bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Three Phase Flow Characteristics in Inclined Eccentric Annuli
Authors: Ettehadi Osgouei R. , Ozbayoglu M. E. , Ozbayoglu A. M. , Eren T.
Published: October 2013

Gasified (aerated) fluids, having two-phases, are commonly used in drilling operations, especially for achieving underbalanced conditions. While adjusting the flow rates for each phase, common application is to adjust liquid phase for proper cuttings transport, and to adjust gas phase for controlling bottomhole pressure. Unfortunately, each of these phases flow with relatively different local velocities, causing various flow patterns to occur, which leads to fluctuations in hole cleaning performance as well as frictional pressure losses. These flow patterns are influenced by hole inclination, geometry, and presence of cuttings.

This study addresses the hydrodynamic behavior of two-phase drilling fluids in inclined section of wellbores with the presence of cuttings as a third phase with inner pipe rotation, considering eccentricity. Extensive experiments were conducted at a cuttings transport flow loop using air-water mixtures under a wide range of flow rates, rate of penetrations (ROPs), pipe rotations and hole inclinations. During the experiments, frictional pressure losses, in-situ flow rates for each phase, ROP, inclination and pipe rotation speed were recorded. The experimental data was also used to investigate the cuttings transport mechanisms.

A comprehensive mechanistic model was developed for determining the frictional pressure losses and hole cleaning performance of two-phase drilling fluids based on the experimental observations. It has been concluded that the proposed model is estimating the frictional pressure losses reasonably accurate when compared with the measured values.
Towards Efficient Workover Cost and Time Saving: Hoist Applications Reveal The Advantages Over Conventional Rigs: 1st Case Study in UAE Fields
Authors: Al-Hammadi Yousef Abdulrahman
Published: October 2013

ADCO has evaluated the potential scope of work for hoists within it's operations and concluded that there is significant potential in terms of freeing up rig time (4 – 6 rig years per year over 5 years business plan period) and generating cost savings.

ADCO's maturing fields and well stock increases the requirement for re-entry and work-over activities with ~35% of the total well activity, over current business plan period, anticipated to be of this nature. Hoists are capable of performing the majority of this work as well as bringing the additional potential to run completions in new drilled wells thereby allowing early release of the drilling rig. In addition, in Re-entry wells, it can cover the well up to side track level then convential rig can continue the work until the end of the well which will also save the rig time & cost.

Some of the potential applications of Hoists include:- Running scraper, log and completions offline in new drilled wells. Work-over well repairs (well-kill, pulling old completion and running new completion) for single completion as starter. Well preparation for re-entry and sidetrack (retrieve existing completion, abandon existing perforated zone). ESP work-over. Fishing and Milling operation Run tie back liners. Plug and abandon wells. Production testing including coiled tubing stimulation and wire line operations. Spotting and squeezing cement plugs, changing THS and X-mass tree. Casing repair. Run completion into development well.

This paper presents the application of Hoist in ADCO's main fields, business case of using Hoist in next five years with 4 different scenario's, and how it is expected to become a game changer in increasing field development in future. In addition, the new standard to make the hoist unit capable to move in soft sand.
Turnkey Solutions for Drilling Equipment Upgrades Enable Drilling Contractors to Minimize Planning Uncertainties and Investment Cost
Authors: Kipker Thomas
Published: October 2013

For drilling contractors a critical task is to manage rig overhauls and equipment upgrades in a timely manner, and within budget. Upgrading of drilling rigs with specialised equipment is common practice and happens every day around the world. A future challenge is the flawless integration of modern drilling equipment that provides an extended functionality and advanced control features. In the future, integration of these upgrades as turnkey solution will be a requirement for successful equipment suppliers and will become a major demand for drilling contractors

This manuscript –outlines the holistic approach of turnkey equipment integration into an existing drilling rig using Bentec's a Top Drive as a practical example. The gap between common upgrade procedures and turnkey upgrade solutions will be discussed based on lessons learned during several field installments. The manuscript also explains a typical project execution, beginning with a comprehensive rig survey, to engineering documentation, equipment integration planning process, installation of equipment, commissioning and the training of operators. During the project phase, the supplier has to consider the integration of the equipment itself – but also has to ensure that all external systems, controls signals and operation procedures are fully considered for a safe and flawless commissioning of the Top Drive package. The requirements for the equipment supplier will significantly change from just supplying upgrades on an equipment level to a turnkey solution provider. The supplier would be responsible for the flawless integration and commissioning of the product and all associated control and operation function. Delivering such a holistic approach requires a solid engineering experience; in-depth understanding of rig controls and signal processing, rig site integrated training support, project coordination and management skills.

This paper uses Bentec Top Drive upgrades as an example and describes in detail how a Top Drive and its turnkey system integration can increase rig performance.
Advanced TCI Technology Replacing PDC in Hard Dolomitic Application, Offshore Middle East
Authors: Qadmani Marawan Ahmad , Ghazzawi Ayman , Hammoutene Cherif , Noureldin Ali , Shaker Mahmoud
Published: October 2013

To develop gas/condensate reserves in Dorra field offshore Kuwait, the operator is setting a long string of large OD casing to facilitate short-radius horizontal drilling techniques in the 17-in hole section. The procedure has proved challenging for existing technologies and has led to the customization of tools for specific areas and in extreme cases on a well-by-well basis.

To standardize operations, engineers studied offset data and conducted a lithology/formation analysis. The investigation indicated the lithology is PDC drillable from surface down to 1200ft and that reaching the Tayarat dolomite at 4000ft with acceptable ROP was possible with current PDC technology. However while drilling the first two wells, three different PDCs failed to achieve the target depth in-spite of steadily increasing blade count (6,7,8) and diamond volume in critical wear areas. The lack of durability resulted in one/two extra trips for a new PDC and/or rollercone to finish the hole section. The operator required a new approach to reduce CPF.

A rock strength analysis was preformed to select the best TCI insert shape and gauge/heel configuration. An initial trial with a standard 17-in rollercone (GS18VEJ3) on rotary BHA proved successful. Although the new strategy required two bits to reach section TD, it reduced CPF by 10% compared to the best PDC/TCI performance. After analyzing dull bit condition and TCI cutting structure degradation, several additional challenges were identified as performance limiters.

A new design was produced that included a precision sealed bearing system and new cutting structure geometry and insert shapes. The new design (MGS18VC) was run on a motor BHA in the next two wells with outstanding results increasing average footage and ROP by 24% and 8% respectively compared to average PDC/TCI drilled wells. The customized bit reduced CPF by an additional 8.5% for a total cost savings of $100,000USD/well.
Middle East Hard/Abrasive Formation Challenge: Reducing PDC Cutter Volume at Bit Center Increases ROP/Drilling Efficiency
Authors: Azar Michael , White Allen , Velvaluri Suman , Beheiry Karim , Johny Mohamad Mustafa , Bits Smith
Published: October 2013

The Middle East's hard carbonates and abrasive sandstone cause a multitude of drilling problems. In Oman, penetrating thick conglomerates (12–30kpsi) in 12¼-in hole section is a predominate challenge. In Kuwait, drilling the 16-in hole section through hard Dammam-Ahmadi (5–30kpsi) is problematic. Offshore Qatar, building 12¼-in tangent through Hith-Khail (9–30kpsi) causes PDC cutter damage reducing ROP. The region's operators would benefit from a new approach. Shirking conventional heavy-set PDC design philosophy, engineers explored a new concept that concentrated on removing the inefficient low rotational velocity cutters at the center of a PDC bit.

An R&D initiative produced a conical diamond cutting element (CDE) with twice the diamond thickness of a conventional PDC cutter. CDE is manufactured to provide superior resistance to abrasive wear and impact load damage. In laboratory testing, the element exhibits up to 70% increase in cutting efficiency compared to standard PDC cutters. Design engineers then used an FEA-based modeling system to position the CDE at bit center by selectively abbreviating the blades at bit center. By opening the cutting structure in this manner enables a stress-relieved rock column to develop. The CDE then engages the column to continuously crush and fracture the formation thereby increasing ROP potential. This unique design has also proven to increase stability for improved borehole quality.

An 8¾-in PDC (MDSiZ616) with CDE was run in North Dakota and drilled four hole sections (6209–6477ft) in a single trip. The average ROP of the first three CDE runs was 168ft/hr, 46% faster than the best offset average (115ft/hr) set by standard PDC. On the fourth run, a CDE PDC set a Bakken ROP record of 203ft/hr drilling 6301ft of vertical/curve in one run. In Bakken lateral, a 6-in MDSiZ613 with CDE drilled 9544ft at 97ft/hr in one run, a 49% ROP improvement compared to three bits required on an offset lateral. The bit displaying excellent directional control staying within the narrow reservoir window while setting records for highest 24-hour footage (2903 ft/day) and fastest lateral TD to date. The new type CDE bit is currently being evaluated in Middle East/southern Iraq applications and positive results will be outlined in the paper.
Hybrid Bit Technology Expands Application Range in Harsh Rock Environments
Authors: Garcia Alexis , Barocio Hector , John Denise , Avila Eduardo Antonio
Published: October 2013

When drilling in extreme environments, the integration of the latest advancements in materials engineering and cutter technology are crucial to maximizing drilling efficiency and reducing trips. Recent advances in hybrid bit technology have expanded the application range into lithology intervals that feature high compressive strength, high abrasivity and low drillability. By fusing existing technologies such as PDC and diamond impregnated cutting structures, designers have improved existing designs so they feature both optimized cutting element placement for extending bit durability and an engineered mix of diamond impregnated material strategically placed in critical wear-prone areas of the bit to increase exposure on hard and abrasive lithologies. These design changes also take into account the effects of a progressive combination of shearing and grinding rock failure mechanisms to maximize drilling efficiency.

After initial applications in the Sub-Saharan region of the Congo, this bit technology has been featured in several applications across the world. These cases include runs onshore Jordan with highly interbedded lithologies; foothills area of Colombia drilling in rocks exceeding 25ksi UCS and offshore runs in Mexico within the middle and lower cretaceous areas with lithologies containing up to 10% Chert.

In these case studies, the use of hybrid drill bit technology has reduced costs and NPT in situations where it would typically take a number of impregnated, PDC and tungsten carbide insert bits, many using different drive systems, to reach total depth. These cases also describe the different characteristics and drillability of the rock types, as each demands specific bit design features and parameters to be failed in the most effective manner.

During the evolution of the hybrid design, the importance of PDC cutter selection played a crucial role in the design's success. Cutter technology was adapted to provide superior abrasion and thermal resistance, better suited to combat the high abrasivity of the formations. Additionally, the cutting edge geometry was modified to provide increased toughness, avoiding premature cutter edge overload to maximize the length of the bit run.
Long Term Wellbore Isolation In a Corrosive Environment
Authors: Ilesanmi Oluwagbemiga R. , Hilal Bashar , Gill Steve , Brandl Andreas , Abdullah Ali
Published: October 2013

The paper reviews two case histories about successful wellbore isolation with a suitable cementing system for a recent enhanced oil recovery / CO2 project targeting the Thamama B formation of the Bab Far North reservoir in the UAE. The first two wells were vertical observers with zonal isolation required between the Thamama A and B. These wells were expected to exhibit a naturally corrosive environment (e.g. 56,000 ppm of CO2). To address these challenges, a fit-for-purpose cementing system, suitable for CO2 and other corrosive fluids, was developed and successfully applied. The system was designed to isolate and protect specific Thamama zones and wellbore areas that contained gaseous or liquid corrosive CO2. This cement slurry was developed with a density of 16.7 ppg exhibiting expanding properties after setting to compensate potential shrinkage issues and to improve cement bond. Laboratory test results for the developed cementing system, such as compressive strength development, thickening time, expanding properties after setting, and integrity after long term exposure towards wet CO2, are presented and discussed. Performance requirements for cementing sytems to qualify for CO2 tolerance are elucidated. Finally, the execution in the field and the quality of the cement job was evaluated. All of the special designs exhibited excellent bond log results. The favorable lab test results and the positive case history conclude that the developed cementing system can be a viable solution to provide long term zonal isolation in a wellbore with a corrosive environment.
New Generation Drill Pipe to Increase Drilling Performance in ERD Wells
Authors: Van Puymbroeck Luc , El Bachiri Kamal
Published: October 2013

Complex and Extended Reach Drilling (ERD) well profiles are continuously pushing the limits of the drill string. Drill pipe with high-torque connections and increased tensile strength-to-weight ratios are required to overcome frictional drag forces, achieve improved hydraulic performance, control well trajectory and provide higher rates of penetration with optimal hole cleaning. While hole cleaning is generally considered to be well understood when drilling deviated and horizontal wells, many drillers still have difficulty properly managing the entire process.

Experience reveals that less-than optimal hole cleaning can lead to nonproductive time, poor bore-hole quality, and loss of the drill string or even the well. Large boreholes drilled at high ROPs will usually require additional rig time for essential cleanup. An in-depth analysis supported by key performance indicators (KPI) shows that using Mechanical Hole Cleaning Devices (MCD) in certain directional wells can achieve drilling efficiency gains with cost savings.

This paper addresses a new drill pipe design integrating hydro-mechanical features in the tool joint to address annular pressure issues prevalent in ERD wells. This innovative approach to drill pipe design aims at drilling with safer ECD (Equivalent Circulating Density) margins, reducing time spent on hole cleaning, improving hole quality and reducing Nonproductive Time (NPT). Short of a case history, performance improvements similar to efficiency gains achieved with the Hydroclean™ tool in highly deviated well can be expected.
Smart Calliper for Measurement While Drilling
Authors: Rasheed Wajid , Zhou Shaohua , Al-Khanferi Nasser M.
Published: October 2013

This paper outlines the R&D methodology, accelerated testing and successful results of an innovative Smart Reamer Calliper for measurement while drilling. The concept was progressed from design to prototype with long hours downhole drilling qualification tests completed in 3 years. Limitations often exist with ultrasonic calliper measurement technology due to bottom-hole assembly (BHA) placement and changes in fluid density. The Smart Calliper prototype tool overcame these limitations by building onboard proper calibration and multiple sensors that allow 360 ° mapping of the wellbore shape. Further optional Measurement While Drilling (MWD), vibration, magnetic and underreamer position sensors can be added.

An R&D project was established with incremental tests identifying root-cause failure/design issues before moving to the next stage. This iterative process ensured proper prototype manufacturing and minimized risk at critical test points. At the same time parallel activities enabled the project to reduce overall time associated with common project tasks. The whole R&D consisted of four stages: design and finite element analysis (FEA), small scale testing, full scale testing and long hours of field test drilling. The prototype tool was first tested in sliding, rotating and underreaming BHAs for drilling a total of 900 m in chalk, clay and sands. Small scale lab tests — including high pressure and temperature at 13,053 psi and 150°C for 100 hours — were conducted in England. Full scale under-reaming testing occurred in Norway with a wireline calliper for cross-check of the wellbore diameter measurement, and finally another qualification test in England comprising 59 hours on bottom drilling.

Last, a real-time data display was performed via an integration with a standard mud pulse telemetry. In conclusion, the new Smart Calliper tool accurately measures and can provide both memory and real-time data of the 3D wellbore, allowing the drilling team at the rig-site to: Pinpoint narrow or under-gauge wellbore sections, verifying underreamer performance and measuring wellbore diameter above the reamer, allowing for a corrective reaming trip to be performed while drilling BHA is still in hole.Offer better cement volume estimate to minimize excess.Eliminate wireline calliper deployment.Eliminate a wiper trip typically carried out prior to running long casing or liner string.Offer monitoring of downhole tool vibration and separate directional survey if required.
A Milestone in Production Optimization in the Niger Delta Using Intelligent Completions
Authors: Chinwe Uchendu , Nnanna Erasmus , Okpokpor Obaro , Yahaya Ibrahim , Friday Otutu , Erumwunse Courage , Agbonaye Cardinal
Published: October 2013

With increasing energy demand, cost optimization and environmental challenges; using smart techniques to produce multiple reservoirs in a single well is a much welcomed concept. Intelligent completions have been proven to be an efficient reservoir management tool and Shell Nigeria (SPDC) has tapped on this innovative technology to optimize production enhancement in one of its fields.

In this paper an overview of the deployment of the first onshore intelligent well technology in one of the largest field in the Western Swamp area in Nigeria will be reviewed. The well is a part of the Nembe Creek Phase-1 campaign and serves as a pilot for the Phase-2 Smart Well campaign planned for 2013. This paper in detail describes the innovative techniques deployed and benefits of this smart completion are discussed with particular reference to Well A-1

SPDC's 1st smart completion was completed in May 2012. It consists of three (3) intervals - having one of the longest intervals perforated in SPDC (374ft cum length) which was perforated in a single trip system. This well also sets a trend worth replicating as it recorded the best completions installation time amongst competition in Nigeria. This was achieved by effective team work & thorough upfront planning.

The paper will highlight details of the well design, installation/surface equipment hook up in addition to the well clean up and performance monitoring strategy. The paper also highlights lessons learned at each phase of the well project and describes how those lessons will be applied to ensure the next phase of intelligent completion system planned in the field will be implemented to ensure sustained success in smart well technology in Shell Nigeria.
World's First Successful Deployment of an Advanced 11-3/4" Expandable Liner Hanger in a Deepwater Exploration Well
Authors: Adewuya Opeyemi , Tiwari Shrikant , Balhareth Mahdi , Mohamed Abdullah O. , Solano Maurilio
Published: October 2013

Rank wild cat deepwater exploration wells present an escalated set of challenges beyond even those encountered in the most complex offshore well construction. The presence of salt diapirs and well documented stressed pre- and post-salt formation layers produce greater distortion and unpredictability to geopressure and temperature gradients. It is customary to approach these challenges with casing design configurations that afford deployment of contingency casing strings without compromise to mechanical strength, well integrity and reaching the bottom-hole depth objective with the right casing bore size for production testing.

The use of expandable liners have become a panacea for extending hole sections — that may otherwise have truncated and narrowed the final depth — and terminating the hole size of deep reservoir targets respectively. Significant compromise in casing mechanical strength accompanies the application of expandable liners and their application must be carefully considered, alongside an array of qualified alternatives, especially above and across high pressured reservoir intervals.

The Expandable Hanger and Packer Liner (EHPL) System offers the preservation of the maximum bore size for subsequent hole and casing size, while allowing deployment in the tightest annuli that otherwise will have prevented the pass through and space for a conventional hanger deployment to achieve liner design and effective hang-off capacity. In the account presented in this paper, the technical evaluation process, deployment planning and challenges, and successful application industry-wide of the first liner with an expandable hanger and packer system is enumerated.
Inflow Control Device in Thin-Layer Bottom Water Drive Reservoir Enhances Oil Recovery in China South Sea
Authors: Cui Esther , Hay Bill , Garcia Gonzalo A.
Published: October 2013

Horizontal wells can increase a reservoir's drainage area and hydrocarbon recovery, but they pose challenges such as early water breakthrough, high water cut and low oil recovery. Water production continues to increase until the economic limit of the well is reached. In a thin-layer water drive reservoir, in particular, the key factors are controlling water coning, extending the water-free production period and controlling water production post breakthrough.

This paper details the challenges faced working in horizontal wells, an optimized reservoir Passive Inflow Control Devices (PICDs, called ICD in this paper) mechanism to address such challenges and reservoir simulation analysis in the application of ICDs in China South Sea.

Two dynamic reservoir models were built with the same reservoir property inputs but with two well completion types: standalone screen (SAS) completion and ICDs completion. Through the daily oil and water production, cumulative oil and water production, 3D water movement, the performance of an ICD completion were evaluated. The simulation results demonstrate the added value of the ICD completion system compared to a standalone screen completion production and increased oil in a thin-layer bottom water driver reservoir.
Effective Well Management in Sabriyah Intelligent Digital Oilfield
Authors: Jamal Mariam Abdul-Raheem , Al-Mufarej Mishal , Al-mutawa Majdi , Anthony Elred , Hom Chetri , Singh Siddharth , Moricca Giuseppe , Kain Jeff , Saputelli Luigi
Published: October 2013

Oil production from North Kuwait carbonate reservoirs are challenging because of factors, such as high permeability streaks, poor microscopic sweep efficiency, and low mobility ratios, all of which can dramatically impair production rates and oil recoveries. Despite tremendous efforts related to waterflood research, oil recovery in carbonates typically remains low. New technology and approaches are required to increase and sustain oil production to access and drain immense amounts of remaining oil-in-place.

This paper presents the results of collaborative work procedures applied to a selective number of wells to increase production performance in the Sabriyah Mauddud field pilot under the Kuwait Integrated Digital Field (KwIDF) project umbrella. KwIDF is part of a comprehensive strategy undertaken by an operator to enhance overall oil production by the application of digital oilfield (DOF) concepts, which involves (1) well instrumentation to provide enhanced real-time data availability, (2) upgraded power and communications infrastructure to support field instrumentation and control real-time data, (3), creating collaborative decision centers to enhance asset team processes across physically separate locations, and (4) providing a platform to increase effectiveness through automating work processes and to shorten observation-to-action cycle time.

The Sabriyah KwIDF pilot involves 44 producer and five injector wells producing about 7% of total Sabriyah field production. The main objective of this effort was to maximize and sustain oil rates and reduce well decline while honoring safe well operating envelope constraints. As a result of this effort, production gains have been certified in 10 wells of the pilot area to date. This success has been achieved by carefully analyzing past performance and adjusting well settings to real- time production conditions using the operator's digital infrastructure.

This paper describes how this optimization methodology provides improvements to short-term production rates while honoring safe well operating envelope and presents case histories illustrating the benefits from the automated workflows and collaborative decision approach. The average sustained oil gain was 395 BOPD, or 37%. The total sustained oil gain reached 3,949 BOPD (34%), with a cumulative production gain of 756 thousand barrels for the evaluation period.
Real Time Online Energy Management at KNPC Refineries
Authors: Ershaid Mohammad , Al-Tarkeet Ahmad , Al-Mutairi Jamilah , Al-Anezi Salwa , Ruiz Carlos , Ruiz Diego , Santollani Oscar , Cuneo Sebastian , Periyasamy Dhanasekar
Published: October 2013

Kuwait National Petroleum Company (KNPC) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC). KNPC operates three (3) refineries viz., Mina Al-Ahmadi (MAA), Shuaiba (SHU) and Mina Abdulla (MAB). KPC internal directives required the implementation of a management process to optimize energy consumption through the formation of energy management cells (EMCs), which implemented an energy management program based on best international practices.

This paper describes the tasks performed to develop and implement real time, online models, to help with the three KNPC refineries energy cost minimization and energy management, which are scheduled to perform it automatically. They allow to clearly identify the different economic trade-offs that challenges the operation of the site wide energy systems at minimum cost while reducing the energy waste and, therefore, CO2 footprint. Recommendations given by the optimizers are taken into account by operations on a daily basis.

The same models used for the online, real time optimization, are also used in standalone mode, populated either with current or historical data, allowing to perform case studies for planning or to evaluate alternatives for a better and most economical operation of the energy systems.

As a result of the project, the information of each refinery energy system has been organized into models and reports to which everyone has access.
Next Generation of Workflows for Multilevel Assisted History Matching and Production Forecasting: Concept, Implementation and Visualization
Authors: Maucec M.. , Singh A. P. , Carvajal G. A. , Mirzadeh S.. , Knabe S. P. , Mahajan A.. , Dhar J.. , Al-Jasmi A. K. , El Din I. H.
Published: October 2013

Traditional reconciliation of geomodels with production data is one of the most laborious tasks in reservoir engineering. The uncertainty associated with the great majority of model variables only adds to the overall complexity. This paper describes the conceptualization, implementation, and visualization characteristics of the multilevel assisted history matching (AHM) technique that captures inherent model uncertainty and allows for better quantification of production forecasts.

The workflow is applied to history matching of the pilot area in a major, structurally complex Middle East (ME) carbonate reservoir. The simulation model combines 49 wells in five waterflood patterns to match 50 years of oil production and 12 years of water injection and to predict eight years of production. Initially, the reservoir model was calibrated to match oil production by modifying permeability and/or porosity at well locations and by fine-tuning rock-type properties and water saturation. The second level history match implemented two-stage Markov chain Monte Carlo (McMC) stochastic optimization to minimize the misfit in water cut on a well-by-well basis. The inversion process is dramatically accelerated by the efficient parameterization of permeability, constraining the proxy model using streamline-based sensitivities and using parallel and cluster computing. The optimal number of representative history-matched models was identified to capture the uncertainty in reservoir spatial connectivity using rigorous optimization and dynamic model ranking based on forecasted oil recovery factors (ORFs). The reduced set of models minimized the computational load for forecast-based analysis, while retaining the knowledge of the uncertainty in the recovery factor.

The comprehensive probabilistic AHM workflow was implemented at the operator's North Kuwait Integrated Digital Oilfield (KwIDF) collaboration center. It delivers an optimized reservoir model for waterflood management and automatically updates the model quarterly with geological, production, and completion information. This allows engineers to improve the reservoir characterization and identify the areas that require more data capture.
Desalting of Heavy Crude Oil by using Centrifugal Technology
Authors: Perschke Thomas
Published: October 2013

The development of new and above all complete and efficient yield from the crude oil and natural gas fields already accessed on all the continents and in all the oceans. Today's challenge is that most of the conventional oil reservoirs are declining and that the importance of the unconventional Heavy Crude Oil reservoirs is becoming bigger and bigger. Hence the world has over 3 trillion bbl Heavy Crude Oil reserves; it covers the world energy needs for the next 100 years. Such unconventional crude oils cannot be handled in the traditional way.

The INDUSTRY works by known mostly with static dewatering and desalting systems using electrostatic fields, chemicals, temperature and the g-force for separation of oil and water. These systems have their limitations when it comes to lower API grades and higher viscosities in capacity and quality. A reliable alternative to the traditional desalting process is the usage of high-speed centrifuges. The system can handle low-API grades and high viscous oils and provide in the same time an excellent quality crude oil even by one stage process. Because of the high g- forces and separation efficiency the overall cost per barrel crude oil can be decreased as temperature, using of chemicals, wash water and electrical consumption can be reduced. The design of the disk-stack centrifuge with the direct-drive concept ensures a minimalized foot print of the installation.

High-speed centrifuges are used successfully in the exploration, delivery and treatment of crude oils and oily water applications. They combine efficiency, reliability and environmental conservation in a broad spectrum of highly specialized applications.
New Initiatives in Improvement of Quality Education through Inquiry-based Learning Model, a joint Total E&P Indonesie and SEAMEO-QITEP
Authors: Adinugroho Kusuma , Supriyatman Deden
Published: October 2013

The Oil and Gas Industry requires 4H: High Investments, High Technology, High Risks and High skillful manpower. The Industry are facing difficult situation on obtaining local skillful manpower with high tech calibers due to unmatched between the Industry needs and the supplies of the educational institutions. Education is one of the key milestones stipulated in the Millenium Development Goals (MDGs).

Despite most of the MDGs are achieved or progressing, there are several goals needs major attention or required hard works. UN Secretary General Ban Ki - Moon in a UN report on the MDGs in 2013 confirms the global conditions associated with the level of achievement of the MDGs as a whole lot of progress. The proportion of urban slum dwellers is significantly decreased. Indonesia for example from 2000 to 2010 has been reduced from 34 % to 23 %. Likewise, the amount of decrease in TB patients and the fight against Malaria, and improvement efforts in health and basic education. On the MDG targets on Education that need hard works: the number of children out of school declined by almost half from 102 million to 57 million. While the MDG targets on Education that need attention: Poor children are three times likely to drop out of school compared with wealthier households. Indonesia keeps improving the quality of education. From 1945 to nowadays Indonesia has changed into better improved curriculum for 10 times. However, the quality is still considered to be "low". The PISA data shows that in the very last year, the score of student's ability in reading is 393, in mathematics 393, in problem solving 361, while the international average score is 450. This situation is caused by the low teacher's quality: 48,69% of the teachers do not have sufficient qualification of education and 70% of teachers are not certified yet. Furthermore, there are some problems of current education curriculum in Indonesia such as the content of the current curriculum is too much and it is not based on competence.

The national ratio of student and teacher numbers in elementary school level is 1:20 which means one teacher has to teach 20 students. It is better than the situation in Singapore ((1:25), Korea (1:31), and Philippines (1:35). The condition of secondary level is about similar. It is 1:15 in Indonesia which is better than Malaysia (1:18), China (1:19), or Thailnad (1:25). In fact, Indonesia still has the problem of uneven distribution of teachers. It really affects the quality of education in Indonesia. PISA shows that Indonesia is at the 34th out of 41 countries. In science, Indonesia is the 38th out of 41 countries.
Development and Implementation of the AVAILS+ Collaborative Forecasting Tool for Production Assurance in the Kuwait Oil Company, North Kuwait (KOC NK)
Authors: Al-Saad Bader , Murray Paul A. , Vanderhaeghen Maurice , Yannimaras Demetrios , Naime Rami Kansao
Published: October 2013

AVAILS+ is a short-term forecasting tool designed to lead the production assurance efforts of the North Kuwait Asset (Sabriyah, Raudhatain, Ratqa, Abdali, and Bahrah fields of the Kuwait Oil Company).

The tool has been developed jointly between KOC North Kuwait (KOC NK) and Quantum Reservoir Impact (QRI®). AVAILS+ design principles are firmly rooted within RCAA® (Reservoir Competency Asymmetric Assessment)1, QRI's empirically-driven investigative process for qualifying and quantifying reservoir fundamentals.

As a technology, the tool can best be described as an ‘Enterprise Mashup’, a collection of E&P data stores integrated into a reservoir analytics engine with dashboards for tracking primary drivers of the production forecast. This high degree of data integration coupled with its visual nature (dashboards) enable better cross organization transparency and collaboration with respect to execution of the recovery plan for production assurance.

There is nothing novel about short-term forecasts, metrics, dashboards or fit-for-purpose databases—all of which are components of this Enterprise Mashup. What is unique is the way in which AVAILS+ elegantly unifies these components into a strategic decision-making engine for the North Kuwait organization. There have been genuine new insights within this business intelligence approach to managing the reservoirs of NK, all leading the workforce to an improved understanding of reservoir fundamentals and, consequently, better, more informed and timely decisions.
Front-End-Loading (FEL) Process Supporting Optimum Field Development Decision Making
Authors: Saputelli Luigi , Black Alan , Passalacua Herminio , Barry Kevin
Published: October 2013

In the decision making process for investing large capital sums the Oil & Gas majors adopt an aged and proven methodology: FEL or Front End Loading to both mitigate project risk and also to enhance Return on Investment (ROI). This somewhat dated approach to large project investment methodology is seen by all as the standard norm and as such has being used by all over the last decades. However within this said process of risk mitigation, the FEL process remains open to challenge as to its actual viability in today's forever challenging performance environment.

This paper in its essence does support the FEL process and definition and does however openly challenge the outdated approach and puts forward a well-structured alternative which offers increased RISK mitigation and in turn reduces ROI, addressing at the same time the important question of how to allocate important asset resources (People) to maximize profit whilst reducing RISK!

"Front-end-loading should be considered as a sound field development practice that allows the optimum allocation of capital and human resources, reduces the uncertainty of key information and ensures a holistic view to all field development plan decisions.

We present an uncommon approach to addresses how to make optimal decisions during field development planning to maximize profit and minimize risk. Although there is no fixed method to control and maximize the optimal decision making process in a capital projects, FEL (front-end-loading) methodology measures and increases the level of project definition, thereby increasing the probability of project success at any stage of the life of the oil field. Traditionally, economic resources have been the principal metrics for analysis. However, the term resources encompasses many potential inputs to the system, e.g. drilling, facilities, enhanced recovery, and allocations and in particular and most importantly People!
Paper Title Treatment of Produced Water in North Rumela Oil Field for Re-Injection Application
Authors: Kuraimid Z. Kh , Ahmed Kh. E , Ahmed Th. A , Abdulla L. Y , Al Mesfer A. M , Majeed A. Y , Khanfer A. E , Kitagawa M. K , Wada H. R , Isozaki H. I , Iijima M. S , Oya Sh. O , Kanno T. T
Published: October 2013

Produced water is any water that is present in a reservoir with the hydrocarbon resource and is produced to the surface with crude oil or natural gas. The major components of produced water are oil, grease, TDS, many organic and inorganic compounds. These components vary greatly from location to location and even over time in the same well.

For Iraqi petroleum fields, the produced water in most cases is discarded into evaporation ponds outside the fields and this causes serious environmental problems for air, soil, and ground water. On the other hand, huge quantities of treated fresh water from rivers are used for injection in the petroleum wells to increase the productivity of petroleum fields from the oil in so called Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR). A prediction study conducted by South Oil Company (SOC) indicated that the production rate of produced water in North Rumaila field varies (290000- 800000 BBL/day) from 2011 to 2028. For the above mentioned reasons, a joint research team from Petroleum Research and Development Center (PRDC) and SOC has formed to find solutions for produced water treatment to be suitable for reinjection purposes. In the beginning of 2010, a memorandum has been signed between Iraqi side (PRDC) and Japanese side (JCCP, WRPC, SWING) to start a joint project of PW treatment for reinjection application. Iraqi side collected the data related to the quantities and qualities of of PW in SOC, determined the required specifications for re- injected water and also selected the PW of South Rumaila field (Degassing Station NO.1) to be treated for reinjection. The joint research team (Iraqi & Japanese) hold several technical meetings to identify the PW problem and put the more suitable technology for treatment. The general philosophy of treatment was agreed by the the joint research team. SWING Company has adopted construction of a pilot plant (total capacity 10m3/day) to test the efficiency of the proposal treatment on ARTIFICIAL PW. Iraqi side provided the Japanese side with the types and concentrations of salts that required to prepare an ARTIFICIAL PW with similar properties of natural PW.Two Iraqi persons have been delegated to Japan for one month for training on installation and operation of pilot plant. After acquiring the skills of installation and operation by Iraqi operators, the pilot plant has been shipped to South Rumela field (Degassing Station NO.1) and installed by Iraqi operational team. The obtained results of the treated PW properties by the pilot plant were very good and met to the required specifications of water for reinjection.
The impact of the combination of citrates and acetates on the shelf-life of beef packaged in a modified atmosphere
Authors: Kuzelov A. , Kirovska-Cigulevska Olga
Published: October 2013

Fresh ground beef from the thigh area (Musculus Semimembranosus) was treated
with the Bombal Fresh additive (containing a combination of citrates and
acetates), with the ratio of 5g per 1kg of meat. After being treated the meat
was vacuumed in a modified atmosphere with a combination of the ?2 and ??2
gases with a ratio of 80:20% and was stored at a temperature of +2?C and +6?C
for 8 days. Samples were taken and analyzed on the 1st, 3rd and 7th day. At
the same time control tests were performed on fresh ground beef from the
thigh area (Musculus Semimembranosus) that hadn?t been treated with Bombal
Fresh. The results have demonstrated that the samples that were treated with
Bombal Fresh and stored at a temperature of +2?C had a lower bacterial count
than the samples stored at a temperature of +6?C and the control samples. The
samples treated with Bombal Fresh and stored at a temperature of +2?C
received higher organoleptic marks than the samples that were stored at +6?C
and the control samples. For all the different sensory properties that were
tested (color, discoloration and the intensity of foreign scents) the samples
treated with Bombal Fresh and stored at a temperature of +2?C received higher
marks than the samples that were stored at +6?C and the control samples.
Architectural glass: Types, performance and legislation
Authors: Savic Jelena , Djuric-Mijovic Danijela , Bogdanovic Veliborka
Published: October 2013

Glass is an ancient building material, which facilitated penetration of light
into buildings. Once it was used exclusively for window panes, whereas
nowadays there are examples of structures made of glass only. Apart from the
traditional non-bearing application in engineering, it is progressively used
for construction of bearing elements. The progressively stricter regulations
dealing with energy efficiency of the buildings gives rise to application of
special characteristics glass of high performance, but also to the more
intensive research in this field. The adequate choice of the glass type can
to a great extent improve the energy efficiency of the building. The paper
gives a literature review of today?s available architectural glass types as
well as their characteristics and developing tendencies. Also a review of
standards, both national and international once is provided.
Behavior of reinforced concrete beams loaded by transversal bending forces
Authors: Radojicic Vladimir
Published: October 2013

Based on the experimental research on the beams MB 25 and MB 80 to short term
load and long term load, the assumption that the truss theory is based on the
actual behavior of reinforced concrete beams loaded by bending until failure
cannot be confirmed, because in the tensioned zone of the beam, the tensioned
member of the truss cannot be formed, so it is necessary to take into
consideration the active forces of pressure and tension, as well as the
resistance forces of pressure, tension and shearing when the equilibrium
conditions are examined.
Influence of fluid-mechanical characteristics of the system on the volumetric mass transfer coefficient and gas dispersion in three-phase system
Authors: Knezevic Milena , Povrenovic Dragan
Published: October 2013

Distribution of gas bubbles and volumetric mass transfer coefficient, Kla, in
a three phase system, with different types of solid particles at different
operation conditions were studied in this paper. The ranges of superficial
gas and liquid velocities used in this study were 0,03-0,09 m/s and 0-0,1
m/s, respectively. The three different types of solid particles were used as
a bed in the column (glass dp=3 mm, dp=6 mm; ceramic dp=6 mm). The
experiments were carried out in a 2D plexiglas column, 278 x 20,4 x 500 mm
and in a cylindrical plexiglas column, with a diameter of 64 mm and a hight
of 2000 mm. The Kla coefficient increased with gas and liquid velocities.
Results showed that the volumetric mass transfer coefficient has a higher
values in three phase system, with solid particles, compared with two phase
system. The particles properties (diameter and density) have a major impact
on oxygen mass transfer in three phase systems.
Synthesis and biological activity of hydroxycinnamoyl containing antiviral drugs
Authors: Chochkova Maya , Georgieva Assya , Ivanova Galya , Nikolova Nadya , Mukova Luchia , Nikolaeva-Glomb Lubomira , Milkova Tsenka
Published: October 2013

Seven N-hydroxycinnamoyl amides were synthesized by EDC/HOBt coupling of the
corresponding substituted cinnamic acids (p-coumaric-, ferulic-, sinapic-
and caffeic acids) with influenza antivirals (amantadine, rimantadine and
oseltamivir). DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) scavenging abilities and
the inhibitory effect on mushroom tyrosinase activity (using L-tyrosine as
the substrate) were investigated in vitro. Amongst the synthesized
compounds, N-[(E)-3-(3?,4?-dihydroxyphenyl)-2-propenoyl]oseltamivir (1) and
N-[(E)-3-(3?,4?-dihydroxyphenyl)-2-propenoyl]rimantadine (4), containing
catechol moiety, exhibited the most potent DPPH radical-scavenging activity.
Amide (1) displayed also tyrosinase inhibitory effect toward L-tyrosine as
the substrate (~50%). Due to its biological activities revealed so far
compound (1) can be considered as a promising candidate for a cosmetic
ingredient. The synthesized compounds were also investigated for their in
vitro inhibitory activity against the replication of influenza virus A
(H3N2).