bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of Solids on Topside Operations in EOR Context
Authors: Blazquez C. , Klopffer M.-H. , Kohler E.
Published: October 2023

The presence of solids in the hydrocarbon treatment and separation equipment downstream the choke can have a great impact on the process operability, assets risks, flow assurance, thus on the economics of the operation. It has been well documented that solids can highly stabilize emulsions, sometimes even better than surfactants. In fact, solids can be attached to the oil/water interface in an almost irreversible way that impedes droplets coalescence mainly by steric repulsion. Moreover, naturally surfactant molecules present in the crude oil (e.g., asphaltenes, naphthenic acids, resins, carboxylic acids) or production chemicals (e.g., anticorrosion, antiscales, demulsifiers, antifoamers) can enhance the ability of solids to promote emulsification and emulsion stability. In addition, the interaction of chemical EOR with the produced solids can lead to production issues like wellbore blockage, emulsion stabilization, increase of waste streams, equipment clogging, and so on.

In this work, the impact of solid particles on oil/water separator (i.e., emulsion stability) and on the produced water treatment has been studied. On the one hand, the impact of the solid concentration has been evaluated through rapid emulsification tests founding that, as a general trend, the increase of the solid concentration led to more stable emulsions. The impact of the presence of polymer (Xanthan) has also been tested through bottle testing. The interaction between the solids, the polymer, the demulsifier, and the fluids is quite complex as their presence either has no impact or hinders separation. Furthermore, the solid partitioning between both phases depends on their size and wettability, leading in some cases to the formation of rag layers. On the other hand, the impact of these solids on different techniques of water treatment in presence of polymer has also been evaluated such as water clarification (gravity settling) in presence of water clarifiers or dead-end filtration. In the first case, the presence of solids enhanced water clarification either by enhancing agglomeration or by increasing the droplet density. In the case of the filtration, the main factor affecting the filtration is the polymer itself while the presence of the solid particles can enhance this behavior.
H2 and H2 Blends with Natural Gas Transportation in Offshore Pipelines: An Overview from Flow Assurance Perspective
Authors: Felice A. Di , David D. , Mosci E. , Canestrari A. , Masi O. , Arcangeletti G.
Published: October 2023

The use of offshore existing or new pipeline is a solution to deliver the blue / green hydrogen at reduced transport cost and in proximity of final users.

Pipeline design and repurposing for hydrogen transportation require the use of commercial design tools, originally developed for hydrocarbons. The applicability of available design tools shall be assessed versus. available experimental data and academic studies findings to understand the current applicability range of the design tools and the areas of further improvements of commercial software to model green H2 and H2 + Natural Gas blends, with focus on thermophysical properties relevant to transport and hydrate estimation capabilities in the identified operating ranges.

Thermodynamic tools are used to evaluate the phase behavior, thermodynamic data, and potential operational issue (like hydrate formation risk). Fluid dynamic tools are needed for the assessment of hydraulic performance and to generate inputs for mechanical sizing. The combination of both tools to develop models is the first step for the pipeline design.

This work will present the results obtained for multiple case studies of H2 and H2 blends transportation in offshore pipelines. Sensitivities have been performed with available EOSs considering different H2 rich mixture compositions and up to date available software. The results obtained with the models and typically used for the design, like pressure, temperature, density, velocity profiles, are compared and discussed.

The outcome of this work is to present the status of available tools in the industry and open the discussion with interested parties about areas of improvement and the future development to cover the design requirements for H2 and H2 blends pipelines.
Automatic Estimation of Reservoir Properties Using 3D Machine Learning Workflow Independent of Well Alignment in the Presence of Geological Complexes
Authors: Gupta Kinjal Dhar , Di Haibin , Abubakar Aria
Published: October 2023

One of the most important steps for reservoir characterization is estimating its properties. The machine learning workflows developed in recent years to automate the process mostly capture 2D context of seismic and are capable of using information from vertical wells only. In this work we propose a new machine learning workflow to automatically estimate the properties that not only uses 3D seismic context in the presence of geological complexes but also is applicable to both vertical and deviated wells.

Our proposed workflow consists of a machine learning model that estimates the property at each point of the survey by learning the 3D context around it. To build this model, 3D cubes of seismic and salt bodies are extracted around each point of the wells and fed as inputs into a multi-layered convolutional neural network architecture, with the corresponding properties at those well points as outputs. Once the model has been trained, it is used for estimating all properties at any point on the survey simultaneously by feeding it 3D cubes of seismic and salt bodies extracted around that point.

To evaluate our method, we use the publicly available dataset from Groningen gas field. We train our model on 35 wells and use 4 other wells as test wells. We used seismic and salt as inputs and sonic and gamma ray logs as output. We observe that the predicted property values by our machine learning workflow for every test well match with the true property values of the wells, thus concluding that our workflow is capable of successfully estimating the properties automatically from seismic and salt information. We also observe that our workflow is capable of predicting properties at the well location that has no properties measured. As our workflow predicts properties at points, it can be used for both vertical and non-vertical wells. We also used the model to predict entire slices which pass through the test wells and observed that the distinct patterns followed by the predicted values coincide with the true values of the wells and the inputs, seismic and salt.

The novelty of our approach involves two aspects. The first aspect is using the 3D context of seismic and salt as input. And the second aspect is estimating the properties only at points, thus generalizing the workflow across wells with various alignments – vertical or non-vertical.
Step into Geological Samples Digital Twins
Authors: Tishechkin Dmitriy , Agbor Yannick
Published: October 2023

Energy industry digitalization is emerging in greater importance due to higher demands to understand and characterize the Earth’s surface and subsurface structure. This urge drives the need to improve efficiency of conventional processes in data acquisition, rock modeling and data management workflow associated with it. The recent advancements in the technology for data acquisition, information technology, cloud, and high-performance computing in both software and hardware have positively impacted our ability to collect, store, classify, manage and process rock data.

In this paper, we aim to demonstrate a streamlined workflow from field data acquisition to characterization of rock samples acquired by variety of ways. Acquisition itself made a leap in recent years. Today, difficult to reach outcrop samples can be acquired with Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) (Carlos Alberto Villarreal, 2022) such as drones, quadcopters, etc. In combination with LiDAR technology, it became possible to acquire three dimensional models of outcrop rock structures in higher resolution and use them with 3D geomodelling and structural modeling software solutions.

A typical oil and gas company, would acquire many thousands of images of geological samples via variety of ways, including LIDAR, UAV, drilling cores via laboratory equipment, etc. All these images are stored at the acquisition site or at the scattered storage facilities around the world, making it hard to access, manipulate, process and collaborate. Traditionally, if images need to be accessed, it takes a long time to procure them to the asset team. We will address a centralized ingesting, storage, indexing data platform that facilitates data as asset methodology to treat data just like an important company asset.

One of the ways to consume and contribute to the geological samples data platform is to enrich data contained in the platform. In oil and gas, deep understanding of flow and transport phenomena in rocks is essential to help asset managers, geoscientists, geologists, and reservoir engineers to optimize production. The availability of X-ray microtomography and high-resolution tomographic images of rock samples, produced by photogrammetry and LiDARs, make it possible to study the flow and transport phenomena at the pore scale, allowing for non-destructive assessment of different scenarios which would not possible with existing laboratory experimental methods. Additionally, traditional lab tests are costly, time-consuming, and inconsistent, presenting uncertainties and risks to key business decisions. We will demonstrate how to speed up the processing with highly parallel methodology and open-source software (OpenFOAM) running in the cloud’s virtually unlimited compute and storage.
How to Evaporate Heavy Hydrocarbon in a Natural Gas Stream Within a Short Distance -The AIM Concept
Authors: Maktar Fariz , Chauvet Christian , Sabey John
Published: October 2023

Evaporating heavy hydrocarbons has always been a challenging aspect, especially in a limited space area that required rapid vaporization of these LPG (liquified Petroleum Gas) fractions within a short distance. Annular Injection Mixer (AIM) has proven to have superior performance in providing immediate and uniform vaporization of LPG fractions into natural gas. This article focuses on the use of AIM in vaporizing heavy hydrocarbon (C4 to C9) fractions into natural gas streams and the evaluation of evaporation performance via computational fluid dynamics (CFD).

By means of CFD, the thermal and dynamic aspect of the evaporation of heavy hydrocarbon was tackled in two steps. The first step was the determination of droplet size distribution. Multiphase modelling was conducted with the Volume of Fluid (VoF) model. An in-house script was developed to instruct the CFD software to generate droplets size based on the incoming liquid characteristics such as liquid volume, surface tension, and liquid velocity.

The second step was modelling the droplet secondary breakup and evaluating the droplet evaporation. Based on each individual hydrocarbon fraction properties such as the latent heat of vaporization, molecular diffusivity, saturated vapor pressure, critical pressure, critical temperature, and other local flow conditions surrounding each droplet, droplet break up and later evaporation into natural gas were evaluated. Quasi-steady droplets evaporation model with Ranz Marshall correlation was used for the evaluation.

Droplets evaporation length and homogeneity of heavy hydrocarbon vapor within the natural gas were among other crucial criteria evaluated. Position of each liquid droplets were track explicitly with the position of last droplet before being evaporated were measured over time. In the case study presented, with the worst operating condition used, all droplets have managed to evaporate before reaching the heat exchangers. Comparison checks were performed with conventional wafer type static mixer. Based on this comprehensive understanding of the droplet evaporation phenomenon within the AIM, whenever necessary, an appropriate recommendation can be provided to ensure that complete droplet evaporation is achieved within the required distance.

The proven AIM technology of evaporating heavy hydrocarbons in LPG streams offers significant cost benefits for plant development, as it could prevent the installation of an evaporator and increase the market value of the product.
Fracture Traversing Optimization Design for Longitudinally Strongly Heterogeneous Continental Shale in the Fuxing Area
Authors: Lu Qianli , Liu Zhuang , Guo Jianchun , Zhang Hang , Xiao Jialin , Bai Jiejing , Gong Xinwei
Published: October 2023

The continental shale in the Dongyuemiao formation of the Fuxing area have strong longitudinal heterogeneity with limestone interlayers, which inhibits hydraulic fracture traversing behaviors in the multi-layer heterogeneous shale and leads to multi-cluster fracturing challenges in this area. To improve the traversing effectiveness of hydraulic fractures, in this paper, a multi-cluster fracture traversing model is established based on the PFM approach, with the multi-layer fine geo-mechanical model of X-1 well, a study on the influence of continental shale geological and engineering parameters on the fracture traversing behavior has been conducted. The results show that limestone interlayers with high geo-stress in the continental shale formation limit the multi-cluster fracture traversing, and the layers between layers can arrest hydraulic fractures. Affected by the interlayers, the average fracture height of multi-cluster fracture decreased obviously, the Pay zone 2 is a more reasonable perforation position for multi-cluster fracture initiation and penetration. The perforation parameters with fewer cluster numbers and larger cluster spacing are more conducive to stimulating more layers longitudinally.
Operational Excellence Digital Assessment Platform
Authors: Poopaiboon Tanthai
Published: October 2023

To achieve top-quartile and sustainable performance for oil and gas operations, the company (PTTEP) established a comprehensive operating management system in 2010: Operational Excellence Management System (OEMS). The OEMS integrates, standardizes, and improves existing management systems to all operating assets. It is structured around 11 elements covering most functions for operating oil and gas production, and it provides the framework to achieve safe, reliable, sustainable, and cost-effective operations (figure 1).

The OEMS is designed to elevate PTTEP Group's operations to a world-class standard. OEMS standardizes processes and drives high performance. It is an integrated asset and resource management system with principles to Protect, Engage, Operate, Partner, Lead, and Evolve (PEOPLE principles). The PEOPLE principles build a common platform that captures more synergies, unlocks significant value, and inspires sharing among PTTEP operating assets regarding skills, innovation, and best practices through an assessment process to reinforce the Continuous Performance Improvement culture. As a result, resources continue to produce satisfactory returns regarding maximum profits, safe operations, and sustainable performance.
Advanced Thin Bed Evaluation to Unlock Hydrocarbon Potential in Offshore Malaysian Fields
Authors: Ramly N. A. , Hendraningrat L. , Sedaralit M. F. , Trianto A. , Kasim F. H. , Baharuddin S.
Published: October 2023

A significant fraction of the reservoirs across the world as well as in East & West Malaysia consist of thinly bedded deposits in Fluvial, Deltaic, Deep-water sediments and Channel system. It is estimated that approximately 30-40% of hydrocarbon in place resources are deposited in thin laminated reservoirs that typically laminated formation with sand and shale alternate layers. These thinly bedded reservoirs have lots of hydrocarbon potential which cannot be evaluated by conventional logs, thereby causing underestimation of reserves. This paper presents a new technique to unlock hydrocarbon potential reserves in thinly bedded reservoir using an innovative high-resolution technology (HiRes).

The workflow consists of two main steps: first, to create HiRes resistivity log from conventional deep resistivity and high resolution (resistivity image) log, and second, to generate high resolution density and neutron log utilizing HiRes resistivity log created in earlier step. Then standard petrophysical workflow to compute porosity and water-saturation can be continued with developed HiRes resistivity, density, and neutron logs. Currently this workflow has been developed on resistivity image logs, such as Oil Based Mud Imager (OBMI) or Oil Mud Reservoir Imager (OMRI) typically run-in wells drilled with oil-based mud. This new technique was then tested in few wells from different offshore fields having different environment of depositions, in the East and West Malaysia basins.

The HiRes technology has been tried on many wells in various Malaysian fields. Those wells were selected based on the available complete well-log suite data including its core data. The outcome processed logs were then verified with the core-laboratory analysis results i.e., with routine core analysis (grain density, porosity, permeability), and with Dean Stark analysis for water saturation. The results showed remarkable results thus proving the robustness of the technology. A non-pay is reinterpreted as pay zone using this technology thus enhance the volume estimation. The HiRes technology provides behind casing perforation opportunity as the new zones could be added which were considered as non-pay by conventional methods. Since HiRes method produces high resolution resistivity, density, and neutron curves, and thereby provides better lithology and bed boundary definition.

The HiRes, an innovative in-house technology, not only addresses the problem in thin beds but also provides quantitative petrophysical solution of thinly bedded reservoirs which aligns with the core results. Consequently, HiRes certainly improves the accuracy in the geological interpretation and resulting geological model.
KNPC Blockchain Platform & the Digitization of the Shipment Nomination Process
Authors: Albaddah Khaled Hasan Mohammad
Published: October 2023

This study examines the potential of blockchain technology to streamline the Shipment Nomination and Preparation Process in the oil and gas sector. With the industry grappling with challenges related to inefficiencies, errors, and delays in traditional systems, there is a pressing need for digital transformation. The primary objective of this research is to explore how blockchain, with its inherent attributes of decentralization, immutability, and transparency, can enhance the efficiency, accuracy, and cost-effectiveness of this process.

A custom-built blockchain application was designed and implemented, focusing on digitizing the entire process, including real-time data sharing, digitization of physical documentation, and enhancing the coordination and communication among multiple stakeholders. The transition to the blockchain-based digital process required meticulous planning, effective stakeholder cooperation, and a comprehensive understanding of the traditional system to successfully integrate the existing procedures into the new digital platform.

The results revealed significant improvements in efficiency, accuracy, and cost savings, with reduced manual procedures, enhanced data accuracy, and considerable time savings. The blockchain application demonstrated a marked improvement by introducing digital capabilities into a traditionally manual system, mitigating many longstanding issues.

Moreover, the study highlighted the potential challenges in such a transition, including the integration of existing procedures into the digital platform, ensuring seamless stakeholder communication and cooperation, and implementing robust security measures and protocols.

The research findings provide valuable insights into the applicability of blockchain technology beyond its current applications, suggesting its potential to drive digital transformation across various industries and processes. The study also proposes avenues for future research, including an investigation into the integration of blockchain with other emerging technologies, expanding its transformative potential. It sets the stage for broader application and exploration of blockchain technology across various industries, emphasizing the transformative potential of digital technologies in streamlining operations and enhancing process transparency.
Predicting the Rock Hardness of Unconventional Shales Based on Elemental Compositions by Employing Artificial Neuron Networks
Authors: Hassan A. M. , Alkhayyal F. I. , Chan S. A. , Abdulraheem A. , Mahmoud M. A. , Humphrey J. D.
Published: October 2023

Understanding rock strength has profound significance in the petroleum industry. It assists in predicting the success of hydraulic fracturing in tight reservoirs, evaluates wellbore stability, and predicts drilling progress. Rock hardness is one of the most critical factors in assessing rock strength and durability. Different techniques are used to determine rock hardness including measurements and modeling approaches. However, these approaches suffer from several drawbacks, including time and cost of measurements. Hence, available information like rock composition can be utilized to produce reliable predictions of rock hardness. In this work, for the first time, rock hardness is estimated based on rock elemental analysis using X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopy on a suite of carbonate mudrocks. In this work, hardness measurements were made using the Equotip hardness test, and more than 700 samples were used to construct the predictive models, using artificial neuron networks (ANN). Measured data were grouped into two main sets which are training and testing groups, in order to build and test the ANN models. The predicted data were compared with HLD values measured by Leeb hardness tests, and different types of error indexes were determined to indicate the prediction performance. Before developing the ANN models, statistical analysis was carried out to establish the relationship between hardness and rock mineralogy. The impact of model inputs on the prediction performance was assessed. Three different ANN models of various inputs are discussed in this paper. The correlation coefficient analysis was used to classify and rank the inputs based on their importance. The inputs were classified based on their importance on the hardness into three groups; high, moderate, and low impact. The developed ANN models showed very acceptable performance with percentage errors of 7 to 7.7%, based on the model inputs. The ANN model structure was optimized in order to minimize prediction error, and the optimum ANN models are reported in this paper. Thereafter, a new equation was extracted from the developed ANN model to allow fast and better estimations of rock hardness. The developed equation can be applied to carbonate mudrocks to estimate the hardness based on the elements of Ca, Si, Al, Fe, Ti, and Mo. This work is the first time that hardness values have been modeled based on different rock elements using artificial neuron networks. The developed model can predict the hardness in a time-efficient manner and with high reliability compared to conventional hardness tests that may take longer measurement time.
A Simple Convincing Proto-Saturation Model for Clastics, Carbonate, and Tight Gas Reservoirs
Authors: Sugiharto Y. E.
Published: October 2023

The primary goal of this study is to determine the irreducible water saturation in all types of reservoirs and highlight its significance in estimating hydrocarbon initial-in-place. Irreducible water saturation is strongly correlated to permeability and porosity, and it has a significant impact on reservoir characteristics. The irreducible water saturation refers to the quantity of water that is removable from the reservoir and occupies the reduced part of available effective porosity. It acts as a barrier preventing hydrocarbon accumulation. Accurately determining the irreducible water saturation is crucial for consistent and accurate interpretation of well log data, which, in turn, affects the estimation of oil and gas reservoir resources.

In conventional petrophysics, resistivity logs are commonly used to identify pay zones based on the resistivity contrast between hydrocarbons and formation water. However, when a pay zone exhibits saturation-dependent Archie exponents or contains conductive minerals, these logs become inadequate for identifying producing zones and providing insights into water mobility. Consequently, many potentially productive zones with high irreducible water saturations are often overlooked in various fields around the world.

Laboratory measurements offer accurate data on mobile water and irreducible water saturation, which includes bound water from clay and capillary. In this study, well log data results were utilized to calculate the irreducible water saturation in the reservoir. The analysis focused on the reliance of irreducible water saturation on the detailed pore structure. It was observed that irreducible water saturation decreases with increasing porosity and permeability. Additionally, factors such as pore and throat size, as well as the volume of clay or silt, impact the volume of irreducible water content. In tight gas reservoirs, the microscopic pore arrangement is more complicated, resulting in a higher proportion of micro-pores bound to water. Evaluating the reservoir requires attention to various factors that affects the saturation of irreducible water.

Overall, this paper emphasizes the importance of accurately determining the irreducible water saturation in reservoirs and highlights the need to consider multiple factors when evaluating reservoirs to avoid overlooking potentially productive zones with high irreducible water saturations.
BlueVault - High Safety Modular Containerized Energy Storage Solution
Authors: Settemsdal Stig Olav
Published: October 2023

This paper discusses how containerization and increased systems integration of lithium-ion battery energy storage solutions (BESS) can help improve safety and dynamic performance and expand the range of use cases for energy storage in industrial and grid applications. Containerized systems enable "plug-and-play" installation and feature all ancillary systems and components integrated into a single package.

The paper also discusses how safety concerns with batteries can be addressed through preventative measures, such as liquid cooling, fault propagation protection, and real-time condition monitoring of individual cell health. A containerized BESS is described that is suitable for any industrial, islanded grid, maritime or offshore application. The BESS utilizes several unique safety features that are designed to keep failures (i.e., faults) contained at the cell level, thus minimizing the risk of thermal runaway events during the lifetime. The paper will show how the BESS can be used in gas- or diesel-electric hybrid power systems to aid decarbonization. This is particularly relevant for island grids and vessels that have highly variable power consumption (e.g., onshore/offshore drilling installations, hydrogen production facilities, platform supply vessels (PSVs), passenger ferries, etc). Real-world applications have shown that the installation of batteries can lead to a 40-50% reduction in the runtime of onboard engines, up to a 25% reduction in fuel consumption, and for direct current (DC) grids operating with variable speed/frequency, up to 90% reduction in NOx emissions.
Key Factors in the Development of High Circulating Temperatures in Horizontal HPHT Wells
Authors: Sissenov O. , Rajadhyaksha S.
Published: October 2023

One of the major limiting factors when drilling horizontal HPHT wells is the circulating temperature of the mud exceeding the downhole tool specifications. This paper explains the key contributing factors to the development of high circulating temperature in deep horizontal wells and the major well design components that need to be addressed to establish the feasibility of the well.

In horizontal wells, frictional pressure loss increases with the measured depth (MD), whereas geothermal temperature remains constant. This causes a progressive increase of the downhole circulating temperature to the extent where it can become higher than the static temperature, and traditional ways of reducing the downhole mud temperature become less effective. The circulating temperature management described in this paper is based on a comprehensive approach, where the key contributing factors were reviewed to address this issue. This review includes frictional pressure loss management, particularly through the drill string, BHA design, and drilling parameters optimization.

The industry has traditionally relied on surface mud cooling systems and a strategy of premeditated circulation to cool down the BHA equipment to manage the downhole mud temperature, with mixed results in horizontal wells. Implementation of the comprehensive approach in managing the circulating temperature enables more efficient and consistent temperature management. This paper reviews one horizontal HPHT well, where the downhole circulating temperature was managed through the reduction of frictional pressure loss. This permitted drilling and logging of the well to be completed within the tool temperature rating. Based on the observations gained from this well and a number of other wells not included in this paper, a conclusion was drawn that the feasibility of long reach horizontal HPHT wells heavily depends on the ability to effectively manage the frictional pressure losses in the system. This requires a good understanding of the well temperature environment, mud behavior under the expected temperature and pressure in the high angle section, accurate estimation of heat exchange between the mud-and-pipe and mud and the wellbore, mud coolers efficiency, and BHA component specifications.

The paper proposes to address the common issue of excessive circulating temperature in horizontal high-temperature wells from an engineering standpoint through the implementation of the comprehensive approach in managing the frictional losses during circulation. The introduction of this approach in the well design process should enable longer reach horizontal high-temperature wells, which are currently limited due to downhole tool temperature ratings.
Live Digital Twin Improving Drilling Performance and Providing Foundation for the Realtime Data Quality Control
Authors: Karpov R. , Kojadinovic N. , Kokotovic U. , Zakirov K. , Valiullin K.
Published: October 2023

The paper presents a solution to the problem of qualitative determination of actual downhole loads and drilling parameters optimization performed employing a dynamic digital well model. The problem of the surface and downhole sensor's data quality is disclosed, and a solution for an aggregated data QAQC. Described the practical approach of the methodology used to timely and systematically improve operational excellence across organizations and well construction time improvement.

The dynamic digital twin in real-time delivers data quality assurance, efficiency analysis, and the ability to define optimal parameters. The selection of drilling parameters and an increase in ROP are carried out in real-time, based on the analysis of MSE. Quality control of sensors plays a key role in the process of evaluating effective downhole loads, and in identifying the current FFs. This paper describes process automation routines and real-time dynamic digital twin benefits to evaluate downhole state, and potential hazards, and look ahead. Presented the optimized pipe connection method which yields into 40 % weight-to-weight time reduction, best applicable in intermediate and production well sections drilling and overall substantial improvement in well delivery quality and timing.

Implementation of the ecosystem with live digital twin allowed us to perform optimized connection practices and obtain great results of connection time reduction. This resulted in drill time savings while drilling 11-⅝″ section (8h) and while drilling 8-½″ section (13.5h). Out of total savings of 21h, 15h goes to savings related to connection practice optimization measures. Applied measures in drilling practice were supported by monitoring the well condition via T&D and hydraulics real-time calculations, friction factors automated determination, and selection of drilling parameters to increase in ROP are carried out based on the analysis of MSE and data quality assurance tools. Thus, the contractor was provided with reliable clues about wellbore condition and hole cleaning issues, while the smart alarm system was alerting RTOC engineers timely, therefore planned optimization was successfully put in place while non-productive time has not been induced.

This paper presents a novel approach to real-time monitoring of the well construction process using a digital ecosystem with a live dynamic digital twin. Described detailed optimized connection method for 11-⅝» and 8-½″ hole sections, was successfully implemented on contractor facilities. This method also can be modified for slim wells drilling.
A Mathematical Model for Formation Caprock Integrity Incorporating Creep Deformation Mechanism: A Hydrogen Storage Seasonal Case Study
Authors: AlDhuhoori M. , Belhaj H. , AlHameli F.
Published: October 2023

This research effort aims at addressing the Geo-mechanical aspect of hydrogen underground storage, specifically caprock integrity tests using creep deformation modelling. This study also concentrates on time and injection rate dependent processes which might lead to permanent deformation of reservoir rocks during injection and production cycles due to the cyclical pore-pressure changes. The newly developed model includes a new term that accounts for pore expansion and compaction, and was coupled to the simplified power law. The model was then verified against uniaxial laboratory data and validated by comparing it to the power law model. The idea is to simulate several injection and production cycles of vast amounts of hydrogen into a reservoir that is saturated primarily by saline formation water (aquifer) under certain conditions to assess caprock integrity. In this study, several cycles of hydrogen injection and production seasonal periods are implemented which resulted in cyclical pressure changes on rocks (including stress-strain effect on mechanical behavior of caprocks). During the production period, the pore-pressure decreases and the pore volume decreases drastically resulting in a reduced possibility of rock failure. As for the injection period, the pore-pressure increases and the pore volume increase which resulted in the stress path, moving towards the failure envelope. A cube model was built to examine the effect of the newly developed model on a Japan case study which also showed no critical changes on the pore pressure indicating that the pore expansion and compaction that took place was very minimal.
A Pore-To-Process Digital Design Methodology for Life-Cycle Assessment of a Geothermal Power Plant
Authors: Behrang A. , Abbas H. , Istchenko C. , Solano A. , Kisra S.
Published: October 2023

The development and operation of geothermal plants play a vital role in the transition to sustainable and low-carbon energy systems. In this paper we presented a seamless and flexible pore-to-process digital solution for the design and assessment of geothermal systems, encompassing the geothermal reservoir, gathering network, and geothermal power plant. Our primary focus in this study is on the geothermal power plant. This includes a detailed analysis of the functionality and performance of two common geothermal power plants; 1. A single-flash power plant and a double-flash geothermal power plant within the overall system. This work shows that overall exergy efficiency of the studies geothermal power plants decreases overtime due to a decrease in the geothermal reservoir quality. The analysis performed in this study demonstrates that variation of the inlet separator pressure affects the overall plant behavior. The parametric studies also display the overall exergy efficiency of the power plants as well as the turbine power reduction as the inlet separator pressure increases. This is due to lower efficiency in converting the available energy into useful work. Our studies displayed that a substantial portion of the available exergy in the geothermal fluid is being dissipated in the condenser. Therefore, optimizing the condenser design and operation becomes a crucial factor for enhancing the overall efficiency of the studies of geothermal power plants.
Digitalization Potentials in Supporting Offshore Logistics
Authors: Suyyagh Hussam
Published: October 2023

Energy production is one of the most important segments in the global economy, and at a larger scale, the oil and gas industry is one of its biggest sectors, Therefore, its offshore logistics and services support plays a crucial role in its operations.

Offshore logistics refers to the transportation of equipment, personnel, and supplies to offshore oil rigs and platforms. The logistics process involves a complex network of personnel, vessels, helicopters, trucks, warehouses and other assets that must be coordinated to ensure timely delivery of goods and services.

The process of reshaping services, products, and entire business models by the adoption of digital technologies is called digital transformation (Attaran, 2020, n.d.). According to a report by Statista, the spending by companies on services and technologies that will enable digital transformation is expected to reach US dollars 2.3 trillion by 2023 around the globe (Diaz, Smith, Landaeta & Padovano, 2020, n.d.).

This technical paper begins with the introduction of digital transformation and describes several types of digital technologies that are either utilized or can be utilized by the offshore logistics as a part of its full supply chain, aimed at understanding how digital transformation will positively impact the business value chain.

The paper addresses four main questions and provide answers to them; what is the significance of digital transformation in the Supply Chain, shipping, and offshore logistics? What are the drivers of digital transformation in the supply chain, shipping, and offshore logistics? What are the impacts of digital transformation on the offshore business value chain? And finally, what are the challenges of digital transformation in the supply chain, shipping, and offshore logistics?

Themes that emerged are drivers; Expectations of customers, Importance of Speed, Insight Of Customers, Artificial Intelligence is central to Business, The need to control cost, IoT, and Big data analytics, Surviving in the Business Realm. Challenges/barriers; Silos, Security Breaches, Budgeting, Lack of Necessary skills and talent, Resistance to Change and risk aversion, and Legacy procedures and systems.
Integrity of Buried Flexible Pipeline Using Numerical Approach
Authors: Chaitanya K. , Yurindatama D. T. , Singh N.
Published: October 2023

Unbonded flexible pipe is being adopted by many operators worldwide for short pipelines and where scrapping is not mandated from the perspective of service condition or practicality. Flexible pipes are also well suited for short connection subsea where field architecture does not permit rigid pipeline with large route radius. Utilisation of flexible pipes helps in combating corrosion which is one of the significant detriments for the oil and gas industry, and the cost of combating it can be substantially high. Corrosion not only affects the reliability and safe operation of the plant, but it can also impair the operator’s reputation. This paper outlines the extensive numerical investigations conducted on buried subsea unbonded flexible pipeline integrity through the understanding of its upheaval buckling behaviour. Currently, there are no simple guidelines to address the behaviour of buried flexible pipelines. Under hydrostatic and operational conditions, suitable recommendations for required cover depth are made vis-à-vis the envisaged vertical imperfections.

A non-linear finite element analysis (FEA) method using commercial software simulates the buried flexible pipeline behaviour. In the absence of any precedent, the simulation is complicated since the flexible pipeline is modelled using a beam element. However, it must be able to capture the actual axial and bending moment behaviour in response to the hydrostatic and operational pressure and temperature loads under the condition where the flexible pipe is trenched/buried. The elongation of flexible pipe is design dependent and linked with the operating envelope. However, several vertical imperfections in the middle are modelled to assess the propensity of upheaval buckling. The model also considers that the backfill is uniform along the pipeline route for the buried section. The bending radius of the flexible pipe is checked along the imperfection section to ensure its integrity.

The basis of behaviour and analysis for buried flexible pipelines differs from rigid pipeline systems. With a suitable technique, using non-linear finite element analysis while accounting for variation for initial seabed imperfection, buried flexible pipeline behaviour can be reasonably established. Also, with the inclusion of imperfection, buckle pressure/temperature becomes inversely proportional to imperfection heights. The larger imperfections require a smaller temperature to propagate upheaval buckling, and a more extensive cover depth would be needed to keep the pipeline in its position.

The methodology presented in this study can be applied for flexible pipe with route curvature and thus expands on the classical view of buried flexible pipeline integrity which typically considers that the buried pipeline is straight. Also, it is possible to identify scenarios where laying of flexible on seabed would be a feasible option without any requirement for trenching/burial or stabilization and hence reducing capital expenditure (CAPEX).
Uncovering the spin ordering in magic-angle graphene via edge state equilibration
Authors: Hoke Jesse , Li Yifan , May-Mann Julian , Watanabe Kenji , Taniguchi Takashi , Bradlyn Barry , Hughes Taylor , Feldman Benjamin
Published: October 2023

Determining the symmetry breaking order of correlated quantum phases is essential for understanding the microscopic interactions in their host systems. The flat bands in magic angle twisted bilayer graphene (MATBG) provide an especially rich arena to investigate such interaction-driven ground states, and while progress has been made in identifying the correlated insulators and their excitations at commensurate moire filling factors, the spin-valley polarizations of the topological states that emerge at high magnetic field remain unknown. Here we introduce a new technique based on twist-decoupled van der Waals layers that enables measurements of their electronic band structure and, by studying the backscattering between counter-propagating edge states, determination of relative spin polarization of the their edge modes. Applying this method to twist-decoupled MATBG and monolayer graphene, we find that the broken-symmetry quantum Hall states that extend from the charge neutrality point in MATBG are spin-unpolarized at even integer filling factors. The measurements also indicate that the correlated Chern insulator emerging from half filling of the flat valence band is spin-unpolarized, but suggest that its conduction band counterpart may be spin-polarized. Our results constrain models of spin-valley ordering in MATBG and establish a versatile approach to study the electronic properties of van der Waals systems.
LARP3, LARP7, and MePCE are Involved in the Early Stage of Human Telomerase RNA Biogenesis
Authors: Tseng Chi-Kang , Kao Tsai-Ling , Chen Yi-Hsuan , Huang Yu-Cheng , Baumann Peter
Published: October 2023

Human telomerase assembly is a highly dynamic process. Using biochemical approaches, we found that LARP3 and LARP7/MePCE are involved in the early stage and that their binding to hTR is destabilized when the mature hTR is produced. LARP7 and MePCE knockdown inhibits the conversion of the 3′-extended short (exS) form into mature hTR and the cytoplasmic accumulation of hTR, resulting in telomere shortening. LARP3 plays a negative role in preventing the processing of the 3′-extended long (exL) form and binding of LARP7 and MePCE. Interestingly, the tertiary structure of the exL form prevents LARP3 binding and facilitates hTR biogenesis. Supporting this process, LARP3 at low levels promotes hTR maturation, increases telomerase activity, and elongates telomeres. Our data suggest that LARP3 and LARP7/MePCE mediate the processing of hTR precursors and thus control the production of functional telomerase.
The Effects of GHGs, Aerosols, and Deforestation on the Temperature and Precipitation Patterns of the Mediterranean Climate Region during the 21st Century
Authors: Arif Abderrazak
Published: October 2023

Climate change can be caused by various anthropogenic or natural factors that influence atmospheric changes. The direct link between human activity and the environment is represented by the interaction mechanisms between anthropogenic factors such as urbanization, deforestation, hydrological changes, greenhouse gases and aerosols. These interaction mechanisms are assessed by the current state of knowledge in the climate change field. One of these mechanisms is related to greenhouse gases (GHGs), which increase surface level heating and lowers atmospheric temperature in the long term by increasing atmospheric GHG concentration. This heating reduces air density parcel and increases total evaporation to transfer excess heat from surface (latent heat) to atmosphere. Another mechanism is related to anthropogenic aerosols, which have direct and indirect effects on climate change with variable direct radiative forcing depending on the nature, density and composition of the aerosol particles. Anthropogenic sulphate is the main element that influences atmospheric conditions through its direct and indirect effects, which delay global warming by increasing the albedo and the lifetime of clouds formed by water droplets. A third mechanism is related to deforestation, which affects the environment according to the results of climate models based on deforestation scenarios. Deforestation alters the heat exchange between the oceans (relatively warm) and the atmosphere (relatively cold), generating a sensible heat flux (warming) that influences neighbouring regions. Deforestation also lowers surface temperature by changing coniferous vegetation to tundra and desert, causing a cooling of up to -4°C in North America and − 6°C in Siberia. In Europe, deforestation scenarios show a decrease in surface temperature of -2°C to -3°C in spring and − 1°C in summer in northern mid-latitudes, mainly due to the delayed melting of spring snow.