bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How to Use Expansion Rubber to form an Adaptive Sealing Layer to Solve Severe Loss——Materials, Effects and Theory
Authors: Cui K. X. , Li D. Q. , Liu J. H. , Li F. , Tu Y. L.
Published: February 2024

During oil and gas drilling, severe loss from fractured formations is often encountered, which significantly increases drilling costs. The main reasons for failure plugging operations are twofold: firstly, it is difficult to achieve effective matching between the sizes of the plugging particle material and the fracture; Secondly, underground fractures are actually in a dynamic process of size change, leading to repeated losses, however, it is an important feature that has been seriously ignored before.

This paper introduces a key material with great potential to solve the above problems—adaptive smart expansion rubber. A detailed analysis was conducted on the composition and function of the material, and water absorption equilibrium swelling evaluation experiments were conducted to investigate the strength changes and expansion force of the material before and after expansion. Furthermore, the sealing effect of the material on fractured layers was further evaluated.

The evaluation results demonstrate that the expansion rubber exhibits higher strength both before and after expansion, surpassing traditional water-absorbing expansion gel particles. The material can expand by a volume ratio up to 750% and generate at least 50kPa of support stress after expansion. The evaluation of the plugging experiments indicates that the material can effectively enter the interior of the loss layer and successfully solve the loss. The plugging effect increases with the increase of water absorption and expansion time. This paper further proposes a new theory of adaptive sealing, which means that the expansion rubber can enter multi-scale fractures through elastic deformation under the differential pressure, and support the fracture wall surface through continuous expansion, thereby adapting the fracture size and sealing fractures.

This paper fully utilizes this smart material to improve the success rate of primary plugging and reduce the rate of repeated losses, saving plugging time and cost, which has important reference value.
PTA Application in Carbon Capture and Storage – Challenges, Diagnostics, Modeling
Authors: Idorenyin E. H. , Al-Abdulwahab I. M.
Published: February 2024

This paper documents pressure transient analysis (PTA) aspects of carbon capture and storage (CCS), from design considerations through modeling while also highlighting attendant challenges. CO2 injection in porous media has expanded in utility and increased in popularity following global consensus on decarbonization. To this end, CCS is unarguably a viable decarbonization option for the petroleum industry. However, it requires a reliable understanding of the subsurface in terms of quality, integrity, and capacity. In this study, we expatiate on the place of PTA analysis in long-term CO2 storage in porous media.

This work focuses on CO2 injection in saline aquifers; nonetheless, findings here can be easily adapted to depleted oil and gas systems. We first discuss CO2 injection-falloff test design vis-à-vis expectations from PTA-driven formation description. This is followed by an overview of analysis techniques that guarantee reliable estimate of injectivity and robust characterization. We then demonstrate the use of transient modeling to obtain a first-level evaluation of storage capacity in addition to improved characterization. The challenges encountered are also discussed.

Our findings show that knowledge of potential storage sites is indispensable in successful CO2 sequestration. A properly designed and carefully implemented well test remains a viable window to acquiring representative dynamic data which, upon analysis, provides valuable information about the storage media. Diagnostics and modeling must be supported with accurate description of the injection fluid as well as the in-situ formation fluid, otherwise the results may be in serious error.

This paper provides guidance toward best practices on the design, diagnostics and modeling of CO2 injection-falloff tests for the purpose of robust formation description and long-term CO2 sequestration.
A New Numerical Well-Test Model Using an Analytically Modified Embedded Discrete Fracture Model
Authors: Zhou Biao , Chen Zhiming , Song Zhigang , Zhao Xurong , Wang Bin , Olorode Olufemi
Published: February 2024

In the past few decades, multi-stage hydraulic fracturing technology has emerged as a crucial tool for the commercial development of unconventional oil and gas resources. Accurately characterizing transient flow near fractures is a critical concern for many researchers. Currently, discrete fracture models (DFMs) are primarily used to analyze the pressure transient behaviors of multi-stage fractured horizontal wells (MFHWs). Although discrete fracture models can accurately capture transient flow around fractures, they require a substantial number of grids to ensure computational precision, which in turn leads to higher computational costs. Conversely, standard embedded discrete fracture models (EDFMs) based on pseudo-steady-state assumptions, while computationally efficient, struggle to precisely depict the early transient flow around fractures. To narrow this gap, we proposed a new numerical well-test model for analyzing the pressure transient behaviors of MFHWs using structured Cartesian grids and an analytically modified EDFM (AEDFM).

We have made modifications to the transmissibility between the matrix and fractures by multiplying it with a transient factor. Furthermore, we have validated the accuracy and efficiency of our proposed model through comparisons with results from analytical models and standard well-test software. This demonstrates the significance of our proposed model in accurately capturing transient flow around fractures and reducing computational costs. Additionally, we conducted research on the pressure transient behaviors of a MFHW under different parameters and further evaluated the significance of the proposed modifications based on the results. The results indicate that, compared to the standard EDFM, the AEDFM can effectively match the early nonlinear pressure drop near fractures. This study may potentially provide a powerful tool for the precise analysis of pressure transient behaviors in MFHWs, while also significantly reducing computational costs.
New Mechanical Solutions for Isolating Severe Losses in High Temperature Wells
Authors: Zhan Guodong David , Yao Yang , Guo Huijuan , Aljohar Abdulwahab
Published: February 2024

In recent years, with the development of China's oil and gas exploration to deeper layers, the number of deep & ultra-deep wells has been increasing year by year. The casing layer sequence in the well structure design reaches 6 - 7 layers, which has tended to the design limit, but the handling ability is still insufficient in the face of sudden complex formations. Complications such as severe loss and different pressure systems in the same formation are encountered during drilling, resulting in early casing, which may not achieve the exploration target in the end. The open hole clad technology based on high performance solid expandable tubular is focus on solving difficult problems that weak and complex formation and severe drilling loses which cannot be effectively plugged or controlled.

This paper studies the open hole clad technology based on high performance solid expandable tubular in exploration wells by using the methods of indoor test and field trials. The operation principle and technical characteristics of open hole clad technology are introduced in detail. And the test of expansion tubular performance, expansion cone performance and thread sealing strength were carried out to study the expansion tubular operation process. Then aiming at LZ1 exploration well with complications such as severe loss and different pressure systems in the same formation are encountered during drilling, the open hole clad technology field experiment was carried out, and the clad effect of expansion tubular were analyzed.

The research results showed that: (1) the indoor tests of expansion tubular performance, expansion tubular cone performance and thread sealing strength verified the reliability of expandable tubular open hole clad technology which can effectively deal with the severe drilling loses on the safe drilling in exploration wells. (2) LZ-1 exploration wells have successfully created conditions for safe drilling in the target formation of LMX group by using Φ219mm expandable tubular to clad the complex formation. Through the method of mechanical seal, the sudden complex situation is solved, and the equivalent density of bottom hole is more than 2.1 g/cm3 after rapid plugging of complex strata, which make sure the drilling of the lower formation was smooth.

The ability to seal complex formations with severe losses using open hole clad technology based on high performance solid expandable tubular can be used to solve the complications such as severe loss and different pressure systems in the same formation in exploration wells, making sure the drilling of the lower formation was smooth.
Advanced Paleocurrent Analysis Over the Permo-Carboniferous, Methods to Reveal Its Complex Depositional History, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Al-Masrahy Mohammed A. , Lahmar Hakima Ali , Elaraby Abdelmoniem , Amer Aimen
Published: February 2024

The Permo-Carboniferous deposits in Saudi Arabia display a high-level of lateral and vertical heterogeneity resulting in a complex facies architecture. Such settings can be challenging to decipher using basic techniques that depend solely on openhole logs leading to inconsistent interpretation. The aim of this paper is to examine the role of local tectonics in the formation and alternation of subsurface depositional systems and associated hydrocarbon reservoirs in the area under investigation. This is accomplished through a multidisciplinary data integration approach involving core, borehole images, openhole logs, and seismic data. Specific objective includes reconstructing the paleogeography of the study area, which will grant better understanding of reservoir behavior on both vertical and lateral scales. The results of this paper suggest that deposition of the Permo-Carboniferous section at the study area is represented by low-sinuosity braided channels controlled by a preexisting Hercynian reactivated structure that served as a proxy of deposition. Detailed analysis of the paleocurrent data in the southern region of the field reveals three breaks in the sedimentary record. The basal events show variations in the paleocurrent orientations, suggesting deposition occurred over a preexisting terrain. The second event was characterized by a flat paleotopography associated with a period of tectonic stability and dominant unimodal NW sediment paleoflow. During this event, local lacustrine facies were developed in the SW part of the study area. The last event is marked by a SSW change in the paleocurrent flow and changes in lithofacies composition. It is postulated that the dramatic changes in paleocurrent directions are attributed to the reactivation of an earlier Hercynian paleostructure that could have supplied the area with new sediments. In contrast, the northern region of the field displays a consistent southerly paleocurrent flow, suggesting that the northern region was tectonically stable. This work reveals, for the first time, in detail the interaction between sedimentation and tectonism over the Permo- Carboniferous section in the study area. Such an approach can be adopted in other fields, ultimately leading to a systematic paleogeographic reconstruction mosaic of the region.
Geophysical Investigations of a Subsurface Structural Anomaly, Gullebi Field, Ghadames Basin, Libya
Authors: Shahlol Abdelhamed , Elmaslil Abraheem , Owonifaari Foluso , Alzaruk Ahmad
Published: February 2024

Gullebi Field lies in the southwestern part of Concession NC7A in the central Ghadames Basin. The field is characterized by a northeast-southwest reverse fault named the Gullebi Fault. The fault extension is about 45 km and is the conduit for the main hydrocarbon accumulation of the Devonian reservoirs. Based on available seismic data and other geophysical methods that were used in the past for hydrocarbon exploration in the field, there was evidence of a structural complexity—a radial rim faulting system with a deep depression surrounding a central dome. This domal structure has an average circular depression ranging from 152 to 305 m deep. The total width of the anomaly is about 13 km in diameter, while the radius of the dome is about 3 km.

To investigate the structural complexities of this anomaly, Arabian Gulf Oil Company (AGOCO) conducted a new airborne gravity and magnetic survey over the entire area of the NC7A concession addition to the existing seismic data within the concession. Based on the results of all geophysical methods used for this investigation, two hypotheses were established to identify the origin of this anomaly. The first cause could be the possibility of an igneous or volcanic intrusion that originated from the basement. The second theory assumed the anomaly was generated by possible meteorite impact that created synclinal rims around the domal structure. In this paper we present the geophysical assessment of seismic, gravity, and magnetic analyses and mapping conducted in the area to enable the geological interpretations to be more feasible.
Pressure Transient Analysis (PTA) Enables a New Approach for Building Robust Reservoir Permeability Distribution for Miscible Gas Injection Development
Authors: Al Hinai Nasser , Agarwal Pankaj , Dmitrii Smirnov , Fanis Khayrutdinov , Al Kaabi Saqer , Siyabi Rashid , Al Jabri Iman , Al Kindi Ilyas , Amira Harrasi , Alyaqadhan Al Hinai , Quraini Aiman , Alkhattab Mahrooqi , Hadhrami Abdullah
Published: February 2024

Accurate estimation of oil recovery and optimization of reservoir performance requires realistic estimates of permeability distribution. This paper presents an approach to build different modeling realizations for testing possible reservoir behavior during miscible gas injection (MGI) and UR range for MGI development. Multiple geological realizations were built for nine Area-H carbonated reservoirs to bracket the permeability distribution range away from well control, which is a major uncertainty impacting production behavior and history match.

Two main factors that affect ultimate recovery and production forecasts are property distribution and permeability range. Therefore, different geological and dynamic model realizations were built to test the reservoir behavior during MGI, which helped to make reliable estimates of production profiles and UR. Full-field reservoir models were constructed for multiple geological realizations, and permeability distribution results showed that using permeability-thickness (KH) and high-perm model methods increased confidence by preserving high-permeability streaks and introducing higher heterogeneity. Fewer changes were required to calibrate the full-field reservoir model to actual pressure data with KH than with conventional core-based permeability. High-permeability streak models provided faster gas breakthrough, higher GOR, and lower UR than conventional and KH-matched models. High-contrast permeability models provided a higher confidence estimation of faster gas breakthrough and oil recovery. High-permeability streaks and high-contrast models can mitigate the negative influence of enhanced reservoir heterogeneity on field production performance forecast. As a result, robust ranges of production profiles and promise would help the project forecast robustness check against low case realizations and upfront planning on potential mitigation/recovery options in case of heterogeneity indies thief zone behavior leading to faster gas breakthrough.

A new approach is presented that helps to estimate realistic production forecasts and UR ranges for gas injection development projects. It allows testing models for different subsurface realizations and generating robust project economics. The methodology given in this study can show a good practice for the characterization of heterogeneous reservoirs for MGI flooding development, especially for capturing the downside as an alternate geological realization.
Polyaromatic Hydrocarbon-Based Host-Guest Complex for Heavy Oil Viscosity Reduction
Authors: Chen Shaohua , Wang Jinxun , AlSofi Abdulkareem M , AlOtaibi Mohammed B
Published: February 2024

Polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were known to interact with the micro-aggregates of asphaltene compound in heavy crude oil. This study aims at designing, synthesizing, and applying a water-soluble self-assembled viscosity reducer (SAVR) bearing PAHs to efficiently reduce the viscosity of heavy oil through the formation of host-guest complex. The synthesized SAVR product was composed of two chemical components A and B. In an emulsion comprising heavy oil and the SAVR, the PAH groups from the hydrophobic part (component A) strongly interacted with the asphaltene in heavy oil via π-π stacking and hydrophobic association to solubilize these components, the hydrophilic part (component B) of the SAVR self-assembled with component A via host-guest complex to improve the solubility of the entire SAVR in an aqueous environment. The collapse of the asphaltene component results in a decrease of the viscosity of heavy crude oil. The SAVR products were compatible with high-salinity water, and able to form stable oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions with heavy oil. The SAVR formulation exhibited high effectiveness in heavy oil viscosity reduction, the viscosity of heavy oil was decreased by 80% at a 1:1 mass ratio of A:B and an oil-to-water ratio of 7:3. At the heavy oil-water interface, the oil bulk was found to gradually disperse in the aqueous phase containing SAVR in the form of small oil droplets. This new chemical formulation has great potential in heavy oil displacement from a reservoir or treating produced heavy oil, ultra-heavy oil, oil sands, etc. Since the viscosity of the heavy oil can be substantially reduced, the oil can be more easily produced and transported for further processing in an economical and efficient manner.
Experimental Investigation of Liquid, Supercritical CO2, CH4, and CO2/CH4 Mixture to Improve Oil Recovery
Authors: Enab Khaled , Elizondo Thomas , Elmasry Youssef , Flores Leonel , Addo-Mensah Alfred
Published: February 2024

This study investigates the efficiency of injecting CO2 and CH4 in improving oil production from black oil reservoirs. While prior research highlights the effectiveness of these gases in enhancing oil recovery factors, comparing their performance in bulk interaction to their performance in the porous medium is scarce. Furthermore, the impact of the physical state of the injected CO2—liquid, gas, or supercritical— on oil extraction mechanisms still needs to be explored. Hence, our study aims to bridge this gap through a comprehensive experimental analysis of gas-oil interactions in the bulk phase and within porous media. The bulk gas-oil interactions were investigated using a visual Pressure Volume Temperature (PVT) cell.

In contrast, the gas-oil interaction within the porous media was investigated using a coreflooding experimental approach. The proposed investigation is designed to evaluate the influence of the permeability on the gas-oil interactions and the effect of the physical state of the injected fluid —liquid, gas, or supercritical — on the gas miscibility in oil. Since viscosity reduction and oil swelling are the primary mechanisms for miscible gas Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR), this study focuses on the efficiency of different injected gases and the physical state of CO2 on the swelling factor, saturation pressure alternation, and viscosity reduction. The swelling factor and saturation pressure curves were measured when different molecular percentages of gas above the minimum miscible pressure were mixed with oil. The viscosity reduction effect was calculated by comparing the viscosity of the oil produced from the coreflooding experiment to the viscosity of the original oil. The oil minimum miscible pressure (MMP) of each considered gas in the oil sample was determined based on the oil composition determined by Gas Chromatography (GC) analysis.

The results showed that the CO2/CH4 mixture outperformed CO2 liquid, supercritical, and CH4 in coreflooding experiments. Additionally, the coreflooding experiments proved liquid CO2 (Cold) performed better in improving oil recovery than supercritical CO2. However, the bulk PVT analysis revealed a higher swelling factor for supercritical than liquid CO2, which suggests supercritical CO2 outperforms other gases, including cold CO2. In contrast, the viscosity of the produced oil when supercritical CO2 was injected was lower than that of all other gases. The observed variation in CO2 performance indicates the significant role of CO2 physical state of CO2 in the oil extraction mechanism. The conclusion of this study provides a better understanding of the performance of different gas injection strategies in conventional reservoirs, which brings insights into optimizing gas injection into depleted oil reservoirs that contain dead oil.
Annulus Testing as the Integrity Management Method for Steel-Reinforced Thermoplastic Pipe
Authors: Kovalenko K.
Published: February 2024

Decarbonization efforts by the energy industry have driven a strong focus on implementing corrosion-resistant non-metallic pipe technologies. Reinforced Thermoplastic Pipes (RTP) comprise a popular family of pipe products that combine high-pressure ratings with the benefits of spoolable products. Due to their multi-layered structure, RTP pipe products face challenges when operators try to employ traditional non-destructive evaluation (NDE) technologies for inspection and integrity verification. This creates a unique opportunity for RTP pipe manufacturers and pipeline operators to employ innovative inspection and maintenance practices.

Construction damage is statistically the most common cause of failures in RTP pipeline systems. RTP pipes typically include an inner polymer liner, an intermediate reinforcement layer, and an outer polymer shield. The role of the shield is to protect the reinforcement material from external environmental elements such as soil and groundwater. Construction damage that involves only the external pipe shield and does not involve the pipe reinforcement is challenging to detect. If left undetected, such damage may lead to the deterioration of the reinforcement material over time, potentially resulting in a loss of containment. Some RTP pipe products, including Flexible Steel-reinforced Pipe (FSP), have a built-in annulus space between the liner and the shield. This inherent feature allows for the introduction of an annulus test for a pipeline constructed from the FSP. The annulus test is a pneumatic pressure test that confirms the integrity of the pipe shield at different stages of the pipeline life cycle.

Annulus testing performed during pipeline operation or maintenance offers an excellent way to verify the nonmetallic pipeline integrity and detect external damage that may have occurred, for example, due to third-party intervention. Once external pipe damage is detected, the operator can take steps to repair the pipeline and prevent a potential loss of containment. While such testing is well-known in the offshore pipeline industry, it has not been widely used in composite onshore pipeline applications.

Modern pipeline design, construction, and integrity management standards are beginning to acknowledge and incorporate RTP pipe products and associated best practices. In 2022, the newly published API Recommended Practice 15SA named annulus testing as a method for integrity verification of spoolable reinforced line pipe products. This method has become an essential part of Preventative Maintenance and Inspection Programs for composite pipelines. This publication explains how the annulus testing method makes composite pipelines safer and improves their long-term performance.
Design of Biochar Based Adsorber (Bio-Sorb) for Direct Carbon Capture
Authors: AlDossary Nouf , AlKhowildi Fatimah , Mayoof Jory , AlHajji Kawthar , Zubair Mukarram , Anil Ismail
Published: February 2024

The most widespread human-caused greenhouse gas is carbon dioxide (CO2). The automotive sector significantly contributes to CO2 emissions in the atmosphere due to the usage of fossil fuels, which is challenging to decarbonize. In addition, emissions from agricultural waste yield billions of tonnes of CO2 equivalent globally. These emissions results in an increase in the global average temperature. Direct carbon capture (DCC) technology eliminates CO2 from source and is predicted to achieve a net-zero carbon world when used on a wide scale. The sustainable and cost-effective CO2 collection by DCC has been achieved through the characteristics of the materials, high CO2 selectivity, regeneration performance, and appropriate design. Biochar is known for its richness in carbon and low-cost material made from various biomass wastes and exhibited favorable surface characteristics (porous nature, high surface area, and pore volume) for an effective and sustainable CO2 adsorbent. The aim of this work is to investigate the potential of biochar derived from Saudi Arabia’s agricultural waste for CO2 capture. The biochar-CO2 adsorber (bio-sorb) system is designed and tested for direct carbon capture for sustainable mitigation of climate change. The CO2 adsorber design results demonstrated that in order to achieve maximum CO2 adsorption the most appropriate design parameter are gas flowrate (100 mL/min) and, biochar particle size (0.35 mm), and temperature (25°C). The breakthrough adsorption results indicated 70% of CO2 was removed by biochar at the breakthrough time (102 min) and 5g of biochar saturated at 420 min. The adsorption capacity of biochar at breakthrough and saturated time is 5.1g/g CO2 and 21g/g. The biochar-adsorber system was designed for the direct capture of CO2 (concentration 2500 mg/L) and gas flow rate of 1000 m3/day. The biochar adsorber system should of size (height= 230.87 cm and diameter= 124.99 cm) with a minimum carbon requirement of 840.20 kg of biochar and a biochar saturation time of 1.73 days. The total amount of CO2 adsorbed onto biochar using one large-scale biochar adsorber system is estimated to be 1000.18 ton/per. The final prototype of direct carbon capture system-design contains three main sections supported with (<0.5 µm mesh, fan, sensor, silica gel, and fibric filter).
Off-Gas Utilization for Sulfur Recovery Convertors’ Safety
Authors: Alotaibi B. I.
Published: February 2024

In a gas plant, the Sulfur Recovery Unit (SRU) utilizes the SuperClaus® process to convert Hydrogen Sulfide to Sulfur. Overall, due to the high temperatures, and the fire risk, the design of the equipment in these processes needs to include a fire suppressing/protection system. In the plant, the SuperClaus® catalytic convertor doesn’t have a method to protect the catalyst in case of a fire erupting. Thus, a proposed a modification would provide the needed protection in terms of capitalizing on a high CO2 off-gas stream from an acid gas enrichment unit. The off-gas is not being utilized in a beneficial manner, and this idea would take advantage of the high CO2 composition, low temperature (110 °F) off-gas and use it to improve the safety of these convertors in case of high temperature/fire. The downstream equipment after the SuperClaus® convertor is a thermal oxidizer and would handle the off-gas used similar to its original pathway (incineration and disposal). The utilization of the off-gas can be linked with process control to divert quantities of the off-gas to the convertor. The CO2 in this case would act as a quench to cease any fire eruption, and wouldn’t damage the catalyst. The idea is a filed patent and considered a novelty in the industry. The utilization of the once unused CO2 from acid gas enrichment process is a way of capitalizing on carbon emissions for a circular use in the industry. An alternative would be to use Nitrogen instead, however, in comparison to individual plant production and the cost behind it would deem it superficial to the option of utilizing the aforementioned idea.
Novel Pipeline Inspection Multiparametric Sensor
Authors: Palozzo William , Passucci Claudio , D'Alessandro Emilio , Arca Simone , Leoni Alfiero , Barile Gianluca , Stornelli Vincenzo
Published: February 2024

Pipelines represent the most reliable and safe means of transport of hydrocarbons and are designed to grant the material distribution under several stress conditions. However, structural ageing, human interaction and natural occurrences can damage the fluid transport network causing leakage. Detection and localization of anomalies in pipeline structures is a fundamental operation, in order to avoid economic and commodity losses, safety problems and equipment failure. Hence, periodic monitoring is needed to save resources, which may imply great expenditures both in terms of economy and maintenance effort. Asset integrity monitoring of pipelines by means of conventional methods is expensive, invasive and not always applicable, due to the harsh environmental conditions, especially in underground lines, and the extensive length of the pipelines. This work proposes a low-cost pipeline inspection system, based on a multi-sensory device that can be inserted directly into the conduct alone or bonded to cleaning or inspection pigs. The aforementioned device can measure pipelines internal parameters such as pressure, and 3 axial accelerations during its rout inside the pipeline, allowing less invasive monitoring with respect to other methods. The user manages the system and collects useful data at a high level by means of a dedicated software application. The devices recharge and communication is completely wireless in order to obtain an intrinsic protection of the electronics from the environment. The device developed allow for measuring pressure ranging from 1 to 200 bar, temperature ranging from -20 to 80°C 3 axial acceleration ranging from 1g to 16g, 3 axial rotation ranging from 1 to 2000 dps, a sampling frequency settable from 1 to 200 Hz and a battery ranging from 48 to 72h. The device has been realized built in a special epoxy resin oil-proof, gas-proof, and water-proof and capable to withstand the chemical harsh environment typical of a pipeline. It is also equipped with an optional floating shell capable to make the same floatable and thus free flowing inside the oil stream. Such device has been successfully tested in various pipeline reporting fundamental date related to pipeline deposits, cleaning, geometry etc. with mission's length varied from 400-600 m to 25-30 km, with mission time ranging from few minutes several hours.
Developing the Roadmap for Mature Assets in Energy Transition
Authors: Jain Adish , Dickens Paul , Obasi Neto
Published: February 2024

There are numerous hydrocarbon processing facilities worldwide which are at varying stages of their operating lifecycle. In most cases, these debt free assets remain free cash flow generative with positive operating gross margins. However, extending operation beyond design life presents credible safety risks, business risks and operational challenges to the oil and gas industry and requires continued increased investment to keep these assets operational. In parallel, asset owners need to manage the societies’ decarbonisation expectations to continue operation. This paper presents an integrated approach which can help the asset owner to develop a future roadmap for their facilities.

The approach presented in the paper covers the assessment procedures for remaining life, pertinent ageing mechanisms which affect the process facilities and proactive surveys to be carried to develop a complete picture of the actual mechanical condition of the assets. Each unit operation is assessed for best practice technology and safety. Various scenarios incorporating end-of-life equipment renewals, technology and safety upgrades are then developed in combination with decarbonisation targets and the additional investment is determined. The visibility of such investment, then, helps to develop long term plan for the asset.

Three case studies are presented to illustrate the above approach. A roadmap was developed to meet the decarbonisation expectations with phased selection of minimum investment requirement items followed by higher investment options. The recommendations include but are not limited to eliminating fuel oil firing, flare gas recovery, diverting hydrogen rich gas to fuel gas where possible due to process reasons, reducing high pressure steam consumption, using low pressure steam for purge and other energy optimisation projects. Further optimisations requiring additional investment are utilising higher energy efficient equipment when existing equipment are replaced due to end of life, recovering waste material from loading and unloading facilities and recycle of treated waste water for steam generation.

The high investment options include updated energy efficient process technology with major modifications, sourcing green electricity, providing carbon capture facilities at high emitters and development of carbon free energy solutions.

With a timeline of all asset expenditure drivers and possible alternatives, the asset owner is most profitably able to prioritise and best time asset renewal, upgrade or decommissioning.
Building the Next-Generation Process Automation System: An O-PAS Field Pilot Initiative Between Schneider Electric & Petroleum Development Oman
Authors: Rahamtallah M. , Abri A. , Abdel Rahman W. , AlZain Q.
Published: February 2024

The evolution of process automation has been largely dominated by legacy control systems. Although these systems are reliable and robust, they are closed, proprietary in nature. These legacy systems have costs of upgrades and maintenance, due to the specific, custom nature of their components and the lack of interoperability between different systems. Additionally, system security often comes as an afterthought and maintenance updates are required after install to maintain the current level of security or regulatory standards, especially in an increasingly connected world.

Industrial manufacturers are under increasing pressure to reduce both the capital and lifecycle expenses of their process control systems while enhancing operational profitability. Even though modern automation systems incorporate certain improvements, integrating best-in-class, third-party components into proprietary, closed systems remains a challenge. Moreover, despite the ongoing efforts by automation vendors to adopt industry-standard security measures and best practices, these systems lack the built-in cybersecurity measures needed to protect operations, equipment assets, and other capital investments. The solution to these impediments is an open, interoperable, and secure-by-design process automation architecture. Open, interoperable systems stimulate growth in the supplier market, reducing costs through heightened choice and competition. They facilitate the integration of products from multiple vendors, enabling the adoption of best-fit and best-in-class components. Ensuring future automation systems embrace and reinforce standards that promote genuine heterogeneity, inherent security, multi-vendor interoperability, future-proof innovation, and an uncomplicated pathway for system migration will enable end users to derive more values and profitability from their controlled operations.

This case study is a field pilot, a collaboration between Schneider Electric, and Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) aimed at demonstrating some of the Open Process Automation™ Standard (O PAS™) requirements which is one of the emerging next-generation process automation system. Additionally, the O-PAS will accelerate the digital transformation of industry. The O PAS™ redefines the architecture of industrial automation and control systems, enabling the development of scalable, modular, interchangeable, secure-by-design, and interoperable distributed control systems. This initiative leverages the IEC 61499 architecture and UniversalAutomation.org (UAO) to achieve these objectives of the pilot to demonstrate these requirements and implement a multi-vendor architecture.
Synthesis and Performance Evaluation of a Novel Nano Hybrid Chemical Additive on Indian Crude oil
Authors: Patel Zarana , Patel Jinal , Nagar Ashish
Published: February 2024

Paraffin deposition is a major flow assurance issue causing pressure anomalies, artificial obstruction or halt output and in worst case can lead to shut down of the pipeline. Recently, research interest in Nano hybrid Chemical additive which offer a creative and efficient method for preventing paraffin deposition has grown as Nano hybrid materials can considerably reduce paraffin deposition and improve flowability of crude oil. Current studies deal with the synthesis and evaluation of Nanohybrid Chemical additive (NH-CA) to mitigate crude oil flow assurance problems. Nano silica (SiO2) was modified with 3-methacryloxypropyltrimethoxy silane (KH570) to obtain modified Nano silica which was further used for polymerization with Styrene, Stearyl methacrylate and Icosyl acrylate for synthesis of novel Nanohybrid Chemical additive (NH-CA). The structure of NH-CA was assessed using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), 1H NMR, Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). The NH-CA was evaluated for Microscopic and Rheological Studies of Crude oil by Polarized Optical Microscopy (POM) and Rheometer respectively. Cold finger test was performed to check Wax deposition potential of Crude oil and Paraffin Inhibition Efficiency of Chemical additive. The results showed that NH-CA demonstrated superior performance in enhancing the flowability of waxy crude oil compared to conventional pour point depressant (PPD). The pour point of crude oil could be lowered by as much as 15°C at 500 ppm by using NH-CA compared to conventional PPD which depresses the pour point up to 6°C only at higher concentration (1000 ppm). At 30°C, the viscosity of the waxy crude oil reduced up to 90% after doping crude oil with 500 ppm of NH-CA. Cold finger test results revealed that NH-CA can reduce the paraffin deposition up to 65%. The results of polarized microscopy showed that with the introduction of NH-CA in the crude oil, the formation of the wax crystals can be greatly reduced. The results provide directions for building the next generation of Chemical additives for flow assurance of waxy crude oil and understanding the flow behaviour by using nano hybrid materials. NH-CA is a new generation of chemicals providing better results in the laboratory and can be implemented successfully in the field for transportation of crude oil. Additionally, Nano particles can enhance the efficiency of chemical additives significantly due to which NH-CA has a promising role to play in the Petroleum industry for smooth pipeline transportation of waxy crude.
Comprehensive Energy Exergy Economic and Environmental Assessment of an Integrated Organic Rankine Cycle Solid Oxide Fuel Cell and Absorption Chiller System Fueled by Steam Reformed Natural Gas
Authors: Sornumpol R. , Nimmanterdwong P. Prathana
Published: February 2024

This research presents a thorough evaluation of an integrated system comprising a Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC), Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC), and Absorption Chiller (AC). The study employs ASPEN PLUS V10 to assess the system's energy, exergy, economic, and environmental performance. The Integrated SOFC-ORC-AC system offers trigeneration capabilities, generating electricity, cooling, and heating from a single fuel source. It demonstrates potential as an efficient and environmentally friendly energy generation method. The system can be fuelled by steam-reformed natural gas or renewable fuels like biogas or syngas. The SOFC, employing a solid electrolyte, facilitates an electrochemical reaction with hydrogen, producing electricity and heat. The exhaust gas further powers the ORC and AC units. The study builds a mathematical model, assuming steady-state, isothermal, and chemically equilibrated conditions. The SOFC and ORC simulations utilize the Peng Robinson model, while the LiBr absorption chiller employs the ELECNRTL property method for fluid thermodynamic properties. The SOFC electrical model was validated against real-world data, ensuring accuracy. The study also tested a single-effect LiBr absorption chiller, comparing results with experimental data. The operating pressure's effect on SOFC performance was evaluated, demonstrating reduced voltage losses and increased cell voltage and power density at higher pressures. Operating temperature elevation enhanced electrochemical reactions, resulting in higher cell voltage and power density, despite increased voltage losses. Augmenting the fuel utilization factor reduced voltage losses, leading to increased cell voltage and power density. The SOFC-ORC system efficiency peaked at 58.9% at the highest operating pressure, influenced by factors like compressor consumption and high fuel flow rate. Redirecting exhaust gas for waste heat recovery produced hot water, influencing the Coefficient of Performance (COP) of the LiBr absorption chiller. Mass flow rate had a smaller impact compared to hot water temperature. Exergy analysis revealed the SOFC's high efficiency (83.92%), while the steam turbine and LiBr absorption chiller demonstrated lower exergy efficiencies (70% and 32.6% respectively). Cost analysis indicated that the SOFC power plant was the most significant investment at 130,715 $, highlighting the long-term benefits of the integrated system in terms of high efficiency, low emissions, and fuel flexibility. This research offers a comprehensive assessment of the integrated SOFC-ORC-AC system, shedding light on its potential as an efficient and environmentally friendly energy generation solution. The study's findings contribute to the advancement of sustainable energy technologies, emphasizing the importance of trigeneration systems for future energy landscapes.
A nutritional Vitamin B12 deficiency (infantile tremor syndrome) presenting as hemiconvulsion hemiplegia epilepsy syndrome
Authors: Gowda Vykuntaraju K. , Challa Viveka Santhosh Reddy , Srinivasan Varun M. , Vamyanmane Dhananjaya Kotebagilu Narayana
Published: February 2024

Hemiplegia Hemiconvulsion Epilepsy syndrome (HHE syndrome) is a condition characterized by the acute onset of unilateral seizures, which progress to cortical atrophy, hemiplegia and later develop epilepsy over weeks to years. Various aetiologies include infectious causes, especially meningitis, encephalitis, trauma, vascular insults, and sometimes idiopathic. Here, we present a 13-month-old female child, first in birth order, born to a non-consanguineous marriage, who presented with mild global developmental delay with acute onset right focal seizures followed by right-sided weakness and drug-resistant epilepsy. The child was found to have clinical and biochemical features of vitamin B12 deficiency with right-sided weakness. MRI of the brain initially showed edema of the left cerebral hemisphere and later atrophy on the left side. The electroencephalogram showed low voltage activity over the left cerebral hemisphere. Post-treatment with cobalamin, improvement in development was noted, with partial improvement in weakness and persistent epilepsy. In the current report, we highlight Hemiplegia Hemiconvulsion Epilepsy (HHE) syndrome on the background of nutritional vitamin B12 deficiency.
Effects of Tennis Training on Cognitive Control and Visuospatial Skills
Authors: AKIN Gökçe , ODABAŞ İlhan , YARSUVAT Billur
Published: February 2024

The aim of this study was to examine the effect of accurate shot exercises in tennis on cognitive control and visuospatial skills. 15 sports science faculty student, 6 females and 9 males, aged between 18-22, with an average age of 18.53 were included in the research. Flanker Task and Spatial Visualization Test were applied to evaluate participants’ cognitive control and visuospatial skills. Tennis training was performed once a week, for half an hour, with 500 hits (forehand and backhand) and an average of 2000 hits in four weeks. After performing the normality test and descriptive statistics, Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test was applied to compare the pre-test and post-test. The findings showed that there were significant differences between pre-test and post-test scores in the spatial visualization test (p = 0.019), correct response rate in the flanker task (p = 0.02=), and difference in reaction time between congruent and incongruent conditions in the flanker task (p = 0.02). Consequently, it can be concluded that tennis training significantly improved participants’ cognitive control and visuospatial skills. The fact that tennis is a sport that requires the use of space and uses open skills may improve individuals’ cognitive control and visuospatial skills.
التعلم المنظم ذاتياً وعلاقته بالتفكير الإيجابي وحل المشكلات لدى طلاب جامعة الطائف
Authors: العتيبي غدير عبدالله عايض
Published: February 2024

هدفت هذه الدراسة إلى التعرف على مستوى التعلم المنظم ذاتيا والتفكير الإيجابي وحل المشكلات لدى طلاب جامعة الطائف، والكشف عن العلاقة بين التعلم المنظم ذاتيا والتفكير الإيجابي لدى طلاب جامعة الطائف، وكذلك الكشف عن العلاقة بين التعلم المنظم ذاتيا وحل المشكلات لدى طلاب جامعة الطائف، واستخدمت الدراسة المنهج الوصفي ألارتباطي، وقد تكونت العينة من (108) طالب وطالبة اختيرت بطريقة عشوائية من طلاب جامعة الطائف، وشملت الأدوات المستخدمة مقياس التعلم المنظم ذاتيا من إعداد فرحان (2020)، ومقياس التفكير الإيجابي من إعداد القريشي (2012)، ومقياس حل المشكلات من إعداد هبنر وباترسن، والمعرب من قبل جروان (1986). وتوصلت الدراسة إلى النتائج التالية: وجود علاقة ارتباطيه ذات دلالة إحصائية بين التعلم المنظم ذاتيا والتفكير الإيجابي لدى عينة من طلاب وطالبات جامعة الطائف، وجود علاقة ارتباطيه ذات دلالة إحصائية بين التعلم المنظم ذاتيا وحل المشكلات لدى عينة من طلاب وطالبات جامعة الطائف. بناء على النتائج أوصت الباحثة بالاهتمام بإقامة برامج إرشادية لحث الطلاب على التعلم المنظم ذاتيا، وكذلك عقد دورات تدريبية لتدريب أعضاء هيئة التدريس على استخدام التعلم المنظم ذاتيا وتنمية مهاراته لدى الطلبة.
The Free Energy Density of a Fluid and its Role in Solvation and Binding
Authors: Gilson Michael K. , Kurtzman Tom
Published: February 2024

The concept that a fluid has a position-dependent free energy density appears in the literature but has not been fully developed or accepted. We set this concept on an unambiguous theoretical footing via the following strategy. First, we set forth four desiderata that should be satisfied by any definition of the position-dependent free energy density, f(R), in a system comprising only a fluid and a rigid solute: its volume integral, plus the fixed internal energy of the solute, should be the system free energy; it deviates from its bulk value, f_bulk, near a solute but should asymptotically approach f_bulk with increasing distance from the solute; it should go to zero where the solvent density goes to zero; and it should be well-defined in the most general case of a fluid made up of flexible molecules with an arbitrary interaction potential. Second, we use statistical thermodynamics to formulate a definition of the free energy density that satisfies these desiderata. Third, we show how any free energy density satisfying the desiderata may be used to analyze molecular processes in solution. In particular, because the spatial integral of f(R) equals the free energy of the system, it can be used to compute free energy changes that result from the rearrangement of solutes, as well as the forces exerted on the solutes by the solvent. In particular, we discuss the thermodynamic analysis of water in protein binding sites to inform ligand design. Finally, we discuss related literature and address published concerns regarding the thermodynamic plausibility of a position-dependent free energy density. The theory presented here has applications in theoretical and computational chemistry and may be further generalizable beyond fluids, such as to solids and macromolecules.