & gas production support industry, and application of tried techniques from un-related industries. The balance between networking, rather than outsourcing, is discussed and the introduction of new work methods explored.

Some of the results will include previously unpublished examples of collaborative dialogues together with analyses of what interaction is actually taking place. It is intended that these will inform those interested in directing changes in attitudes about sharing amongst people. There is little published in this topic related to the brownfield sector of this industry.
Integrated Competence: Operator-Service Company Integration Increases the Performance and Value of the Well Construction Process
Authors: Kanvinde Sanjay , Heidenreich Katy , Parsons Barry , Pearson Greg , Kristiansen Tore , Andersen Ketil
Published: February 2008

This paper presents a framework and a systematic top-down approach for implementing a company-wide operator-service company integration program for well construction services called integrated competence. The paper describes the key aspects of implementing the integrated competence program: goals, objectives, critical success factors, levels of integration, asset selection and targeting, value creation and key performance indicators (KPIs), multiskill roles, onshore and offshore team configurations, training, and change management.

The integrated competence program developed by StatoilHydro and Schlumberger is an initiative under StatoilHydro's Integrated Operations (IO) corporate initiative and was applied to StatoilHydro's standardized well construction process. The joint team configurations in StatoilHydro's Onshore Operations Centers (OOC) improved collaboration in all phases of the well construction process, and the Schlumberger Support Center provided remote support of drilling operations. In addition, the paper describes two case studies used in the development of the wider program.

The framework, program approach, challenges, and results presented in this paper provide the E&P industry with an example of operator-service company integration, with possible implications for their own current and future digital initiatives, particularly those focused on the well construction process.
Change Management Made Easy, A Practical Approach to Change Management for Digital Oil Field Programmes
Authors: Ratcliffe Helen , McMillan Gary
Published: February 2008

Change management means different things to different people. Essentially change management should be an iterative process that utilises a set of organisation-specific tools and techniques to help an entity and its people transition from a current state to a sustainable desired state. When executed effectively, change management will minimise management risk and maximise return on investment (ROI).

Although every change initiative is unique, this paper aims to provide you with an insight into what activities and deliverables could be considered at each phase to maximise the benefits obtained from a clear and practical approach to change management and how the approach can be tailored and or scaled. Our proven approach is practical, heavily integrated with good programme/project management, and focused on the delivery of tangible business benefits. We will exam in greater detail the five "Es" that underpin our methodology: Explore, Expose, Engage, Educate and Embed.

Multiple common reasons for failure will be explored and practical steps to mitigate these will be explained. A demonstration of Science Applications International Corporation's (SAIC's) Practical Approach to Change Management is covered as a case study and noted throughout. This is based on a programme we recently worked on with a major North Sea operator. This was a digital oil field programme that has been recognised as the pacesetter within a global network of related initiatives.

The intended audience for this paper is people who are planning, designing and carrying out change and communication efforts in support of the digital oil field project, primarily the project team and commissioning manager. However, the principles of this practical approach to change management are applicable to any organisational change activity in any industry.

Many myths exist about change management, and we aim to address at least ten of these throughout this paper in an attempt to debunk them for you.
The Measure of Success: Measurement of Digital Oil Field Success Focusing on Hard and Soft Measures
Authors: Crockett Brian
Published: February 2008

Many business cases for embracing technological improvements around Smart Fields®1 "oil fields of the future," or "e-wells" have been justified by predicting an increase in production; the industry-accepted figure is approximately seven percent. In this paper we want to examine the benefits that this new way of working brings to operators and to demonstrate what can be done to measure the directly related benefits as well as the "knock-on effect" that it has other areas.

We want to examine what happens when the value loop of physical assets, data gathering, models and decision making is closed, and to identify the underlying measurable benefits which can be seen at each stage of a production optimisation process.

Most benefits boil down to "faster, cheaper, better" and that is converted to value by: Reduced elapsed time to arrive at desired result – know soonerReduced amount of effort involved – number of man hours – decide fasterReduced cost of effort – cost of man hour – cheaperIncreased quality – reduce errors, improve performance – perform better.

There is a need to determine how improvement takes place and which production items need to be considered. This paper uses a framework for identifying these and attempts to measure benefit by: Determining a baselinePopulating historical metricsIdentifying new perceived metricsComparing results.

Based on experience, we can now show value by identifying the problem and addressing a need in real time. This will be demonstrated by looking at implementations in Brunei, Norway, Louisiana and some cross-project observations.

"If we don't know what we don't know, how will we know what we need to know?"

That perhaps is the big question that the smart digital oil field of the future will answer for us if we embrace the foundations of integrated work flows, which include people, processes, and technologies. This will give us the wealth of data we need to model our results and optimise our production using collaborative decision making, and, as identified, we will discover hidden benefits along the way.
Guided Workflow for the Digital Oil Field: A Practical Example
Authors: Milligan Greg , Deutekom Mark , Buchan Chris
Published: February 2008

As is often seen with new concepts, there is a lot of confusion on both the customer and market sides as to what the term "guided workflow" actually means. Applications exist that claim to offer guided workflow solutions, yet the fundamental questions remain: What is workflow? What makes a workflow "guided"

In this paper, we answer these questions by discussing how we have applied guided workflow within the digital oil field domain. We provide a focused dissection of two case studies in which guided workflow is applied in key decision-making processes. We then use the findings of the case studies to report the strengths and limitations of the approach within a real business context.

The first case study discussed is within the area of automated surveillance and alerting. Here, guided workflow is used to facilitate intelligent alarming and enable a better decision-making process. The guided workflow helps to filter alarms by collating data from various sources and presenting pertinent information to users based on a series of defined business rules.

In the second case study, we use guided workflow as a tool for governance of a change management process and demonstrate how collaborative decisions can be reached through a series of branched, looped, and linear steps within the workflow.

In both cases, we will discuss performance measurement, roles and responsibilities, knowledge capture, and the decision trail.
Reliable IT for Integrated Operations
Authors: den Hamer Pieter J. , Skramstad Torbjørn
Published: February 2008

The oil & gas industry and especially integrated operations, depends heavily on reliable and robust information technology (IT). Systems and components are increasingly "software intensive" and interconnected. However, at the moment IT is often not reliable enough, resulting in serious risks for production continuity and safety. To manage these risks, the oil & gas industry needs to mature its IT reliability, supported by guidelines that are developed in the "GOICT" joint industry research project, initiated by DNV. So far, this project has identified a number of critical areas, summarized in this publication, that need to be addressed to improve IT reliability for integrated operations.
Subsea Condition Monitoring: A Path to Increased Availability and Increased Recovery
Authors: Friedemann John D. , Varma Anil , Bonissone Piero , Iyer Naresh
Published: February 2008

The application of subsea technology to reservoir development has been accepted as a valid production solution despite the known effects on facility availability and on ultimate recovery. The primary causes of the reduced availability for subsea tree-based solutions are directly related to the differences between the facility designs. A topsides drilling unit provides simple and direct access to the well for purposes of well logging and other data acquisition, and well interventions to replace equipment.

Other benefits of surface tree solutions are related to ease of well testing and chemical treatments. These in turn simplify the hardware maintenance because the facilities can be inexpensively directly accessed. In essence, the surface access solution gives increased well recovery because maintenance and diagnostic investigations are based on existing infrastructure (a permanently mounted drilling rig).

The subsea industry shares a common feature with other, more traditional, industries like Energy and Rail: the occurrence of unplanned outages results in increased costs and reduced revenues in each of these industries; a condition-based planning approach is the more desirable solution. Rail and Energy industries have successfully evolved to solutions based on the use of contractual frameworks aimed at guaranteeing equipment availability and efficiency.

This paper will examine the applicability of condition-monitoring technologies to subsea infrastructure in the oil production industry. The paper will present relevant case studies from the Energy and Rail transport industries. It will describe data and information handling which are required to enable the full development of a qualified predictive maintenance tool for the oil industry, with the view of taking the oilfield towards a paradigm of a contractually managed asset with the goals of improving service life and availability.
The Application of Knowledge and Continuous Learning to the Implementation of Collaborative Work Environments at Shell
Authors: Knoppe R. , Holloway S.
Published: February 2008

Broad industry trends that are reshaping exploration and production (E&P) operations warrant a rethinking of traditional operating models as part of strategies designed to optimize the development and production of oil and gas assets. Shell E&P is introducing a new collaborative operating model as part of its global digital oilfield strategy. The collaborative model leverages the expertise of its global workforce through redesigned business processes and specially designed collaborative facilities to capture maximum benefits from its investment in smart digital oilfield technologies. Each collaborative environment shares a common, standards-based information technology (IT) architecture that can enable the linking of offices, platforms, and remote operation sites into a single global network providing real-time access to Shell E&P's community of expert practitioners and a common, shared institutional knowledge base. An important contributing factor to Shell E&P's success in introducing collaboration has been its ability to effectively shape a culture of collaboration and teamwork through trust, knowledge sharing, and continuous institutional learning. This paper examines one key element in the success of these collaborative centres by adopting innovative methods that Shell E&P is using to more effectively capture and share its institutional knowledge and experience through a culture of continuous enterprise learning. While this organizational transformation remains work in process, initial findings confirm the initiative is delivering tangible results towards the goal of optimizing production and recovery from assets.
Predicting Fluid Paths By Integrating Production and Drilling Data: Seeing the Invisible
Authors: Al-Dossary Saleh , Al-Hawas Khalid
Published: February 2008

Natural fractures and faults in the subsurface play an important role in fluid flow and accumulation. Therefore, identifying and mapping the distribution of fractures and faults systems is critical to understanding the fluid dynamics within a reservoir.

Although fractures and small-throw faults are not easily identifiable using conventional 3-D seismic techniques, their orientation and intensity can often be inferred using seismic attributes such as coherence and seismic curvature.

This case study will demonstrate how seismic curvature was used to map small scale fractures in a Saudi Arabian oil field which has been affected by premature water breakthrough. Premature water breakthrough is an increasing concern to all the geoscientists and engineers involved in developing the field. Curvature illuminates subtle fracturing that was difficult to detect with conventional seismic amplitudes. Using curvature allows geoscientists to map, for the first time, small-scale fractures believed responsible for bringing water prematurely to the top of the reservoir. The integration of image logs, zones of lost fluid circulation, production test and well test data has increased our interpretation confidence and helped optimize the placement of future horizontal wells.
New Drilling and Completions Applications for a New Era
Authors: Sawaryn S. J. , Pickering J. , Whiteley N.
Published: February 2008

Most of the existing drilling and completions engineering applications in use today were designed to compute snapshots at a single point in time for one user, rather than presenting the acceptable operating envelope and its associated constraints over time and supporting interaction of multi-disciplinary teams in collaborative environments.

The massive increase in data now available from real time sensors can make identification of critical factors more difficult and can hinder, rather than enhance the decision making capability and response to alarm conditions. Currently, interaction between individual team members is cumbersome and it takes place outside the applications. Teams are increasingly multi-cultural, which places additional demands on the human-computer interface and cultural and linguistic preferences need to be considered, particularly where collaboration centres span international boundaries. The applications are also part of a growing portfolio, including office and knowledge management tools. Their usefulness and efficiency depends on successful integration. In turn, this depends critically on standards. The working practices emerging from the use of these environments means the earlier applications are no longer optimised for the circumstances in which they are to be used.

The paper contains a discussion of these changes and the new functionality required of the applications using a popular model in industrial psychology. It draws on practices from other industries, observations in collaborative environments and other, earlier work within our own industry that appeared before their time. It is concluded that new applications are needed for this new era and that some may bear more resemblance to gaming software than raw calculating engines. It also concludes that a number of the constraints may be self-imposed, by our failure to keep pace with the rapid and continuing developments in information and communications technology and the business models developed for the virtual world.
Winning the War for Talent
Authors: Miller Mark
Published: February 2008

How do oil companies compete for the short supply of technical talent? Is there another approach to attract and develop the necessary skills across the globe to fill the expanding void of engineers?

In the mid 1990's the explosive growth of information technology signalled a new challenge for many industries; the impending shortage of talent to develop and deploy technology. And the competition for talent isn't just limited to technology companies; competition for top talent starts early when people are planning their lives and continues throughout their lives, regardless of their initial career intentions. The oil industry competes with high tech, financial services and medicine for the best and brightest.

Cisco recognized this challenge and chose a novel approach, one that addresses sustainable economic development, corporate social responsibility and the pursuit of the best and brightest. In 1997 Cisco founded it's first the Cisco Networking Academy. Over the past 10 years over 2 million people have passed through Cisco Network Academies. Today over 9,500 academies span 168 countries admitting 500 students per day. Over 50 percent of the graduates entered the IT world, 71 percent of those went on for additional technology education and 91 percent say they still use the skills acquired in a Cisco network academy on a daily basis.

In this paper we'll explore how the academies are run across a variety of venues and environments. What is the cost and how are alternative funding mechanisms employed? What is the payback? How are governments and other companies supporting and benefiting from the program? What are the critical success factors? How could this model be applied to enhance the global shortage of technical talent facing the oil industry?
Saudi Aramco Intelligent Field Development Approach: Building the Surveillance Layer
Authors: Al-Dhubaib Tofig A. , Issaka Mohammed Ben , Barghouty Murad F. , Mubarak Saeed , Dowais Ali H. , Shenqiti Mohammad S. , Ansari Najmul H.
Published: February 2008

The Intelligent field is the oil industry's new trend that enables continuous monitoring and optimization of individual wells and overall reservoir performance. This is achieved by integrating fields’ real time data in the reservoir management business processes. The results from this integration are anticipated to increase production rates, identify opportunities for higher hydrocarbon recoveries and reduce operating costs and future capital expenditures.

Saudi Aramco has embarked on implementing the Intelligent Field (I-Field) initiative through new pilot projects in Qatif and Haradh increment III fields. The objectives of the pilot projects are to provide real-time diagnostic capabilities, highlight and address implementation challenges, and develop a comprehensive architecture for I-Field implementation in Saudi Aramco fields.

This paper discusses the implementation approach of the intelligent field initiatives in Saudi Aramco. It will shed light on the challenges encountered and will present the process and methodology of developing the roadmap of the "surveillance layer," the first building block of Saudi Aramco's I-Field architecture.
eDrilling Used on Ekofisk for Real-Time Drilling Supervision, Simulation, 3D Visualization and Diagnosis
Authors: Rommetveit Rolv , Bjørkevoll Knut S. , Ødegård Sven Inge , Herbert Mike , Halsey George W. , Kluge Roald , Korsvold Tørbjorn
Published: February 2008

eDrilling is a new and innovative system for real time drilling simulation, 3D visualization and control from a remote drilling expert centre. The concept uses all available real time drilling data (surface and downhole) in combination with real time modelling to monitor and optimize the drilling process. This information is used to visualize the wellbore in 3D in real time. eDrilling has been implemented in an Onshore Drilling Center in Norway.The system is composed of the following elements, some of which are unique and ground-breaking: An advanced and fast Integrated Drilling Simulator which is capable to model the different drilling sub-processes dynamically, and also the interaction between these sub-processes in real time. The Integrated Drilling Simulator is used for automatic forward-looking during drilling, and can be used for what-if evaluations as well.Automatic quality check and corrections of drilling data; making them suitable for processing by computer modelsReal time supervision methodology for the drilling process using time based drilling data as well as drilling models / the integrated drilling simulatorMethodology for diagnosis of the drilling state and conditions. This is obtained from comparing model predictions with measured data.Advisory technology for more optimal drilling.A Virtual Wellbore, with advanced visualization of the downhole process. A new generation visualization system designed to integrate all participants involved, will enable enhanced collaboration of all drilling and well activities in a global environment.Data flow and computer infrastructure

eDrilling (Ref. 1) has been implemented in an Onshore Drilling Center on Ekofisk in Norway. The system has been used on several drilling operations. Experiences from its use will be summarized and presented; both related to technical and work process issues. The supervision and diagnosis functionalities have been useful in particular. The system has given very early warnings on ECD and friction related problems. This paper will present the eDrilling system used on a specific Ekofisk wells with focus on experiences from its use.
ADMA-OPCO Process Management System (APMS)
Authors: Al Badawna Alaeddin
Published: February 2008

This paper will demonstrate how information technology is invested in automating the reporting of activities within the plant operations in our Organization ‘ADMA-OPCO’. It will highlight how that automation has brought about change on People, Process and Organization (PPO). The paper will emphasize how the workforce becomes enabled to streamline the reporting of their shift activities in a coherent and standardized manner. It will finally conclude how safety standards get promoted, integration gets facilitated and decision making process enhanced.

Prior to that, a brief account will be given of the Company's profile, its core business and the issues that it has encountered in managing its operation activities at offshore sites. Afterwards, a description of the ADMA-OPCO Process Management System (APMS) will follow, covering various aspects: business functionality, technical specification and system features.

Abu Dhabi Marine Operating Company (ADMA-OPCO) is a major oil and gas producer in the region whose vision is to perform as a world class hydrocarbon producer from the offshore concession reserves, ensuring facilities integrity, protecting health, safety and the environment for the next 50 years.