bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Heterocyclic Chemistry – Old Science or the Forefront of Chemistry?
Authors: Reiser Oliver
Published: August 2017

Oliver Reiser studied chemistry at the Universities of Hamburg, Jerusalem and Los Angeles (UCLA) and earned his Ph.D. degree from the University of Hamburg (Prof. Armin de Meijere) in 1989. After postdoctoral stays at IBM Research Center (Dr. Robert D. Miller) and Harvard University (Prof. David A. Evans), he started his independent research in 1992 at the University of Göttingen. In 1996, he moved to the University of Stuttgart as an Associate Professor and in 1997, to the University of Regensburg as Professor of Chemistry. His research group specializes in catalysis starting from renewable resources such as furans and pyrroles toward fine chemicals, natural products and drugs. He is currently serving as President of the International Society of Heterocyclic Chemistry.
Rock climbing: A local-global algorithm to compute minimum energy and minimum free energy pathways
Authors: Templeton Clark , Chen Szu-Hua , Fathizadeh Arman , Elber Ron
Published: August 2017

The calculation of minimum energy or minimum free energy paths is an important step in the quantitative and qualitative studies of chemical and physical processes. The computations of these coordinates present a significant challenge and have attracted considerable theoretical and computational interest. Here we present a new local-global approach to study reaction coordinates, based on a gradual optimization of an action. Like other global algorithms, it provides a path between known reactants and products, but it uses a local algorithm to extend the current path in small steps. The local-global approach does not require an initial guess to the path, a major challenge for global pathway finders. Finally, it provides an exact answer (the steepest descent path) at the end of the calculations. Numerical examples are provided for the Mueller potential and for a conformational transition in a solvated ring system.
Plasmonic photothermal accumulation of particles by a microfiber decorated with gold nanostructures
Authors: Li Ying , Hu Yanjun , Wu Xingda
Published: August 2017

This paper introduces an efficient method for accumulation of particles via thermophoresis and thermal convection sustained by localized surface plasmon energy. Gold nanorods were deposited on the designated surface of a microfiber, when a 808 nm laser at an optical power of 12 mV launched into the microfiber, particles dispersed in the water were massively trapped and aggregated on the substrate. This work is envisioned to have application in photothermal cancer therapy, photothermal imaging, and targeted drug delivery.
Nitrogen-vacancy defects in diamond produced by femtosecond laser nanoablation technique
Authors: Kononenko Vitali V. , Vlasov Igor I. , Gololobov Viktor M. , Kononenko Taras V. , Semenov Timur A. , Khomich Andrej A. , Shershulin Vladimir A. , Krivobok Vladimir S. , Konov Vitaly I.
Published: August 2017

A strategy for nitrogen-vacancy (NV) center production in diamond under its irradiation by 266-nm femtosecond laser pulses is suggested: NV centers can be effectively and controllably created in the regime of nanoablation of a diamond surface. The NV concentration was found to increase logarithmically with the laser pulse number in the nanoablation regime, which is realized at a laser fluence of <0.6 J/cm2, whereas the NV formation rate was proportional to the sixth power of laser fluence. These dependencies could be explained by the photolytic mechanism of vacancy formation on the diamond surface and their subsequent laser-stimulated diffusion in the bulk. The femtosecond laser nanoablation of the diamond surface was demonstrated to be a promising tool to produce the requisite number of vacancies near the diamond surface and, hence, to manage the formation of NV complexes.
Fabrication of porous microrings via laser printing and ion-beam post-etching
Authors: Syubaev S. , Nepomnyashchiy A. , Mitsai E. , Pustovalov E. , Vitrik O. , Kudryashov S. , Kuchmizhak A.
Published: August 2017

Pulsed-laser dry printing of noble-metal microrings with a tunable internal porous structure, which can be revealed via an ion-beam etching post-procedure, was demonstrated. The abundance and average size of the pores inside the microrings were shown to be tuned in a wide range by varying the incident pulse energy and a nitrogen doping level controlled in the process of magnetron deposition of the gold film in the appropriate gaseous environment. The fabricated porous microrings were shown to provide many-fold near-field enhancement of incident electromagnetic fields, which was confirmed by mapping of the characteristic Raman band of a nanometer-thick covering layer of Rhodamine 6G dye molecules and supporting finite-difference time-domain calculations. The proposed laser-printing/ion-beam etching approach is demonstrated to be a unique tool aimed at designing and fabricating multifunctional plasmonic structures and metasurfaces for spectroscopic bioidentification based on surface-enhanced infrared absorption, Raman scattering, and photoluminescence detection schemes.
Wide range tuning of the size and emission color of CH3NH3PbBr3 quantum dots by surface ligands
Authors: Fang Xin , Zhai Wenhao , Zhang Kun , Wang Yilun , Yao Li , Tian Cheng , Wan Yi , Hou Ruixiang , Li Yanping , Chen Weixi , Ran Guangzhao
Published: August 2017

Organic-inorganic halide perovskite CH3NH3PbX3 (X= I, Br, Cl) quantum dots (QDs) possess the characters of easy solution-process, high luminescence yield, and unique size-dependent optical properties. In this work, we have improved the nonaqueous emulsion method to synthesize halide perovskite CH3NH3PbBr3 QDs with tunable sizes. Their sizes have been tailored from 5.29 to 2.81 nm in diameter simply by varying the additive amount of surfactant, n-octylamine from 5 to 120 μL. Correspondingly, the photoluminescence (PL) peaks shift markedly from 520 nm to very deep blue, 436 nm due to quantum confinement effect. The PL quantum yields exceed 90% except for the smallest QDs. These high-quality QDs have potential to build high-performance optoelectronic devices.
Analysis of linear waves near the Cauchy horizon of cosmological black holes
Authors: Hintz Peter , Vasy András
Published: August 2017

We show that linear scalar waves are bounded and continuous up to the Cauchy horizon of Reissner–Nordström–de Sitter and Kerr–de Sitter spacetimes and in fact decay exponentially fast to a constant along the Cauchy horizon. We obtain our results by modifying the spacetime beyond the Cauchy horizon in a suitable manner, which puts the wave equation into a framework in which a number of standard as well as more recent microlocal regularity and scattering theory results apply. In particular, the conormal regularity of waves at the Cauchy horizon—which yields the boundedness statement—is a consequence of radial point estimates, which are microlocal manifestations of the blue-shift and red-shift effects.
Mitigation of the cancellation problem in the gyrokinetic particle-in-cell simulations of global electromagnetic modes
Authors: Mishchenko Alexey , Bottino Alberto , Hatzky Roman , Sonnendrücker Eric , Kleiber Ralf , Könies Axel
Published: August 2017

Electromagnetic gyrokinetic particle-in-cell simulations have been inhibited for long time by numerical problems. This paper discusses the origin of these problems. It also gives an overview and summary of the mitigation techniques.
Giant actuation strain nearly 0.6% in a periodically orthogonal poled lead titanate zirconate ceramic via reversible domain switching
Authors: Li Faxin , Wang Qiangzhong , Miao Hongchen
Published: August 2017

The widely used ferroelectric ceramics based actuators always suffer from small output strains (typically ∼0.1%–0.15%). Non-180° domain switching can generate a large strain in ferroelectrics but it is usually irreversible. In this work, we tailored the domain structures in a soft lead titanate zirconate (PZT) ceramic by periodical orthogonal poling. The non-180° switching in this domain-engineered PZT ceramics turns to be reversible, resulting in a local giant actuation strain of nearly 0.6% under a field of 2 kV/mm at 0.1 Hz. The large interfacial stresses between regions with different poling directions during electric loading/unloading were thought to be responsible for the reversible non-180° domain switching. The switching strain drops quickly with the increasing frequency, and stabilized at about 0.2% at or above 1.0 Hz. The large actuation strain remains quite stable after 104 cycles of loading, which is very promising for low-frequency, large-strain actuators.
Radiation characteristics and implosion dynamics of Z-pinch dynamic hohlraums performed on PTS facility
Authors: Huang Xian Bin , Ren Xiao Dong , Dan Jia Kun , Wang Kun Lun , Xu Qiang , Zhou Shao Tong , Zhang Si Qun , Cai Hong Chun , Li Jing , Wei Bing , Ji Ce , Feng Shu Ping , Wang Meng , Xie Wei Ping , Deng Jian Jun
Published: August 2017

The preliminary experimental results of Z-pinch dynamic hohlraums conducted on the Primary Test Stand (PTS) facility are presented herein. Six different types of dynamic hohlraums were used in order to study the influence of load parameters on radiation characteristics and implosion dynamics, including dynamic hohlraums driven by single and nested arrays with different array parameters and different foams. The PTS facility can deliver a current of 6–8 MA in the peak current and 60–70 ns in the 10%–90% rising time to dynamic hohlraum loads. A set of diagnostics monitor the implosion dynamics of plasmas, the evolution of shock waves in the foam and the axial/radial X-ray radiation, giving the key parameters characterizing the features of dynamic hohlraums, such as the trajectory and related velocity of shock waves, radiation temperature, and so on. The experimental results presented here put our future study on Z-pinch dynamic hohlraums on the PTS facility on a firm basis.
Development of cable fed flash X-ray (FXR) system
Authors: Menon Rakhee , Mitra S. , Patel A. S. , Kumar R. , Singh G. , Senthil K. , Kumar Ranjeet , Kolge T. S. , Roy Amitava , Acharya S. , Biswas D. , Sharma Archana
Published: August 2017

Flash X-ray sources driven by pulsed power find applications in industrial radiography, and a portable X-ray source is ideal where the radiography needs to be taken at the test site. A compact and portable flash X-ray (FXR) system based on a Marx generator has been developed with the high voltage fed to the FXR tube via a cable feed-through arrangement. Hard bremsstrahlung X-rays of few tens of nanosecond duration are generated by impinging intense electron beams on an anode target of high Z material. An industrial X-ray source is developed with source size as low as 1 mm. The system can be operated from 150 kV to 450 kV peak voltages and a dose of 10 mR has been measured at 1 m distance from the source window. The modeling of the FXR source has been carried out using particle-in-cell and Monte Carlo simulations for the electron beam dynamics and X-ray generation, respectively. The angular dose profile of X-ray has been measured and compared with the simulation.
A flexible dual-mode proximity sensor based on cooperative sensing for robot skin applications
Authors: Huang Ying , Cai Xia , Kan Wenqing , Qiu Shihua , Guo Xiaohui , Liu Caixia , Liu Ping
Published: August 2017

A flexible dual-mode proximity sensor has been designed and implemented, which is capable of combining capacitive-resistive detection in this paper. The capacitive type proximity sensor detecting is defined as mode-C, and the resistive type proximity sensor detecting is defined as mode-R. The characteristics of the proximity sensor are as follows: (1) the theoretical mode is developed which indicates that this proximity sensor can reflect proximity information accurately; (2) both sensing modes are vertically integrated into a sandwich-like chip with an 8 mm × 12 mm unit area. The thickness of a mode-R sensing material (graphene nanoplatelets) and mode-C dielectric (the mixture of carbon black and silicone rubber) is 1 mm and 2.5 mm, respectively; (3) for mode-R, the linearity of temperature-resistance curve can achieve 0.998 in the temperature range from 25 °C to 65 °C. And for mode-C, various materials can be successfully detected with fast response and high reversibility. Meanwhile, the study compensated the influence of object temperature to ensure mode-C properly works. A cooperative sensing test shows that R-C dual modes sense effectively which can enlarge the sensing distance compared with the single mode proximity sensor. The fabrication of this sensor is convenient, and the integrity of a flexible sandwich-like structure based on dual modes is beneficial to form arrays, which is suitable to be used in skin-like sensing applications.
Exciting dynamic anapoles with electromagnetic doughnut pulses
Authors: Raybould Tim , Fedotov Vassili A. , Papasimakis Nikitas , Youngs Ian , Zheludev Nikolay I.
Published: August 2017

As was predicted in 1995 by Afanasiev and Stepanovsky, a superposition of electric and toroidal dipoles can lead to a non-trivial non-radiating charge current-configuration, the dynamic anapole. The dynamic anapoles were recently observed first in microwave metamaterials and then in dielectric nanodisks. However, spectroscopic studies of toroidal dipole and anapole excitations are challenging owing to their diminishing coupling to transverse electromagnetic waves. Here, we show that anapoles can be excited by electromagnetic Flying Doughnut (FD) pulses. First described by Helwarth and Nouchi in 1996, FD pulses (also known as “Flying Toroids”) are space-time inseparable exact solutions to Maxwell's equations that have toroidal topology and propagate in free-space at the speed of light. We argue that FD pulses can be used as a diagnostic and spectroscopic tool for the dynamic anapole excitations in matter.
THE SEARCH FOR STRATIGRAPHIC TRAPS GOES ON—VISUALISATION OF FLUVIAL-LACUSTRINE SUCCESSIONS IN THE MOORARI 3D SURVEY, COOPER-EROMANGA BASIN
Authors: Nakanishi T. , Lang S.C.
Published: August 2017

Exploration and development in the Cooper-Eromanga Basin have been predominantly focussed on structural traps. However, the future for exploration and field development lies in exploration for stratigraphic traps. Using advanced visualisation techniques on open file 3D seismic survey data from the Moorari and Woolkina fields in the Patchawarra Trough, Cooper Basin, we have sought to characterise the variety of possible stratigraphic traps in the Permian Patchawarra, Epsilon and Toolachee Formations and also the basal Jurassic Poolowanna Formation. The key to the analysis lies in a genetic-stratigraphic framework using sequence stratigraphy concepts as applied to non-marine basins.Five different types of possible stratigraphic traps are illustrated from the Moorari 3D survey: Isolated fluvial channels in a transgressive systems tract of the lower Patchawarra Formation.Fluvial sand bodies in low accommodation intervals in a lowstand systems tract of the upper Patchawarra Formation.Highstand lacustrine delta of the Epsilon Formation below the regional sequence boundary at the base of the Toolachee Formation.Isolated fluvial channels in the transgressive systems tract of the Toolachee Formation.Crevasse splay channels and crevasse splay delta complex of the transgressive systems tract of the Poolowanna Formation.For each trap type, three dimensional distributions of the possible reservoir and seal rocks are presented and the ranking of stratigraphic trap opportunities is discussed.
THE CEDUNA SUB-BASIN—A SNAPSHOT OF PROSPECTIVITY
Authors: Somerville R.
Published: August 2017

The Ceduna Sub-basin comprises one of the major untested potential petroleum provinces in Australia. It is located in the Great Australian Bight, forming part of the Bight Basin. Water depths range from 100 m in the north to over 4,000 m in the south. Although over 100,000 line km of 2D marine seismic data have been acquired in the Great Australian Bight, only 20,600 line km of 2D marine seismic data of variable vintage and quality have been acquired in the Ceduna Sub-basin. Only one exploration well, Potoroo–1, has been drilled within the Ceduna Sub-basin. The Potoroo–1 well is located on the extreme landward edge of the depocentre which is dominated by the Late Cretaceous Ceduna Delta. Consequently, the hydrocarbon potential of the basin is effectively untested.The most promising play types within the Ceduna Subbasin are dip and fault-dip closures associated with listric faults within the Late Cretaceous (Santonian- Maastrichtian) deltaic sequence and accentuated by slight Late Cretaceous/Tertiary compression. Fault-dip closures are also recognised within the Santonian section. A channel sub-crop play within the Santonian is also potentially viable.Hydrocarbon charge is perceived to be the most significant exploration risk. Although asphaltite strandings have been reported, the hydrocarbon charge system is unproven. Future exploration in the Great Australian Bight will need to address:harsh climatic/meteorological and oceanographic conditions in the Southern Ocean and short seasonal windows;extreme sea floor relief and viability of safe exploration drilling in water depths over 1,500 m; andoperating in a responsible and environmentally sensitive way in proximity to the Benthic Protection Zone.
DETERMINING RESERVOIR CONTINUITY IN THE LAMINARIA FORMATION BY INTEGRATED GEOLOGICAL STUDY
Authors: Barr D.C. , Kennaird A.F. , Fowles J. , Marshall N.G. , Cutten V.L.
Published: August 2017

A recent geological study, integrating sedimentological core-derived descriptions with ichnofacies, high resolution biostratigraphy and wireline log data, establishes the lateral continuity of reservoir sandstones in the Laminaria Formation. By defining a hierarchy of bedding surfaces and correlating this hierarchy with major correlation surfaces, and lateral and vertical facies patterns, it was possible to identify genetically related sediment packages between 12 wells in the study area.The Laminaria Formation is interpreted to have been deposited on a tide and storm-influenced marine shelf, and was strongly influenced by fluctuations in sea level. The formation consists of a series of progradational parasequences, each dominated by good quality, fine- to medium-grained sandstone. These sandstones are believed to have formed as subaqueous dunes or sand banks, exhibiting blanket-like geometry over much of the area. Several sandstones are capped by thin, intraclast-rich layers that mark transgressive surfaces of erosion. These surfaces can be traced across the study area and, therefore, act as important correlative markers.Evidence of gradual transgression, which ultimately led to the drowning of the system, is seen near the top of the formation. Clay content increases upward, while grain size and bedding thickness generally decrease. However, several thin, laterally extensive, medium- to coarse-grained sandstones exist, improving reservoir potential in this part of the formation.The results of this study are being used to estimate reserves and assess reservoir performance, and will serve as a basis for future geological and petrophysical modelling work.
QUALITATIVE ANALYSIS OF SPECTRAL GAMMA RAY DATA AS A TOOL FOR FIELDWIDE AND REGIONAL STRATIGRAPHIC CORRELATION, ENDERBY TERRACE, CARNARVON BASIN, WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Authors: Clare A.P. , Crowley A.J.
Published: August 2017

The use of wireline and core spectral gamma data as a tool for defining clay types and mineral assemblages in the subsurface environment has been widely used for many years within the petroleum industry. However, the qualitative use of radiometric data for interpreting rock types as used with airborne surveys in the mineral industry has not undergone detailed assessment as a well correlation tool.Applying the principles of qualitative airborne radiometric interpretation to the assessment of wireline spectral gamma ray data has proved extremely useful as a well correlation tool in the Carnarvon Basin of Western Australia. Data is presented from the Stag Field detailing the application of the technique as an effective fieldwide correlation tool. The sandstone reservoirs exhibit mineralogical variation and individual sand packages can be discontinuous. However, the major shale packages are laterally continuous and individual shales show remarkable character consistency over several kilometres. Such character continuity has proved a valuable correlation tool for confirming and refining the stratigraphic packages observed in the Cretaceous section of Stag.Success on the Stag Field led to application of the technique for regional correlations on the Enderby Terrace. The results of regional work show that correlations still hold when the technique is applied to correlations of over 70 km even though some lateral variation due to provenance and depositional environment impact on clay types was evident. Hence this qualitative approach of wireline log evaluation has proved an effective and valuable correlation tool.
COMPUTER MODELLING OF THE OXFORDIAN DEPOSITIONAL SYSTEMS IN THE KENDREW TROUGH, DAMPIER SUB-BASIN
Authors: Liu K. , Griffiths C.M. , Dyt C.P.
Published: August 2017

A 3D depositional modelling program, SEDSIM, was used to model the various depositional systems operating in the Kendrew Trough, Dampier Sub-basin during a two million year period of the Oxfordian. The simulation covers an area of 40 km by 100 km, from the Goodwyn Field in the southwest to the Lambert Field in the northeast, covering the Rankin Trend, Kendrew Trough, Madeleine Trend and part of the Lewis Trough. The simulation started from the Jurassic main unconformity (156.7 Ma) forward to 154.7 Ma using a spatial resolution of 1 km and a time step of 5 ka.The 3D model from the simulation quantitatively mimics the interaction of the palaeogeographic setting, sediment supply, sea level fluctuations, tectonic movement and palaeo-oceanographic setting in three dimensions, to simulate the spatial and temporal distribution of sedimentary facies. The model identified five Oxfordian leads within the Kendrew Trough, including two major slope and basin-floor fan systems, a shelfal-shoreface system, a deltaic system, and a submarine channel system.The study has shown that 3D depositional models produced by SEDSIM are not only able to depict the spatial and temporal distribution of depositional systems on a basin scale, but are also capable of making useful contributions to the understanding of play fairway and lead development.
IMAGING ADDITIONAL OIL AND GAS RESERVES, INTEGRATING WELL PRODUCTION DATA AND 3D SEISMIC AVO CLASSIFICATION TO IMAGE REMAINING OIL AND GAS RESERVES—A CASE STUDY ON THE NGATORO FIELD, TARANAKI, NEW ZEALAND
Authors: Reymond S. , Matthews E. , Sissons B.
Published: August 2017

This case study illustrates how 3D generalised inversion of seismic facies for reservoir parameters can be successfully applied to image and laterally predict reservoir parameters in laterally discontinuous turbiditic depositional environment where hydrocarbon pools are located in complex combined stratigraphic-structural traps. Such conditions mean that structural mapping is inadequate to define traps and to estimate reserves in place. Conventional seismic amplitude analysis has been used to aid definition but was not sufficient to guarantee presence of economic hydrocarbons in potential reservoir pools. The Ngatoro Field in Taranaki, New Zealand has been producing for nine years. Currently the field is producing 1,000 bopd from seven wells and at three surface locations down from a peak of over 1,500 bopd. The field production stations have been analysed using new techniques in 3D seismic imaging to locate bypassed oils and identify undrained pools. To define the objectives of the study, three questions were asked:Can we image reservoir pools in a complex stratigraphic and structural environment where conventional grid-based interpretation is not applicable due to lack of lateral continuity in reservoir properties?Can we distinguish fluids within each reservoir pools?Can we extrapolate reservoir parameters observed at drilled locations to the entire field using 3D seismic data to build a 3D reservoir model?Using new 3D seismic attributes such as bright spot indicators, attenuation and edge enhancing volumes coupled with 6 AVO (Amplitude Versus Offset) volumes integrated into a single class cube of reservoir properties, made the mapping of reservoir pools possible over the entire data set. In addition, four fluid types, as observed in more than 20 reservoir pools were validated by final inverted results to allow lateral prediction of fluid contents in un-drilled reservoir targets. Well production data and 3D seismic inverted volume were later integrated to build a 3D reservoir model to support updated volumetrics reserves computation and to define additional targets for exploration drilling, additional well planning and to define a water injection plan for pools already in production.
THE SCIENCE UNDERLYING THE ISSUE OF CLIMATE CHANGE AND PROSPECTS FOR ADAPTATION
Authors: Mitchell C.D. , Pearman G.I.
Published: August 2017

The prospect of global-scale changes in climate resulting from changes in atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations has produced a complex set of public and private- sector responses. This paper reviews several elements of this issue that are likely to be most important to industry.Scientific research continues to provide evidence to suggest that global climate will change significantly over the coming decades due to increases in the atmospheric concentration of greenhouse gases. Nonetheless, there exists a debate over the difference between observations of temperature retrieved from satellite and temperature measurements taken from the surface. Recent research undertaken to inform the debate is discussed, with the conclusion that there are real differences in trend between the surface and the lower atmosphere that can be explained in physical terms. Attention is turning to developing an understanding as to why climate model results show apparently consistent trends between the surface and the lower atmosphere, in contrast to these observations.While such uncertainties in the underlying science have been used to question whether action on the greenhouse issues is necessary, the initial response, as evidenced by international negotiations, has been to start mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. Adaptation to future climate change has received less attention than mitigation. A number of reasons for this are discussed, including the fact that regional scenarios of climate change are uncertain.The principles of risk management may be one way to manage the uncertainties associated with projections of regional climate change. Although the application of risk management to the potential impacts of climate change requires further investigation, elements of such a framework are identified, and include:Identifying the critical climate-related thresholds that are important to industry and its operations (for example, a 1-in-100 year return tropical cyclone).Using this understanding to analyse, and where possible quantify, industry’s pre-existing or baseline adaptive state through the use of sensitivity surfaces and quantified thresholds (for example, were facilities designed for a 1-in-100 event or a 1-in-500 year event?)Establishing probabilistic statements or scenarios of climate that are relevant to industry practice (for example, risk of a storm surge may be more important to operations than elevated wind strength; if so, what is the probability that an event will exceed the design threshold during the lifetime of the facility?).Bringing information on existing adaptive mechanisms together with climate scenarios to produce a quantitative risk assessment.Deciding on risk treatment (additional adaptive measures).
WESTERN AUSTRALIA—A TECHNOLOGY BASE FOR THE OIL AND GAS INDUSTRY
Authors: Ronalds B.F
Published: August 2017

Oil and gas production is characterised by a truly international industry, and yet a unique local environment. Solutions developed elsewhere cannot always be imported directly for Australian use. For this reason alone, a strong local technology base is of value to the Australian oil and gas industry. Other benefits include the ability to provide high quality education and training for people entering, and already in, the industry.A case study is described where the Western Australian technology base is facilitating solutions to a specific challenge faced on the North West Shelf (NWS); namely, that the criteria for reliable development and operation of its offshore infrastructure for oil and gas production are more severe than other petroleum provinces, requiring new analytical tools to be developed.
MARKET STRATIGRAPHY—THE 25-YEAR ODYSSEY OF THE AUSTRALIAN PUBLICLY-LISTED OIL AND GAS SECTOR (IS THE SMALLER E&P COMPANY THREATENED WITH EXTINCTION?)
Authors: Cameron P.J. , Baird J.G.
Published: August 2017

A market view of the population of publicly listed oil and gas companies during the past 25 years provides insights to the survival of the smaller exploration and production company. Mapping the life span of companies, and company population against parameters such as oil price and market activity, demonstrates that oil price is not the crucial driver for the industry as one would expect. The number of exploration companies existing at any one time is independent of oil price and discovery levels, but is more closely related to market sentiment and external influences. The benefits of success are apparent, but the vulnerability of smaller companies to that success is also apparent. While the ASX Energy Index has significantly out-performed the market, and the resources sector in general over this period, it is still considered a high-risk investment area, which fails to attract substantial investment funds.At a time of an apparently sustainable higher oil price, and record market levels, why is the level of new corporate activity so limited? In stratigraphic terms, is the survival of this species threatened? Was Darwin right—will the strong get stronger and will the small E&P company be driven to extinction?
2000 EXPLORATION REVIEW
Authors: King G.M.
Published: August 2017

The level of exploration and appraisal activity in 2000 maintained a level similar to that of the previous year. Drilling activity offshore increased slightly from 1999, maintaining the gradual increase from a low in 1991.Onshore drilling activity also increased slightly, but is still markedly down on expected levels; new permits are not being awarded due to native title issues. Onshore and offshore basins showed a continuing decline in 2D seismic acquisition, but a continuing increase in 3D acquisition. The gradual increase in drilling activity over the past 10 years is, in part, attributed to increased density of drilling in areas that have had 3D seismic coverage.The offshore activity continues to be focussed in the Carnarvon Basin, in which 73% of the wells were located, including perhaps the most significant discovery, Laverda –1, drilled by Woodside. A campaign of 25 wells by the Apache-led JV resulted in three potentially commercial discoveries: Corvus–1, Linda–1 and Tanami–4 (renamed the Simpson field).Overall success rates were high, but this is not translating to commercial reserve additions because of the number of sub-economic oil accumulations and a predominance of gas rather than oil.Onshore a further round of acreage was released in the Cooper/Eromanga Basin, and a surge of activity is expected over the next two to three years. However, award of blocks is being held up by delays in approvals related to native title, which is a major issue for the onshore industry.The new EPBC Act has created significant uncertainty in the industry, with respect to how it is being implemented. It has already led to significant delays in operations and therefore execution of committed work programs.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW 2000
Authors: Smith S.J.
Published: August 2017

Last year the petroleum industry witnessed the enactment of new legislation both at Commonwealth and State levels. The principal legislative change to environmental management was the introduction of the Commonwealth Government’s Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Act, 2000 (EPBC Act). South Australia and Victoria also implemented new Petroleum Acts and/ or Regulations.Construction of the Eastern Gas Pipeline was also completed last year, whilst preliminary approvals and environmental assessment continues for the Papua New Guinea, Timor Sea and Tasmania Natural Gas pipelines. Offshore exploration continued, particularly in the North West Shelf, Otway Basin, Timor Sea and Bass Strait.Other critical areas of environmental management included greenhouse gases, national pollution inventory reporting and the increasing requirements for environmental approval and management under various state environmental legislation.This paper provides an overview of environmental developments in the petroleum industry during the year 2000, in particular, the implication of new legislation, new technology, e-commerce and a greater focus on environmental reporting.
GAS-BASED INDUSTRY IN WESTERN AUSTRALIA—REAL OPPORTUNITIES
Authors: Evans R.
Published: August 2017

There has been a tendency in recent years for equity markets and the general public to move their interest away from resource development. The focus on gas development has also suffered, as attention has shifted to the so-called ‘new economy’.Gas development in Western Australia is more than ever a jewel in the future economic crown of the State and nation.Gas development offers a real opportunity based on real economics and real comparative advantage. This argument is supported by analysis of the comparative strengths and weaknesses influencing the development of gas-based projects in Western Australia.The paper also identifies where and how this development might occur.
LATEST ASIA-PACIFIC LNG DEVELOPMENTS: HOW AUSTRALIA CAN BENEFIT
Authors: Grasso W.H.
Published: August 2017

Australia has ample gas reserves to meet the growing demands of domestic markets to well beyond 2020. Even if Australia were to supply all of its domestic electricity market for the next 20 years by natural gas, vast untapped reserves would still remain. Australia needs to export its surplus gas to monetise it within a reasonable timeframe, and LNG is still the most cost-effective way of doing this.This paper examines the potential supply factors that Australia must contend within an increasingly deregulated and competitive export world. Innovative ideas are required to keep Australia at the forefront of the LNG market, ahead of competitors in the Asia-Pacific and Middle East. The opening up of the west Americas for Australian LNG, along with reduced manufacturing and shipping costs and the establishment of alliances with LNG consuming countries are all positive and necessary factors to ensure that Australia’s gas resources are developed within an acceptable timeframe.
HIGH RESOLUTION PALAEOGEOGRAPHIC MAPPING OF THE FLUVIAL-LACUSTRINE PATCHAWARRA FORMATION IN THE COOPER BASIN, SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Authors: Strong P.C. , Wood G.R. , Lang S.C. , Jollands A. , Karalaus E. , Kassan J.
Published: August 2017

Fluvial-lacustrine reservoirs in coal-bearing strata provide a particular challenge for reservoir characterisation because of the dominance of coal on the seismic signature and the highly variable reservoir geometry, quality and stratigraphic connectivity. Geological models for the fluvial gas reservoirs in the Permian Patchawarra Formation of the Cooper Basin are critical to minimise the perceived reservoir risks of these relatively deep targets. This can be achieved by applying high-resolution sequence stratigraphic concepts and finescaled seismic mapping. The workflow begins with building a robust regional chronostratigraphic framework, focussing on widespread lacustrine flooding surfaces and unconformities, tied to seismic scale reflectors. This framework is refined by identification of local surfaces that divide the Patchawarra Formation into high-resolution genetic units. A log facies scheme is established based on wireline log character, and calibrated to cores and cuttings, supported by analogue studies, such as the modern Ob River system in Western Siberia. Stacking patterns within each genetic unit are used to determine depositional systems tracts, which can have important reservoir connectivity implications. This leads to the generation of log signature maps for each interval, from which palaeogeographic reconstructions are generated. These maps are drawn with the guiding control of syn-depositional structural features and net/ gross trends. Estimates of fluvial channel belt widths are based on modern and ancient analogues. The resultant palaeogeography maps are used with structural and production data to refine play concepts, as a predictive tool to locate exploration and development drilling opportunities, to assess volumetrics, and to improve drainage efficiency and recovery during production of hydrocarbons.
A REVISED DEPOSITIONAL MODEL FOR EAST SPAR AND ITS IMPACT ON FIELD PERFORMANCE
Authors: Tupper N.P. , Tadiar E.F. , Price D.L. , Goodall J.D.S.
Published: August 2017

The East Spar gas condensate field is located in production licence WA-13-L in the offshore Carnarvon Basin. Production commenced in 1996 with two subsea wells linked to processing facilities on Varanus Island via a multi-phase pipeline. The pressure performance of the field has been significantly different to predevelopment expectations. This prompted a reexamination of the seismic and well data to investigate the potential for alternative reservoir models.Integrated stratigraphic and seismic interpretation reveals that the Barrow Group reservoir sands were deposited within an incised valley of limited lateral extent. Sea level fall instigated erosion of a valley that on transgression was filled with successive fluvial, estuarine and marine sediments. Good quality sands are expected to be limited to this valley, the upper part of which can be mapped on seismic. Poor sand development in East Spar–2ST is consistent with its location at the edge of the incised valley.Before development, the primary production mechanism was expected to be a strong bottom water drive comparable with other Barrow Group fields in the Carnarvon Basin. The revised depositional model, however, and the observed decline in reservoir pressure, indicate that connection to this regional aquifer is limited. This implies that water influx will probably be later, and ultimate recovery higher, than previously anticipated.
THE SEISMIC REFLECTION RESPONSE TO CHANGES IN PRESSURE
Authors: Evans B. , Pauli A.
Published: August 2017

Hydrocarbons are often interpreted using seismic attributes, the most common being high anomalous amplitudes or bright spots. Seismic data processing and interpretation is involved in enhancing such anomalies, thereby improving the interpretation for both optimised drilling and volumetric assessment. However, not all bright spots are hydrocarbons since there have been occasions when an economically drillable bright spot unexpectedly produces a dry hole. This paper discusses the first laboratory-based experiments aimed at understanding seismic reflection effects caused by changes in pressure. Water-saturated unconsolidated sand in an unconfining container was pressured from room pressure to over 2 MPa in step manner and then reduced back to room pressure. After each step in application of overburden pressure change, a zero offset 3D seismic survey was performed using ultrasonic transducers. This approach was repeated after the injection of air, to observe the seismic response to gas under changing pressure.The velocity of sand increased as a function of pressure until a value of approximately 1 MPa was attained, when fracturing became apparent. Upon pressure reduction below 2MPa, fracture healing became apparent; there were also rapid changes in reflection amplitudes due to changes in pressure. It is under high pressure that preferential alignment of parallel grains at specific distances relative to the seismic wavelength may result in ‘seismic tuning’, and apparent bright spots. It was noted that a pressure increase caused anti-clockwise rotation of the AVO fluid line; this may provide an indication of whether a change in seismic character is a result of a pressure or gas reduction. Some apparent bright spots within sand/shale sequences may also result from seismic tuning effects developed at specific seismic wavelengths, rather than from the presence of hydrocarbons; the sense of rotation of the fluid line may also help to differentiate between a pressure change or gas reduction.
THE NEXT GENERATION SPATIAL DATA WAREHOUSE
Authors: Yardley A.J.
Published: August 2017

Woodside Energy, based in Perth, Western Australia, has commenced the implementation of its next generation spatial data warehousing and visualisation system. The warehouse facilitates access to data in various corporate geoscience data sets, as well as up-to-date cultural and environmental data. It expands the capabilities of the existing geoscience database by providing a facility to handle spatial data at the database level rather than in files and maps. Spatial data can now be kept in the database, in its correct spatial location, and with a known provenance.Woodside’s worldwide exploration, development and production activities require the use of a wide variety of geographic data such as seismic, bathymetry, wells, permits, coastlines, political boundaries, navigation charts, remote sensing and geological interpretations.Geo-spatial data comes to Woodside in a variety of formats, datums and conditions. The Geomatics Department, through the Geoscience Database and Spatial Information Management teams, loads, maintains and manages all data considered to be corporate. It is quality controlled and placed into the warehouse, where it is readily accessible to technical and administrative staff.Location is an essential element in most Woodside decisions. Because of the new spatial capabilities, a number of geographic information processes are now possible. Additionally information can also be made available through the internet if required.Reliable geographic information will become more widely available in the organisation, and be more easily merged with traditional data types, enhancing the decision-making process.
PORTFOLIO RISK MANAGEMENT AT BHP BILLITON
Authors: McCarthy J.F.
Published: August 2017

BHP Billiton has implemented a portfolio risk management strategy. The strategy is based on extensive quantitative analysis of the risks and opportunities in the BHP Billiton portfolio and applies leading financial markets thinking to a portfolio of natural resource assets. It enables BHP Billiton to more rigorously manage the risks within its portfolio.This paper will discuss the portfolio modelling process supporting Portfolio Risk Management. The process involves detailed modelling of changing financial markets (i.e. commodities, currencies, interest rates), the implications for the financial strength of the company (i.e. interest cover, liquidity profile, credit rating, gearing) and, ultimately, the implications for the business strategy (i.e. financial targets, growth aspirations, capital investments, acquisitions, share buybacks). This will illustrate how quantitative tools become building blocks for decision making beyond the market risk strategy and strengthen capital disciplines.
ENVIRONMENTAL UPDATE FOR 2001
Authors: Butler W.H. (Harry)
Published: August 2017

The petroleum industry has moved from a proactive environmental approach to a reactive approach over the last 25 years. This has primarily occurred in response to government legislation. The challenge to move back to the higher ground lies before the industry.
SIGNIFICANCE OF NATIVE TITLE TO THE PETROLEUM INDUSTRY
Authors: Young Doug , MacGregor Stuart
Published: August 2017

This year is the 10th anniversary of the High Court’s decision in Mabo [No 2]. This paper presents a potted version of what has occurred over the past decade and then a more detailed summary of what has happened over the past year, including recent native title and cultural heritage cases and legislative amendments and their impact on both onshore and offshore petroleum explores and producers. It also looks at the issues likely to be considered by the High Court in the long-awaited decision in the Miriuwung Gajerrong (Ward) case.
LINKING BASEMENT AND BASIN FILL: IMPLICATIONS FOR HYDROCARBON PROSPECTIVITY IN THE OTWAY BASIN REGION
Authors: Bernecker T. , Moore D.H.
Published: August 2017

Since the offshore discoveries of economic gas accumulations at Geographe and Thylacine, the Otway Basin has become the focus of an exploration resurgence. Its proximity to major markets ensures the discoveries will be commercially valuable. The latest successes in the basin are mainly due to modern 3D-seismic techniques. While the upper sedimentary succession has been imaged at high resolution, details of the deeper successions, however, remained obscure.An integrated study of magnetic, gravimetric, bathymetric and deep seismic data-sets has outlined the way that pre-existing basement fractures controlled much of the later basin-evolution, the structural style and the distribution of hydrocarbon bearing structures.The Otway Basin formed by the profound interaction between crustal fabric in the Proterozoic and Palaeozoic basement and the extensional stresses during Gondwana break-up. Overall, three different rift systems can be distinguished:Early ENE-trending Jurassic to Early Cretaceous rifts are an extension of the E-W rift system in Western Australia and South Australia, Early WNW Late Jurassic to Early Cretaceous rifts are connected to the ENE set and include the western Otway Basin east of the Robe Trough and the Torquay Sub-basin, and Early Cretaceous NNW transtensional rifts in the southern part of the Shipwreck Trough. These control the La Bella, Thylacine and Geographe discoveries, all of which overlie the Neoproterozoic to Cambrian Selwyn Block.Within these rift systems, the Jurassic to Cretaceous rifts along the continental shelf break coincide with the northern edge of the Voluta Trough, whilst the mid-slope rifts are part of the deep Voluta Trough and were possibly generated during the Late Cretaceous.Although the potential field data do not directly delineate hydrocarbon accumulations, when integrated with other data they provide powerful tools for exploration. For instance, it is possible to map the distribution of Paleocene channels that overlie the basement and represent likely reservoir facies, while data integration with palaeoenvironmental interpretations can highlight areas in which source rock facies developed.Regionally, the way the rifts have formed with respect to the basement fabric suggests that the dominant extension direction in the basin was N to NNW. Integrating the interpretation with regional studies in the western Tasmanian region supports the proposition that the western part of the south Tasman Rise was once the outer part of the upper plate adjacent to the deepwater parts of the Otway Basin SW of Cape Otway.