bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Drug-related harm among people who inject drugs in Thailand: summary findings from the Mitsampan Community Research Project
Authors: Hayashi Kanna , Ti Lianping , Fairbairn Nadia , Kaplan Karyn , Suwannawong Paisan , Wood Evan , Kerr Thomas
Published: October 2013

Background

For decades, Thailand has experienced high rates of illicit drug use and related harms. In response, the Thai government has relied on drug law enforcement to address this problem. Despite these efforts, high rates of drug use persist, and Thailand has been contending with an enduring epidemic of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) among people who inject drugs (IDU).

Methods

In response to concerns regarding drug-related harm in Thailand and a lack of research focused on the experiences and needs of Thai IDU, the Mitsampan Community Research Project was launched in 2008. The project involved administering surveys capturing a range of behavioral and other data to community-recruited IDU in Bangkok in 2008 and 2009.

Results

In total, 468 IDU in Bangkok were enrolled in the project. Results revealed high rates of midazolam injection, non-fatal overdose and incarceration. Syringe sharing remained widespread among this population, driven primarily by problems with access to syringes and methamphetamine injection. As well, reports of police abuse were common and found to be associated with high-risk behavior. Problems with access to evidence-based drug treatment and HIV prevention programs were also documented. Although compulsory drug detention centers are widely used in Thailand, data suggested that these centers have little impact on drug use behaviors among IDU in Bangkok.

Conclusions

The findings from this project highlight many ongoing health and social problems related to illicit drug use and drug policies in Bangkok. They also suggest that the emphasis on criminal justice approaches has resulted in human rights violations at the hands of police, and harms associated with compulsory drug detention and incarceration. Collectively, the findings indicate the urgent need for the implementation of evidence-based policies and programs in this setting.
Surveillance of avian influenza virus type A in semi-scavenging ducks in Bangladesh
Authors: Khatun Amina , Giasuddin Mohammed , Islam Kazi Mehetazul , Khanom Sazeda , Samad Mohammed Abdus , Islam Mohammad Rafiqul , Noor Monira , Bhuiyan Jamal Uddin , Kim Won-Il , Eo Seong Kug , Rahman Md Masudur
Published: October 2013

Background

Ducks are the natural reservoir of influenza A virus and the central host for highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1), while domestic ducks rearing in semi-scavenging system could serve as re-assortment vessels for re-emerging new subtypes of influenza viruses between birds to human. Avian influenza virus (AIV) surveillance in Bangladesh has been passive, relying on poultry farmers to report suspected outbreaks of highly pathogenic H5N1 influenza. Here, the results of an active surveillance effort focusing on the semi-scavenging ducks are presented.

Result

A total of 2100 cloacal swabs and 2100 sera were collected from semi-scavenging ducks from three wintering-sites of Bangladesh during three successive winter seasons, December through February in the years between 2009 and 2012. Virus isolation and identification were carried out from the cloacal swabs by virus propagation in embryonated hen eggs followed by amplification of viral RNA using Avian influenza virus (AIV) specific RT-PCR. The overall prevalence of avian influenza type A was 22.05% for swab samples and 39.76% ducks were sero-positive for avian influenza type A antibody. Extremely low sero-prevalence (0.09%) of AIV H5N1 was detected.

Conclusions

Based on our surveillance results, we conclude that semi-scavenging ducks in Bangladesh might play important role in transmitting Avian Influenza virus (AIV) type A. However, the current risk of infection for humans from domestic ducks in Bangladesh is negligible. We believe that this relatively large dataset over three winters in Bangladesh might create a strong foundation for future studies of AIV prevalence, evolution, and ecology in wintering sites around the globe.
Long and short narrow pore models for membrane polarization
Authors: Bücker Matthias , Hördt Andreas
Published: October 2013

Many recent approaches to derive hydraulic soil and rock parameters from spectral induced polarization data are based on the determination of the characteristic time of measured impedance spectra. The characteristic time, sometimes also termed relaxation time, depends on the characteristic length scale of the pore geometry. One commonly used theory describing the complex electrical impedance of porous media is the membrane polarization. The pore space is modeled as a sequence of wide and narrow pores with different anion and cation mobilities. A question of particular interest is the dependence of the characteristic time on the pore lengths. The dominance of diffusion processes leads to a quadratic dependence of the characteristic time on the length scale of the pore system. However, analytical and numerical studies revealed an inconsistency concerning the pore length that determines the characteristic time. Whereas the analytical short narrow pore (SNP) model predicts a dependence on the length of the narrow pore, the length of the wide pore dominates in various numerical studies. We propose a new SNP model, which involves fewer assumptions concerning the ionic mobilities. Our new SNP model is a special case of the Cole-Cole impedance. Its characteristic time is controlled by the length of the narrow pore. A second model is derived for the case of long narrow pores and termed the long narrow pore model. The resulting impedance compares, but is not equal to a special case of the Cole-Davidson impedance and its characteristic time varies with the length of the wide pore. Both new models are special cases of the Marshall-Madden impedance for membrane polarization. The limitation of their respective validity with respect to certain combinations of mobilities and pore lengths, allows for the coexistence of both behaviors and resolves the apparent contradiction between theoretical and numerical studies.
Rancang Bangun Sistem Kontrol Mekanisme Pelacakan Matahari Beserta Fasilitas Telekontrol Hemat Energi
Authors: Mirdanies Midriem , Ardiansyah Rizqi Andry , Saputra Hendri Maja , Nugraha Aditya Sukma , Rijanto Estiko , Santoso Adi
Published: October 2013

Solar energy produced by concentrated solar heat collector panels requires tracking mechanisms for a more optimal direction. This paper presents the design and construction of a low energy solar tracking control system with telecontrol facilities. To accelerate the movement of the panel in always adjusting itself to the direction of the sun, a combination of the timer and light sensor was used. In this control system, the reference signal is taken from two pieces of light sensors while the feedback is taken from the position and temperature sensors. The program has been developed using C language and was implemented on the microcontroller ATMega8535 as the brain of the system. Telecontrol facilities for monitoring the data to a computer uses transceiver modules via RS-232 connection. A DC motor having power capacity of 0.74 watts was used and was clutched with 1:7,300 gearbox ratio. Experiments on light sensor characteristics and simulated movement of the panel were carried out. From the light sensor experiment it can be concluded that the sensor produces 0-4 volt output signal when bright 3.3-3.9 volts, when cloudy and 1.5-3.3 volts when sunny. From the simulation of panel movement, it is known that the solar tracking control system moves the panel and tracks the direction of the sun movement.
Study of Biogas for Power Generation at Pesantren Saung Balong Al-Barokah, Majalengka, West Java
Authors: Arifin Maulana , Saepudin Aep , Santoso Arifin
Published: October 2013

Utilization of biogas from cow manure as a fuel alternative for power plants is done through an anaerobic process. A pilot plant with biogas production of 7 m3/day has been installed at Pesantren Saung Balong. Biogas is used for everyday purposes such as cooking and lighting, and used as pure biogas with 2.500 Watt scale generator. Biogas produced with the rate of 0.080 m3/hr. Biogas produced during the measurement (450 minutes) is 0.604 m3. With these data it is predicted that within a day (24 hours) biogas which can be generated is equal to 1.92 m3. Meanwhile, consumption of biogas to the generator with 1.047 W load is 0.019 m3/minutes, the generator will operate for approximately 101.05 minutes or 1.68 hours. Thus electricity that can be saved is 1.759 kWh per day or 52.77 kWh per month and electricity cost that can be saved that is equal to Rp.40.896/month.
Mathematical Modeling of a Moving Planar Payload Pendulum on Flexible Portal Framework
Authors: Yazid Edwar
Published: October 2013

Mathematical modeling of a moving planar payload pendulum on elastic portal framework is presented in this paper. The equations of motion of such a system are obtained by modeling the portal frame using finite element in conjunction with moving finite element method and moving planar payload pendulum by using Lagrange’s equations. The generated equations indicate the presence of nonlinear coupling between dynamics of portal framework and the payload pendulum. The combinational direct numerical integration technique, namely Newmarkand fourth-order Runge-Kutta method, is then proposed to solve the coupled equations of motion. Several numerical simulations are performed and the results are verified with several benchmarks. The results indicate that the amplitude and frequency of the payload pendulum swing angle are greatly affected by flexibility of structure and the cable in term of carriage speed.
IMU Application in Measurement of Vehicle Position and Orientation for Controlling a Pan-Tilt Mechanism
Authors: Saputra Hendri Maja , Abidin Zainal , Rijanto Estiko
Published: October 2013

This paper describes a modeling and designing of inertial sensor using Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) to measure the position and orientation of a vehicle motion. Sensor modeling is used to derive the vehicle attitude models where the sensor is attached while the sensor design is used to obtain the data as the input to control the angles of a pan-tilt mechanism with 2 degrees of freedom. Inertial sensor Phidget Spatial 3/3/3, which is a combination of 3-axis gyroscope, 3-axis accelerometer and 3-axis magnetometer, is used as the research object. Software for reading the sensor was made by using Matlab™. The result shows that the software can be applied to the sensor in the real-time reading process. The sensor readings should consider several things i.e. (a) sampling time should not be less than 32 ms and (b) deviation ratio between measurement noise (r) and process noise (q) for the parameters of Kalman filter is 1:5 (i.e. r = 0.08 and q = 0.4).
The relationship between selenium and gastrointestinal inflammatory diseases
Authors: Balázs Csaba , Rácz Károly
Published: October 2013

Oxygen derived free radicals, generated by a number of cellular reactions, include superoxide anion, hydrogen peroxide and hydroxyl radicals. They exert their cytotoxic effects mainly via peroxidation of the cell membrane resulting in the loss of membrane integrity. The essential trace element, selenium exerts complex effects on the endocrine systems, partly due to its antioxidant capacity. Well-characterized selenoproteins include iodothyronine deiodinases, glutathione peroxidases and thioredoxin reductases involved in thyroid hormone metabolism and protection from oxidative damage. The value of selenium supplementation in autoimmune thyroid disorders has been investigated and most studies confirmed the beneficial effect of selenium supplementation in Hashimoto’s and Graves’s diseases. Recently, selenium proved to be effective in mild inflammatory orbitopathy. There are a number of reports about the effect of selenium in diabetes mellitus, but the data are controversial as both insulin-like and diabetes-inducing effects of selenium have been described. Selenium was successfully used in both female and male infertility of autoimmune origin. Orv. Hetil., 154 (41), 1628–1635.
Emotional Intimacy Mediates the Relationship Between Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Intimate Partner Violence Perpetration in OEF/OIF/OND Veterans
Authors: Kar Heidi Lary , O’Leary K. Daniel
Published: October 2013

Veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are at elevated risk for perpetrating intimate partner violence (IPV). Little research exists on the link between PTSD and physical IPV in Operational Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation New Dawn (OEF/OIF/OND) veterans. A sample of 110 male participants was recruited from the Northport Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC). Three separate models were compared to determine which best explained the relationships between PTSD, IPV, emotional intimacy, and relationship satisfaction. Constructs were assessed via a battery of standardized, self-report instruments. Thirty-three percent of veterans had clinically elevated PTSD scores, and 31% of the men reported that they engaged in physical IPV in the past year. Poor emotional intimacy mediated the association between PTSD symptoms and perpetration of physical IPV. Past predeployment IPV perpetration was shown to be a predictor for current postdeployment physical IPV perpetration.
Optimizing Well Delivery in Real-Time from Spud to Completion through Intelligent Use of Applied Data Management and Standards
Authors: Regan Matt , Igland Jan Kåre , Andresen Per-Arild
Published: October 2013

Today, even relatively basic drilling operations generate substantial amounts of real-time data, both at surface and downhole, all paid for by the Operator. This data can stagnate as a commodity, archived in a database or a drawer. Or it can be transformed into an asset enabling optimized well delivery through immediate, informed, collaborative decision-making. This transformation from data object to value-adding asset is made by intelligent use of real-time data management that drives ergonomic data display - the right data to the right people at the right time - applied automated data analysis and monitoring by exception, and correlative and predictive techniques comparing real-time with planned, historical and ‘what-if’ data. Such sophisticated data management only becomes truly and consistently effective when governed by industry-accepted standards, provided in a vendor-neutral manner that makes the raw data source irrelevant.

This paper describes the ongoing evolution of an independent real-time data management infrastructure, service and solution. This includes acquisition-to-application dataflow, all wholly within industry standards, powering a variety of data management and monitoring modules optimizing various well operations. Real world examples highlight how such solutions support the performance of wellbore construction teams to achieve their key goal: to deliver wells safely, quickly, accurately, consistently and cost-effectively.
Achieving Drilling Performance Improvement in Horizontal Tight Gas Field Development
Authors: Najwani Mohamed , Najwani Yaseen , Al Lawati Hani , Cockburn Colin , Heidari Mohammad Reza , Sanderson Martin
Published: October 2013

This paper outlines how a drilling team is meeting the challenge of drilling deep horizontal drain sections in a tight sandstone reservoir. It is intended to show how the application of existing technologies and processes is leading to performance gains and improvements in wellbore quality.

The full field development plan for the Khazzan project in Sultanate of Oman is based on drilling around 300 wells targeting gas producing horizons at measured depths of around 6,000m MD with 1000m horizontal sections. Target reservoirs are the Barik and Amin sandstones. The first attempt to drill these wells had to overcome many drilling challenges before finally achieving the well objectives. These challenges include wellbore instability and drilling dysfunctions, and it was clear that a more efficient solution was required.

The hard abrasive sandstone is considered towards the upper boundary of the industry operating window for Polycrystalline Diamond Compact (PDC) drill bits. A strategy had to be developed to maximize bit performance and penetration rates. Bottom Hole Assembly (BHA) design and drilling tool selections were adapted to improve performance, which included the use of high performance motors and rotary steerable systems. The drilling fluid design was optimized to improve the wellbore stability and quality.

Torque and drag had to be carefully managed in order to deliver the deep kick off well profile. The rig team implemented procedures for monitoring hole conditions and this enabled them to take remedial action before any major drilling challenges developed. A web based real time data transfer system was put in place for the second well, which, in conjunction with a wider range of downhole sensors, allowed the drilling team to engage with global support functions and identify where performance improvements could be applied.

This paper will present how BP addressed a variety of drilling challenges for subsequent wells. The on-going improvement in performance will be presented and areas for future focus will be discussed.
Wellbore Stability Optimization in Shale Gas Wells by Integrating Geomechanics and Drilling Practices
Authors: Khan Safdar , Yadav Anurag
Published: October 2013

Horizontal wells with multi-stage fracturing are typically used in shale gas plays for them to become economically feasible to produce gas. Two distinct types of challenges are faced while drilling horizontal wells in shale, first type is wellbore instability potentially leading to stuck pipe incidents in the build section, and the second type is loss circulation, potentially compromising well integrity in the lateral section. This paper presents a workflow on handling these challenges effectively by integrating geomechanics with efficient drilling practices.
Formation Prediction Model based on Drill String Vibration Measurements Using Laboratory Scale Rig
Authors: Esmaeili Abdolali , Elahifar Behzad , Fruhwirth Rudolf K. , Thonhauser Gerhard
Published: October 2013

Characteristics of formations usually cause changes in the drilling parameters such as weight on bit and drill string rotational speed as well as drill string dynamic behavior. When the drill bit breaks up formations, some of the energy dedicated to drilling is transmitted to the drill string as axial, lateral and torsional vibrations. Although these vibrations are affected by the drilling parameters, it has been experienced that vibration measurements can be used to evaluate formations during drilling a well. For this purpose a laboratory scale drilling rig was used to perform numerous experiments. During the drilling operations, several drilling parameters as well as vibrations with three-component accelerometers attached to the drill string were recorded continuously. Numerous uniform concrete and rock samples were drilled by a double roller cone bit. The uniaxial compressive strength of all concretes and rocks were measured prior to the experiments. The tests were executed using different combinations of weight on bit and rotary speed.

For a subsequent evaluation statistical features were extracted in a first step from the recorded data in both, the time domain and the frequency domain. Those features formed the base for the formation classification by linear and non-linear models. Although linear models like Bayesian inference are not suited for that challenge, it turned out that non-linear models like neural networks provide excellent results in both, the training and the test data-set. Finally, the application of parameter selection methods showed that mechanical specific energy and rate of penetration in combination with higher order frequency moments of all recorded vibration types play the major role in the formation classification.
ADCO Life Protection Rules, a Powerful Tool in Enhancing Drilling Road Safety Performance
Authors: Boucif Mustapha Nasr-Eddine , Al Yaaqoobi Rahma Ateeq , Khalid Jamil
Published: October 2013

During the past decade Vehicle Accident Frequency (VAF) has been steadily improving in an exponential way achieved a world class performance of 0.04 VAF in 2009. Following a slowdown in performance in 2010 and an alarming increase in the first quarter 2011 a new strategy was adopted to bring ADCO drilling road safety performance back to its excellent standard. Immediately following the fourth road accident in the first quarter of 2011, a workshop was organized by the Drilling Division leadership involving all drilling contractors to study the way forward and to discuss all the accidents. Each Manager whose company was involved in an accident had to present the investigation outcome and the way forward. Brainstorming followed the presentations and a plan was set in place.

Part of the plan was to have a stand down for safety for two hours in all the rigs and a high-profile tour with road safety as theme to show ADCO and contractors management commitment to safety and concern with the regard to this alarming increase of accidents. All the rigs were fully shut down for two hours on the same day and mixed management teams from both ADCO and contractors visited all the rigs with the purpose to talk with rig personnel and also to show that safety takes priority over speed of operations. To further improve our safety performance and to keep our employees and contractors safe by focusing on compliance and tackling the cultural issues that can lead to unsafe behavior, ADCO Drilling Division implemented ADCO mandatory 9 Life Protection Rules (LPR). These rules reinforce what employees and contractors must know and do to prevent serious injury or fatality. Drilling Division implemented the LPR in 2012 with special focus on item 1: Road Safety.

As a results of The road safety programme introduced by ADCO Drilling Division in 2012 the Vehicle Accident Frequency went sharply down reaching a world class performance of 0.1, in 2012 and zero injuries; one of the lowest in ADCO Drilling history. Using the same approach in 2013, we have recorded 0.06 VAF in ADCO remote fields: Shah (Brownfield), Qusahwira and Mender (green fields), another indication that ADCO has set a strategy that did enhance the road safety performance and can be used even in remote area with success.
EOR in North Kuwait-From Concept to Field Test
Authors: Al-Saad Bader , Pathak Ashok Kumar , Tiwari Sanhita , Baroon Bodoor
Published: October 2013

Ambitious leadership, integrated planning and availability of resources have seen unprecedented growth in development activities of North Kuwait reservoirs over the last 4-5 years. As a result of this production has significantly grown but so have production challenges. New ideas and ways to enhance production and reserve growths are being discussed and tested. In this context role of Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) has been critically examined and steps are being taken to have a pragmatic action plan in place to achieve strategic objectives.

North Kuwait has been endowed with a mix of clastic and carbonate reservoirs of that are highly productive. These reservoirs are at different stages of depletion and their development plans are constantly tuned to enhance oil production and reduce water cut. KOC's approach to EOR plans is inclusive. It is looking at not only mature clastic reservoirs like Lower Burgan but also at Mauddud, Upper Burgan and Zubair reservoirs that are in middle stage of their development bypassing the conventional route post-secondary recovery.

Considering previous work and recent developments in the field of EOR, chemical methods and miscible Carbon-Di-Oxide (CO2) processes were shortlisted for more in-depth investigations. Subsequent extensive simulation studies place incremental oil recovery estimates using the results of specifically customized Surfactant Polymer (SP) formulation for Sabiriyah Mauddud in excess of 25% over the CO2 WAG (Water Alternating Gas) process.

In view of the significance of these results to North Kuwait's production plan EOR program is being fast-tracked. It is now at a point where a pilot is being planned in Sabiriyah Mauddud to field-test KOC's first SP flood in the next 1-2 years. Action plan is being finalized with all activities, milestones and deliverables. The project activities are being closely monitored to ensure timely completion of key tasks by different groups. For other reservoirs risk-opportunity matrix is being developed to understand the pitfalls and potential of shortlisted methods. It is expected that this work plan will enable KOC to realize its vision of getting first EOR oil from North Kuwait by the turn of 2016.
HSE Challenges While Testing and Completion of High Sour HPHT Exploratory Wells
Authors: Subban Packirisamy , Duggirala Vidya Sagar , Ayyavoo M.. , Al-Salali Y.. , Al-Ibrahim A. R.
Published: October 2013

Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) is fully committed to protect the health and safety of its people and the environment. Strict adherence to the KOC HSE policies and procedures helped safe execution of critical well testing and completion operations of sour High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) exploratory wells.

This paper describes safety challenges, H2S related risks, and methodology adopted to achieve safe and successful well-testing operations with deep drilling rigs in extreme sour HPHT environmental conditions. Critical operational equipment and safety precautions to be followed prior to and during well testing will also be discussed in detail.

Deep HPHT wells with sour environment continue to challenge the execution of well testing and completion operations, especially when wells are of exploratory nature. Wells drilled in deep Jurassic section (14,000'-17,500') having bottom hole pressure more than 10,000 psi, bottom hole temperature higher than 280°F and high sour content(up to 35% H2S) are considered for this case study. Almost 30 exploratory wells under similar environmental conditions have been drilled and tested with deep drilling rigs in different fields in the state of Kuwait. Drill Stem Testing (DST) technique is being used to test the targeted formations.

Well related production testing operations like Perforation, Coiled Tubing, and acid stimulation warrant high HSE standards and technical precautions. Every HPHT well is unique and demands special attention when it comes to the selection of critical safety equipment and other safety requirements such as Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), H2S monitors, wellhead equipment, sealing material, flow control equipment and surface safety valves (SSV) with emergency shutdown switches.

Even in such hostile environment, with meticulous planning and testing strategies, KOC could overcome all the challenges and all HPHT sour wells were safely tested without any incident. Commitment to HSE was given the highest priority during testing of sour HPHT wells with great emphasis on personnel safety.
Future Challenges Due to the Increase Produced Water in Upstream of Oil and Gas Industry
Authors: Al-Jabri Saleh M , Al-Otaibi Mohammed , Al-Khaledi Sadoun
Published: October 2013

An overview on the future challenges that the oil and gas production is facing in regards to the continuous increase of the produced water (effluent water), the volume of effluent water associated with crude oil production has been increasing due to the maturing of the oil fields, field developments forecasts can be used in order to estimate this increase, and develop the required mitigation methods. This paper discuss the future challenges which will occur due to the rapid increase of the produced water in the upstream oil and gas industry and demonstrate variances between possible solutions.

This increment in the produced effluent water shall develop a huge challenges in achieving the required oil targets due to the limitation in capacities of the separation equipment's at the existing facilities, also the produced water handling facilities shall face a challenge in delivering this quantum of produced water to the produced water disposal/ injection plants. Limitation of available spaces at the existing facilities will be a challenge as well.

To face such challenges several technology options were explored and a comparison study was done to compare among those options based on applicability and compatibility, where we can see that a adopting new separation technologies by knocking- out the free water using a portable separation unit can be an advisable solution, also avoiding the issue of limitation in space at the existing facilities by using a compact separation units or by upgrading the existing facilities and enhancing the separation at those facilities, We shall touch other experiences and compare between different technologies allowing us to share the knowledge and Skills from around the world.
Novel Asphaltene Inhibitor for Direct Application to Reservoir
Authors: Leonard Geoffrey C. , Ponnapati Ramakrishna R. , Rivers Gordon T. , Wiggett Adrian J.
Published: October 2013

Destabilization of asphaltenes within crude systems often occurs inside production tubing, but aging reservoirs, especially those flooded with supercritical CO2, can suffer asphaltene precipitation within the reservoir. Conventional asphaltene treatment programs entail inhibitor chemicals dosed into produced fluids via a capillary injector, which insufficiently guards against asphaltene deposition occurring within the reservoir. Such deposits, either far within the reservoir or near the wellbore, alter reservoir characteristics, production economics, and potentially the lifespan of the well. This paper presents a novel asphaltene inhibitor molecularly tailored to adsorb to formation surfaces upon application and then slowly desorb and remain in produced fluids to mitigate the flocculation of asphaltenes. Coreflood test results indicate the new asphaltene inhibitor for ‘squeeze’ applications resides within field core samples for approximately twice as long as the benchmark asphaltene inhibitor. Importantly, the new asphaltene inhibitor squeeze chemistry maintains equal inhibition performance compared to incumbent asphaltene inhibitors.
Do Advanced Drilling Techniques Really Add Reserves and Enhance Recovery?
Authors: Qutob Hani , Retalic Ian
Published: October 2013

With the majority of today's "new" hydrocarbons increasingly found in technically challenging, complex and in many cases lower quality reservoirs, it's long since been agreed there is no more "Easy oil". It's that fact, coupled to the industry wide challenges associated with conventionally drilled wells in mature and depleted reservoirs which have led in recent years to the very significant advances seen in the Advanced Drilling Techniques (ADT) and Technology arena.

ADT provides a suite of tools and techniques which have enabled the technical and commercial development of numerous oil and gas reservoirs worldwide which would have not otherwise been exploited. ADT comprises of the following techniques: Managed Pressure DrillingUnderbalanced DrillingCoiled Tubing DrillingThrough Tubing Rotary Drilling (Conventional and HPHT)Subsea Through Tubing Rotary Drilling

According to one recent industry report some 67% of the world's daily oil production comes from mature fields, therefore in order to not only sustain but improve upon current production levels, field life extension is not optional but an absolute necessity. Historically however, most Operators due to cost and complexity of well delivery have not fully exploited their mature assets consequently failing to reach their full potential. Therefore, in order to not only sustain but increase current production levels to meet the increasing demands, operating companies must pay greater attention to their mature fields and their resources development options.

The above coupled to the fact that in almost every conventional drilling operation there is risk, a potential to; damage well productivity (formation damage), encounter lost circulation; suffer differential sticking and many other related conventional drilling problems any of which can be exaggerated in a mature drilling environment as a function of depletion. Its here, when applied with an expert system for candidate reservoir screening, technique selection and improved reservoir evaluation technologies, ADT provides realizable and available EOR and IOR options in accessing ‘conventionally’ or commercially stranded reserves. Further, when fully coordinated with the neseccary subsurface disciplines an ADT solution will add measurable value by; improving production, enhancing ultimate recoverable reserves, even possibly reduce overall development cost all improving net present values.

Popular perception is we need new technology to sustain and drive the industry forward in meeting the global demands placed upon it; in truth if we look; much of the required technology is available now. The thing we, the industry, need most is the opportunity and most importantly the courage to deploy it. This paper will challenge us in our perceptions and highlight how we can mitigate the risk applying smarter drilling options such as those offered by Advanced Drilling Techniques in the hydrocarbon bearing formations.
Selection Process for Optimum Sour Field Surface Production Scenario - Minagish Reservoir, Burgan Field
Authors: AL-Faresi F. A. , Bond D. J. , Majeed M. Abdul , Al-Naqi M..
Published: October 2013

Every field development plan should go through a ‘quantitative’ option ranking process in order to select the optimum scenario for developing that field. Doing so efficiently will help in identifying the optimum project concept for the delivery of value to Kuwait Oil Company.

An example of where such a ranking process was essential was in the development plan for the Minagish Reservoir in the Greater Burgan Field. Within South-East Kuwait asset, this reservoir has to be treated ‘unconventionally’ since its Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) concentration is high, in relation to the ability of the existing facilities to handle sour crude production. This has contributed to the low recovery factor from this reservoir which has been on production for over 50 years. Therefore, a new surface development plan for this reservoir had to be generated to assist KOC in meeting/sustaining its production targets for the year 2020 onward.

The choice for optimum surface production scenario came through a ‘quantitative’ ranking process. This can be broken down into a number of separate steps: Agree to the objectives of the project and the value added to KOC.Capture production options and development concepts to meet the objectives of the project. This was done through a number of brainstorming sessions. The team involved came from several areas of the company with different backgrounds.These options were screened for viability for implementation.Agree to the ranking criteria for the project to determine appropriateness in terms of delivering value and meeting objectives.Rank each of the chosen options against the selection criteria agreed. This will provide the most appropriate concept(s) to be considered for detailed engineering.

Such a ranking process was particularly useful in this case because of the number of options available and broad range of project objectives. It is recommended to consider this method for ranking options in future projects. This paper describes the facility selection process implemented for the Minagish reservoir development plan.
Integrated Multidisciplinary Approach for Training New Recruits in Reservoir Management and Field Development
Authors: Alzankawi Omran , Alwazzan Roqaya , Shuber Hussain , Al-Ghareeb Aisha , Kotecha Rohit , Mudavakkat Anandan , Bardalaye Jayanta , Hayat Laila , Sinha Satyendra , Capello Maria A , Al-Hamoud Jamal
Published: October 2013

As part of KOC strategy to develop the technical skills of the new recruits this paper will present a series of best practices related to decision workflows during drilling of horizontal wells through a recognized multidisciplinary team which optimized the preparation level and knowledge standard for the young generation through practical workshop and in short period.

The best practices identified included aspects related to reservoir management, location selection, subsurface characterization and drilling specifics. Those were the key elements in the preparation of the technical training with the support of a multidisciplinary team that proved beneficial to the decision processes and issues faced during drilling in real time workflows. However optimization of a well needs skill, knowledge, right vision and experience, hence the results of the extensive drilling campaign and different cases of horizontal wells allowed the establishment of a practical training workshop protocol using actual acquired data for the planning, follow-up and assessment of drilling operations, which is now used in Fields Development South and East Kuwait. The practical workshop encompassed two case histories of horizontal wells where good decision procedure resulted in avoiding complications during drilling and effectively optimized most of the drilling path.

This practical, interactive workshop was successful in developing with an integrated framework, the necessary skills in the participants, in all technical disciplines involved, namely Geosciences, Petroleum Engineering and Reservoir Engineering, in a pioneer effort of the Greater Burgan teams, not used before in KOC for training.

The impact of this workshop was to enhance the experience of the young professionals in Petroleum Engineering, Geoscience interpretation and Reservoir Management, as well as to build their integrated knowledge on horizontal drilling for the benefit of KOC, across all Directorates and possibly applicable to other oil companies.
Effective Down Hole Gas-Liquid Separation to Eliminate Liquid Loading Problem in Gas Wells
Authors: Patel Harsh , Shah Deep
Published: October 2013

Currently, many preventive measures as well as artificial lift methods are available to deal with liquid-loading problem in gas wells but they all have their own limitations. The plunger lift, considered to be the most efficient technique, requires minimum gas liquid ratio of 4000 SCF/barrel. Below this critical GLR value, available lift systems are not suitable or economically not viable.

The purpose of this research paper is to propose a new universal solution which can tackle liquid loading problem very efficiently and to evaluate it in comparison to the current methods. The proposed solution provides an effective gas-water separation at the bottom hole with facility to either lift the accumulated liquid or to re-inject it into any of the non-producing porous formation lying bellow the producing zone. The gas is produced through tubing-casing annulus with an aid of compressor if necessary. This liquid re-injection neglects the necessity to lift and process this water, which results in reduced treatment cost. In case of unavailability of disposable formation, the accumulated liquid slugs can be removed periodically by beam pumping or Electrical Submersible Pumping through tubing.

The prima facie analysis of this method suggests that it is very effective, cost efficient and unlike current artificial lift methods, it is not restricted by any of the operational parameters such as GLR. It will help in recovering huge amount of untapped gas which is still lying beneath the earth.

Almost every gas well in the world faces the problem of liquid loading at some point of their production life. Failure to mitigate this leads to a premature abandonment and hence economic losses. To cope up with the ever-increasing energy demand, it is essential to extract maximum possible gas from the reservoirs and this method is surely going to help in that direction.
Advanced InSAR Technology for Reservoir Monitoring and Geomechanical Model Calibration
Authors: Del Conte Sara , Tamburini Andrea , Cespa Stefano , Rucci Alessio , Ferretti Alessandro
Published: October 2013

Satellite SAR Interferometry (InSAR) has been widely used in recent decades to monitor earth surface displacements. Changes at ground surface level can be detected by simply comparing subsequent measurements of the satellite to ground distance. Although the basic idea is quite simple, the development of reliable InSAR algorithms was a long process as significant noise effects due to atmospheric phase delay and decorrelation phenomena had to be resolved. In 1999, the first results of the so- called Permanent Scatterer technique (PSInSAR), enabling the estimation and removal of atmospheric effects exploiting long temporal series of SAR acquisitions, was presented by the SAR group of Politecnico di Milano technical university. This approach meant moving from qualitative aerial information (InSAR) to quantitative information on a selected set of points (permanent/persistent scatterers) could be achieved, each measured to millimeter precision.

Further improvement in processing algorithms (i.e. SqueeSAR technique) have enhanced the spatial density of measurement points (Permanent Scatterers and Distributed Scatterers) also providing more effective filtering of the atmospheric artifacts. The availability of new high resolution satellites (i.e. COSMO-SkyMed and TerraSAR-X) has recently improved the monitoring capabilities up to monthly or weekly updates.

Thanks to the capability of providing high precision and high areal density surface displacement measurements over long periods of time Advanced InSAR technology represents one of the most valuable and cost-effective techniques for precisely monitoring surface deformation over hydrocarbon exploitation areas.

Volumetric changes in reservoirs due to fluid extraction and injection can induce surface deformations, which can highlight phenomena such as reservoir compartmentalization and fault reactivation. Monitoring such deformation can lead to a better understanding of the reservoir dynamics and can also provide valuable constraints for modeling reservoir behavior with the final goal of improving recovery factors.

Selected case studies in the Middle East and Caspian area are presented to highlight the effectiveness of advanced satellite Interferometry in reservoir monitoring, supporting the identification of fault-bounded reservoir compartments, the calibration of hydrocarbon reservoir geo-mechanical models and reservoir exploitation strategies.
Use of Electric Downhole Heaters to Improve Production and Recovery of Heavy, Viscous Oil in California and Venezuela
Authors: Ojeda Samuel S. , Parman David G.
Published: October 2013

This paper will combine field results from two heavy and high viscosity crudes - one in Venezuela and the other in California. Electric Downhole Heating (EDH) systems were used to lower the viscosity of oil in the reservoirs to increase the flow rates of crude and improve the oil recovery. EDH systems are very efficient, reliable, and easily controlled solution to allow production of heavy, high viscosity oils. The total system is very space efficient both downhole and on the surface.
Microbial Control Management for Oil and Gas Recovery Operation
Authors: Sianawati Emerentiana , Yin Bei , Williams Terry , McGinley Heather , Nair Subhash
Published: October 2013

Description

Hydrocarbon recovery operations use large amounts of water, some of which is routinely treated with biocides to control microbes both topside and downhole. Recent studies have demonstrated that this strategy for microbial control is not always effective. Without a comprehensive microbial control management program, microorganisms proliferate and may adversely affect recovery operations, damage physical assets, and decrease hydrocarbon quality. For example, in situ growth of microorganisms causes souring, plugs the formation, and increases microbially influenced corrosion (MIC). Microbial challenge testing was carried out to compare efficacies of selected commercially-available biocides and new products with better sustainability profiles to resolve these pertinent microbial problems. Whenever possible, the testing conditions simulated those in formations or pipelines.

Applications

Water and some chemical additives used in hydrocarbon recovery serve as nutrients for microorganisms, supporting large populations that result in the formation of biofilm, increased the risk of MIC, and decrease the quality and production efficiency of hydrocarbons. Therefore, it is essential to implement an effective microbial control program for both top-side operations and downhole reservoirs.

Results and Conclusions

A microbial audit of a fractured North American shale gas well identified high microorganism counts in the flow-back water and in the injection water. The incumbent biocide only offered inhibitory effects for less than seven days. Laboratory studies identified more effective treatments to control planktonic bacteria, reduce souring, and control MIC-associated microbes. If the most effective chemistries were employed, often in combinations, effective control of the indigenous microbial community could be maintained for prolonged periods while reducing the environmental footprint of the treatments.

Technical Contributions

Effective microbial control in hydrocarbon recovery operations can be attained by tailoring appropriate biocides to specific sites, alone and in combination, to reduce or eliminate microbially-based problems, protect physical assets, and reduce harm to the environment.
Effect of multi-phase feeding on growth, main carcass parts, and nitrogen content in faeces of broiler chickens
Authors: Tolimir N. , Peric L. , Milosevic N. , Djukic-Stojcic M. , Bogdanovic V. , Jovanovic R.
Published: October 2013

The objective of this paper is to investigate the effect of multiphase
feeding, i.e. the effect of different mash feeds with multi-phase protein
reduction, on growth, main carcass parts and nitrogen content in faeces of
broiler chickens. The experiment was conducted on 1216 chickens of Ross 308
provenience, separated by sex. The experiment lasted for 42 days and the
standard technology was used. The groups differed in a type of a mash
(treatment) given in the starter period, as follows: T1 (control group) was
given a mash with 23% crude proteins from day 1 to day 21; T2 - a mash with
23% proteins from day 1 to day 7, followed by a mash with 21.5% proteins
given from day 7 to day 21; T3 - a mash with 23% proteins from day 1 to day
14, followed by a mash with 21.5% proteins given from day 14 to day 21; T4 -
mashes changed every three days, having 23%, 22.55%, 22.10%, 21.65% , 21.20%,
20.75% and 20.30% of crude proteins, respectively. Slaughtering performance
was investigated on a total of 64 broiler chickens, with eight male and eight
female chickens used separately for each of the treatments. Nitrogen content
in faeces was determined using the pooled sample of faeces. The obtained
results showed some differences in the average daily growth of the male and
female chickens when comparing the control (T1) and the experimental groups.
Those differences were not statistically significant. However, when comparing
the male-only groups, it was determined that the experimental group T4 had
statistically significantly higher growth than T2 and T3 group. The effect of
the multi-phase feeding programme on the breast, thigh and drumstick share of
both male and female broilers was not significant. The applied multi-phase
feeding programmes resulted in a reduction in the nitrogen content in the
faeces. Considering the obtained results, it can be concluded that the
multi-phase feeding programmes had no negative effect on the growth and
slaughtering performances of broilers. This goes in favour of these
programmes, since they can result in some positive economic and environmental
effects of production.