bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Possible Prognostic Function of MALAT1 in Cancer Patients v1
Authors: Wang Chengdi , Cheng Junxin , Ji Xiao , Li Ya , Zhang Wen , Yan Yushun , Zhu Yizhang , Wei Linfei , Huang Keer , He Xiaomin , Sui Hao , Li Weimin
Published: November 2018

Background: With incidence of all types of cancers on the rise, cancer is now the leading cause of death worldwide.1Previous studies2, 3 have stressed the significant role of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in the diagnostic efficacy of cancer, onset and development. Method: A meta-analysis was implemented aiming to explore whether lncRNA, Metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 (MALAT-1), can work as a promising biomarker for prognosis in human cancers. Eligible articles were collected from multiple online databases (Pubmed, EMBASE, CNKI, Web of Science and Google Scholar) and meta-analysis was conducted to investigate the association between the expression levels of MALAT-1 and overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS) or recurrence-free survival (RFS) and clinicopathological parameters which may have an impact on the pooled results. A total of 1389 patients from 13 studies were included in our meta-analysis, whose survival analysis was all univariate. Result: The results of our meta-analysis indicated that overexpression of MALAT-1 was significantly correlated with worse OS in cancer patients (HR = 1.941, 95% CI: 1.168-2.715, P<0.001) as well as worse DFS (HR = 2.20, 95% CI: 1.34-3.06, P < 0.001) and worse RFS (HR=1.90, 95% CI: 0.68-3.13, P < 0.001) in cancer patients in general. Due to heterogeneity may present in the overall results, subgroup analyses based on cancer type, cut-off value, patient size and median age were also performed in our study. In subgroups analysis, we found that the HR of group urinary system and group median age < 55 is particularly high compared with group OS (overall data). Conclusion: To sum up, our meta-analysis results implied that increased expression level of MALAT-1 was positively associated with unfavorable prognostic results in many types of cancer patients. Besides, younger patients and patients with urinary tumors appear to be of poorer prognosis.
Human Liver Tissue Dissociation for 10x Single Cell RNA-seq v1
Authors: Sharma Ankur , dasgupta Ramanuj
Published: November 2018

Liver Tissue dissociation of single-cell RNA-seq (10x Single-cell RNA-seq)
Urine cytokine profile and nephroprotective effect of lercanidipine in patients with urolithiasis with obstructive uropathy before and after nephrostomy
Authors: Popkov Vladimir M. , Zakharova Natalia B. , Polozov Alexander B. , Khotko Anastasiia I. , Khotko Dmitrii N. , Durnov Denis A.
Published: November 2018

Objective. To study the nephroprotective effect of lercanidipine and its influence on creatinine clearance and cytokine damage in patients with urolithiasis with obstructive uropathy.

Material and methods. Of 96 patients evaluated, 66 were diagnosed with kidney stones in the ureteropelvic segment and obstructive uropathy, which was then treated with percutaneous nephrostomy. All 66 patients were given antibacterial and anti-inflammatory therapy to prevent postoperative infections, but in addition, 33 were treated with lercanidipine, 10 mg per day. IL-8, VEGF, MCP-1, G-CSF, and GM-CSF concentrations in the urine were determined by solid-phase ELISA. The estimated glomerular filtration rate was calculated using the CKD-EPI formula. All studies were done preoperatively and on days 7, 14, 21, and 28 after nephrostomy. A control group consisted of 30 people with kidney stones without sings of obstruction.

Results. In the patients with obstructive uropathy, a correlation was found between VEGF, IL-8, and MCP-1 concentrations in the urine and the serum creatinine and estimated glomerular filtration rate. Patients in the lercanidipine group had a faster decrease in IL-8, VEGF, MCP-1, and GM-CSF concentrations in the urine and improved renal function compared with patients who did not receive lercanidipine. By day 21 after nephrostomy, the lercanidipine group had values comparable with the control group, whereas the group not treated with lercanidipine did not achieve similar values until day 28.

Conclusion. The third generation calcium channel blocker lercanidipine is nephroprotective in patients with obstructive uropathy.
Analysis of seasonal variability of sperm donors’ semen parameters
Authors: Korneyev Igor A. , Zasseev Ruslan D. , Pashina Ol'ga B. , Mamedov Ali E. , Dogov Al'bert M. , Krylov Oleg A.
Published: November 2018

Introduction. The concept of seasonal variability of sperm parameters is controversial. However, it should be considered during medical evaluation and solicitation of sperm donors.

Aim. To evaluate seasonal variability of sperm parameters from anonymous sperm donors in a reproductive medicine center.

Materials and methods. A retrospective study of 1252 semen samples from 39 sperm donors (mean age 27.1 ± 3.9 years) in a reproductive medicine center in Saint Petersburg during the period from October 1, 2015 to October 1, 2017 was performed according to WHO 2010 recommendations. Semen volume, sperm concentration, total sperm number, progressive motility, and number of progressively motile sperm were analyzed.

Results. Individual variability in semen parameters was high. The mean ejaculate volume in the summer months was higher than in the autumn, winter, and spring (t = 3.65, p < 0.001; t = 4.18, p < 0.0001; t = 1.92, p = 0.056 respectively). The lowest volume (2.83 ± 1.32 ml) was registered in January. The mean sperm concentration in summer was lower than in autumn, winter, and spring (t = 3.65, p < 0.001; t = 4.18, p < 0.0001; t = 1.92, p = 0.056 respectively). It was higher in winter than in spring and autumn (t = 2.54, p = 0.012; t = 1.72, p = 0.082 respectively). The highest mean sperm concentration was registered in January and the lowest in July (157.2 ± 46.6 and 131.9 ± 44.0 million sperm per ml, respectively). No significant seasonal differences were found in total sperm number, progressive motility, or number of progressively motile sperm (p > 0.1).

Conclusions. The study suggests there is both individual and seasonal variability in sperm donors’ semen parameters. As several semen samples are needed to rate semen quality, we recommend that semen analysis for a potential sperm donor be performed in the summer months.
Pathogenetic treatment of patients with chronic bacterial prostatitis and accompanying neurological pathology: our experience
Authors: Krupin Valentin N. , Krupin Alexey V. , Belova Anna N.
Published: November 2018

A total of 127 patients (mean age 38.1 ± 7.8 years) with chronic bacterial prostatitis who had concomitant neurologic diseases were treated. The patients were divided into 3 groups: group 1 (n = 47) included those with pain of the upper lumbar spine and myofascial syndrome; group 2 (n= 41), those with disorders of general and peripheral autonomic tone with vascular disorders in the pelvis; and group 3 (n = 39), those with disorders of the joints of the pelvic girdle, ligaments, and muscles of the pelvic floor. Treatment was given for the specific neurologic and hemodynamic disorders identified. No antibiotic therapy was prescribed. Patients in group 1 were prescribed pathogenetic therapy, including manual and regional therapy (for effects on the sclerotome and myotome), as well as medical correction of hemodynamics, physiothe rapy, psychotherapy, and hyperbaric oxygenation. Group 2 received treatment aimed at correcting autonomic innervation, including medications and magnetic therapy. Patients in group 3 were prescribed specific therapy aimed at eliminating pain-provoking factors, medications, massage, physiotherapy, manual therapy, therapeutic exercises, and reflex therapy. Treatment was associated with a decrease in the severity of pain and improvement of pelvic hemodynamics in patients in all 3 groups. Thus, the results indicate the potential efficacy of pathogenetic therapy for patients with chronic bacterial prostatitis with concomitant neurologic pathology.
Psychological mechanisms in the formation of attitude toward the disease among patients with prostate cancer after radical prostatectomy
Authors: Vagaytseva Margarita V. , Karavaeva Tatiana A. , Vasileva Anna V. , Chulkova Valentina A. , Nosov Alexander K.
Published: November 2018

Within the framework of a biopsychosocial disease model, this article considers the impact of psychological issues as they relate to malignant disease, specifically assessing the attitude toward or perception of the disease in patients with prostate cancer after radical prostatectomy. A total of 107 patients with prostate cancer depending on the disease phase after radical prostatectomy were enrolled in the study. The patients’ age range was 48 to 84 years. Pathogenic reactions caused by patient’s perception of the diagnosis and internal illness model had an impact on the disease course, adherence to treatment, and quality of life. Psychological tests were used to study the relationship between the disease and related psychological characteristics. The findings can improve the understanding of the role of psychological factors in the complex treatment and rehabilitation of patients with a malignancy, aiding in the choice of targets for psychosocial interventions.
Kronik alkol kullanımı olan bir hastada kafa travmasını takiben gelişen penisiline dirençli pnömokok menenjiti
Authors: ARSLAN Kader , CESUR Salih , SEVİM Şükran , BÜYÜKDEMİRCİ Ayşe , HATİPOĞLU Çiğdem Ataman , KINIKLI Sami
Published: November 2018

Kronik alkol kullanan
bireylerde santral sinir sistemi infeksiyonu bulguları baskılanabilir veya
alkol yoksunluk sendromu gibi klinik durumlarla karışabilir. Alkolik hastalarda
mikroorganizmalara karşı immun yanıtın etkilenmesi, malnutrisyon ve vitamin
eksikliği gibi nedenlerle infeksiyon etkenlerine karşı duyarlılık artar. Bu
hastalarda en sık görülen menenjit etkeni Streptococcus
pneumoniae’dır. Pnömokoklarda penisilin direnci son
yıllarda tüm dünyada ve Türkiye’de önemli bir endişe kaynağıdır. Penisiline
yüksek düzey dirençli pnömokok infeksiyonlarının tedavisinde üçüncü kuşak
sefalosporinler (seftriakson, sefotaksim) ve vankomisin kombinasyonu ile
birlikte deksametazon tedavisi tercih edilir. Pnömokokal menenjitte tanı ve tedavide gecikme olması durumunda mortalite
oranı yüksektir. Bu yazıda, kronik alkol kullanımı öyküsü olan 40 yaşında bir
erkek hastada kafa travmasını takiben gelişen, geç tanı konulan ve mortal
seyreden penisiline dirençli Streptococcus
pneumoniae menenjiti olgusu sunuldu.
Oral Session
Authors: UPH FK
Published: November 2018

Abstracts of the Dies Natalis Fakultas Kedokteran Universitas Pelita Harapan XVII 2018 Oral Session
Systematic review of integration of neonatal and child health interventions with pediatric HIV interventions
Authors: Smith Brianna L , Sara Zizzo Sara , Amzel Anouk , Wiant Sarah , Pezzulo Molly C. , Konopka Sarah , Golin Rachel , Vrazo Alexandra C.
Published: November 2018

Background/Objectives: In the last decade, many strategies have called for integration of HIV and child survival platforms to reduce missed opportunities and improve child health outcomes. Countries with generalized HIV epidemics have been encouraged to optimize each clinical encounter to bend the HIV epidemic curve. This systematic review looks at integrated child health services and summarizes evidence on their health outcomes, service uptake, acceptability, and identified enablers and barriers.

Methods: Databases were systematically searched for peer-reviewed studies. Interventions of interest were HIV services integrated with: neonatal/child services for children <5 years, hospital care of children <5 years, immunizations, and nutrition services. Outcomes of interest were: health outcomes of children <5 years, integrated services uptake, acceptability, and enablers and barriers. PROSPERO ID CRD42017082444.

Results: Twenty-eight articles were reviewed: 25 (89%) evaluated the integration of HIV services into child health platforms, while three articles (11%) investigated the integration of child health services into HIV platforms. Studies measured health outcomes of children (n=9); service uptake (n=18); acceptability of integrated services (n=8), and enablers and barriers to service integration (n=14). Service integration had positive effects on child health outcomes, HIV testing, and postnatal service uptake. Integrated services were generally acceptable, although confidentiality and stigma were concerns

Conclusion and Global Health Implications: Each clinical “touch point” with infants and children is an opportunity to provide comprehensive health services. In the current era of flat funding levels, integration of HIV and child health services is an effective, acceptable way to achieve positive child health outcomes.

Key words: Africa, HIV, PITC • Child health services • PMTCT, neonatal health • Literature review • Immunization program

Copyright © 2018 Smith et al. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
First Deployment of a Novel Advanced Tracers System for Improved Waterflood Recovery Optimization
Authors: Ow Hooisweng , Chang Sehoon , Thomas Gawain , Shi Rena , Wang Wei , Chen Hsieh , Poitzsch Martin E. , Abdel-Fattah Amr
Published: November 2018

We are developing an integrated, real-time system for deploying Advanced Tracers cost-effectively in a ubiquitous and potentially long-term way. This campaign is for the sake of increasing the oil recovery factor in large waterflooded reservoirs through improved optimization of the water injection for oil production. This paper explains key features of this novel system and reports main results from the ongoing field test of our second-generation tracer material and detection methodology.

Existing inter-well tracers require elaborate laboratory processing for analysis and are not compatible with ubiquitous or real-time deployment. Additionally, conventional tracer material and service costs are not economically viable for widespread and long-term deployment; also, available material barcodes compatible with carbonate reservoirs may be inadequate to monitor dozens of wells simultaneously. Our system addresses all of these inadequacies using novel materials and detection methods, with detailed modeling studies providing strong justification of the financial benefit of this tracer deployment through quantification of increased oil recovery from waterflooded reservoirs.

Key elements of this new inter-well Advanced Tracers system include: An optically-detectable tracer material that can in principle be detected in real-time or near real-time at low limits of detection (LODs), even in the presence of background oil in producing water by means of an intrinsic oil background-subtraction method. The material also has high mobility in high-salinity carbonate reservoirs.A rich palette of tracer barcodes (potentially 50 - 100 or more) to enable simultaneous injection and sampling in dozens of nearby wells.Modeling feasibility studies, performed on an ensemble of different reservoir geometries and with sensitivity analyses, showing that including routine inter-well tracer data along with injection and production rates improves the history match quality and therefore, the optimization of the water injection and oil extraction rates so as to achieve a few percent increase in net present values (NPV).

Recent field tests of the detectability and discrimination of injected prototype tracer materials will be described.

This work adapts novel technology development at the state of the art of modern nanotechnology and bioanalysis to the long-term reservoir stewardship objectives. The integrated, real-time tracer-detection system promises financial benefits through increased NPV and/or ultimate recovery factor via better optimization of water injection.
Assisted Design of Polymer-Gel Floods in Naturally Fractured Reservoirs Using Neuro-Simulation Based Models
Authors: Alghazal Mohammed , Ertekin Turgay
Published: November 2018

Polymer gel treatments have been widely used by the industry to improve sweep conformance and enhance recovery from highly fractured reservoirs. The success of these treatments depends on several factors that include various reservoir properties and gel design parameters. This paper presents a pragmatic approach to optimize the design of polymer gel treatments to improve oil recovery in naturally fractured reservoirs using neuro-simulation based models.

A full spectrum of fractured reservoir properties and polymer gel treatment design parameters was used to generate base simulation models. Production rate, oil recovery and water cut trends were used as key performance indicators to monitor sweep conformance and evaluate polymer gel design effectiveness. These simulation models were used to construct, train and validate the neural network. The network topology was effectively designed to achieve a good match with the reservoir simulation models.

A given set of reservoir properties including porosity, permeability, net pay thickness, water saturation, polymer gel concentration and injection rate can be optimized using the neural-based model to acquire the desired production rate. Furthermore, results show that the injection rate and cross-linking agent concentration are the most sensitive parameters affecting the production performance. The neural model can be used as an effective screening tool for selecting and designing polymer gel projects as it covers a wide range of field parameters.

This work capitalizes on the ability of artificial expert systems in generating tractable, robust and computationally efficient solutions for complex reservoir models. In particular, this paper presents proxy models that are uniquely developed for the first time to optimize oil recovery in naturally fractured reservoirs using polymer gel conformance treatments.
Unlocking the Potential of Unconventional Oil and Gas Resources in Kuwait
Authors: Husain R. , Al-Wadi M. , Al-Ali S. , Al-Abdullah M. , Al-Fadhli H.
Published: November 2018

To keep pace with increasing importance of unconventional hydrocarbons and consequent changes in the global energy landscape, the State of Kuwait has embarked on a strategic plan of evaluating and developing these resources. Synergistic interpretation of exploration datasets has brought out the exploration potential of the resources. These resources are prolific and occur at multiple stratigraphic levels in diverse settings in carbonate reservoirs.

Two types of unconventional resources, self-sourced hydrocarbons (shale hydrocarbons) and tight hydrocarbons, have been identified and evaluated with workflows specific to each type. The Cretaceous Makhul and the Jurassic Najmah formations have emerged as important self-sourced hydrocarbon reservoirs. The play existence is demonstrated by the presence of free hydrocarbons contents, substantial thickness, overpressures and positive production tests in both plays. The Makhul play is characterized by total organic carbon (TOC) content between 4 - 7% and lies in the middle to late maturity oil window. It is over-pressured and has thickness in the range of 70 - 300 ft. The Najmah play is characterized by TOC content between 9 - 14% and is in the late maturity oil-condensate window. The play is systematically over-pressured, with pressure reaching the natural fracturing conditions. The Najmah play has shale gas and shale oil resource potential, while the Makhul play has potential for shale oil resource. The other speculative shale gas play is Qusaiba Shale which has not been drilled so far in Kuwait. Fractured carbonate units in the Cretaceous Upper Minagish and Upper Makhul; the Jurassic Hith, Najmah, Upper Sargelu and Marrat; and the Triassic Lower Jilh and Lower Khuff constitute the tight reservoir resources. These reservoirs are characterized by porosity typically less than 5% and permeability mostly less than 0.1 millidarcy (mD). These reservoirs are productive in structurally deformed areas where natural open fractures are well developed and critically stressed.

Resource specific and technology intensive multi-disciplinary workflows from play assessment to commercial production are crucial for effective leverage of the unconventional resources.
Enhanced Assessment of Stress Dependent Permeability of Sandstone Rock
Authors: Hamid Osman , Osman Haytham , Alamer Sarah
Published: November 2018

Permeability is one of the most important parameters in formation evaluation, reservoir characterization, and hydrocarbon production. There are many methods in the industry to model in-situ permeability relationship, but it is also critical to know that permeability decreases with the increase of effective stress as has been reported i.e. permeability is sensitive to changes in stress and pore pressure. In this study, a relationship between permeability and effective stress is developed for Sandstone reservoirs using 4Dmodel with a two-way coupling between Geomechanics and fluid-flow.

A relationship between in-situ horizontal stress and permeability has been investigated in several reservoirs around the globe. This paper addresses fundamental controls on stress dependent permeability, as identified through modeling and observations. The model developed provides a description of effective stress and explains the dynamic impact of geomechanical stresses on key production parameters in an effective way. This procedure will lead to a more robust simulation model and history match for the life of the reservoir.

Conventional measurement (porosity, permeably, and grain density) has been observed in sandstone formation, while acoustic slowness is obtained by wireline and/or LWD measurement to create empirical correlations between permeability, porosity, velocity and effective stress. These correlations show a good agreement with available geomechanical data that commonly used in the industry for sandstone Formation. A workflow for modelling is developed to improve formation evaluation and assessment of stress-dependent permeability. The model can help in predicting sweet spot and enhance the long-term productivity
Hole Cleaning Study in Mud Cap Drilling Operation Under Loss and Influx Situation Coincident with Borehole Enlargement
Authors: Naganawa Shigemi , Ishikawa Masaki
Published: November 2018

Mud cap drilling technology would often be an effective solution in drilling through total loss zones otherwise not drillable using conventional methods, even when a formation fluid influx is encountered during operation. In addition to this hazardous situation, however, coincidentally occurred borehole enlargement due to formation instability may cause complex well control issues as well as severe hole cleaning troubles such as pack-off or pipe sticking which sometimes result in an unintended sidetracking.

The previously developed cuttings transport numerical simulator using a one-dimensional transient two-layer model was modified to enable to reproduce lost circulation situations. The simulator predicts transient behaviors of cuttings transport including the amount of cuttings accumulation and annular pressure. In the simulator, a supposed certain loss rate of drilling fluid can be set at a certain depth of loss zone and the rate of cuttings injected with drilling fluid into the loss zone is set according to the loss rate. The extended model can also deal with borehole enlargement with variable wellbore geometries and subsequent cuttings generation from the enlarged hole area due to formation breakout.

Simulation studies on cuttings transport or hole cleaning in occurrence of partial and total loss of circulation and borehole enlargement due to shale instability were conducted, and feasibility of mud cap drilling operation under total loss situation coincident with borehole enlargement was examined. By use of modified cuttings transport simulator, transient behaviors of cuttings accumulation and equivalent circulating density (ECD) during drilling extended-reach wells in occurrence of lost circulation and borehole enlargement were successfully simulated. From the simulation results, the mechanism and the degree of cuttings accumulation under these severe situations were well demonstrated.
Casing Drilling Resulted in Slimmer Hole Design and Significant Cost Savings in the WON Field in Egypt
Authors: Shahin Mohamed , Mohamed Islam , Sofos Panos
Published: November 2018

Drilling through the highly unstable clastic deposits formation has been the major concern in the West of Nile field well planning in Qarun Petroleum Company. The West of Nile wells’ geological column consists of the Clastic Deposits and Abu Roash formations to TD, the Clastic Deposits formation extends from surface to 4600 ft., the upper part consists of unconsolidated sandstones and the lower part mainly consists of siltstone with stringers of shale. Drilling the intermediate Clastic Deposits section has always been challenging and expensive due to its severe wellbore instability. Specially formulated water-based drilling fluid (WBM) was used to stabilize the section, several wiper trips and continuous reaming have been done to ensure a stable borehole before running casing, this was always accompanied with the risk of getting pipe stuck and/or inability to run casing to bottom. Extra and Large-diameter casing strings have been run to split the clastics section which resulted in additional cost and time. The new approach of Drilling with Casing has turned the problematic clastic deposits formation to trouble-free drilling with less and shorter casing strings, it eliminated the Non-Productive Time (NPT) associated with wellbore instability problems and most importantly impacted in changing the well design and enabled to drill slimmer holes. As a result, the overall well cost was reduced by 37% and the economics and field development plan of the WON drilling campaign have changed. In this paper, we discuss the challenges faced by conventional drilling and planning and execution of the Drilling with Casing (DwC) technique that managed to mitigate the wellbore instability issues. We here focus more on well design changes towards slimmer hole after implementing DwC technology.
Polymer Flooding: Surface Facility Design for Mitigating Induced Vibrations and On-field Performance Validation
Authors: Jain Shagun , Vasavada Kavya
Published: November 2018

This paper is in continuation to SPE-187306- MS "Enhanced Oil Recovery - Polymer Flooding: Surface Transfer Facility Design, Graphical Approach for Hydraulics and Tackle Induced Vibrations," with core focus on induced vibrations in surface facilities and corresponding mitigating steps.

Cairn Oil & Gas, vertical of Vedanta Limited, has implemented one of the largest Enhanced Oil Recovery Process (Polymer flood) for its Mangala field (in Rajasthan block). The current facility set up follows centralized polymer handling facility concept. This concept was found to be the most economic and it ensured an optimal utilization of the existing water flood network. Large volume of polymer injection requirement for Mangala polymer project drove the requirement of higher concentrated mother solution to reduce the Central Polymer Facility (CPF) plant size. The CPF is among one of the largest centralized polymer solution preparation facilities in the world, producing 80,000 barrels of polymer mother solution at 15,000 ppm concentration.

The concentrated polymer solution (mother solution) is transferred from the CPF to the various existing well-pads (15 nos.) via a pipeline distribution. The mother solution transfer pipeline network is of over 15 km. Once at the well pads the concentrated polymer solution (mother solution) is diluted with the injection water at a specific dilution ratio. The diluted solution is then injected into the individual wells through the existing injection water lines after boosting the pressure.

However, post Mangala EOR commissioning some piping system failures have been experienced in polymer solution facility. These failures are largely attributed to vibration induced fatigue and arose both, at the suction and discharge lines of the Positive Displacement polymer Injection Pumps. The vibration is attributed mainly to the visco-elastic nature of the polymer fluid.

The paper covers the issue through following steps:

Evaluating the vibration effect on surface facilities and equipment due to polymer fluid rheology Identifying, in detail, the sections of surface facility susceptible to equipment failure and performance loss. Presenting lessons learnt based on field experience Qualifying effective design solutions to address the issues of flow induced vibration Establishing the efficacy of the recommendations through performance evaluation post on-site design modification
A New NMR-Based Height Saturation Model of a Low Permeability Carbonate Reservoir
Authors: Harbi Ahmad Al , Hursan Gabor , Kwak Hyung , Gao Jun
Published: November 2018

Formation evaluation studies suggest that high in the hydrocarbon column, the resistivity logs can precisely quantify fluid saturation due to the large contrast in the resistivities of hydrocarbon-bearing and water-bearing formations. However, in the transition zone where water and oil reside in more or less equal volumes, the determination of hydrocarbon saturation by resistivity value becomes challenging. Some of these intervals exhibit low resistivity pay (LRP) characteristics where resistivity-based log analysis predicts high water saturation, yet they can produce little or no water-cut.

Conventional log-based saturation and rock quality evaluation in a low permeability carbonate reservoir is difficult due to the lack of the input measurement's sensitivity to pore size and the amount of pore-filling fluids. Pore size information provided by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) logs from this LRP provides good sensitivity, but it needs to be calibrated for quantitative use. The objective of this study is to determine a height-based NMR Bulk Volume Irreducible (HBVI) cutoff to distinguish and quantify the amounts of reservoir fluids across a wellbore using NMR logs.

The procedure consists of two-part workflow. The first part describes the acquisition of a data base that includes high-quality laboratory NMR and capillary pressure measurements to determine the pore aspect ratio and the effect of temperature on the formation's NMR properties using core samples from the target reservoir. These measurements are then used to underpin the mathematical description of the HBVI cutoff as a function of displacement pressure that is translated to height above the free water level (HAFWL). The second part of the workflow is a well-log processing scheme where the new formula is implemented to calculate a continuous fluid saturation profile across the well using NMR logs.

The laboratory measurements suggest a good agreement between the capillary pressure and NMR T2 measurements. Both data sets indicate a well sorted pore size distribution. The T2 relaxation time increases with temperature, which is then considered in the downhole implementation of the HBVI model. The NMR-based saturation log is consistent with wireline formation testing (WFT) observations and mercury injection capillary pressure (MICP)-based saturation height modeling results in a low resistivity pay reservoir.

The results of this study suggest that the laboratory calibration and NMR log processing workflows described herein provide a viable alternative for the calculation of fluid saturations in complex reservoirs where the conventional log-based saturation evaluation faces uncertainties.
Manage Performance of Suppliers Effectively to Achieve Excellence in Supply Chain
Authors: Kashif Muhammad
Published: November 2018

Supplier Performance Management (SPM) is a process to improve the overall performance of Suppliers, promote better working relationships with Suppliers and remove poor performing suppliers from Pre-qualified Bidders List.

Once SPM is in place Supplier Performance can be tracked, analyzed and shared with confidence. Owner company can clearly identify poor performing Suppliers and work with them to improve their performance.

The steps involved in achieving an effective SPM are Measure Supplier performance, Analyze available data, Communicate/Engage Supplier and work for tangible Improvement.
Quantitative Integration of Seismic and Electromagnetics for Enhancing Subsalt Imaging
Authors: Turkoglu Ersan , Colombo Daniele , McNeice Gary , Sandoval-Curiel Ernesto
Published: November 2018

Thick salt sequences characterized by halite concentrations embedded in evaporitic and clastic layers can form a seal for hydrocarbon accumulations. Prospect generation in this geology involves accurate imaging of the evaporitic package, underlying deep basin structures and the basement. Robust seismic velocity model building in salt geology is a challenge and, at the same time, a mandatory requirement for obtaining accurate seismic depth images of the subsurface. Electromagnetic (EM) methods provide the additional independent structural and rock-physics constraints needed to generate robust velocity models through a numerical integration method called joint inversion. Multiphysics datasets were acquired over three blocks in the study area including wide azimuth seismic, magnetotellurics (MT) and controlled source electromagnetics (CSEM). Wide offset, multi-frequency and multi-component CSEM and marine MT complement each other to map the 3D resistivity distribution from the seabed to several kilometers depth. The resistivity information from EM inversion was utilized to enhance seismic velocity reconstruction though a hierarchical and multiscale joint inversion approach iterating over model dimension, frequencies and offsets. Seismic traveltime residuals and a cross-gradient function, mapping the structural similarity between velocities and a previously derived CSEM/MT resistivity model, are simultaneously minimized through the joint inversion approach to enrich the velocity reconstruction with structural details contained in the resistivity model. As a result, a better velocity description is obtained for the key geological features such as: the top of the layered evaporitic sequence (LES), the flanks of the salt diapers, and of clastic packages within the LES. The new depth-domain seismic images provide enhanced imaging of key geological targets such as the base of salt and the underlying basement structures that are superior to seismic images derived from a seismic-only velocity model building workflow.
Clay Free Invert Emulsion Drilling Fluid System- An Innovative Rheology Modifier Which Provides Flat Rheology for Deep Water Drilling and Viscosifier for Clay Free System
Authors: Patel Arvind , Indulkar Sakshi , Chavan Vikas , Maddheshiya Pradeep , Asrani Megha , Thakur Swapnil , Singh Anil Kumar , Gupta Vivek
Published: November 2018

Exploration and Production Operators prefer a non-damaging non-aqueous fluid (NAF) for drilling Reservoir. One of the requirements of non-damaging system is a clay free system and it should perform as good as any NAF Fluid. For drilling in deep water environment, it is necessary to have flat rheology of NAF over a wide range of temperatures. An innovative polymeric rheology modifier was used to develop Clay Free Invert Drilling Fluid (CFIDF) which provides dual function to achieve a clay free system as well as flat rheology when measured over a wide range of temperatures from 40 to 150 °F.

The flat rheology is required in offshore deep water drilling due to varying temperature profile from 4 °C at the bottom of sea to as high as 100 °C or even higher at bottom of hole. Lower temperatures increase the rheology leading to higher ECD and at higher temperatures the rheology is lowered leading to hole cleaning issues. Flat rheology profile minimizes or eliminates such adverse effects on ECD or hole cleaning activity.

The newly developed clay free system utilizes a single rheology modifier component to provide dual functions of providing true clay free system and offers flat rheological profile without sacrificing the vital mud parameters such as emulsion stability, fluid loss control and rheology. In addition, the system uses a new rheology modifier that provides a temperature-independent rheology profile for hole cleaning, barite suspension, ECD management. The system can be formulated for deep-water applications with mud weights up to 18.0 lb/gal and bottom hole temperatures up to 350°F.

Recent successful field trials as a clay free system for drilling reservoir indicated that the new system is easy to maintain and provides good fluid performance in terms of drilling rate, ECD management, lost circulation control and hole cleaning. The product provides an excellent rheological profile and was used in the field at a low dosage of 1 ppb. Even at this low dosage LSRV was above 10 in 8 ½″ Hole with yield point of greater than 15 lbs/100 sq.ft. When the system was contaminated with a severe saltwater flow, there were no fluid-related problems before the synthetic/water ratio was restored. The new fluid system exhibits flat rheology profiles and non-progressive gel structures. The system showed excellent hole cleaning with excellent thixotropic properties. This resulted in a noticeable reduction of lost circulation potential in lost circulation prone areas due to manageable ECD.

An innovative rheology modifier which provides clay free system and offering flat rheology profile has been developed and successfully used in field. The rheology modifier can minimize or totally eliminate the organophilic clay to improve the quality of non-damaging reservoir drilling fluid.
Multi Source Data Analysis To Improve Drilling Efficiency, Reduce Costs and Enhance Performance Monitoring
Authors: Zausa Fabrizo , Pellicciotta Luca , Spelta Andrea , Bruni Valerio , Baio Fulvio , Medea Alessio , Rossi Nicola
Published: November 2018

A huge amount of data is made available during well operations (surface and downhole logging data, lithological reports, drilling reports, equipment data,.). An integrated analysis of these multi source data provides highly valuable information for future wells engineering and planning in term of well problems investigation, performance enhancement and, ultimately, cost reduction by anticipating and reducing risks.

The use of a "big data" solution consolidating these multiple sources allows the creation of numerous analytics both on single well and group of offset wells. Particularly, the interpretation of surface logging data through the automatic recognition of operating sequences, when put together with other data sources including standard daily reports, provides a much higher granularity than traditional reporting.

Every operation is accurately measured through objective and detailed KPIs (ROP, tripping speed, weight to weight, connection time, etc.). Technical and performance issues are easily evaluated allowing a better understanding of their root causes, anticipating and avoiding the occurrence of these problems in the next wells and measuring activities and operations potential improvement.

This process helps reducing drilling costs through entire well lifecycle:

The calculation of the technical limit and the implementation of the lessons learned that can emerge from the analysis allows to increase the performance on the overall drilling phase through the reduction of the Invisible Lost Time. ILT are usually around 25% of all the drilling operations. This increase of performance has been measured on a series of drilling campaigns in a range from 6% to 8% time saving. The calculation of impartial performance indicators is already used on some drilling contracts, to incentivize performance from drilling contractors and also to cover excessive low performance. Up to 5% of contract value can be adjusted thanks to these KPIs. The extensive use of well data improves the quality of reporting information from the field. It provides also a structured repository of all data recorded from the well operations. This digitalization process opens a world of capabilities for the operators in terms of predictive modelling and operations automation.

The novelty of this approach is the combination of multiple data sources that provide unmatched analytics. In fact, these data are usually analysed on individual basis and limited to control in real time drilling operations. Therefore, the approach is creating value out of existing data, with limited resources.
Reduction of Sulfur Species in LNG to Ultra Low Levels
Authors: Ali Nafisa , Abdulla Haitham , Al Ameeri Ahmed , Jacques Manuel , Kouaiche Ilhem
Published: November 2018

ADNOC LNG and TechnipFMC are reviewing options to reduce total sulphur in LNG, from a current realized specification of 4-9 mgS/Nm3, down to less than 1 mgS/Nm3. The requirement is to enhance the quality of the LNG product, and reduce environmental emissions.

Several technologies were reviewed, including options to hydrolyze COS present in wet sweet gas, introduction of desulphurization beds downstream the dehydration units, and changing the type of molecular sieves. Those options were extensively reviewed, and found to be inadequate on their own. Therefore, solvent swap within the Acid Gas Removal Unit (AGRU) along with Molecular sieve upgrade was found to be the most viable option.

Rigorous efforts were put in place to establish a robust roadmap that serves furnishing the correct basis, defining the required assessments and developing the intended approach and tools.

This paper aims to present the overall methodology, approach and efforts undertaken to study the means to reduce sulphur species in LNG, in the present three LNG trains.
Digitalization of a Giant Field – The Rumaila Story
Authors: Salman Yaser , Gauder Denis , Turnbull William Bill
Published: November 2018

Objectives/Scope

The Rumaila Operating Organisation (ROO) is a consortium made up of BP, China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) and the Basra Oil Company (BOC) formed to manage the rehabilitation and expansion of the Rumaila super giant oil field, considered the third largest in the world. The Digital Oilfield (DOF) plays an important role in the rehabilitation process. This paper describes the major challenges, solutions and benefits over 5 years of implementation.

Methods, Procedures, Process

The development of the DOF solution involved several components: the installation and connection of sensors; a data management platform for both real-time and non-real time data; the development of engineering models and workflows; an Exception-Based Surveillance engine (EBS) and a user interface integrating all this data.

This paper details how an EBS process is handled for a field of this magnitude, the use of state-of-the-art algorithms for identification of well flow conditions, deployment of advanced analytics for surveillance and optimization of natural flow and ESP wells.

This paper also details how usability testing and advanced graphic design practices were used to guarantee maximum adoption of the new toolkit.

Results, Observations, Conclusions

The Rumaila case is ideal for evaluating the added value of digitalization of oilfields since the project developed from a zero base to a fully digital system in a matter of a few years. The main success stories include: the extension of the lifetime of the ESPs; reduction in well downtime; significant time savings for repetitive tasks; improved reservoir management accuracy; the ability to more readily meet production targets; facility management and optimization; and improvement in oil quality.

The data and visualization usage figures which are continuously monitored show a year-on-year growing user base. This demonstrated that maintaining focus on continuous development and evolution, and providing top class support locally and from specialist vendors, increases user adoption.

As a result, the program has gained support at all levels in the organization, making DOF an integral part of the field operation providing high efficiency and standards of excellence.

Novel/Additive Information

Due to the initial lack of any digitalization in the field, this project can be considered a blueprint for modernization of fields in challenging environments, where very little digital infrastructure is initially available. This project has proven that DOF implementation can be very successful despite many localized challenges, and that a continuous focus on system evolution guarantees a growing user base year after year.
From Insight to Foresight: Knowing How to Apply Artificial Intelligence in the Oil & Gas Industry
Authors: Haroon Sarblund , Viswanathan Aruna , Shenoy Ramachandra
Published: November 2018

We are in an era where digital technologies are developing at exponential rates and transforming industries wholesale. The confluence of machine learning advances, accelerated growth in acquired data, on-demand CPU and GPU driven computing such as cloud infrastructure, and other advances in automation and robotics are causing an industrial revolution that some term as the "Fourth Industrial Revolution". Given that all these transformative technologies are now available and rapidly reinventing other industries, why is the rate of adoption in the oil and gas industry so slow? How can we best utilize these advances to stop drowning in data and instead transform this data into information and knowledge in order to enable secure and intelligent automation in oilfield operations?

The oil and gas industry has attempted, at times successfully, a multitude of big data and analytical techniques to further describe and analyze the systems’ or system of systems’ subsurface interactions. While the proofs of concepts have shown promise, structural difficulties embedded in the design of 20th century systems hinder the implementation of the methods and procedures now part and parcel of the 21st century, driven forth because of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Unfortunately, 20th century procedures are not able to incorporate 21st century driven processes and methods of conducting business.

We outline some of the structural challenges facing the oil and gas industry and describe a few of the solutions that have been developed to help companies in the industry. These include applications from the subsurface in geophysics, completions design, and production. Overcoming data silos in traditional data infrastructure requires a novel approach to cloud infrastructure that respects user access, data privacy, and data residency requirements of companies. Assessing data for quality and for reasonable diversity and variation in order to answer questions posed by oil & gas companies can be quite profound. This critical step prevents companies from spending lots of non-productive time and money trying to develop and tune machine learning algorithms to produce answers that are simply not available in the data. Further, getting data to be in a form suitable to apply artificial intelligence can be quite involved.

We illustrate the above challenges by several subsurface examples and then describe the implementation of novel solutions. What we will show is that the oil and gas digital highway presently has data traffic jams preventing it from moving at the speed of light. Removing these traffic jams offers decision-makers the opportunity to move from insight to foresight – looking out in front instead of the rearview mirror to drive change.