bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Type 2 Intelligent Controller for Grid-Tied Solar Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
Authors: Thangam Thomas , Kalifullah Abdul Hameed Hameed
Published: April 2023

Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming a popular alternative to gas-powered cars. These cars need “full” batteries to run. Solar-powered chargers are an exciting alternative to grid-based EV charging. These chargers give electric vehicles pollution-free electricity, which benefits the environment. Solar PV is the most popular renewable energy source. This chapter establishes a solar EV charging station, which charges EVs. Bi-directional batteries store photovoltaic (PV) energy for use during power outages. PV overproduction is transferred to the grid for later use. Cascaded interval type 2 fuzzy logic controller (CIT2FLC) boosts voltage using KY converter to track maximum photovoltaic power. To accomplish grid synchronization, a DC voltage is delivered to a grid-connected 1 phase VSI and optimized using a PI controller. During peak hours, EV gets power from the grid via 1 phase VSI, with the KY converter in buck mode. The suggested work ensures uninterrupted charging. The complete structure was tested using MATLAB Simulink and yielded 94.7% efficiency and 3.9% THD.
Double Burden and Gender Disparity
Authors: Nadarsyah Nana Noviana
Published: April 2023

Gender issues are problems that often occur in social life in society by separating definitions based on biological and physical characteristics. A discriminatory culture limits women in their roles, including their human rights to make choices. This role is due to the distribution and allocation of power as well as the division of labor in the family, but in fact, there is no division of labor in fulfilling the family economy. In terms of family economic downturn, gender disparity no longer applies. A woman is not only responsible as a housewife but also works to fulfill the family's economy.
Power of Robotics
Authors: Uma S. , Saranya V.
Published: April 2023

Robotics is developing at a rate that exceeds the understanding of science at this time. As their integration into society develops, stronger intellectual underpinnings will be needed to reach greater, more dependable, and safer capabilities. Robots are utilized in a variety of fields today, including industry, health, science, space exploration, construction, food packaging, and even surgery. Robotics is the design, creation, and application of devices (robots) to carry out tasks that have historically been completed by humans. Robots are frequently utilised in fields where repetitive, uncomplicated activities must be completed, and in fields where work must be done under hazardous conditions for humans. Robots make it easier to respond to disasters, improve physical capabilities, work in settings where human interaction is required, and permit exploration beyond Earth's orbit. Robots, unlike humans, don't become bored, therefore in many scenarios they can boost production, efficiency, quality, and consistency of products.
Genetic improvement of black oats: a scientometric review
Authors: Feliceti Maikely Luana , Possenti Jean Carlo , Bahry Carlos André , Zuanazzi Natana , Ghisi Nédia de Castilhos , Santos Ilana Niqueli Talino dos , Quisini Renan
Published: April 2023

There are few new black oat cultivars in Brazil; therefore a reduced number of cultivars are available for the most varied production regions. Strategies aimed at studying genetic variability, such as mutation induction, of the few cultivars available on the market represent alternatives to increase the variety in this sector. The objective of the present study was to prepare a scientometric analysis of studies of the ​​genetic improvement of black oats (Avena strigosa L). The literature review was performed using data from the Web of Science (WoS) from 1945 to 2020. Initially, 859 articles were analyzed, which after refinement, were reduced to 404 for further analysis. This study provides a new method for quantitatively visualizing information regarding the development of this area over time. After searching and refining with the aid of the CiteSpace software (5.6 R4), graphic representations were developed of the scientific journals, authors, countries, subject categories, organizations, and individual publications extracted from the WoS. The results of the analysis indicated a growing trend in the number of publications on the genetic improvement of black oats, as well as the number of citations over the years studied.
The Tri Suction Pile Caisson, a Noiseless Foundation for the US Offshore Wind Sector
Authors: ter Horst Erik , D'Aspremont Constance
Published: April 2023

A study has been taken on to confirm the technical feasibility of the design, fabrication, transport and installation of the Tri Suction Pile Caisson (TSPC). The TSPC is a wind turbine generator foundation that does not generate any underwater noise during installation, due to the silent suction installation process; thus, no schedule constraints due to noise level exceedance, seasonal-, or nighttime bans need to be taken into account, thereby de-risking the project. The philosophy behind the TSPC is that the Central Column is similar to a monopile, which allows fully automated fabrication at low cost, compared to the typically more complex nodes of the similarly noiseless suction bucket jacket.

The TSPC can be either installed by existing high-class Heavy Lift Vessels, or in split configuration by vessels with reduced offshore crane capacity, by lowering the Base to the seabed by a ballast-controlled methodology. The required crane capacity for this phase, as well as for the post-installation lifting operation of the Central Column is limited, allowing Heavy Lift Vessels with a relatively low crane capacity and thereby a reduction in the transport and installation cost is envisaged.

A design of the TSPC based on typical U.S. East Coast conditions is presented, which includes a load condition that accounts for the potential presence of hurricanes traveling North. The design of the TSPC foundation has been made for a 15 MW wind turbine. The presented design includes the Double Slip Joint, which allows breaking the foundation into two manageable components; this allows the Base to be floated out and towed to site.

Due to the absence of pile driving-induced accelerations, all the secondary steelwork can be pre-assembled onto the TSPC structure on the fabrication yard, reducing cost and risk. This also allows pre-installation of Nature Inclusive Design elements onto the TSPC Base, to improve the marine habitat; this will further enhance the environmentally friendly characteristics of the TSPC.

A SWOT analysis for the United States supply chain has been performed, highlighting the implications to the structural design and the Transport and Installation methodology.
Wandoo A – A Life Extension Case Study Implementing Reliability Methodologies
Authors: Kitson Michelle , Roberts Rachel , O'Brien Colin , Sheppard Robert , Moslehy Yashar
Published: April 2023

The Wandoo Oil Field is located about 75km northwest of Karratha, Western Australia. Wandoo A (WNA) is a normally unmanned monopod platform installed in 1993 with a 15-year design life. Demonstrating fitness for service of this facility through the end of field life posed unique technical challenges given its features, including grouted connections, Tuned Liquid Damper (TLD) and the prospect of Wave-in-Deck (WID) in higher return period environmental events.

This paper presents a life extension case study for this facility by exploring the overall life extension process and how that process is tailored to its unique structural aspects. In addition to evaluating the structure for metocean strength and fatigue loading, seismic and ship collision loading were also components of the assessment. Incorporating the current condition of the assets into the process, the probability of failure subject to the various environmental hazards was thoroughly studied to check conformance against industry acceptable limits using both design level and ultimate strength approaches.

Extensive reliability assessment is performed with consideration given to factors of uncertainty including material strength, structural system capacity, structural system redundancy, WID and Wave-in-Jacket (WIJ) loading, and soil capacity. Analytical refinement was devoted to both capacity (structural and soil behavior) and demand (metocean/seismic events and return periods) considerations to increase confidence in the results. Probability Density Functions (PDFs) for metocean loading and for resistance of the structure and foundation are calculated in order to determine the collapse frequency (probability of failure calculation) based on reliability methodologies considering both First Order Reliability Methods and Monte Carlo simulations.

Of particular focus for this work is supporting the ALARP (As Low As Reasonably Practicable) phase of the project based on the reliability outcomes. As with any ageing asset, there are components and systems that do not meet normal design allowable limits used for newer structures. This paper explores how these higher risk aspects of the facilities were studied so they may be addressed using an ALARP approach and how that process fits into the typical life extension process followed for WNA.
Recommendations for Design Basis Approach to Fire Protection and Safety Systems for US Offshore Wind Industry
Authors: Oliver Eric , Rudrapada Gnanesh , Sarada Shashikant
Published: April 2023

The US offshore wind (OW) energy industry with 42 MW current capacity is still in incipient development behind some regions in Europe and Asia. To reach the ambitious goal of 30 GW of installed offshore wind energy by 2030, the industry could benefit from a standard and streamlined framework for fire protection and safety system design. The American Clean Power Association's Offshore Compliance Recommended Practices (OCRP) was published in October 2022 providing a consensus-based framework and replacing a previous version from 2012. The framework provided in the updated OCRP includes new references for fire protection and safety design, including the National Fire Protection Association's NFPA 850 recommended practice and DNV-ST-0145 guidelines for passive fire protection. This paper discusses the design basis approach to the fire protection and safety system design and proposes a framework for design of safety systems such as fire detection, alarm, and notification system, helideck safety systems, and safe egress, with a focus on Offshore Substations (OSS).

This paper is written for developers; professionals in engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC); equipment vendors; and regulators and provides a best practice framework for fire protection and technical safety. It explains the fundamental conceptual frameworks for selecting, organizing, and understanding engineering design reference standards. It also lists and discusses the fire protection and safety systems and applicable design standards. This paper also provides lessons learned from project design experiences and identifies opportunities and risks for the burgeoning OW industry. Case studies included in this paper show examples of considerations made when selecting one design standard over another, the impact of non-compliance to US-based standards, and the importance of effective communication for stakeholder engagement.
Interim Results of the Propulsion Motors Over-Torque Data Acquisition Project Onboard United States Coast Guard Icebreaker MACKINAW
Authors: Brainard Benjamin C. , Iyerusalimskiy Aleksandr V. , Ferguson Ian C. , Foy Brandon J. , Talay James
Published: April 2023

The United States Coast Guard (USCG) is currently in the process of developing operational performance requirements for a future Great Lakes Icebreaker. Part of these efforts are revisiting the technical requirements for the propulsion diesel-electric system. Diesel-electric propulsion motors can experience substantial over-torque during severe ice-propeller interactions known as ice milling. The specified value of over-torque has often been selected arbitrarily and varies significantly for modern designs - typically from 120 to 175% of open water bollard torque. These torque requirements have significant impacts on the design of any icebreaker, as they directly affect vessel size, weight, icebreaking capability, power plant requirements, and cost. As such, it is essential to have an accurate and justified prediction of possible over-torque that an icebreaker may encounter in its operating environment. Specified over-torque values are often based on operator preferences or design idiosyncrasies rather than data. This paper describes the methodology, instrumentation, and interim results of the ongoing over-torque data acquisition project. Current efforts include reviews of multiple data sets from various machinery control systems from United States Coast Guard Cutter (USCGC) MACKINAW during the winters of 2021 and 2022. Data collection includes various settings of torque limits and various operational scenarios. Interim results indicate that when the vessel is operated in conditions of low to average severity, the probability of encountering ice milling and over-torque is nominal. Data collection will be continued beyond 2022. Statistics on actual ice torque values encountered in operation is limited. Described full-scale data will help to understand intensity of ice-propeller interaction and formulate feasible requirements for propulsion motors and control system especially for icebreakers fitted with azimuthal propulsors.
Challenges to Recover Subsea Umbilicals in Decommissioning Projects
Authors: Santana Andre Luiz Bevilaqua , Semedo Edmila De Souza , Castilho Jose Maria , Fernandes Paulo Tavares , Pinto Wendell Dias , Castro Luis Carlos Eduardo , Da Silva William Albuquerque
Published: April 2023

The collection of flexible pipelines and umbilicals in Petrobras covers a considerably high volume of operations. In particular, the growing demand for decommissioning, combined with the Diverless Synergy initiative, has boosted mobilization for the advancement and optimization of collection operations. Result of the integration between the different company sectors and assets involved, through the availability of resources, the process of development and evolution of tools that provide cost reduction and operational safety is presented in this article as we can see in the Motivation Plan (Fig.1)
Comparison Between Different Types of Suction Pile
Authors: El-Tantawi Wael AbdelSattar
Published: April 2023

The utilization of suction pile as a foundation for subsea structures is a modern alternative to the traditional foundation types. Suction pile foundation is widely used nowadays due to the benefits and advantages relevant to the design and installation of such a foundation.

Throughout this paper, A review of three types of load-bearing suction pile foundation is introduced based on a cost efficiency as well as design and construction aspects study. The aim of this review is to explore and critically assess the pros and cons of each type of the studied types to outline a guidance or a selection criterion for the different circumstances.

The approach adopted for the achievement of the above objective is based on a numerical analysis of the suction pile foundation types under certain loading combination, in which, both geotechnical and structural aspects are fulfilled to reach a sound design and optimum dimensions of the three said suction pile foundation types satisfying a prefdefined acceptance criterion. The resulted design of the three types is then used in a cost-based comparison to conclude the most cost-effective type, in addition to a critical assessment and review of the suction pile foundation design and construction challenges to figure out the pros and cons of each type.

The said comparison has concluded that the single pile should be the basic and the most preferable choice. This is due to its’ high direct and indirect cost efficiency and the simplicity and easiness of fabrication and installation. Double-piled type has also shown positive outcomes with regard the cost efficiency as well as the construction performance, which raises a question mark on its’ rare use in the industry. Four-piled suction pile foundation type, and despite being frequently used in the industry, has shown a negative cost efficiency along with high construction precautions. The review has shown that the four-piled type foundation is advantageous only when needed to support an extra-size structure with large footprint area or when used in a highly sloped seabed surface to get the benefit from its’ high levelling capability.
Digital Twin Provides Virtual Multiphase Flow Metering and Leak Detection to Deepwater Operations for Operational Decision Making on Liwan Field
Authors: Zhou Ming , Li Tony , Espeland Morten , Van Wolfswinkel Onno , Havre Kjetil
Published: April 2023

This paper presents lessons learned over eight years of using the first digital twin in the South China Sea by Cenovus Energy and China National Oil Company (CNOOC) on the Liwan Field. The digital twin provides a collaboration platform for integrated operations and is based on dynamic multi-phase flow simulation models for wells, flowlines and slug catchers, coupled to live field measurements.

One of the main objectives of the digital twin is to provide continuous real-time virtual instrumentation, as well as aggregated information related to flow assurance and integrity management with a novel multidimensional model-based leak detection workflow. The digital twin workflows enable operators to better prepare and respond to planned and unplanned events in the field and to analyze and optimize performance of the field, in combination with a data analytics tool.

Subsea wet gas flow meters (WGFM) in the field initially provided flow rate information to deep water operations in line with the operational strategy. After one year in production, a reduction in WGFM performance was observed. A mitigation strategy was developed to use the digital twin flow rate calculations combined with the remaining WGFMs for improved operational decision making.
Longest Slim Hole ERD Wells Campaign with Limited Entry Liner Using Water-Based Mud In Onshore Abu Dhabi
Authors: Varma Esha Narendra , Ditzler Theodore Jay , Mwansa Peter Levison , Husien Mohammad , Bin Bahrom Abdul Raman , Saragi Raymond , BinSumaida Ali Sulaiman Ahmed , Al Samahi Musabbeh Khamis , Al Shamsi Juma Sulaiman , Alshaigy Ahmad Othman , Gaurav Anchit , Abdelhalim Khaled
Published: April 2023

Extended reach drilling (ERD) can facilitate the development of untapped resources, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, surface congestion, and drilling costs. This ERD project with lower completion was started with an aim to lower well cost indicators including $/ft and $/bbl. Therefore, the challenge was to drill Slimhole ERD (6-1/8″ lateral) wells with water-based mud (WBM). WBM is more cost-effective, environmentally friendly, and less damaging to the reservoir than OBM (oil-based mud). The use of WBM instead of OBM can save $2MM per well. The major challenges in drilling Slimhole (6-1/8″ size) ERD well with lateral le include higher torque and failure to deploy lower completion due to high friction factors.

The first pilot well was planned with a liner-less design considering the low friction factors required to drill 15,000’ of 6-1/8″ lateral hole and run the lower completion. The second pilot well was targeting a deeper and tighter reservoir zone with higher downhole temperatures. This involved drilling 12-1/4″ intermediate hole to the landing point with larger 5-1/2″ drill pipe. It enabled a push-pipe technique for drilling the lateral hole with improved weight transfer through the curved profile. The 6-1/8″ lateral hole was drilled with 4″ high-torque drill pipe, tandem high-flow circulating subs, and specially formulated drilling fluid lubricant. A conventional OBM system provides sufficient lubricity to reduce friction factors as low as 0.10. In this application, a low cost WBM system was made feasible by introducing stable high-temperature lubricant and unique hole cleaning practices.

Following this successful achievement, the 5-year business plan has been revised to include 63 similar wells with a projected total savings of ~ $250MM.

The Slimhole ERD project has demonstrated substantial value with a 35% reduction in CAPEX. The delivery of these two Slimhole ERD wells overturned conventional drilling and completion practices.

The implemented project resulted in saving up to 35% of the well cost and saved 20 days per well compared to a conventional ERD well with 8-1/2″ hole and OBM. These two Slimhole ERD (15,000’ lateral) wells were drilled with a challenging Directional Difficulty Index (DDI) of 7.2. The wells were both completed successfully by running the 4-1/2″ lower completion to reach the total depth.
An Efficient Time Domain Fatigue Analysis Method for Floating Wind Turbine Hull Structure
Authors: Xu Qi , Ling Qi , Kyriakides Andrew
Published: April 2023

An efficient hybrid method of calculating hull structure stress response in time domain for fatigue analysis purpose is developed. The platform’s motion response and turbine/tower dynamic structural response are solved in time domain. Hull structure stresses due to the interface load at tower bottom and hull inertia load are calculated using stress transfer functions for unit loads at tower bottom and unit accelerations on the hull mass. Wave pressure RAO by unit amplitude wave is calculated using a wave radiation/diffraction analysis program, and stress RAO by wave pressure RAO is then calculated and converted into time domain using a conventional frequency domain to time domain conversion. Principal stress time series is then calculated from the combined total component stress for Rainflow counting of stress cycles.
Advances in ROV & AUV Capabilities and Tooling for Energy Applications
Authors: Abu Zeid Hosam , Elshahawi Hani
Published: April 2023

Deepwater oil and gas operations often deal with harsh environmental conditions which pose numerous challenges for the design and deployment of in-well, topside, and subsea systems and stretch the performance envelopes of the associated equipment. High pressure, temperature, and well flows require specialized downhole and subsea equipment with robust and resilient performance specifications. Punishing surface and subsea conditions such as wind, wave, and loop currents can make it difficult to locate and maintain subsea equipment with typhoon and hurricane seasons in various parts of the world generating up to100 mph winds and 12-foot storm surges which can force facility evacuations. Because of all these factors, remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) and autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) have become critical for ensuring the safety and integrity of deepwater operations. ROVs are typically tethered to a surface vessel by a cable and are controlled remotely by a human operator, while AUVs are self-sufficient and can operate independently without a human operator. These specialized underwater robots are used for a variety of critical under-water applications, which range from monitoring and inspection to rescue and repair.

This paper discusses recent advancements in the use of ROVs and AUVs in deepwater operations, specifically focusing on design considerations as defined by the interplay between water depth, buoyancy, propulsion and stabilization requirements during service operations. It also covers auxiliary tooling systems - the various tooling kits used for inspection, repair, and maintenance missions, all of which are fundamental to maintaining the safety and reliability of subsea systems. Finally, the paper explores innovations in the range of capabilities for special missions, deployment techniques, power sourcing options, the effect of different communication systems on the degree of autonomy and the range of underwater vehicle navigation systems.
Managing Subsea Safety Critical Equipment and Design Performance Standards in Major Capital Projects – Mad Dog 2 Project
Authors: Ong Chee Seang , Smelser Amanda Marie
Published: April 2023

For an offshore facility, identifying Safety Critical Equipment (SCE) and ensuring that they are designed, built, installed, and commissioned based on certain performance criteria are key to a safe design. In some parts of the world such as the North Sea, regulatory requirements dictate a mandatory third-party verification of the SCE and their corresponding design performance criteria. However, in other parts of the world such as the Gulf of Mexico, there is no such regulatory requirement. It is therefore up to the operator to provide assurance that the subsea SCE meets the design criteria. There exists no comprehensive guidebook for this type of assurance in the Gulf of Mexico. This paper exemplifies one potential methodology for establishing and implementing SCE design performance standards for a Subsea Production System, and shares some of the challenges from the BP Mad Dog 2 project (Argos platform) with managing the verification process, especially in a complex project organization where multiple contractors participate.

Management of the subsea SCE design performance standards involves identification of the SCE, development of the relevant design performance criteria, and a two-step process to track each design criteria outcome via engineering assurance and field verification - where the design criteria is tested either at the manufacturing site, construction site, or during post-installation testing and commissioning activities. The activities presented were performed entirely via digital documentation, utilizing regulatory and industry standards, project specifications, vendor records, testing results, and commissioning procedures. Verification assurance and approval forms were digitally processed and tracked by using a subsea SCE design performance standards verification register.

This paper shares several key learnings that will benefit the industry and future projects aiming to implement a robust subsea SCE verification process.
How American Based HVDC and OSS Offshore Wind Substations can Profit from the European Learning Curve
Authors: Groeneveld Berend , Gerssen Sietse , Hoogakker Petra
Published: April 2023

The USA has committed to significant investments in offshore wind energy and is expected to quickly catch up with European investment levels. The federal government has committed to deployment of 30 gigawatts of offshore wind by 2030 [1].

Due to the nature of the energy function of offshore wind substations, risk assessments allow for different, generally less onerous, fire and blast ratings of architectural items as compared to the standards prevalent in the offshore oil and gas industry.

The most commonly used standard for offshore wind substations is DNV-ST-0145. This standard is regularly updated.

This paper is based on lessons learned from the design process utilized on a total of 55 European offshore wind substations and 5 USA offshore wind substations, all based on the DNV standard.

Lessons learned are taken from the design of European substations over the past 15 years. The lessons learned are translated to meet American offshore norms and standards, allowing the architectural design and build of USA based substations to be executed swiftly and effectively. These lessons have been implemented in the architectural design of the first five American substations. A number of standard and USCG/DNV approved details are provided, including details of penetrations where architectural, structural, piping, HVAC and Electrical disciplines are aligned.

Conclusion: USA based offshore wind projects have ample opportunities to "leapfrog" the learning curve already realized by European projects and immediately adopt the resultant design philosophy for HVDC and OSS offshore wind substations. Provided local production norms and standards of transition of support steel to USA dimensions are incorporated in the design.

This results in an approved, standardized and economic architectural design model for the fabrication of USA based and produced substations. The application of this standard could shorten lead times and production times significantly.
Moving High Loads with Low Power Subsea – How a Novel Electric Actuator Technology Enables a Sustainable Energy Transition
Authors: Alexandre Orth , Markus Kubacki , Gottfried Hendrix , Joao Pedro Duarte da Silva
Published: April 2023

The offshore energy industry relies on heavy-duty equipment to execute complex operations in harsh environments over a long time with remote control and limited maintenance. But how is this equipment powered and controlled to enable reliable and safe operation? Hydraulics have been often used because of the high robustness and safety; but hydraulics also include complex installation, low energy-efficiency and potential environmental risks. On the flipside, subsea electrification seems cost-intensive due to its high power and large batteries needed.

This paper explains how a novel subsea electric actuator technology enables a sustainable energy transition combining the ability to move high forces while being cost effective. For CO2 storage, it enables an all-electric subsea tree, comparable in price to a traditional hydraulic tree, but without demanding expensive umbilicals or topside hydraulic power units. In applications requiring long control distances, such as oil & gas fields with long subsea tiebacks or deepsea mining, it allows safe and reliable operation with minimal electric power consumption, capable of precisely handling even high loads.
Site Selection for Field Testing of a Marine Hydrokinetic Turbine Platform to Serve as a Floating Unmanned Mobile Recharging Station for Aerial Drones
Authors: McKinney Adriana Lynell , Rienzo Hayley , Pimentel Hugo , Frankenfield John , Beaujean Pierre-Phillip , Dhanak Manhar
Published: April 2023

Expanding applications of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in coastal areas suggests a need for stations along or close to the coast where the UAV batteries can be easily recharged. A small-scale low flow marine current turbine in support of a floating autonomous recharge station for small UAVs has been designed and assembled at Florida Atlantic University and is being prepared for field testing. Surveys of identified test sites in the Intracoastal Waterways and at open ocean locations are being conducted to determine their suitability in meeting resource, system design and permitting requirements. A sensor platform has been developed for measuring local currents at the identified sites in support of resource characterization. Two out of the eight sites surveyed in the Intracoastal Waterways are found to meet the field-testing requirements for current resource, water depth, and sea bottom conditions. Planned field testing will include parametric characterization studies of the performance of the current turbine for a range of turbine blade configurations, current speeds, turbine wheel submergence levels, and test site location (channeled flow vs open ocean flow).
Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing for Subsea Components – The First of a Kind 3D Printed Subsea Flange
Authors: Arcangeletti Giorgio , Santicchia Angelo , Terracina Salvatore , De Cesare Domenico , Palmirotta Luca , Moulin Jonathan , Kling Isabelle , Mathew Jithin , Faivre Laurent , Lefèvre Fabien
Published: April 2023

Additive manufacturing is gaining increasing interest as an alternative manufacturing process to produce conventional or engineered materials for pipelines. In this context, during 2021 Saipem launched an R&D initiative to explore the possibility to deploy Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing Process (WAAM) to produce typical components of a subsea pipeline system.

The main objective is to demonstrate that WAAM is suitable to produce pieces having similar properties than the ones manufactured via traditional methods and that they could be used for typical offshore components.

As a first trial, Saipem decided to start with the production and testing of a subsea flange and the scope was assigned to Vallourec S.A. Scope of the present paper is to share the main challenges faced during the activity and the main outcomes of it.

The selected grade was an ASTM A694 F65 equivalent grade that is considered a representative case for several offshore scenarios and the produced flange was a WELDING NECK 11" API 6A (10.000 psi) which represented in terms of WAAM technology the largest part ever printed by Vallourec. Manufacturing, inspection, and testing has been carried out following the requirements of DNVGL-ST-B203 for AMC 3 category.

After the printing of a pre-build piece to verify the main properties and to confirm that the parameters were suitable for the production, the full-scale component was then printed as well and destructive testing has been done in critical areas of the piece after NDT inspection.
Human Resource Program for Integrity Management and Life Assessment: Subsea Cases Application
Authors: Costa Celio Albano , Costa Marysilvia Ferreira , Drumond Geovana Pereira
Published: April 2023

Integrity management and life assessment is very demanding in all industrial applications and, in high deep subsea, to keep the structural integrity of all components safe is critical. Failure is a process that has time on its side and, if catalyzed by aggressive media, temperature, and pressure, leads to many possible combinations of damage mechanisms.

One can easily visualize the corrosion in metals or degradation in polymers, which may result in crack nucleation and its subcritical growth. Fatigue is also part of the life reduction process, associated or not with environmental effects. The damage process is not constant in time, but changes as the well reservoir is depleted and with the action of the environment itself. For instance, the presence of high quantities of CO2in Santos Basin (pre-salt) and its effecton structural integrity and corresponding life assessment demands a great deal of studies (for the past-used pieces of equipment and future ones – such as TCP). Failure can happen in localized parts, not necessarily leading to the whole component malfunction, but it will shorten its operation life. The failure process begins at the namo or microscale, a locus of metallurgical and materials engineering expertise, where small-scale samples are tested and evaluated; and then moves to structural macroscale analysis, where medium/large scale tests and analysis/modeling are conducted, the locus of mechanical, civil, or naval engineering. To skill a metallurgical/materials engineering to understand global structure behavior is as important as to skill a mechanical/civil/naval engineering with microscale behavior in a major/minor academic formation. To tackle this demand in Brazil's oil & gas sector, the Brazilian Petroleum Agency (ANP) established a human resource program to support the Integrity Management & Life Assessment in subsea operations and renewable energies, named PRH 7.1.

This paper will report on the PRH 7.1 academic structure to supply human resources for the oil & gas sector, focused on Integrity Management & Life Assessment. It will also show three examples of ongoing research in the program: Case 1: Design and construction of a permeation cell and the measurement of CO2 permeation in PVDF; Case 2: Theoretical and finite element analysis of a laminated composite pipe under combined axisymmetric loading; and Case 3: Study of nonlinear structural behavior during the operation of installation of subsea equipment.
Successful Application of Foamed Cement Slurry in an Ultradeepwater Well of 11,900-ft Water Depth (Claiming World Record)
Authors: Nzoutchoua Degaul Nana , Johnson Carl R. , Tenin Jean Yengoua , Lonca Matthieu , Sousa Edevaldo Andrade e , Zghal Jamel
Published: April 2023

Foamed cement was successfully used in the riserless section of an ultradeepwater well located in 11,900ft water depth. Foamed cement was selected to minimize operating costs and provide flexibility to adjust slurry density on a short notice. The seawater column exerted 5,319.1-psi hydrostatic pressure on the annulus. Consequently, nitrogen (N2) density could no longer be neglected. This paper presents simulations performed in preparation for the job, operational considerations, and post-job evaluation.

The lead slurry needed a density of 1.25 SG and develops a compressive strength of at least 300 psi within 48 hr. Considering the cost and challenges associated with outsourcing resources under current Covid-19 pandemic restrictions, the foamed cement system was preferred over chemical- or particle- extended cement or blend systems. The N2 ratio for the foamed cement slurry system was 700 scf/bbl. With a base slurry pumping rate of 5 bbl/min, the required N2 pumping rate was 3,500 scf/min, which was greater than the capability of a single N2 pump (3,000-scf/min rate). Because the rig deck space could not accommodate three N2 pumps, one pump would serve as backup; thus, the final plan consisted of using two N2 pumps simultaneously. Two parallel foamed slurry treating lines were rigged up to reduce the fluid velocity in a single line.

All laboratory testing was conducted locally. Additives used in the foamed slurry were environmentally friendly. A proprietary process-control system was used during the cementing operation and automatically synchronized the N2 pumps and foam pump rates with the base slurry rate. The cementing crew consisted of 11 individuals, including 2 client representatives. The entire pumping operation was completed in 10 hr. A total base slurry volume of 1016.2 bbl was continuously mixed and pumped at the density of 13.35 lbm/gal (1.60 SG). The resulting foamed slurry volume was 1387.0 bbl with an average foam quality of 27.8% and foamed slurry density of 10.5 lbm/gal (1.26 SG). A total of 119 metric tonne of class G cement and 30,711 L of N2 were consumed during the pumping operation. The lead slurry was followed by 603.9 bbl of 15.86 lbm/gal (1.90 SG) class G cement tail slurry and 349.7 bbl of seawater for displacement. The final surface pressure was 594.6 psi. The lead slurry reached the seabed and the float shoe check was positive. No casing subsidence was observed.

Using foamed cement slurry in such extreme conditions demonstrated its robustness and reliability. Through formalized and methodical risk assessment, the team was able to identify and implement mitigating measures that led to an outstanding result. This application also confirmed that N2 density should not be neglected when high-hydrostatic pressure is involved.
Vito Project: Drilling & Completions – World Class Riserless Batch Set Performance, Best-in Class Deepening Performance, In-Well Barrier Gas-Lift System, 17 Ksi Barrier Checks, 15 MMSCF/Day Injection Rate
Authors: Rabei Rob , Freeman Steven , Adams Eli , Pillai Pradeep
Published: April 2023

In 2009, the Vito field was discovered in more than 4,000 ft of water approximately 150 miles offshore from New Orleans, Louisiana. The project produces from Miocene-aged reservoirs nearly 30,000 feet below sea level. The Vito project was the first deep water project to require in-well retrievable gas-lift systems with metal-to-metal seals capable of sustaining a differential of 17 Ksi and injection rates of 15 MMscf/day. This paper provides an overview of Vito's drilling and completions, in-well gas-lift system, development process, validation and testing requirements, key challenges encountered during the project, and the technologies. This paper is part of a Vito Project series at OTC 2023, and the other papers are listed in the references.

The Vito Phase 1 project consisted of 8 producer wells with slim hole and open hole gravel pack design. The project wells were drilled with an Ultra-Deepwater Dual-Activity rig. The Gas-Lift Development Team worked with vendors to identify technology gaps with existing gas-lift system to project requirements. A validation process was created by the project using the following standards: API 19G 1,2,3, QAQC, ASME, FEA, CFD & Non-metallic Standards, company standards along with partner TR2385 document to establish design, manufacturing, and validation testing guidelines to ensure the highest level of reliability possible for a gas-lift system. The project team worked alongside the vendors to design and test concepts that eventually became the project's gas-lift system.

The riserless section was drilled in a batch form and was benchmarked as a world-class performance against the company fleet performance. The majority of the subsequent deepening drilling and completion operations were benchmarked as best-in-class performing wells, thanks to the implementation of competitively scoped well designs, vendor engagement and well on well learning curve improvements. The gas-lift system key challenges included understanding the phase envelope of the injection gas and potential issues that may provide for long term integrity of the well, locating testing facilities to handle 10 Ksi injection pressure with up to 15 MMscf/day of injection rates, welding and heat treatment of Inconel side pocket mandrels, long term Arrhenius testing of non-metallics, developing robust QCP plans for manufacturing, and conducting an in-well SIT (systems integration test) of the KOT (kickover tool) systems.
A Subsea Wellhead Solution Ready to Meet Challenging and Critical Endurance and Performance Needs
Authors: Amini Shakib , Potter Philip , Attaway Daryl , Bornia Guaraci , Zhu Baozhi
Published: April 2023

Subsea annulus seals are a critical part of a subsea wellhead system installation. The evolving need to achieve greater annulus pressure and extended lockdown performance is ever present while combined with the need to install in as timely an operation as possible. It is crucial to ensure reliable installation, coupled with the knowledge that the annulus seal is installed correctly to achieve the design performance as qualified in lab settings.

This paper discusses the design and testing of a high pedigree subsea annulus seal utilized in challenging environmental conditions and discusses features introduced to the seal and installation tooling to ensure confidence in long term integrity of the system.
A New Subsea Station for Deep Gas Treatment Allowing to Maximize Subsea Gas Fields Production
Authors: Roland Paul , Vasquez-Quintero Felaurys , Pouplin Amelie , Shaiek Sadia , Giolo Riccardo
Published: April 2023

The offshore oil & gas industry is presently interested in exploring and developing ultra-deep gas fields for which the water depth is higher than 1,500 m. Considering the water depth and the characteristics of these reservoirs, the exploitation of such fields represents a challenge. To unlock these reserves, it is necessary to tackle obstacles like lack of available pressure, risk of solid deposits (hydrate, wax), and liquid accumulations in low points of the exports line(s). To cope with these issues when the field architecture is not sufficiently flexible (for example, if the number of export lines is limited), one solution is to remove the liquids before production in gas line.

SUBGAS has been developed as a potential solution to these challenges and can be implemented over a wide range of application cases. SUBGAS is a subsea station that performs gas/liquid high performance low temperature separation (LTS), allowing gas dewpointing to be performed in subsea conditions. This subsea processing station performs a liquids and condensable components removal from the production gas coming from wells. The treated gas leaving the station is exported alone in the export line(s) while the liquids and condensable components are exported to shore via a dedicated line. Due to the dewpointing operation, the pressure drops in the export gas line(s) are reduced, hydrate and/or wax formation risk is avoided or significantly reduced, and the operability of the line is improved as there is no or a very low amount of liquid.

Based on numerical studies, a technical comparison with typical gas/liquid (G/L) separation, subsea compression, and other dew-pointing technologies is presented to highlight advantages of the proposed solution. Then, the SUBGAS station process and design is highlighted through a specific study case. An assessment of the Technology Readiness Level (TRL), according to API 17N, of the solution has been also done showing a high level of maturity allowing a rapid time to market.

By performing a gas treatment to remove liquids and condensable components, SUBGAS subsea station proposes an innovative solution to improve gas fields production via long subsea tie backs. Due to its simple process, high robustness, high maturity level, and considering the possibility to be used for brownfield long tie-back development, SUBGAS can be one of the keys allowing to maximize gas fields productions in the coming years.
Active Magnetic Ranging While Drilling: Performance Test
Authors: Husby Karsten , Saasen Arild , Ytrehus Jan David , Hjelstuen Magnus , Koraei Mostafa , Liberale Allesandro , Eriksen Tor Jan
Published: April 2023

During the well intercept drilling enterprise, several wireline logging operations are being run. The drill pipe is pulled out of the well and a wireline tool is run in. From the wireline tool a very low frequency alternating current is emitted into the formation to reach the target well casing. Then the electric current runs down the casing and back into the bottom of the relief well. This current set up a variable magnetic field that is measured by magnetometers in the relief well. Thus, the direction towards the target well can be determined. The drilling direction is accordingly adjusted, and drilling is continued. Typically, a number of 10 – 25 similar wireline navigation runs are needed before the target well is intercepted. The operation with pulling drill pipe out of the well, running the wireline operation and finally running the drill string back into the well typically cost several days drilling time. A prototype of a tool for Active Magnetic Ranging While Drilling has been developed. The scope of using this tool is to perform similar logging operations as currently being performed with the wireline operations, with an integrated tool systems on the relief well drill pipe. Thus, all the tripping operations are avoided and the time to drill the relief well is significantly reduced. This tool is described in detail in the following. Focus will be given to performance tests conducted in the laboratory and in a research well in Norway. A drill pipe is placed in a target well. Then a drill pipe including the measurement tool is run in a neighbour well and the direction and distance to the target well is measured. The set-up and results of this logging operation conducted on a drill pipe is described in detail.