bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
VRoptBees
Authors: Masutti Thiago A.S. , Nunes de Castro Leandro
Published: April 2018

Combinatorial optimization problems are broadly studied in the literature. On the one hand, their challenging characteristics, such as the constraints and number of potential solutions, inspires their use to test new solution techniques. On the other hand, the practical application of these problems provides support of daily tasks of people and companies. Vehicle routing problems constitute a well-known class of combinatorial optimization problems, from which the Traveling Salesman Problem (TSP) is one of the most elementary ones. TSP corresponds to finding the shortest route that visits all cities within a path returning to the start city. Despite its simplicity, the difficulty in finding its exact solution and its direct application in practical problems in multiple areas make it one of the most studied problems in the literature. Algorithms inspired by biological phenomena are being successfully applied to solve optimization tasks, mainly combinatorial optimization problems. Those inspired by the collective behavior of insects produce good results for solving such problems. This article proposes the VRoptBees, a framework inspired by honeybee behavior to tackle vehicle routing problems. The framework provides a flexible and modular tool to easily build solutions to vehicle routing problems. Together with the framework, two examples of implementation are described, one to solve the TSP and the other to solve the Capacitated Vehicle Routing Problem (CVRP). Tests were conducted with benchmark instances from the literature, showing competitive results.
Analysis of Feature Selection and Ensemble Classifier Methods for Intrusion Detection
Authors: Vinutha H.P. , Basavaraju Poornima
Published: April 2018

Day by day network security is becoming more challenging task. Intrusion detection systems (IDSs) are one of the methods used to monitor the network activities. Data mining algorithms play a major role in the field of IDS. NSL-KDD'99 dataset is used to study the network traffic pattern which helps us to identify possible attacks takes place on the network. The dataset contains 41 attributes and one class attribute categorized as normal, DoS, Probe, R2L and U2R. In proposed methodology, it is necessary to reduce the false positive rate and improve the detection rate by reducing the dimensionality of the dataset, use of all 41 attributes in detection technology is not good practices. Four different feature selection methods like Chi-Square, SU, Gain Ratio and Information Gain feature are used to evaluate the attributes and unimportant features are removed to reduce the dimension of the data. Ensemble classification techniques like Boosting, Bagging, Stacking and Voting are used to observe the detection rate separately with three base algorithms called Decision stump, J48 and Random forest.
Probabilistic Modeling of Financial Uncertainties
Authors: Daneshkhah Alireza , Hosseinian-Far Amin , Chatrabgoun Omid , Sedighi Tabassom , Farsi Maryam
Published: April 2018

Since the global financial crash, one of the main trends in the financial engineering discipline has been to enhance the efficiency and flexibility of financial probabilistic risk assessments. Creditors could immensely benefit from such improvements in analysis hoping to minimise potential monetary losses. Analysis of real world financial scenarios require modeling of multiple uncertain quantities with a view to present more accurate, near future probabilistic predictions. Such predictions are essential for an informed decision making. In this article, the authors extend Bayesian Networks Pair-Copula Construction (BN-PCC) further using the minimum information vine model which results in a more flexible and efficient approach in modeling multivariate dependencies of heavy-tailed distribution and tail dependence as observed in the financial data. The authors demonstrate that the extended model based on minimum information Pair-Copula Construction (PCC) can approximate any non-Gaussian BN to any degree of approximation. The proposed method has been applied to the portfolio data derived from a Brazilian case study. The results show that the fitting of the multivariate distribution approximated using the proposed model has been improved compared to other previously published approaches.
The Influential Factors of CSR and the Future of CSR in China
Authors: Li Xiaokang , Chang Victor
Published: April 2018

This article conducts statistical analysis on the level of social responsibility of Chinese enterprises and the internal, and the external factors which influence it. The factors include the scale of enterprises, innovation capacity, export intensity, financial performance, product competitive, government intervention, and legal environment, etc. The results show that those factors, such as export behavior, innovation capacity and financial status have strong influence on the level of companies' social responsibility. Based on those results, there are some suggestions to improve the CSR in China to make citizens' quality of life better.
Deepening the Understanding of Students´ Study-Related Media Usage
Authors: Stöter Joachim
Published: April 2018

This article describes how numerous studies on student usage of various digital applications, social media and networks are available but studies on study-related media usage typologies are rare. Based on the instruments developed by Zawacki-Richter, Müskens, Krause, Alturki, and Aldraiweesh, as well as Zawacki-Richter, Kramer and Müskens, a short questionnaire was developed and tested with a cohort of 72 students. The results of the factor analysis suggest statistically relevant scales, which are suitable for classifying students along their media usage patterns through a subsequent cluster analysis. The three clusters that were determined can be compared with the usage types from Zawacki-Richter et al. During the instructional design process these heterogeneous groups and their media usage should be taken into consideration. The identified items can be applied in order to develop qualitative interviews for a deeper understanding of the usage types.
How to Foster Citizen Reblogging of a Government Microblog
Authors: Liao Yuguo
Published: April 2018

This article examines the strategies used to foster citizens' interaction with government microblogs. While government agencies are urged to adopt social media, little is known about how citizens respond to those efforts. Using data collected from the publicity microblogs of prefecture-level municipalities in China, this article indicates that government microblogs can foster citizen-initiated interaction by acquiring microblog influencers as followers, diversifying the sources of government posts and posting more multimedia content. However, regularly updating a government microblog is not necessarily associated with citizen participation.
A Systematic Review of Mobile Health in Education From 2000 to 2016
Authors: Altinpulluk Hakan
Published: April 2018

This article aims to examine the mobile health (mHealth) in education articles in journals covered by the SSCI and SCI-EXPANDED indices between 2000-2016. Five hundred and ninety-four (594) articles have been analyzed with a systematic review method. The change of the articles by year, the distribution according to the countries, universities, authors, citation analysis, and research fields were examined. As a result of this research, it was determined that the articles and citations have tended to increase rapidly after 2012. The US plays a pioneering role in this field, the universities in the USA publish most of the articles on the subject, and the USA-based authors dominate the field. In addition, it has been determined that mHealth-related articles tend to increase in undeveloped and developing countries, where mHealth projects are concentrated. Finally, based on research findings, some suggestions were made for researchers, developers and practitioners.
Collaboration Technology Adoption
Authors: Olschewski Mark , Renken Uta , Mueller Benjamin
Published: April 2018

This article investigates technology readiness and social influence in the context of collaboration technology acceptance. The authors also explore these factors in terms of their impact on technology appropriation and repurposing to go beyond classical adoption research focused on initial acceptance of technology. The authors find that social influence is a dominant factor in the context of individuals' acceptance of collaboration technologies, outperforming technology readiness and classical adoption measures. Based on an exploratory PLS study conducted among student users of a collaboration technology, this study is among the first to explore and conceptualize the role of social influence and technology readiness in technology acceptance. This is a particularly valuable advance for studying collaboration technologies because individuals' use of these technologies is shaped in social interaction and through personal psychological dispositions. This helps managers to successfully introduce collaboration technologies, a key tool for enabling workplace and customer engagement innovation.
Synergy in the Standards and Regulations of Offshore Renewable Energy and Offshore Oil & Gas
Authors: Robinson Roy , Engelmann Georg
Published: April 2018

This paper compares and contrasts key aspects of the Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) and offshore Oil and Gas (O&G) industries. The objective is to illuminate where synergies exist in the context of technical standards as well as government regulations, policies and practices. The thesis of the work will propose a clear and harmonized approach for utilization of existing proven oil and gas standards, rules, and regulations as a key enabler for the efforts of developers of offshore renewable energy standards.

Using process mapping and gap analysis the paper will identify where the standards of oil and gas and ORE overlap. The ORE sector is taking root and producing commercial power in many regions accustomed to hydrocarbon based energy production. The tools, techniques, talents, and disciplines of engineering required to support the offshore renewable energy industry have much in common with those of the O&G industry. Notwithstanding, new systems of international standards are being developed specific to offshore renewable energy and not taking full advantage of the legacy of existing standards already in place and proven by the offshore oil and gas industry.

The results of the analysis are presented in the following manner: Process map showing each of the ORE modalities (i.e. MHK, Fixed Offshore Wind, Floating Offshore Wind, and OTEC), highlighting the overlap with O&G activities.Planned and existing IEC and other ORE specific standards are listed for each modalityHighlight coverage of common oil and gas standards and align to each modality of ORE.A proposal to fully leverage the existing standards for use in ORE projects and to unify the ORE standards is presented.The review of Regulations is limited to US waters, and the fractured nature of the US ORE Regulatory environment is addressed and suggested improvements made.

Existing comparisons of the two industries’ codes and standards are limited to one or two ORE modalities, and this paper is meant to act as the first step in seeing ORE Standards as a unified system.
Rapid Design and Construction of a 30K CRA Pressure Vessel Proof Tested to 50,000 psi
Authors: Podnos E. , Scranton J. , Dziekonski M.
Published: April 2018

This paper is a retrospective of a recent project to design, manufacture and qualify a NACE MR0175 / ISO15156 compliant custom HPHT pressure vessel for the purpose of conducting accelerated corrosion testing for a major oilfield operating company.

A conventional mechanical design processes begins with the sizing of the vessel via design calculations, and proceeds to creation of a series of design iterations before building the first prototype unit. This is followed by prototype testing required to validate design assumptions and safety margins. This commonly results in redesign and re-manufacturing of the components or the entire prototype unit in order to achieve the desired function and satisfy the safety criteria, leading to a long and expensive development cycle.

Virtual prototyping migrates the early "design validation" phases from the physical realm to the computer thus making the ability to test design margins safer and easier, and providing a more comprehensive understanding of the assets capabilities.

Computer aided design methods allowed for multiple virtual prototypes to be assessed, with the entire process from product launch to commercial delivery taking less than 8 months. Multiple design challenges were resolved by development of internal design practices following virtual prototyping approach. The approach was validated using laboratory tests and FEA modeling.

Numerous procedures addressing design and product delivery challenges were developed: a methodology to follow ASME BPVC design rules for CRA based metallurgies not specified in the Code; a revision of an existing 10,000 psi metal-to-metal seal design to sustain test pressures and a technique for prevention of seal moment in a many-material system with different thermal expansion rates.

In the end, using this virtual design approach, following a robust design code such as ASME BPVC Section VIII Division 2 enabled us to produce a first of its kind 30,000 psi / 650°F corrosion test vessel on a short delivery schedule that passed the 50,000 psi proof test required by our operator on its first try.

Post-delivery operator requirement changes required a re-assessment of the vessel to a higher working pressure. This resulted in a new FEA analysis following the same logic as the original analysis, but benchmarked against the "as-build" material properties instead of the original material specifications. Post analysis; the vessel was physically validated by a hydro-test to 50,000 psi.
Design Considerations to Minimize Hydrocarbon Entrainment in the Aqueous Phase
Authors: Latta T. M. , Acosta E. J. , Teeffelen N. van , Sveen J. K. , Tienhaara M. K. S.
Published: April 2018

It is critical to minimize the amount of free hydrocarbon entrained in the aqueous phase (i.e., Produced Water or Rich Monoethylene Glycol (MEG) streams) in order to mitigate impact on the operational performance of the Effluent Water Treatment and MEG Recovery Unit facilities. Hydrocarbon entrainment in Produced Water or Rich MEG is often the result of process conditions that favour emulsion formation and/or hinder emulsion separation. Consequently there is a need to look at the process and equipment design employed, along the flow path that the hydrocarbon/aqueous phase travels through, prior to entering the separation equipment used for hydrocarbon removal from the aqueous phase, as well as the separation equipment itself.

The paper will present a roadmap of the overall route that the aqueous stream can take to offer insight into the process units affected by improper hydrocarbon removal. Operational situations arising from the impact of excessive hydrocarbon entrainment will be given as well as a summary of wellhead operating parameters that need to be considered in terms of their impact on equipment selection/design.

The flow path, to be focused on, starts at the reservoir/wellhead and ends where the aqueous stream leaves the final hydrocarbon removal equipment, just upstream of either the Effluent Water Treatment or MEG Recovery Unit facilities.

Factors concerning emulsion formation and separation are introduced as required to describe how process fluid properties and flow conditions influence the formation of emulsions and the separation of hydrocarbons from the aqueous phase.

How to improve on existing methods for the selection/design of liquid-liquid separators by considering and trying to estimate the entire droplet size distribution (DSD) of the dispersed phase in the stream entering the separation equipment, along with estimating the amount of coalescence, will be elaborated on. This is paramount to ensure the correct equipment is selected, especially when the low end of the distribution, particularly drops below 20 μm, can be quite difficult to remove.

Design considerations to minimize hydrocarbon content in the aqueous phase will be discussed and involve looking at key areas of energy dissipation (e.g., choke and control valves) regarding the range of fluid properties and process conditions, and the estimation/influence of drop size distribution/fractional interface coalescence efficiency (fICE) on the selection/sizing of fluid-fluid separator technology.

Examples of dealing with emulsion issues occurring in industry, as per vendor experience, will be presented as well as available vendor equipment technology. General recommendations concerning lab bench testing, modelling, and equipment/chemical vendor testing will also be discussed.
Steel Lazy Wave Risers SLWRs Towing: A Cost Effective Alternative for Deepwater Gas Developments
Authors: Ryan John , Eyssautier Stéphan , Brouard Yann , Roniawan Kemas Erwin , Doskeland Oystein
Published: April 2018

Deepwater gas fields usuallyrequire large diameter risers to provide high flowrate. Steel catenary risers (SCRs) are a feasible solutionwhere the requirement for large diametersrules out the use of flexible risers. To improve fatigue performance and platform payload, SCRsare sometimes fitted withpermanent buoyancy modules, forming a wave shape, and are called Steel Lazy Wave Risers (SLWRs).

SLWRs are typically installed by large pipelay vessels using the J-lay method. Some challenges for SLWR installation are the high top tension requirement, as well as offshore welding of large diameter (and often CRA clad) lines on critical path. These factors contribute to the cost and risk of installation. Utilising a towed installation method canreduce these risks, and remove the need for a J-lay vessel.

This paper describesthe methodology for towing a SLWR in asingle length using previously established methods for pipeline bundles. A case study based on a large deepwater gas field offshore Australia has been used to show the feasibility of the towed method for large diameter risers. Simulation of the tow was performed with OrcaFlex™ to confirmthat various outputs are within allowable limits of design stress and marine operability. The paper also lists advantages and disadvantages of the towed installation of a SLWR when compared to J-lay.
Flow Induced Pulsations FLIP in Rough Bore Gas Flexible Pipes Test in Partnership with TOTAL E&P - IRPHE/CNRS - TechnipFMC
Authors: Décuupère Matthieu , Charliac David , Roques Jean-Philippe , Karnikian Alexandre , Galeron Gaëtan , Mattei Pierre-Olivier , Amielh Muriel
Published: April 2018

Since the beginning of the 21st century FLow-Induced Pulsations (FLIP) has been more and more experienced. The phenomenon is characterized by an acoustic wave that is created inside of the flexible pipe and that may lead to significant fatigue failure of the adjacent equipment. Flexible pipe integrity is not called into question regarding this phenomenon.

In this context, a FLIP joint test involving TOTAL E&P, IRPHE (Institut de Recherche des Phenomenes Hors Equilibre) / CNRS (Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique), LMA (Laboratoire de Mecanique et d'Acoustique) / CNRS and TechnipFMC was conducted end of 2016 at CESAME Poitiers (France). The test was performed in a 6" internal diameter and 18-meter-long TechnipFMC flexible pipe. Both flow directions were tested to assess the influence of the rounded edges of the carcass.

On the one hand, this paper presents the experimental test setup and the main results that came out of the test. On the other hand, this paper also presents the comparison between tests results and TechnipFMC analytical model outcome. Moreover, combining experiments and theoretical point of view enabled reproducing the phenomenon. A better understanding of the phenomenon will allow flexible pipes suppliers to propose mitigations or cancellation of FLIP to companies.
The Benefit of Replacing Rising Stem Ball Valves with Triple Offset Valves in Natural Gas Molecular Sieve Applications
Authors: Ferrara Marco , Casaroli Sergio
Published: April 2018

The oil and gas industry uses molecular sieving to dehydrate or separate contaminants from natural gas. Such process involves several operational challenges that put valves under severe strain, potentially causing damage and service disruptions. In response to the shortcomings of conventional valve designs for this type of service, rising stem (tilting) ball valves have gained popularity over the years. However, several users are now open to adopt a new, innovative product capable of reducing both capital and operational expenditure involved. Triple offset valves (TOVs) represent a tried and tested solution that compared to rising stem ball valves offers a significant weight and footprint reduction while minimizing the need for maintenance.
Aspects of Design Verification Analysis for HP/HT Applications
Authors: Zhong Allan , Yin Shengjun , Apichartthabrut Terapat
Published: April 2018

Design verification analyses for high-pressure/high-temperature (HPHT) environments, as defined in the annexes of the American Petroleum Institute (API) codes (11D1 and 14A) as well as by the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE), require some basic definitions and interpretation of code requirements. One of the basic definitions is the global collapse load in accordance with ASME BPVC VIII Division 2 or 3 (ASME BPVC VIII-2 2015 or ASME BPVC VIII-3 2015, respectively). There is confusion with respect to what this load really means in relation to actual failure load and maximum load (critical load) allowed for safe operation. Fatigue life assessment is necessary in design verification analysis if cyclic loading is expected during the life of the well. Several approaches to conducting fatigue analysis have been proposed by various codes.

A detailed examination of the three load types (global collapse, catastrophic failure, and maximum loads) is provided. The differences between the load types are highlighted conceptually first, then illustrated through finite element analysis (FEA) and published test data in the literature.

The ASME BPVC VIII Division 2 and Division 3 load factors for global collapse analysis are evaluated, and factors that affect the conclusions are delineated. Various fatigue analysis approaches are evaluated to help illustrate the difference and effect of these approaches on design verification analysis for HPHT applications.

Theoretically, the global collapse load, as defined in ASME BPVC VIII Division 2 or 3, is greater than or equal to the catastrophic (theoretical or physical) failure load, and the catastrophic failure load is larger than the maximum load. The global collapse analysis is a verification analysis against the global collapse load definition; therefore, questions are raised when load ratings are derived from global collapse load predicted from FEA. However, uncertainties remain regarding which fatigue evaluation approach is most suitable for HPHT applications.

This study provides a clear basis for load assessment, highlighting how industry-wide consensus is necessary for precise HPHT design verification analysis.
SEAR JIP: The Value of Sharing of Lessons Learned on Subsea Integrity and Reliability
Authors: Botto Adriana , Smith Harvey , Tomar Manish , Marstrand Jesper , Ferrier Stuart , Merrick Christopher , Forsyth Helena
Published: April 2018

The Subsea Equipment Australian Reliability (SEAR) Joint Industry Project (JIP); is a partnership led by Wood and supported by a group of Operators namely Chevron, Conoco Phillips, Inpex, PTTEP Australasia, Shell and Woodside. Now delivering Phase IV, the project is focused on collaboration and knowledge sharing in order to improve subsea equipment design, improve reliability, and reduce interventions; with the ultimate goal of reducing the cost to operate subsea equipment in Australia.

The SEAR JIP was kicked off in 2014, when local Operators identified that subsea equipment was failing prematurely and estimated the cost impact of poor equipment performance. The SEAR project has since, through sharing of failure and design data, developed a reliability database to collect asset and failure information from SEAR members with Australian offshore operations. The SEAR database provides a low cost / high value method of capturing, sharing all subsea failures and lessons learnt for this region and allows comparison of Australian subsea equipment performance with other industry data sources. Over the years, the JIP has focused on different but common industry challenges, such as the impact of marine fouling affecting operability during interventions and umbilical performance. The ability to better understand subsea equipment failures and intervention requirements has the potential to offer Operators significant cost savings, by optimising equipment reliability / availability and reducing interventions.

This paper will present an overview of the SEAR JIP including its scope, deliverables, key issues of common interest and what the JIP has achieved to date. The paper will conclude with a look ahead to the future vision for SEAR and the value of continued collaboration.
Cost Reduction in E&P, IMR, and Survey Operations Using Unmanned Surface Vehicles
Authors: Anderson Brian S.
Published: April 2018

As a result of intense pressure to reduce costs in offshore oil and gas operations, there has been a surge in support and use of ruggedized unmanned surface vehicles (USVs or ASVs) for several standard tasks in Exploration and Production (E&P), Inspection, Maintenance and Repair (IMR), and Survey operations. As illustrated in several recent case studies from marine construction, seismic, pipelay, hydrographic, and environmental applications, this technology is no longer in development mode, but has in fact become a key element in the re-tooling of the offshore industry for more efficient and safer operations.

This paper addresses and reviews a number of important design considerations for ASVs being used in the offshore oil and gas industry. Applications which will be elaborated will include pipeline route surveys, ROV tracking/touch down monitoring, LBL array box-in and calibrations, as-built geophysical surveys for pipelines, unmanned seismic energy source operations for reservoir monitoring, marine mammal acoustic and visual monitoring, and hydrocarbon leak/seep detection operations.

Included in this paper are case study observations and data from projects offshore Europe, Gulf of Mexico, the Mediterranean Sea, and Alaska. These results in several cases will also be presented to provide a clear comparison between standard methods showing the cost savings achieved by use of this technology. In all cases, the decreased project costs were made in parallel with no loss of data quality. In some cases, an improvement in data quality over standard methods was made, along with the decreased operational costs.

The use of unmanned surface systems in offshore oil and gas operations has become a proven cost reduction tool. A growing number of contractors and operators are now using this technology with good results. In some cases, operators are now specifying this technology be offered by their contractors in order to reduce costs, with measurable results. The decrease in at-sea man hours has also provided a significant risk reduction aspect.
Damping Identification from Measurement of Axial Riser Response Data
Authors: McNeill Scot , Stahl Matt , Bhalla Kenneth
Published: April 2018

The current water depth record for offshore drilling is approximately 11,000 feet, with several energy companies having leases in substantially deeper waters. For a typical drilling riser and BOP stack, the first axial resonant period is approximately one second for each 2000 feet of deployed length, thus five seconds for 10,000 feet, six seconds for 12,000 feet, etc. Therefore a resonant condition will occur with vessel heave response in very deep water. The weight of a long drilling riser and BOP stack, together with large predicted dynamic loads can lead to significant restrictions on riser running and retrieval. Under resonance, the response levels are influenced greatly by the damping levels, which are uncertain. Total predicted damping from previously quantified sources is less than 1% critical. This work demonstrates that significantly more damping exists.

In this work, the damping ratio is identified for the first axial riser mode using several sets of measured riser response data. Data sets were obtained from several drilling rigs during riser deployment or retrieval at sites in various water depths, using an assortment of transducers and data acquisition systems. Within each data set, the deployed riser length varies over time.

Measured riser response data sets from load cells and accelerometers, have been analyzed to determine the first axial riser natural frequency and associated damping ratio using robust identification methods. Damping ratio values are presented for each data set. This effort has found a fairly consistent level of damping across the range of water depths, vessels and drilling riser systems for which data is available. Importantly, the damping values are significantly higher compared to calculated values traditionally used in axial dynamic riser analysis. To illustrate the methodology and support the resulting damping ratios, time history and spectral plots of the measured data are also examined.

To the authors’ knowledge, this effort represents the first set of published results on axial riser mode damping from full-scale measured data available in the literature. The findings are significant because they reduce uncertainty in the level of dynamic hook load fluctuation to expect when deploying a riser and BOP stack to extreme water depths. Conservatism in engineering assessment can be reduced substantially. However, this work also shows that the level of damping is still small enough that axial dynamic response will be a significant consideration for large water depths.
Enhance Flow Assurance in Large Diameter Gas Flexible Pipes
Authors: Lefer Bruno , Phelut Renaud , Decuupere Matthieu , Legeay Sébastien
Published: April 2018

Large gas field developments are an important trend of the oil and gas industry and is likely to be reinforced in the next decades. For these developments, flexible pipes with larger Inner Diameter (ID) and high flow rates are more and more required. This paper presents solutions developed to improve flow assurance in gas flexible pipes by assessing and removing flow induced pulsations (FLIP) risk occurrence and optimizing the maximum allowable flow rate.

This trend leads the industry to have a kind interest in FLIP free flowlines and risers as well as in flexible pipes with improved flow rates capacities for equivalent diameters. Beginning of the 2000’s smooth bore gas export flexible riser was a pioneered FLIP free solution which is now a well-known, field proven and recognized technology. In addition, the market and industry trend have led to develop a full panel of solutions to answer new market requirements: FLIP and pressure losses methodologies, appropriate selection of conventional carcass and smooth bore flexible pipes (smooth carcass & plastic smooth bore).

This paper describes the different solutions to enhance the flow assurance of flexible pipes for gas applications (less pressure losses & FLIP proof) with different flexible pipes solutions. Then a focus is done on the development of a cost-effective solution applicable to all types of pipes: the smooth carcass. This new carcass is an incremental improvement of existing technology. The industrialization, prototype manufacturing, qualification program and technical performances obtained so far including FLIP aspect, pressure loss and global mechanical behavior are detailed. Results have demonstrated that the smooth carcass allows reducing the pressure losses compared to flexible pipe with standard carcasses and thus to optimize the fluids flow rates or to reduce the flexible pipe internal diameters. Complete API 17J qualification compliance is planned for end 2018 for both static and dynamic applications.

Specific dedicated competencies and technologies were developed to answer market requirements of the new gas field developments. Furthermore, the development of smooth carcass will tackle the singing phenomenon on gas flexible lines, and provide an optimized solution for flow assurance improvement to oil and gas operators.
Efficient Condensate Mercury Removal Offshore
Authors: Manelius Tom , Aguedach Imane
Published: April 2018

There are Oil & Gas installations struggling with Mercury contaminated oil and gas streams. Mercury contaminants are not only toxic if exposed to staff, but it can also cause equipment damages and operational hazards. It is most often seen as an issue in the natural gas, especially in liquefaction operations, but there is an increasing interest and need to handle contaminated condensate streams, as well as glycol streams (MEG). The Mercury content in Oil & Gas streams vary significantly over the globe, even between specific fields. The Asia pacific region is generally known to be the most exposed, with Mercury levels often up to 100 times greater as an average, than in e.g. US or Canada

Mercury rich wet gas wells will also have Mercury contaminated condensate, with Mercury present in different states and often adsorbed to other suspended particles. Up to now filtration processes for Mercury removal in condensate streams has primarily been used, however the presence of very fine particles, and Mercury levels in average several times above the target level, made filtration a troublesome offshore operation. In pursuit of better technologies, an improved solution has been found in disc stack centrifuge technology. The suitability has been assessed by using a fast and well-developed assessment process including laboratory tests and field pilot tests followed by full scale centrifuge installations.

Particle sizes can be measured as a part of site testing. Mercury contaminants are typically small, often Hg resides in a relatively narrow particle size range, between 1–10 m micron, which explains why sufficient removal at process scale a can be achieved by filtration, but also why operation may be a challenging task with frequent filter blockages. A centrifuge processing system represent a separator option readily removing the Mercusry particle size range, including submicron particles, and can be made fully continuous, sealed and sized to handle required condensate flow processing. In average the stream leaving the centrifuge is found to be well below the acceptance level, moretowards concentrations typical for dissolved rather than particulate mercury level.
Qualify, Verify and Demonstrate Robust Synthetic Mooring Lines to Reduce Costs
Authors: Hansen A. B. , Ekrem S. , Larsen K. , Gabrielsen Ø.
Published: April 2018

Use of synthetic fiber ropes for mooring system components has many advantages. Reduced floater offset and simpler riser solutions, increased floater payload due to low weight and improved HSE performance due to easier handling and installation all lead to reduced cost for field development projects. All these aspects are important for deep water fields, to enable anchoring of MODUs adjacent to existing facilities or to reduce cost of floating wind turbines.

In addition, use of synthetic ropes may reduce life cycle cost as durability is increased and degradation mechanisms like corrosion and wear are reduced compared to steel components. However, one remaining technical challenge of synthetic mooring lines is to increase their resistance and robustness against external damage and abrasion. Functional requirements like pre-laying on the seabed and resistance against fish trawl impacts are being specified in several applications. This paper summarises the executed development and qualification work to increase robustness of synthetic fiber ropes against external impacts.
Case History: A New Approach to Section Milling: Leaving the Swarf Behind!
Authors: Nelson Jonathan F. , Jørpeland Jon-Tore , Schwartze Corinna
Published: April 2018

Section milling is a method used in plug and abandonment operations to remove casing over a specified interval, enabling a barrier to be placed for complete isolation across the wellbore. This method is preferred and often required when an annulus behind a casing string is not properly isolated and cannot be appropriately remediated by conventional methods such as cutting and pulling the casing, or squeezing cement through perforations.

Section milling and placement of a rock-to-rock cement barrier is a highly effective method for achieving proper wellbore isolation for plug and abandonment. However, this method poses unique challenges that can result in lengthy, complex operations and high costs to operators. A key challenge faced when removing high volumes of casing (up to and exceeding 50 meters (165 ft.) per interval), is circulating the generated steel cuttings (swarf) out of the well, and safely capturing and disposing of them. Much of the time spent on section milling operations is dedicated to mitigating the health, safety, operational, and equipment risks associated with the removal and handling of swarf in the well and on surface. These challenges inspired a joint operator/ service company project to develop a method of section milling that would deposit swarf into the wellbore, creating a unique, and in-situ approach to debris management that reduces risk and costs to the operator.

The prototype section milling system was extensively tested, with final, full-scale tests performed in a drilled and cased hole from a fully functioning land rig. Conclusions from the final test well operations yielded favorable results, resulting in a final system design that was qualified for field use. Currently, the system is in final preparations for its first field deployment, with candidate wells identified and equipment ready for use. First planned operations are scheduled for a platform well on the Norwegian continental shelf.

This paper will detail the final testing phases, field trial preparations, and candidate well selection leading up to the first field deployment of a first ever ‘swarfless’ section milling system.
Lightweight, Compact, Fast & Flexible Subsea Tie-Ins with HCCS-L
Authors: Ali Mohammed Hasan
Published: April 2018

Evermore than before, there is an imminent need to simplify the subsea operations and reduce the weight, size and envelope of subsea production hardware such as XT, Manifold & distribution system. Tie-in connection system is a key area that drives this influencing the Capex and installation cost, hence BHGE leveraging its 25 plus years of experience within this product category has developed our next generation Horizontal Clamp Connection System Light (HCCS-L) which is significantly impacting subsea structures size & weight and installation offshore time. HCCS-L can be categorized as a universal connection system for rigid, flexibles, umbilical & pig launcher receivers, single, dual & multibore lines interfacing XT, Manifold, jumpers and spools, pipeline terminations, inline tees, riser base amongst other subsea structures. HCCS-L further enables standardization, parts re-use, supply chain optimization by enabling stocking program, reduced lead times & tooling commonality delivering at lower cost and execution risks.
Leveraging Field Intelligence Through Operational Certainty: How Automated Operating Practices Deliver Industry Leading Results
Authors: Jimenez Jose A. , Zornio Peter
Published: April 2018

The oil and gas industry loses approximately $300 billion profit annually to poor operating performance. Outdated technologies and work practices are largely to blame because they lack the predictive capabilities of modern automation. When oil and gas producers adopt modern technologies and adjust work processes, they can recover a significant portion of these losses and realize top quartile performance in production, reliability, and safety. Examples illustrate this.

In response to low commodity prices, the oil and gas industry has rationalized operations and procedures over the last few years. However, estimates are that the industry still loses hundreds of billions of dollars annually to poor operating performance. Much of that can be recovered by emulating the practices of the industry's best performers. The top quartile of oil and gas producers deploys technology, processes and people in a purposeful orchestration to boost production, cut costs and improve safety. They define a strategy, analyze inefficiencies, prioritize opportunities, and then select technologies that can scale and leverage existing investments. Doing this substantially boosts the bottom line.
Project R.E.A.D.S. RFID-Enabled Aerial Detection System: Providing Realtime Safety Information During Offshore Emergencies
Authors: Taylor Starr LaTasha , Bharadwaj Bommireddipalli Shashank , Ram Devaraj Pranesh
Published: April 2018

According to the Bureau of Safety and Environment Enforcement (BSEE), injuries, fires and explosions on the outer continental shelf (OCS)[1] are the majority of incident types reported for fiscal year 2016. Although the number of incidents/spills have reduced over a span of 7 years (2009-2016) there is still a need to reduce casualties to human life and property that occur because of inadequate response techniques.

Offshore Oil and Gas drilling operations involve numerous occupational hazards and activities that could possibly harm or potentially lead to the death of personnel onboard during an off-shore emergency [1]. One such tragic event is Gulf of Mexico case study, where emergency responders were unable to track and rescue 11 workers involved.

The main objective of the project is to equip emergency responders and safety officers with appropriate tools needed to track crew members and launch a targeted evacuation rescue effort when an accident occurs in an offshore oil rig. The drone’s advantage of proximity as well as maneuverability enables detection of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags, providing real-time location. The tags will also provide health status information of onboard personnel from a safe distance and assist with providing responders with the decision-making tools necessary for proper prioritization of response efforts.

Other safety information such as live visual feed and temperature profiles through thermal imaging will also be available to the emergency responders. This will assist responders in their effort to assess the severity and criticality of the situation and develop a rescue strategy. With the assistance of Project R.E.A.D.S. (RFID-Enabled Aerial Detection System), the rescue efforts would be more efficient and effective in saving lives because of the drone’s ability to accurately detect personnel via a system of readers attached to drones and tags strategically located on crew member clothing.
Enabling Longer and Cheaper Subsea Tie-Backs Utilizing Local Subsea Chemical Storage and Injection
Authors: Schroeder Art J. , Chitwood James E. , Gay Tom A. , Bahr Jeffrey , Brennan Kevin , York Matt
Published: April 2018

Strong economic drivers coupled with proper technical qualification of new equipment/methodologies are compulsory for industry adoption, especially with deepwater systems. This paper presents compelling economic findings from case study analysis that local, subsea chemical storage and injection can deliver significant savings compared to host platform storage and tube-based umbilical delivery. It then outlines a systematic approach developed for system qualification. Successful deployment of this new technology will greatly facilitate development of hundreds of smaller deepwater resources and billions of barrels (bbl) of oil equivalent (BOE) by enabling safe, cost-effective long distance tie-backs to existing infrastructure out of traditional reach of tube-based umbilicals.
Deposition and Shear Stress Initial Investigations for Hydrate Blockage
Authors: Aman Zachary M. , Qin Hao , Pickarts Marshall , Lorenzo Mauricio Di , May Eric F. , Koh Carolyn A. , Zerpa Luis E.
Published: April 2018

Over the past decade, the paradigm of gas hydrate research has transitioned from avoidance via thermodynamic inhibition toward management, where a limited amount of hydrate may be allowed to form in the flowline. This new paradigm enables new field development concepts, including longer-distance subsea tie-backs and limited chemical inhibition. This presentation reviews research datasets from flowloops on hydrate deposition phenomena and includes an initial analysis on the impact of shear stresses on hydrate deposits.

This study integrates experimental data from unique high-pressure laboratory flowloops, including single-pass, gas-dominant and recirculating, liquid-phase flowloops. The flowloops have visual observation ports that allow video imaging to be performed throughout the high pressure tests. These apparatuses together are estimated to provide coverage over 1-200 Pa of flowing shear stress at the wall, over a range of total liquid inventories and water holdup.

For this work, conceptual diagrams of deposition in oil, water, and gas-dominant systems are presented. Film growth rates are derived at the Colorado School of Mines (CSM) from visual observation in a deposition loop. Hydrate particle deposition rates are determined from a gas-dominant flowloop in Western Australia by fitting experimental data obtained from gas-dominant systems. The results demonstrate that the absolute shear stress required to prevent hydrate particles from depositing at the wall, or to remove/slough deposited hydrate from the wall, can vary with the primary fluid phase. Initial shear stress calculations from a specific test estimate that less than 5 Pa can be required to remove/slough hydrates from the wall in the aqueous phase, while more than 100 Pa may be required in a gas-continuous pipeline. This review suggests that deposition and flowing shear stress may be critical considerations in the design and operation of hydrocarbon systems, to help prevent hydrate blockage in industrial operations.
Concepts and Strategies for Developing Bankable Floating Production Solutions for Gulf of Mexico
Authors: Adil Adam
Published: April 2018

This paper explores concepts and strategies around field development models as well as financing avenues that will structure the capital outlay in a manner that helps improve the economic viability of deep water projects. The long cycle time for development resulting from the exhaustive Front End Loading (FEL) efforts in the traditional development models tend to deteriorate the economic value of an average deep water development.

The main areas of focus will be:Field development and project delivery strategies that are aimed to deliverStructural changes that aid in sustainable cost reduction for developmentCycle time improvements balanced against project delivery certaintyNon-traditional project financing strategies and models that explore:Deferred CAPEX solutionsField equity solutions