bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Scattering of flexural-gravity waves due to a crack in a floating ice sheet in a two-layer fluid in the context of blocking dynamics
Authors: Barman S. C. , Das S. , Sahoo T. , Meylan M. H.
Published: May 2022

The influence of wave blocking on the scattering of a flexural-gravity wave by a linear crack in a thin ice cover resting over a two-layer ocean having a rigid flat seafloor is investigated. The wave dispersion curve reveals the existence of multiple propagating wave modes within the blocking frequencies, either in the surface or interface mode. The Sommerfeld radiation condition depends on multiple propagating wave modes within the blocking frequency and contributes to wave energy propagation. The solution process involves the appropriate transition of wave modes within the blocking frequencies, which is obtained with the help of the dispersion curve. The reflection and transmission coefficients are generalized in the case of multiple propagating wave modes, and the associated energy balance relation is derived using Green's integral theorem. The scattering matrix is generated to describe all the possible transmitted and incident wave modes. The role of lateral compressive force and the density ratio on the scattering process, ice deflection, and interface elevation are shown graphically. This study reveals the occurrence of removable and jump discontinuities in the reflection and transmission coefficients at the saddle point as well as blocking frequencies and at the frequency for which incident wave mode changes. Irregular plate deflection and interface elevation patterns are found due to the superposition of multiple propagating wave modes within the primary and secondary blocking frequencies.
Strong solutions to the 2D Cauchy problem of compressible non-isothermal nematic liquid crystal flows with vacuum at infinity
Authors: Chen Hong , Wan Ziqi , Zhong Xin
Published: May 2022

We are concerned with the Cauchy problem of compressible non-isothermal nematic liquid crystal flows in R2 with zero density at infinity. By weighted energy estimates and a Hardy-type inequality, we derive the local existence and uniqueness of strong solutions, provided that the initial density and gradient of the orientation decay not too slowly at infinity. The novelty of this paper is that we allow vacuum at infinity.
Non-Markovian vibrational relaxation dynamics at surfaces
Authors: Fischer Eric W. , Werther Michael , Bouakline Foudhil , Grossmann Frank , Saalfrank Peter
Published: May 2022

Vibrational dynamics of adsorbates near surfaces plays both an important role for applied surface science and as a model lab for studying fundamental problems of open quantum systems. We employ a previously developed model for the relaxation of a D–Si–Si bending mode at a D:Si(100)-(2 × 1) surface, induced by a “bath” of more than 2000 phonon modes [Lorenz and P. Saalfrank, Chem. Phys. 482, 69 (2017)], to extend previous work along various directions. First, we use a Hierarchical Effective Mode (HEM) model [Fischer et al., J. Chem. Phys. 153, 064704 (2020)] to study relaxation of higher excited vibrational states than hitherto done by solving a high-dimensional system–bath time-dependent Schrödinger equation (TDSE). In the HEM approach, (many) real bath modes are replaced by (much less) effective bath modes. Accordingly, we are able to examine scaling laws for vibrational relaxation lifetimes for a realistic surface science problem. Second, we compare the performance of the multilayer multiconfigurational time-dependent Hartree (ML-MCTDH) approach with that of the recently developed coherent-state-based multi-Davydov-D2 Ansatz [Zhou et al., J. Chem. Phys. 143, 014113 (2015)]. Both approaches work well, with some computational advantages for the latter in the presented context. Third, we apply open-system density matrix theory in comparison with basically “exact” solutions of the multi-mode TDSEs. Specifically, we use an open-system Liouville–von Neumann (LvN) equation treating vibration-phonon coupling as Markovian dissipation in Lindblad form to quantify effects beyond the Born–Markov approximation.
Influence of metachronal ciliary wave motion on peristaltic flow of nanofluid model of synovitis problem
Authors: Kotnurkar Asha S. , Kallolikar Namrata
Published: May 2022

In this article, we have considered the effect of metachronal ciliary wave motion on the peristaltic flow of the Buongiorno nanofluid model for the synovitis problem. This study is additionally limited by the assumption of a low Reynolds number and lubrication theory approximations. An internal energy generation is also taken into account. Shear-thinning (model I) and shear-thickening (model II) for the concentration fluids are considered. The obtained dimensionless rheological equation is solved by using the homotopy perturbation Sumudu transformation method. The influence of various physical parameters on the dimensionless velocity, pressure rise, temperature, volume fraction, multi-sinusoidal waves, triangular waves, and streamlines has been analyzed. A trapping phenomenon is thoroughly examined. It is observed from the investigation that the shear-thinning (model I) and shear-thickening (model II) have completely distinct characteristics. The synovial fluid parameter shows opposite behavior on velocity and pressure rise profiles for models I and II, whereas the multi-sinusoidal wave and triangular wave forms retain the same shape of the waves as in the pressure gradient. These models can be used to treat rheumatoid arthritis as synovial fluids are present in joints. Fluid transfer in biological organs is improved by metachronal ciliary motion. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis can be treated with nanoparticles and ciliary motion. It is primarily due to their biocompatibility, low toxicity, and controlled release as well as their capacity to boost bioavailability and bioactivity of treatments and enable targeting the injured joints through the use of nanoparticles. In the limited scenario, the current work is in good accord with the earlier research, and it is analyzed through a graph.
Broad-frequency range of a 250 GHz medium-power gyrotron traveling-wave amplifier with a distributed-loss structure
Authors: Yeh Yi Sheng , Hung Chien-Lun , Chang Tsun-Hsu
Published: May 2022

A gyrotron traveling-wave amplifier (gyro-TWA) with a distributed-loss structure can achieve high gain over a broad bandwidth. In this study, a low-voltage, low-current subterahertz gyro-TWA with medium power (∼10 W) over a broad-frequency range (∼10 GHz) is designed. The excessive length of the copper section in this gyro-TWA leads to reflective oscillations and absolute instabilities. Reflective oscillations can be suppressed for a gyro-TWA with a high lossy-section resistivity and a short copper section. Absolute instabilities, conversely, can be suppressed for a gyro-TWA with a long lossy section and high lossy-section resistivity. The proposed gyro-TWA has a high lossy-section resistivity, a long lossy section, and a short copper section, which not only avoids mode competition but also achieves the desired characteristics of a high gain and broad-frequency range. For a 12 kV, 0.3 A electron beam, the frequency range of the 250 GHz 10 W level gyro-TWA with a distributed-loss structure, is ∼10 GHz when the input power is between 1 and 10 mW.
Accurate description of the quantum dynamical surface temperature effects on the dissociative chemisorption of H2 from Cu(111)
Authors: Smits B. , Litjens L. G. B. , Somers M. F.
Published: May 2022

Accurately describing surface temperature effects for the dissociative scattering of H2 on a metal surface on a quantum dynamical (QD) level is currently one of the open challenges for theoretical surface scientists. We present the first QD simulations of hydrogen dissociating on a Cu(111) surface, which accurately describe all relevant surface temperature effects, using the static corrugation model. The reaction probabilities we obtain show very good agreement with those found using quasi-classical dynamics (QCD), both for individual surface slabs and for an averaged, thus Monte Carlo sampled, set of thermally distorted surface configurations. Rovibrationally elastic scattering probabilities show a much clearer difference between the QCD and QD results, which appears to be traceable back toward thermally distorted surface configurations with very low dissociation probabilities and underlines the importance of investigating more observables than just dissociation. By reducing the number of distorted surface atoms included in the dynamical model, we also show that only including one surface atom, or even three surface atoms, is generally not enough to accurately describe the effects of the surface temperature on dissociation and elastic scattering. These results are a major step forward in accurately describing hydrogen scattering from a thermally excited Cu(111) surface and open up a pathway to better describe reaction and scattering from other relevant crystal facets, such as stepped surfaces, at moderately elevated surface temperatures where quantum effects are expected to play a more important role in the dissociation of H2 on Cu.
The transient vortex structure in the wake of an axial-symmetric projectile launched underwater
Authors: Gao Shan , Shi Yao , Pan Guang , Quan Xiaobo
Published: May 2022

This paper provides refined wake simulations for an underwater projectile launch using an improved delayed detached eddy simulation with the energy equation, volume of fluid, and the overlapping grid technique. Additionally, the projectile wake vortex was analyzed for different Froude numbers and dimensionless transverse flow speeds. Verifications of the numerical method, grid independence, vortex identification method, and time step size are presented. Through a systematic comparison of the wake morphologies, the flow fields and vortex structures in the wakes were analyzed in detail, and the wake vortex evolution mechanisms were explored. The results show that the Kelvin–Helmholtz instability was observed, and the wake flow of the projectile launched underwater contains a complex vortical system that directly determines the wake instabilities. The resulting multiple sub-vortex structures are compact and closely arranged near the central axis without the transverse flow effect. However, compared with cases having no transverse flow, the large-scale double spiral vortex structure in the wake with a transverse flow is more difficult to fracture. In addition, the U-shaped vortex in the secondary vortex is also obviously generated in the wake during the double spiral vortex structure evolution. With an increase in the Froude number, the vortex legs are gradually apparent and, together with the shedding vortex rings in the wake, form a hairpin vortex structure. With an increase in the dimensionless transverse flow speed, the number of sub-vortex rings derived from the shedding vortex in the wake increases significantly, resulting in a more complex interaction mechanism.
Pluto 4D Monitor Two – a second outstanding success
Authors: Mann Sandra , Gagen Scott
Published: May 2022

A second 4D seismic monitor survey acquired over the Pluto gas field has been an outstanding success despite three tropical cyclones, the start of a global pandemic, and technical subsurface risks. At the time of the Pluto 4D Monitor Two (M2) survey (December 2019 till February 2020), the Pluto field had been in production for 7 years and 9 months and had produced approximately 2 Tcf of gas. The M2 4D survey was acquired between December 2019 and February 2020 over a 20 × 30 km area, on a 12.5 m square grid. Data was processed by CGG to pre-stack depth migration, took 6 months to deliver, and required considerable collaboration with Woodside geoscientists. Use of modern processing technologies, including least squares migration, full waveform inversion and wave equation based amplitude versus offset inversion facilitated a high quality interpretation. On the 4D difference volumes, hardening responses were interpreted as water ingress. Hardening responses were seen in multiple Triassic reservoirs. A pronounced response was seen in a large Triassic valley within a predominantly mudstone background unit, which showed continued water ingress into the valley, upwards from the gas water contact towards the producing well. This confined hardening response contrasted with unconfined, water flood front responses seen in other reservoirs. Both responses enabled detailed interpretation of geological features and provided useful control points for history matching. Interpreted water ingress also gave additional depth control.
Technological advances in biosecurity monitoring
Authors: Marks Barbara A.
Published: May 2022

Biosecurity tools are a key aspect of an effective biosecurity system, however, existing surveillance and monitoring programs are often expensive, resource intense, reliant on special expertise, long-term and deliver variable results. Advances in innovation and technology provide opportunity to improve program efficiency, reliability and cost-effectiveness. Chevron Australia developed and deployed tools to help monitor and identify non-indigenous species on Barrow Island, a Class A Nature Reserve and home to the Gorgon Natural Gas Project, operated by Chevron Australia and a joint venture of the Australian subsidiaries of Chevron (47.3%), ExxonMobil (25%), Shell (25%), Osaka Gas (1.25%), Tokyo Gas (1%) and JERA (0.417%). Tools include: The PAWS® (Print Acquisition for Wildlife Sensors) pest identification sensor pad and PAWS® live capture devices for rodent detection and monitoring, EARS (Environmental Acoustic Recognition Sensor) devices that record the male Asian house gecko’s call and can be adapted to incorporate other species if required, LAMP (Loop Mediated Isothermal Amplification) assay to identify Asian house gecko scats or tissue samples with an in situ molecular tool, Gecko identification application (app) enabling the workforce to participate in citizen science programs. These technological advances have helped to improve surveillance and biosecurity programs on Barrow Island, realising benefits including: longer monitoring periods for lower costs, resulting in greater confidence in surveillance outcomes, in situ diagnostics providing more rapid identification to enact an immediate response; deployment of live capture devices, reducing non-target captures (consequently, a more ethical tool); wider workforce participation. While these innovative tools target species likely to threaten Barrow Island’s unique biodiversity, the technology can be adapted for other environmental monitoring programs.
National Decommissioning Research Initiative outcomes inform offshore decommissioning options
Authors: Jarvis Samantha , Smith Luke
Published: May 2022

The Australian offshore oil and gas industry is facing a significant decommissioning portfolio over the next few decades. In response to this, in 2019, eight Australian oil and gas operators and the National Energy Resources Australia (NERA) established the National Decommissioning Research Initiative (NDRI) with the aim to fill key knowledge gaps on the potential environmental impacts, risks and benefits of different decommissioning options in Australia’s offshore environment. In Phase 1, seven research projects were undertaken covering the interaction that occurs between the environment and oil and gas infrastructure in Australia’s oceans. These projects focused on habitat, connectivity, invasive marine species, degradation of metals and non-metals and potential contaminants of concern such as mercury and naturally occurring radioactive materials. Two other projects were undertaken to gain insights into regulators, stakeholders, marine users and scientist views on offshore decommissioning risks and opportunities. This paper describes the drivers for NDRI, the outcomes of the Phase 1 projects and the future projects to be undertaken to support the environmental assessment of different decommissioning options.
Minimising pipeline leaks and maximising operational life by application of machine learning at Cooper Basin
Authors: Khalilpasha Hossein , Brown Justin
Published: May 2022

The development of technologies in the last few decades has enabled operators to collect significantly more data than previously possible. Despite availability, making data-driven decisions on asset health, and developing efficient asset management strategies, is not common. This is mainly due to challenges with compilation, and alignment of all the data into a comprehensive picture of pipeline integrity, as it consumes significant resources deploying conventional methods. A critical advantage of modern data storage, analysis and visualisation techniques is the relative ease of performing statistical assessments of integrity data. Analysis of correlated data can be equally challenging as algorithms used can be overly simplistic and inaccurate. Machine learning algorithms parse, analyse and learn from data, enabling the operators to make an educated decision. This has been extensively deployed in other industries such as finance, healthcare and supply chain management but has never been fully developed and enhanced in pipeline integrity industry until very recently. This paper provides an overview of the development in machine learning tools in pipeline integrity, allowing enhancement of asset performance, through the application of machine learning and automation, to predict integrity threats, and prevent leaks and failures. It provides a case study where a tool was developed, and this technique was successfully implemented across a significant number of upstream pipelines in the Cooper Basin, enabling the Santos integrity engineering team to make the most effective decisions on asset condition and to develop a data-driven asset management plan.
Repurposing Victoria’s gas infrastructure for a net zero future
Authors: Khalilpasha Hossein , Visagie Hendrik , Dour Gilles , Moe Alvin , McNamara Elissa , Versteegen Rohan
Published: May 2022

As the world moves towards a net-zero future, different jurisdictions are considering various scenarios on how they can achieve their targets. Depending on the types of assets within each jurisdiction, it could mean the development of new projects, modifying existing infrastructure, or a combination of both. The Victorian Climate Change Act 2017 established a system of coordinated, whole-of-economy actions to achieve a net zero emissions target by 2050. This includes rolling 5-year plans and targets to reduce emissions and adapt to climate change impacts, obliging all government policies, plans and decisions to consider climate change, and requiring all sectors of the economy including the gas industry to develop and action emissions reduction pledges. Natural gas plays a major role in Victoria’s energy mix with extensive gas infrastructure supplying over 2 million customers in Victoria and a network asset value of approximately A$6 billion. In 2021, Infrastructure Victoria provided its advice to the Victorian Government on potential scenarios for repurposing Victoria’s gas transmission and distribution networks in a future where Victoria’s carbon emission reduction targets are achieved. This paper provides the results of assessment on the suitability of existing gas infrastructure across the value chain to be repurposed for hydrogen blending, 100% hydrogen, biomethane and carbon dioxide service. This work was performed for the purpose of informing the Victorian Government of the opportunities and risks to gas infrastructure associated with achieving its 2050 net zero emission target.
Climate change litigation: directors’ duties, legal developments and risk management
Authors: Camenzuli Louise , Korbel Andrew
Published: May 2022

Climate change is being repositioned in commercial, financial and legal spheres as a matter that requires board-level strategic attention. With a broad-ranging consensus that climate change risks are material and reasonably foreseeable, activists are pursuing a myriad of legal challenges seeking to hold government and companies to account. As the law develops, a number of trends are emerging which will require companies and directors to adapt their response to climate-change-related risks. In particular, directors are required to adequately inform themselves as to the broader physical and economic consequences of climate change, to critically evaluate the implications for financial performance and risk management, to adapt their company’s strategic response, and disclose and report relevant information to stakeholders. These requirements need to be managed amid significant uncertainties and complexities about the impacts of climate change, and also as to realistic emissions reduction targets, offsetting, innovation, measurement and reporting methodologies. This paper outlines climate litigation trends to assist in equipping boards, directors and general counsel to understand and engage with their company’s exposure. In particular, we consider claims against government which are of relevance to companies, including challenges to project approvals on climate change grounds; as well as potential actions against companies, directors and advisors in respect of fiduciary duties, disclosures and greenwashing.
Resource potential of the Carrara Sub-basin from the deep stratigraphic well NDI Carrara 1
Authors: Bailey A. H. E. , Grosjean E. , Wang L. , Boreham C. J. , Butcher G. A. , Carson C. J. , Jarrett A. J. M. , Carr L. K. , Southby C. , Palu T. J. , Henson P. A.
Published: May 2022

NDI Carrara 1 is a deep stratigraphic well completed in 2020 as part of the MinEx CRC National Drilling Initiative (NDI), in collaboration with Geoscience Australia and the Northern Territory Geological Survey. It is the first stratigraphic test of the Carrara Sub-basin, a newly discovered depocentre in the South Nicholson Region. The well intersected Proterozoic sediments with numerous hydrocarbon shows, likely to be of particular interest due to affinities with the known Proterozoic plays of the Beetaloo Sub-basin and the Lawn Hill Platform, including two organic-rich black shales and a thick sequence of interbedded black shales and silty-sandstones. Alongside an extensive suite of wireline logs, continuous core was recovered from 283.9 m to total depth at 1750.8 m, providing high-quality data to support comprehensive analysis. Presently, this includes geochronology, geochemistry, geomechanics and petrophysics. Rock-Eval pyrolysis data demonstrate the potential for several thick black shales to be a source of hydrocarbons for conventional and unconventional plays. Integration of these data with geomechanical properties highlights potential brittle zones within the fine-grained intervals where hydraulic stimulation is likely to enhance permeability, identifying prospective Carrara Sub-basin shale gas intervals. Detailed wireline log analysis further supports a high potential for unconventional shale resources. Interpretation of the L210 and L212 seismic surveys suggests that the intersected sequences are laterally extensive and continuous throughout the Carrara Sub-basin, potentially forming a significant new hydrocarbon province and continuing the Proterozoic shale play fairway across the Northern Territory and northwest Queensland.
The search for new oil and CO
Authors: Kalinowski Aleksandra , Tenthorey Eric , Seyyedi Mojtaba , Clennell Michael Ben
Published: May 2022

Residual oil zones (ROZs) could present a new, potentially large and commercially viable oil resource for Australia and provide an avenue for geological storage of carbon dioxide (CO2) through CO2 enhanced oil recovery (CO2-EOR). These reservoirs, which can contain a moderate amount of residual oil and resemble water-flooded oil fields, can be associated with conventional fields (brownfields) or occur with no associated main pay zone (greenfields). Both types of ROZ are currently produced commercially through CO2-EOR in the Permian Basin, USA, and are of growing interest internationally, but our understanding of the occurrence and economic viability of oil production from ROZs in Australia is limited. We are employing geological and petrophysical methods to identify, map and quantify the potential oil resources of ROZs, initially in central Australian basins. Complementing this, we are conducting a series of CO2 core-flooding experiments combined with reservoir modelling to investigate the techno-economic feasibility of producing oil and storing CO2 in these formations. We aim to establish and test a workflow for characterising and evaluating ROZs in Australia. ROZs could prove to be good targets for CO2-EOR+, potentially even producing carbon-neutral or carbon-negative oil by using CO2 from anthropogenic sources, such as from blue hydrogen production.
The transformation of Australia’s first commercial CSG field into a major gas project: how innovation and subsurface understanding has driven its success
Authors: Gorton Justin , Martin Mike
Published: May 2022

Mount Isa Mines Limited discovered coal seam gas (CSG) in the ‘Dawson Valley’ in 1991. It was the first commercial coal seam gas field in Australia, with production and sales of gas commencing circa 1994, then operated by Conoco and known as Meridian SeamGas. In 2010, Westside Corporation acquired a 51% operating interest in Meridian SeamGas from Anglo American (Anglo) and Mitsui Moura Investment Pty Ltd (MMI). Over the last 10 years, Westside has increased sales by 466% from 9 terajoules per day (TJ/d) to 42 TJ/d with gas being sold to both domestic and export markets. Further acreage acquisition to the north and south increased the asset area by 264%; now known as the Greater Meridian Fields (GMF). The steep rise in gas demand, complex market dynamics, regulatory environment, and competition from large global oil and gas operators makes it a challenging environment for smaller gas producers in Australia. Remaining agile and employing innovative approaches to optimise field development are key factors for Westside’s growth. In particular, the pad-based drilling of up dip multi-lateral wells has reduced cost and surface footprint, while enabling more efficient gas drainage. To support this field development, a more robust subsurface framework was required. Adequate knowledge of the distribution and variability of coal thickness, gas content/composition, structure, and geohazards forms the basis of the static model. It is used for resource definition and for the optimal planning and execution of multi-lateral wells, reducing drilling risks.
Guidance document: Incident Management Teams – Knowledge requirements for responding to marine oil spills
Authors: Hazell Daniel , Starkins Phillip
Published: May 2022

The National Offshore Petroleum Safety and Environmental Authority undertakes the assessment of environmental plans and oil pollution emergency plans for petroleum activities in Australian Commonwealth waters. In 2019, the Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association’s Oil Spill Preparedness and Response Working Group (OSPRWG) developed a work program to address identified Incident Management Team (IMT) training issues, with an aim to develop industry good practice guidance in relation to IMT skills, competencies and oil spill training. The OSPRWG has now produced a guidance document on IMT oil spill training, that was developed in collaboration with the Australian Marine Oil Spill Centre and peer reviewed by Oil Spill Response Limited. The guideline should facilitate a greater and more coordinated mutual aid IMT oil spill capability within the Australian offshore petroleum industry.
A quantitative method for evaluating ecological risks associated with long-term degradation of deep-sea plastic-containing infrastructure
Authors: Testoff Alexander N. , Nelson Nicholas A. , Nicolette Joseph P.
Published: May 2022

Presented herein is a newly developed quantitative approach for assessing potential ecological risk resulting from long-term degradation of deep-sea plastic-containing infrastructure. The risk characterisation involves four iterations of modelled ‘risk’ through forward or backward calculation of a deterministic hazard quotient, mathematically defined as the ratio of estimated exposure to a reference dose (or concentration) for a similar exposure period. The assessment focuses on direct effects of microplastics exposure, wherein exposure concentrations are based on modelled estimates of microplastic mass formation resulting from structure deterioration over time. Predicted no effect concentrations (PNECs) protective of slightly-to-moderately disturbed ecosystems and ecosystems of high conservation value were determined based on a species sensitivity distribution (SSD), in accordance with the current Australian and New Zealand Guidelines for Fresh and Marine Water Quality. Each iteration of risk characterisation is performed irrespective of burial, with varying exposure unit dimensions (i.e. geographically localised and broader regions of microplastic dispersal) and degrees of plastic degradation, designed to conservatively bound the risk characterisation. Additionally, two SSDs derived from different ecotoxicological data sets prioritising either particle shape or marine species are also provided for a sensitivity analysis of the PNEC. Thus, the bounding exercise encompasses all possible outcomes. The risk characterisation approach is reviewed for a case study of two larger plastic-containing flowline assets in an oil production field offshore of Australia. The outcome of the risk assessment is the same for all model iterations: degradation of the subsea plastic-containing flowlines does not pose a risk to the local marine community.
Naturally derived carbon material for hydrogen storage
Authors: Haq Bashirul , Al-Shehri Dhafer , Al-Ahmed Amir , Rahman Mohammad Mizanur , Abdelnaby Mahmoud M. , Muhammed Nasiru Salahu , Zaman Ehsan , Aziz Md Abdul , Iglauer Stefan , Khalid Mohammed Sofian Ali
Published: May 2022

Over the last few decades, hydrogen storage has become a vital issue for hydrogen technologies. Several techniques, such as adsorbents, hydrides, nanomaterials, metal–organic frameworks and porous polymers, have been widely explored for hydrogen storage. Although some techniques are promising, there are still challenges, such as operating temperature and pressure, cyclic reversibility and higher hydrogen content. The concept of carbon-based nanomaterials in hydrogen storage, among all the systems that are up-and-coming, appears to be promising, especially the carbon nanotubes (CNTs), activated carbons, and carbon particle systems. This work reports on the development of carbon material from naturally available biomass, such as waste date leafs, through the pyrolysis method and its hydrogen capacity and comparison with commercial CNTs. The synthesised carbon nanomaterial was characterised using field emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and the Brunauer–Emmett–Teller method. The date leaf carbon nanomaterial was found to have better surface area and pore‐size distribution than CNTs, which is promising for hydrogen storage.
Intelligent monitoring of fugitive emissions – comparison of continuous monitoring with intelligent analytics to other emissions monitoring technologies
Authors: Liu Michelle J. , Izquierdo Karren N. , Prince Dennis S.
Published: May 2022

Studies have shown that fugitive emissions are dominated by a small number of sources with extremely high emission rates, known as super-emitters. These super-emitters present an opportunity to significantly reduce emissions in a cost-effective manner if they are managed effectively. This requires the ability to detect, locate, and accurately measure emissions. However, the uncertain nature of fugitive emissions presents challenges to monitoring. Existing and emerging technologies enable emissions management with varying levels of success. This paper provides a practical comparison of several fugitive emissions monitoring technologies, including handheld gas detectors, optical gas imaging cameras, vehicle-based systems, satellites, aircraft, and unmanned aerial vehicles. These technologies provide periodic monitoring of a facility and are compared to continuous monitoring technologies that monitor emissions on a 24/7 basis using fixed sensors and advanced analytics to identify and track emission plumes. Continuous monitoring with intelligent analytics has demonstrated great potential in overcoming the challenges of monitoring fugitive emissions to reduce greenhouse gases and other problematic emissions. Features, capabilities, and limitations of these technologies are explored in the context of gas facilities, including their ability to detect intermittent sources, identify unsuspected and off-site sources, and quantify emissions. The range of monitoring for each technology and safety concerns associated with their use are discussed.
A new approach for production forecasting from individual layers in multi-layer commingled tight gas reservoirs
Authors: Van Der Haar (nee Kosten) Katarina , Haghighi Manouchehr
Published: May 2022

Estimating future production in multi-layer tight gas reservoirs is necessary, but problematic. Initial production looks promising but soon decreases to levels that are much lower than first anticipated. Boundary-dominated flow to which common production data analysis can be applied to, takes up to 8 years to establish, yet future production estimations must be made at the time of drilling. Common industry software does not fully assess individual layer contribution because large uncertainties exist in layer-specific contributions to total production. Many engineers tend to use analysis methods designed for single-layer wells, which leaves future production estimations with large errors, and this can have potentially long ranging consequences for a company. This paper presents a new way of estimating future production in multi-layer tight gas reservoirs by incorporating the uncertainty that can be found in individual layer contributions. Our approach utilises single tank material balance and matches total well production data by changing layer-specific properties. A workflow has been created for the programming language Python that includes a Bayesian element to honour the uncertainty in individual layer effective permeability and individual layer gas in place. Applying this workflow to many wells in a specified area allows probability distribution functions for layer effective permeability and layer gas in place to be generated. This will result in attaining more realistic production forecasts in the form of P10, P50 and P90 for multi-layer tight gas reservoirs, and allowing the engineer to make better-informed early assessments of the future production of wells.
Trusted environmental and geological information to support Australian energy resource development in a changing world
Authors: McAlpine Sarlae R. B. , Orr Meredith L. , Ferdinando Darren , Hostetler Stephen
Published: May 2022

The Australian Government’s Trusted Environmental and Geological Information (TEGI) program is a scientific program led by Geoscience Australia. The program is part of the Government’s Strategic Basin Initiative under its Gas-fired Recovery agenda, implemented as a post-COVID19 response to stimulate the economy. This program will deliver regional geological and environmental assessments underpinned by transparent, trusted baseline geological and environmental data, commencing in the north Bowen and Galilee and the Cooper and Adavale Basins. This repository of information is to be used in support of bringing forward energy and mineral developments in basins identified by the Government as strategic. This paper discusses how coupling resource assessments with baseline information such as groundwater, geology, energy and mineral resources, surface water and protected environmental matters, can be used to support exploration and development decisions by industry, regulators and other stakeholders. For example, by establishing a regional baseline resource assessment, through prospectivity play mapping, environmental assessments can be prioritised to match resource prospectivity. In anticipating future development scenarios, potential impacts on environmental assets, including groundwater, can be assessed in advance and with key knowledge gaps identified for redress. This approach aims to optimise the regulatory pathway to resource development and increase regulatory efficiency as future development opportunities arise across the scope of petroleum, minerals, carbon capture and storage, and hydrogen storage and production. An example of Geoscience Australia’s work on the Adavale Basin is presented in this paper describing the first steps in linking energy resources and environmental assessments in a changing world.
Mental health and the resources sector: findings from a research program to promote effective mental health solutions
Authors: James Carole L. , Giacomini Anna , Kay-Lambkin Frances , Rubin Mark , Kelly Brian
Published: May 2022

This paper outlines a multifaceted national workplace mental health research program that incorporated assessment of individual level, work characteristics and organisational factors on mental health among workers in the resources sector within Australia and internationally. This multistep program included: identification of level of mental health and substance use problems in an Australian national study; examination of risk and protective factors (work roles, social networks and location); attitudes to seeking mental health assistance; organisational policies regarding mental health within a workplace health and safety framework; piloting a resources-specific workplace mental health program for team leaders and supervisors and a workplace suicide prevention program; and application of digital mental health interventions to this sector. Additional linked studies in New South Wales and Queensland in the resources sector assessed personal factors influencing perception of workplace physical risks and hazards, risk behaviours and opportunities for risk mitigation; and links between mental and physical health factors. A summary of the key findings are presented within the context of a program of research addressing mental health within remote settings in the resources sector. Mental health-related problems are highly prevalent among workers in remote resource settings, which has significant implications for workplace health and safety. Strategies to address prevention and effective intervention need to be tailored to the industry and employee characteristics, and address models of mental health care that are feasible and accessible in often remote and challenging environments.
Wireline packer remediation using novel bismuth technology
Authors: Hochberg Isaac , Fowlie Andrew , Dalianas Konstandinos
Published: May 2022

Prior to the execution of this project, there were limited options for repairing a failed production packer. Conventional oilfield practice would default to a well workover to replace the failed component. In an offshore environment, this approach not only carries significant capital cost, but also material risk and health, safety and environment exposure associated with the large operational footprint and time requirement of the operation. An innovative solution was developed to remediate the failed packer without a workover while simultaneously significantly reducing cost and risk. A new packer was formed by melting a bismuth alloy plug into the annulus using wireline equipment, eliminating the requirement for a workover rig. Bismuth alloy pellets were deposited onto the packer via precisely drilled holes in the tubing before being melted into an annular plug, forming a gas-tight metal-to-metal seal. As this was an industry first, prototype testing of the annular bismuth plug was undertaken to demonstrate concept feasibility. After a series of iterative testing a viable concept was achieved, and the prototype was taken forward to qualification. The annular plug was qualified to industry standard ISO 14310 V0 for the well’s operating conditions which included both pressure differential and axial loads. After the bismuth annular plug was qualified, the deployment method for the bismuth pellets was optimised to ensure they reached targeted location without compromising well integrity. After 2 years of design, the industry-first wireline intervention was successfully executed in 2021 and the well was returned to production.
Overcoming COVID challenges in project execution – West Barracouta
Authors: Kubik John , Shaw Grant , Vicario Melissa
Published: May 2022

The West Barracouta (BTW) field, one of the largest proven undeveloped gas fields off the south-eastern Australian coast, commenced production in April 2021. The project was developed by Esso-BHP Gippsland Basin Joint Venture (GBJV), a 50–50 JV between ExxonMobil’s subsidiary Esso Australia and BHP Petroleum. The BTW gas field is situated ~6 km south west of the existing Barracouta gas field and platform, the first GBJV platform in Bass Strait. The BTW development involved drilling two subsea production wells, installation of umbilical controls from the existing platform and installation of a ~6 km subsea flowline to connect to existing gas pipeline via a hot tap. The BTW team successfully navigated through engineering, fabrication, testing, mobilisation of an international team and installation of the facilities in a COVID environment. The paper shares insights on how to: manage fabrication impacts with closures and restricted workhours to minimise disruption to the project; complete videoconference Hazid Identification Risk Assessment workshops across different geographical locations; develop and execute methodology for distributed component integrated testing with hardware located in different geographical locations; complete remote inspections, Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT)/verification using videoconference; complete enhanced familiarisation and testing activities at shorebase, prior to offshore installation, given restrictions in overseas travel/access to FAT locations; and safely manage installation personnel to ensure continuity of activities in a COVID environment, e.g. platform, installation vessel and diver COVID requirements.
Integrated Asset Performance Management: a true, holistic view of asset health and risk
Authors: Engdahl Chris , Hattrick David
Published: May 2022

The benefits of optimised operational asset effectiveness are compelling; however, deployment of Asset Performance Management (APM) platforms has often been handicapped by organisational demarcation, localised APM ‘heroes’ driving for success against the headwind of a reactive business culture and ongoing erosion of corporate operational asset knowledge. Increasingly, APM initiatives are also overrun by the increasing scope of corporate ‘Big Data’ projects, whereby data volume rather than informational context inadvertently becomes the objective. Execution of maintenance strategies is one of the single biggest influencers on asset performance, and optimising that program requires accurate insight into the constantly changing operating context, environment and asset health. Asset maintenance plans need to change dynamically, ideally updating in real time. Integrated APM harmonises the asset management functions, which may otherwise sit in independent silos, including reliability strategy, asset health, root cause analysis and defect elimination. Integration ensures consistency and standardisation in policies and strategies, accelerating improvement and enabling corporate learning and best practice to propagate. This paper illustrates how edge data processing, Industrial Internet of Things (IIOT) connectivity and cloud computing come together to deliver real outcomes for innovative enterprises. Plant-wide data systems that link failure-mode specific data sets directly with asset strategy, lead to faster root cause determination, work planning and execution. Practical examples of where this crucial step of parsing machinery information according to operating context and known failure modes drives tangible benefits within the integrated APM process are discussed. Well-considered technologies, policies and practices will deliver predictable, optimal asset performance and the ensuing business benefits.
Feasibility study of adiabatic compressed air energy storage in porous reservoirs
Authors: Czapla Jason P. , Clennell M. B.
Published: May 2022

The Australian electricity sector is undergoing a transformation in which variable renewable energy (VRE) is becoming a dominant generator. VRE sources such as wind and solar have intermittent generation profiles influenced by weather and climate with daily and seasonal variations. To support high penetration rates of VRE, energy storage is required to store energy during times of oversupply and discharge energy during times of under supply. Compressed Air Energy Storage (CAES) is a promising, economic technology to compliment battery and Pumped Hydro by providing storage over a medium duration (4–12 h). CSIRO and MAN-ES conducted a feasibility study on Adiabatic-CAES (A-CAES) based on the premise of storing compressed air in a permeable subsurface reservoir (i.e. depleted gas reservoir). The design assumptions regarding the storage reservoir are based on previous work conducted on behalf of Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) which consisted of drilling test wells and conducting air injection and withdrawal tests to determine suitability for a 300 MW-10 h facility. The plant design and equipment are based on commercially available components. This work found that A-CAES has the potential to achieve >60% round trip efficiency and provide levelised cost of storage (LCOS) as low as ~A$108/MWh.
A seismic shift in engagement with the fishing industry? A case study of the Prion 3D marine seismic survey in Bass Strait
Authors: French Linda , Sullivan Andrew
Published: May 2022

The relationship between the oil and gas and commercial fishing industries could be described as strained and at times highly combative. The source of much of the conflict has been conjecture around the impacts of seismic surveys on the marine environment, and of course impacts to commercially targeted species. These relationships exacerbate the challenges for oil and gas proponents in progressing new exploration activities and the relevant environmental approvals. We provide an example of how genuine engagement and collaboration between the two industries, and their broader networks, can lead to a better understanding of the needs of each sector. In turn, this can lead to investment into research to address shortfall in knowledge around impact and technical advances to mitigate potential impacts. Directed research to address key knowledge gaps is a critical component for coexistence of industry in the marine domain. Investment in research that reduces uncertainty for all sectors is critical for future petroleum exploration and exploitation. Researcher studies undertaken during the Prion 3D marine seismic survey include: (1) whether novel seismic survey sources mitigate potential impacts to fisheries; (2) before after control impact (BACI) assessment and biomass studies of scallops; and (3) validation of sound modelling. We examine some of the key decisions taken during the Prion 3D marine seismic survey development process and discuss how these were taken and how things may have otherwise ended without genuine engagement by both parties.