bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Metodologia de pesquisa empírica para a análise da atividade sancionadora da CVM
Authors: Nani Ana Paula Ribeiro , Dutra Marcos Galileu Lorena , Santos Ezequiel Fajreldines , Prado Viviane Muller
Published: November 2024

For a broader and structured view of CVM's sanctioning activity, it is relevant to research administrative decisions that reveal organized and reliable knowledge, with the potential for evaluating coherence and changes in the regulator's understandings. Therefore, it is necessary to build databases with detailed classification of decisions, as well as subsequent analytical reports. Databases have proven to be crucial for conducting various studies based on empirical evidence. This article aimed to provide a detailed presentation of how the MFCap database was constructed and the methodological criteria used.
The Method of Mapping and Calculation of the Changes in Pressure and Saturation in Producing Reservoirs Using Time-Lapse Seismic Data
Authors: Shevchenko S.
Published: November 2024

Reservoir monitoring is an important aspect of managing field development to optimise hydrocarbon recovery. The application of time-lapse seismic technology makes this process economically feasible. This paper presents a method for calculating the pressure and saturation changes within the producing reservoir by applying the Extended Elastic Impedance (EEI) concept to the time-lapse seismic data.

Based on AVO (Amplitude Versus Offset) principles, the EEI concept has been used by the oil industry in exploration and development projects, mainly for lithology and fluid prediction. We propose and demonstrate a method that estimates pressure and saturation changes in the reservoir by applying EEI to time-lapse seismic data. The method is based on the fact that time-lapse seismic data processed at EEI specific χ angles using linearised EEI AVO crossplot projections can discriminate changes of particular rock properties in the producing reservoir that relate to changes in reservoir pressure and water saturation. The technique has been tested successfully to detect and discriminate both pressure and saturation changes at the producing Enfield oil field in the North West Shelf of Western Australia, where water injection wells were used to enhance oil production. The reservoir has complex geological settings and is complicated by compartmentalization. We estimated optimal EEI rotation angle χ = +42° for the fluid changes based on log data and Biot-Gassmann modeling and χ = –79° angle for the pressure changes on rock-physics models based on laboratory velocity-pressure data measured on Enfield well core samples.

Other methods to find optimal angles χ were tested and can be used as an express analysis for pressure and saturation changes in the producing reservoir. Seismic reflectivity and inversion domains were used for comparison and analysis of the final rotated volumes.

The final calculated pressure map of the producing field was successfully tested with areas of changing the pressure from the well data, showing that the quantitative and qualitative results are credible. The pressure and oil-saturation change maps of this field were also compared and consistent with the operator's (Woodside Energy) interpretation that used a different method.

This approach should be useful in the analysis of time-lapse seismic data and would help the management of the reservoir using a straightforward procedure.
Application of Advanced Work Packaging in Structural Steel Installation: Optimization of Construction Execution of a Mining Project in Southeast Asia
Authors: Flores P. , Ramos C. D. , Rey C. S.
Published: November 2024

Advanced Work Packaging (AWP), introduced in 2011 by the Construction Industry Institute as a project management strategy designed to improve outcomes in construction projects, was adopted in a mining project in Southeast Asia. This study presents the core principles of AWP, the preparation of Installation Work Packages for the structural steel assemblies of the said project, and the importance of close collaboration and communication between the Workface Planning (WFP) team and other stakeholders.

The AWP concept breaks down a construction project into smaller and more manageable units called Installation Work Packages (IWPs). These packages contain information about the work scope, permits, labor, tools and equipment requirements, special safety considerations, material take-offs, installation procedures, and other related constraints that need to be cleared prior to construction of the IWP scope. In addition, central to AWP's philosophy is the early formation of a collaborative team of professionals comprising of discipline engineers and designers, supply chain experts, steel fabricators, rigging engineers, and site managers.

Various challenges may significantly affect the performance of construction projects. In this mining project, geographical configuration of the site and complicated transportation routes posed challenges in the delivery of materials from the warehouse to the laydown areas. Moreover, unintentional material fabrication lapses and unforeseen constructability issues necessitated revisions of related engineering drawings or modification of supplied materials. Similarly, complex engineering details identified in the pre-construction phase required simplified solutions. This paper shows how regular alignment between concerned groups in the planning, design, engineering, procurement, fabrication, and construction phases can enhance project performance by proactively addressing potential causes of delays, such as those mentioned. Upon the project's completion, the structural IWPs were accomplished ahead of the projected baseline finish date by about three (3) months and the hard deadline set by the client was met despite the challenges faced.

The use of customized in-house templates and software applications like Navisworks Simulate expedites and assists in the preparation of IWPs; hence, this paper also briefly explores the potential of other innovative applications like Smart Construction to improve the automation of IWP preparation. As the efficiency and effectiveness of AWP consequently improve project performance, its demand and application in diverse types of projects and industries become inevitable and a key solution to the most common challenges faced in construction execution.
Protecting HSE: Monitoring Pipe Bending Stress Using Temperature Compensated Distributed Fiber-Optic Strain Sensor for Enhancing Pipeline Integrity Situational Awareness
Authors: Zou Lufan , Sezerman Omur
Published: November 2024

A distributed fiber-optic strain and temperature sensor (DSTS) with less than 1mW (Laser Class 1M) of pump power has been developed by controlling depletion of pump beam resulting from coherent interaction of probe and depleted pump (CIPDP). DSTS with CIPDP technique ensures flat-noise-floor over entire fiber length, which offers same resolution and accuracy over entire fiber length and makes simultaneous measurement of strain and temperature possible. Bending stress monitoring of an 11km pipeline located in northern Alberta, Canada using temperature compensated distributed fiber-optic strain sensor with CIPDP technique is presented. The results showed that some parts of the pipeline experienced 3,063µε during winter from November 2022 when the pipeline was installed to April 2023 when the soil was still frozen. The pipeline leaks due to the ambient temperature change are presented also. The leak volume of 2.187gal with the injection pressure of 105psi and the temperature difference of 39°F (21.6°C) between the line temperature and the soil temperature has been detected in one minute after a leak occurred through 1/8" orifice. All leaks with different volumes controlled by injection pressure, orifice, line temperature, and duration have been detected successfully.
Developing a State-of-the-Art Subsea Engineering Laboratory for Training the Next Generation Energy Industry Manpower
Authors: Patwardhan Samarth D. , Paranjape Parag
Published: November 2024

With the world population slated to rise significantly over the next few decades, the demand for energy is also going to rise multifold. Although renewables are making their presence felt in the overall energy mix, the world is far from seeing them as a primary source of energy. This is primarily since energy from these sources is currently not being delivered at the scale at which it is required, to meet the growth in the total energy demand. Going forward, although renewables will account for a higher percentage of the overall energy mix, the percentage of the energy mix that consists of oil, gas and coal will also be significant. This is evident from the fact that fossil fuel consumption reached a new high in 2023, driven primarily by the rising oil consumption (BP Energy Outlook, 2024). Figure 1 shows that 84% of the energy mix in 2023 consisted of hydrocarbons.

A large part of the growing demand for energy is due to the emerging economies, with India and China leading the group. Keeping the Paris Agreement of 2015 in context, the successive COP meetings discuss strategies of adoption of technologies to achieve the Net Zero target, as sustainably as possible. This includes shifting the mass transportation systems from fossil fuels based to electricity based, along with efforts that need to be taken to enhance the efficiency of the electrification grid. With solar, hydro and wind incapable of providing electricity at such a scale, and nuclear taking a significant amount of time for commercialization, the onus falls on coal and gas, which are the current drivers for producing electricity across the globe. The surge in demand for electricity is going to be a function of the exploration and development of hydrocarbons, thereby leading to major investments being made in the upstream sector across the board. Investing in research and development (R&D) is going to be crucial for providing successful future energy sustainability (Kelechukwu, E.M., 2011). R&D efforts in reducing uncertainty in exploration and enhancing efficiency of production have resulted in production from reservoirs which were considered uneconomical a few decades ago (Alnuaim, S., 2019).

The onshore market for oil and gas is already contributing towards energy sufficiency. However, onshore projects will need to be supported with offshore discoveries, to meet the above-mentioned surge in demand. The global offshore market is expected to grow at the CAGR of 8.7%, to USD 65.63 billion by 2030, almost double of USD 33.22 billion, in 2022. Figure 2 indicates the Asia-Pacific drilling market size prediction up to 2030.
Universal Scaling of Counter-Current Spontaneous Imbibition Experiments Accounting for Sample Shape, Wettability, Saturation Functions and Other Input Parameters
Authors: Andersen P. Ø.
Published: November 2024

Spontaneous imbibition (SI) refers to multiphase fluid flow driven by capillary forces. In particular, counter-current (COU) SI is a flow setting where the wetting phase invades the sample while the non-wetting phase flows in the opposite direction (counter-currently). This is facilitated by exposing all open sides of the sample to the wetting phase. COU SI is among the most common experiments performed on porous media core samples. An important application of those tests is to estimate the rate of SI and ultimate recovery on larger scale, e.g. in naturally fractured reservoirs for assessing oil production from the matrix blocks or to assess water losses during hydraulic fracturing in tight shales. This is performed by converting the time scale seen in the laboratory to a time scale corresponding to the metric dimensions in the field.

Current approaches are based on taking a time scale obtained from the 1D (linear) capillary diffusion equation while applying a characteristic length to correct for flow into samples that do not have linear flow, such as cylindrical or otherwise. While a semi-analytical solution does exist that perfectly scales 1D flow tests for all conditions (although only at early time), the use of a characteristic length is only approximate and it is unclear how accurate or inaccurate the results can be. In a recent work it was demonstrated that imbibition into samples of arbitrary geometry could be accounted for in a highly accurate manner. While 1D flow results in recovery linear with the square root of time at early time, such linearity occurs until a much lower value of recovery for samples with flow from more sides open. This work aims to apply those results to assess different scaling approaches: In the first approach all samples have identical initial imbibition rate against scaled square root of time. While this works well for 1D samples, the rate of recovery declines soon for the complex geometry cases. An alternative, which still collects the 1D samples perfectly, focuses on giving similar recovery for all cases at a higher level of recovery. Both approaches are theory based and do not require any tuning parameters.

The theory is tested on numerical simulations and experimental data. The scaling collects data on a unit slope line of recovery against square root of scaled time. It is demonstrated that experimental data that can be modeled consistently (using the same set of input parameters) can be scaled more successfully.
Petroleum Engineering-Educational Evolution: Crafting Comprehensive Curricula for Well-Informed Minds
Authors: Samuel Robello
Published: November 2024

In today's world, societies face multifaceted challenges, from environmental sustainability to economic dynamics and societal well- being. Within the realm of petroleum engineering education, the need for curriculum restructuring is paramount, given ongoing industry transformations and technological progress. To meet the evolving demands of the field, educational pathways must embrace interdisciplinary methods and innovative teaching strategies. Curriculum reform, a pressing concern across engineering disciplines, underscores the importance of empowering learners with problem-solving abilities and adaptability in navigating complex landscapes. As artificial intelligence and technology reshape traditional work models, a comprehensive realignment of curricula is essential, requiring systemic shifts in evaluation, assessment, and instructional methodologies to ensure relevance and efficacy. The educational paradigm must transition from the conventional "learn at school and re-learn at work" model to a "learn to work" approach in line with industry requirements. In petroleum engineering education, a blend of fundamental and advanced engineering principles alongside hands-on learning is essential for enhancing job readiness. This paper presents a novel curriculum framework aimed at aligning educational objectives with industry needs. Emphasizing intelligent policy formulation, inclusive stakeholder engagement, and relevant subject matter, this framework offers a roadmap for effective implementation. Continuous professional development programs for educators empower them to influence educational policy and practice. Successful implementation of curriculum reforms necessitates phased strategies, pilot initiatives, and regular evaluation cycles to address logistical and pedagogical complexities. Nonetheless, challenges such as resource constraints, stakeholder opposition, and the demand for comprehensive teacher training and infrastructure enhancements must be navigated.
Replacement of SPM Buoy Moorings – Engineering Challenges
Authors: Mohan Varun , Cherian Litty Dani , Kamal Faris Ragheb
Published: November 2024

For FPSOs/cargo ships with higher drafts, it is necessary to have a dedicated facility at offshore to load/unload petroleum products since it is impossible to approach shore due to shallow water depths near shore. This dedicated facility which is called as Single Point Mooring (SPM) buoy can handle extra-large vessels at offshore. SPM buoy is a floating buoy anchored offshore to allow handling of liquid cargo for FPSOs/cargo ships. SPM buoys serve as a link between shore facilities and the tankers. Considering the importance of SPM buoys in providing liquid cargo services to various ships, it is crucial to inspect and maintain the mooring components which holds the SPM buoy in position. Replacement and maintenance of mooring components needs to be carried out periodically.

NMDC Energy, one of the leading EPCI contractors in Middle East recently was engaged in a project for the replacement of mooring components for an SPM buoy in Arabian waters.

Mooring components adopted in the project includes anchor chains and piles and related hardware. Since the buoy was operational, replacement of its mooring accessories required considerations of tanker berthing and slack periods. Superimposing the tanker berthing schedules to the construction activities for the replacement provides realistic duration of the project and required multiple mobilizations.

The sequential installation of anchor piles and subsequently the mooring chains for SPM buoy demand meticulous planning and engineering. The challenge gets compounded when multiple vessel types such as self-elevating platform and DP vessel are used. The establishment of clear sequence of operations and logistics are essential to initiate engineering feasibility assessments. This paper provides comprehensive discussion of all factors that needs to be accounted for seamless installation of piles and chains.
Whispers from the Reservoir: Well Interference Testing Unlocks Insights for Optimal Well Spacing and Completions Design in a Delaware Basin Case Study
Authors: Almasoodi Mouin , Pelton Kevin
Published: November 2024

Optimizing well spacing in unconventional reservoirs employing multi-stage hydraulic fracturing remains a significant challenge. While overly close spacing incurs detrimental inter-well interference, excessive spacing leads to inefficient resource recovery. This study aims to present a workflow for pressure interference testing to optimize well spacing in unconventional reservoirs using early-time data. The proposed workflow integrates pressure interference testing with reservoir simulation and a real-world case study from the Delaware Basin, New Mexico. The case study focuses on three target reservoirs: Avalon, First Bone Spring Sand, and Second Bone Spring Limestone. To assess pressure communication and optimize well spacing, downhole pressure gauges were strategically deployed within each formation. This strategic placement enables the monitoring of pressure responses both during hydraulic fracturing and throughout production in each specific reservoir zone. Data analysis then evaluates the initial well spacing assumptions and identifies potential vertical and lateral communication between the zones. The Delaware Basin case study validates initial well spacing assumptions and provides early insights into reservoir connectivity. This information facilitates the optimization of completions design and well spacing. The study concludes that the pressure interference testing workflow offers a valuable tool for reservoir and completions engineers. Consequently, the workflow prevents loss of capital due to suboptimal design, ultimately leading to more efficient and cost-effective reservoir management. This paper presents a novel workflow that strengthens pressure interference testing by incorporating DQI (Devon Quantification of Interference) method. Additionally, this workflow transcends traditional pressure interference testing as it advocates for the integration of additional diagnostic techniques, such as fiber optics, offset pressure monitoring, and time-lapse geochemistry.
Domain Driven Methodology Adopting Generative AI Application in Oil and Gas Drilling Sector
Authors: Ponomareva Daria , Droubi Nour El , Jundi Obeida El , Assaf Georges , Mustapha Hussein , Kindi Zainab Al
Published: November 2024

In dynamic landscape of oil and gas drilling, Generative Artificial Intelligence (Generative AI) emerges as the indispensable ally, leveraging historical drilling data to revolutionize operational efficiency, mitigate risks, and empower informed decision-making. Existing Generative AI methods and tools, such as Large Language Models (LLMs) and agents, require tuning and customization to the oil and gas drilling sector. Applying Generative AI in drilling confronts hurdles such as ensuring data quality and navigating the complexity of operations. A methodology integrating Generative AI into drilling demands is comprehensive and interdisciplinary. Agile strategy revolves around constructing a network of specialized agents of LLMs, meticulously crafted to understand industry-specific terminology and intricate operational relationships rooted in drilling domain expertise. Every agent is linked to manuals, standards, specific operational drilling data source and it has unique instructions optimizing computational efficiency and driving cost savings. Moreover, to ensure cost-effectiveness, LLMs are selectively employed, while repetitive user inquiries are addressed through data retrieval from an aggregated storage. Consistent responses to user queries are provided through text and graphs revealing insights from drilling operations, standards, manuals, practices, and lessons learned. Applied methodology efficiently navigates inside the pre-processed user database relying on custom agents developed. Communication with the user is set in the form of chat framed within a web application, and queries on the database about hundreds of wells are answered in less than a minute. Methodology can analyze data and graphs by comparing Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). A wide range of graph output is represented by bar charts, scatter plots, and maps, including self-explaining charts like Time versus Depth Curve (TVD) with Non-Productive Time (TVD) events marked with details underneath.

Understanding the data content, data preparation steps, and user needs is fundamental to a successful methodology application. The proposed Generative AI methodology is not just a tool for data interpretation, but a catalyst for real-time decision-making in complex drilling environments. Its integration into oil and gas drilling operations signifies a pivotal advancement, showcasing its transformative potential in revolutionizing the industry's landscape. This approach leads to notable cost reductions, improved resource utilization, and increased productivity, paving the way for a new era in drilling operations. A method driven by selective, cost-effective, and domain specific LLM agents stands poised to revolutionize drilling operations, seamlessly integrating generative AI to amplify efficiency and propel informed decision-making within the oil and gas drilling sector.
Establishing Key Process Design Considerations for Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage (CCUS) Towards Decarbonization of Existing Assets Operations
Authors: Sahak Muhammad Zakwan Mohd , Zain Masniroszaime Md , Alias Azila , Zulkifli Muhammad Yazid , Rohani Siti Nurliana , Rostani Khairul
Published: November 2024

With the net zero emission (NZE) commitment by 2050 following COP26 being pledged by country and industrial leaders, the technology focus for CCUS has shifted from high-CO2 gas field development to also include capturing CO2 from other industrial emission sources e.g. flaring and gas turbines. With the expanding scopes, careful consideration especially from process design perspective needs to be taken to ensure the overall CCUS conceptual design is techno-commercially feasible and viable to meet the CCUS end target and NZE aspiration in the long term. Process design intent shall start with the input-output specifications, where main input specifications would be looking at source or CCUS fluid (e.g. gas field/flare stack etc.) which will determine the type of CO2 capture technology required. Target output usage (storage/ utilization) will affect the tail-end process design, since both require different process setup. Other considerations would also be: (1) location (onshore vs offshore) which will affect the facilities network and logistics, (2) contaminants such as SOx and NOx which will determine other treatment requirements and affect the final use of the separated CO2-rich stream (utilization, storage strategy), and (3) material selection for the mixed contaminants stream. Depending on the concentration of CO2 in the source, a series of treatment steps may be required to get the optimum recovery for further utilization and storage. The presence of other contaminants is also discussed, which may affect the overall CCUS processes. Method to either utilize the separated CO2 stream or injection to reservoir for storage is also explored. An integrated approach is required to ensure a successful CCUS process design from start to end. Challenges and lesson-learnt from a conceptual CCUS system are analyzed including technology maturation, presence of other contaminants and final use of CO2-based products/storage. The technical and commercial aspects associated with each technology are also addressed. Key design elements are proposed with aspiration of a successful CCUS implementation in reducing future carbon footprint and realizing NZE aspiration and decarbonization goal, requiring planning for end-to-end solutions.
Using WAG Laboratory Data to Derisk Water Injection at the Gas-Oil Contact on a Giant Offshore Field
Authors: Bourgeois Marcel , Satken Bauyrzhan , Goyal Praffula , Al Eissaee Shaima Saeed , Cottin Christophe , Draoui Elyes
Published: November 2024

The current development strategy of this field is focused on the oil rim, it involves downdip water injection and gas injection in the gas cap to maintain the pressure. A co-development of the oil rim with the large gas cap is being tested at pilot scale and considered at large scale, it requires to create a water fence or water barrier by injection water in updip position, near the gas cap, to isolate if possible oil rim and gas cap, and avoid oil movement into the gas cap. This should enable production of gas and condensate from the gas cap, and still continue simultaneous oil production of the oil rim. This co-development program requires drilling of numerous inner ring water injectors, the well count and placement need to be optimized with help of 3D simulation, which requires relevant flow functions (like KRs). This paper is focusing on the laboratory program followed to quantify these 3-phase flow functions, which happened to be very close to the SCAL program used to constrain WAG operations.

Interesting findings related to these measures are presented and discussed. It was found that the near-miscible gas flood clearly outperformed waterflood, and the beneficial gas-oil interaction could be quantified. Three-phase flow (water and gas injection successively) clearly outperformed 2-phase flow, and a succession of several short slugs was also better than long slugs. Trapping of gas by water was also rather low, except if several cycles were followed. Water behavior was also quite surprising, as its mobility in presence of gas was measured higher than expected during imbibition, which implies to increase the water injection rates and water treatment facilities in order to maintain the water barrier in the project, but will also have implications on the water cut and eruptivity of oil producers in the oil rim.

When water injection ceases, as in WAG operations when switching to gas, or for intermittent water injection, water mobility was found to be very low for the drainage phase, and water trapping was clearly documented despite rate bumps in the gas injection. This could be interpreted by hysteresis affecting also the water phase, and can be explained logically by water being the least wetting phase in an oil-wet near-miscible environment. This mechanism may be of importance, as it may stabilize the updip water fence if water injection rates are reduced.
Study on Carbon Dioxide Flow Mechanism in Unconsolidated Sandstone Aquifer Based on Digital Imaging Techniques
Authors: Sun H. , Liu X. , Yuan C. , Ge T. , Ren X. , Shi W. , Sun L. , Zhang H. , Arif M.
Published: November 2024

The geological sequestration of carbon dioxide (CO2) pertains to the permanent storage of CO2 by injecting it into underground structural reservoirs. Saline aquifers are ideal locations for CO2 storage due to their extensive distribution and high storage capacity. Understanding the behavior of CO2 in such geological formations is of paramount importance for the efficient implementation of carbon capture and storage (CCS) strategies. However, many saline aquifers consist of unconsolidated sandstone, and some experimental procedures for exploring the flow behaviors of CO2 are rather challenging. In this study, three plugs of unconsolidated sandstone are selected from a drillhole situated in an offshore basin in China. Modern digital imaging techniques, such as X-ray computed tomography (XCT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), are employed to obtain three-dimensional (3D) pore structures and record the CO2 flow behavior in the plugs during core flooding experiments. This study delves into the intricate relationship between CO2 injection rate, storage capacity, and storage efficiency, revealing a compelling trend. Specifically, as the injection rate of CO2 increases, there is a corresponding enhancement in the storage capacity, enabling a greater volume of CO2 to be trapped. Furthermore, this increased injection rate also leads to an improvement in storage efficiency, indicating that the process becomes more streamlined and effective. In summary, this study underscores the pivotal role of injection rate in optimizing the performance of CO2 sequestration, thereby contributing to more efficient and sustainable CO2 storage solutions. This study also reveals the migration behavior of supercritical CO2 in the connected rock pores from a microscopic scale and provides valuable insights into the fluid dynamics and transport processes of CO2 in the demonstration project of CCS.
Japan's New Laws Regarding CCS, Hydrogen, and Ammonia
Authors: Ishido Shimpei , Konno Hiroyasu , Muramoto Shizuka
Published: November 2024

The year 2024 has marked the advent of the CCS industry and the hydrogen and ammonia industry in Japan. On 17 May 2024, the Japanese Diet (parliament) passed two legislations, namely, the Carbon Dioxide Storage Business Act ("CCS Act") and the Act on Promoting the Supply and Utilization of Low-Carbon Hydrogen, Etc, for a Smooth Transition to a Decarbonized Growth Economic Structure ("Hydrogen Society Promotion Act"). These legislations were promulgated on 24 May 2024.

The CCS Act is principally a domestic law governing the conduct of CCS activities within the territory of Japan, covering exploration and prospecting of reservoirs, storing CO2 in reservoirs, and pipeline transport of CO2 for storing CO2 in reservoirs (including reservoirs in foreign countries). The Hydrogen Society Promotion Act establishes a plan certification system for low-carbon hydrogen/ammonia supply and use projects, provides support measures and special regulatory measures for hydrogen/ammonia supply or use businesses that have received plan certification, and takes other measures to expand the supply and demand of low-carbon hydrogen/ammonia. These legislations are expected to promote the nascent CCS and hydrogen/ammonia industries in Japan.

In this paper, we will focus on the aspects of the regulatory regime under the CCS Act that are relevant to a cross-boarder CCS project in which CO2 captured in Japan is exported to and geologically stored in a reservoir abroad, and the aspects of the Hydrogen Society Promotion Act that are relevant to the procurement of low-carbon hydrogen and ammonia from abroad by Japanese users.
Reducing False Alarms for Early Kick and Loss Detection (EKLD) in Real-Time Application Using Knowledge-Assisted Case-Based Reasoning
Authors: Zhang Shang , Samuel Robello
Published: November 2024

Recent advancements in Early Kick and Loss Detection (EKLD) have leveraged various sensor information in real-time for detection and time-series trend analysis. However, the increase in data and complexity has led to a higher rate of false alarms, undermining the reliability and usability of the system. In this study, we developed a Knowledge-Assisted Case-Based Reasoning (KACBR) approach by integrating historical data with contextual knowledge to reduce the false alarm rate while maintaining detection capabilities. The expert system employs a hybrid methodology that combines the structured domain knowledge from Knowledge-Based Expert Systems (KBES) with the flexibility, robustness, and adaptability of Case-Based Reasoning (CBR). The model was validated and evaluated using real-time drilling data from the field. Employing the hybrid approach developed in this study, significantly reduced the overall false alarm rate while maintaining high performance in event detection. Field testing in real-time confirmed the system's effectiveness in detecting both kick and lost circulation events across all drilling phases without compromising the speed of real-time monitoring. Comparative analysis with traditional kick and loss detection methods and statistical trend-analysis-based systems revealed that the Knowledge-Assisted Case-Based Reasoning (KACBR) approach excels in reducing false alarms and maintaining detection reliability.
Enhancing Efficiency and Sustainability in Offshore Oil and Gas Operations through Digital Twin and AI Technology: A Practitioner's View
Authors: Zhang Yale , Lau Lukito , Yanchus Paul , Forootan Zaman , Marfatia Zaid
Published: November 2024

This paper explores the integration of digital twin technology and artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance efficiency and sustainability in offshore oil and gas operations. It demonstrates the benefits of combining digital twins with AI and first-principle modeling through two detailed use cases: an integrated power generation and electrical distribution system twin designed for emission reduction, and an upstream process twin for equipment constraint monitoring and process debottlenecking. Additionally, this study proposes a novel AI-based optimization strategy aimed at achieving integrated production optimization across topside and reservoir operations.
A Case Study on Engineering Techniques to Enhance the Reliability and Process Safety of Critical High Pressure Bolted Joints in the Oil & Gas Sector
Authors: Quraishi Tahirhasan , Sulaimani Mariam Mubarak Al
Published: November 2024

The bolted flanged joints assembly has a complex interaction between the bolts, gaskets and body of the flange. Joint integrity and sealing performance are dependent on the various characteristics such as gasket properties, geometry, material, bolt pretension loads, assembly process and service conditions. In accurate bolt pre-tensioning can be the prevailing cause for joint leakage. On the other hand, excessive pre-tensioning can lead to damage to the bolts and gaskets. Any upset or abnormal loads which may occur during the service period can also adversely affect the bolted flanges joint integrity and thereby increase their tendency to leak and elevate the risk of damage. Therefore, critical bolted flanged joints subjected to complex working conditions in the Oil & Gas Industry require a safe and reliable design approach.

This paper demonstrates a case study as how elastic-plastic stress analysis with the aid of cutting-edge Finite Element Analysis was applied to handle the modification of change of the 46″ New Main Gas Pipe Line (NMGL) which was impacting the large bolted flanged assemblies installed in the ADNOC Offshore upstream processing facility subject to the complex working conditions.

The key objective here is to determine the appropriate bolt pre-tension loads to maintain the joint's leak tightness without damaging the components, establish the maximum plastic collapse load for the assembly, assess the joint leakage performance for the complex service conditions thereby achieve optimal design, ensure joint integrity, process safety and prevent any major modifications to the associated facilities.
Planning and Implementation of the Shore Crossing Landfall of Heavy Pipelines Using High-Capacity Linear Winches
Authors: French G. , Massie S.
Published: November 2024

An often-overlooked aspect of installing a new pipeline between offshore and onshore locations is the methodology of the shore crossing section of the installation. This is often a relatively short section of the pipeline which must cross the landfall interface between the marine and shore side installation sections which have well established and proven methods and equipment for their operations in their respective environments, but which cannot operate effectively in the shore crossing section.

It is therefore important to ensure this section is also fully considered, budgeted, planned, and prepared for in advance of commencement of the operational phase to minimize project issues, delays, and cost overruns.

Drawing on the experiences of the authors in providing turnkey solutions for these operations, this paper aims to provide some guidance to project managers of potential pipeline installations on some of the key considerations to contemplate to ensure sufficient preparations are in place at the onset of these projects.
Comprehensive Fluid Sampling Program Maps Compositional Gradients in Near-Critical Fluid Systems in a Giant Offshore Field
Authors: Bascialla G. , Mogensen K. , Javid K. , Almehairbi S.M. , Mohamed M. Ibrahem , Zirotti G.
Published: November 2024

This paper describes a fluid characterization study and equation of state (EOS) modelling for an offshore carbonate field composed of five reservoirs. The fluid column grades from gas condensate to black oil, passing through a critical point. Crest miscible gas injection was implemented soon after field start-up and peripheral water injection recently started for full pressure maintenance. The outcome of the sampling program has had a profound effect on the field development strategy. The understanding of the compositional gradient of the four main reservoirs of the field has been considered critical for the success of the project. More than a hundred downhole samples were taken at different depths during appraisal and development phases to delineate the gradient and model the fluid behavior. The detailed fluid database includes conventional PVT analysis as well as slim tube, swelling tests and equilibrium constant experiments. We calibrated the equations of state and regressed the observed gradient to implement it in the compositional reservoir simulator.

All the reservoirs showed complex, variable slope, compositional gradients. The observed data was used to fit a function with depth which accounts for the gravity segregation of the components and the steady heat flow effect. The saturation pressure changes with variable gradient across the thick fluid column. This had a major influence on the field development strategy; oil producers were drilled in the peripheral, deeper areas of the field to be able to reach higher pressure drawdown. In contrast, gas is injected at the crest, where highly volatile oil and gas condensate is located. Slim tube experiments at selected depths proved that the injected gas is miscible below the initial reservoir pressure. The current study describes the challenge of modelling and characterizing the reservoir fluids when a complex compositional gradient exists. It also shows the importance of understanding the distribution of the fluid properties for the success of the field development. We believe that the extent of the fluid sampling program to delineate the compositional gradients is unprecedented in the industry.
Revolutionizing Remote Areas Operation and Activities through Robotic Operator Round
Authors: Alkhoujah K. , Pankajkumar P. , Al Ghassani M. , Al Ali A. , Al Ameri M.
Published: November 2024

ADNOC Sour Gas operates a gas processing facility with over 23% H2S, requiring the safest possible operations in the hazardous area "red zone". To reduce human exposure, ADNOC Sour Gas aims to deploy an ATEX-certified, dust zone-rated robot to conduct automated operator rounds. The robot focuses on digitizing routine tasks, avoiding human hazards, detecting emissions, verifying field gauges, and monitoring toxic gases. By automating these activities, the robot will achieve an initial 30% reduction in manual work, leading to cost savings and the ability to redirect employees to more complex operations. While challenges remain, the robot solution demonstrates the transformative potential of automation in revolutionizing remote and hazardous industrial operations, specially that, in an environment such as in ADNOC Sour Gas H2S exposure can cause serious health effects, such as respiratory failure, eye irritation, loss of consciousness, and even death. The high concentration of H2S in the red zone poses a constant threat to the operators, who must wear protective equipment and follow strict safety protocols. The robot can reduce the risk of H2S exposure by performing tasks that would otherwise require human intervention, such as checking for leaks, measuring gas levels, and inspecting equipment. The robot can also alert the operators of any abnormal conditions or emergencies, enabling faster and safer responses. It is worth mentioning that the deployed robotic solution is limited to ground level activities due to its mobility systems and it does conduct any work at elevated levels at the plant, which is still a challenge that the industry did not solve for ATEX Zones and Dust one.
First Integrated Robotics Pilot Offshore West Africa
Authors: Munoz Jean Michel , Collin Gildas , Herrera Ronald , Grenier Philippe , Baconnais Olivier
Published: November 2024

The Oil and Gas industry is still in the early stages of adopting autonomous robots. To build trust among operational teams regarding this groundbreaking approach, TotalEnergies initiated an extensive testing program in 2020, which has seen seven pilots to date. In 2023, an ambitious pilot started off the coast of Angola, showcasing a more integrated approach. This paper offers insights from the Pazflor FPSO pilot, during which two robots were operational for a six-month period.

The pilot project lasted almost two years, encompassing various phases from preparation and preliminary tests to training, commissioning, and the final 6-month deployment. Throughout each phase, various actors played critical roles, including robot manufacturer, Robot Supervision System developers and many other specialists from different disciplines.

Given the complex integration of all the pilot components, collaboration was essential to mitigate challenges related to remote site conditions and ensure a reasonable chance of successful trials.

Only after extensive testing in our robotics playground in France, configured to match the Angola environment, the project did receive the green light for shipment and deployment.

Throughout the project's duration, especially in the operational stages, significant knowledge was acquired. Initially, the on-site team was skeptical about the technology. However, their views shifted as they witnessed the robot consistently executing time-consuming tasks. The pilot project underscored the technology's potential in a significant asset environment and demonstrated the scalability of the robotics ecosystem, with site personnel solely in charge, with only occasional remote assistance from robot experts.

The robots successfully performed routine monitoring tasks as planned by the initial engineering study. This indicated that the robot's operating envelope was well-calibrated, and they achieved approximately 2,300 man-hours annually across the two oil separation modules where they were deployed. A notable accomplishment was the successful integration of various technological components within an affiliate configuration, including adherence to cybersecurity rules.

Nevertheless, there were areas that required improvement. The robots did not achieve the anticipated reliability targets, resulting in a lower mission success rate. Consequently, although the robots were capable of collecting the data as planned, they could not do so at the expected frequency.

In conclusion, the pilot project was a success since we are now on the verge of showcasing a Minimum Viable Product, especially for manned facilities.

Autonomous robotics could potentially be a game-changer and a crucial element of Industry 5.0. This paper provides valuable insights into the large-scale implementation of robotics, considering the comprehensive integration and challenging conditions encountered during the Pazflor FPSO pilot.
Mapping of Karst Using Deep Learning Method: A Case Study in Central Luconia, Sarawak
Authors: Anis Amalina N. N. , Hassan N. M. , Jamaludin S. N. Fathiyah , Izzatie Salman Nurul Fatin , Babikir Ismailalwali , Mat Daud M. Fahmi
Published: November 2024

This study focuses on leveraging deep learning method, specifically Convolutional Neural Network (CNN), to enhance seismic data interpretation for mapping karst bodies in Central Luconia carbonate platform, offshore Sarawak, Malaysia. The research aims to improve the accuracy of seismic data interpretation through detailed mapping of karst geobodies and evaluate the risks associated with karsts. The CNN architecture is designed to effectively capture spatial patterns and features pertinent to karst detection. The model undergoes supervised learning process, wherein it is trained using a labeled dataset. Throughout the training phase, the model learns to discern characteristics patterns and textures associated with karst features by iteratively adjusting its parameters to minimize prediction errors. The model is validated using a separate dataset to evaluate its performance and generalization ability. Hyperparameters of the model are then fine-tuned based on the validation results to enhance its accuracy and robustness. The CNN accurately identifies and maps sinkholes and dendritic karsts, significantly reducing manual interpretation time and effort. The results are validated in 3D cube but it is presented on map view in this paper. The maps provide insights into the distribution, density, and morphology of the karst features which are essential for assessing drilling risks. By highlighting the different types of karst within a carbonate platform, the CNN aids in planning and mitigating risks associated with drilling, such as collapses and fluid loss, ensuring safer and more efficient operations. This advanced approach enhances the understanding of the geological significance of karst formations and supports effective scanning for hydrocarbon reservoirs as well as future planning in CO2 storage selection, if needed.