bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhancing Situation Awareness and Process Safety in Offshore Drilling Operations: Applications of Eye-Tracking System
Authors: Salehi Saeed , Kiran Raj , Jeon Jiwon , Kang Ziho , Teodoriu Catalin , Cokely Edward
Published: April 2018

Pushing the boundary of offshore drilling operations further has resulted in more complex and riskier frontiers. The paramount level of systemic complexity and risks have turned the focus of industry on the situational awareness and process safety. In case of failure at any of these accounts, the operations suffer several setbacks in terms of additional financial burden nonetheless the time. Workers have been reporting in several instances of the physiological and psychological issue which most of the time triggers an unfortunate or undesirable incidents.

Situation awareness (SA) has been conceived as directly associated with meta-cognitive faculties of human, however quantifying the cognitive abilities of a human while interacting with the systemic environment objectively is a far-fetched idea. Eye-tracking has been seen as a gateway to such ideas. Eye-tracking technology is not a recently discovered avenue. However, implementation of such technology in several highly sophisticated fields such as aviation, meteorology, and health sectors have witnessed radical changes in the past few years in SA explorations. This paper presents a comprehensive review of eye-tracking technology in the context of different high reliability organization and explores its relevance into offshore drilling operations. What will be a better way of exploration than to implement it through a case study? Keeping this in mind, a case study is also presented in this paper with the hypothesis of distinct anticipated behavior from less and more alert and aware participant. The experiments were conducted in a Virtual Reality Drilling Simulator (VRDS) equipped with eye tracking technology at OU Drilling simulator facility. The ocular activity of the participants was registered and further analyzed to assess their behavior. The cameras in such devices capture the characteristics of participants’ behavior, and through image processing algorithms oculomotor data such as eye fixation count and pupil sizes were obtained. These data were further analyzed through sophisticated statistical analysis and mathematical algorithms to generate cues to explore the relevance of the hypothesis.

Overall this paper digs into the role of eye-tracking technology to enhance the process safety and situational awareness. Results from the pilot study clearly indicate the significant deviation in case of less aware/alert participant from the ideal behavior or more aware participants. This paper will provide an initial framework for implementation of eye-tracking technology in complex real-time operations to further extend the safeguards from the human errors.
Condition and Performance Analysis of a Subsea BOP Control System Pressure Regulator
Authors: Mutlu Mete , Wassar Taoufik , Franchek Matthew A. , Gutierrez Jose A.
Published: April 2018

Presented in this paper is a model-based approach for performance and health monitoring of a double spool blowout preventer (BOP) pressure regulator. Governing equations of the pressure regulator are derived based on mathematical and functional relationships. The relationships are carried to a simulation environment. Same approach is followed to generate the model of an annular preventer control circuit from the hydraulic power unit to the preventer itself. The nominal performance the regulator during an annular preventer closing event and effects of internal leakages are shown via simulation. Model-based condition and performance monitoring techniques are developed to detect regulator internal leakages and regulator instabilities. The methods are demonstrated over a dataset obtained from a deepwater BOP. The results show that the leakage detection method can differentiate between a leaking and non-leaking regulator within the same BOP, and that regulator instabilities can be detected with the given sensor set and data acquisition capabilities.
Reduction of Surfactant Adsorption in Porous Media Using Silica Nanoparticles
Authors: Suresh Radhika , Kuznetsov Oleksandr , Agrawal Devesh , Darugar Qusai , Khabashesku Valery
Published: April 2018

In surfactant flooding for enhanced oil recovery, adsorption of surfactants on the porous media of an oil reservoir is a major concern. It weakens the efficacy of the injected surfactant in reducing oil–water interfacial tension (IFT) and makes the oil recovery process uneconomical. Colloidal silica nanoparticles were found to adsorb at a lower rate than surfactant in porous media because of their charge density and high surface area. Silica nanoparticle surfaces with a negative surface charge are expected to adsorb onto the same active sites in the reservoir as anionic surfactant molecules used in enhanced oil recovery (EOR) applications. Experiments conducted in sandpack demonstrated that pre-treatment of the sandpack with silica nanoparticles at 80°C reduced surfactant adsorption by a factor of three when using artificial seawater as the injection fluid.
Dynamic Uncertainties Appraisal throughout a Development Project, Applying PRMS Indicators of Resource and Reserves Categorization
Authors: Nascimento J. H. , Santos A. A. S. , Schiozer D. J.
Published: April 2018

In general, Oil Companies need a contract with the government to have legal rights to carry out Exploration and Production (E&P) projects. In this work, we discuss contractual and economic issues in (E&P) sector in Brazil and the dynamics of uncertainties throughout the stages of an E&P project. This study uses Petroleum Resource Management System - PRMS (SPE, et al., 2007) concepts, its reserve categorization and indicators to measure uncertainty in oil and gas projects. First, we analyze complexities resulting from different contractual regimes and their limits – time, area and cumulative production – as well as the impact on the management of Field Development Plans (FDP). Under these limits, not all production and resources are included in the contract, affecting volume amount, property rights and fiscal regime. Time limits affect decisions about the remaining reserves after the end of contract, while area issues occur when reservoirs extend beyond the geographical boundary of an exploratory block. Cumulative production limit appears in the Transfer of Rights Agreement (TRA), which authorized the Brazilian Government to assign 5 billion barrels of oil equivalent to Petrobras in 2010. The National Agency of Petroleum (ANP) promoted technical studies that indicated the recoverable volume in the area of TRA exceeds the limits originally agreed.

In the second part, we use the 12-step integrated decision analysis methodology by Schiozer, et al. (2015) and PRMS reserve indicators to describe the dynamics of uncertainties throughout exploration, development and production phases. Through reservoir simulation and the optimization of a production strategy, we measured the key reserve indicators in different phases of a project. The increment of developed reserves due to the introduction of wells, in the development, and the reclassification of resources, in the management phase, are assessed probabilistically.

The novel information of this work is the use of the PRMS international standard and the 12-step methodology to not only calculate reserves, but also describe the dynamics of uncertainties throughout a Development Project and to qualify complex contractual and economic issues.
Incorporating Magneto-Rheological Damper into Riser Tensioner System to Restrict Riser Stroke in Moderate-Size Semisubmersibles
Authors: Zainuddin Zaid , Kim Moo-Hyun , Kang Heon-Yong , Bhat Shankar
Published: April 2018

In case of conventional shallow-draft semisubmersibles, unacceptably large riser stroke was the restricting factor for dry-tree-riser-system development. Many developments to address this issue have focused on using larger draft and size with extra heave-damping plates, which results in a huge cost increase. The objective of this paper is to investigate an alternative solution by improving riser systems through the implementation of a magneto-rheological damper (MR Damper) so that it can be used with moderate-size/draft semisubmersibles. In this regard, both linear/viscous and MR-damper riser systems and connections are numerically modeled so that they can couple with hull-mooring time-domain simulations. The simulation results show that the moderate-size semisubmersible with MR damper system can be used with conventional dry-tree pneumatic tensioners by effectively reducing stroke-distance even in the most severe storm environments. Furthermore, the damping level of the MR damper can be controlled to best fit target cases by changing input electric currents. The reduction in stroke allows smaller topside deck spacing, which in turn leads to smaller deck and hull. As the penalty of reducing riser stroke by MR damper, the force on the riser system can significantly be increased.
Well Abandonment Solutions Utilizing Bismuth and Thermite
Authors: Carragher Paul John , Fulks Jeff
Published: April 2018

Well abandonment is often not thought of as a crucial part of a well's life. As such, traditional methods of abandoning a well utilizing cement and bridge plugs are still common practice among most operators throughout the world. Although resins have been utilized by some as an alternative, there have not been anymajor new developments in well abandonment materials for nearly 100 years. Although each of these materials have their benefits, there are also limitations to their sealing capabilities. Bridge plugs lack a high expansion ratio required in some wells and rely on elastomers to seal, limiting their ability to seal in damaged tubing or open hole environments. Cement is porous and lacks the ability to block gasses from migrating through it. Resins must be squeezed into an area and can take days to fully cure before a seal is created. This paper will demonstrate a new way to create gas tight seals during well abandonment, overcoming the limitations of traditional methods and reducing the operator's liability and potential environmental impact after decommissioning has been completed.
Experimental Study on the Thermal Insulation and Seawater Corrosion Resistance Effects of Silane-Nanoceramic Coatings in Subsea Riser
Authors: Hu Zhiqiang , Yang Jin , Kan Changbin , Xin Yanyu , Feng Pengtian , Li Shuzhan , Wang Huanhuan , Zhang Tianwei , Wang Junxiang
Published: April 2018

In China's Bohai Sea, there is a large amount of heavy and viscous oil needs to be produced. At present, the steam huff and puff is currently the most effective means of producing heavy oil reservoir, and the riser system is a conduit system that connects the subsea wellhead and the rig and also plays an important role in the circulation of steam. Thus, as an important circulation channel in thermal recovery well in offshore heavy oilfield, the riser needs to have heat insulation effect. The silane-nanoceramic composite as a new type of heat insulation coating material has the advantages of low thermal conductivity, high insulation effect and seawater corrosion resistance than other insulation coatings. This paper firstly utilizes infrared heating technology to test the thermal insulation performance of ordinary nanoceramics and silanenanoceramic coatings. Then the actual service condition of thermal insulation coating is simulated by using the test of the riser heating device. The thermal barrier effect of three types of riser thermal barrier coatings is evaluated, the influence of coating structure, and coating thickness on the insulation effect of silane-nanoceramic composite coating are also analyzed. Considering the corrosion resistance of the riser coating system in seawater, this paper also tests the anti-seawater immersion properties of the coating and salt spray corrosion resistance, and uses two field experiments to verify the actual results. The results figure out that silane-nanoceramic ceramic coatings have better thermal insulation properties than ordinary ceramic coatings. The thermal conductivity of silane-nanoceramic can be as low as 0.028 W/m·K, and heat insulation rate can reach more than 70% when the inner temperature is kept at 350°C, so the silane-nanoceramic coatings have obvious advantages compared with other insulating materials. External wall spraying coating has higher insulation effect. With the increase of coating thickness, the insulation effect is more significant. The insulation preservation rate can be more than 80%, when coating thickness reached 500um. The corrosion resistance experimental results show that the coating anticorrosive life rises with the increase of the coating thickness and the field experiments prove the silane-nanoceramic composite coating has good seawater corrosion resistance, salt spray resistance and antifouling performance.
Novel Dynamically Installed Fish Anchor - Diving Upon Loading in Calcareous Silt
Authors: Chang K. , Hossain M. S. , Kim Y. H. , Randolph M. F. , Wang D.
Published: April 2018

This paper proposes a novel dynamically installed ‘fish’ anchor, adopting a geometry taken from nature, for economic and safer tethering of floating facilities in deep water. Every cross section of the fish anchor shaft is elliptical, leading to very low drag resistance during free fall through the water column, and also low resistance in penetrating the seabed sediments. The padeye is fitted on the widest part of the shaft to mobilise the maximum resistance area under operational loading. The fish anchor embedment depth during dynamic installation, and capacity under both monotonic and cyclic operational loading in calcareous silt were assessed through centrifuge model tests and large deformation finite element (LDFE) analyses.

During dynamic installation, the normalised tip embedment depth of the fish anchor was typically three times that for the torpedo anchors and 50 % greater than that for the OMNI-Max anchors. Under operational loading, the fish anchor dived deeper, reaching penetrations 20 to 60 % greater than achieved during installation. By contrast the torpedo anchors (for all mooring mudline inclinations) and the OMNI-Max anchors (apart from a single test with mooring mudline inclination of 0°) pulled out directly without diving, reflecting insufficient free-fall penetration in calcareous soil. Regardless of the padeye offset ratio and mooring mudline inclinations, the diving efficiency of the fish anchor, which dictates the potential gaining capacity, was significantly higher than that of the OMNI-Max anchor. The normalised net capacity of the fish anchor was significantly higher than obtained with the torpedo anchors regardless of mooring mudline inclinations, and comparable to that obtained with an OMNI-Max anchor for mooring mudline inclination 0°, after allowing for loading-unloading cycles experienced by the OMNI-Max DIA prior to a nominally monotonic loading test.

Dynamically installed anchors have yet to be used in calcareous silty sediments (e.g. offshore Australia). This is primarily because the anchor tip embedment depth in calcareous silt has been found to be only half of that in clay due to the naturally higher undrained shear strength gradient and high dilation-induced bearing and shaft resistance. During subsequent loading, the anchor then pulls out of the seabed, without diving. To achieve adequate capacity under operational loading, deeper penetration that allows anchor diving and better diving potential are therefore critical in calcareous silt. The fish anchor was found to dive in calcareous silt for mooring mudline inclinations < 38°, while by contrast the OMNI-Max anchor generally did not dive. As such, the fish anchor has the potential for efficient anchoring to allow economic development of oil and gas reserves in deep water with calcareous seabed sediments.
Modeling of Subsea BOP Shear and Sealing Ability Under Flowing Conditions
Authors: McCleney Amy B. , Green Steven T. , Mueschke Nicholas J.
Published: April 2018

A computational modeling effort was undertaken to combine finite element analysis (FEA) and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) methods to simulate the closing of the blind shear rams of a blowout preventer (BOP) under flowing conditions. The objective of this effort was to develop a high-fidelity fluid-structure interaction (FSI) simulation methodology that reliably assesses the combined mechanical and hydrodynamic forces acting on BOP shear rams that could potentially impact the rams’ ability to safely shut-in a well. BOP shear ram designers typically consider the material properties and geometry of the drill pipe to be sheared and the hydrostatic flowing pressure during ram closure. Fluid hydrodynamic effects on the rams are difficult to simulate and currently cannot be produced in a laboratory setting due to complexity and personnel safety in conducting such tests under high transient conditions, and thus are often neglected.

To determine the best computational approach in terms of complexity and accuracy, a novel simulation methodology was developed by coupling the fluid interaction with the BOP as it shears a drill pipe using LS-DYNA® and ANSYS® Fluent®. The conditions and assumptions made for this analysis are presented herein, and initial simulation cases are compared against validation data to confirm model accuracy. For a high-pressure, high-flow well scenario in the Gulf of Mexico (GOM), a one-way coupling of the FEA and CFD simulations was determined to be the best approach for modeling the closing of blind shear rams under flowing conditions. This investigation also confirms that as long as the fluid is single phase, the ram forces due to fluid flow effects are small in comparison to the mechanical shearing force. It is noted, that highly dynamic flow events such as slugging flow or the potential erosive effects of sands or solid particles present additional risks, and the analysis methodology described here can serve as the basis for additional investigations into more complicated flow scenarios.
How to Effectively Develop a Marginal Offshore Heavy Oil Field with Strong Aquifer Under Low Oil Price Condition
Authors: Shi Hongfu , Luo Xianbo , He Yifan , Chen Cunliang , Re Bo
Published: April 2018

D oil field located at the west of Bohai Bay of China is characterized as a complex fluvial reservoir with multiple oil-water systems. It is classified as a marginal field because of the thin sand channels (average 12m), low oil columns(less than 10m), strong bottom aquifer, and high oil viscosity (30-300mPa.s). In order to drive the project forward, several solutions were present in the process of ODP (Overall Development Plan) implementation.(1) The PDS (progressive development strategy) which meant limited well to develop large reserves by sidetrack frequently was present to short payback period under the low oil price condition.(2) We accurately anatomized the sand architecture in four levels, including compound channel, single channel, point bar, and lateral accretion body with high-quality seismic data and guided by the high resolution sequence stratigraphy. After these work, a large 3D visualization of geological reservoir model was set up to quantitative the potential and risk.(3) Horizontal wells were widely used to delay bottom water coning and maximize initial productivity. A brand new equation about the swept volume of horizontal wells was proposed to determine the well spacing. Smart wells were drilled based on the accurate description of interlayer.(4) In the program of horizontal well drilling, the study team must overcome the challenges in identifying the oil water contact (OWC) while placing the trajectory within a very small target window close to the roof. A detailed technology review, advance azimuthal LWD, with the ability to map the distance to the multiple boundaries such as the OWC, the top and bottom of the reservoir structure in the remaining oil column, was selected as the fit-for-purpose application and to enhance reservoir understanding.
A Novel Approach to Generating a Hurricane Database for the Gulf of Mexico Based on Numerical Weather Prediction Models
Authors: Liria Juan , Coelho Henrique , Sproson Dave , Martinho Paulo , Webb Cody , Oropeza Fernando , Bradon Jill , Smith Rosemary , Peng Zhong
Published: April 2018

Accurate, reliable and cost effective hindcast databases have become essential tools for the design of offshore and coastal structures. Within the Gulf of Mexico (GoM), many databases exist, which cover operational wave climates, but very few of these fully resolve the complexities of Tropical Revolving Storms (TRS) in terms of both the spatial and temporal resolution. Here, we present the results of our hindcast analysis, covering all TRS affecting the GoM from 1979 to the present. This database represents all the physical and dynamic aspects of the TRS, reproducing not only the cyclonic winds, but also how the hurricane interacts with the atmospheric mean flow in the area surrounding the eyewall. The Weather Research and Forecasting model (WRF-ARW), with two nested fixed domains (18 km and 6 km), and uncoupled Hurricane WRF (HWRF) have been used to model the atmospheric conditions. Waves have been modeled using Wave Watch III (WW3), a third-generation wave model, driven by the 18 km WRF modeled winds. Boundary conditions from our inhouse global wave database have been used, forced by CFSR winds. Most of the existing databases produce a set of TRS based on the records of wind, track, pressure and radius of maximum speed, producing a uniform field of wind and pressure. We have developed a state of the art wind and wave database of TRS based on fully convective, non-hydrostatic numerical models. Model results have been validated against observational data from buoys, meteorological stations, airborne measurements, satellite data and against tracks from the International Best Track Archive for Climate Stewardship (IBTrACS) database. Results show that the modeled TRS are quite sensitive to the initial state, obtaining the best results when initializing the model with the vortex in a mature state. The hurricane intensification and wind distribution are well reproduced by the HWRF model, being in good agreement with both the track and measurements. This approach provides a realistic, cost effective and up to date hindcast of the wind and wave conditions during hurricane events throughout the GoM. Using cutting edge models, we have been able to reproduce hurricane conditions over the whole GoM, obtaining results that are physically representative.
New Method for Improved Cathodic Protection Monitoring on a Rock Dumped Offshore Pipeline Corridor - A Case History
Authors: Britton J. N. , Vittonato J. , Sulentic I.
Published: April 2018

Objectives/Scope: This paper describes a project to facilitate cost effective and reliable surveillance of cathodic protection performance on two parallel rock dumped pipelines. The lines are located in Total's Edradour Glenlivet field one 12″ production flow line and one 6″ MEG line with a 2″ piggyback service line. The objective was to be able to verify that cathodic protection levels on all the lines met requirements. This method was selected based on shortcomings of other available survey techniques which are also discussed and compared.

The broader implications of changing offshore pipeline survey methodology to reduce cost and improve accuracy are also covered.

Methods, Procedures, Process: The basic approach is to place test stations at intervals along the route of the lines on the edge of the rock dump. These test points are electro-mechanically connected to the pipes prior to the rocks being installed. The ROV installable attachment clamp design is reviewed along with the key points of the installation procedure. The selection of test location spacing will be discussed along with the options for life cycle survey on the system.

Results, Observations, Conclusions: Installation will be discussed along with the initial commissioning results. We will also look at the first verification survey on the system after the rock dump. The simplicity of the pipeline survey and the broader implications for integrity management cost reduction will be reviewed.

Novel/Additive Information: The practice of installing test points on offshore pipelines is quite new but is gaining more momentum as the obvious cost and data value improvements become apparent. The currently used systems will soon evolve into smart systems that will allow autonomous underwater vehicles (AUV's) do the work. The method used on this particular project was the first time that the mattress based test stations have been applied to a newly installed pipeline, the first time under a rock dump and the first time on parallel pipelines.
Combining Floating and Grounded LNG Plant, LNG Storage and Power Units Offshore for Gas Field Developments
Authors: Takata N. , Knox J. , Sharma P. , Winkler D.
Published: April 2018

Objectives/Scope

With recent discoveries of large gas fields offshore around the world, there is a need to bring the gas near shore for liquefaction, storage and transportation to local and international markets especially in regions where security is required. The objective of this paper is a development of low cost overall facilities for monetization of large gas fields.

Methods, Procedures, Process

Current fixed platforms offshore cannot accommodate large plants such as power, LNG storage or liquefaction due to weight limitations. The same applies to floating units. Both structures become cost prohibitive after a certain size. Fixed platforms are also costly to decommission. The design and cost of floating systems are also limited by extreme environmental conditions at the operating site mainly because of the limitations of their turret/anchor/offloading systems. Floating systems also provide limited protection to LNG carriers at the time of loading. The combination of grounded and floating facilities is expected to solve the above limitations.

Results, Observations, Conclusions

This paper focuses on a new floating and grounded LNG offshore gas field liquefaction, storage and power concept that provides the following advantages. The concept: Is easily expandable to accommodate a growing productionIncorporates floating units that are capable to be grounded on a Steel Base for ease of installation and decommissioningIncorporates grounded units that can be installed head to toe for protection against extreme environmental conditions during loading to the LNG carrier and for the other floating units (such as FLNG or FSO)Provides the flexibility to add a power unit that will not only provide ample supply of electricity to the gas facilities but also the capability to sell the extra electrical capacity to local markets where electricity is a premiumProvides extra security to the facilities, export systems and staff by being near shore rather than onshoreIncorporates top units such as LNG storage, power plant and LNG liquefaction plant barges that can be separated from their respective Steel Base and function again as floating unitsIncludes units (top and base) that can be re-used at other sitesProvides the optimum operating scenario at the most effective cost

Novel/Additive Information

This paper presents examples of different floating and grounded units near shore gas facilities demonstrating the advantages of this concept around the world. The combination of grounded and floating units provides a novel solution.
Cyber Security - Understanding Your Threat Landscape
Authors: Jorgensen John M. , McSweeney Kevin P.
Published: April 2018

Automation provides many new and improved abilities for ships and offshore assets. Automation is more than the mere replacement of the functions of older (less optimal) systems; it requires system interoperability and integration. Interconnectivity of multiple systems adds new risk factors to the system as a whole. Two key risk factors are cyber security and system complexity.

At a high-level, cybersecurity means understanding your systems and processes, your personnel's capabilities and limitations, as well as thoroughly evaluating your threat landscape. In other words, system owners must have a keen understanding that there will always be new threats to counter, and new technologies to harness.

With improvements in cyber security systems, employees are now the preeminent target, thus making them a substantial vulnerability. Through negligence (human error) and malicious acts — including being the victim of phishing/whaling attacks, lost laptops, accidental disclosure of information, and actions of rogue employees account for up to two-thirds of all cyber-related breaches. Industry must be cognizant that added complexity (e.g., system design/arrangement, rules, policies, procedures, etc.,) can decrease an individual's situational awareness and increase the likelihood of human error.

A key to effective systems-risk assessment and complexity management lay in understanding cyber safety system designs, and how people interact with those systems. This paper will discuss methods to engineer systems, control system complexity, and how to help mitigate human error, with the goal of creating an efficient and effective cyber security environment.
Modeling Hydrate Formation Management with Anti-Agglomerant Injection in a Subsea Tieback
Authors: Wang Yan , Koh Carolyn A. , Zerpa Luis E.
Published: April 2018

Gas hydrates forming in deep water subsea tiebacks can stop production of offshore wells by blocking the pipeline. This is considered one of the most challenging problems in flow assurance. In this work, we present a transient hydrate simulation tool with the ability of predicting hydrate formation in oil-dominated systems and the purpose of capturing the complicated multiphase flow scenarios that occur in oil and gas flowlines. This modeling tool can be applied to estimate hydrate formation in flowlines with different water cuts, which is especially useful in modeling transient shut-in/restart operations. A field case is used as a benchmark to verify the prediction performance of the proposed hydrate simulation model. The geometry, fluid properties and production data from an offshore well is reproduced using the hydrate formation model, quantifying hydrate formation and estimating plugging risk at different liquid holdup, water cuts and produced gas-oil ratios. Hydrate anti-agglomerant chemicals were used in this field case, and are considered in the simulations of steady state and shut-in restart operations. The proposed transient hydrate prediction model successfully predicted the formation of hydrate plugs as observed in the real field. This hydrate formation simulation tool can be applied for the design and optimization of prevention, management and remediation procedures of hydrates in flowlines.
Field Operational Results of Precision Slot Cutting Using Novel Electromechanical Slot-Cutting Technology
Authors: Fanini Otto N. , Garcia Alejandro , Ransonet Gerald
Published: April 2018

The downturn in the market has affected the majority of oil and gas producers and made their ability to maximize the production of current wells a crucial goal. Completion installations are becoming increasingly complex with many incorporating sliding sleeves to gain access to multiple zones in the wellbore. These completions are often concentric in design and engineered with packers, outer gravel pack screens, and an inner tubing string to isolate zones. The production rate often decreases before its expectancy due to fines migration, asphaltine and scale. These factors are coupled with the inability to acidize and stimulate behind the inner tubular through the sliding sleeve or without damaging the integrity of the gravel pack screens. Advances in electromechanical slot-cutting technology address the need to cut multiple slots in a single trip. As a result, costly field production can be quickly restored to meet daily production flow targets, considerably minimizing downtime, risk, collateral intervention damage and overall intervention complexity and cost.

Reliable, precise slot cutting of the tubing is imperative for maintaining the screen integrity. The use of shaped charges to penetrate the inner tubing without damaging the outer screen has proven to be an un-reliable solution due to a varied depth of penetration. Field results demonstrate the ability of electromechanical slot-cutting technology to produce surface-monitored slots per design that are precisely controlled for penetration and maximum flow area. Slot locations and dimensions are designed to optimize overall flow rate while preserving the durability of the cutting elements and the supporting hardware assembly. As a result, multiple slots can be made in a variety of difficult operating conditions, pipe materials and environments without damaging adjacent completion components, and with minimal debris.

The ability of electromechanical slot-cutting technology to pass through inner-diameter restrictions and complete slot cuts for zonal stimulation further improves the capital efficiency and investment return to the operator. Logistical and environmental constraints are also greatly reduced by providing precise slot cuts without the use of hydraulic jet systems, ballistics or hazardous chemicals that pose safety and environmental hazards.

This paper shows the novel electromechanical technology's ability to perform slot cuts in a variety of conditions and environments. The paper includes a deepwater case history to illustrate the advanced operating capabilities and to show how operators can incorporate this advanced technology into the engineering of future completions.
The Control Room is Anywhere and Everywhere: Putting the Industrial Internet of Things to Work Offshore and Beyond
Authors: Zornio Peter
Published: April 2018

The oil and gas industry has long faced obstacles surrounding 4-D characteristics that make staffing offshore and other remote locations a challenge: dangerous, dirty, distant and dull. And the industry is producing more real-time data—about asset health, operations, production—than ever before. Companies are discovering a powerful one-two punch to effectively manage these challenges: Industrial Internet of Things (IoT) solutions to manage and monitor operations, and remote integrated operations centers to consolidate expertise, increasingly including support from third parties.

With this combination, data and analysis now accessible anywhere in the world, not just on site, and not just accessible to company personnel. This tech combo makes it possible for companies to anticipate and address issues remotely, before they become problems. The industry has at its fingertips priceless information that can help it achieve top quartile performance.

Methods, Procedures, Process: Companies are leveraging the Industrial IoT to connect the right people, with the right data, to prescribe the right improvement actions, anywhere in the world. This approach is being successfully implemented from small projects to one of the world's largest offshore processing vessels operating from an integrated operations center 2,000 kilometers away. To achieve this takes more than data; without the correct software or personnel with domain expertise to identify trends and prevent issues, these assets are producing an endless stream of numbers that provide little business value. This is too often the case: A recent IndustryWeek survey found that while 60 percent of manufacturers are testing Industrial IoT, fewer than 1 in 20 are investing with a clear business case.

Through remote monitoring software and analytics, coupled with either in-house or external experts, the unending stream of numbers become actionable instructions that can be accessed and acted upon from anywhere in the world. Once data is generated, experts can analyze and make adjustments to prevent unplanned downtime, improve asset health and enhance safety. And because remote monitoring solutions are customized, companies can turn to scalable options to pilot the technology.

Results, Observations, Conclusion: Remote monitoring technologies can have a significant impact on operations, and it doesn't take long to see the impact. Companies see a return on investment on either internal remote monitoring deployments, or use of external experts quickly.

In addition, remote monitoring can significantly reduce unscheduled downtime—a scourge for companies already running at capacity. In today's world, best in class facilities operate at upwards of 97 percent availability, and any shutdown can translate into millions of dollars lost in downtime.

Novel / Additive Information: In this presentation, attendees will hear about proven Industrial IoT strategies and how the oil and gas industry has leveraged them to their advantage.
Development of Next Level Drilling Simulator Using Multiple User Interaction Concepts
Authors: Srivastava Saket , Ichim Adonis , Teodoriu Catalin
Published: April 2018

The process of making drill pipe connections is not only crucial in drill string integrity but also in assessing rigfloor safety. Almost 15% of recorded incidents in US onshore rigs occur due to improper make-up/tripping process as reported by IADC in 2015. Even with advances in pipe handling systems, human factors greatly influence the likelihood of errors which can lead to accidents. Training on simulators is a proven solution for innovation. The crew can better understand the rig equipment and prepare for potential risks. While drilling simulators exist for all aspects of drilling operations, a simulator for making drill pipe connections through human factor assessment is critically needed. This paper presents three unique approaches in building and using this much needed tool.

One approach works like a visual interactive interface where the user can click and drag the rig components over to the rig floor and make a connection in a step-by-step manner. This enables a thorough understanding of the process and highlights errors if tasks are not performed sequentially. Another approach looks at the driller's screen where the user can control all the rig floor operations. This is a more realistic approach for a user who is well versed in the make-up process. The system works in real time and features a risk-meter that evaluates the process safety. The third approach is an automated interface for making connections. Before initiating the process, the user can choose among the different pipe handling systems, dope to be applied and rig crew assignments for the job. Different rig crews have combinations of experience, operational awareness and physical strength as attributes. The process begins with an animation of the make up process alongside a log of the process and description. Riskmeter and the option to pause-start are also features of this interface.

These novel drilling simulators can play a crucial role in understanding and assessing the make up process on a rig floor. The simulators developed can be used for training new, and more experienced crews. The crew can be trained on the correct operational procedures, and create a profile evaluating the competency of the user. Since it features a safety meter that rates the ongoing process based on the handling system and crew selected, a comparative study was done and WAR (Weighted Assessment of Risk) was defined. The rig crew competency was analysed using these parameters. The tool could also be used for rig crew profiling and job assignments to improve safety and efficiency of tripping operations.
Local Heating of Subsea Flowlines, A Way to Increase Step Out Distance with Conventional Thermal Insulation
Authors: Anres S. J. , Hallot R. , Macauley L. , Valdenaire T.
Published: April 2018

Innovative flow assurance solutions are required to make new field developments both technically and economically feasible. Indeed in the case of long distance tie-backs, very deepwater applications or when the fluid temperature at the wellhead is too low, conventional flow assurance solutions might not be applicable. In this case, heating the flowlines is a way to overcome the thermal constraints, mitigate hydrate and wax risks and provide operational flexibility.

Existing heating solutions are based on distributed heating technologies (DEH and Heat tracing) and are mainly considered for hydrate management under transient operations (start-up, shutdown, preservation). Local heating is a different solution, intending to be used continuously during production. Local heating allows for the integration of the system into a compact subsea station, installed in parallel of the main flowline, which can be retrieved for maintenance or relocated to another location. The technology can be implemented either on new fields or for the extension of existing lines.

The purpose of this paper is to present an overview of the local heating technology under qualification by Saipem. The heat is provided using induction. This solution is thus able to provide a very high power density leading to a very compact solution. The internal diameter of the line in the heating station remains unchanged from the main production line, which makes the solution fully compatible with preservation by flushing and allows to pig the system in case of deposits. The temperature is monitored throughout the heating module by means of a network of optical fibers.

The paper will introduce the main features of the technology, the main scenarios for which this solution is particularly suitable as well as the impact on the field operations. Information will be based on the results of flow assurance studies performed for various types of oils and field configurations. Some preliminary designs of the subsea station will be given, going up to 3MW of thermal power delivered to the fluid.

Finally the paper will present the qualification testing recently conducted on a reduced scale prototype, with a description of the prototype and the main results obtained.
Novel Adsorption-Based Gas Treating Technology Platform for Upstream Gas Separations
Authors: Barnes William , Chen Chien-Chiang , Fowler Tracy , McMahon Patrick , Nagavarapu Ananda Krishna , Shatto Donald
Published: April 2018

The oil and gas industry has become increasingly focused on cost reducing technologies. Processing and treating systems used to monetize resources can often be heavy and require a large footprint. When operating in challenging locations, such as deep water or the arctic, these systems can be very expensive. To address these challenges, a novel adsorption-based gas separation technology platform has been under development for process intensification. This technology uses rapid pressure- and/or temperature-swing cycles to dramatically reduce equipment size and weight, and overall gas treating footprint by ~50%, relative to conventional technologies. In addition to CAPEX savings, the weight and footprint savings are beneficial in locations where space is at a premium. Furthermore, the technology is well suited for skid-based deployment, which provides execution efficiencies.

While the technology platform is broadly applicable for a variety of Upstream gas separations, the current focus of development has been on deep dehydration and CO2 removal before cryogenic gas processes, such as LNG or NGL recovery. Extensive fundamental research, including laboratory and pilot testing, has been completed to demonstrate technical feasibility. Construction of a field research and demonstration facility is underway to demonstrate scaled-up operation over a wide range of operating conditions. This paper will provide background on the technology platform, the key enablers, the scale-up approach, and integration in an LNG process.
A Novel Survey of Bulk Gel Treatment Designs in Injection Wells-Part I: Gel Strength
Authors: Aldhaheri Munqith , Wei Mingzhen , Zhang Na , Bai Baojun
Published: April 2018

Polymer bulk gels are increasingly applied to alleviate the costly burden of excessive water production in mature oil fields. This paper presents a comprehensive review of the designs of injection well gel treatments conducted between 1985 and 2014. The survey includes 61 field projects compiled from SPE papers and U.S. DOE reports. Seven design parameters related to the gel strength were evaluated per the reservoir type and the recovery process using the univariate descriptive analysis and stacked histograms.

We identified that there is a great concern about losing the informative content of the three levelsdata of gel treatment designs unless a specialized data reporting approach is used to obtain sufficiently representative and discriminating field-wide estimations. The traditional practice to plan a gel treatment is to adopt the designs from gel case histories in similar formations or empirically estimated the designs by reservoir engineers. The gel strength parameters are appreciably affected by the formation type and reservoir types can be ordered in term of increasing polymer concentration as matrix-rock, unconsolidated, and naturally-fractured. Gel treatments typically start with polymer concentration of 3000 ppm, end with 7600 ppm, and a constant polymer-crosslinker ratio of 40:1 is maintained during the treatments. Often, gel treatments are applied using polymers of 10-11 MM Dalton molecular weights that are injected in three to five treatment stages.

The gel strength is designed based on the problem channeling strength and the required gel volume. However, in the cases of void-space problems, gel extrusion, gel breakthrough, and gel breakdown become important designing criteria. To address these issues, more advanced tapering schemes than the normal gradual increase of polymer concentrations are used to optimize the gel plugging efficiency. In addition, small volumes of cement or low molecular weight, fast-maturing, rigid gels are injected in front (only gels) or behind the MARCITSM gels as capping materials. The unsuccessful gel pilots had significantly higher polymer concentrations than the successful gel projects applied in the same formation type. Increasing trends were identified of polymer concentrations against the treatment timing indicators. The present review prominently maintains the variability of the design data and provides conformance engineers with the typical treatment designs for different application environments.
Exploratory Efforts in the Campos Basin Ring Fences
Authors: Sampaio R. F. , Candido A. G. , Sant Anna M. V. , Bezerra A. C.
Published: April 2018

Petrobras has been carrying out intensive exploratory efforts in the Campos Basin ring fences, seeking to selectively drill exploratory opportunities close to the already existing production infrastructure. This strategy aims at contributing to the expansion or maintenance of the production curves related to the existing projects in these areas. The Exploration, Reservoir and Production teams work in an integrated way, in order to optimize each project through the extensive application of the existing data and information, taking advantage of the available infrastructure and resources. This approach leads to better economic estimates for the remaining exploration opportunities, boosting investments and further production. Excellent exploration results have been obtained by applying this integrated approach, including recent discoveries in the Campos Basin Pre-Salt reservoirs in the Marlim (Brava), Marlim Sul (Poraquê-Alto) and Albacora (Forno) ring fences, adding significant volumes to the ongoing revitalization projects. Surrounding the ring fence areas in the Campos Basin, new play concepts and technologies have been also applied, resulting in significant discoveries, such as Tartaruga Verde and Tartaruga MestiÇa oilfields, both with expected first oil production in 2018.