bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reconciling Time-Lapse Seismic and Production Data Using Streamline Models: The Bay Marchand Field, Gulf of Mexico
Authors: Vasco D. W. , Datta-Gupta Akhil , He Zhong , Behrens Ronald , Rickett James , Condon Patrick
Published: December 2007

One of the goals of reservoir characterization, particularly in mature reservoirs, is to identify unswept regions containing high oil or gas saturation for targeted infill drilling or enhanced recovery. Given the dense spatial sampling associated with time-lapse seismic surveys, there is a potential to map detailed interwell saturation changes in the reservoir. However, seismic attributes such as travel time and amplitude changes are indirectly related to reservoir saturation changes. Reservoir production data such as water-cut response at wells are related directly to saturation variations. An effective integration of the two forms of data is necessary to reliably characterize saturation distribution and still remains an important unresolved problem. A fundamental difficulty is the burden of reservoir simulation: use of conventional finite-difference reservoir simulators render coupled inversions of seismic and production data computationally challenging.

Recently streamline-based flow simulation models have demonstrated significant potential in integrating dynamic data into high-resolution reservoir models. The streamline approach has relied on computing and matching ‘travel time’ of fluid fronts at the wells and can be naturally extended to directly relate time-lapse images of a multiphase front to reservoir properties. In particular, saturation, porosity, and pressure variations in the reservoir will induce changes in seismic attributes such as ‘amplitude’ or the ‘travel time’. These changes can be incorporated into the streamline-based history matching using appropriate rock physics models. The result will be interwell saturation maps that are constrained by both production and seismic data. A key advantage of our approach will be its computational efficiency that makes it ideally suited for large-scale field applications.

At the Bay Marchand Field in the Gulf of Mexico both time-lapse seismic and water-cut observations are integrated to infer permeability variations within the reservoir. Some 40 years of historic production data are available at the Bay Marchand Field. In all, water-cut data from eight wells are used to constrain permeability variations in the reservoir. The streamline-based inversion is able to match the observations in 15 iterations, approximately four hours of computation for this 20,000 cell 3D model. The time-lapse seismic data are related to the reservoir saturation and pressure changes through Gassmann's equation and laboratory derived relationships. The time-lapse seismic data reveal large-scale amplitude variations that appear to correlate with saturation changes in the reservoir.
A Comparison of Travel-Time and Amplitude Matching for Field-Scale Production Data Integration: Sensitivity, Non-Linearity and Practical Implications
Authors: Cheng Hao , Datta-Gupta Akhil , He Zhong
Published: December 2007

Traditional approach to reconciling geologic models to production data involves an "amplitude matching", that is matching the production history directly. These include watercut, tracer concentration and pressure history at the wells. It is well-known that such amplitude matching results in a highly non-linear inverse problem and difficulties in convergence, often leading to an inadequate history match. The nonlinearity can also aggravate the problem of non-uniqueness and instability of the solution. Recently, production data integration via ‘travel-time matching’ has shown great promise for practical field applications. In this approach the observed data and model predictions are lined up at some reference time such as the breakthrough or ‘first arrival’ time. Further extensions have included amplitude information via a ‘generalized travel-time’ inversion. Although the travel-time inversion has been shown to be more robust compared to amplitude matching, no systematic study has been done to examine the relative merits of the methods in terms of the nonlinearities and convergence properties, particularly for field-scale applications.

In this paper we quantitatively investigate the nonlinearities in the inverse problems related to travel-time, generalized travel-time and amplitude matching during production data integration. Our results show that the commonly used amplitude inversion can be orders of magnitude more non-linear compared to the travel-time inversion. The travel-time matching is extremely robust and the minimization proceeds rapidly even if the prior geologic model is not close to the solution. The travel-time sensitivities are more uniform between the wells compared to the amplitude sensitivities that tend to be localized near the wells. This prevents over-correction near the wells. Also, for field data characterized by multiple peaks, the travel-time inversion can prevent the solution from converging to secondary peaks, resulting in a better fit to the production response.

We have demonstrated our results using a field application involving a multiwell, multitracer interwell tracer injection study in the McCleskey sandstone of the Ranger field, Texas. Starting with a prior geologic model, the traditional amplitude matching could not reproduce the field tracer response which was characterized by multiple peaks. Both travel time and generalized travel time exhibited better convergence properties and could match the tracer response at the wells with realistic changes to the geologic model. Our results appear to confirm the power and robustness of the travel-time matching for field scale production data integration.
Well Performance in a Previously Condemned Prospect: The J-Sand Formation in the Northeast Wattenberg Field
Authors: Khachatrian Mikael B. , Trippett Steve W.
Published: December 2007

The J Sand formation is a main pay zone in the extensively developed Wattenberg field of Colorado. Until recently, operators deemed the reservoir in the northeast part of this field uneconomical due to significant production of formation water in this low permeability and sub-pressured gas zone. By modifying the conventional completion techniques of the J-Sand, an operator relatively new to the area has been able to economically exploit this reservoir. Key factors that have contributed to the success include improvements in stimulation design and production techniques. Typically, hydraulic fracture stimulation treatments for the J-Sand utilize a low viscosity, guar based, zirconium crosslinked fluid pumped at injection rates up to 24 bbl/min. The above operator differs in stimulation design by incorporating a higher viscosity, low polymer carboxy methyl guar fluid pumped at a relatively low injection rate (e.g. 12 bbl/min). Well performance evaluations utilizing the Reciprocal Productivity Index (RPI) production analysis method in conjunction with log analysis quantify stimulation effectiveness. Treatment pressure history matching with 3D fracture simulators also identify advantages in achieved fracture geometry and proppant placement with the modified treatment design.
Asymptotic Dipping and Nonlinear Shoulder Correction of Resistivity Logs
Authors: Xiao J. , Bittar M. S. , Hu G.
Published: December 2007

The effect of dipping beds on resistivity logs has been well documented. Several correction methods have been developed and reported in the literature. However, many of them only work well within a limited range of formation and borehole conditions. Also, they commonly require heavy computation with long computation time and expert supervision.

The nonlinear shoulder effect of resistivity logs causes false curve separations in thin-bed formations and, distorts the curve shape and amplitude around high Rt/Rs contrast formation boundaries. This nonlinearity effect is often amplified by the linear processing of the array-type logging tools. In highly deviated wells, the dipping effect and the nonlinear shoulder effect tangle together, resulting in abnormal logs.

The method presented corrects for the dipping effect and the nonlinear shoulder effect simultaneously. It tackles the subject with a straight-forward methodology. A formation resistivity model is first estimated with raw measurements or pre-processed measurements. With the formation model, the tool responses of deviated borehole and of vertical borehole are then numerically simulated at the given relative dip angle and at a zero-degree relative dip angle as well. Comparing the simulated zero-dip response with the simulated non-zero-dip response yields the dip effect. Another response of vertical borehole is also calculated with a method of linear approximation, such as the Born approximation. Taking the difference between the two responses of vertical borehole, we obtain the nonlinear shoulder effect. Removing the dipping effect and the nonlinear shoulder effect from the raw measurements, we achieve an asymptotic correction for both the dipping effect and the nonlinear shoulder effect. The corrected measurements can be treated as if they were from a vertical well and processed with algorithms developed for vertical wells.

The asymptotic method can be applied to induction logs and other resistivity logs of low to moderate nonlinearity. So far, the method has been successfully applied to the high resolution array induction logging (HRAI) tool. The implementation takes a constant dip value or a log of dip angle as input
Leaky-Tube Permeability Model for Identification, Characterization, and Calibration of Reservoir Flow Units
Authors: Civan Faruk
Published: December 2007

Presently, the reservoir flow units are described by means of the Kozeny-Carman equation. Although, the Kozeny-Carman equation has been extensively used for relating permeability to other properties of porous materials, it has been shown to suffer from its inherent and long-forgotten assumptions and limitations. Therefore, the frequently used flow unit analysis based on this equation yields misleading results. Consequently, its modified forms and many other theoretical and empirical porosity-permeability equations have been proposed with limited success.

In this paper, a leaky-tube model is presented, which alleviates the limitations of the previous models. This paper presents theoretical improvements over the Kozeny-Carman equation by considering the fractal attributes of pores and realization of flow channels as a bundle of leaky and tortuous hydraulic flow tubes, which can interact with each other by means of the cross-flow between the capillary tubes. The leaky-tube model results in a power-law function of the pore-to-solid volume ratio, considering the cementation factor and the fractal parameters of porous media. The parameters of this model are correlated with respect to the interconnectivity parameter of the pore space.

The advantages of the leaky-tube model are demonstrated against the available porosity-permeability models by analyzing various core data. The leaky-tube model is applied for characterization of typical reservoir formations and correlation of their flow units. The validity of the present model is confirmed by comparison to experimental data. In contrast, the Kozeny-Carman equation and its modifications as well as the other available porosity-permeability correlations cannot represent the same data satisfactorily.

It is concluded that the leaky-tube model can accurately integrate the characteristic parameters of reservoir formations and therefore it is more appropriate for reservoir characterization. The leaky-tube model correctly determines the distribution of the reservoir flow units and allows for the calibration of the flow unit parameters.
Portfolio Development Planning for Operational and Strategic Decisions
Authors: Koosh Victor , Riis Torben , Blinten Jerry , Systems Caesar , Woodward Don
Published: December 2007

BP, a major shareholder of the Atlantic LNG Plant in Trinidad and Tobago, was in search of project modeling and economic forecasting tools to help meet the aggressive commercial gas demands of this asset. This asset consists of 7 production fields that supply oil & gas to the island, with gas being fed through the existing 1, 2 & 3 trains for the next 20 years and projected to feed future LNG trains and downstream gas projects and a proposed gas refinery.

The development & production team collaborated with the resident facilities engineers and the drilling & completions teams to procure facilities cost data, drilling data, and other similarly-structured project planning data. The team was then challenged to formulate a production constraint system that applied strategic and economic analysis of gas supply/demand options, deliverability forecasts, facility capacities, and rig availability.

The team met this challenge through a single decision support tool that accelerated project analysis cycle time by 30%, reduced risk with full-cycle economic options analysis and promoted interdisciplinary teamwork. This tool superseded the use of eight (8) linked Excel workbooks that occupied 17 MB and proved inadequate to meet the team's performance standards.

In this paper we present an overview of the challenges facing portfolio managers in their attempt to create a dynamic portfolio model for evaluation and optimization of portfolio value taking into account any relationships which may exist between portfolio projects and opportunities. Subsequently, it is demonstrated how the computational toolsuite "PetroVR" (Petroleum Ventures & Risk) managed the scope and complexity of modeling this BP asset. Features that helped search and define scenarios, provided graphic comparisons of model variations and finally helped the development and production team narrow their choice of real options will be discussed.
A Simplified Method to Predict and Prevent Asphaltene Deposition in Oilwell Tubings: Field Case
Authors: Alkafeef Saad F. , Al-Medhadi Fahad , AL-Shammari Ali D.
Published: December 2007

The natural state of asphaltene in petroleum fluids is described as a colloidal system stabilized to some extent by the resins that act as peptizing agents. Destabilization of colloidal asphaltene appears to happen as a result of changes in temperature, pressure, and composition. This can significantly affect the production efficiency of the reservoir during oil recovery.

The phenomena of asphaltene flocculation and deposition in oil well tubing appear to be influenced by two mechanisms, the fluid phase (gas/liquid/solid) separation and well flow regime respectively. The predictions of the onset of asphaltene flocculation determined by fluid phase laboratory studies do not necessarily imply that asphaltene deposition will occur during flow conditions. We believe that the deposition is due to the change in well flow regimes under the effect of reservoir drawdown pressure. This paper presents a method capable of predicting the onset of asphaltene deposition under well flow conditions. This allows us to take preventive actions before asphaltene problems occur by keeping the asphaltene dispersed in the oil phase.

A well monitoring technique was conducted in West Kuwait Marrat (Jurassic) deep wells to monitor the behavior of the well flowing pressure using programmable data logger. The data gathered from the logger have predicted the onset of the mechanism that influenced asphaltene deposition in well tubing. The deposition thickness of asphaltene in well tubing was estimated by the data and was found agreeable with the results obtained by the caliper test.
Weight Control For Offshore Platforms
Authors: Elleston Frederick G.
Published: December 2007

After some years of experience in building production platforms in the sea, it has become apparent to production platforms in the sea, it has become apparent to the Offshore Industry that lack of knowledge concerning the weight and centre of gravity of the topside facility has brought very costly problems.

With the pressing need to obviate these problems a new concept in technology has emerged called Weight Control for Offshore Platforms.

Introduction

This paper, generally, concerns itself with Weight Control as applied to the topside facility, but it should be borne in mind that similar systems are necessary for supporting structures, be they freestanding jackets, or any type of floating early production systems. It must also be noted that the production systems. It must also be noted that the principles that are stated here will have a future principles that are stated here will have a future application, with some adaptation, to suit changing engineering attitudes which have been affected by the knowledge gained in the Offshore Industry, e.g. the modularisation of onshore plants, floating factories, floating chemical plants.

THEORY

The aim of this paper is firstly, to state the problems that may arise if weight and balance of the problems that may arise if weight and balance of the topside facility is neglected (and therefore demonstrate the need for Weight Control) and secondly, to enumerate the problems that may be encountered in the setting up of a Weight Control system.

PROBLEMS THAT MAY ARISE PROBLEMS THAT MAY ARISE The knowledge of weight and centre of gravity of the topside facility is a necessity for the jacket design criteria. It is also essential, in the individual modules, which make up the topside facility, for the module load-out conditions, and also the selection of the crane barge for emplacement. Further, this knowledge indicates the ability of the Platform to carry additional plant during production, for full exploitation of a field.

Experience has shown that Platform weights always increase, so, if weight and balance knowledge is neglected the result may well be very expensive penalties and even delays to schedule. penalties and even delays to schedule. In an attempt to preempt the problems that may be incurred by overweight a certain platform had a weight philosophy applied where a substantial contingency was added in the early design phase to cover design options, future changes and design progress. Due to a lack of control during the detailed design phase the total weights were still exceeded. phase the total weights were still exceeded.
Study on the Distribution Charecteristics of Remaining Oil in Fluvial-Deltaic Reservoirs at High Water Cut Stage
Authors: Du Qinglong , Shi Chengfang , Zhu Lihong , Xiao Aili , Liang Hailong , Li Hongbin
Published: December 2007

Based on sedimentary characterizations of the fluvial-deltaic reservoirs in Daqing oil field, the rules of oil and water movement in various sedimentary facies were analyzed in the process of waterflooding programs, then remaing oil distribution in such reservoirs was presented. Mechanisms to leave current remaining oil patterns were investigated in light of areal and vertical characteristics, indicating potentials of improved waterflooding of the remained oil in the reservoirs.
Simulation of Non-Darcy Flow in Porous Media Including Viscous, Inertial and Frictional Effects
Authors: Belhaj H. A. , Agha K. R. , Butt S. D. , Islam M. R.
Published: December 2007

In this paper a new diffusivity flow equation has been derived to describe fluid flow in porous media including both Darcian and non-Darcian behaviors. This equation is based on the fundamental Darcy’s equation, Forchheimer’s equation and Brinkman’s equation. The pressure gradient as predicted by the new diffusivity equation includes both viscous terms in Darcy’s and Brinkman’s equations and the inertial forces term in Forchheimer’s equation. Both Forchheimer’s inertial and Brinkman’s viscous effects are expected to become significant at high flow velocity due to the interactions between fluid layers among themselves and with the media. A numerically simulated model has been specifically developed based on the newly derived partial differential equation. The Crank-Nicholson approximation technique was successfully used to model the newly derived diffusivity equation using suitable boundary conditions. A wide range of fluid flow and porous media characteristics has been tested, and predictions of the numerical model showed very consistent results in all ranges.

An experimental laboratory program was designed to verify the numerical model predictions. Comparison showed excellent agreement between experimental data and the numerical model predictions. The flow velocity versus pressure gradient profiles resulting from both the numerical and the experimental programs depicted a great deal of compatibility. At the non-Darcy region "high velocity", the inertial forces tend to predict non-linear higher pressure drop than the Darcian linear prediction, while the frictional non linear effect holds the pressure gradient closer to the Darcian trend. The effect of the shift upward from the Darcian linear trend is much more significant than the shift downward caused by the frictional effects. The findings of this study are expected to be applicable to both gas and oil reservoirs with no scale-up effort.
Selected U.S. Department of Energy’s EOR Technology Applications
Authors: Felber Betty J.
Published: December 2007

Enhanced oil recovery (EOR) innovations have paved the way for newer, more exciting technologies that provide improved EOR processes. Among the latest advancements are new methods for describing the reservoir, improved downhole instrumentation, and new chemicals engineered to improve recovery. These are just a few of the innovations available to geoscientists and engineers in their quest for better reservoir description and applications of improved EOR processes.

The U. S. Department of Energy (USDOE) has sustained development of many of these technologies. This paper highlights some of the USDOE championed laboratory and field applications work in steamflooding, biotechnology, alkaline-surfactant-polymer (ASP) formulations and chemicals to increase carbon dioxide viscosity. Future challenges in applying EOR using microhole technology are also discussed.

Advancements in steamflooding include mechanistic studies to better understand fluid and heat flow conditions. The biotechnology work discussed used resident microflora to selectively plug porous zones and increase oil recovery. The alkaline-surfactant-polymer work summarizes the laboratory and field work conducted in support of a shallow reservoir ASP application. The laboratory search for chemicals to increase the viscosity of carbon dioxide is also discussed.

A new area of work is microhole technology—wellbores that are less than 2-¼ inches in diameter. Included in this discussion are the challenges of developing the tools, the market, and the expectation of delivery of improved oil recovery chemicals utilizing a microhole.
Pore Scale Network Modeling of Relative permeability in Chemical flooding
Authors: Bo Qiliang , Zhong Taixian , Liu Qingjie
Published: December 2007

Relative permeability provides important information for understanding the dynamic behavior of two-phase flow. EOR technology featured by polymer flooding, surfactant flooding and ASP compositional flooding requires relative permeability data to characterize the flow behavior in reservoir engineering calculation and numerical simulation. A dynamic pore scale network model and its application in simulating the impact of IFT and oil/water viscosity on relative permeability are presented in this paper. The parameters of both viscous force and capillary force, instead of the only one parameter the capillary pressure as in conventional or invasion percolation algorithm, control the displacement configuration in this model, and so the model can better reflect the impact of chemical flooding on flow behavior.

The study presented that both water and oil relative permeability curves shift with variation of IFT and oil/water viscosity ratio. It was found that both water and oil relative permeability curves shift upward as IFT is reduced. They tend to become linear with saturation as IFT reach ultra low value. The effect of viscosity ratio is very small when the interfacial tension is high. But when the interfacial is low, the water relative permeability decreases with the increase of the water viscosity. The oil relative permeability also decreases but not as much as water, especially at high water saturation, the decrease can be neglected. The breakthrough saturation tends to decrease with reduction of IFT, however within a certain range of IFT value, this simple correlation between breakthrough saturation and IFT might be changed with oil/water viscosity ratio.
A Step Change in Perforating Technology Improves Productivity of Horizontal Wells in the North Sea
Authors: Stenhaug Morten , Erichsen Leif , Doornbosch Fokko H.C. , Parrott Robert A.
Published: December 2007

This paper describes the introduction of a new perforating system in Norway, including its development based on operator specifications. Field examples demonstrate the measurable success of the system, showing a three- to sixfold increase in productivity and production rates as high as 8500 m3/D per well.

The Visund field is located in the North Sea, about 150 km off the coast of mid-Norway. High reservoir pressure and insufficient formation strength made it necessary to perforate in relatively heavy completion fluid with the guns oriented for sand prevention. The first wells, perforated in water-based fluid with zinc charges, produced below expectations. Potential causes were identified as insufficient depth of penetration, high overbalance when perforating, and zinc precipitation damaging the formation. There were also indications from other fields that the orienting technology in use was not producing expected results.

The operator started an initiative to improve the perforating system. Design criteria included deep-penetrating, low-debris steel charges that minimize debris and improve performance, increased gun-void volume for a better surge effect, accurate orientation of the perforation tunnel regardless of dogleg severity, and confirmation of the orientation. The operator and the service company collaborated to develop a system that would provide a better solution. The system was tested and qualified before it was introduced in the Visund field. To optimize perforation cleanup during static overbalanced well conditions, a dynamic underbalance method was selected.

Since December 2001, six wells have been completed on Visund using the new system. In one well the dynamic underbalance response was confirmed from downhole pressure gauges run directly above the guns. The combined benefits of the perforating system, the dynamic underbalance, and a special kill pill have resulted in up to sixfold increase in productivity. The gun orientation is verifiably within requirements, and perforating debris have been minimal.
Gas-lift Instability Resulted Production Loss and Its Remedy by Feedback Control: Dynamical Simulation Results
Authors: Hu Bin , Golan Michael
Published: December 2007

Gas-lift wells can be unstable due to various reasons. The fluctuating, and sometimes chaotic unstable production behavior affects many offshore fields, particularly at their decline stages. The hazardousness of the flucuation to operation safety and smoothness has been awared. But the production reduction due to the instabilities has not been widely addressed. In this paper, a commercial available dynamical multiphase flow simulator is used to conduct investigation on the production loss. Two types of instabilities, casing heading and density wave instability, which both can result in production loss are simulated. Two hypothetic wells, abstracted from typical North Sea gas-lift wells, are built within the simulator. Parametric simulation study is then performed by changing the well settings. The average production rate of the unstable well can be obtained from the simulation and compared with the steady state prediction. The difference of the two results gives the production loss due to instability. Furthermore, the paper presents simulation results of applying feedback control to the unstable wells. The production loss is reduced as an effect of stabilization by feedback control.
Upstream Health & Safety Improvements: Sustaining the Momentum
Authors: Smith Don
Published: December 2007

The International Assocation of Oil and Gas Producers (OGP) encompasses most of the world's leading publicly-traded, private and state-owned oil & gas companies, oil & gas associations and major upstream service companies. OGP's 57 members account for more than half of the world's oil production and over a third of its natural gas production.

Part of OGP's mission is to achieve continuous improvement in safety, health and environmental performance. Members of OGP attempt to achieve this by identifying and working on important issues in these areas.

OGP operates through a series of committees, sub-committees and task forces staffed by representatives from member organisations. The paper presents an overview of the activities of one of OGP's major committees: the Safety, Health and Personnel Competence Committee (SHAPCC).

The paper shows how, by working together and with other stakeholders, E&P organisations have achieved continual improvement in the Health & Safety (H&S) performance of the industry.
Implicit Attitudes: A New Measure of Safety Culture
Authors: Burns Calvin , Mearns Kathryn , McGeorge Peter
Published: December 2007

This paper describes two studies about the explicit and implicit attitudes held by the workforce at UK gas plants about the trustworthiness of their workmates, supervisors and the plant leadership. Psychologists have shown that an individual is able to hold different evaluations of the same object (a conscious, explicit attitude and an unconscious, implicit attitude) and that an individual's explicit and implicit attitudes to something do not have to be the same. Organisational theorists have argued that climate, as measured by explicit attitudes, is only a surface manifestation of culture and that culture manifests itself in deeper levels of unconscious assumptions. Thus, a model of dual attitudes about trust in safety culture is propsed, which conceptualizes explicit attitudes about trust as part of safety climate and implicit attitudes about trust as part of the deeper levels of safety culture. Attitudes about trust were investigated because many researchers have proposed that trust is the foundation of an effective safety culture. Explicit attitudes about trust were measured by a questionnaire while implicit attitudes were measured using a computerised task. The main finding of the paper was that a different pattern of results emerged for explicit and implicit attitudes about trust. The paper concludes by explaining how the data support the proposed model and poses questions for further research.
Building an Effective QHSE System
Authors: Derossi C. R. F. , Bruno J. C. S.
Published: December 2007

PETROBRAS/E&P-SERV/US-SAE is the Exploration and Production Service Unit in Petrobras, Brazil, created in November 2000 in order to operate and maintain Petrobras' Jack-up Rigs. At that time, the HSE system was an ISO 14001 and BS 8000 standard-based one, which proved to be a good system, but not strong enough to assure a high HSE level for the operations. Since then, the system has been adapted, by the introduction of human behavior's elements, and the results appeared swiftly. For example, the LTI (Lost Time Incident) rate, which was 1.15 in 1999 and 0.94 in 2000, has decreased since 2001 in a deep and consistent way: 0.24 in 2001, 0.21 in 2002 and zero in 2003, until October. That means: the drilling activity, one of the most dangerous in the petroleum industry, can be done with minimum risk.
Integrated Vector Management Principles For Malaria Control Programs
Authors: Ebsworth Peter
Published: December 2007

Ecological principles for the design and implementation of sustainable malaria vector control programmes are outlined and illustrated with the results obtained from successful malaria control programmes in Indonesia and Papua New Guinea. The elements of program design may be applied during planning, construction and subsequent operational phases; and in established projects. The integrated vector control techniques make use of: the ecological characteristics of local vectors; landscape and local topography; and, modern environmentally sound insecticides. There are opportunities to create partnerships between private sector and government and for local job creation.

Baseline ecological and entomological parameters are usually required prior to program implementation, including careful identification of local mosquito species and their breeding habitats. Control decisions are based upon the weekly collection of quantitative data from both human and mosquito populations. An integrated mosquito control program targeting malaria vectors may include; environmental planning and construction controls; ongoing breeding source reduction which may include habitat modification as well as drainage measures; larviciding and appropriate biological controls; residual insecticide applications to dwellings; and, the use of insecticide impregnated bed-nets. The successful impact of these measures on anopheline populations and malaria incidence and prevalence will be illustrated using data collected from locations in Indonesia and Papua New Guinea over the past 6 years. Epidemiological indicators will illustrate control principles and outcomes.
Keeping the Promises – A Management Framework for Delivering ESIA Commitments During Pipeline Construction
Authors: Spence S. K.
Published: December 2007

This paper outlines the environmental and social management framework for the construction of the Baku-Tiblisi-Ceyhan (BTC) oil pipeline. The paper concentrates on the period from tendering of construction contracts through to the beginning of construction.

There is particular focus on the lessons learned to date and useful insights are provided which will be of benefit to future projects.
Stabilisation of Oil Based Mud Drill Cuttings Using Accelerated Carbonation Technology
Authors: Page Paul W. , Segret Giles , Johnson David , Bradshaw Keith , Jones Harry
Published: December 2007

The common method of disposing of oil-based drill cuttings has been to the sea or to landfill; however, in recent years, more environmental solutions have been sought, ranging from re-injection to burning. These methods have their drawbacks in terms of cost and effect on the environment. In addition, recent changes in legislation relating to disposal of materials to landfill have resulted in the need to consider alternative methods for their disposal.

The use of hydraulic cements for waste treatment and conditioning of liquid, semi-solid and particulate wastes for disposal has an extensively documented history and is a well-established technology: approximately 30% of the remediation programmes under the United States Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) ‘Superfund’ scheme involves cement-based solidification and stabilisation (S/S). Currently in the United Kingdom the use of S/S for waste treatment or conditioning prior to disposal is very limited. A wider application of the technology is however, anticipated in the future due in part, to greater environmental awareness, but more importantly, in response to more stringent forthcoming environmental legislation.

The complex nature of many waste materials is known to inhibit the chemical reactions that are responsible for effective cement-based S/S. Exposure of cement matrices to carbon dioxide in the atmosphere at an early age, i.e., when cement is in a ‘green’ state or, prior to the normal hydration reactions proceeding to any degree, has been found to overcome these deleterious interactions. However, atmospheric carbonation is a slow, natural phenomenon of cement and concrete exposed to air.

This paper examines the treatment of oil-based drill cuttings using Accelerated Carbonation Technology (ACT).

During ACT this natural process is accelerated by exposure of waste/cement admixtures to gaseous carbon dioxide at atmospheric pressure. Laboratory-based work on oil-based drill cuttings showed that mixing binder and waste in air produces monolithic blocks whilst mixing in carbon dioxide was exothermic and produced granular material which potentially was suitable for geotechnical engineering applications. A subsequent demonstration trial subjected the OBM cuttings to ACT using various hydraulic binders and mixing regimes to produce different engineering materials ranging from fill conforming to the requirements of the UK Highways Specification to granular aggregate. Leach data for the treated drill cuttings indicated their suitability for disposal to non-hazardous landfill.
Modified Work Program: Why Bother?
Authors: Doucette N.
Published: December 2007

Modified work programs have been used for many years. Despite much research to prove their value, many companies still ask the question: "Why bother?" The benefits of modified work programs for employers include reduced Workers Compensation Board (WCB) costs, reduced time lost from work, lower supplemental hiring and training costs, the ability to retain experienced employees, and maintain a positive company image. A successful modified work program shows commitment to employees and enables the company to keep experienced workers for their skills and knowledge, as well as ensure the employees' continuous contribution to the company's success.

The goal of a modified work program is to return the injured employee to the workplace and assist them in maximizing their full potential within the company. Occupational rehabilitation studies and programs show that employees who are engaged in some form of paid work recover almost twice as quickly as employees left to recover on their own. The longer an employee is off work because of an injury, the less likely they are to return to their preaccident job. A modified work program provides the employee with increased opportunities for a full and speedy recovery while maintaining income. Such programs also provide the benefits of an early and safe return to work, a lower risk of reinjury, job security, continuity of earnings, and the ability to maintain contact with coworkers.

This paper examines the elements of a modified work program, the benefits for both the employer and employee, an inventory of modified work positions, program reporting and documentation, levels of modified positions, and roles and responsibilities. Further topics include achieving buy-in from all levels of the organization. This paper also examines the cost and benefit analysis of a modified work program to demonstrate why it is financially beneficial for companies to "bother."
A Multifaceted Approach to Reducing Driving Incidents
Authors: Speer Jennifer G.
Published: December 2007

Driving is one of the most hazardous tasks carried out by workers in the Western Canadian oil and gas industry. Significant distances are driven on a daily basis and drivers face numerous hazards during all seasons of the year. BP Canada Energy Company Canda Gas Business Unit implemented a multi-faceted approach to reducing driving incidents. The approach aimed to reduce the frequency of driving incidents and the severity, both actual and potential, of those incidents that did occur. It includes attention to BP employees and our contractors.

In late 2001/early 2002, a driving incident reduction plan was put into place based on an analysis of previous year incident statistics. The incident reduction plan included a revised driver training program at the Schlumberger Driving School, implementing the Mission Possible at Work program (a partnership between the Alberta Motor Association and the RCMP) at all field and office locations, addressing driving issues with all major on-site contractors and finally developing and implementing leadership tools to promote better driving behavior.

The result of the driving incident reduction plan implemented in 2002 were monitored at the end of each quarter and a revised plan put into place for 2003 based on data trends.
Behavior of Crude Oil Spills: New Experimental Devices
Authors: Merlin F. X. , Poutchkovsky A.
Published: December 2007

Oil spill contingency plans need to propose the most operational response techniques, and consequently those best suited to the crude oil spilt. Experience has shown that the behavior and fate (weathering) of oil accidentally discharged to the environment depend on the environmental conditions and the initial composition of the product. But running tests involving spilling hydrocarbons in situ, obviously poses problems.

Experimental methods and simulations have been developed by the CEDRE (Documentation, Research and Experimentation Centre on Accidental Pollution of Water) in partnership with TOTAL E&P designed to study the evolution of a hydrocarbon in the environment, particularly in the open sea. The weathering of a crude in the short and medium term in the "polludrome" and in open pools has been studied for the following parameters: –density,–evaporation,–emulsification, and the stability of the emulsion formed,–dispersibility,–fitness for recovery by oleophilic means,–changes in composition and signatures,–….

Presented alongside this are other experimental simulation methods developed to determine the fate (medium- and long-term persistence) of a pollutant on different substrates in coastal environments. The initial results are then discussed.
Design, Benefits and Use of an Interactive Oil Spill Contingency Plan (i-OSCP)
Authors: Cavaye Nicholas , Poutchkovsky Alexis
Published: December 2007

This paper describes the interactive Oil Spill Contingency Plan (i-OSCP) which TOTAL E&P developed in partnership with OSRL. The i-OSCP is accessed via the organisation's intranet, and provides a procedural framework, information and tools to support personnel during an oil spill response. Using standard internet technology the i-OSCP incorporates interactive forms, and provides a simple means of accessing, recording and communicating information. Oil spill reports and other forms are completed on-line, distributed by e-mail and are used to update an incident status screen. Data from other sources within the organisation are incorporated, which saves duplication of information and improves integration with existing systems. Acceptance of the i-OSCP by the organisation has been rapid due to the ease of use. A key feature for the HSE department is the simple means by which data and forms can be modified or updated.
ChevronTexaco Western Venezuela Community Program
Authors: Carballo Gloria
Published: December 2007

True commitment of ChevronTexaco in Western Venezuela supporting social investment projects in the areas of priority needs, translates into the continued welcome to its operations by the commuity of La Cañada in Zulia state.
Steam Alternating Solvent Process
Authors: Zhao L.
Published: December 2007

A new heavy oil recovery process, Steam Alternating Solvent (SAS) process, is proposed and studied using numerical simulation. The process is intended to combine the advantages of the SAGD and VAPEX processes to minimize the energy input per unit oil recovered. The SAS process involves injecting steam and solvent alternately, and the basic well configurations are the same as those in the SAGD process.

Field scale simulations were conducted to assess the SAS process performance using typical Cold Lake reservoir conditions. These results suggested that in the field, the oil production rate of a SAS process could be higher than that of a SAGD process. The usually higher viscosity of the oil along the chamber boundary in the SAS process was largely compensated by higher relative oil phase permeability resulting from higher oil phase saturation. On the other hand, the lower oil viscosity in the SAGD process was balanced by lower oil phase relative permeability due to higher water saturation at the chamber front. Preliminary economic analysis indicated that comparing to the SAGD process, the SAS process might save 18% of the energy input for the same oil production.
Recognition And Significance Of Paleosoil Zones In A Heavy Oil Development Program
Authors: Johansen Steven J , Engstrom James C , Siemers W Terry
Published: December 2007

Several types of ancient soil zones are present in the reservoirs of the Hamaca Development Area, Orinoco Heavy Oil Belt of Venezuela. It is important to recognize these paleosoils when drilling production wells and when constructing reservoir simulation models. The major reservoir sands were deposited in fluvial and fluviotidal channel systems in Miocene strata that rest directly on Precambrian basement. A thick weathered regolith is locally present on basement. It is composed mostly of etched quartz and kaolinite, and in places bears the structure of the antecedent crystalline rocks. The intense weathering typical of ancient tropical soil processes has removed most radiogenic materials from these regoliths, so they have a gamma ray response similar to that of a reservoir sand. However, they drill extremely slow, using up valuable rig time, and probably will not contribute significant production. Unfortunately, they cannot be readily distinquished from good reservoir sands by seismic methods. Other types of paleosoils are present higher in the reservoir zone. These soils developed in floodplains and backswamps and are characterized by abundant illuvial kaolinite, precipitated siderite spherules, blocky soil peds, and pale colors. They often occur directly on top of channel and splay complexes, and are sometimes overlain by lignites or liginitic shales. These may also have subdued gamma ray response, making them difficult to recognize with MWD gamma ray tools, but their high irreducible water saturation is reflected in their low resistivity response. These paleosoils can contribute to seals and baffles within reservoir intervals, and can also complicate drilling by introducing slow-drilling, less productive zones within the reservoir. These can be recognized in some, but not all, instances with seismic data, when sufficient well control is also available.