bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Trust and Member Satisfaction in a Developing Virtual Organization
Authors: Taylor Justin M. , Santuzzi Alecia M. , Cogburn Derrick L.
Published: May 2013

Previous research suggests that trust is an important antecedent to effective collaboration in virtual settings. The current research utilized survey data obtained from a developing virtual organization to examine the relationship between trust and satisfaction and the extent to which leadership contact factored into trust and satisfaction within the developing virtual organization. Additionally, previous experience with technology was proposed to moderate the relationship between leader contact and trust. Results indicated that contact with multiple leaders was positively related to perceptions of trust within the organization. Further, perceptions of trust were related to satisfaction with relationships within the organization. The proposed moderation was not supported. Limitations and future directions are discussed.
Principles of Soft Verification
Authors: Zivic Natasa
Published: May 2013

This paper considers messages protected with the Message Authentication Code (MAC) for the sake of authenticity. The standard forward error correcting channel code is assumed, which reduces the error rate, but no repeat mechanism exists to correct the remaining errors. The uncorrected errors cause the rejection of messages with a wrong MAC, as a successful MAC verification (“hard” verification) demands errorless message and errorless MAC. This paper introduces the extension of “hard” verification of MACs, whose result is “true” or “false”, to “soft” verification, that outputs additionally a trust level as verification result. This allows the acceptance of corrected messages and their MACs, even if a few bits of the MAC are different from the expected value. The costs are a loss of trust, as trust is defined for the successful standard or “hard” verification, i.e. for errorless message and its MAC. Therefore “Trust Output” is accompanied with the output of the verification process. A definition of “Trust Level” will be given, together with an algorithm of “soft” verification, which provides such Trust Output. This algorithm is based on a Soft Output channel decoder, which provides a reliability value for each bit, which is used as soft input for the proposed algorithm, “Soft Input Trust Output”. Simulation results show an essential improvement of the acceptance rate of MACs - at the cost of a reduced trust level. The reduction can be calculated and the maximum permitted reduction of the trust level can be preset.
The Impact of In-Group Membership on e-Loyalty of Women Online Shoppers
Authors: Coverdale Tonjia S. , Wilbon Anthony D.
Published: May 2013

The objective of this study is to propose and test the Social Identity Approach to Website Design research model, which considers the role of Social Identity in the development of e-Loyalty. Using an online survey instrument comprised of existing Information Systems and Social Identity measures, data were collected from 322 women online shoppers who were members of the salient ingroup. The results of this study indicate that, in women online shoppers, the perception of social presence in an online retail store positively influences their enjoyment of the online shopping experience. The results also suggest that women online shoppers’ enjoyment of an online shopping experience positively influences their intention to revisit the website or recommend the website to other online shoppers, which are e-Loyal behaviors. In addition, this study extends related studies by proposing and testing the psychographic nature of human-computer interaction as a possible catalyst for e-Commerce Success.
An Assessment Method of the Integrated E-Commerce Readiness for Construction Organizations in Developing Countries
Authors: Tran Quangdung , Huang Dechun , Zhang Changzheng
Published: May 2013

A growing volume of literature proclaims the benefits of e-commerce for construction organizations in developing countries. However, it is questionable on what are determinants of a successful implementation of e-commerce in such a context. Furthermore, lacking a model or a method through which to discuss and assist for construction companies in improving their success rate of the implementation. This paper proposed such a method called the “integrated” e-commerce readiness method (IECR). In this method, the role of an organization’s perception of operating environment is highlighted, and e-readiness of an individual organization is considered as an integrated power of the internal and external resources.
New Questions for E-Government
Authors: Roman Alexandru V. , Miller Hugh T.
Published: May 2013

E-government’s rise to prominence in the early 1990s was met with great enthusiasm amidst the promise that information communication technologies (ICTs) might fulfill the demands and expectations for improved democratic governance. Since then, significant progress has been made in terms of information provision and delivery of public services; yet, dialogue, a core dimension of democratic governance, remains largely unrealized within the digital context. This study employs content analysis within the frame of a check-off research protocol to determine if the population of state websites has the capacity to support digital democratic dialogue. The key question is whether there is an emphasis within the milieu of state websites to support e-dialogue outside the provision of information and e-services. The analysis suggests that efficiency rather than dialogue is the primary focus in the design of the state websites. Is, therefore, e-government a new development in the historical effort to enforce efficiency as a core value of governance?
E-Government Evaluation
Authors: Seng Wong Meng
Published: May 2013

Governments are in the process of transformation from old to new public management, and now E-Government, where online services are delivered to customers using information and communication technologies. Governments that evaluate customer satisfaction using Likert scales often face the challenge of translating findings into strategic actions. This paper introduces a novel ROI vs. ROR matrix analysis, a strategic action tool, to assess customer satisfaction in using E-Filing service in Malaysia. This paper will explore the concept of Customer Relationship Management (CRM) in E-Government, especially the business benefits realisations, tangible in the form of return on investment (ROI, e.g., cost savings) and intangible in the form of return on relationship (ROR, e.g., provide prompt services and helpful responses to customer requests). The development of the ROI vs. ROR matrix is discussed and followed by a demonstration of the usefulness of this matrix to classify customer experiences into four satisfaction quadrants. The research findings are then translated into strategic actions. This research allows the government service provider to identify strategic focus areas that need attention and allocation of resources. Since the main objective of CRM in E-Government is to improve customer satisfaction, the introduction of this ROI vs ROR matrix is timely to help government service provider to learn about their needs and motivations in using E-Government services.
Designing an IP Link Topology for a Metro Area Backbone Network
Authors: Klincewicz John G. , Lynch David F.
Published: May 2013

Massive increases in IP (Internet Protocol) traffic have led to rapid deployment of IP-based networks in metropolitan (metro) areas. In order to facilitate this deployment, computer-based design tools are needed. One of the most difficult decisions that engineers face in designing an IP network is choosing the IP link topology (i.e., the set of router-to-router connections). This is especially complicated when it is also necessary to route these IP links over an underlying physical network of optical fibers. In this paper, the authors describe a new heuristic for simultaneously designing a backbone IP link topology for a metro area network, and routing these IP links over a given physical network. The IP network must be designed for survivability in the event of a network failure (i.e., the loss of a physical link, router or IP link). Initially, they employ a Construction Heuristic that explicitly considers the number of router-to-router connections that would be carried over each physical link. In this way it seeks to minimize the impact of any single physical link failure. An optional Local Search routine then attempts to improve on the solution by a sequence of topology changes. IP link routings are adjusted at each topology change. This heuristic is readily able to be incorporated into an interactive design tool. Some computational experience is described.
Cellular Customer Churns Due to Mobile Number Portability
Authors: Sreeejesh S.
Published: May 2013

Retaining existing customer has been considered to be one of the most critical challenges for telecommunication service providers than for attracting new ones. In telecommunication, the service offered is different from that of a general commodity sale as in the former case the service is considered to be a continuous process, wherein the service provider can offer the differentiated services throughout the customer’s tenure. This differentiation in service offered creates a demarcation from the competitors and hence establishes competitive advantage for that service provider for attracting new customers and retaining the existing ones, which ultimately determines the profitability. In this paper, the author captures this differentiation factor by investigating customer switching behavior under Mobile Number Portability (MNP) in Indian telecommunication market. It is shown that only limited attention has been paid to the customer churn under MNP and none of the existing studies incorporated psychological constructs as the determinants of customer churn. In this context, the study used discriminant analysis to understand the factors that best discriminate between switchers and non-switchers and predict (develop a churn prediction model) the customer churn behavior through incorporating psychological constructs. The findings indicate that service quality, customer satisfaction, attachment, commitment and switching costs are the major factors differentiating the switching and non-switching decisions. Service quality of the service provider found to be as the differentiating factor in churning decision. The results of the study have implications for both academicians and relationship mangers; they are using psychological constructs to predict customer switching behavior.
Water Sustainability Risk Assessments: Lessons From Water Sensitive Industries
Authors: Tang Alec , Ringwood Kristina
Published: May 2013

Water has become an increasingly important consideration within the design, operation, and decommissioning of a broad range of industrial activities across the globe. Identifying and characterizing water-related risks is an activity that requires the review of environmental and ecological impacts alongside community and societal concerns, legal and regulatory requirements as well as broader supply chain, reputational and operational aspects. A range of methodologies and techniques to frame these ‘water sustainability risk assessments’ and allow the assessment of impacts across these different risk categories continue to be developed and refined. Methods that ensure consistency across multi-jurisdiction operational portfolios are also increasingly sought such that the most material risks are identified and addressed.

This paper highlights the diversity of water sustainability risk assessment methodologies that have been implemented across a range of water sensitive industries. These industries include mining, petrochemical production, pharmaceutical and health product manufacturing and food and beverage. Key lessons for the offshore industries and opportunities to draw across best practices from these examples will also be explored. The critical importance of both undertaking these assessments and ensuring the relevance of outputs will also be reviewed along with the value of integrating broader sustainability and non-technical risks within large capital projects.

test
Offshore Well Plugging and Abandonment: Challenges and Technical Solutions
Authors: Desai Praful C , Hekelaar Stephan , Abshire Lucas
Published: May 2013

Many offshore oil fields throughout the world are reaching the end of their productive lives. Consequently, the operators are poised to plug and abandon a substantial number of wells in the next few years.

This proliferation of current and future needs however present unique challenges for the operators and for the offshore service companies. The challenges requiring the most deliberation include:Partial plug & abandonment: A permanent abandonment of the bottom of the well and drilling new well from the upper section to access more productive targets allowing continued use of the existing platform infrastructure. The practice is known as slot recovery program.Requirements of local regulatory agencies: The steps required to qualify the offshore wells as permanently abandoned vary widely with the local regulatory jurisdiction. The governing bodies of the North Sea and Gulf of Mexico are good examples of slightly varying requirements for well abandonment.Combining safety and economics in meeting above two challenges.

To meet these challenges, the offshore service companies have worked with the operators in developing innovative technical solutions that are economically viable and safety compliant.

For Norwegian sector of the North Sea, a single trip casing cutting and pulling system has been developed and tested which provides multiple cuts capability and selective activation of heavy duty spear to overcome frictional resistance between casing and the cement or barite. A casing jack capable of pulling a million pounds of casing has been developed in case a need arises. Also a system designed to mill 150 meters of casing section is currently under field tests.

For the Gulf of Mexico, a hydraulically activated tool to cut up to 72 inch casing has been developed. Also a single trip cut and pull system has been in operation for wells in deep waters. The system eliminates the need to strip the workstring/BHA equipment once the cut casing is at the surface.

The authors will discuss these technical solutions in terms of new tools and procedures. Also discussed will be field data, lesson learned, planned improvements.

Introduction

The decision to plug and abandon (P & A) a well is strictly based on the economics. Once the production rate has fallen off to a level where operating expenses are higher than operating income, the well becomes a prime candidate for permanent abandonment. In other instances, only the bottom of the well is permanently abandoned and a sidetracked well is planned from the upper portion of the well to access a new target. This way the top infrastructure can be used again which makes this approach an economically attractive proposition particularly for offshore platforms where multiple wells are drilled and/or producing from a single platform structure. This methodology is known as slot recovery procedure. Only the lower section of the well is permanently abandoned. The upper section is used in accessing a new target by sidetracking the well.

test
A Project Oriented and Technology Robust Dry Tree Semi Concept
Authors: Zeng Jack , Wanvik Leiv , Kang Chang Ho
Published: May 2013

In continued pursuit of safe and economic field development solutions in deep and ultra-deep waters, the authors in this paper present a project oriented and technology robust dry tree semi-submersible floater concept. The proposed dry tree floating production and drilling system is based on the proven technology of a conventional four-column deep draft semi-submersible and comprises topside facilities, hull and mooring system, top-tensioned risers, and steel catenary risers. The paper discusses engineering analysis, computer simulation, and model test validation carried out in the investigation of the proposed concept. Sample design cases for ultra-deep water fields in the Gulf of Mexico are presented, where the authors discuss design philosophy, global configuration, and coupled responses of the dry tree semi-submersible hull with mooring and riser system. Safe design and layout of the wellbay hosting the top-tensioned riser system and its interfaces with hull and topsides are addressed as the core of the concept technology. In addition, constructability of the proposed dry tree semi concept is discussed by outlining project execution options under realistic infrastructure and facilities constraints during project construction, integration, and installation phases. Through engineering design, analysis and verification, the authors demonstrate robust performance and cost-effectiveness of the proposed concept, particularly the attractive quayside integration and commissioning. In summary, this paper presents a project oriented dry tree semi-submersible floating system concept with potential improved cost efficiency and reliability over current technology.
Case for Performance-Based Regulations
Authors: Folkers Joie
Published: May 2013

This paper examines prescriptive regulations that have been applied to fiberglass reinforced plastic piping used on offshore production facilities. A case is presented to advocate for the revision of these regulations where use of advantageous materials are based on performance. An emphasis will be placed on the requirements for fire endurance. The current requirements do not mandate the testing of metallic piping materials that would fail the fire exposure tests required for " plastic?? pipe. It is also possible for the material to fail in the actual service environment. Such situations need to be eliminated from the regulations by subjecting all materials to tests which simulate service conditions. The required performance in the current regulations should not be differentiated due to material preference. A performance-based fire test, using conservative design conditions, being performed on and passed by a product that would not pass the current regulatory test is also presented in this paper. The current test method does not reflect actual conditions, but the proposed modified test does. Further use of fiberglass reinforced plastic pipe would provide weight and cost savings as well as improve the safety condition for the personnel on the facility.

Introduction

In the early 1990's, pioneers in the field of fiberglass reinforced plastic pipe began soliciting marine regulators to develop a standard for the use of their product on ships. This work resulted in the International Maritime Organization (IMO) adopting Assembly Resolution A.753(18) on 4 November 1993 in a document entitled " Guidelines for the Application of Plastic Pipes on Ships.?? In the preamble of this resolution, the Assembly noted that there is " increasing interest within the marine industry to use materials other than steel for pipes?? and that the " framework of the guidelines should provide freedom to permit the development of international and national standards and allow the natural development of emerging technology.?? The overriding principle of these guidelines was that " vessel safety is adequately addressed.??

Subsequently, these same guidelines have been adopted, virtually unchanged, for application on offshore oil production facilities.

There is certainly no dispute regarding the responsibility and burden originally placed on the Assembly. Their expansion of the guidelines for marine piping had to follow all requirements of to Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS). The same guidelines applied to fixed or floating platforms.
Plug and Abandonment Applications for Inflatable Packers in the Gulf of Mexico, USA
Authors: Loginov Art
Published: May 2013

As the number of wells that need to be plugged & abandoned grows so do the applications for uses of inflatable packers. This paper will discuss common applications and practical uses for inflatable packers in past, current, and in future wells in the Gulf of Mexico, USA.

Inflatable packers are proving to be valuable tools to assist directly with stopping annular gas migration, performing mandatory cement testing, casing leak detection, and cement squeeze applications during the plug and abandonment (P&A) process. Inflatable packer versatility is proving to provide a wide range of setting options that allow the ever changing P&A environment the ability to use single tool configurations for multiple applications. This tool adaptability reduces spread cost through down time reduction. Processes and the use of a peer review approach ensures that the latest techniques and practices are utilized and reviewed to incorporate the safest, effective, and most economical methods for well abandonment. These specific inflatable packer applications will be shown through multiple case histories, where exact well parameters will be discussed, showing the results of each particular job. These case histories will discuss and illustrate temporary well abandonment, permanent well abandonment, re-abandonment, subsea well abandonment, and/or rigless abandonments.

Introduction

Inflatable packers have increasingly gained popularity in the last decades due to their proven reliability, performance and flexibility. There is significant use in different applications from zonal isolation to plug and abandonment operations due to casing restrictions, non standard casing, damaged casing or when conventional mechanical packers or plugs are not an option. They could be either retrievable or permanent and have been used as:Cement RetainersBridge PlugCemented PackerMulti-Set Squeeze PackerMulti-Set Test Packer

Deployment methods vary from wireline (E-line or Slickline), drill pipe, coiled tubing, Cat line or crane on the production platform where work space is limited.
Powering Subsea Processing Facilities of the Future
Authors: Legeay Josselin , Hazel Terence , Peregrym Greg
Published: May 2013

Subsea processing is going to increase dramatically over the next several years. A key component is a reliable power supply for the process loads. Located in a hostile and remote environment, the electrical distribution system will need to be designed according to the highest standards in power engineering ensuring dependable information for control and safe operation, and adaptability to changing operation conditions during the life of the field. A very important means of enhancing availability of the power supply is the possibility to do maintenance. For subsea applications this means the ability to locate where the fault has occurred and to be able to disconnect and retrieve the faulty equipment.

This paper will describe how subsea power distribution can be achieved today based on known and proven technology. Equipment that has an excellent track record for surface processing facilities, installed in enclosures designed for the subsea environment and interconnected using cutting edge technology, will bring subsea processing facilities from the realm of fiction to reality.
WEIGHT ADDED WAVE (WAW) SYSTEM IN PRODUCTION -A BRAZIL OFFSHORE APPLICATION
Authors: Tan Zhimin , Zhang John , Sheldrake Terry H , Hou Yucheng , Hill Tricia
Published: May 2013

A flexible riser system in Weight Added Wave (WAW) configuration has been developed and installed in a field in the Campos Basin in Brazil, with water depths around 100m. The 11.5 inch ID flexible pipes, used as both production and water injection risers, are tied back to an FPSO with a detachable turret.

Due to the onerous environmental loads combined with excessive FPSO excursion and extreme content density variation of the production risers, the traditional lazy wave and tethered wave configurations were found inapplicable. These configurations were not able to satisfy the required clearances for example between the riser and FPSO hull, the risers and seabed, etc. under the defined service conditions. The traditional Lazy-S configurations were shown feasible but implied a significant cost increase and schedule risk due to the fabrication of the Middle Water Arch (MWA).

As a result, an innovative riser system, WAW, was proposed and subsequently evaluated as a practical alternative solution. The system is based on the traditional wave configuration that incorporates a set of weight chains. The chains are attached to selected buoyancy modules to form a dynamic, self-compensating mechanism that automatically maintains the elevation of the riser configuration within a desirable range, when subjected to excessive changes in weight and FPSO excursion.

This paper presents the technical challenges during the design and detailed engineering stage. As part of the feasibility validation of this system, the effect of the added weight chains over the system's dynamic behaviour was quantified and the dynamic interactive behaviour between the chains and buoyancy modules and seabed was thoroughly investigated. The paper also discusses the WAW buoyancy modules fabrication and special installation procedure. The WAW system was successfully installed and the system is in good production.
Influence of the Hyperbaric Effect on Apparent Material Strength of Fully Saturated Porous Rock for Low Strain Rates
Authors: Kuiper Roel J. , Miedema Sape A. , Frumau Jan C.L.
Published: May 2013

Excavation of rock materials such as Seafloor Massive Sulfide deposits at great depths is greatly influenced by ambient water pressure, but little is known about the processes involved. Dry rock specimens are known to exhibit a large increase of apparent material properties in high-pressure environments. However, in deep-sea mining processes rock material is fully saturated and it is unknown how the hyperbaric effect changes apparent material strengths and involved physical processes under these conditions.

This paper discusses the influence of hyperbaric effect on fully saturated brittle rock specimens during deep-sea excavation using a grab, and the resulting changes in apparent material properties. Computations are described which are used to predict the outcome of this effect, and the validating experiments that were carried out.

A new theorem is stated based on elastic deformation of the grain matrix, which causes a pressure difference in the matrix and reinforces the material. This is based on the low cutting speed of a grab, allowing the material to deform elastically and enabling water ingress into the deformed material, resulting in less cutting energy. Moreover the cutting mechanism of a grab has a very low ratio of cutting energy over excavated rock volume. The theoretical model was developed in collaboration with Delft University of Technology and experiments were carried out with Seatools BV.

Experiments were conducted to investigate the phenomenon and to validate the stated theorem for saturated rock material. An experimental setup was developed in collaboration with Seatools BV, to test rock material properties at different hyperbaric conditions with a low rate of loading. The experiments were designed to carry out standard material tests of the American Society for Testing and Materials to determine the compressive and tensile strength, by crushing the material specimens up to their breaking point in different hyperbaric conditions.

The experiments were used to validate the theoretical computations that predicted differences in tensile strength between saturated and dried specimen, due to ingress of water during deformation causing not the full increase of the apparent material strength. The results were consistent and a correlation between the environment pressure and the added apparent material strength was found.
Comparison of Simulated and Full Scale Disconnection of Turret Buoy
Authors: Bech Arild , Daniel Jeremiah , Hovde Geir Olav , Vinje Tor
Published: May 2013

This paper addresses mooring design methods, reveals records of site tests, and also compares the conventional theoretical numerical modeling approach with a real full-scale disconnection of this challenging scenario. The FPSO BW Pioneer set a new world record for deepest mooring system on a production unit at 2,500m (8,200ft) of water depth in the US Gulf of Mexico. The unit also pioneered this type of facility (FPSO) in the US Gulf of Mexico.

This area of the globe is prone to hurricanes. The decision was made to proceed with a concept that would allow the vessel to detach from its mooring and risers system and sail away to sheltered waters when necessary. The mooring as well as all risers and umbilicals sink to a depth that is safely below the waves in case of a major storm.

This system installed is the first production module for two deepwater fields, Cascade and Chinook, both operated by Petrobras America Inc. with the FPSO BW Pioneer.

Various connect - disconnect scenarios were identified during the design phase. Since the system is detachable, the disconnection and reconnection dynamics were analyzed in detail. Due to the complexity of the interaction between the STP™ turret buoy and the mating cone, a model was introduced to better evaluate the local effect of dragging and hydraulic suction combined with the vessel motion. This effect is paramount to the integrity of the riser and umbilical structure, as well as to prevent collision between the vessel and the buoy. The model is described and simulations emphasize vertical velocities and accelerations, as compared to traditional methods of computation.

At the time, it was unknown whether any previous projects had ever compared the theoretical numerical model with a real full-scale disconnection. The decision was made to proceed with an instrumented site free-drop test, using customized equipment similar to what Petrobsas uses to monitor the trajectory of the Petrobras' torpedo piles during installation. This paper presents to the Industry these site test results and draws conclusions about how accurate or robust design premises are when performed by state of the art design tools used on this project.

Introduction

The Cascade and Chinook fields are located in the Walker Ridge area of the Gulf of Meixco and are being produced from the FPSO BW Pioneer that is located in WR/Block 249. The Cascade field was discovered in 2002 and Chinook field was discovered in 2003.

The mooring with turret buoy was installed in late 2009 and the FPSO BW Pioneer was first connected to the mooring late 2010. Installation of the mooring and connection of the FPSO set a new world record for deepest mooring system on a production unit at 2,500m (8,200ft) of water depth.
General Design of Super Platform's Installation in South China Sea
Authors: Bai Xue-ping , Jia Xu , Yi Cong , Li Da , Hou Jin-lin , Fan Mo
Published: May 2013

This paper mainly introduced the scheme design of Liwan 3–1 CEP platform's jacket and topsides in South China Sea. The load-out weight of the CEP platform's jacket and topsides both exceed 30,000 tons, it is the largest platform in Asia. The jacket of Liwan3-1 CEP platform is installed by launch and the topsides is installed by float-over method. They are very hard to install in South China Sea because of challenges in large weight and the harsh environment condition. To choose appropriate installation barge and installation weather window are the key problems. The paper introduced the selection of installation barge, modified HYSY229 is ascertained to execute the jacket launch and topsides float-over installation of this platform. The paper introduced the selection method of float-over installation weather window in South China Sea, and the key design technology of jacket launch and topsides float-over installation. After a lot of design work and demonstration, a method of stability assessment during jacket launch is mentioned in this paper, a creative sway fender design, mooring system design and LMU arrangement of topsides float-over installation in barge are introduced in this paper. The general design ideas and design method are ascertained successfully, it ensures the progress of offshore installation engineering in Asia.

Introduction

With the development of the South China Sea deepwater oil and gas fields, the platforms also gradually develop to a large or very large scale. It is necessary to minimize the number of platforms under the premise of ensuring security, in order to save the project investment. Thus, some super platforms come into being. Super platform's size and weight leads to fairly high requirement of construction machinery and extremely limited options for installation barge. Therefore, the scheme design of super platform's jacket and topsides installation becomes a challenge.
Development and Qualification of End Fittings for Composite Riser Pipe
Authors: Roberts Damon , Hatton Stephen Anthony
Published: May 2013

Whilst much interest is often focussed on the composite pipe body it is often forgotten that a reliable end fitting is a prerequisite of a successful composite pipe application and further that the design challenge of the end fitting is more challenging than the pipe itself.

The purpose of this paper is to present the end fitting arrangement for a composite pipe manufactured from carbon fibre and PEEK polymer. The paper describes the design approach and testing/qualification program employed for the end fitting to demonstrate reliable application in a critical and structurally demanding application such as for a deep water dynamic riser.

The paper summarises historical design approaches and design alternatives and explains the reason for selecting the proposed arrangement. It presents the design process used to develop the design and to predict its structural response. It discusses manufacturing issues and describes the test program conducted to prove the end fitting performance.

Industry focus is often on the pipe rather than the end fitting. However the latter often presents a more difficult design challenge. Without a reliable design solution and methodology composite pipe application cannot be considered. The development work presented in the current paper therefore presents an important step towards application of composite technology on demanding riser applications.

An end fitting with reliable structural and sealing performance is a prerequisite for the successful application of composite pipe. Historically, this has proven to be a difficult challenge and end fitting performance limitations have been cited for the slow introduction of composite pipe technology. The current paper presents a new design approach to the problem, made possible by a unique manufacturing process and a better understanding of the composite metallic interface, which together allows the end fitting problems to be resolved. The paper describes fundamentals of the design approach, the development work conducted, manufacturing and qualification testing. The paper discusses the function specification, key design features, FEA approach and results, codes and standards, testing results under combined load conditions and fatigue testing results.

Introduction

Design, fabrication and installation of riser systems for floating production is a complex challenge. Constraints such as maximum payload capacity and design issues such as internal and external corrosion, fatigue capacity, thermal insulation, weldability and susceptibility to sour service conditions conspire to make riser design one of the most demanding challenges in the offshore industry today. The magnitude of this challenge has grown, perhaps non linearly, as water depths have continued to increase over the last 20 years. Also operating pressures and temperatures have increased, particularly in the last 10 years, with the focus on presalt and subsalt reservoirs.
Effects of Stress History on Failure Behavior of Shallow, Marine Muds From the Northern Gulf of Mexico
Authors: Zhao Xin , Dugan Brandon
Published: May 2013

We explore the relation of stress history and failure mechanics of sediments from the Ursa Basin, Gulf of Mexico using direct simple shear experiments. We consolidated specimens to different preconsolidation stresses via load-increment consolidation; then sheared each specimen under undrained conditions to determine shear strength, shear-induced pore pressure, and their responses to stress history.

The stress history influences sediments properties before failure, and may impact failure dynamics. By shearing sediments with different initial porosity or different initial stress, we study how pre-failure conditions influence failure behavior (e.g., contractional or dilational). This can help us define if failing sediments are prone to contract and accelerate, to creep, or to dilate and stop failing.

Preliminary results on mud samples from the Ursa Basin indicate that as burial depth increases from 430 to 1340 cm below sea floor (bsf) the cohesion decreases from 18 to 6.5 kPa and internal friction angle increases from 10° to 21°. The preconsolidation stress for these specimens ranges from 16 to 42 kPa and experimentally derived peak shear strengths are 30–63 kPa. To investigate stress history, we studied three specimens from 1315–1340 cm bsf that were consolidated to different maximum effective vertical stresses or 52, 104, and 208 kPa. The specimens show an increase in shear-induced pore pressures from 38 to 73 to 180 kPa. The normalized undrained shear strengths are 0.29, 0.27, and 0.23 at maximum shear. This indicates that the normalized undrained shear strength decreases with vertical consolidation stress, whereas the maximum shear-induced pore pressure increases with vertical consolidation stress. Together these parameters may influence the depth at which failure occurs and the post-failure dynamics of these mud-rich sediments, but additional work is needed.

All these data are part of the geotechnical characterization of shallow, marine sediments from the northern Gulf of Mexico. These types of data will be used to test and calibrate sediment failure models which are vital for subseafloor geohazard analyses and offshore infrastructure development. Our study may lead to new assessment techniques of submarine landslide risks and provide new approaches to mitigate risk.
Case Study: Surface-controlled Formation Isolation Valves and Their Application as a Barrier for Temporary Well Suspension
Authors: Thai Dan , Guven Oguzhan , Mendonca Joao
Published: May 2013

The industry trend of E&P operationsfrom deep water subsea wells is increasing the demand for deepwater drilling rigs. To increase rig availability, operators are resorting to a new strategy of transferring the subsea tree installation responsibility from the offshore drilling rig to a subsea equipment support vessel. The installation from a rig can take 1 to 3 weeks; transferring this responsibility to the support vessel enables the rig to move to the next well sooner and offers significant rig time savings.

This paper introduces a fit-for-purpose surface-controlled formation isolation valve (SFIV) designed for the temporary well suspension that is required as a part of this strategy. The valve was developed, tested, and manufactured in accordance with the ISO-28781 standard. A case study demonstrates the operational time savings achieved by suspending a subsea well with the and landing the tree on heave-compensated wire, call the tree-by-wire technique. Temporary well suspension can be achieved by using plugs or mechanical barrier valves. If plugs are used, the rig must return to remove them after the vertical tree installation, which would partially negate the benefits of the new strategy. Therefore, to fully realize the potential of this new strategy, the SFIV was designed to provide a mechanical barrier that could be remotely opened from the support vessel through application of pressure in the hydraulic control lines without loss of actuation capacity. It's a true fail-as-is valve that eliminates the risk of loss of well control in case of a system failure, which has critical importance in well suspension applications.

Starting in November 2010, several subsea wells around the world were successfully suspended with the SFIV valves. Besides using the SFIV as a suspension valve, operators can use it to perform production build-up tests, downhole lubricator valve for deployment of long production loggin or pereforating guns. This is possible since the valve could be opened multiple times with high differential pressure across the ball valve without any adverse affects on its sealing capacity.
Innovative Geosteering Technology Utilized in Drilling Smart Multilateral Wells, Kuwait
Authors: Estarabadi Javad , Gezeeri Taher M. N. , Padhy Girija Shankar , Silambuchlvan Jeevan , Ferroni Gionata , Al-Anezi Khalaf K. , Ismael Abdulaziz , Latif Ahmad Abdul
Published: May 2013

The Burgan Reservoir having vertically stacked channel sands, fault network connected to the aquifer and hydrocarbon viscosity of about 40cp has the potential for premature water breakthrough leaving behind zones of by-passed oil. Placing and completion of horizontal wells in such reservoirs is a challenge necessitating collaborative approach from petroleum geoscience, reservoir engineering and petroleum engineering. The current work scope describes placing of the horizontal wells in this kind of heterogeneous reservoir through an integrated approach involving all segments of petroleum geoscience. The workflow incorporates utilization of real-time geochemical analysis (XRF) on rock cuttings, LWD data and real-time petrophysical evaluation to geosteer the smart multi-lateral wells in zones of highest flow potential and less structural complexity. The pre job planning had two components such as:building a geosteering model based on offset well logs, geological and geophysical information andpreparation of geochemical model based on XRF analysis of core chips from offset wells.

The later model was calibrated through logs and utilized further to predict key rock attributes such as:detailed lithological variations generally beyond the resolution of LWD logs,detailed mineralogy to determine the diagenetic overprint anddepositional environment of different Burgan sand facies.

The real-time geosteering operation was guided not only by the LWD tools but also through the continuous interpretation and integration of XRF and petrophysical analysis. Azimuthal Litho-density Images were interpreted in real-time not only to understand the formation dip but most importantly to identify cluster of fractures/faults, which was further complemented with XRF and seismic data analysis. Nature of the fractures/faults (open or healed, contribution to porosity and communication with water zone) were inferred from the several cross plots and Dipole-sonic data in real time and further validated with XRF obtained elemental markers. Several other cross plots along with quick volumetric analysis provided information on rock quality/type and fluid saturations.

The integrated approach not only has resulted in successful geosteering and placing the wells with maximum reservoir contact but also was very instrumental for (i) isolation of potential trouble zones, (ii) segmentation of horizontal sections and (iii) optimization of nozzle sizes of the ICDs and hence planning of smart completion designs.
Impacts of Technology on Communicating Weather Windows for Offshore Construction, Drilling and Intervention Operations
Authors: Hasling Jill
Published: May 2013

With the rapid development of computing and mapping software, meteorologists are able to create graphical marine weather forecasts to provide drilling operations a better picture of the weather windows for their operations. By being able to combine satellite, radar, operation locations, wind and wave forecasts onto one map, the operator has a quick overview of the weather's impacts on his/her operations. Global models are now available every 6 hours giving various forecasts of winds and waves out to 15 days. This information can be used to have a preliminary view of what weather one could encounter for support vessels or for weather sensitive operations. Examples of weather in the North Sea, Gulf of Alaska, and Gulf of Mexico will be given to show how technology has changed and how the meteorologists communicate the weather to the oil and gas industry.
Execution of New Drillship Project - Perspectives From Owner, Class, Builder and Designer
Authors: Wang Xiaozhi , Lee Suck-Hwan , Webb David L. , Ren Harry H. , Lee Y. C. , Hendriks Sjoerd M.
Published: May 2013

Drillships have proven to be an attractive type of mobile offshore drilling unit due to their excellent mobility and large variable load capacity. The technical challenges of the new generation of ultra deepwater drillships include greater efficiency and increased capability of both facility and hull structural design. Modern ultra deepwater drillship designs, i.e., sixth generation and beyond, are capable of operating in water depths of up to 12,000 feet and drilling depths of up to 40,000 ft. These drillships feature new developments in design and operation that require cooperation and collaboration by the designer, builder, owner and classification society. Compared with earlier generation designs, these new ultra deepwater drillships present unique challenges in their design, construction and classification.

The paper presents how these challenges were addressed in a recent drillship new construction project from the perspective of the owner, classification society, builder and designer. This includes the design itself, construction techniques applied, owner's requirements and classification design verification. Several special aspects of this drillship, including Metacentric Height-controlled drilling and variable draft operation, are also addressed.