bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
O ESPAÇO RURAL E O MUNICÍPIO
Authors: Oliveira Anderson Gonçalves de , Fonseca Ana Ivania Alves
Published: April 2022

O espaço rural brasileiro é marcado por transformações em diferentes setores, principalmente após a década de 1960, com a inserção de políticas desenvolvimentistas. As modificações no espaço rural trouxeram impactos tanto positivos como negativos, sucedidos em fazes distintas. De início, foram impulsionadas pelo sistema capitalista, visando crescimento econômico rápido e expansionista, com consequências negativas, devido a falta de planejamento desse fenômeno. Contrapondo a isto, as pequenas comunidades dos municípios buscaram novos meios de se manterem e desenvolverem no campo, usando os conhecimentos sobre o manejo da terra e o domínio do seu ambiente, como guardiões da cultura e tradição dos antepassados, mesmo enfrentando diversos problemas, como o processo de desterritorialização. Nessa perspectiva, este artigo tem como objetivo, estudar as transformações no espaço rural do município de Montes Claros – MG e na comunidade rural de Pedra Preta, que vem acompanhando de perto estas transformações, e representando uma realidade vivida pela maioria das comunidades do município. Como metodologia, foram realizados trabalhos de campo com o objetivo de estabelecer conversas informais e observação do cotidiano dos moradores. As entrevistas foram semiestruturadas no formato de pesquisa qualitativa, com o intuito de coletar informações em diferentes esferas, desde sociais, históricas, culturais, econômicas e nas questões ambientais. Embora os resultados revelem um meio rural dinâmico e pluriativo na comunidade, há desafios e reconfigurações que demandam um olhar especial para melhor desenvolver o espaço rural na comunidade.
Strengthening Resilience of Family Caregiving for the Elderly through Religious Coping Approach: From Philosophy to Gerontological Family Nursing Practice
Authors: Masruroh Nur Lailatul
Published: April 2022

This article presents an overview of the philosophical and theoretical foundations of the Family Resilience, The Resiliency Model of Family Stress, the Adjustment, and Adaptation Model in families caring for the elderly, The Concept of Religious Coping and its application in order to strengthen family resilience. It is based on the phenomenon the increasing elderly population worldwide has become a global problem, along with the fact that the extension of life expectancy in a person is also accompanied by a decrease in function due to degenerative processes, that require complex health care services. So far, the family is still the primary care setting of choice in the care of the elderly. However, as an informal caregiver, the family also has many limitations that cause the burden of caring for the elderly to become a source of stress in itself. Hence, it impacts the quality of care and the quality of life of the elderly themselves. Meanwhile, from various sources, it is known that religious coping is one of the sources of overcoming stress. So that a strategy is needed to strengthen family resilience in accepting the responsibility of health care for the elderly with a religious coping approach.
Neuro-Mechanical Control of Movement and Coordination: A New Perspective Based on Somatic Equilibrium Points
Authors: Garofolini Alessandro , Svanera Daris
Published: April 2022

Despite more than hundred years of research since Sir Sherrington’s studies on reflexes, his questions are still somehow unanswered. On what anatomical stage do the play of spinal reflex interaction take place? What are the physiological properties of this anatomical substrate? In this paper, we address these questions in light of the most advanced theory of motor control and the anatomical discoveries on the fascia that are changing how we think about control of action and perception. There are two sides of the problem: the neurological (reflex) connections that are at the base of movement, and the anatomical substrate that regulates and coordinates the movement. We recently advanced a hypothesis on how these two elements are connected and how they interplay. Here we further explain the concept of the somatic equilibrium point – SEP – and its central role in movement control and coordination. It is our belief that the concept of SEP explains how the neuro-mechanical control of movement is organized at peripheral level. At this level, intrafusal and extrafusal muscle fibres are combined in myofascial units, organized in anatomical directions. Myofascial units are closed systems whose behaviour can be affected by neural (voluntary) control or changes in external forces. SEPs represent the intrinsic equilibrium of the myofascial units, and are connected through the continuum of the fascia so that mechanical transfer of tension from segment to segment pre-adjust muscle fibers length and hence their excitation level. This is how coordination between segments is achieved. Finally, we suggest SEPs create the neurological representation of the referent configuration for action, and configurations are linked to the architecture of the fascial system.
Implementation and Evaluation of Two Nudges in an Electronic Prescribing System to Optimise Cost-Effective Prescribing in the Hospital
Authors: Khanal Saval , Schmidtke Kelly Ann , Talat Usman , Sarwar Asif , Vlaev Ivo
Published: April 2022

Providing healthcare workers with cost information about the medications they prescribe can influence their decisions, particularly when that information is provided at the very moment they are faced with a prescribing decision. The current study aimed to analyse the impact of nudges that presented cost information to prescribers through their organisation's electronic prescribing system. The nudges were co-created by the research team (composed of behavioural scientists) and the lead hospital pharmacist. One nudge provided simple cost information (percentage difference between two brands of Mesalazine – Asacol and Octasa). The second nudge provided the potential annual cost-saving that could result if the cheaper medication was selected across the organisation. While the statistical analyses revealed that these nudges were not effective, several administrative barriers were overcome, which may inform future research. For example, presenting aggregated cost information to the prescribers is possible even when the actual cost of medicine is confidential and can not be displaced. In addition, future research could reveal more behavioural factors that facilitate medication optimisation.
Nanofiber Cellulose Grafted with Lauric Acid as a New Phase Change Material (PCM) used in Buildings for Thermal Energy Storage
Authors: Zormati Soumaya , Aloulou Fadhel , Sammouda Habib
Published: April 2022

In this research, Cellulose Nanofibers (NFC) modified with a eutectic of lauric acid (LA) was prepared as a new form-stable phase change material (NFC-LA). Thermal properties of this composite were investigated by Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC). The results revealed that the melting temperature and latent heat of NFC/LA were 21.56 °C and 88.5 J/g, respectively; and the super cooling degree for the NFC-LA composite decreased to 13.99 °C when compared to 20.28 °C of the pure lauric acid. Natural clay was purified and modified with Cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB) to prepare organoclay. Through FTIR spectra, we have confirmed that the clay was successfully modified. The PCM-composite was then added to the organoclay to obtain a new composite denoted NFC-LA-OC. this latter was added to cement and was investigated as a reinforcement material in cement mortars for thermal energy storage application. The prepared material can both solve the leakage problem associated to the phase change material, and reduce or even avoid the use of heating and air conditioning systems, which are energy-intensive systems, and therefore reduce energy consumption.
Social Capital and Community Resilience in Tōhoku-Oki: Lessons from the 2011 Great East Earthquake and Tsunami Disaster in Japan
Authors: Siawsh Nidam Marcus , Peszynski Konrad , Young Leslie , Vo-Tran Huan
Published: April 2022

This paper investigates experiences of how local cultural norms and social capital influenced the disaster relief process following the 2011 GEJET disaster. To underline social capital’s multiple‐influence aspects, this paper draws from field research that focuses on collective and individual social capital in disaster relief to systematise the findings according to the social capital framework. The paper uncovers new effects of individual social capital and collective capital in a mega-disaster context, thus contributing to pushing the research agenda toward a more critical appraisal of individual social capital and collective capital. We contribute to the nascent but growing literature that clarifies the relationship between social capital and disaster resilience. A qualitative study was conducted to capture the essence of their shared experiences. Findings revealed three main themes capturing the essence of the research participants’ disaster experiences. First, disaster response relied mostly on locally driven relief due to a clear understanding of the local culture. Second, there was an urgency to establish a sense of normalcy by providing quality supplies that would help survivors. Third, Japanese gender roles and expectations were reflected in the disaster relief process. The themes establish a wide array of lived experiences that are important to reflect on the role social capital plays in the policy-making and needs assessment processes in post-disaster relief and response efforts. The findings provide insights for integrating social dimensions into a humanitarian aid culture as citizens work towards a sense of normalcy.
Artificial Intelligence-Assisted Optimization and Multiphase Analysis of Polygon PEM Fuel Cells
Authors: Jabbary Ali , Pourmahmoud Nader , Abdollahi Mir Ali Asghar
Published: April 2022

This article presents new PEM fuel cell models with hexagonal and pentagonal designs. After observing cell performance improvement in these models, we optimized them. Inlet pressure and temperature were used as input parameters, and consumption and output power were the target parameters of the multi-objective optimization algorithm. Then we used artificial intelligence techniques, including deep neural networks and polynomial regression, to model the data. Next, we employed the RSM (Response Surface Method) method to derive the target functions. Furthermore, we applied the NSGA-II multi-objective genetic algorithm to optimize the targets. Compared to the base model (Cubic), the optimized Pentagonal and Hexagonal models averagely increase the output current density by 21.819\% and 39.931\%, respectively.
Coastal Anthropogeomorphological Changes in Ashairej Promontory, Kuwait Bay
Authors: Al-Hurban Adeeba , Baron Heba , Allen Casey D , Hassan Ahmed
Published: April 2022

Human activities comprise a third agent of modern geomorphological processes. A human-made landform represents a unit characterized by human activities combined with natural geomorphologic agents, the study of which is referred to as anthropogeomorphology. Ras Ashairej in Kuwait Bay is undergoing many such changes due to the disposal of untreated sewage and industrial effluents that contain high concentrations of ammonia, mercury, chlorine, and oil residue resulting from the disposal of ballast water inside inshore water. This paper aims to: 1) describe the changes in Ashairej promontory during the period 1990 to 2021, 2) investigate the present water quality at Ashairej headland, 3) evaluate the currents’ normal circulation pattern, and 4) determine decay and sedimentation rates along the Ashairej coast. This study utilizes both remote sensing (satellite imagery and UASs to photograph the study area and track recent changes) and field-based data gathering (i.e., ground-truthing) to identify changes in land use and land cover, including using sample analysis of the water for tracing evidence and creating/updating a land-use map. The goal rests in creating the first geographic information systems (GIS) database for the headland capable of analysing coastal anthropogeomorphology changes at the Ashairej promontory that, as an example, can then be generalized and expanded for Kuwait’s other coasts. The result rests in presenting a plan to protect the study area from human encroachments, as well as aiding specialists and decision-makers in the State of Kuwait in further protecting Kuwait’s coastal/near-coastal ecosystems.
Identification of Material Properties of Elastic Plate Using Guided Waves Based on the Matrix Pencil Method and Laser Doppler Vibrometry
Authors: Golub Mikhail V. , Doroshenko Olga V. , Arsenov Mikhail V. A. , Bareiko Ilya A. , Eremin Artem A.
Published: April 2022

Ultrasonic based inspection of thin-walled structures often requires prior knowledge of their mechanical properties. Their accurate estimation could be achieved in a non-destructive manner employing, e.g., elastic guided waves. Such procedures require efficient approaches for experimental data extraction and processing, which is still a challenging task. An advanced automated technique for material properties identification of an elastic waveguide is proposed in this investigation. It relies on the information on dispersion characteristics of guided waves, which are extracted by applying the matrix pencil method to the measurements obtained via laser Doppler vibrometry. Two objective functions have been successfully tested, and the advantages of both approaches are discussed (accuracy vs computational costs). The numerical analysis employing the synthetic data generated via the mathematical model as well as experimental data shows that both approaches are stable and accurate. The influence of the presence of various modes in the extracted data is investigated. One can conclude that the influence of the corruptions related to the extraction of dispersion curves is not critical if the majority of guided waves propagating in the considered frequency range are presented. Possible extensions of the proposed technique for damaged and multi-layered structures are also discussed.
Photoinduced Electron Transfer in Organized Assemblies. Case Studies
Authors: Santoro Antonio , Bella Giovanni , Cancelliere Ambra Maria , Serroni Scolastica , Lazzaro Giuliana , Campagna Sebastiano
Published: April 2022

In this review, photoinduced electron transfer processes in specifically designed assembled ar-chitectures have been investigated on the basis of recent results reported from our laboratories. A convenient and useful way to study these kinds of systems has been described in order to under-stand the rules that drive to a light induced charge separation and its subsequent decay to the ground state, also with the aim of offering a tutorial for young researchers. Assembled systems of covalent or supramolecular nature have been presented and some functional multicomponent systems for the conversion of light energy into chemical energy have been discussed.
Mediators of Regional Kidney Perfusion during Surgical Pneumoperitoneum Creation and the Risk of Acute Kidney Injury – A Review of Basic Physiology
Authors: Kopitkó Csaba , Medve László , Gondos Tibor , Soliman Karim Magdy Mohamed , Fülöp Tibor
Published: April 2022

Acute kidney injury (AKI), especially if recurring represents a risk factor for future chronic kidney disease. In intensive care units, increased intraabdominal pressure is well-recognized as a significant contributor of AKI. However, the importance of transiently increased intra-abdominal pressures procedures is less commonly appreciated during laparoscopic surgery, the use of which has rapidly increased over the last few decades. Unlike the well-known autoregulation of the renal cortical circulation, medulla perfusion is modulated via partially independent regulatory mechanisms and strongly impacted by changes in venous and lymphatic pressures. In our review paper, we will provide a comprehensive overview of this evolving topic, covering a broad range from basic pathophysiology up to and including current clinical relevance. Key regulators of oxidative stress such as ischemia-reperfusion injury, the activation of inflammatory response and humoral changes interacting with procedural pneumoperitoneum formation and AKI risk will be recounted. Moreover, we present an in-depth review of the interaction of pneumoperitoneum formation with general anesthetic agents and animal models of congestive heart failure. A better understanding of the relationship between pneumoperitoneum formation and renal perfusion will support basic and clinical research, leading to improved clinical care and collaboration among specialists.
Re-Injection of Produced Polymer in EOR Projects to Improve Economics and Reduce Carbon Footprint
Authors: Ghosh Pinaki , Wilton Ryan R , Bowers Annalise , O’Brien Thomas , Cao Yu , Wilson Clayton , Metidji Mahmoud Ould , Dupuis Guillaume , Ravikiran Ravi
Published: April 2022

Chemical Enhanced Oil Recovery (cEOR) flooding is one of the more attractive methods to improve oil recovery. However, during times of instability in the oil market, cost of specialized chemicals and necessary facilities for alkali-surfactant-polymer (ASP) or surfactant-polymer (SP) make this technology very expensive and challenging to implement in the field. In majority of cases, polymer flooding alone has proven to be the most cost-effective solution that has resulted in attractive and predictable return on investment. In recent times, challenging economic environment has operators looking for added economic and sustainable savings. The possibility of re-injection of produced polymer to offset injection concentration requirements can lead to reduced cost and longer sustainability of oil recovery; thus, offering a subsequent reduction in produced water treatment and a reduced full-cycle carbon footprint. This innovative approach is subject to conditions experienced in the surface facilities, as well as in the reservoir. As part of this study, different polymer chemistries were investigated for their mobility control in porous media and comparative effect on oil recovery trends in presence of produced fluid containing residual polymer. The initial fluid-fluid testing and lab characterization results were validated against a mature field EOR project for reduction in polymer requirement to achieve target viscosity. Monophasic flow behavior experiments were performed in Bentheimer and Berea outcrop cores, while oil recovery experiments were performed in Bentheimer outcrops with different polymer solutions – freshly made and combinations with residual produced polymer. In addition, comparative injectivity experiments with field and lab prepared solutions were performed in Bentheimer outcrop cores. Based on field observations and lab measurements, a 10-15% reduction in fresh polymer loading could be achieved through the re-utilization of water containing residual polymer in these specific field conditions. Similar screen factor measurements were obtained with increasing concentration of residual polymer solution. This agreed with the monophasic injectivity experiments in both outcrop cores that resulted in similar resistance factors for fresh polymer and blends with produced water containing residual polymer solution. Oil recovery experiments also resulted in similar oil displacement behavior (approximately 30-40% OOIP after 0.5 PV waterflood) for fresh and blends with sheared polymer solutions, validating no loss in recovery potential, with the added benefit of 10-15% polymer loading reduction.
Physics-Based and Data-Driven Wettability Alteration Model
Authors: Bordeaux-Rego Fabio , Mehrabi Mehran , Eltahan Esmail , Sepehrnoori Kamy
Published: April 2022

This paper presents a new wettability alteration model based on surface complexation theory and an extensive experimental dataset. The objective is to provide a general correlation for contact angle calculation that (1) captures the main mechanisms that impact rock-brine-oil wettability and (2) minimizes the number of parameters used to tune with experimental data.

We compile a set of 141 zeta-potential and contact-angle measurements from the literature. We study the oil/rock surface-complexation reactions and model the electrostatic behavior of each data point. We develop a new wettability model that estimates the contact angle and consists of five terms based on the Young-Laplace equation. We use the Nelder-Mead optimization algorithm to determine the model-parameter values that produce the best fit of experimental observations. The contact angle estimates produced by our model are also verified against those calculated by Extended-Derjaguin-Landau-Verwey-Overbeekand (EDLVO) theory and are validated using UTCOMP-IPhreeqc to simulate five limestone Amott tests from the literature.

The Blind-testing test reveals that our model is predictive of the experimental data (R2 = 0.81, RMSE = 12.5). While reducing the tuning parameters by half, our model is comparable to and–in some cases–even superior to the EDLVO modeling in predicting the contact angle measurements. We argue that EDLVO modeling has 10+ parameters, and the individual errors associated with each parameter could lead to wrong predictions. Amott-test simulations show excellent agreement between the proposed wettability-alteration model and experimental data. The rock's initial wettability was measured to be strongly oil-wet, with a negative Amott index and recovery factor around 5%, corroborating the calculated contact angle of 160 degrees. The recovery factor increases to about 20-35% as the rock becomes more water-wet after interaction with engineered water (contact angle changes to 90-64 degrees). Further analysis indicates the proposed model's capability to capture significant wettability-alteration trends. For example, we report increased water-wetting as brine ionic strength decreases, depicting the low-salinity effect. In addition, our model resulted in better convergence in some of the simulated core floods compared to EDLVO modeling. We conclude that our physics-based and data-driven model is a practical and efficient approach to predict rock-brine-oil wettability.
State-of-the-Art Laboratory Methods for Chemical EOR
Authors: Dean Robert Matthew , Britton Chris James , Driver Jonathan William , Pope Gary Arnold
Published: April 2022

The objective of this paper is to present a critical review of best practices for conducting laboratory experiments to evaluate chemical EOR. Some legacy methods and procedures are outdated and need to be updated to address their inherent flaws. This paper presents the reasons improvements are necessary and serves to introduce or highlight better methods, while providing a good resource to review past studies. Common laboratory methods and procedures used to evaluate chemical EOR are critically reviewed and discussed for polymer flooding, surfactant-polymer flooding, alkaline-surfactant-polymer flooding, alkaline-co-solvent-polymer flooding specifically but also apply to similar processes. The laboratory methods for evaluating chemical EOR include surfactant phase behavior, coreflooding, chemical adsorption and retention measurements, polymer residual resistance factor measurements, polymer transport, polymer filtration ratio measurements, polymer stability. The best methods and procedures for these and other measurements should take into account how the laboratory measurements will be used for making field-scale performance predictions, the type of oil reservoir, the chemical EOR process and many other factors. Conducting corefloods with a low residence time is an example of a common mistake. New or improved methods are introduced or highlighted to bring best practices to the forefront. New methods that are highlighted include Residence Time Distribution Analysis to determine polymer retention and IPV, polymer transport in cores with two-phases present, and the addition of solvents/pre-shearing for improved polymer transport. The state-of-the-art laboratory methods and procedures discussed herein yield more accurate, more scalable data that are needed for reservoir simulation predictions and field-scale applications of chemical EOR. The recommended best practices will provide a better understanding needed to help select the appropriate chemicals and to determine the optimal chemical mass for field applications of chemical EOR.
Analytical Method for Forecasting ROZ Production in a Commingled MOC and ROZ CO2 Flood
Authors: Hampton David Wayne , Wagia-Alla Ahmed
Published: April 2022

Residual Oil Zone (ROZ) refers to a formation whose discovery saturation equals the rock's residual oil saturation. The ROZ makes up an excellent target for CO2 flooding since this oil is immovable by primary and secondary production processes. The San Andres ROZ has been recognized as an extensive residual oil saturated fairway in the Permian created during the Leonardian uplift, which caused spillage from the natural traps (Melzer, 2006). It has been developed through CO2 flooding in several fields across the Permian, including the Denver Unit in the Wasson San Andres formation, where it was developed years after the Main Oil Column (MOC). Both zones are producing from commingled producers and are flooded by commingled or dedicated injectors. This commingled configuration presents a challenge in discerning the production coming from each zone. In this paper, we will present an analytical approach to distinguish between MOC and ROZ production without the need for numerical simulation or costly well interventions such as production logging or zonal isolation.

A sector of the Denver Unit's CO2 flood was used as an example in this paper. Dimensionless analysis, which entails normalizing production and injection to the target pore volume, was used along with the Pulser process (Liu, Sahni, and Hsu, 2014; informal communication with Deepak Gupta, 2019) to history-match MOC production and then extrapolate it using zonal injection obtained from injection profile logs. This calculated MOC production is then subtracted from the total production to calculate ROZ production, with its dimensionless response function fitted with Pulser for forecasting. Additionally, a fully compositional numerical simulation of the same area was history-matched and used to validate the approach mentioned above.

The results of the analytical approach showed excellent agreement with the numerical simulation results and with historical performance through multiple years. A few challenges presented themselves, such as pattern-to-pattern interference, the quality of injection profile logs, and pattern reconfigurations, which we will discuss below along with limitations and assumptions that must be considered when using this approach.

The methodology presented in this paper presents a simple method to allocate and forecast MOC and ROZ performance individually despite changes in injection throughput, based on injection distribution without the need for complex simulation or costly well configuration. This approach could also be applied to any commingled flood that meets the criteria outlined in this paper.
Evaluation of Carbon Footprint for a Hydrocarbon Foam EOR Field Pilot
Authors: Castellanos Diaz Orlando , Katiyar Amit , Hassanzadeh Armin , Crosley Matt , Knight Troy , Rozowski Pete
Published: April 2022

EOR intervention methods, such as surfactant injection for in-situ foam as a conformance improvement, help increase energy efficiency of the EOR process. However, it is very important to have a calculation framework that identifies actual values to these energy efficiency benefits and contrast them with the energy requirements of making the EOR intervention methods work in the field. Such a calculation framework was introduced in this work with a life cycle thinking approach. To showcase the calculation methodology, a foam assisted gas-EOR process trial was used as an example of a successful EOR intervention technology, specifically a field pilot from a trial between Dow Chemical and MD America Energy (SPE 201199). Injection and production data, together with industry averages on electricity generation, gas compression, and water treatment, were utilized to calculate energy input into the process prior, during, and post-trial. Energy differences due to the foam technology deployment were translated into carbon footprint equivalence and contrasted with the carbon footprint of manufacturing and transporting the surfactant. A benefit-to-burden carbon footprint ratio of 21 was obtained, which means that for every carbon units emitted while producing the foaming agent 21 carbon units would be saved when implementing the technology as opposed to not implementing it. On a per barrel basis, the carbon footprint of the technology is reduced by more than 50% when using the foam additive than the baseline, even including the carbon footprint of making the material. The calculations also showed that the gas compression and separation steps dominate the energy inputs of the EOR intervention method.
Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage in the Context of Petroleum Industry: A State-of-the-art Review
Authors: Magzymov Daulet , Dindoruk Birol , Johns Russell T.
Published: April 2022

The petroleum industry is one of the few industries that deal with high-pressure high-temperature conditions involving complex fluid behavior, rock and fluid interactions, and flow dynamics in the subsurface. Moreover, petroleum industry has the critical domain expertise to reach and manage deep reservoirs both onshore and offshore. These capabilities and know-how put petroleum industry at the forefront to capture, utilize, and store carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases in the subsurface. The objective of this paper is to review the existing body of literature and outline the most prominent methods or options to manage carbon dioxide (CO2) and other gases.

We review the rigorous efforts presented in the literature to implement carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) projects, in the context of technological challenges, capacities, and perspectives. We categorize the options into three groups: 1. Currently available technologies; 2. Near-future technology; 3. Long term technology. Categories (2) and (3) are discussed in terms of cost and scale-up, where both can be an impediment for wide-scale deployment. Many such options are functions of the energy price and as well as local incentives. Therefore, while focusing on the technical aspect we also discuss some of the enabling factors for its application. Some of the elements of (2) are also related to source-sink match yet direct air capture is being highlighted as a remedy of this issue while the costs are still an impediment for widespread use. We examine methods that use carbon dioxide and other gases to improve the recovery of hydrocarbons and simultaneously store concentrated CO2 in the subsurface. Our main conclusion in this review paper is that the petroleum industry has all of the tools and expertise to implement and adopt CCUS projects and to contribute to the sustainable future from a technological perspective.

We show that there are many well-established methods in the petroleum industry that can be used directly for CCUS purposes. The petroleum industry may be regarded as a contributor to carbon and other gas emissions, however, in this paper we present the reverse concept that the petroleum industry has all the necessary tools and expertise to capture, utilize, and store carbon gases. The perspective presented in this paper will help petroleum industry to recognize its own strengths with the goal to reduce emissions not only within petroleum industry but also to lead carbon emission reduction efforts from other industries.
Confirmation of Polymer Viscosity Retention at the Captain Field Through Wellhead Sampling
Authors: Johnson Geoffrey , Hesampour Mehrdad , Toivonen Susanna , Hanski Sirkku , Sihvonen Stina , Lugo Nancy , McCallum Jennifer , Pope Michael
Published: April 2022

The Ithaca-operated Captain field is located in Block 13/22a in the U.K. sector of the North Sea, 130 km northeast of Aberdeen, in a water depth of 360 ft. The Captain Field has an adverse mobility ratio across all the producing reservoirs and so has undergone improved oil recovery by polymer flooding since 2011 using Anionic polyacrylamide (HPAM) in liquid form. This paper presents recent offshore wellhead sampling from the Captain facility that confirms high polymer solution viscosity retention from a producing well, even after significant mechanical degradation through the Electrical Submersible Pumps (ESP), which is used for artificial lift.

The continuing commercial success of the Captain Field polymer flood is underpinned by maintaining polymer viscosity throughout the system. High polymer returns, combined with declining oil rates, may result in the continued operation of these wells to be unattractive. This paper summarises the data used to shut-in mature wells that are producing polymer to the surface, to enable the polymer flood to continue displacing oil to offset production wells.

Samples were collected from the wellhead in oxygen free conditions into pressurized cylinders. The measurements in laboratory were taken inside a glove box to avoid oxygen ingress. The absence of oxygen was confirmed through measurements of dissolved oxygen and redox potential. Viscosity of the solutions have been measured with Brookfield viscometer inside the glove box and the results were compared to the expected viscosity from fresh non-degraded polymer solution. The expected viscosity was determined using a concentration – viscosity curve of a fresh polymer in synthetic Captain brine. Polymer solution concentration is measured on-site using KemConnect™ EOR, a time resolved fluorescence method, the collected samples were subsequently confirmed with size exclusion chromatography (SEC) in the laboratory. The polymer concentrations measured from these wellhead samples with KemConnect™ EOR were in the region of 700-900 ppm.

Previously collected downhole viscosity samples confirmed >70% viscosity retention prior to being produced through the ESP, while 50-80% of the original viscosity was found to be retained after production through the ESP to the surface facilities under anaerobic conditions for the range of concentrations sampled. These findings demonstrate the resilience of the polymer product to degradation in a real-world operational setting. It also provides data that may be used to estimate the expected downhole polymer solution viscosity from wellhead samples for defined operating conditions. The ability to estimate polymer solution downhole viscosity retention from wellhead samples provides a simpler and less expensive method of estimating viscosity retention than downhole sampling, which is especially useful for wells that do not have downhole access for sample collection.
Potential and Challenges of Foam-Assisted CO2 Sequestration
Authors: Rossen William R. , Farajzadeh Rouhi , Hirasaki George J. , Amirmoshiri Mohammadreza
Published: April 2022

Foam is a promising means to assist in the permanent, safe subsurface sequestration of CO2, whether in aquifers or as part of an enhanced-oil-recovery (EOR) process. Here we review the advantages demonstrated for foam that would assist CO2 sequestration, in particular sweep efficiency and residual trapping, and the challenges yet to be overcome.

CO2 is trapped in porous geological layers by an impermeable overburden layer and residual trapping, dissolution into resident brine, and conversion to minerals in the pore space. Over-filling of geological traps and gravity segregation of injected CO2 can lead to excessive stress and cracking of the overburden. Maximizing storage while minimizing overburden stress in the near term depends on residual trapping in the swept zone. Therefore, we review the research and field-trial literature on CO2 foam sweep efficiency and capillary gas trapping in foam. We also review issues involved in surfactant selection for CO2 foam applications.

Foam increases both sweep efficiency and residual gas saturation in the region swept. Both properties reduce gravity segregation of CO2. Among gases injected in EOR, CO2 has advantages of easier foam generation, better injectivity, and better prospects for long-distance foam propagation at low pressure gradient. In CO2 injection into aquifers, there is not the issue of destabilization of foam by contact with oil, as in EOR. In all reservoirs, surfactant-alternating-gas foam injection maximizes sweep efficiency while reducing injection pressure compared to direct foam injection. In heterogeneous formations, foam helps equalize injection over various layers. In addition, spontaneous foam generation at layer boundaries reduces gravity segregation of CO2.

Challenges to foam-assisted CO2 sequestration include the following: 1) verifying the advantages indicated by laboratory research at the field scale 2) optimizing surfactant performance, while further reducing cost and adsorption if possible 3) long-term chemical stability of surfactant, and dilution of surfactant in the foam bank by flow of water. Residual gas must reside in place for decades, even if surfactant degrades or is diluted. 4) verifying whether foam can block upward flow of CO2 through overburden, either through pore pathways or microfractures. 5) optimizing injectivity and sweep efficiency in the field-design strategy.

We review foam field trials for EOR and the state of the art from laboratory and modeling research on CO2 foam properties to present the prospects and challenges for foam-assisted CO2 sequestration.
Viscous Oil Polymer Flood Milne Point Field Case History Concept to Full Field Implementation
Authors: Edwards Reid , Aitkulov Almas , Redwine Connor , Cunha Katherine
Published: April 2022

Milne Point Field initiated the first polymer injection pilots on the North Slope of Alaska starting in 2018 and have rapidly progressed to full-field polymer injection within four years. The two initial pilot projects injected at an initial total rate of 6,000 bwpd utilizing 5 horizontal injection wells. Expansion activities began two years later in 2020 with the addition of 4 additional polymer injection units. By the end of 2021, total field polymer injection rate was 32,000 bwpd via 29 horizontal injection wells. Targeted reservoirs have average permeabilities ranging from 100 – 1000md and in-situ oil viscosities ranging from 40 cp to 1300 cp. Both secondary and tertiary floods are being conducted in both greenfield and brownfield development areas each with varying, yet all promising, results. The highest observed recovery is in a secondary polymer flood pattern at 27% of OOIP with an oil viscosity of 850 cp and no water breakthrough observed to date. Responses in injection well injectivities have ranged from as low as 0% up to 50% loss to date and are observed to be correlated by well spacing and total reservoir mobility. Multiple polymer injection designs exist throughout the field which were driven by existing infrastructure, specific needs from pattern to pattern, and increased learning over time. A logistics system has also been successfully developed that allows for large scale polymer flood on the North Slope of Alaska. The intent of this paper is to a.) provide sufficient historical context to give insight into field development when polymer flood was started b.) highlight what has been done to date in regards to moving from polymer flood concept to near full field expansion and c.) present observed results with the hope that they can help set expectations for future polymer flood projects.
Use of Horizontal Injectors for Improving Injectivity and Conformance in Polymer Floods
Authors: Hwang Jongsoo , Zheng Shuang , Sharma Mukul , Chiotoroiu Maria-Magdalena , Clemens Torsten
Published: April 2022

Several field cases have demonstrated polymer injection in a horizontal well increases oil recovery. It is important to maintain high injectivity while preventing injection-induced fractures to ensure good reservoir sweep. Our primary goal in this paper is to better understand polymer injection data from horizontal injectors in the Matzen field using a fully integrated reservoir, geomechanics, and fracturing model.

By simulating polymer injection history, we present several advantages of horizontal injectors over the vertical wells. Horizontal injectors delay fracture initiation and provide better tolerance to polymer plugging on the wellbore surface. Simulations explain the measured PLT data of fluid distributions influenced by accumulated polymer deposition in multiple zones. We show that gradual injectivity decline is attributed to both polymer filter cake buildup and high-viscosity, shear-thickening zones created around the wellbore. The field case simulation also clarifies the flow distribution in different sands and how polymer rheology affects this. This distribution is found to be different than for water injection.

Results from periodic acid treatments clearly show that free-flowing particles in the polymer solution are responsible for formation damage. Polymer plugging and the viscous pressure drop in the shear-thickening zone are the primary factor affecting the measured injection pressure. Based on the strong near-wellbore viscosity impact, geomechanical simulations identify reservoir zones prone to fracture growth during long-term injection, and we suggest strategies to avoid injection induced fractures that can lead to poor conformance.
Evaluation of Historical and Ongoing Double Displacement Process in Yates Field Unit
Authors: Mohebbinia Saeedeh , Pennell Stephen Peter , Valdez Raul , Eskandaridalvand Kiomars
Published: April 2022

Implementation of a second Double Displacement Process (DDP2) has been evaluated for Yates Field Unit (YFU). A DDP2 Demonstration Area Project has been designed to test DDP2 in a mature, high recovery area of the field. A detailed, geologically based reservoir description was used to build a simulation model for the DDP2 pilot area to study the DDP process and evaluate DDP2 performance. Initial saturations and relative permeability curves were generated based on a capillary pressure based Saturation Height Function (SHF) study. The fracture system was simulated using a hybrid dual porosity/permeability system. A 9-component equation of state (EOS) was used to model the YFU fluid properties. Capillary pressure of imbibition is used to capture the effect of hysteresis and oil trapping in the zones invaded by the aquifer during primary depletion. The simulation model has been tuned against historical performance since 1927, focusing on the first DDP process (DDP1) implemented over 1992-2000. Matching historical production/injection, field pressure and fluid contacts data were the history matching objectives. The DDP2 pilot project will include lowering 31 Horizontal Drain Hole (HDH) lateral completions by 25 feet to lower the contacts. The tuned model has been used to generate flow streams for different forecasting scenarios utilizing the DDP2 process. Forecast results show incremental oil recovery by lowering the contacts by 25 feet during the DDP2 phase. This paper presents a comprehensive study of YFU DDP1 process and evaluation of the second DDP process by a 3D numerical simulation model. The simulation model is used to improve understanding of the complex Gas-Oil Gravity Drainage (GOGD) and Gas Assisted Gravity Drainage (GAGD), and provide forecasts for the DDP2 process. Success of the pilot will result in extending the field life another 10-20 years.
Dynamic Changes of Pore Structure During CO2 Mineral Sequestration in Shale
Authors: Yang Yang Ming , Chen Hao
Published: April 2022

The mineralization that occurs after CO2 injection into shale is one possible long-term solution considered for storage of this greenhouse gas. However, the pore structure and connectivity of rocks will be affected in the process of mineralization. The purpose of this paper is to determine the effect of mineralization on reservoir connectivity during CO2 capture and storage (CCS).

This mineralization is investigated here experimentally by injecting radially carbonate water into reactors containing rock samples. The rock samples were taken out at different mineralization times (24h, 72h, 120h, 168h), and permeability and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) tests were performed on the rock samples. According to the images of the overall characteristics and intergranular distribution characteristics under scanning electron microscopy, Avizo and Matlab software were used to divide the threshold value of gray value and statistics of gray value distribution, respectively. By defining the pore proportion degree, gray value frequency distribution and dissolution intensity, the dynamic change of pore connectivity in the process of mineralization was quantitatively analyzed.

According to the threshold segmentation calculation of gray value, different dissolution modes in different stages of carbonization process were observed, including surface dissolution and particle denudation. The gray values in different ranges are quantized to analyze the influence of different dissolution types on pore connectivity. The synergistic effect of surface dissolution and particle denudation has a positive effect on the mineralization. We demonstrate the existence of a critical reaction time for mineralization, above which reservoir pore connectivity gradually decreases. At the same time, we found that the changes of reservoir connectivity and surface corrosion strength have roughly the same trend. Finally, the decrease of permeability caused by the accumulation of dissolved particles will contribute to the formation of self-sealing phenomenon during CCS.

In this paper, the dynamic change of pore connectivity caused by mineralization during CCS is defined for the first time by statistical analysis of gray value, and the synergistic effect between surface dissolution and particle denudation is quantified, and the existence of self-sealing effect is verified. The results are of great significance for CCS.