bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Determinants of Value Benefits in Adopting an Engineering Procurement and Construction Management (EPCM) Contracting Model
Authors: Al Zaabi Abdulla Rashed
Published: October 2022

Thinking outside the box implies a box. This box consists of all your beliefs and preconceived ideas about reality. It is a group of concepts you accept and don't question. Unfortunately, this tendency to conceptualize reality also has side effects. In fact, this box destroys creativity. It sets fences in your mind. It establishes a perimeter that determines what conscious thoughts can arise. When you think inside the box, you are limited. You copy what already exists. This is not necessarily problematic, but it often is suboptimal.

If you aim at the same target everyone else is aiming at, your shots will end up where everyone else's do. If you till the same soil that everyone else tills, plant the same seeds they plant, and use the same water, you'll get the same garden.

Ideas are constantly flowing in your subconscious mind. You're not aware of most of them because they are blocked. They fall outside the box. Your mind constantly filters out stuff that it doesn't consider relevant. To develop creativity, you need the ability to suspend that filter. You have to step out of concepts. It's certainly doable.

"Thinking Out of the Box" means you're indifferent to rules and standards being imposed by others, and do things a different way. This way, you're unrestrained by convention, and don't see the world through a lens of set rules or expectations. This trait lends itself well to creativity and innovation, as you don't feel bound by certain ways of producing work or fitting in with the status quo.

To think outside the box, you have to step out of it. That means suspending judgments and labels. It's impossible to be creative if you're caught in prejudice.

So, let's step out of the box and ponder on the below strategy:

"Execution of Oil & Gas Projects in UAE through Engineering Procurement and Construction Management (EPCM) Contracting Model instead of the mundane Engineering Procurement & Construction (EPC) Model"
Leadership Huddle Board
Authors: Elkallaf Abdelrahman Molham
Published: October 2022

Leadership Huddle Board is a simple agile tool used to maintain a satisfied level of alignment between top management from one side and employees working across different departments at the other side. Pharaonic Petroleum Company (where I worked for at these times) succeeded in 2020 to launch this amazing agility approach.

Working from home derived us to search for better flexible ways that maintain level of employees' engagement as it was regardless of the sudden change of working style. According to the Ministerial Decree, 50% of actual work force is the maximum capacity allowed to work. Workers who have chronic diseases or females who own children below 12 years were allowed as well to work from home.

Leadership Huddle Board is just one board/slide/page/frame discussed weekly in one hour between leaders and their subordinates. It represents Key actions of departments associated with their priorities, accountable person, due dates and the status of actions using traffic lights coding. This board covers key important dates, pressing/emerging issues, blockers/support required, successes, key matrices and critical dashboards.

HR always has a strategic role especially when it comes to aligning workers on one goal and yearly objectives. We had succeeded to push department's heads to arrange for a weekly huddle board where both two types of workers (physical and virtual ones) meet together to discuss, update, raise issues and plan the way forward to contribute to the success story of Pharaonic Petroleum Company.
EV Adoption Case Study: Analysis of the Infrastructure Required
Authors: Haider Syed Tabish
Published: October 2022

Objectives/Scope

The Middle East has one of the highest per-capita power consumption globally. The governments have set ambitious goals to mitigate climate change and reduce carbon footprint. In this context, a large-scale transition to electric vehicles is expected in the coming decades. This study aims to quantify and analyze the carbon footprint reduction, and the infrastructure (power distribution hubs, primary energy, superchargers/standard chargers, metals/minerals) required to support this transition for a sample population.

Methods, Procedures, Process

The transition to the clean energy infrastructure is power intensive and depends on reasonable resource allocation. While supporting this transition, the resource allocation simultaneously must address the present energy demand. In this paper, we model realistic time required to transition to electric vehicle infrastructure constrained by the present/future energy demand. We also model the achievable transition rate constrained by the available resources (metals, minerals, power supply). We quantify the feasibility of charging cars at home and its effect on power grids. We also compare the number of superchargers required to compete with the high throughput of gasoline fuel stations. The impact of different charging modes (superfast chargers) and the associated cost are analyzed.

Results, Observations, Conclusions

We show that the amount of rare earth elements (RRE) and other minerals required to build high-end electric vehicle is significantly high, and the security of the resource availability will have a huge impact on the transition rate. At homes, the electricity usage pattern with respect to time will have a huge impact on the power rating of the electric cables required to support charging infrastructure. It will also require careful changes to the transformer's peak power. In the field, the number of superchargers required to match high throughput of gasoline fuel stations are comparatively high. Finally, we show that compared to the personal car segment, the electrification of the public transport system will have better economic impact and higher effect of carbon footprint reduction.

Novel/Additive Information

We provide a workflow to assess the resource, and infrastructure required to develop and operate an electric vehicle infrastructure. The results presented will acts as the base to further economic and resource requirement analysis required to develop, and support future energy transition decisions and strategy.
Organisational Management System in the Digital Transformation Era
Authors: Muhamed Salim Muzahidin , Traboulay Ian , Ibrahim Elfadl , Al Wehaibi Sara , Ballaith Nasser
Published: October 2022

Oil and gas operators embark on a digital transformation journey in order to maximize their value from every barrel and deliver their greatest possible return to the shareholders in order to meet the world's growing demand for energy. To achieve this, the organization must come up with their new growth strategy that will be sustained through active engagement with the employees and stakeholders who are core to the development and sustainable implementation of their integrated strategy.

To align with this strategy, the organization must set up a DOF (Digital Oil Field) organization to identify and implement digital opportunities across the company. During execution, the DOF organization is often faced with multiple challenges to realize the digital vision. To understand these challenges and pain points a detailed study was conducted to assess the maturity level of the DOF organization. Discussions were held with key stakeholders from various departments focusing on their current challenges and pain points of DOF organization. The current state analysis is a combination of inputs received during discussions and through supporting documents.

This paper highlights the common practices and pain points of an organization and provides recommendations for improving their future mode of DOF operations through a unified management system framework. The paper also outlines a list of key goals, objectives, and KPIs along with key digital capabilities, enabling tools and technologies required for the organisation to realize their digital vision. To overcome the current challenges of DOF, a new operating model and organization structure has been suggested along with a defined set of operations. To set up the operating model and initiate operations, an indicative roadmap and implementation plan has been outlined highlighting a critical set of activities to be executed over the near term for the new digital organization to be fully operational.
Practical Solutions for Small Volume Associated Flare and Vent Gas at Offshore Platforms Towards GHG Emissions Reduction
Authors: Shaffee Siti Nur Amira , Myo Thant Maung Maung , Mohd. Sahak M Zakwan , Sedaralit M Faizal
Published: October 2022

Flaring of associated gas at hydrocarbon production facilities contributes to Scope 1 of GHG emissions and is a wastage of a valuable energy resource. A wide range of technical and technological solutions have been proposed to address this issue. However, the volumes of flared associated gas are rarely large enough to capture and monetize economically at a single location hence the struggle to achieve ZRF, especially at offshore locations. This paper presents the practical solutions to monetize this small-volume associated gas and the resulting techno-economic assessments of these options at five different offshore locations.

A thorough state-of-the-art review has been conducted categorizing external outlooks on process improvement initiatives and/or technologies that can be applied for flaring and venting management. The study focuses on solutions for offshore facilities where the volume of associated gas is small, within the range of 5MMSCFD or less. Five fields in offshore Malaysia were considered for this purpose. A two-steps techno-economic assessment with a case study field was carried out to firm up IRR, NPV, CAPEX, OPEX, variable cost and revenue for each technology solutions.

The four leading solutions were: 1. recovering the flare gas and utilizing it as fuel gas to generate electric power using small-scale generators, 2. recovering the flare gas and utilizing it for gas reinjection through existing idle reinjection facilities, 3. installing in-situ small-scale gas-to-liquids conversion process, and 4. improving the efficiency of the existing processing system using data analytics to further reduce or eliminate the gas volumes. Except for the fourth option, additional equipment are required with their respective footprints.

The existing processing system and platform size played a major role in determining the right solution for a given location. For the identified offshore field case studies, the vent gas reduction is achieved through Solution 1 at two fields, Solution 2 at one field, and Solution 3 at two fields. The techno-economics assessment shows that power generation (Solution 1) requires the lowest CAPEX and provides the highest IRR 21% with an NPV of USD4.2 million. The gas reinjection (Solution 2) also has lower CAPEX but the production increment is not significant and hence lowest IRR.

In conclusion, there is no single standard or generic solution to help recover associated flare and vent gases and monetize it. Operators need to consider several factors especially on flare or vent volume variation, low pressure, and limited space at brownfield facilities.
Managing Russian Mega-Projects Amid Geopolitical Turbulence: Challenges and Opportunities for International Cooperation
Authors: Irina Akimova
Published: October 2022

Beginning of 2022 was marked by unprecedented geopolitical turbulence between Russia and Ukraine which followed by military conflict and sanctions applied to major Russian companies and projects. Most of the international energy majors announced cutting ties with Russian state-owned and private companies and a number of mega oil and gas projects. Among them BP, Shell, Caterpillar, Eni, Equinor and others. Some mega projects were temporary put on hold but after a very short break continue its development. This conflict made serious pressure on gas prices in Europe and costs for many industrial and domestic consumers in EU. In spite of strained relationships, Russian companies still supply gas to EU according to existing long-term contracts and even were able to increase trade volumes to Asia. As Russia is still main gas supplier to EU and its very unlikely for EU to substitute such volumes in a short-term, so its very important for international gas market security to made assessments of this geopolitical turbulence on the market volatility.
Enhancing Employee Morale by Providing Felxible Workweek Options: A Success Story in Sharjah
Authors: Shafique Fatima Muhammad , Al Haddi Mohammed
Published: October 2022

Since UAE has adopted a shorter workweek since the new year -2022, to align with global markets, many organizations have had to implement measures to adhere to this change. Sharjah National Oil Corporation has decided to provide their employees with multiples flexible weekend options to choose based on their convenience. A survey was conducted on the options provided to employees, for their feedback and effectiveness of this new change.

The employees had been provided with 3 flexible weekend options containing all details regarding working hours, work schedule, effect on leave entitlement etc. These options were circulated to all employees, and a meeting was conducted to address any questions on the options provided. Employees adopted the new options and a survey was conducted to evaluate the Effectiveness of the new weekend policy and its impact on business and team performance after the 3-month mark.

The survey questions were categorized based on employees personal, team and business perspectives.

Employees were sent a link to complete the survey online regarding their feedback and evaluation

A total of 86.5% of SNOC employees have participated in the survey, 13.5% of employees did not participate due to non-interest or absence from work. The results showed that 87.16% of employees are willing to stick with their current weekend selection for the remainder of 2022, 12.84% of employees wanted to change their option due to personal convenience and productivity levels.

Majority of employees have agreed that employee morale has increased and work-life balance has improved based on the new weekend policy change. 87% of employees have agreed that there has been no negative impact on their "personal" work productivity and 74% of employees have agreed there is no negative impact on "team" productivity due to the weekend change. Only 7% of employees agreed that the new weekend policy caused disruptions in day-to-day communications with colleagues and 6% agreed there was a negative effect on communication with vendors and other business entities.

Overall majority of employees have been positively impacted with the changes and agreed that the flexible options have provided them with more work life balance and has not impacted their work productivity.

However, employees have remained neutral on the increase of employee engagement since the policy update.

This paper helps to give better insight on how flexible weekend options can improve employees work life balance and productivity by giving them the flexibility to choose their own work schedule based on their convenience.
Flowlines Identification Using Cathodic Protection for Repair Activities
Authors: Gunasekaran Abirami Krishnan , Raju Vairamani
Published: October 2022

In ADNOC Onshore, during regular business operations, there are needs to maintain/replace/repair flow lines due to variety of reasons Rerouting of flow lines.Replacing flow lines due to excessive thinning of flow line due to corrosion.Third party damage.Replacing a section of flow line due to a leak

However, correctly identifying the flowline for maintenance / repair in the Fields is challenging because the target flowline is Same size and identical,Inaccessible due to sand dunes/under road crossing and isAmongst cluster of flowlines with no markersIn the same right of way

Time and time again, it has been noticed that the flow lines get intertwined like spaghetti. A typical scenario is provided in Figure -1. Therefore, it is very difficult to identify flow lines from one side of sand due to the other side.
Development of Inline Testing in Sour High Pressure Fields
Authors: Al-Busaidi Asaad , Al-Shabibi Ghusn , Al-Khanbashi Ali , Al-Jabri Rashid , Al-Mahrooqi Al Khattab , Al-Amri Fadhil , Chaari Rached , Al-Battashi Zakariya , Mihajlov Rodoljub , Al-Khusaibi Habib , Al-Hadhrami Abdullah
Published: October 2022

Newly drilled high-pressure sour wells require initial well testing before being hooked-up to a production facility. Mobile well test unit is sent to perforate, stimulate and test the new well potential. During operation, HC and H2S gases are flared to atmosphere. Innovative approach of Inline testing is invented by accelerating the well hookup and connecting the well to production station before well test unit intervention to avoid oil and gas flaring at well site.

After well pad release, Hookup process normally takes 3-4 months with good practices applied for acceleration. A mobile well testing is then sent to perforate, stimulate, clean out and test the well. After well clean up completed and ensuring clean HC fluids flowing, well flow is diverted to the flowline producing to the production station and testing using Well Test Unit separator with clear sequenced standard procedures followed up and integrated among Well Test Unit, Engineering and Production teams to ensure safe operation.

Inline testing approach was successfully implemented in two wells for the first time in high sour cluster fields in July-21 using CI methodologies and detailed risk assessments. A Flaring reduction of about 15% of total Oil flared in 2021 and 2% of gas during the two wells testing equivalent to more than 2,000 tons of CO2 emissions and a deferment reduction benefit of more than 1 mln USD. These results were achieved with good integration of different teams and stakeholders involved, clear operation procedures and live communications during the operation. Inline testing was then approved and planned for all coming new wells testing interventions (7-10 wells per year).

These successful two pilot trials open wider opportunities for extending inline testing for existing flowing wells when Well Test Unit intervention is required. More emission reduction is expected, and more production deferment will be reduced.
Repurposing Depleted Gas Fields into Potential Carbon Storage Sites - Case Study of Assessment and Screening Methodology
Authors: Haron Mohamed Fakhrullah , Ranjan Rakesh , Zulhaimi M. Jazlan , Muhammad Afandi Sarah , Narayanan Puveneshwari
Published: October 2022

As the world is moving towards low carbon future, it is vital to explore ways to reduce carbon emission and one of the way is carbon capture and storage. This paper discusses on the criteria and methods used in screening depleted gas fields in Peninsular Malaysia to be repurposed into potential carbon storage sites.

There are three main aspects to be considered for carbon storage sites which are containment, storage capacity and well integrity. Depleted gas fields are selected for potential carbon storage sites assessment due to its proven petroleum system which can retain hydrocarbon in its structure. This will reduce the uncertainty in terms of geological structure to store carbon downhole. Besides containment, storage capacity is another important aspect in screening for storage sites. After excluding fields with lower Gas Initially in Place (GIIP) which has lower potential storage capacity, screened fields are assessed for storage capacity by having high case and low case with different assumptions on percentage of gas Estimated Ultimate Recovery (EUR) replacement by carbon dioxide (CO2) and coupled with injectivity assessment via well model. The aspect of well integrity is also important when screening depleted gas fields as they could pose risks in terms of leak paths towards the surface. Both abandoned and producing wells are assessed in terms of cement integrity and material used in well construction.

A total of 151 Non-Associated Gas (NAG) in Peninsular Malaysia (PM) fields went through the first pass filters which includes removing fields with <500 BSCF of GIIP to exclude fields with low storage capacity. Then pre-development fields are removed due to uncertainty on depletion timing. Further filter includes fields with significant EUR loss due to specified injection date because they are less likely to be commercial. From the first pass screening, 13 fields remained, and they are further assessed and ranked in terms of containment risks via geological complexity scoring, storage capacity and well integrity analysis.

This paper will provide valuable insights for operators looking to repurpose and retool depleted gas fields into potential carbon storage sites as the demand for low carbon future is increasing.
MethaneSAT - A New Tool Purpose-Built to Measure Oil and Gas Methane Emissions from Space
Authors: Hamburg Steven , Gautam Ritesh , Zavala-Araiza Daniel
Published: October 2022

MethaneSAT is a novel satellite mission designed to quantify anthropogenic methane emissions starting with the global oil and gas sector. MethaneSAT is scheduled for launch in 2023 and will provide quantitative data products on methane emission rates focusing on the majority of worldwide oil and gas production, with additional capacity to measure emissions from other sectors including agriculture. MethaneSAT combines three major observing capabilities into a single mission with broad area-level mapping (200 km wide swaths), high measurement precision of 3 parts per billion at 1-2 km2 footprints and high spatial resolution of 100 m × 400 m. These capabilities uniquely allow MethaneSAT to quantify total regional methane emissions, at the same time detecting high-emitting point sources and characterizing diffuse area sources. MethaneSAT is expected to fill significant data gaps in the understanding of the scale and magnitude of methane emissions regionally and globally. Owing to its unique observing capabilities, MethaneSAT will strengthen the emerging ecosystem of existing methane measuring satellites and will synergistically operate with other satellite missions. Operational data products quantifying methane emissions will be made freely available in the public domain via MethaneSAT's data platform, in order to help governments and industry reduce their emissions. In addition, MethaneSAT data will help global policy-relevant emissions database developmental efforts such as the International Methane Emissions Observatory as it integrates multi-scale emission datasets from various measurement platforms.
Industrial Internet of Things to Improve HSE Performance
Authors: Stinson Sean
Published: October 2022

Industrial businesses face increased pressure to drive operational excellence, and that includes keeping people safe and managing costs. Legal compliance is a requirement, and budget constraints are a reality. This paper examines how connected technology can help streamline safety processes and improve worksite efficiency. We discuss how data and real-time analytics from digitally connected devices using the Industrial Internet of Things (IIOT) can improve organizational productivity, compliance and safety performance including, most crucially, response time to life-threatening incidents.

On the ground studies with clients show an incident is resolved in the shortest period of time when using connected technology. Using traditional methods, we found an incident response can take up to 3 and a half hours which, when dealing with toxic gas exposure for example, only leads to the recovery of a body. With connected technology, the worker can be rescued in less than five minutes and their life saved. Connected technology also supports organizational environmental, social and governance (ESG) efforts by protecting people and communities with capabilities that allow for plume dispersion modeling that prevent downstream impact and location technology to easily find and retrieve lost devices.

Overall, our research determined that a more digital environment means enhanced competitiveness, compliance and performance by delivering:

Higher quality and faster decisions Increased transparency, collaboration and efficiency Better outcomes, including driving to net zero and saving lives.
Distributed Temperature Sensing (DTS): An Attempt to Compare Multivendor Data Acquisition and Interpretation Process for Possible Standardization at Field A
Authors: Rachapudi Venkata Subba Ramarao , Patel Dipen , Al Dhuhoori Moza Saeed Abdulla , Albarracin Ruben Dario , Iqbal Javid Khalid Javid , Al Jasmi Sami , Konkati Sarath , Al Mansi Mohammad Kamel , Wak wak Amr , Titov Boris , Sajjad Fahad
Published: October 2022

In Oil and gas industry, demand for DTS (distributed temperature sensing) completions installation is rapidly increasing in recent times. Currently multiple vendors are installing the DTS completions at field A for real-time water flood conformance monitoring and to meet target production rate. This paper discusses about the insights of data acquisition process and interpretation approaches to generate a standard operating procedure specific to Field A.

DTS Completions are being installed in field A for few years, and they will be key in generating the optimum water injection profiles, proactive water flooding surveillance, injection/ production optimization and better reservoir management. However, the data acquisition, conditioning and interpretation is vendor specific. Moreover, the interpretation is influenced by the procedure followed for data collection, warm back period, the fluid at down hole, reservoir rock properties as well as the models being used for interpretation. In view of this multivendor installations available at field A, there is a need to standardize the data acquisition & interpretation process that will allow all reservoir and petroleum engineers in the field to analyze the DTS profiles regardless of the type of vendor DTS completion installations.

Field A has 13 DTS Completions installed in multiple reservoirs from three different vendors, and the injection profiles for these wells are being generated. This paper summarizes the influence of key parameters and/or assumptions that play a major role on the interpretation results and their variability during data collection stage. Further, the comparison of the injection profile generated by DTS with mechanical PLT will be discussed, and the use of PLT data for fine-tuning the interpretation model.

In addition, time-lapse injection profile generated at a specific well will be compared to understand the reasons for variation of it over a period. Additionally, the recommendations for improving/ optimizing the injection profile in few cases will be discussed including stimulations for better conformance and injection rate adjustments. In the conclusion, the proposed unified procedure covering data acquisition, format, storage, and standardized interpretation approach will be discussed.

This is an attempt to standardize the DTS data collection and to unify the interpretation process among the multiple vendors in a specific Field A.
Private 5G Practice in Oil and Gas Industry
Authors: Alanazi Abdullah Mohammed , Almutairi Naif Radhyan , Aseery Abdullah Ahmed , Al Buraiky Salah M.S , Rafie Amani M. , Alrumaih Abdullah Abdulrahman
Published: October 2022

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has taken active steps to adopt cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), Cloud, 5G, 3D printing, robotics and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to drive domestic value creation, improve localization, and maximize long-term economic growth and diversification. This is accelerating the digital transformation across many sectors such as energy, mining and logistics, tourism and culture and education, and advancing their business operation activities. Saudi Aramco, a world leader in hydrocarbons exploration, production, refining, distribution and marketing, and one of the world's largest exporters of crude oil and natural gas liquids, has always been at the forefront of technologies and continuously invested in digital transformation to maintain our competitiveness. We have realized that 5G plays a pivotal role in bringing all emerging technologies such as advanced analytics, intelligent sensing, mobility, and robotics as part of the Industrial Revolution 4.0 synergy. In January 2021, Saudi Aramco, stc, and Huawei signed a MoU (Memorandum of Understanding) to launch a joint innovation program for 5G and explore 5G assisted technologies for specific oil and gas (O&G) industry applications. Private 5G is a promised technology to enable digital transformation at Oil and Gas Facilities due to its unique capabilities. The deployment options for private 5G at enterprise, similar to Saudi Aramco case, could be Leased from Service Provider, Fully Owned by the Enterprise, or Hybrid Model. This report is focusing on the implementation of the third deployment model; Hybrid model, Network-Shared RAN & Control Plane, with the service provider, that was implemented in collaborations with STC and their network provider Huawei at Abqaiq plant. Private 5G deployment at Saudi Aramco has introduced eight (8) use cases related to safety, security, and plant operation. The use cases were selected collectively by several organizations within Saudi Aramco including Industrial Security, loss prevention, and Abqaiq plant Operations. The selected use cases end-user components are novel and had been co-invented and developed jointly with different partners to accelerate the maturity of industrial 5G ecosystem. Based on the pilot results, Saudi Aramco is planning to expand the 5G deployment through Hybrid model capitalizing on Shared Radio Access Network (RAN) to achieve design simplicity, scalability, and optimized cost.
A Holistic Approach to the Development of Digital Twin Advisor for Upstream Production Process
Authors: Mohd Sahak Muhammad Zakwan , Myo Thant Maung Maung , Tumian Afidalina , Harun Zalina , Castillano Eugene , Chee Su Be , Tan Kathryn
Published: October 2022

From upstream production process/operation perspectives, adoption of digital twin linked with real-time data for operational monitoring and advisory can assist in early determination of abnormalities that can result in potential failure events, based on deviation from the operating setpoints and limits. In addition, prediction capability of the digital twin model can assist in prevention of unplanned production deferment and proper maintenance planning. The digital twin model can also recommend optimum operating points based on changes in the system as operational guidance to further improve and optimize the system performance. This paper outlines the holistic approach taken for the development of digital twin-based advisory system for upstream process monitoring and optimization.

Based on a case study, a step-by-step approach for the development of a digital twin model for fuel gas system is being described. This technology combines various aspect of process and operation models. The Integrated Operating Limit Model acts as the first layer of digital twin model, which provides the operators with a quick assessment based on the visualization or representation of the real time operating points versus the operating set points and limits defined in the system. Process simulation model predicts other operating parameters not covered by the existing instrumentations, serving as virtual analysers, providing near real-time equipment and unit performance. Data driven model can be used for prediction, optimization and anomaly detection, and based on the prediction model development, comparison between linear regression (LR) versus decision forest-based model showed LR to be more reliable approach based on the validation against the actual operation data especially during upset condition (R2 of 0.9 vs 0.27). A graphical user interface was also developed to translate and summarize the model outputs into a clear visualization to be used by the operation team as advisory and surveillance tool. Combination of these models’ outputs would allow operator to essentially screen for potential process upset and apply further optimization based on the recommendation provided.
Experimental Investigation of High Pressure, High Temperature (HPHT) Adsorption of Methane and Natural Gas on Shale Gas Samples
Authors: Tsau Jyun-Syung , Barati Reza Ghahfarokhi , Zaghloul Jose , Alhajeri Mubarak M. , Bradford Kyle , Nicoud Brian
Published: October 2022

The adsorption capacity of shale is commonly measured in the laboratory under low pressures. At low pressures, the excess adsorption capacity is approximately equal to the absolute adsorption capacity. Under high pressure, however, the excess adsorption is far less than the absolute adsorption capacity. The objective of this paper is to extend the adsorption measurements to a high temperature of 275 °F and pressure up to 9000 psi. Under such a HPHT, the adsorption curve shows a characteristic of supercritical high-pressure isotherm in which a critical desorption pressure can be identified. The adsorption isotherm under HPHT facilitates a better assessment of gas reserves for an effective assessment of shale gas reservoirs. The adsorption is measured based on a volumetric method. An in-house built setup was constructed to conduct the adsorption measurement at HPHT. The volume of sample cell and reference cell was calibrated with non-adsorbed Helium gas. Methane and field produced natural gas were used as adsorbate while the shale samples at different depth from a Gulf Coast organic shale were used as adsorbent. Excess adsorption measurements were carried out at reservoir temperature of 275 °F with 500 psi incremental pressure at a time until the pressure reaches 9000 psi. The absolute adsorption was calculated from the excess adsorption accordingly.

The excess adsorption isotherm shows a typical supercritical fluid adsorption behavior. The adsorption increases with pressure, reaches a peak point at which pressure is defined as critical desorption pressure (CDP), and then decreases at pressures above CDP. The CDP of methane is higher than that of natural gas while methane is a majority of its component. The maximum amount of adsorption determined from the measurement varies from 203 to 213 SCF/ton. The Langmuir model does a good job predicting the absolute methane adsorption but fails to properly describe the adsorption behavior of natural gas at high pressure. This work presents a HPHT adsorption measurement at pressures and temperatures typically seen in deep shale gas reservoirs. The supercritical fluid adsorption behavior presented may assist the assessment of gas reserve and development of gas production.
Process Quick-Look Assessment – A Booster for Decarbonization
Authors: Guillaume Vaillant , Elder Mata-Freitas , Damien Roquet , Patrick Little , Laurent France , Matthieu Deleersnyder
Published: October 2022

This paper aims at describing how O&G companies can boost the decarbonization of their Upstream activities and target operational excellence by analyzing their assets with a well-structured and efficient methodology, called ‘Process Quick-Look Assessment for carbon footprint reduction’, or PQLA. This quasi-exhaustive review allows to identify and prioritize actions to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, with a primary focus on quick wins / low CAPEX actions.

From the analysis of historical operational data, a detailed mapping of the asset GHG emissions by sources of energy (fuel gas, electricity, liquid fuels), flaring and venting is established. Then, a multidisciplinary task force with process, operations, maintenance and well performance representatives from Headquarter and Affiliate/Business Unit starts the investigations. By analyzing pressure profiles of gas, water and oil, by performing a gap analysis review with respect to (w.r.t.) best operational practices, by challenging methodically each system operation considering plant historical data, the team is able to identify areas for improvement and make impactful recommendations. Typical quick-win findings are the process control improvement of compressor anti-surge, reduction of discharge pressure of compressors and pumps, adjustment of valve setpoints, optimization of the cooling medium distribution… etc.

The structured methodology of the PQLA allows to establish a consolidated overview of the GHG saving possibilities, with strong Affiliates commitment that fully own quick-wins and low CAPEX initiatives to close the gaps and rapidly improve GHG emissions. It has been applied on multiple assets operated by the Company in Nigeria, Angola, Congo, Brazil, Denmark, Qatar, UK, Argentina… with effective or and realistic realizable GHG emissions reductions. In addition, the PQLA leads to a positive mindset change in Energy & GHG management culture within the Affiliates, contributing to onboard the operational teams to further accelerate the reduction of GHG emissions.
Video Analysis of Flare Stacks with an Autonomous Low-Cost Aerial System
Authors: Al Radi Muaz , Karki Hamad , Werghi Naoufel , Javed Sajid , Dias Jorge
Published: October 2022

Objectives/Scope

The inspection of flare stacks operation is a challenging task that requires time and human effort. Flare stack systems undergo various types of faults, including cracks in the flare stack's structure and incomplete combustion of the flared gas, which need to be monitored in a timely manner to avoid costly and dangerous accidents. Automating this inspection process via the application of autonomous robotic systems is a promising solution for minimizing the involved hazards and costs.

Methods, Procedures, Process

In this work, we present an autonomous low-cost aerial system to be used as a flare stack inspection system. The proposed UAV system uses the visual signal obtained from an on-board camera for analyzing the observed scene, guiding the UAV's movement, and obtaining spectral data measurements from the flare during operation of the inspected system. The UAV system uses a deep learning detection network for detecting the flare stack's structure and extracting visual features. These visual features are used simultaneously for guiding the UAV's movement along the structure inspection mission and computing combustion-related measures.

Results, Observations, Conclusions

The deep learning network was trained for inspecting the structure and monitoring the operation of the flare stack system. Simulations were conducted for evaluating the performance of the proposed structure and operation inspection technique and real images of flare stacks were used for testing the initial phases of the prototype. The developed system could autonomously collect an image database of the flare stack's structure for inspection purposes. Moreover, the trained deep learning detector could accurately detect combustion-related objects, such as flame and smoke, to give a conclusion about the current state of the flare stack system.

Novel/Additive Information

The current system introduces a novelty to combine 3D navigation using visual servoing and a deep learning detection network in an autonomous UAV system for automating the process of flare stacks inspection and monitoring. The implementation of such system is expected to lower the cost and minimize the human resource risks of flare stack inspection processes.
Using Autonomous Control to Maintain Gas Lift Well Flowing Bottomhole Pressure
Authors: Gao Zhuo
Published: October 2022

Optimizing a gas lift well can be challenging as it needs to optimize a complex interdependent system, where gas is compressed and injected to the bottom of the well to lift oil/water/gas to the surface. This system contains numerous facilities and equipment, from the compressor, injection valves, downhole gas-lift mandrel, valves, wellhead, and surface separator to the sales lines. Flowing bottomhole pressure plays a critical role in the system. In many cases, stabilizing the flowing bottomhole pressure within a desired range can be considered optimization of the system.

An edge internet of things (IoT) platform provides customized autonomous control logic to accommodate the customer's optimization challenge at the well level. Weatherford deployed the customized autonomous control logic to optimize the gas injection rate based on liquid production, well stability and to adjust an automated wellhead choke to maintain the flowing bottomhole pressure within the desired range.

The field results show that the methodology deployed has been able to maintain the flowing bottomhole pressure, optimize the gas injection rate, minimize the buy-back gas, and reduce the manual intervention, which, in return, largely reduced the optimization workflow's OPEX and boosted the production. In the eight-week trial, the flowing bottomhole pressure has been maintained within the target range 99.9% of the time, production was enhanced because of the optimized operating condition, and reduced the buy-back gas cost by 28%. A significant improvement in personnel efficiency was achieved by saving 8 trips/well which also reduced OPEX over the entire pilot.

The next-generation automation device incorporates the industry 4.0 technology to deliver customized autonomous control logic that leverages high-frequency, real-time data and well analysis to improve the optimization granularity. It maximizes the values that are delivered to the customer at the well site.
The Efficiency of High Power Laser Perforation in Shale Formations
Authors: Batarseh Sameeh I. , Mutairi Saad M. , SanRoman Damian P. , Al Harith Abdullah M.
Published: October 2022

This work introduces the high-power laser for perforation application in shale formations. Shale represents a significant role in unconventional reservoirs and production. Conventional perforation methods cause compaction and reduce permeability around the created tunnel. High-power laser perforation can enhance permeability and porosity while providing unmatched control of the perforation's shape and length. This paper presents the high-power laser perforation process on shale formation and lab-to-field transformation for the first industrial laser perforation.

A high-power laser system is used to perforate different types and sizes of shale samples. Laser perforation affects the formation and creates microcracks while interacting and perforating the shale. The rocks are characterized before and after the process using a combined multi-physics and multi-scale approach. Small core plugs and cuttings are used to study the effect at the micro-level using NMR, thin sections, and SEM. Larger samples are used to characterize the effect of the rock's overall structure, such as hardness, permeability, velocity, and micro-cracks mapping. The chemical transformations are captured using differential thermal analysis (DTA), X-ray diffraction and fluorescence (XRD/XRF), and geochemical analysis. The laser interaction is recorded in real-time using high-speed infra-red thermography and optical videos.

Experimental results showed that a near-infrared high-power laser could create long and wide perforation tunnels in shale formation with increased permeability due to the creation of micro-cracks, changes in interconnectivity between the pores, and the collapse of clays.

This work demonstrates that a high-power laser can be used to enhance the perforation processes in shale formations. The technology can controllably create tunnels of different sizes and geometry. It is a none damaging, safe and precise technology that enables the creation of enhanced tunnels with improved flow properties and the unlocking of unconventional reservoirs.
Energy Management Best Practices
Authors: Faisal Al Qurooni A , Ahmed Al Homam W , Mohammed Al Muhainy A
Published: October 2022

Objectives/Scope: Energy Efficiency is one of the major pillars that need to be considered seriously today more than ever to overcome potential environmental impact and mitigate climate change. Therefore, Saudi Aramco strives to improve the energy efficiency at its industrial and nonindustrial premises. These efforts are in line with the vision of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as several initiatives were launched to achieve net zero through decarbonization. Despite all the exerted efforts, strict policies, challenging targets and investments to achieve a continual improvement in energy efficiency, it would be hard to avoid a performance plateau without breakthrough solutions. This paper will shed light on some of best practices used in the southern area of Ghawar field to improve the energy performance of multiple gas and oil separation plants.
A Sweet Spots Prediction Method of Tight Carbonate Reservoir and Its Application in Horizontal Well Design
Authors: Niu Zhiwen , Wei Xiaodong , Yan Xiaohuan , Li Jiajia , Wang Yu , Chen Xin , Xiao Dengyi
Published: October 2022

Tight carbonate reservoirs are widely developed in Arabian Sea. The character of the reservoir indicates high heterogeneity, poor reservoir physical property and low productivity of which would lead to high Unit Technical Cost (UTC). Past drilling experiences show that thin sweet reservoirs identification is very important for field development. In this study, a new method of sweet spots prediction in tight carbonate reservoirs is carried out, and successfully used in horizontal wells design.

Two main aspects of sweet spot reservoir were summarized based on this study: 1) For reservoir property prediction, multidisciplinary comprehensive research is used in this study. Seismic attributes fusion between amplitude and frequency is a main technical progress to predict the favorable reservoir. Where after, the porosity model is built by the constraint of fusion attribute and logging interpretation. 2) In terms of fluid mobility, rock type based permeability model is done to classify the flow capacity of reservoir fluid. The high permeability belt can be determined. Finally, integrate research will provide the evaluation map of sweet spots, then by which the horizontal trajectory is carried out.

The study results show that sweet spots are those reservoirs with relative high porosity and high permeability compared to wall rock. Frequency and amplitude based seismic attributes fusion is a most effective way to characterize the favorable area in tight reservoir. In fluid mobility study, permeability model that constraint by lithological classification is very important to definite each flow unit of the sweet spots. Integrated analysis reveal that the sweet spots distribute in an overlap mode with poor connectivity between each reservoirs and the single reservoir thickness is only about 10~15m with an average porosity range 5%~15% and permeability range 0.1mD to 1mD. Based on the sweet spots characterization results, the horizontal well trajectory is designed to realize multi-reservoirs penetration. It is one of the best ways to maximum the well productivity, reduce the drilling risk and UTC.

This study provide a new manner to predict sweet spots for tight carbonate reservoir and improve the success of horizontal drilling. The study results had been used in pilot well design in B oilfield, Abu Dhabi Offshore. The successful drilling experience can be used in the similar reservoirs of Middle East.