bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A quantitative approach to regional screening of petroleum systems, Westralian Superbasin
Authors: Paschke Christopher , Sawyer Rob K. , Belgarde Catherine , Yarborough Chris , Huenink Christina
Published: August 2017

The greater Westralian Superbasin comprises multiple petroleum systems ranging in age from the Early Paleozoic to the Paleogene (Bradshaw et al, 1994). A subset of these systems is typified by marine incursions with a deposition of liquids-prone source rocks.
Variability in Westralian sediment fill and source rock stratigraphic position can be demonstrated on a continuous mega-regional 2D deep reflection seismic line that extends from Carnarvon through Browse and into the Bonaparte Basin.
Beginning in 2013, BHP Billiton initiated a comprehensive regional study of the Westralian margin to better risk existing and new play fairways. From this work, a hydrocarbon systems analysis from the Dampier Sub-basin and its application for exploration as a regional analogue is described.
From a compilation of both open-file and proprietary data, a subset of Dampier well penetrations was chosen, based on the quality of available source rock data. 1D models were constructed and thermally calibrated to BHP Billiton’s recent re-interpretation of the sub-regional crustal architecture. The ultimate expelled petroleum (UEP) was calculated at each well and then extrapolated regionally to determine the total basin hydrocarbon potential.
Maturity of the source rock is described using the state of thermal stress (STS) parameter (Pepper and Corvi, 1995). Compared with more data- and labour-intensive 3D basin modelling, integration of 1D basin models, UEP and STS parameters allow for a rapid quantitative and regional-scale basin analysis. Using this workflow in data-constrained basins like the Dampier Sub-basin serves as an important analogue for assessing and risking petroleum systems in both of the established and frontier portions of the Australian margin.
Improving fracture initiation and potential impact on fracture coverage by implementing optimal well-planning and drilling methods for typical stress conditions in the Cooper Basin, central Australia
Authors: Johnson Raymond , Khair Hani Abul , Jeffrey Rob , Meyer Jeremy , Stark Carly , Tauchnitz James
Published: August 2017

Drilling conditions involving high mean and deviatory stresses, and natural fractures in the Cooper Basin present challenges in drilling and introduce wellbore rugosities, leaving a damaged wellbore subject to a stress cage effect. Fracture initiations have been problematic in vertical Cooper Basin wells, exhibiting high initiation and treating pressure frac treatments, and with high stress conditions posing greater risks in non-vertical completions. While far-field fracture complexity should be simplified, the near wellbore complexity results in reduced fracture conductivity. The authors believe that present drilling practices and wellbore azimuths may be contributing to sub-optimal hydraulic fracture initiations and complexities.
Present analytical modelling methodologies can derive initiation pressures for circular wellbores, but require more complex numerical models to include flaws and ellipticity to represent natural fractures and wellbore rugosities. This study compares initiation pressures and presents graphical results, comparing circular and elliptical wellbore cases with flaws. This extended abstract outlines the criteria used in these models and remarks on areas needing further research and model development.
The authors also propose improved drilling techniques to achieve more stable, smoother wellbores, potentially reducing some rugosity and drilling induced fractures. By using data from recent research and other cases with complex stress environments, it is proposed that initiation pressures might be reduced by inclining wells for hydraulic fracturing treatments in a favourable alignment in the maximum horizontal stress direction (σH-Max), and implementing completion techniques that aid better fracture initiation.
Water planning strategies to accommodate uncertain development plans
Authors: Goodwin Stephen , Zaugg Nathan , Cass Ronald , Carlson Ken
Published: August 2017

Water management and water re-use strategies play an important role in minimising the costs and risks associated with the development of an unconventional oil and gas field. At the same time, an effective water management strategy is essential to maintain a social license to operate and minimise the social and environmental impacts associated with development.
Most companies, however, are forced to make water decisions based solely on the flexibility of a water management strategy that can accommodate changes in a development plan. In most situations, this is the most expensive option with the highest environmental and social risk.
MWH Global has developed a streamlined water infrastructure modelling approach that gives users the ability to quickly visualise a variety of water management and water re-use strategies for different development plans. The user can quantitatively compare key outputs (such as costs, flexibility, probability of a traffic accident and CO2 emissions) for different potential scenarios.
The modelling approach is applied to an integrated development plan to compare costs and other key outputs for several water management and water re-use strategies in a basin. The ability to quickly model water management and water re-use strategies for a variety of development plans reduces the time and cost required, while providing more accurate and flexible water management and water re-use strategies.
Late life management of onshore and offshore pipelines
Authors: Humphreys Brian , Lipski Wacek
Published: August 2017

The Australian oil and gas boom of the 1960s and 1970s lead to production commencing in the Gippsland, Surat, Cooper and Carnarvon basins and so many pipeline assets around Australia are approaching operating lives of 40-50 years and the end of their design lives. With unconventional field development and the Australian gas markets opening up to international customers through LNG, there will be an increasing requirement to extend the life of pipelines while maintaining safety and integrity.
The management of pipeline assets late in their design life is a challenge for operators both onshore and offshore, with pipelines requiring higher levels of inspection and maintenance, while revenues can be fixed or regulated for downstream assets or potentially declining for upstream assets.
To operate pipelines beyond their specified design life, there are requirements that must be fulfilled—for offshore, a design re-qualification in accordance with DNV-OS-F101 and for onshore, a remaining life review in accordance with AS2885.3. In addition, for onshore pipelines, AS2885.3 requires the remaining life review process to be undertaken every 10 years, rather than just at the end of the design life.
This extended abstract discusses the requirements of the DNV-OS-F101 and AS2885.3 and the approaches required to meet these requirements. It also discusses key lessons that have been learned and makes recommendations to pipeline operators preparing for end-of-design-life reviews and executing them as cost effectively as possible.
Australian climate change policy—where to from here?
Authors: Nelson Tim
Published: August 2017

In the past decade, Australia’s approach to climate change policy has been erratic. Both major political parties announced support for a domestic emissions trading scheme (ETS) in 2007, but bipartisan agreement evaporated in 2009. An ETS was established in 2011, but was repealed in 2014. The Commonwealth Government has subsequently introduced a Direct Action climate change policy. There is absence of bipartisan agreement about the best long-term policy approach. This extended abstract provides some insights for future Australian climate change policy using the lessons provided from previous policies and international experience. Strategically, Australia would be well placed to consider how best to manage the risks associated with potential substitution of coal and gas in power generation globally, given the strategic importance of these export industries for Australia.
Building liquidity and transparency in the Australian east coast gas and global LNG markets
Authors: Poynter Fiona
Published: August 2017

The Australian natural gas market is undergoing a dramatic change. Queensland will start LNG production and exports at the end of this year, and this is already having an effect on the east coast’s domestic gas market.
LNG ramp-up gas supplies are now exerting downwards pressure on forward prices in Queensland and to some extent in other east Australian states. LNG plant operators are ramping-up well drilling and production to ensure the smooth processing of gas feedstock for liquefaction.
But the availability of this gas for the domestic market will start to fall when the first LNG plant comes on line at the end of 2014. The Argus Wallumbilla index (AWX), for month-ahead gas delivery in southeast Queensland, usefully illustrates the changing dynamics of the Australian east coast gas market and provides the industry a transparent reference point on which to base a transaction.
This extended abstract provides expert insights into the interplay between the Australian LNG export and east coast domestic gas markets, as well as the pricing implications and outlook for the global LNG markets. It also aims to answer the following questions:
How will liquidity develop in the Australian east coast domestic spot gas market?
How will the east coast LNG spot supply picture evolve?
What are the key drivers in the global LNG spot markets?
How will Henry Hub pricing impact Australian LNG pricing?
Revisiting the deep structure of the Northern Carnarvon Basin: insights from new seismic reflection data
Authors: Bellingham Paul , Cowie Leanne , Graham Rod , Horn Brian , McDermott Kenneth , Pindell James
Published: August 2017

The Carnarvon Basin has long been a focus for hydrocarbon exploration and development. Many models have been proposed for the basin’s lithospheric structure, although the great thickness of the Mungaroo delta system has hampered the clear imaging of the underlying rift and break-up structure. New deep, long offset seismic reflection data acquired across the basin as a part of ION’s Westralia SPAN survey provide unique imaging of the deep basement structures and the complete overlying sedimentary section. The survey crossed the offshore terrains, from weakly stretched continental crust to oceanic crust.
The margin has developed during two major events; one of Permo-Carboniferous age, prior to the Mungaroo delta system, and one of Middle to Upper Jurassic age. There is a possibility that the basement terrain under parts of the Exmouth Plateau is actually Permo-Carboniferous oceanic crust, rather than hyper-extended continental crust or exhumed continental lithospheric mantle.
Deformation during the second major event in the Jurassic was focussed in the Barrow-Dampier Sub-basin and at the present day ocean-continent transition with little deformation across the Exmouth Plateau in-between. The only basement involved extension appears to be in the Barrow-Dampier system and appears to be non-volcanic. The outer margin along the northwest edge of the Exmouth Plateau includes significant volcanic input, likely underplating and emplacement of seaward-dipping reflectors.
Improve productivity and safety through a mentally healthy workplace
Authors: O'Hanlon Michael
Published: August 2017

Twenty percent of Australians experience a mental health condition each year, making it an issue to be addressed. Research undertaken by accountancy services firm PwC highlighted that the cost to Australian employers as a result of untreated mental health conditions is A$10.9 billion a year, with the most of this cost—A$10.7 billion—as a result of absenteeism and lost productivity. Much behaviour associated with poor mental health also becomes risk factors for workplace safety. The oil and gas industry has a strong focus on process and personal safety. A workplace that has a high level of mental health adds another dimension of psychological safety. In the risk management model of Orlandella and Reason a workplace that is mentally healthy adds another barrier to assist in the management of risk. There is a growing awareness that establishing a workplace that is mentally healthy involves more than just managing the psychological compensation claims of workers. What is lacking is an integrated approach, including evidence-based information, resources and a model that can adapted to meet specific needs. beyondblue, in conjunction with industry bodies, government, and the mental health sector, has developed Heads Up as a one-stop-shop for businesses to improve the mental health of workplaces. Heads Up demonstrates how business can benefit by having a workplace that is mentally healthy as a result of reduced costs, a positive return on investment. There are also qualitative benefits of being associated with an employer of choice: this involves improved staff retention, morale, engagement and productivity. Heads Up has a range of free resources and includes an action plan tool for businesses to develop tailored plans to improve the mental health of their workplaces. Mental health is everyone’s business.
The INPEX diversity and inclusion journey
Authors: Johnson Catherine
Published: August 2017

Corporate policies, standards, and procedures are being implemented by INPEX to support the ethnic cultures and corporate backgrounds of individuals who are constructing and will be operating its US$34 billion Ichthys LNG Project.
Gas will be exported from the Ichthys Field in the Browse Basin to the onshore processing facilities at Bladin Point, Darwin through an 889 km pipeline.
With no historical restrictions, INPEX has uncovered an opportunity to help create positive cultural norms, and thus has strategies to harness diversity and build an inclusive culture in its workforce.
This strategy focuses on educating, enabling, empowering and engaging the workforce by establishing a working group, measuring behaviours in performance appraisals and evaluating corporate cultural behaviour in employee engagement surveys, and identifying diversity champions who decentralise activities.
This extended abstract, therefore, discusses lessons that have been learned, activities and the progress to date by referring to relevant survey results and HR analytics.
INPEX Corporation is involved in more than 70 projects across 25 countries. It has 2,000 employees from Australia, working in more than 15 global locations.
Rock, sediment and fishermen—insights on community engagement from the Ichthys LNG Project dredging program
Authors: Williams Brad , Townsend Bill
Published: August 2017

The Ichthys LNG Project is one of the most complex oil and gas developments ever attempted.
One challenge of the construction phase was undertaking a major dredging program to create a safe shipping channel and berthing area for LNG carriers through Darwin Harbour to the onshore processing facilities at Bladin Point. Dredging was also undertaken to create a trench in Darwin Harbour for the gas export pipeline.
The dredging program took about 16 months to remove more than 16 Mm3 of rock and sediment, with a six month break during the first dry season due to environmental uncertainties.
Ongoing discussions with key stakeholders and the community prior to the start of dredging affirmed the social, cultural and economic values placed on Darwin Harbour by local residents. Plans were developed to provide key stakeholders and the wider community with transparent information on the project’s dredging, environmental monitoring and research findings. The key focus of the campaign was marine safety and an integrated and tailored approach was used to deliver this message.
Valuable insights and lessons were gained from other major dredging programs undertaken in Australia and used in planning.
The Ichthys LNG Project dredging program included a combination of initiatives that, when implemented together, led to environmentally and socially responsible outcomes.
Economic impacts and effects on communities of the CSG industry in Queensland
Authors: Thomas Nicole , Lambie Ross , Calder Wayne
Published: August 2017

Social licence to operate is a key issue in the eastern Australian gas market as it transitions to liquefied natural gas (LNG) exporting and relies on unconventional gas to satisfy this new demand.
Although there is a large body of research on the environmental, social and economic effects attributable to unconventional gas activities, more knowledge is needed about the economic impacts of the coal seam gas (CSG) industry and the effects of the various stages in the CSG value chain experienced by communities.
The Department of Industry has undertaken a study on Queensland’s experience with CSG development.
A synthesis of existing economic impact studies relating to the CSG industry in Queensland finds that while there are economic benefits, a greater understanding of how the benefits and costs are spread among and in communities is needed. It also finds that there is little knowledge of the cumulative impacts of multiple concurrent projects in addition to the impacts of existing land usage.
An assessment of effects from CSG activities that may directly or indirectly affect the economic welfare of communities in the Bowen and Surat basins highlights that while health impacts, land access and usage, water impacts, transport nuisance and noise pollution are all perceived to be significant, community perceptions about these effects change in time along with changes in the nature and scale of underlying activities.
Opportunities for specific economic analysis on specific CSG activities and their associated consequences are also identified in this extended abstract, which may assist in addressing existing information and regulatory gaps.
Encouraging traditional owner participation in onshore unconventional projects
Authors: Wee Kenneth
Published: August 2017

Australia has significant unconventional energy resources that can be tapped to bolster energy security needs and increase contributions to the global energy supply mix—fuelling both domestic and international economic growth.
A key factor underpinning the success of developing onshore unconventional resources is the security of land and tenure access, which allows project proponents to sustainably engage in the exploration, appraisal and development of unconventional gas deposits spread across extensive geographical areas.
These activities occur in areas that are vested in traditional landowners and indigenous native title holders, and have the potential to significantly impact their cultural heritage and their quality and way of life.
It is, therefore, critical, on a number of levels, for project proponents to have the support of this key stakeholder group in ensuring the long-term viability of developing onshore gas resources.
Alignment between the project’s proponents and the diverse range of traditional/indigenous landowners who influence—and are influenced by—their operations, however, is not easy to achieve due to competing interests and motivations.
This extended abstract explores:

alternative participation models for traditional land owners in onshore unconventional gas projects, including production payment and equity-based ownership models;
examples of co-existence arrangements between project proponents and traditional owners;
the impact of fiscal policy on the economic viability of alternative traditional owner participation and co-existence models; and,
the role of state and federal governments in giving incentives to and fostering greater collaboration between project proponents and traditional owner groups.
Stimulating methane generation within coal seam reservoirs
Authors: Lupton Nicholas , Sander Regina , Connell Luke , Camilleri Michael , Heryanto Deasy , Midgley David , Tran-Dinh Nai , Faiz Mohinudeen
Published: August 2017

Methane generation by microbial activity or biogenesis is a significant source of coal bed methane (Faiz and Hendry, 2006; Strapoć et al, 2011).
Being able to stimulate microbial methane generation in a coal seam reservoir has the potential to add significant value to depleted or undersaturated fields. Several laboratory studies have demonstrated that this process can be stimulated through the addition of inorganic nutrients (Jones et al, 2010; Orem et al, 2010).
These studies, performed at atmospheric pressure on crushed coal, provide encouraging support for the concept of inducing in-situ biogenic methanogenesis and increasing gas-in-place in coal bed methane reservoirs. Important questions, however, remain about how laboratory results relate to what occurs in the reservoir.
This extended abstract presents the results from a series of core flooding experiments conducted at reservoir pressure and temperature on intact coal core samples. Nutrient consumption is characterised by measuring the nutrient balance between the inflow and outflow waters. Gas content is measured through a helium flood at the end of the experiment, during which the pore pressure is dropped to atmospheric pressure to drive off any adsorbed gas.
These experiments confirm that microbial gas generation does occur at reservoir pressure and temperature, and at high enough rates to rapidly increase gas content.
Mapping horizons and fracture patterns in coal measures using magnetics for coalbed methane exploration in Queensland
Authors: Kivior Irena , Markham Stephen , Warner David , Mellon Leslie
Published: August 2017

High resolution magnetic data has successfully been used to map the top and base of coal measures, related faults and fracture patterns across the Red Hill area in the northern Bowen Basin, eastern Australia. A horizon mapping technique, based on energy spectral analysis (ESA), was used to detect magnetic susceptibility contrasts that were laterally merged to form two magnetic interfaces, corresponding to the top of the Fair Hill Formation and base of the Goonyella Middle Seam in the Permian Moranbah coal measures. The depth estimates were made at stations on a regular mesh of 400 m x 400 m and at nine wells. The final detailed mapping of both horizons was constructed from spectral depth estimates on a regular mesh of 100 m x 100 m.
Major faults, associated structures and fractures were mapped in 3D from the magnetic data by using automatic curve matching (ACM). This technique was applied to detect single magnetic anomalies produced by inter-sedimentary sources. These results were used to interpret magnetic lineaments in, above and below the coal measures to produce a rock fabric model.
The results obtained from the interpretation of the magnetic data are consistent with structures mapped from existing seismic and well data. The mapped rock fabric was also confirmed by well results to be a fair representation of the open fracture set, which has an orientation that is consistent with the existing stress regime.
Prediction and management of solids production in typical Surat Basin coal seam gas reservoirs, eastern Australia
Authors: Khaksar Abbas , Jami Morteza , Younessi Ahmadreza
Published: August 2017

The exploiting of coal seam gas (CSG) reservoirs worldwide has developed rapidly. These reservoirs are located in different geological settings and have different characteristics. In eastern Australia for instance, Surat Basin CSG reservoirs are typically thin and interbedded with thick layers of sandstone, siltstones and shales, and occur at shallow depths, adjacent to fresh-water aquifers. For commercial gas production from wet- and low- permeability thin CSG reservoirs, both the hydrostatic pressure and the water saturation have to be reduced through a de-watering and pressure depletion process. These mechanisms increase the risk of rock failure and solids production before or from the onset of gas production in many CSG wells.
In thinly bedded CSG reservoirs, solids production from coals may not be a concern, but sanding from interbed rocks—some with abundant water sensitive clay minerals—may be a significant source of solids production.
Given the relatively low drilling and completion costs and short life span of the CSG wells, many of the conventional sand control measures such as screens or gravel packs may be of limited use or not applicable. In this extended abstract, examples of solids production issues and the potential sources of solids in typical Surat Basin CSG wells are shown, and options for solids control are discussed.
The rise of shareholder activism—what you need to know
Authors: Malinas Mark
Published: August 2017

The past few years have seen a dramatic rise in shareholder activism in Europe and the US and it is a trend becoming more common in Australia. Companies operating in the oil and gas sector have been subject to particular attention and there are a growing number of examples of this in Australia.
The targets of shareholder activism range in size and performance, but are often companies with perceived board weakness, those that are considered to adhere to outdated corporate governance, those whose strategic direction is in question or those that have an under-performing share price, though other factors can also be relevant. Using these issues or concerns as a pretext, activists are increasingly focused on using tactics that allow them to exert control or exercise influence to realise returns or agitate for change in companies that:

have significant assets (such as oil and gas reserves) relative to their market value;
have high costs, large capital expenditures and long revenue generation lead time (such as exploration projects); or,
operate in low growth or fluctuating markets (such as with the price of oil and gas).

Unsurprisingly, the oil and gas sector is being increasingly seen by certain funds and investors as fertile ground for shareholder activism.
The Australian legal landscape also presents shareholders with a platform from which to exert influence. For instance:

shareholders are able to requisition general meetings (and resolutions to be put to those meetings) if they hold sufficient shares and put the entire board up for re-election following the introduction of the two strikes rule; and,
directors are required to adhere to statutory and common law duties in responding to shareholders.

Shareholder activist campaigns are often played out in public and can be highly disruptive to companies’ operations. Accordingly, directors and senior management of oil and gas companies should be aware of shareholder activism in Australia and, in the broader interests of all shareholders and their company, consider how they should respond or be ready to respond. This may be done through various processes, including testing the company’s perceived weaknesses and addressing them and having a plan to address activism should it arise.
Probabilistic resource/cost appraisals for evaluation of petroleum resources
Authors: Gautier Donald , McCabe Peter
Published: August 2017

In the increasingly open global marketplace, unconventional resources such as coal seam methane, shale gas and shale oil are now the marginal (highest cost) sources of supply in some regions and are seen as potential important components of energy policy for many nations, including Australia.
Large in-place hydrocarbon volumes, low-recovery efficiency, and slim profit margins characterise the development of most of these resources around the world. Although they contribute a relatively small percentage of global petroleum production, they greatly influence world commodity prices and pose challenges to developers, investors and policy makers.
Traditional assessments of in-place or technically recoverable hydrocarbon volumes alone are inadequate for evaluating the economic viability of these unconventional resources. By integrating probabilistic geology-based assessments with estimates of undiscounted life-cycle capital and operating expenditures, however, single parameter resource assessments become two-parameter resource cost appraisals, which can be used to:
benchmark alternative oil or gas technologies;
quantify the effects of technological change on high-cost developments; and,
compare alternative resource development opportunities.

The integration of geological and technological information thus provides an important tool for the effective evaluation of potential projects and for setting energy policy.
Rig integration and remote monitoring set new standards in offshore operations
Authors: Sivewright Scott , Hulke Markus , Hua Goh Teck
Published: August 2017

Heightened focus on wellbore integrity in the high-profile offshore arena has signaled the need for integrated solutions that deliver greater operational efficiency, safety, reliability and cost savings. Innovative systems that can interface with the existing rig package and facilitate mechanised processes are critical to operator needs to maximise safety and efficiency.
A rig integration operation to run tubulars and make up connections for a multi-well project in the UK sector of the North Sea reduced overall operational costs without compromising performance. This operation combined remote-controlled mechanised power tongs (maximum 100,000 ft/lb) with a software package that recorded, analysed and evaluated critical torque-turn data in a real-time report, which could be viewed from multiple remote locations. This hands-off system ensured the integrity of the connections, eliminating the possibility of tubing damage and reducing tripping. The technology performed risky activities in a mechanised fashion, increased efficiency, reduced non-productive time and kept workers safer.
This approach is particularly suited to the offshore sector, which is defined by high costs and risks, specifically the use of high-torque strings where casing-running operations present potential hazards. The North Sea’s stringent safety standards dictate the need for a totally integrated methodology that provides a control system, and handling and makeup tools that can easily interface with existing rig equipment.
This extended abstract will review the evolution of connection integrity and remote monitoring to enhance safety and well integrity in offshore environments. It will also discuss the latest technologies and software in connection make up and their impact on improving operational efficiency.
Offshore concept field development
Authors: Saunders Greg , Poole Matthew
Published: August 2017

This extended abstract describes the field development concept selection process for Karoon Gas Australia, as part of the appraisal and commercialisation of an oil resource in offshore Brazil.
From an engineering design perspective, the concept selection phase offers the greatest opportunity to create project value. Options must be carefully considered before rigorous investigation to provide a firm foundation for key decisions.
The concept selection study and option consideration began with a two-day framing and option identification workshop. Nine key decisions were identified as having significant impact on the feasibility and cost of the development. These included the wellhead type, hydrate management strategy, floating production storage and offloading vessel (FPSO) capacity, FPSO location, mooring type, subsea architecture, product export and expansion provisions. Assessment criteria were agreed on for each of the key technical decisions; these were applied in the evaluation of options defined. This workshop facilitated definition and agreement for the technical study scope.
The subsequent investigation and selection process focused on the key development decisions that needed to be made immediately, compared to those that could be made at a later stage of the development. These decisions encompassed technical viability, dry trees versus wet trees, flow assurance, mooring type and processing capacity. A geologically complex reservoir drove many elements of the development selection process.
This extended abstract highlights that the final solution balances risk management with maximising project value. The recommended base development concept is analogous to many developments already implemented in Brazil and is flexible enough to accommodate a realistic range of outcomes from future appraisal wells.
Utilising 4PL solutions to drive efficiency on major capital projects
Authors: Antonace Bill
Published: August 2017

The Australian resources sector is demanding solutions that will help deliver projects more cost efficiently and with better productivity. This is seeing a shift towards specialist contractors overseeing non-core functions for operators in the sector, reducing their management overheads and allowing for a greater focus on core operations.
As a result, there has been an emergence of fourth-party logistics (4PL) and supply chain solutions that centrally manage the complexities of logistics and the supply chain on behalf of the client.
Operators have struggled in the past to gain accurate and timely reports on the status of material orders. A 4PL and supply chain model leverages synergies that simplify processes and drive better commercial outcomes. An experienced and reliable 4PL provider will bring value and a re-engineered approach to a major project, as it identifies appropriate suppliers, sources technically acceptable materials, services at the best price, monitors and expedites orders to completion, and designs and plans the delivery, distribution, storage, collection and final removal of materials, waste scraps and surplus.
By integrating logistics into the entire end-to-end solution, companies can overcome the supply chain and logistics challenges that often hamper projects, leading to cost and schedule over-runs.
This extended abstract will analyse the development and implementation of a 4PL solution, referencing lessons of and experiences from, some of the world’s largest resource projects.
Development of a 3D geological model of the Clarence-Moreton Basin: on the challenge of integrating petroleum systems and groundwater systems approaches
Authors: Raiber Matthias , Rassam David , Cui Tao , Pagendam Dan , Janardhanan Sreekanth
Published: August 2017

One of the key challenges to assist in the understanding of the potential impacts of coal seam gas (CSG) extraction is the development of robust geological and numerical models. In the Clarence-Moreton Basin, this task is complicated by the need to integrate shallow alluvial aquifers (typically less than 30 m thick) and deep bedrock aquifers, which can have a combined thickness of up to approximately 3,500–4,000 m in some parts of the basin. While shallow aquifers are not typically considered in petroleum reservoir studies, they are of great significance in the Australian government’s Bioregional Assessment Program as they host a range of valuable water-dependent assets. To address this challenge, the authors have developed a series of 3D geological models and flow simulation grids of different scales and resolutions, that will form the assessment’s basis. An accurate understanding of the potential connectivity pathways between the five major alluvial aquifer systems and the underlying Triassic to Cretaceous age units will underpin the prediction of potential impacts of depressurisation associated with CSG extraction from the Walloon Coal Measures, which is the major target of CSG exploration in the Clarence-Moreton Basin. The authors have used SKUA/GoCAD (Paradigm®) 3D geological modelling software to develop 3D geological models from elevation (DEM), and stratigraphic, seismic and lithological data to facilitate the development of reliable conceptual and numerical models that describe these connectivity pathways and constitute a road-map to a risk assessment of the potential impacts on water-related assets from CSG production in the basin.
South West Hub Project: appraising a carbon storage resource in Western Australia
Authors: Stalker Linda , Gent Dominique Van , Sharma Sandeep , Burke Martin
Published: August 2017

The South West Hub Carbon Capture and Storage Project (SWH), managed by the WA Department of Mines and Petroleum (WA DMP), is evaluating the potential for a commercial-scale carbon storage site near major emissions sites in southwest WA. The area under investigation is in the southern Perth Basin, focusing on a 150 km2 area in the shires of Harvey and Waroona. WA DMP is conducting a major feasibility study and collecting pre-competitive data in partnership with the local community. The activities are done in a stage-gate model to obtain relevant information on the potential storage capacity, containment security and injectivity of the geology.
Following a smaller 2D seismic survey and the drilling of the Harvey–1 stratigraphic well, a more complex 3D seismic survey was undertaken in February to March, 2014. These activities have confirmed the potential for commercial-scale CO2 storage. A new work package has been initiated with the drilling of three wells (Harvey–2, –3 and –4) underway and plans to drill a fifth well in the next 12 months. The stage-gate approach has been cost-effective, resulting in a carefully planned data acquisition and research program. The approach allows new results, information and potential future activities to be rolled out to stakeholders and the community in the area.
Visualisation and delineation techniques adopted from other industries to increase productivity of the G&G work in the oil and gas industry
Authors: Bisset Adrien , Han Christopher
Published: August 2017

Given the recent increase of seismic data quality owing to improvements in seismic acquisition and processing, it is surprising to realise that the oil and gas industry is still using standard desktop screens with 256 colour resolution software displays, and for most of the seismic representations, using only three types of colour bars (peak-trough, grey scale or rainbow) for human interpretation, comprehension and decision making processes.
Knowing that these displays show 0.000006% of the details captured in 32 bit resolution data, it is a wonder: is the oil and gas industry using the available data to its maximum potential to decrease the risk of drilling dry wells?
Astronomy and medical imaging tackled these issues long ago and inspired by them, the oil and gas industry is able to use a 24 bit colour space for representing seismic data in a more appealing way. These innovative seismic data representations are called colour blends and are created using sources such as frequency decomposition products, angle stacks, edge attributes, 4D vintages or any other seismic attributes colour-coded with primary colours.
Colour blends have not yet become mainstream due to availability of the tools. The cognitive cybernetics approach allows a more balanced input between data driven processes, interpreter skills and guidance, and has recently been made available for use with colour blends—a breakthrough in interpretation.
This extended abstract shows recent advances in these two techniques and how they benefit to the geological and geophysical work based on a case study from the Australian and New Zealand sector.
In search for certainty of delivery
Authors: Dockray Thomas
Published: August 2017

Achieving effective project start-up is critical to the profitability and successful operation of an asset. A modern gas facility can generate revenue of up to $20 million a day, making the financial impact of a delayed start-up considerable. With the Australian LNG sector moving from construction to operations, the right commissioning model for a project has become a critical consideration. This is even more pertinent when considering the drain on experienced, quality LNG commissioning personnel as a number of large projects move towards operations across the globe. This places a higher challenge and risk on fabrication and construction contractors, who are often responsible for delivering the commissioning scope. By using an independent and integrated commissioning model, operators can reduce the financial risks of poor project start-up and achieve a seamless transition from construction to operation. This extended abstract explores the pros and cons of commissioning and completion services performed by an EPCIC contractor compared to an independent and specialised commissioning contractor. A critical component to the success of the independent commissioning model is the early embedding of key commissioning personnel in the project in advance of the construction hand-over. By applying sophisticated engineering techniques that identify and schedule commissioning requirements early in the project, trained commissioning personnel can help detect and intervene early on potential delays to the commissioning scope.
One well, 30,000 times: Australia's workforce transition to a gas factory
Authors: Grimes Carrie , Cann Geoffrey , Margarido Christopher
Published: August 2017

Australia’s oil and gas resources are becoming more unconventional, and the workforce management approaches to exploit these resources must also become more unconventional. The shift from conventional to unconventional resource plays, beginning with coal seam gas and now including shale resources, has had a major impact on every aspect of the upstream process. This entails the delivery of upstream gas capacity and on-going gas delivery for thousands of wells across several years, which is much more like a manufacturing process rather than one-off projects—compared to conventional gas where only a few wells are drilled per year.
Perfecting the gas factory concept is still in its early days in Australia, with more focus remaining on the work than the workforce. As equipment and infrastructure support the work to be delivered, culture and workforce structures (organisational structures, performance plans and people strategies, etc) support the workforce that will execute the work.
The ability to establish a factory-like culture will drive a workforce with a manufacturing mindset and if supported by the right workforce structures will encourage behaviour needed to be successful in the manufacturing environment.
The companies and suppliers that are able to reinvent themselves as manufacturers, both in what they do and how they think, will realise the highest returns.
This extended abstract explores the changes needed in workforce structures through examples in oil and gas (shale developments and coal bed methane, etc), manufacturing drawing lessons and insights for Australia’s growing unconventional oil and gas sectors.
People, process, technology: achieving best practice in hydrocarbon allocation
Authors: Jones Andrew , Stirling Justin
Published: August 2017

For many organisations, the hydrocarbon allocation process can be a black box; it can be difficult to manage and consequently there is a struggle to keep up as the business progresses.
Often large investments from joint ventures (JVs) drive the requirement for an effective allocation on which return on investment is accounted, while regulatory bodies hold an interest for taxation and environmental purposes.
It is the mix of people, process and technology that is the key to achieving a reliable and manageable allocation. Technology is a powerful tool, but without effective resource and knowledge management there is no guarantee the allocation process will meet the requirements of the business in an efficient manner.
Recognising common allocation management pitfalls and using a proven best practice approach will help to ensure stakeholders and assets are serviced correctly. At the same time a good understanding of the allocation is necessary for it to be transparent and responsive, to ensure resources are optimally used, and that timely and costly support issues are avoided.
Staff in and around the hydrocarbon accounting function in the process need to be engaged and used effectively. Technology must be implemented with care, documents must be effective, and business support processes must be clear and enforceable. On an ongoing basis knowledge management must balance the technology against the business.
Gladstone Energy Training Centre—building technical excellence for the Australasian region
Authors: Lane Suzie , Kitchen Anne
Published: August 2017

The Australian resource sector makes significant investment in its people and also places the highest priority on safe practices. To be competitive globally the sector needs to focus on and invest in education, training and competence to the highest of standards.
The ongoing development of major CSG to LNG projects in Queensland has created an opportunity for an energy industry operations and maintenance training facility of world class respond to the regional demand for a skilled workforce.
Central Queensland University (CQU) is establishing such a training facility through the recent merger of CQU and Central Queensland Institute of TAFE. The proposed training facility will create pathways from trade to professional streams to support workforce development, quality and adaptive capacity.
The authors describe the collaborative approach between CQU and industry sectors to contextualise units of competency in selected industry required qualifications, as well as mapping the training for the Australian Qualifications Framework. The key to the success of the CQU-industry partnership will be a holistic, blended learning approach that incorporates leading industry practices and processes.
The methodologies will include in-class, onsite, online, project-based simulations, and coaching and mentoring. This blended learning approach will ensure direct application of the learning conducted through CQU to the workplace of industry. In addition, it will be able to deliver the latest insights from cutting-edge research available through the university, opening a new avenue for the partnership to grow and deliver on industry-led initiatives.
Oil spill tracking buoy—revolutionising offshore response and recovery
Authors: Houridis Harry , Peter Mellor
Published: August 2017

April 2014 marked the four-year anniversary of the BP Deepwater Horizon Disaster; a rig explosion in the Gulf of Mexico that killed 11 workers and led to the worst offshore oil spill in US history. Oil gushed from the sea floor for 87 days before the well was capped an estimated 5 million BBL spilled into the Gulf, inflicting untold environmental damage.
The event highlighted how little the industry knows about containing deep-water oil spills or about how oil spreads. Oil washed up hundreds of miles away on coastlines in Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi and Florida, but scientists struggled to determine where all of the oil had gone. Had some of it evaporated or was it hiding below the surface? Had it been carried by currents to the Gulf’s deep waters or perhaps even further? No one can say for sure.
The resulting science highlighted that oil drifts along the surface of ocean water at 97% of current speed, but at only a fraction of the wind speed. During the Deepwater Horizon Disaster, the tracking buoys sat too proud and were driven the wrong way by the wind. It is essential to track the currents, since they account for at least 95%–98% of the ultimate oil spill trajectory. WorleyParsons designed, developed and deployed an oil spill tracking buoy (OSTB) to provide a scientific instrument for capturing only the surface currents.
The specific gravity of each buoy is such that it tracks surface currents. Material selection and manufacture, ocean validation and telecommunication engineers came together to produce such a device, which is largely underwater but can continue to communicate with satellites.