bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
EXPRESSION OF BACTERIAL PROTEIN-A IN TOBACCO LEADS TO ENHANCED RESISTANCE TO STRESS CONDITIONS
Authors: Roy Chaitali , Ray Anamika , Begum Yasmin , Paul Priyanka
Published: September 2014

Tobacco is the most commonly used plant for expression of transgenes from a variety of organisms because it can be easily grown and transformed, it provides abundant amounts of fresh tissue and has a well-established cell culture system. As bacterial enzymes can be synthesized in tobacco, here we explore the possibility of in planta expression of staphylococcal protein-A(PA) which is an antibody, an important group among biopharmaceuticals. In our study we have shown that the tobacco plants harboring PA gene could combat the crown gall infection and also effective in resisting abiotic stress conditions. Transgenic plants when subjected to interact with wild variety of Agrobacterium shows its enhanced capability to resist the gall formation. And when transgenic tobacco plants were grown in presence of 200mM NaCl and/or MG(Methylglyoxal) solution, shows their increased tolerance towards salinity stress and high MG stress. So far transgenic tobacco plants are concerned, improvements in the expression of recombinant proteins and their recovery from tobacco may also enhance production and commercial use of this protein.
An assessment of veracity of filter criteria for earth dams
Authors: Vakili Amir Hossein , Selamat Mohamad Razip Bin
Published: September 2014

The core of an earth dam is normally made of clayey base soils and protected by a sandy filter. Designing the filter can be very challenging considering the various criteria established today. This study commences with a review of three prominent criteria referred to in designing filters by the indirect method. No-erosion filter tests are then carried out involving 11 fine-grained, base soil samples with different properties; these are a highly dispersive soil, a soil with a medium to high degree of dispersion, a soil with a low-plasticity silt (ML) classification and a soil with a broad gradation curve. These tests represent the direct method. A comparison of results arising from the two methods shows that designing filters the indirect way, by following established criteria alone, is not always safe. Hence, it is proposed that such designs should be experimentally verified using no-erosion filter tests. Furthermore, instead of following the prevalent criteria in the indirect design method, the perfect filtering method for highly dispersive soils and the reduced particle size distribution method for broadly graded soils are proposed to be used, with merits given for each method. Finally, the paper recommends certain filter criteria from the literature for base soils with a moderate degree of dispersion and an ML classification respectively.
The interplay of adult and larval time constraints shapes species differences in larval life history
Authors: Mikolajewski Dirk J. , De Block Marjan , Stoks Robby
Published: September 2014

In animals with a complex life cycle, larval life‐history plasticity is likely shaped by the interplay of selective factors in both larval and adult stages. A wide interspecific variation in responses to larval time constraints imposed by seasonality has been documented. Few studies have addressed differences among closely related species in the evolutionary trajectories of age and size at metamorphosis and their link with larval growth rate under time constraints. None have considered how species‐specific length of the reproductive season affects larval developmental responses to time constraints. We tested in fourCoenagriondamselfly species whether species with a longer reproductive season, facing a smaller threat of missing out on reproduction, react less to larval time constraints and pre‐winter food shortage by accelerating development rate and growth rate, and therefore pay less physiological costs. All species increased development and growth rates under larval time constraints. The magnitude of this increase negatively correlated across species with the length of the reproductive season. Under larval time constraints, only the species exhibiting the longest reproductive season suffered a delayed emergence and a reduced investment in energy storage, yet also showed an increased immune function. Under a longer reproductive season, evolution may favor compensation for larval constraints after metamorphosis. Growth rate was accelerated after pre‐winter food shortage to the same extent across species; effects on age and mass at emergence also did not differ among species. Time constraints associated with the length of the reproductive season may predictably contribute to species differences in their response to time constraints imposed in the larval stage. Our study adds empirical proof that the interplay of selective factors in the larval and adult stages may determine life‐history plasticity with regard to larval time constraints.
Host heterogeneity influences the impact of a non‐native disease invasion on populations of a foundation tree species
Authors: Jules Erik S. , Carroll Allyson L. , Garcia Andrea M. , Steenbock Christopher M. , Kauffman Matthew J.
Published: September 2014

Invasive pathogens are becoming increasingly important in forested ecosystems, yet they are often difficult to study because of their rapid transmission. The rate and extent of pathogen spread are thought to be partially controlled by variation in host characteristics, such as when host size and location influence susceptibility. Few host‐pathogen systems, however, have been used to test this prediction. We used Port Orford cedar (Chamaecyparis lawsoniana), a foundation tree species in riparian areas of California and Oregon (USA), and the invasive oomycete Phytophthora lateralis to assess pathogen impacts and the role of host characteristics on invasion. Across three streams that had been infected for 13–18 years by P. lateralis, we mapped 2241 trees and determined whether they had been infected using dendrochronology. The infection probability of trees was governed by host size (diameter at breast height [DBH]) and geomorphic position (e.g., active channel, stream bank, floodplain, etc.) similarly across streams. For instance, only 23% of trees <20 cm DBH were infected, while 69% of trees ≥20 cm DBH were infected. Presumably, because spores of P. lateralis are transported downstream in water, they are more likely to encounter well‐developed root systems of larger trees. Also because of this water‐transport of spores, differences in infection probability were found across the geomorphic positions: 59% of cedar in the active channel and the stream bank (combined) were infected, while 23% of trees found on higher geomorphic types were infected. Overall, 32% of cedar had been infected across the three streams. However, 63% of the total cedar basal area had been killed, because the greatest number of trees, and the largest trees, were found in the most susceptible positions. In the active channel and stream bank, 91% of the basal area was infected, while 46% was infected across higher geomorphic positions. The invasion of Port Orford cedar populations by P. lateralis causes profound impacts to population structure and the invasion outcome will be governed by the heterogeneity found in host size and location. Models of disease invasion will require an understanding of how heterogeneity influences spread dynamics to adequately predict the outcome for host populations.
Produced Water Management - Nimr Water Treatment project
Authors: Mathew Benoie P
Published: September 2014

One of the largest industrial constructed wetland systems in the world was commissioned by Janurary 2011 to sustainably manage 45,000 m3/day of produced water from the Nimr oilfields in Oman. Further to which, an extension to the wetland system (additional 120 hectares) is being constructed & commissioned by November 2012 to increase the capacity of the plant to 95,000 m3/day. This natural treatment system consists of a passive oil-water separator, 354 hectares of surface flow wetlands and 300 hectares of evaporation ponds and has been instrumental in reducing the amount of hydrocarbon polluted produced water being disposed to the deep well aquifers. The Nimr Water Treatment Plant (Nimr WTP), being a gravity flow system uses minimal fossil fuel for its operation and therefore results in an enormous saving in energy consumption compared to the conventional, energy-intensive disposal method of pumping the water using DWD pumps. Maximizing the use of locally available and naturally occurring materials for construction, treating and reusing oil contaminated soil from the oilfields and minimizing electricity consumption has decreased the carbon footprint, greenhouse gas emissions and environmental impacts of the oilfield, thus helping to protect people and the environment. The average operational power consumption for running the NWTP was only 0.06 kWh per m3 of produced water treated, compared to 3.6 – 5.5 kWh/m3 for the deep well disposal that has traditionally been used. This equates to an energy saving of 98.3 – 98.9% for managing the produced water and represents a huge saving in energy costs, fossil fuel consumption and subsequent green-house gas emissions making the project not only environmentally friendly but also economically successful for the oil producer. The wetlands and ponds also provide a valuable habitat for migratory birds, with close to 100 different bird species having been identified at the site to date.
Qatargas Pulse-Chlorination System
Authors: Khan Farhan A. , Al-Sulaiti Khalifa A. , Polman Harry
Published: September 2014

To maintain reliable and efficient operation of seawater cooling water systems, the typical industry practice is chlorination, generally through continuous dosing and periodic shock dosing. Due to concerns regarding potential environmental effects on the local marine environment, the Qatar Ministry of Environment (MoE) has set the residual chlorine limit in cooling seawater discharges at 0.05 mg/L. To comply with these regulatory requirements, Qatargas has implemented Pulse-Chlorination (P-C) as its antifouling strategy.

P-C is a cost-effective intermittent dosing regimen recognized as the European Union (EU) Best Available Technology (BAT) for biofouling mitigation of once-through cooling seawater systems. It combines optimal fouling control with minimal chlorine discharge, while retaining safe and reliable plant operations. It has been successfully implemented worldwide through on-site implementation and field tests at industries ranging from oil and gas facilities to conventional and nuclear power plants.

The implementation of P-C at Qatargas has been successful, with significant improvements in both fouling mitigation and substantial reductions in the discharge of total residual oxidants (TRO/residual chlorine). In 2009, Qatargas' implementation of P-C was recognized with an award in the ‘Excellence in Environmental Technology’ category at the RESCO Offshore Arabia Conference.

This paper will present the Qatargas chlorination regime and highlight how P-C enhanced environmental and operational performance of Qatargas' seawater cooling water system.
TENORM risk assessment in an oil industry
Authors: Fresca Fantoni R.. , Janis B.. , Colombo G.. , Rizzio E.. , Gelormini A.. , Macrì S..
Published: September 2014

The accumulation of Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials is a well-known phenomenon in the upstream oil sector since a long time: production water flowing into the production and treatment plants together with crude oil and gas might transports natural radionuclides from the reservoir to the surface and chemical and physical mechanisms can produce their deposition inside processing equipment. Presence of TENORM might accounts for a significant radiological hazard for the human health and in some cases requires monitoring during routine, maintenance and decommissioning activities.

In the downstream oil sector however, the volume of stratum water that enters the refineries together with the crude is very small (maximum 1-2 % of total product), nevertheless in certain points of production plants deposition of TENORM has been observed.

A multi-step approach has been developed to manage TENORM (Technologically Enhanced Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material) risks in refinery plants, in compliance with Italian regulations and international guidelines.

The first step to assess the radiological TENORM risk in refineries consists in a on-field survey in a plant, that allows to determine, together with the knowledge of the production process, the points most likely subjected to potential accumulation of TENORM. Next steps consist of an extensive radiometric survey, sampling and radiometric analysis of matrices potentially affected by TENORM, evaluation of radiological risks, definition of criteria for the releasing of materials and waste, development of radiation protection procedures at workplace and workers training.
Regional Scale Atmospheric Transportation Modelling
Authors: Coleman Tristan
Published: September 2014

Air dispersion and deposition modelling is an accepted mathematical technique to predict and quantify impacts to ambient air quality from the petroleum industry. Mainstream, established dispersion models are also used to determine appropriate stack heights for stationary equipment such as heaters, turbines and flares, as well as support the selection of emission controls or ‘abatement’.

Atmospheric modelling of industrial emissions are not commonly assessed for distances over 50km, beyond which many ‘off the shelf’ modelling systems provide limited accuracy. Factors that are important for long range transport modelling include variability of weather conditions within the area being simulated, and chemical and physical processes that may affect the concentration of the pollutant under investigation.

For regional scale modelling, a good description of the evolution in time and space of a particle or puff over distances of hundreds to thousands of km's is important. For modelling on this scale, the only realistic approach is to use detailed numerical weather prediction or analyses data; for simulations on a local scale it is often justified to use site or area-specific measurement data or even assumed, simplified weather conditions.

Regional scale modelling systems are often used to look at national and international transportation of airborne particles and gases released into the atmosphere. The list of potential applications is long and varied, but this type of system can be used to:

Back-trace sources of pollution experienced at a site or region Identify long-range impacts of localised emergency or disaster scenarios Perform regional impact assessment studies

Within this paper, the author discusses the application of Regional Scale Transportation Modelling Systems and, in particular, potential uses within the petroleum industry. This paper also includes a discussion, with a supporting case study, around the application of regional modelling techniques not commonly seen within the Middle East petroleum industry.
Innovative System to Promote Safe Driving Behaviors: a Case Study from the Middle East
Authors: Zidan Ahmed , Lopez Juan Carlos
Published: September 2014

After successfully establishing a global journey management center (GJMC) for its operations in the Middle East, an oilfield services company implemented a driving point system that uses real-time data from driver monitoring systems in company vehicles. The system measures driving performance so that the GJMC can quickly provide feedback to drivers and initiate appropriate driving safety actions.

This paper describes how the system shares features of driving point programs such as those used by driver licensing authorities in Europe that demerit drivers as a consequence of road traffic offenses. The system developed by the company also includes recognition of drivers who consistently demonstrate safe behavior.

In January 2013, every driver in the company's Middle East operations was allocated 12 points in a personal driving account. Any driving offenses are documented and verified in the system, with the driver and their managers receiving notification via a short message service (SMS) text stating the type of driving offense, the number of points lost, and the points remaining. The driver has 72 hours to challenge the decision. After 12 months, the main unsafe driving traits identified by the system have been over speeding, hard acceleration, heavy breaking and driver fatigue.

When a driver loses all of the allocated 12 points, the GJMC restricts the person's driving rights of company vehicles until an improvement plan is documented by the driver's manager. Drivers can recover points if they demonstrate adherence to expected driving safety behaviors. Drivers who maintain all of their 12 points during a full year period receive an official recognition letter from their business unit manager.

The paper discusses the improvements in several behavior based indicators and the reduction of automotive incidents achieved since the introduction of the driver point system in the 14 countries covered by the company's Middle East GJMC.
Development of Oiled Wildlife Preparedness and Response Management Systems and Their Integration with oil Spill Contingency Planning and oil Spill Response
Authors: Morgan Andrew , Pearce Mitch , Bellingham Ian , Lewis Anna , Pendoley Kellie
Published: September 2014

Commercial and social media is accessible globally and is always fixated on the impact an oil spill has on marine animals and the environment. Combined with the cost of cleanup and recovery, public perception and a lack of preparedness and operational response structure arrangements by the operator can impact severely on the financial viability of an oil and gas business. This paper outlines how to set up and implement an Oiled Wildlife Response (OWR) and how preparedness is integrated into oil spill planning and response. Traditionally, OWR relied on ‘not for profit’ organisations funded through donations. The development of wildlife carer networks and their links to industry, government and non-government organisations (NGOs) has evolved from this. More recently, coordinating organisations have taken on the further development of OWR. A good OWR management system requires reliable information on the environment and ecosystems at risk and integration of key wildlife response personnel and resources across the spill response command structure. This is demonstrated in recent Australian regulatory changes, which now require operators to prove they have the capacity to respond to an oil spill through valid contracts with service providers. A good OWR plan should meet industry standards for risk assessment, management, and emergency response. The plan must demonstrate that risk to fauna during hazing and deterrence and recovery and handling is As Low As Reasonably Practicable (ALARP). Appropriately qualified wildlife handling personnel should always be identified and available for deployment during an emergency response. The plan should be underpinned by detailed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for use of equipment and should integrate the biological aspects of the response with Health and Safety requirements, a Hazard Register inclusive of Major Accident Events, Safety Critical Equipment and the associated performance standards. Response equipment availability should align with immediate ‘first strike’ requirements together with expected escalation of response scenarios developed around best practice in marine wildlife interactions and use of equipment. Activation of oiled wildlife teams must be scalable and commensurate with the size of the spill, development of spill containment and deflection strategies by industry, and fauna at risk. A reduction in reactive OWR response and subsequent recovery times and an increase in positive public perception of oil spill response will limit the impact of the cost of an oil spill on the financial viability of an oil and gas business.
ASP Flooding Produced Water Management: Evaluation, Disposal and Reuse
Authors: Yang Liu , Zhihua Wang , Xianli Li , Xinpeng Le , Xiaotong Wang
Published: September 2014

Alkali/surfactant/polymer (ASP) flooding technology has become an important way to enhance the oil recovery and improve the recoverable reserves. However, in the large-scale application, the disposal and reuse of ASP produced water meet lots of difficulties and challenges, especially with the water cut rising of the benefited oil wells and the appearance of polymer, alkali and surfactant in sequence in produced liquid. Many traditional disposal methods are suffering double restriction of purifying effect and economical efficiency, also, the discharge of the disposed water is faced with a variety of pressure, such as facilities pollution, healthy and environmental threat. Therefore, environmental friendly disposal and beneficial reuse of produced water have become one of the technical bottlenecks for the promotion of ASP flooding. A laboratory investigation of evaluating the microcosmic emulsification properties of ASP flooding produced water was carried out recently. A combined disposal process for the water was presented and assessed. The feasibility of produced water reuse for preparing polymer solution during the chemical flooding oilfield development at high water-cut stage was validated.

The results show that there are surplus negative charges on ASP flooding produced water interface. The oil droplet size in the water diminishes with the increase of the chemicals, and particles are easy absorbed on oil-water interface to further prevent the coalescence of oil droplets. The sludge accumulation was decreased more than 70.0% due to the physical comprehensive effects of the combined disposal process including sedimentation with aeration, lateral flow coalescence, dissolved air flotation and micro-flocculation suspended sludge blanket filtration. The power and agent expense was reduced 60.0% and secondary pollution was decreased remarkably. The produced water after disposal could not only meet the re-injection standard of high permeability reservoir, but also can be reused to preparing polymer solution, and the viscosity loss control ability is desirable. The treatment option presented in this paper would contribute more to establishing a health, safety and environment (HSE) system.
Water: Regulatory and Community Impacts
Authors: Leatherby Lauren , Wagner Natalie , Grabski Lauren , Bonno David , Justiniano David
Published: September 2014

As water conservation becomes an increasingly prevalent issue, both in the oilfield and in other industries, many governments are creating new regulations to control the treatment, disposal, and storage of produced water, as well as the regulations around water sourcing. As often happens with new regulatory requirements, the unintended consequences of the regulations can be sometimes beneficial, and sometimes worse than the original problem they were designed to mitigate. The importance of investigating the effects of regulatory requirements before implementation cannot be overstated.

This paper outlines several examples of the unintended consequences, both positive and negative, of recent regulations designed to improve water conservation. Specifically, we review water storage and treatment challenges set by Australian regulation before the large-scale development of coalbed methane.

In contrast, an overview of the regional rules, diverse water sources, and quality requirements developed for the western US unconventionals boom is provided. Additional insights regarding water use in the Middle East and long-term field development strategies for managing water for stimulation and production are discussed.

Throughout, this paper investigates and compares, through case studies, how the International Standard Organization (ISO) 14001 Environmental Management Standard can be effectively used to provide guidance for appropriate regulations, while maintaining the quality and standards representative of the oil and gas industry.
Evolution of Air Quality Modelling of Ras Laffan, Qatar Airshed and Way Forward with WRF-CALPUFF Simulation in Near Real-Time
Authors: Deb Kaushik , Doherty Brett , Kanchan Arun , Holland Brian , Boger Whitney , Dai Weiping , Zhang Kan , Yang Xi
Published: September 2014

In the beginning, even before the desert skyline was punctuated by stacks from the first LNG plants in the northeast corner of Qatar, air quality models were being run to estimate potential air quality impacts (AQIA) due to the proposed developments. AQIAs were required as part of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) obligation to SCENR (now Ministry of Environment). With time, Ras Laffan (RLC) has grown into one of the premier energy hubs in the world with contemporaneous improvement in the pedigree of air modelling. This paper provides a genesis of air quality modelling in Qatar with initial screening estimates graduating to Industrial Source Complex (ISCST3) and now AERMOD as the mainstay model. The RLC coastline with its dense mass of industrial growth presents a daunting challenge in terms of predictions of air quality impacts due to a mix of uncertainties in emission inventories, coastal phenomena etc., which cannot be accounted for by the existing raft of air dispersion models. This paper makes a case for moving to an established scalable puff model (CALPUFF) operated in near real-time with dynamic Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) data as the regulatory model of choice. The proposed platform will vastly improve RLC's Air Quality Management Plan (AQMP) by improving allowable increment planning, handle complex coastline conditions local to RLC, addressing the lacunae of plume models and photochemistry.

Applications: Assess and mitigate air quality impacts from large gas and industrial projects through air dispersion modellingAQMP to assess future industrial growth using real-time AQIA

Results and Conclusions: Results from preliminary one-year RLC WRF-CALPUFF compared against other platformsInnovative technological approach by leveraging dynamic computation platforms to improve air quality impact predictions

Technical Contributions: Innovative air quality dispersion modelling using WRF-CALPUFF for assessing near real-time air quality impacts
Using a Multiphase Transient Simulator to Predict the Onset of Corrosion in Wellbore
Authors: Govindan Gunasekar , Ben Aouda Abdel Hakim , Yusuf Rahel
Published: September 2014

Tubing corrosion is a major well integrity challenge faced during the well lifecycle. Corrosion onset conditions need to be predicted with accuracy so that preventive and corrective actions can be taken before corrosion results in a safety hazard. One of the requirements for corrosion onset is the accumulation of free water along the wellbore. Given the transient nature of multiphase flow inside the wellbore, a transient multiphase simulator is required to accurately predict water accumulation inside the wellbore.

A comprehensive multiphase transient simulator has been used to evaluate the conditions that would allow or prevent water droplets in emulsion to wet the tubing and create corrosive conditions for two candidate wells; whereas a laboratory study indicated a stable emulsion with water dispersed in oil, hence pointing to no tubing wetting, field inspections showed severe corrosion. The aim of the study is to virtually recreate the field conditions by tuning different model parameters. Flow regime and emulsion analysis were done for the candidate wells to understand the likelihood of corrosion in the tubing. Further, sensitivities were performed for parameters such as tubing diameter, water cut, flow rate, and tubing roughness.

The model predictions for the first well (a dual-string well) indicated that both strings experience stratified flow until the bubblepoint, with the presence of free water near the tubing wall indicating the likelihood of corrosion. For the second well, which is a horizontal well with inflow control devices (ICDs), simulations indicated that emulsion was formed inside the ICD orifice, but the water phase still touched wall surface. Once the fluid entered the tubing, the flow regime was stratified, with water touching the wall, thus enabling the conditions ripe for onset of corrosion.

This study underscores the role of transient simulations in predicting the flow regime and emulsion formation in multiphase flow inside wellbores and thereby providing valuable information for assessing the likelihood of corrosion inside the wellbore.
Oil Spill Detection and Characterization from Satellite Image Using Artificial Neural Network Algorithm
Authors: Ridha Syahrir , Wardaya Pongga D.
Published: September 2014

This paper describes the use of artificial neural network to identify and characterize oil spill acquired from satellite imagery. The objective of the algorithm is to classify every pixel of the image whether it is sea water or oil based on its intensity. In order to test the algorithm, several order of noise is introduced, simulating real situation caused by weather or other pollutant during the acquisition. The study shows that neural network algorithm provides efficient technique to differentiate the oil spill from water body. The neural network is capable of delivering accurate classification in less than one minute computation time. The required training data can also be suppressed indicating the cost effectiveness in term of computer memory. From the classification result, area prediction is performed by using standard image analysis. The technique counts the number of pixels classified as the oil and sum them to provide the areal extent of the spillage. This result gives important solution for environmental handling of the oil exploitation activity. For example, the method can be used in providing estimate on the thickness of the discharged oil so that environmental effect can be predicted more reliably.
Air Quality – Integrated AP Flare Recovery Projects for South Oil Fields
Authors: Mathew Benoie P
Published: September 2014

When you drill for oil, you also get gas. In an ideal world this associated gas would be sold to consumers, or it would be used to generate power and then resold as electricity. But this requires costly investment into pipelines, power plants, and other infrastructure. Some oil producers opt to sell the oil and burn the gas. This is known as gas flaring. Every year, approximately 140–150 billion cubic meters (bcm) of natural gas is flared into the atmosphere. According to calculations by the World Bank, that's equivalent to three quarters of Russia's gas exports, or almost one third of the European Union's gas consumption.
Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus (MERS-CoV) and its Implications on Pandemic Planning
Authors: Ibrahim Salwan
Published: September 2014

Viruses and the potential for pandemics have been a major health concern to public and private sectors around the world recently, especially with the emergence of MERS-CoV, H7N9, and the highly transmittable H10N8.
Building the Foundations of Process Safety in Design
Authors: Jessup James , Barlow Julian , Peake Damian , Pillai Manoj
Published: September 2014

The maximum level of process safety performance an operational asset can attain is indelibly set in the early stages of a project; this is why it is crucial to lay a solid foundation for process safety during design. Despite ever improving design codes and standards, the hydrocarbon industry continues to suffer from major process safety incidents, with incident root causes far too commonly traced back to decisions or actions taken years before during the design stage of a project.

Construction safety standards and practices are also long-standing and maturing, but it was the adoption of behaviour-based site-safety campaigns that have allowed selected projects to realise a step-change in incident reduction beyond that offered by systems and practice; achieving world-breaking records of personnel safety.

Before embarking on Front-End Engineering Design (FEED), the world-scale Al Karaana Petrochemicals Projecti asked, ‘is it possible to translate the concept of a behavioural-based site-safety programme into a process safety design context?’

To answer this question, a Behaviour-Based Process Safety Programme was created and then piloted with the aim to entrench process safety into the hearts and minds of design engineers, and positively influence behaviours. The cornerstone of this programme is the 9 Foundations of Projects Process Safety, which serve as clear anchor points around which the key messages on process safety are communicated during the Project's FEED. The 9 Foundations of Projects Process Safety are not intended to create any new ‘rules’, but are aimed to help focus on changing behaviours in critical areas where weaknesses are observed in projects.

This paper offers observations on framing, developing and then embedding the Behaviour-Based Process Safety Programme for a design-office audience. It records the learning on success as well as improvement opportunities and outlines the intended path forward for subsequent project phases.
Integrated HSE ALARP Assessment - Reducing HSE Risks and Impacts in the Same Processes
Authors: Valeur Jens Rosendal
Published: September 2014

Safety risk reduction to a level ALARP and environmental impact reduction using BAT/BEP are usually carried out as separate assessments. Integrated HSE ALARP assessment combines these into one overall framework. This paper outlines the principles of Integrated HSE ALARP assessment and presents examples of its use.

Integrated HSE ALARP assessment is in particular useful when conflicts between HSE risk reduction and environmental reduction exist; e.g. when means to reduce safety risks cause increased environmental and/or health impact.

In a traditional safety risk ALARP assessment, the safety risk reduction is weighted against the required costs defined as money, effort, and time for achieving the reduction. In the Integrated HSE ALARP assessment, the risk or impact reduction is also weighted towards possible increase in other HSE risks or impact.

HAZIDs are used to identify HSE hazards and risks, whereas ENVIDs are used to identify environmental aspects and impacts. Likewise, the HSE risk reduction to ALARP process and the environmental BAT/BEP assessment process are carried out in parallel. Analysing the HSE risks and environmental impacts in the same processes allows for a balanced assessment of the reduction potential of HSE risks and impacts.

The results of Integrated HSE ALARP assessments are useful in the company decision process. In particular, they are useful when justifying the chosen design concepts towards authorities, NGOs and other stakeholders. Increased HSE risks or environmental impacts may in some cases be acceptable if they are necessary for achieving other HSE risks or environmental impacts to be reduced.
Thermal desorption as a Treatment Option in the Gas Industry
Authors: Gilpin Colin Alfred
Published: September 2014

Description

Most natural-gas production contains, to varying degrees, small (two to eight carbons) hydrocarbon; such as Methane (CH4), Benzene (C6H6), and Butane (C4H10). The subsequent high level of contamination of the spent molecular sieve became evident on the first change out with concentrations of in excess of 3000ppm. With this waste stream being the largest single stream generated, a suitable treatment solution was required to address this significant waste stream that in turn would lead to a recyclable non-hazardous waste stream.

In order to reduce the Benzene concentration on the spent molecular sieve, the thermal desorption process was chosen because it is environmentally clean and can be applied to varying levels of contamination. The technology has come a long way since the early 1990's, WRT safety and environmental controls. However, some of the variables must be controlled in order to be process and cost effective.

This paper presents an analysis of the selection and use of the thermal desorption process to reduce the various levels of hydrocarbon on the spent molecular sieve. This project was investigated, evaluated and run at the RasGas facility operated within the Ras Laffan Industrial City in the State of Qatar.

A short description of the type of unit selected, the environmental controls required in order to meet the Industrial City and State emissions requirements. Including a summary of the operation, geographic information and a description of the various waste stream compositions. How the operating conditions impacted on the unit's overall performance.

Key parameters in the process efficiency were considered, comparing actual results obtained in the field as well as theoretical concepts regarding the treatment process prior to implementation.

Three groups of variables were analyzed:

Related to waste composition Water fraction Total liquid fraction Particle size Related to Weather Conditions Environment humidity External temperature Related to Process Operation Burners; and fuel feed rate Direct vs indirect contact Feed rate and burn duration (retention time) Recovered elements
Long‐Term Fertilization Practices Alter Aluminum Fractions and Coordinate State in Soil Colloids
Authors: Wen Y.L. , Xiao J. , Li H. , Shen Q.R. , Ran W. , Zhou Q.S. , Yu G.H. , He X.H.
Published: September 2014

Understanding how fertilization practices affect Al fractions is important for the alleviation of soil acidification and the sequestration of soil organic C (SOC). Two selective extraction methods, high‐resolution 27Al nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), were used to assess the transformation of Al fractions in Ferralic Cambisol soils under long‐term (22‐yr) treatment with chemical and/or organic fertilizers. The results showed that Al fractions were significantly (P < 0.05) altered by long‐term fertilization. Compared with chemical fertilization (N and N–P–K), organic fertilization (manure alone and N–P–K with manure) significantly (P < 0.05) increased amorphous Al and decreased exchangeable Al, while the addition of lime (N with lime and N–P–K with lime) significantly (P < 0.05) increased weakly organically bound Al and decreased exchangeable Al. Amorphous Al was significantly positively correlated with soil C (P < 0.01), indicating that amorphous Al could enhance soil C sequestration. In contrast, exchangeable Al was significantly negatively correlated with soil pH (P < 0.01), indicating that reducing the concentration of exchangeable Al could alleviate soil acidification. The 27Al NMR and FTIR spectroscopy results of soil colloids further confirmed the presence of amorphous Al as allophane and imogolite in soil colloids under no‐fertilization and organic‐fertilization treatments but not under chemical fertilization, suggesting that the enhancement of soil nanominerals by organic fertilization may be another new mechanism for alleviating soil acidification. Our results provide novel insight into how Al fractions and their coordinate states under long‐term fertilization enhance soil C sequestration while alleviating soil acidification.
Predicting Urea Hydrolysis in a Loblolly Pine Forest Floor
Authors: Kissel David E. , Cabrera Miguel L. , Craig Joseph , Ariyama Jiro , Vaio Nicolas , Rema John
Published: September 2014

In a pine forest, urea hydrolysis rates can vary widely. The rate of urea hydrolysis is controlled by the amount of urease enzyme, temperature, pH, urea concentration, but at the soil surface, soil water potential is an especially critical factor because it may vary widely in short periods of time due to precipitation, dews, and rapid evaporation. The objective of this study was to describe the quantitative relationship between soil water and urea hydrolysis rates in a loblolly pine (Pinus taedaL.) forest floor. Hydrolysis rates were measured in a pine forest with time after urea was applied in seven studies performed at different times that varied widely in soil water content and temperature. Separately in a laboratory study, the urea hydrolysis rates were measured in pine needles and in the humified layer at different water potentials. Results showed that although well‐defined relationships were found between urea hydrolysis rates and forest floor water potentials, the urea hydrolysis rates measured in the field could not be predicted based on these relationships and the water potential of the forest floor pine needles at the time of urea application. However, the percent of urea hydrolyzed at 3 and 29 d could be predicted accurately from the initial water potential of new needles and an interaction between initial water potential and relative humidity days.
An Empirical Model for Estimating Soil Thermal Conductivity from Texture, Water Content, and Bulk Density
Authors: Lu Yili , Lu Sen , Horton Robert , Ren Tusheng
Published: September 2014

Soil thermal conductivity (λ) models are needed frequently in studying coupled heat and water transfer in soils. Several models are available, but some are complicated and some produce relatively large errors. In this study, we developed a simple model for estimating λ from soil texture, bulk density (ρb), and water content (θ). Three parameters, α, β, and λdry, are included in the model, where λdryis determined by ρband α and β are shape factors estimated from soil texture and ρb. Empirical relations were developed for α and β by fitting the model to heat‐pulse (HP) measurements of λ(θ) on seven soils of various textures. The model performance was evaluated with independent λ(θ) data from independent HP measurements and literature values. The results show that the model is able to express the λ(θ) curves from oven dry to saturation at fixed ρbvalues. When ρbis varied, the estimated λ data agree well with measured values. The root mean square errors are <0.15 W m−1K−1, and the bias is within 0.10 W m−1K−1. The new model has the potential for use in studying heat movement in soils of varying texture, bulk density, and water content and can be incorporated into numerical algorithms for describing coupled heat and mass transfer processes.
Evapotranspiration Estimation from Diurnal Water Table Fluctuations: Implementing Drainable and Fillable Porosity in the White Method
Authors: Acharya Subodh , Mylavarapu Rao , Jawitz James
Published: September 2014

Diurnal water table fluctuations (DWTFs), normally observed in shallow unconfined aquifers, are commonly used to estimate groundwater evapotranspiration (ETg) by applying the soil water balance pioneered by W.N. White in 1932. A key element of White‐based methods is the drainable porosity (or specific yield), a soil water storage parameter that significantly depends on both the vadose‐zone soil moisture fluxes and water table (WT) elevation. However, it has traditionally been treated as either a constant or a function of the WT under hydrostatic soil moisture conditions. Recent research has shown that, at any given shallow WT position, vadose zone fluxes cause the drainable porosity to behave hysteretically, hence requiring estimation of two distinct parameters, drainable (λd) and fillable porosity (λf), during ETg estimation from DWTFs. We present a White‐based method to estimate ETg that implements separate λd and λf parameters and hence accounts for both WT elevation and unsaturated zone moisture fluxes. The modified method not only improves the ETg estimates but also extend the applicability of the White method to periods during rainfall, unlike most previous implementations, which have been limited to omitting such periods. The modified method is demonstrated here for estimation of ETg from two crop fields in Northeast Florida for two growing seasons, each approximately 50 d, in 2010 and 2011, and the ETg estimates are compared with the standard Penman–Monteith method. The modified method significantly improved ETg estimates compared with the hydrostatic λd based method, reducing the root mean square error by 94 and 96% at hourly and daily resolutions, respectively.
Analysis and design of a web-based decision support system for choosing higher education studies
Authors: Kostoglou Vassilis , Ploskas Nikolaos , Vassilakopoulos Michael , Tsantopoulou Vaia-Ekaterini
Published: September 2014

The vocational orientation of the youngsters who are about to enter, study,
or have recently graduated at higher education (HE) institutions, and linking
HE with labor market are two research areas which have not been investigated
extensively in Balkan countries. Job (or occupational) profiles, among other
tools used in vocational orientation, provide standardized and digitized
descriptions of different professions. This article focuses on the analysis
and the design of a web-based decision support system (DSS) to assist its
users in getting thoroughly informed about HE studies in Greece, and
eventually in choosing their vocational prospects. Apart from reviewing the
related previous research work and relevant web-based systems, we present the
main elements of the system?s analysis and its design, the extensions that
could lead to even more powerful systems, and conclusions about the
advantages, limitations and practical application of the DSS.
Invertible Carnot Groups
Authors: Freeman David M.
Published: September 2014

We characterize Carnot groups admitting a 1-quasiconformal metric inversion as the Lie groups of Heisenberg type whose Lie algebras satisfy the J2-condition, thus characterizing a special case of inversion invariant bi-Lipschitz homogeneity. A more general characterization of inversion invariant bi-Lipschitz homogeneity for certain non-fractal metric spaces is also provided.
A ring-like model for ASC self-association via the CARD domain
Authors: Alba Eva de , Santiveri Clara M. , Oroz Javier
Published: September 2014

Inflammasomes are molecular platforms controlling the innate immune response to pathogens and cellular stress. ASC is an adaptor protein common to most NLR (nucleotide-binding domain and leucine-rich repeat containing receptor) inflammasome complexes as its N-terminal PYD and C-terminal CARD interact with the homologous domains in NLR and procaspase-1. Although inflammasome activation depends on ASC oligomerization, the molecular basis of ASC self-association and the protein interactions mediating the inflammatory signaling pathway remain unknown. Both CARD and PYD domains are involved in the oligomerization process of ASC. Based on our previous structural and dynamics data on ASC we propose a model for its oligomerization consisting of a 7-member ring. In this model, CARD monomers associate via type I homotypic interactions leaving the remaining binding site of each monomer free for further oligomerization and thus ring formation. A second more open PYD ring is accommodated on top of the CARDs. Our model is discussed in light of previous work evidencing the formation of helical filaments and large globular structures by ASC. The double-ring model can help in the understanding of inflammasome assembly, nevertheless, ASC oligomerization has to be envisaged as a complex process that might include molecular organizations with structurally different features.
Recent Advances in the Synthesis and Transformations of Heterocycles Mediated by Fluoride Ion Activated Silanes
Authors: Ābele E.
Published: September 2014

Modern methodologies that use silanes in the presence of fluoride ion for the preparation and transformation of three-, four-, five-, six-, and seven-membered heterocycles have been reviewed, covering literature from January 2010 to December 2012. Characteristic reactions in side chains of heterocyclic compounds are presented
Separation of Tegafur and its Impurities by Reversed-Phase High-Perfomance Liquid Chromatography
Authors: Rotkaja O. , Golushko J. , Kuprevics K.
Published: September 2014

The chromatographic behavior of tegafur and its impurities on a naphthalene Cosmosil piNAP column under reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography conditions was examined. A good description of the retention was achieved through the application of statistical weights to the widely used quadratic relationships between the logarithm of the retention factor (log k) and the organic solvent concentration in the mobile phase. Optimum conditions for isocratic separation of the compounds were found with acetonitrile concentration of 10-30% in the mobile phase