bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of Patches of Bitumen in a Carbonate Reservoir: A Case Study
Authors: Igogo Arit , El Sahn Hani , Khan Sara Hasrat , Bhushan Yatindra , Al Mazrooei Suhaila Humaid , Lehmann Christoph , Alwahedi Mohamed Abdulhameed
Published: December 2021

Carbonate reservoir X has varying levels of maturity in terms of development. The South/West is highly matured; development activities have recently kicked-off in the Crestal part while the areas towards the Far North is not fully developed and posed the largest uncertainty in terms of reservoir quality, fluid contacts, oil saturation, well injectivity/ productivity, area potential and reserves due to poor well control. In reservoir X with segmented development areas, patches of bitumen have been found in the Far North. The extent of this Bitumen was unknown. In order to expand the CO2 development concept to achieve production target from the Far Northern flank, an understanding and mitigation of the area uncertainties is crucial.

Reservoir bitumen is a highly viscous, asphaltene rich hydrocarbon that affects reservoir performance. Distinguishing between producible oil and reservoir bitumen is critical for recoverable hydrocarbon volume calculations and production planning, yet the lack of resistivity and density contrast between the reservoir bitumen and light oil makes it difficult, if not impossible, to make such differentiation using only conventional logs such as neutron, density, and resistivity.

This paper highlights the utilization and integration of advanced logging tools such as nuclear magnetic resonance and dielectric, in conjunction with routine logs, pressure points, RCI samples, vertical interference test and core data to differentiate between reservoir bitumen and other hydrocarbon types in the pore space.

The major findings from the studies shows bitumen doesn't form as a single layer but occurs in different subzones as patches which is a challenge for static modelling. When high molecular weight hydrocarbons are distributed in the pore space and coexist with light and producible hydrocarbons, reservoir bitumen is likely to block pore throats. The Bitumen present in this reservoir have a log response similar to conventional pore fluids.

The outcome of this study has helped in refining the bitumen boundary, optimize well placement, resolved the uncertainties associated with deeper fluid contacts and provided realistic estimate of STOIIP.
Inline Drilling Fluid Property Measurement, Integration, and Modeling to Enhance Drilling Practice and Support Drilling Automation
Authors: Roy Sanjit , Kamal Saiyid Z. , Frazier Richard , Bruns Ross , Hamlat Yahia Ait
Published: December 2021

Frequent, reliable, and repeatable measurements are key to the evolution of digitization of drilling information and drilling automation. While advances have been made in automating the drilling process and the use of sophisticated engineering models, machine learning techniques to optimize the process, and lack of real-time data on drilling fluid properties has long been recognized as a limiting factor. Drilling fluids play a significant function in ensuring quality well construction and completion, and in-time measurements of relevant fluid properties are key to automation and enhancing decision making that directly impacts well operations.

This paper discusses the development and application of a suite of automated fluid measurement devices that collect key fluid properties used to monitor fluid performance and drive engineering analyses without human involvement. The deployed skid-mounted devices continually and reliably measure properties such as mud weight, apparent viscosity, rheology profiles, temperatures, and emulsion stability to provide valuable insight on the current state of the fluid. Real-time data is shared with relevant rig and office- based personnel to enable process monitoring and trigger operational changes. It feeds into real-time engineering analyses tools and models to monitor performance and provides instantaneous feedback on downhole fluid behavior and impact on drilling performance based on current drilling and drilling fluid property data. Equipment reliability has been documented and demonstrated on over 30 wells and more than 400 thousand ft of lateral sections in unconventional shale drilling in the US. We will share our experience with measurement, data quality and reliability. We will also share aspects of integrating various data components at disparate time intervals into real-time engineering analyses to show how real-time measurements improve the prediction of well and wellbore integrity in ongoing drilling operations. In addition, we will discuss lessons learned from our experience, further enhancements to broaden the scope, and the integration with operators, service companies and other original equipment manufacturer in the domain to support and enhance the digital drilling ecosystem.
Installation Engineering Challenges of the World's Heaviest Topside on Steel Substructure
Authors: Prabhakaran Prasad Kunnathully , Varghese Cibu , Kamal Faris Ragheb
Published: December 2021

As part of a green field development project for ADNOC offshore, NPCC here in after called as "contractor", successfully completed installation of an oil and gas processing super complex at offshore Abu Dhabi. This super complex consisted of four large interconnected platforms of different functionalities and an accommodation platform. Associated flare structures and interconnecting bridges were also installed as part of this project. Weights of the topsides in this project were varying from 7,000MT to a ∼32,000 MT. All these topsides were installed by float-over method using contractors own cargo /launch barge fleet.

Gas treatment platform topside installed as part of the above project is the world's heaviest single-module topside Installed by float-over on a fixed steel jacket. Float-over is the process of installing the topside on a preinstalled jacket by ballasting and/or by other methods of load transfer such as hydraulic jacks. This installation method is widely used for heavy topsides, due to its cost effectiveness and efficiency. By float over installation method, the topside can be installed as a single integrated unit after completion of all hookup and commissioning works onshore.

This paper outlines installation engineering challenges during EPC phase for the gas treatment platform topside. Design of this topside went through phenomenal changes in terms of its size and weight during EPC phase and posed several challenges to install this unit as a single module. This paper presents the installation method, and various parameters considered during installation and also includes discussion on selection of float-over barge, importance of weight control & layout design, finalization of topside support height on barge and installation aids. This paper also presents various installation engineering analyses required during design stage. Float-over installation of the gas treatment platform was carried out by the conventional load transfer method (by ballasting) and using normal spread mooring arrangement.
Unlocking Tight Oil: Multistage Horizontal Well Fracturing in Unconventional Reservoir, a Successful UAE Case History
Authors: Lazreq Nabila , Alam Anwar , Ao Taliwati , Negi Anil Singh , Von Gotten W.D.
Published: December 2021

Tight Oil Unconventional Reservoirs are challenging when it comes to development and enhancement of production. Transverse Multistage Hydraulic fracturing technique is widely used to maximize production from unconventional reservoirs, however it can be quite challenging when it comes down to execution across longer Tight Oil Horizontal laterals. The paper describes in full the various aspect of technical and operational planning in order to successfully execute highest number of Frac Stages in a well in UAE across a lateral length of 5300 ft

This paper will describe an Integrated Field development Study that included building of Geomechanical Model for in-situ stress characterization and rock elastic properties for 3D Hydraulic Fracture Modelling. The fully 3D Hydraulic Fracture model assisted in geometrically spacing, finalizing and optimizing the number of Frac Stages across the horizontal Lateral. In order to optimize the design, specialized cores studies were conducted as part of the process such as Steady State measurements of permeability. In this paper the testing part will be describe in full and how the study was incorporated in the state-of-art Frac Simulator to ensure optimized frac design and realistic deliverable.

The paper focusses on the operation planning, execution and efficiency. This includes frac stages execution, pump down plug and perf, number of cluster optimization & cluster spacing, milling, cleanout and flowback. Also in order to quantify the contribution from each stage, tracer services was utilized which will be detailed in the paper. Finally the paper will also cover the Well Testing strategy, which is one of the crucial aspect of the well deliverability. API Lab and Composition Analysis of Oil & Gas Samples were also conducted post fracturing as part of the study. The overall planning and execution of this well will become a guide and will be utilized for future well and frac design, which will be discussed in the paper.

This integrated approach will be utilized in planning and designing future wells. The post fracturing data and production data collected from the well will help in further Frac Stage optimization which will lead to overall cost optimization
A Novel Method to Determine the Drilling Fluid Density for Gypsum-Salt Layer
Authors: Liu Jitong , Li Wanjun , Zhou Haiqiu , Gu Yixin , Jiang Fuhua , Zhang Guobin , Zhou Shiying , Liu Haixiao , Liao Chao , Wang Shengqiang , Zhou Zhifeng
Published: December 2021

The reservoir underneath the salt bed usually has high formation pressure and large production rate. However, downhole complexities such as wellbore shrinkage, stuck pipe, casing deformation and brine crystallization prone to occur in the drilling and completion of the salt bed. The drilling safety is affected and may lead to the failure of drilling to the target reservoir. The drilling fluid density is the key factor to maintain the salt bed’s wellbore stability.

The in-situ stress of the composite salt bed (gypsum-salt -gypsum-salt-gypsum) is usually uneven distributed. Creep deformation and wellbore shrinkage affect each other within layers. The wellbore stability is difficult to maintain. Limited theorical reference existed for drilling fluid density selection to mitigate the borehole shrinkage in the composite gypsum-salt layers. This paper established a composite gypsum-salt model based on the rock mechanism and experiments, and a safe-drilling density selection layout is formed to solve the borehole shrinkage problem. This study provides fundamental basis for drilling fluid density selection for gypsum-salt layers.

The experiment results show that, with the same drilling fluid density, the borehole shrinkage rate of the minimum horizontal in-situ stress azimuth is higher than that of the maximum horizontal in-situ stress azimuth. However, the borehole shrinkage rate of the gypsum layer is higher than salt layer. The hydration expansion of the gypsum is the dominant reason for the shrinkage of the composite salt-gypsum layer. In order to mitigate the borehole diameter reduction, the drilling fluid density is determined that can lower the creep rate less than 0.001, as a result, the borehole shrinkage of salt-gypsum layer is slowed. At the same time, it is necessary to improve the salinity, filter loss and plugging ability of the drilling fluid to inhibit the creep of the soft shale formation. The research results provide technical support for the safe drilling of composite salt-gypsum layers.

This achievement has been applied to 135 wells in the Amu Darya, which completely solved the of wellbore shrinkage problem caused by salt rock creep. Complexities such as stuck string and well abandonment due to high-pressure brine crystallization are eliminated. The drilling cycle is shortened by 21% and the drilling costs is reduced by 15%.
Digital-Twin for Production Monitoring and Optimisation: Two Case Study Application Examples
Authors: Gomes Paulo J , Cao Fei , Hanzon Luke , Ogugbue Chinenye Excel , Bratley Kelda , Dumenil Jean-Charles , Slatcher Timothy , Floren Andrew , Walker Gabriel , Kontogiannis Georgios
Published: December 2021

Well network simulation and optimization is an established technology within BP for production optimization. However, for simplicity, the processing facilities are usually only considered as fixed oil, gas and water flow rate constraints. Actual production limits vary as a function of operating conditions and/or cannot be measured directly (e.g. True Vapour Pressure (TVP) or gas velocity at the inlet separator nozzles). To improve on existing workflows, BP has expanded its existing petroleum engineering-focused toolkit and is now globally deploying an end-to-end production system digital twin that extends from the well choke to the facility export for system surveillance and optimization.

The end-to-end production system digital twin is a cloud-based system that links sensor data from the asset historian with an equipment data model and third-party first principle steady state simulation tools for an accurate representation of the well network and processing facilities. It supports multi-discipline collaboration, particularly between Petroleum Engineers and Process Engineers, and is remotely accessible by a globally dispersed team.

This integrated digital twin can be used in two modes: monitoring and what-if. In monitoring mode, the models are automatically updated hourly with real time data and key simulation results extracted and stored. These monitoring simulations generate virtual sensor output, providing insights that cannot be measured by real sensors. In what-if mode, engineers test scenarios risk-free to explore optimization opportunities. As well as routine optimizations to align with production forecast updates, this can also include scenarios during planned abnormal operations (e.g. facility equipment offline for maintenance or well flowback).

An early pilot in a key production region delivered significant production upside and was foundational for the subsequent global roll-out program. This paper will illustrate two practical applications from early deployment activities: (1) condensate recovery optimization (2) well routing optimization / feasibility against variable processing facility limits.
Restoring Well Productivity Through a Fit-for-Purpose Sludge Cleanout Job
Authors: Al Huraifi Muhammad A , Al-Taq Ali A , Hajri Muhammad A
Published: December 2021

Sludge formation could significantly impair well productivity if deposited in the wellbore or surface flow lines. In a field where sludge formation is not common, an oil production well showed a sudden deterioration in well productivity. Thorough investigation of abnormal well performance, from surface and sub-surface perspective, indicated that the deposition of a thick layer of a tight emulsion across the surface choke has resulted in ceasing the oil flow to the gas oil separation plant. Extensive lab analysis indicated that the obstruction material was a sludge deposition promoted by the presence of asphaltene, high amount of iron and low pH brine. It is noteworthy to mention that the analytical results of lab prepared emulsion samples elucidate the rule of low pH aqueous solution, asphaltene and iron ions in inducing tight emulsion formation which helps to understand the root causes of sludge deposition. To come up with a cost-effective remedial treatment considering health, safety and environment (HSE), different emulsion breaking formulations, including different de-emulsifiers and anti-sludge agents, were examined in this study. An effective diesel-based formulation including proper de-emulsifier and anti-sludging agent was used during the execution of the field job. The design of the field job took into consideration a minimal footprint to the environment through the flowback of the well to the neighboring gas oil separation plant. This paper summarizes the joint efforts by production engineers and lab scientists to systemically tackle such major flow assurance issues which could significantly jeopardize wells productivity. The systemic approach starts with problem detection through well intervention and sample collection. It also includes the lab work which was carried out to identify the type and composition of deposition and evaluate/optimize a proper formulation for sludge deposition removal. The paper discusses in detail the design and execution of a successful field treatment, which has resulted in restoring and maintaining the well potential.
Covid Best Practices for Cyber Risk Management
Authors: Belal Syed M. , Rahman MD Abdur
Published: December 2021

If we learned anything from the year 2020, it is that we need to be more prepared for the unexpected. We need to be working to enable our business to be more resilient in the face of unexpected challenges. We strongly believe that for the industrial sector, the most effective way to enable resiliency is to ensure you have integrity in your operational technology (OT).

The objective of this paper is to identify and manage the risk that arose from managing plants remotely. As a result of COVID-19, people started working and managing from home. While this needed to be done to keep businesses running, many risks were introduced as well. How to manage them effectively to reduce cyber risk to an acceptable level will be discussed.

Industrial frameworks to identify security gaps, and thus risk, were considered, such as ISA-99/IEC-62443, NIST, ISO-27001, and Top CIS controls. New practices critical infrastructure followed to reduce infection rates were identified from interviews and surveys conducted by PAS, part of Hexagon, of our customers who work with critical infrastructure. These new practices were then compared to the industrial risk management framework to identify the severity of the threats. Once these were identified, mitigation plans were recommended to reduce the risk to an acceptable level.

Because of this rapid shift to run the plant remotely, there was an over-provisioning of access in the early stages of the pandemic – i.e., giving more direct access to the industrial control system environment. This was not wise from a security standpoint, but the priority was to keep businesses up and running, so they were ready to take that risk.

Now that some organizations have decided to continue with remote work, it is imperative to verify all remote access considers the least privileged access concept.

Remote access is like a bridge that bypasses all the controls implemented. Having a remote access vulnerability will help bad actors break into the network and cause catastrophic damage. Though this paper focuses on remote access risk introduced by the COVID-19 pandemic, you can apply the findings to all remote access into critical infrastructure.
Novel Automated Light Foam Cementing Set-Up Brings Operational Efficiency to Major Operator in Norwegian North Sea Sector
Authors: Ekwue Ann-Marie , Bottiglieri Antonio , Haddad Yasser , Walania Agnieszka , Harkless Toby , Raugstad Odd Egil , Ruggieri Gianluca
Published: December 2021

As oil and gas operators are constantly looking for ways to increase efficiency in their operations, one area of well construction that is becoming increasingly popular is in the field of foam cementing. Foamed cement slurries are designed to have low density with relatively high compressive strength to enable operators accomplish their zonal isolation requirements. In addition, the enhanced slurry mobility of these energized fluids leads to a high displacement efficiency to ensure uniform cement coverage in the annulus.

The use of foamed cement slurries particularly for top-hole sections in deep-water environments has increased over the past decade. For large volume jobs such as these, operators utilize the standard Automated Foam Cement System (AFCS) which comprises of high-pressure nitrogen pumps /converter and portable liquid nitrogen tanks. The AFCS automatically controls nitrogen and cement slurry based on the downhole rate and precisely maintains a desired foam cement density.

For smaller volume jobs, the main constraint to deploying the standard AFCS is mainly rig deck space limitations, thus a "light foam package" was developed. The light package, fully developed in Norway, maintains the already well-established characteristics of automation from the standard AFCS; with the added benefit of minimizing footprint on board the rig with equipment which includes foam manifold, gas bottle rack and nitrogen control flow valve vs. the conventional liquid nitrogen tanks, pumps, and back up equipment.

Other advantages of this set up include much faster rig up time due to smaller and lighter liftsimproved HSE benefits of eliminating liquid nitrogen handling; as well as limiting number of people required offshorefull job accuracy and automatic control with the utilization of mass flowmeters to measure nitrogen and cement rates with precisionrobust system with 100% redundancy of critical components

This publication highlights the job details from a light foam job performed on a 30in conductor in a well on the Norwegian Continental Shelf, with the objective to cement the entire conductor length to seabed. This job was conducted in a field where numerous past cement jobs had failed to bring cement up to seabed and top up jobs with grout were the norm to achieve top of cement.

With this simplified foam cementing process, the vision is that this kind of system set-up can make foam cementing a reality even in the most remote of locations and/or locations with small deck space, with reduced start-up costs.
Insights into Khuff Oil Rim Development in Sultanate of Oman from Extensive Drilling and Well Testing Operations
Authors: Zhang Tingting , Kumar Arun , Al Maskari Rashid , Musalami Maryam , Habsi Sumaiya
Published: December 2021

The Yibal Khuff project is a mixed oil-rims, associated gas, and non-associated gas development in highly fractured tight carbonate reservoirs. Rock types and fractures vary widely with significant contribution to flow. In the east segment of the field, 22 horizontal oil producers targeting K2 reservoir have been pre-drilled and tested extensively. The integration of well logs, borehole image data (BHI), well test data and production logs provide key insights into reservoir productivity and the development of a robust well and reservoir management plan, ready for start-up of the field in 2021.

A log-based approach was used to classify the reservoir into three main rock types (RRT). Fractures were classified, and high impact fractures were identified. Reservoir flow profile based on noise and temperature logs was established and used in combination with fracture data and cement bond logs in understanding flow conformance and behind casing flow. A large variation in productivity index has been observed, from tight to highly productive wells. Different ways have been explored to establish the link between productivity index, fracture production, and matrix production by rock types.

This is the first full field development in the Khuff formation in Sultanate of Oman. The results will benefit a wider audience. A holistic approach was taken to explore the link between well deliverability and nature of a complex geology. The outcome is a robust operating envelope and well, reservoir and facilities management (WRFM) plan, clearly driven by understanding of subsurface risk and opportunities.
Supercritical CO2-Foam Screening and Performance Evaluation for CO2 Storage Improvement in Sandstone and Carbonate Formations
Authors: Yu Ying , Hanamertani Alvinda Sri , Ahmed Shehzad , Jiao Zunsheng , McLaughlin Jonathan Fred , Quillinan Scott
Published: December 2021

Injecting carbon dioxide (CO2) as foam during enhanced oil recovery (EOR) can improve injectate mobility and increase sweep efficiency. Integrating CO2-foam techniques with carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) operations is of recent interest, as the mobility control and sweep efficiency increases seen in EOR could also benefit CO2 storage during CCUS. In this study, a variety of different charge, hydrocarbon chain length, head group surfactants were evaluated by surface tension, bulk and dynamic CO2-foam performance assessments for CCUS. The optimal foam candidate was expected to provide satisfying mobility control effects under reservoir conditions, leading to an improved water displacement efficiency during CO2-foam flooding that favors a more significant CO2 storage potential. All tested surfactants were able to lower their surface tensions against scCO2 by 4-5 times, enlarging the surface area of solution/gas contact; therefore, more CO2 could be trapped in the foam system. A zwitterionic surfactant was found to have slightly higher surface tension against CO2 while exhibiting the highest foaming ability and the most prolonged foam stability with a relatively slower drainage rate among all tested surfactants. The dynamic performance of scCO2-foam stabilized by this zwitterionic surfactant was also evaluated in sandstone and carbonate cores at 13.79 MPa and 90°C. The results show that the mobility control development in carbonate core was relatively slower, suggesting a gradual foam generation process attributed to the higher permeability than the case in sandstone core. A more significant cumulative CO2 storage potential improvement, quantified based on the water production, was recorded in sandstone (53%) over the carbonate (47%). Overall, the selected foam has successfully developed CO2 mobility control and improved water displacement in the occurrence of in-situ foam generation, hence promoting the storage capacity for the injected CO2. This work has optimized the foaming agent selection method at the actual reservoir conditions and evaluated the scCO2-foam performance in establishing high flow resistance and improving the CO2 storage capacity, which benefits integrated CCUS studies or projects utilizing CO2-foam techniques.
Utilizing Lean & Machine Learning to Monitor and Managing Production Induced Subsidence in a Mature Oil and Gas Field and to Ensure Safety of 200+ Field Staff and Safeguard More Than 200 Mln BOE Natih & Shuaiba
Authors: Al Wahaybi Maryam Humaid , van Gilst Roeland , Salmi Fathiya Hilal , Al Wadhahi Taimur , Azri Saif , Mahruqi Abir , Siyabi Qais Ali , Mahajan Sandeep , Mahrouqi Khalid Abdullah , AL Siyabi Nabil Salim
Published: December 2021

The MicroSeismic (MS) events, also referred to as tremors or induced seismicity, can be triggered by reservoir depletion and compaction as a result of hydrocarbon production with time. In order to measure and locate the MS events in the Field A; Petroleum Development of Oman (PDO) installed many downhole geophones and accelerometers across the field since 2011. The monitoring network allows subsurface teams to understand magnitude, location and depth of the events. Till the end of 2019 a total of 5,597 MS events were recorded and analysed. In 2020 a new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) was established moving away from a partly manual data information system to an automated real-time data system named PetroAlert (this is ESG invention). The SOP also defines a clear step-by-step action plan and line-of-sight using a color code system (Traffic Light System).

The key challenges that needed to be overcome were: 1) problem breakdown, goals and root causes and 2) data integration and IT infrastructure. The first challenge was overcome by utilizing Lean and organizing a KAIZEN event to ensure objectives were clear to all involved team members. The second challenge was solved in consultation with our external event processing contractor the Engineering Seismology Group (ESG) and the PDO geophysics teams (Exploration Directorate).

PDO behaviors: –Speed: the new automated alert system is much Leaner and efficient compared to the previous manual system saving 100s of man hours per year. The line-of-sight captured in the SOP makes it clear for the team how to respond and who to inform in case of significant MicroSeismic events.–Leadership: the Gas Team has lead the change with other compaction team members. In principle all information was available but needed to be combined into a simple alert system with appropriate data filtering.–Team work: without teamwork inside PDO with the Lean team, the specialist geophysicist and our external contractor ESG we would not have succeeded. Several Lean sessions (KAIZEN, Gemba, and huddles) were organised to ensure all team members were well informed on the progress and deadlines for the project.

The digital transformation in MicroSeismic monitoring in Field A protects 200+ staff in the field and multiple hundreds BOE production in both Natih and Shuaiba Reservoirs. This work can be replicated for other fields in PDO impacted by compaction (Field B and Field C) to increase the success even further. Also it can be replicated worldwide.
Generation of Synthetic Photoelectric Log using Machine Learning Approach
Authors: Khan Mohammad Rasheed , Tariq Zeeshan , Mahmoud Mohamed
Published: December 2021

Photoelectric factor (PEF) is one of functional parameters of a hydrocarbon reservoir that could provide invaluable data for reservoir characterization. Well logs are critical to formation evaluation processes; however, they are not always readily available due to unfeasible logging conditions. In addition, with call for efficiency in hydrocarbon E&P business, it has become imperative to optimize logging programs to acquire maximum data with minimal cost impact. As a result, the present study proposes an improved strategy for generating synthetic log by making a quantitative formulation between conventional well log data, rock mineralogical content and PEF.

230 data points were utilized to implement the machine learning (ML) methodology which is initiated by implementing a statistical analysis scheme. The input logs that are used for architecture establishment include the density and sonic logs. Moreover, rock mineralogical content (carbonate, quartz, clay) has been incorporated for model development which is strongly correlated to the PEF. At the next stage of this study, architecture of artificial neural networks (ANN) was developed and optimized to predict the PEF from conventional well log data. A sub-set of data points was used for ML model construction and another unseen set was employed to assess the model performance. Furthermore, a comprehensive error metrics analysis is used to evaluate performance of the proposed model.

The synthetic PEF log generated using the developed ANN correlation is compared with the actual well log data available and demonstrate an average absolute percentage error less than 0.38. In addition, a comprehensive error metric analysis is presented which depicts coefficient of determination more than 0.99 and root mean squared error of only 0.003. The numerical analysis of the error metric point towards the robustness of the ANN model and capability to link mineralogical content with the PEF.
Integration of Health Risk Management Techniques to Address Increasing Numbers and Prevention of Non-Accident Deaths NAD in Oil & Gas Operations
Authors: Tayab Muhammad , Hashem Aaesha , Al Hamoudi Shaikha , Qureshi Farrukh , Khan Safdar
Published: December 2021

Over the last decade, Oil & Gas operations have come under tremendous pressures due to increasing production demands and venturing into harsher environmental conditions, increasing the health risks to crew with underlying medical conditions. Although there are strict medical fitness, requirements in place to reduce the vulnerability of crewmembers, increasing number Non Accidental Deaths (NAD) have challenged the Oil & Gas operations. NAD risks are often linked with medical assessment/fitness to work, training and medical emergency response, NAD questions the adequacy of management controls at work locations, especially in remote locations. ADNOC Group Companies adopt very HSE high standards to protect the workers, environment and assets; however, the risks of aggravating underlying medical conditions, illnesses or disorders often materialize and result in NADs. An extended analysis of over historical NAD events was performed and strengths of NAD barriers (Tayab et al, 2012) was assessed. Based on the review NAD Barriers were further redefined as follow:Adequacy of pre-employment medical assessmentAlert of underlying medical conditionsFollow up on chronic medical conditionsAlert for abnormal behavioursAwareness & Training

It was found that over 70% of NAD cases were triggered due to aggravation of chronic illnesses, approximately 50 % of NAD cases were triggered during the first year of employment, 77% of NAD cases were due to cardiovascular illnesses and 18% were due to suicides and 13% were attributed to COVID & other factors. Additional NAD barriers were identified to update the barrier analysis as follows:Alert for abnormal behaviorReadiness to manage Medical EmergenciesWelfare & Counselling
Digital Enablement Through Effective Deployment and Commissioning of Instrumentation, Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition System SCADA in Surface Facilities
Authors: Cao Gaojing , Wang Xiangzeng , Nie Lei , Hu Yaoqiang , Xie Yundong , Kartoatmodjo Gayatri , Williams Paul , Henson Richard , Zhu Ming , Fendt Andrew , Wang Lang , Sanita Carlos
Published: December 2021

In the era of all-encompassing Big Data and the Internet of Things (IoT), mastery of Instrument Control (I&C) and SCADA systems deployment is becoming more important as the Operational Technology (OT) foundation for digital integration, data gathering, processing, analytics, and the optimization of business results.

Integration and communication between different I&C and SCADA products and systems in an Oil and Gas project represent a significant challenge. The issues encountered on projects globally can prolong project schedules from weeks to months with consequential impacts on commercial gas production, project cash flow, and economics.

This paper presents how to enable digital operations through holistic design, well-organized kickoff, effective Integrated Factory Acceptance Test (IFAT), and timely commissioning of I&C and SCADA systems for surface facilities of a gas field development project. It provides a feasible, economical and proven solution to address the foregoing challenges. Furthermore, in this paper we present a snapshot of how to use the latest data-science technology to bring out the value of the gold mine - big data generated by the I&C and SCADA systems.
Exosomal miR-132-3p from Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Improve Synaptic Dysfunction and Cognitive Decline in Vascular Dementia
Authors: Ma Xiaotang , Wang Yan , Shi Yumeng , Li Suqing , Liu Jinhua , Li Xiangyong , Zhong Wangtao , Pan Qunwen
Published: December 2021

Background/Aims: Vascular dementia (VD) results in cognition and memory deficit. Exosomes and their carried microRNAs (miRs) contribute to the neuroprotective effects of mesenchymal stromal cells, and miR-132-3p plays a key role in neuron plasticity. Here we investigated the role and underlying mechanism of MSC EX and their miR-132-3p cargo in rescuing cognition and memory deficit in VD mice. Methods: Bilateral carotid artery occlusion was used to generate a VD mouse model. MiR-132-3p and MSC EX levels in the hippocampus and cortex were measured. At 24 h post-VD induction, mice were administered with MSC EX infected with control lentivirus (EXCon), pre-miR-132-3p-expressing lentivirus (EXmiR−132−3p), or miR-132-3p antago lentivirus (EXantagomiR−132−3p) intravenously. Behavioral and cognitive tests were performed and the mice were sacrificed in 21 days after VD. The effects of MSC EX on neuron number, synaptic plasticity, dendritic spine density, and Aβ and p-Tau levels in the hippocampus and cortex were determined. The effects of MSC EX on oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD)-injured neurons with respect to apoptosis, and neurite elongation and branching were determined. Finally, the expression levels of Ras, phosphorylation of Akt, GSK-3β, and Tau were also measured. Results: Compared with normal mice, VD mice exhibited significantly decreased miR-132-3p and MSC EX levels in the cortex and hippocampus. Compared with EXCon treatment, the infusion of EXmiR−132−3p was more effective at improving cognitive function and increasing miR-132-3p level, neuron number, synaptic plasticity, and dendritic spine density, while decreasing Aβ and p-Tau levels in the cortex and hippocampus of VD mice. Conversely, EXantagomiR−132−3p treatment significantly decreased miR-132-3p expression in cortex and hippocampus, as well as attenuated EXmiR−132−3p treatment-induced functional improvement. In vitro, EXmiR−132−3p treatment inhibited RASA1 protein expression, but increased Ras and the phosphorylation of Akt and GSK-3β, and decreased p-Tau levels in primary neurons by delivering miR-132-3p, which resulted in reduced apoptosis, and increased neurite elongation and branching in OGD-injured neurons. Conclusions: Our studies suggest that miR-132-3p cluster-enriched MSC EX promotes the recovery of cognitive function by improving neuronal and synaptic dysfunction through activation of the Ras/Akt/GSK-3β pathway induced by downregulation of RASA1.
Transfer Functions in Volume Rendering of Lake Water Quality Considering Frequency Distribution
Authors: He Wangjun , Yuan Alan , Gu Xianyong , Liao Zhenliang
Published: December 2021

To explore the distribution and diffusion of pollutants in lakes, the volume rendering technique was used to express the lake water quality model in three dimensions. Due to the narrow distribution ranges and small spatial differences of the scalar field of the lake water quality mode, the perspective expression of subtle differences in the volume rendering process becomes important but difficult. In view of the foregoing case, this paper proposed transfer functions (TFs) in volume rendering of lake water quality considering the frequency distribution. The frequency distribution of the lake water quality scalar field was counted, the voxel ratios and the coloring probabilities of the frequency ranges were calculated, and then the voxel values were effectively mapped to colors and transparencies according to the coloring probabilities, to realize the refined expression of the differences in the spatial distribution of lake water quality. Experiments showed that the perspective expression of the subtle differences of lake (especially shallow lakes) water quality was improved using this method, which is conducive to analyzing the characteristics and changing laws of lake water quality model.
Rewiring Glucose Metabolism Improves 5-FU Efficacy in Glycolytic p53-Deficient Colorectal Tumors
Authors: Ludikhuize Marlies , Gevers Sira , Nguyen Nguyen , Meerlo Maaike , Roudbari S. Khadijeh Shafiei , Gulersonmez M. Can , Stigter Edwin , Drost Jarno , Clevers Hans , Burgering Boudewijn , Colman Maria Rodríguez
Published: December 2021

5-fluorouracil (5-FU) is the backbone for chemotherapy in colorectal cancer (CRC), however response rates in patients are limited to 50%. Unexpectedly, the molecular mechanisms by which 5-FU ultimately induces toxicity remain debated, limiting the development of strategies to improve its efficacy. How fundamental aspects of cancer, such as driver mutations and phenotypic intra-tumor heterogeneity, relate to the 5-FU response are ill-defined. This is largely due to a shortage of mechanistic studies in pre-clinical models able to recapitulate the key-features of CRC. Here, we analyzed the 5-FU response in human organoids genetically engineered to reproduce the different stages of CRC progression. We find that 5-FU induces pyrimidine imbalance, which leads to DNA damage and cell death. Actively proliferating cancer (stem) cells are, accordingly, efficiently targeted by 5-FU. Importantly, p53 behaves as a discriminating factor for 5-FU sensitivity, whereas p53-deficiency leads to DNA damage-induced cell death, active p53 protects from these effects through inducing cell cycle arrest. Moreover, we find that targeting the Warburg effect, by rewiring glucose metabolism, enhances 5-FU toxicity by altering the nucleotide pool and without increasing toxicity in non-transformed cells. Thus, rewiring glucose metabolism in combination with replication stress-inducing chemotherapies emerges as a promising strategy for CRC treatment.
Analysis of Gene Expression of Human Leukocyte Antigen B27 in Patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis and Correlation with Related Indicators
Authors: Liu Chun , Kang Zhong-Yu , Liu Wei , Zhao Yuan , Li Dai-Hong
Published: December 2021

The aim of this study was to investigate the potential correlation between the human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-B*27 subtypes in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and the clinical features of AS. The prevalence of HLA-B*27 subtypes was investigated in 132 healthy donors recruited from our center and in 143 patients with AS. We investigated the differences in HLA-B27 subtype status for the patients and healthy donors by using a PCR-SSP (polymerase chain reaction with sequence-specific primer) method. The clinical outcomes of the patients, including lower back pain, uveitis, peripheral arthritis, stiffness, joints, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), Anti-streptolysin O (ASO) and C-reactive protein (CRP), were recorded. The male-to-female ratio was 2.5, and the mean age at diagnosis was 29.3 years. HLA-B*27 positivity was detected in 111 patients (77.6%) of patients with AS. The rate of HLA-B*27 positivity was significantly higher in the AS group than patients without AS. The subtypes observed in patients with AS were HLA-B*2704 (55.9%, 62/111), HLA-B*2705 (39.6%, 44/111), HLA-B*2702 (1.80%, 2/111), HLA-B*2707 (0.90%, 1/111), and HLA-B*2704/05(1.80%, 2/111). The main genotypes were HLA-B*2704 and HLA-B*2705. There were no significant differences in clinical manifestations. Multivariate analysis showed statistically significant differences in sex (P=0.01), disease duration (P=0.023), hematocrit (P=0.01), and CRP (P=0.01) between patients in the HLA-B*27(+) AS group and the HLA-B*27(-) AS group. In addition, HLA-B*15, HLA-B*40, HLA-B*13, and HLA-B*46 were the major alleles with associated HLA-B types in patients with HLA-B*27(+) AS. Therefore, we conclude that HLA-B*27 is highly correlated with AS and can be used as an early predictor of AS. In addition, sex, disease duration, ESR, and CRP were significantly different in the HLA-B*27(+) AS group and HLA-B*27(-) AS group. Finally, our study also found a correlation between HLA-B*15, HLA-B*40, HLA-B*13, and HLA-B*46 subtypes and the development of AS.
Potential Nitrate Reduction Rates in Marine Mangrove Sediments in the Lesser Antilles
Authors: laverman anniet , Sebilo Mathieu , Tocny Jennifer , Gros Olivier
Published: December 2021

Mangrove sediments are generally nitrogen limited, with nitrate reduction to ammonium instead of denitrification in these sediments, resulting in nitrogen retention rather than nitrogen elimination. The goal of this work was to investigate the potential for nitrate reduction in marine mangrove sediments along a canal impacted by anthropogenic activity (Guadeloupe, West Indies) as a function of increased nitrogen load and how this would change nitrate transformation rates. In addition to that, the impact of the organic carbon load and the hydraulic retention time was assessed as factors affecting nitrate reduction rates. Potential nitrate reduction rates in the sediments along the canal, in the presence of indigenous organic carbon, ranged from 126 to 379 nmol cm‑3 h-1 generally increasing upon increasing supplied nitrate. The potential for nitrate reduction increased significantly with the addition of mangrove leaves, whereas the addition of simple, easily degradable carbon (acetate), resulted in an almost five-fold increase in nitrate reduction rates. The hydraulic retention time also had an impact on the nitrate reducing capacity due to an increased contact time between nitrate and the benthic microbial community. Marine mangrove sediments have a high potential to mitigate nitrogen pollution, mainly governed by the presence of large amounts of degradable carbon in the form of litter. The hydraulic retention time as tested experimentally that can be extrapolated to the time of inundation of the mangrove sediments may increase the potential for nitrate reduction. Whereas the sediments are daily exposed to a small tidal effect, increased water retention could increase the nitrogen elimination potential in these mangrove sediments.
Value Assessment of Atypical Central Neurocytoma Classification and Treatment Options
Authors: Yang Zuocheng , Yan Changxiang , Yang Zuozhen , Han Song
Published: December 2021

Background

The classification and treatment strategy of atypical central neurocytomas (CNs) are still controversial largely, this study aimed to explore the optical treatment strategy and characteristics in transcriptomic profile.
Methods

This study retrospectively analyzed data from Sixty-one patients with CNs who underwent surgery in single institution. Whole-transcriptome analysis was used to investigate the differences between typical and atypical CNs.
Results

The five-year OS (P= 0.015) and PFS rates (P= 0.000002) were significantly higher in the complete resection group than in the incomplete resection group. Postoperative radiotherapy did not affect OS (P=0.255) or PFS (P=0.398) in the complete resection group. The five-year PFS rate (P=0.000038) among patients in the complete resection group who did not receive radiotherapy was significantly longer than that among patients in the incomplete resection group who received radiotherapy. The extent of surgical resection and operative approaches were irrelevant to perioperative complications and dsyfunctions at the last follow-up. Compared with caudate control, some of differentially expressed genes may involve cancer. Finally, the overexpression of ten genes (AMOTL1, PIK3R3, TGFBR1, SMO, COL4A6, MGP, SOX4, IGF2, Slit1 and CKS2) in atypical CNs may be associated with malignancy in atypical CNs.
Conclusion

Complete resection is relatively the best therapeutic modality for atypical CNs, radiotherapy is not necessary for patients after complete resection of the tumor. Although the previous definition of atypical CNs may not have significant prognostic value, the overexpression of ten genes may be involved in malignant behaviors and potential candidate hallmarks for differentiating the atypical CNs. Although the number of cases was relatively small, the findings could be helpful and instructive in the clinical treatment of this disease.