bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fabrication of Silk Microstructures Using Photolithography
Authors: Pal Ramendra K. , Kurland Nicholas E. , Kundu Subhas C. , Yadavalli Vamsi K.
Published: May 2015

Precise spatial patterns and micro and nanostructures of peptides and proteins have widespread applications in tissue engineering, bioelectronics, photonics, and therapeutics. Optical lithography using proteins provides a route to directly fabricate intricate, bio-friendly architectures rapidly and across a range of length scales. The unique mechanical strength, optical properties, biocompatibility and controllable degradation of biomaterials from silkworms offer several advantages in this paradigm. Here, we present the biochemical synthesis and applications of a “protein photoresist” synthesized from the silk proteins, fibroin and sericin. Using light-activated direct-write processes such as photolithography, we show how silk proteins can form high resolution, high fidelity structures in two and three dimensions. Protein features can be precisely patterned at sub-microscale resolution (µm) at the bench-top over macroscale areas (cm), easily and repeatedly with high-throughput. For instance, periodic, microstructured arrays can be patterned over large areas to form structurally induced iridescent patterns and functional opto-electronic structures. We further demonstrate how photocrosslinked protein micro-architectures can function for the spatial guidance of cells without use of cell-adhesive ligands as biocompatible and biodegradable scaffolds. The ease of biochemical functionalization, biocompatibility, as well as favorable mechanical properties and biodegradation of this silk biomaterial provide opportunities for otherwise inaccessible applications as sustainable, bioresorbable protein microdevices.
Estonian as a heritage language in Sweden: Acoustic and perceptual characteristics of the quantity system
Authors: Keevallik Leelo , Lippus Pärtel , Pajusalu Karl
Published: May 2015

This paper studies the Estonian three-way phonological quantity distinction by second-generation Swedish Estonians. Production of the three phonological quantities has been measured in informal interviews with four speakers, all active members of the Estonian exile community. Comparisons with native Estonians show that three of the four Swedish Estonians had retained the length difference between quantity 2 and 3 in all disyllabic word types. All four displayed native-like pitch contours while two were somewhat inconsistent. The same speakers and four additional ones were then tested for perception of the quantities with re-synthesized speech stimuli. For Estonians in Estonia the temporal cue and the pitch cue are effective in combination, while the Swedish Estonian group shows extensive variability. Some speakers only display the effect of the temporal cue, similarly to fluent Estonian L2 speakers. Others have reduced the three-way system to a binary one. In this pilot study we can thus observe either incomplete acquisition in a foreign environment or language attrition in the first Swedish-born generation.
On the bilingual language use of the Estonian-speakers in Finland
Authors: Praakli Kristiina
Published: May 2015

Recent decades have witnessed a rapid increase in cross-border migration, particularly since the enlargement of the European Union (2004). Estonian-speakers in Finland are an example of today’s EU mobility. The aim of the present article is to describe bilingual language use by first-generation Estonian-speakers in Finland. Based on language data, one may claim that in a relatively early stage of language contact, bilingual speech is characterized by momentary ‘switchings’ with a clear conversational purpose. The speaker navigates within the frame of the Estonian language until a change takes place in the conversation that motivates the speaker to use Finnish inside of the base language (Estonian) of the conversation.
The emergence of Finnish-Estonian bilingual constructions in two contact settings
Authors: Riionheimo Helka , Frick Maria
Published: May 2015

In this paper, we investigate the emergence of bilingual constructions in conversational data from two groups of first generation Finns living in Estonia: 1) students and migrant workers who had been living in Estonia 0–17 years at the time the data was collected between 2002 and 2011; and 2) Ingrian Finns, who migrated to Soviet Estonia around World War II and had been living in the country for more than 50 years at the time of recording in the 1990s. All the participants in the current study use resources from Finnish and Estonian, and in both sets of data, there is co-occurrence of elements from both, but the language mixing patterns are very different. While some language mixing such as in the students' and workers' speech is predictable in this kind of contact setting, the immigrants from the Soviet era show signs of severe language attrition that is not typically found among first generation speakers. Among the recent immigrants, Estonian influence on Finnish morphology and morphosyntax is occasional whereas in the case of the Ingrian Finns, language mixing often occurs throughout the conversation and involves blending of morphological and syntactic constructions from both languages. Recurrent blending of certain constructions from the two languages especially in the Ingrian Finnish data indicates a dynamic towards establishing a new bilingual grammar. Furthermore, the comparison of the two datasets shows the effect that social factors and the length of stay have on first generation immigrants' language.
Morphology of Estonian items at the interface of Russian-Estonian language contact data
Authors: Zabrodskaja Anastassia , Verschik Anna
Published: May 2015

The paper argues that integration of code-switched items into the Matrix Language is not a straightforward process and does not entirely depend on the structural characteristics of the languages involved. Estonian-Russian code-switching is instructive because both languages are rich in inflectional morphology. Full integration of Estonian nouns into the Russian matrix means gender assignment and adding of inflection (case, number, or case and number). Russian-Estonian code-switching data demonstrate a wide range of possibilities for integration. Zabrodskaja (2009) specifies six gradations of morphological integration, whereby morphological integration and phonological adaptation do not depend on each other: an Estonian item may show high phonological adaptation and no morphological integration into Russian, and vice versa. Empirical observations show that there are instances where Russian inflectional morphology is absent, although the Estonian noun fits structurally into Russian declension classes. The paper compares the integration of Estonian nouns into Russian morphosyntax in speech and in blogs. Both sets of data show similarities as far as types of integration are concerned. Morphological integration is often a matter of individual preference and variation rather than structural compatibility with the Russian matrix.
Wound-healing potential of the fruit extract of Phaleria macrocarpa
Authors: Abood Walaa Najm , Al-Henhena Nawal Ahmed , Najim Abood Ammar , Al-Obaidi Mazen M. Jamil , Ismail Salmah , Abdulla Mahmood , Al Bartan Rami
Published: May 2015

The wound-healing potential of Phaleria macrocarpa was evaluated by monitoring the levels of inflammatory mediators, collagen, and antioxidant enzymes. Experimentally, two-centimeter-wide full-thickness-deep skin excision wounds were created on the posterior neck area of the rats. The wounds were topically treated with gum acacia as a vehicle in the control group, intrasite gel in the reference group, and 100 and 200 mg/mL P. macrocarpa ‎fruit extract in the treatment group. Granulation tissues were excised on the 15th day and were further processed for histological and biochemical analyzes. Wound healing was evaluated by measuring the contractions and protein contents of the wounds. Cellular redistribution and collagen deposition were assessed morphologically using Masson’s trichrome stain. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities, along with malondialdehyde (MDA) level were determined in skin tissue homogenates of the dermal wounds. Serum levels of transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) were evaluated in all the animals. A significant decrease in wound area was caused by a significant increase in TGF-β1 level in the treated groups. Decrease in TNF-α level and increase in the collagen formation were also observed in the treated groups. Topical treatment with P. macrocarpa fruit extract increased the SOD and CAT activities in the healing wounds, thereby significantly increasing MDA level. The topical treatment with P. macrocarpa fruit extract showed significant healing effect on excision wounds and demonstrated an important role in the inflammation process by increasing antioxidant enzyme activities, thereby accelerating the wound healing process and reducing tissue injury.
The comparison of the efficacy of radiofrequency nucleoplasty and targeted disc decompression in lumbar radiculopathy
Authors: Adakli Barıs , Cakar Turhan Keziban Sanem , Asik Ibrahim
Published: May 2015

Chronic low back pain is a common clinical condition causing medical, socioeconomic, and treatment difficulties. In our study, we aimed to compare early and long-term efficacy of lumbar radiofrequency thermocoagulation (RFTC) nucleoplasty and targeted disc decompression (TDD) in patients with lumbar radiculopathy in whom previous conventional therapy had failed. The medical records of 37 patients undergoing TDD and 36 patients undergoing lumbar RFTC nucleoplasty were retrospectively examined and assigned to the Group D and Group N, respectively. In all patients Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Functional Rating Index (FRI) were recorded before treatment and after one, six and twelve months after the procedure. The North American Spine Society Satisfaction Scale (NASSSS) was also recoreded twelve months after the therapeutic procedure. Statistically significant postprocedural improvement in VAS and FRI was evident in both groups. VAS scores after one, six, and twelve month were slightly higher in Group N, compared to Group D. The overall procedure-related patient satisfaction ratio was 67.5% in the Group D, compared to 75% in the Group N. Regardless of the different mechanism of action, both methods are effective therapies for lumbar radiculopathy, with TDD showing long-term lower pain scores.
Análise Econômica da Evolução Histórica da Erva-Mate em Mato Grosso do Sul
Authors: Wolf Rayan , Pereira Matheus Wemerson Gomes
Published: May 2015

O presente trabalho buscou analisar os motivos que levaram a erva-mate passar de um produto chave na economia do estado de Mato Grosso do Sul para um produto sem relevância do ponto de vista econômico para o estado, analisando o atual cenário da erva-mate. Objetivou-se especificamente analisar o atual cenário econômico da erva-mate no estado, mensurar as correlações entre a produção da erva-mate no Mato Grosso do Sul e outros estados e países, fazer a previsão para produções futuras, e como objetivo geral, identificar os motivos que levaram a erva-mate perder espaço na atual economia de Mato Grosso do Sul. As hipóteses são que a perda de importância econômica da erva-mate no estado ocorreu devido à concorrência com outras regiões produtoras, e com outras culturas a erva-mate possui um processo produtivo competitivo. Os resultados indicam que a erva-mate produzida no estado de Mato Grosso do Sul está perdendo espaço para outros estados e países e também para outras culturas, sendo que a produção de erva-mate possui uma tendência negativa. Economic Analysis of the Historical Evolution of the Yerba Mate Plant in Mato Grosso do Sul ABSTRACT: Current investigation deals with the motives underlying the fact that the yerba-mate plant in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil, passed from a key economical product to a non-relevant one within the economical perspective of the state. Current economic situation of yerba mate is investigated and the corelationships between yerba-mate production in Mato Grosso do Sul and in other Brazilian states and in other countries are assessed, with future perspectives. Further, the reasons why yerba mate is currently less important for the state´s economy are investigated. Loss of importance was due to competition with other producing regions and with other cash crops within a competitive market economy. Results show that the yerba mate produced in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul is less competitive and its production tends to be negative. KEYWORDS: Yerba Mate; Mato Grosso do Sul; Production
Run Life Improvement by Implementation of Artificial Lift Systems Failure Classification and Root Cause Failure Classification
Authors: Rubiano Edward , Martin José Luis , Prada Jesus , Monroy Manuel , Labrador Laura , Celis Jonathan , Gutierrez Jahir , Bohorquez Michel
Published: May 2015

This paper describes the implementation of a methodology for classification of artificial lift system failures and adding a commonly used root cause failure classification from C-Fer (RIFT). The subject field is the oldest Colombian oilfield, which was discovered in 1918, and was produced by primary recovery, then by gas injection as secondary recovery; in the 80's the water flooding project started and finally, in 2006 optimization of water flooding took place increasing production from 4,500 bopd up to 40,000 bopd. Conditions are challenging for all types of artificial lift systems, including sand production, CO2 corrosion, H2S presence, high water cuts and unstable injection conditions.

This methodology was applied to different artificial lift systems, such as: Beam Pump (BP), Progressive Cavity Pumps (PCP), Electrical Submersible Pumping Systems (ESP) and Electrical Submersible Progressive Cavity Pumping Systems (ESPCP). The starting point was the definition or limitation of the boundaries of every system, since some of them use rods for power transmission and others use a power cable. Then, every job in the well was defined as Failure, Failure No-ALS or No Failure in order to classify and look for ways to improve run life and decrease failures by implementing action plans with operations, engineering, and suppliers among others.

The addition of root cause failure classification helped to refine the action plans in order to solve the issues. In some cases, it was necessary to customize RIFT classification in order to track local issues; such as: unstable injection wells, drilling operations in the same well location, etc (some examples are included).

Included in this methodology, some KPIs: failure index, indirect failure index, pulling index, recurrence index, average run life, average run time were used. These KPIs helped track performance improvement in the last two years, getting excellent results.
Reducing Nonproduction Times during ESP Installation Using the MWI Device (Measure While Installing)
Authors: Archila Jesus , Ramirez Santiago , Perez Juan , Carreño Oscar A.
Published: May 2015

One of the most common problems in operations with ESP equipment is the increase of the non-production time during Electrical Submersible Pumps installation in highly deviated or tight casing wells. This often results in mechanical damage to the power cable that creates lost insulation problems that cannot be rapidly identified.

One solution to this issue is the implementation of a device called MWI (measuring while installing) created by Baker Hughes that helps reduce the non-productive time, ensuring an operation with less hours of rig-downtime during an ESP installation. This paper will focus on the real time measurement performed by the MWI through the ESP downhole sensor, which replaces the standard adopted practice of taking electrical measurements repetitively every 1000 ft. This practice did not allow to rapidly identify insulation problems during ESP running, but only when there was a stop for electrical measurements. Besides, the implementation of the MWI reduces the electrical exposure risk avoiding the need to take electrical measurement several times in a single operation.

The MWI was implemented as a field tool that provides a fast response capability during an ESP installation issue generating savings of 4 to 10 hours of NPT per ESP installation, while providing a high quality service from Baker Hughes to Ecopetrol, the operating company.
Optimization of Production Units Alternatives Considering Pressure Drop and Nonlinear Constraints
Authors: Figueira Alexandre F. , Silva Eugênio , Pacheco Marco Aurélio , Zanni João , Abreu Ana Carolina , Mendoza Leonardo
Published: May 2015

The exploration and production of oil fields involves multidisciplinary teams and has several decision variables. These variables can be optimized in order to maximize the profits of the operating company assisting the process of decision making regarding the development of the oil fields. The problem addressed in this paper is to optimize simultaneously the number, location and sizing of Production Units, considering technical and operational constraints and pressure drop during the simulation of production. To evaluate the pressure drop we used multiphase flow tables in order to obtain the required pressure curves. Each alternative of Production Unit has a different set of multiphase flow table in accordance with the distances between the wellheads and their Production Unit. The evaluation of each alternative of Production Units takes into account the union of the reservoir model with its respective fixed configuration of wells using gas-lift as lifting method. The optimization process uses Genetic Algorithms with the goal of maximizing the net present value (NPV) of a project evaluating possible alternatives of Production Unit through numerical reservoir simulation. A case study was conducted to demonstrate how the simultaneous optimization of the decision variables works. The optimization result shows that the alternative founded when was optimized the sizing of Production Units - besides the quantity and location - obtained a NPV higher than that obtained by the alternative resultant of the location and the quantity optimization of replicants Production Units.
An Improved Electrical Submersible Pump Performance Testing System
Authors: Bhuiyan Ariful I. , Reed Stewart , Nemec Barnabas , Henson Dale
Published: May 2015

Recent advances in exploration and energy extraction have been significant and occurred very quickly, greatly impacting the US economy. A major component of these advances is the electrical submersible pump (ESP), which targets high-volume energy extraction. Consequently, ESP testing system demands are increasing to new levels. Reliable and safe testing systems that provide quick, accurate, and repeatable results are highly desirable.

A service company recently developed a highly accurate, reliable, and fast ESP testing system. The new, improved testing system incorporates a control valve coupled with an actuator, two electromagnetic flow meters, a variable frequency driver (VFD), and programmable logic controller (PLC) driven automation. API standards were strictly followed concerning flow, pressure, and torque measurements. A proprietary software package allows real-time communication with the PLC and helps operators to run tests and to post test results online. Finally, identified safety issues were mitigated, either by design or administrative methods, to help minimize their severity.

The newly improved testing system helps reduce pump testing time by 75%. This new design is also modular, which helps to reduce transportation/installation costs and greatly simplifies installation.
ESP Installed in a Subsea Skid at Jubarte Field
Authors: Tarcha B. A. , Borges O. C. , Furtado R. G.
Published: May 2015

The FPSO P-58 is located in a deepwater field and produces pre and post salt reservoirs. The artificial lift method selected for two post salt wells is the mudline ESP, where the equipment is installed in a submarine skid. The main advantage of this technology is to reduce intervention costs due to cheaper vessels. The concept was developed and tested in two Petrobras projects: Espadarte and Cascade-Chinook fields.

Some of the challenges are related to the need for horizontal positioning of the equipment, due to the dimensions involved. This impacted the method of assembly and installation of the ESP in the capsule, as well as design of the protectors. The Mudline ESP has two pumps powered electrically in parallel and arranged in series hydraulically. In this project, the equipment has evolved in relation to the previous installations, in particular the inclusion of chemical injection, access to hot stab and the capability to receive a flow homogenizer.

The system will begin operation in 2015 and it is expected that its runlife will be similar to the standard equipment installed in the well, but with lower intervention costs. Possible improvements for the next projects are the use of sensors on both pumps and the installation of the system with even simpler and cheaper vessels.

Since the assembly of the pump and the whole skid is done onshore, the process can have a better control and supervision. Also, an integration test is performed before the system installation, which allows a complete evaluation of its performance.
A State-of-the-Art Modeling Technique for Thrust Prediction in Bottom Hole Electrical Submersible Pumps
Authors: Marsis Emanuel , Patil Abhay , Baillargeon David , McManus David , Gary II Steven , Williams Brett , Lana Dario , Nichols Jonathan , Zedtwitz Cristian Von , Ives Jason
Published: May 2015

Thrust in Electrical Submersible Pumps (ESPs) is a very important factor that affects pumps' performance. Thrust forces in pumps can increase the friction losses and reduce the overall pump efficiency and lifetime. Pump designers have to design pumps to handle thrust generated in the operating range whether by adding up-thrust protection, down-thrust protection, or sometimes both kinds of protections if the operating range includes both up and down thrust.

Hydraulic thrust mainly depends on the hydrodynamic forces generated inside ESPs. These hydrodynamic forces depend on many factors like blade loading, seal geometries, seal diameters, seal engagement, and balance holes location and sizes. Not only is the thrust magnitude important to predict, but also the shape of the thrust curve plays an important role in defining the operating range. If the thrust curve is flat, then this means a wider operating range for the pump.

Currently, no model is available to predict or design for thrust curve. Engineers use an iterative process of manufacturing and testing trying to reach the optimum seal configuration and balance holes geometry for better thrust and pump performance.

In this paper, a detailed CFD model of a mixed flow multistage ESP is presented including all seal elements and balance holes to be able to predict hydraulic thrust. Thrust curve is predicted for the first time using CFD analysis. Different seal geometries and balance holes configuration is also modeled to study the effect of geometry change on thrust curve. The model is validated using experimental test results. Also, other design parameters like the shape of the head curve, pump efficiency, and gas handling capability were controlled early in the design phase using CFD analysis.
Successful In-Well Deepwater Installation of Largest ESP Capsules With Crossing Lines Protected Inside a Capsule
Authors: Monteiro G.. , Neto F. Liborio , Pessoa R.. , Martinez I.. , Lima A.. , Pinto M. F.
Published: May 2015

The application of artificial lift in deepwater environments is constantly evolving due to a growing need for more sophisticated and robust completions that improve run-life expectancy and reliable deployment. The downtime associated with disruption of functionality while lowering a completion string in the well or dealing with a string stuck in hole can be a major concern because it can lead to an expensive workover or even well loss when fishing operations are unsuccessful. Because of this, most oil producer companies complete their wells only with field-proven or stringently qualified tools. That is the case of two subsea wells recently completed in the Atlanta field (14°API oil) with an electrical submersible pump (ESP) in more than 1,550 m water depth.

What makes the two initial wells unique to date are the large capsules (OD and length), high-power ESP and technology used to protect the lines going downhole. In the heart of each capsule there is a 1,500 HP ESP unit capable of pumping 12,000 bbl/d of viscous oil. Deploying such large systems inside 9⅝-in. capsules was already a great achievement. Nevertheless, the biggest challenge was to deal with the lines (two chemical injection, reservoir monitoring and hydraulic control) that had to go deeper than the ESP system. Even with the use of clamps, passing these lines outside of the capsule imposes a high risk of damaging them in the well's horizontal section or getting them stuck if the lines broke and wrapped between the capsule OD and the casing.

Overcoming this risk was possible through the implementation of a breakthrough idea that consisted in closing the bottom end of the 9⅝-in. capsule with a hydraulic retrievable packer instead of a torqued crossover, as is usually done in ESP capsules. The packer has the advantage that setting it doesn't create any relative movement of the feedthrough lines with respect to the capsule body, so all lines that must go deeper pass through without damage during closure of the capsule's bottom end. Splice subs above and below the packer make it even easier to pre-install the lines before shipping offshore.

Assembly was a breeze and the capsules were successfully pressure-tested to confirm there was no leakage before installing them in 11¾-in., 60.7-lb/ft casing at an inclination angle of 75°. All lines were commissioned and proven functional after finishing the completion job. These are the largest ESP capsules successfully installed in-well in Brazil and probably in the world with feedthrough lines crossing and protected inside the capsule. The creative concept can be extended to other wells and is very valuable to manage the risk of damaging the lines in ESP capsules.
ESP Application on Heavy Oil in Peregrino Field
Authors: Castro Vinicius , Leite Daniela , Lemos Daniel , Marins Jean , Pessoa Rui , Magalhães João
Published: May 2015

This paper discusses the experience and lessons learned during three years of electrical submersible pump (ESP) operation in heavy and viscous oil in the Peregrino field. Artificial lift applications on heavy oil fields have been a challenge for operators, and the Peregrino field is a good example for this type of ESP application.

An ESP was designed to enable a wide operation window to fulfill reservoir conditions changes and to focus on the extended run life and overall lifting efficiency. Three different ESP configurations were applied to produce liquid rates from 1500 to 20000 STB/d utilizing 1100-HP and 540-HP motors. Upper completions using a packer and capsule solution were selected to comply with all production conditions.

Peregrino field is a Statoil asset located in Campos Basin, approximately 85 km offshore from Cabo Frio/Rio de Janeiro state in Brazil. The oil in Peregrino has viscosity between 129 cp to 364 cp, and the API gravity varies between 13° and 15° API. The first phase of field development comprised two drilling-capable wellhead platforms and a centrally moored FPSO. Currently, there are 27 producer wells, including 3 multilaterals and 6 injectors in operation. The field is currently producing close to 100,000 STB/d of oil and has achieved a production record of 104,292 STB/d in July 2013.

The learning and experience developed from the ESP design phase through three years of operation represents a very important set of best practices. This information can be used by the industry as a complete field-proven method of ESP project implementation, particularly when dealing with high flow rates, high horsepower, and viscous oil ESP operations in an offshore environment.
A Time-Frequency Study of the Behavior of an Electrical Submersible Pump Operating Nearly the Gas-Locking Condition
Authors: Pedrotti M. M. , Biazussi J. L. , Bannwart A. C. , Sassim N. A.
Published: May 2015

Electrical submersible pump system (ESP) represents a very effective artificial lift method in oil production; however, the possible presence of free gas may affect the performance of the pump in several ways. Depending on the gas content at suction conditions and on the suction pressure, it can block the impeller where no pumping action takes place, a phenomenon known as gas locking. The objective of this study is to investigate the pump behavior operating near this condition by using signal processing and analysis tools, in order to understand and anticipate the phenomenon.

The tests were performed in laboratory, using a horizontal skid operating with a three-staged ESP. It was acquired time varying signals for process variables such as inlet and outlet pressures, shaft power and liquid flow rate for a constant gas mass flow rate. Then, using a mathematical software package for signal processing, the data were analyzed in both time and frequency domain to correlate these results with the pump operating nearly the gas locking point.

Thus, it was possible to observe that as the void fraction increases, the most variables tend to oscillate heavily at some particular frequencies. It suggests that the frequency analysis relates with the physical phenomenon since the same operating conditions is ensured. This preliminar analysis permits the diagnose of operation, emphasizing the behaviour of the pump before and during the gas locking point.

In literature, it is possible to find a lot of information about frequency analysis in flows through pipelines, so this work introduces a different approach of signal analysis for ESPs in order to predict the above mentioned phenomenon. Therefore, this work suggests that new kind of tests could be advantageous in future in order to evaluate the pump's behavior at different conditions, for example by varying the gas flow rate or inlet pressure.
Progressing Cavity Pumps in Horizontal Wells and 2,000,000 cp Viscosity
Authors: Monasterio Emmanuel A. , Gusberti Pablo I.
Published: May 2015

This article describes the techniques and tools using Progressing Cavity Pumps (PCP) that allowed the development of Llancanelo Field, in southern Mendoza, Argentina, where heavy oil with 12° API is produced through 13 horizontal wells. In addition they were able to overcome many technical and environmental challenges, such as adverse weather conditions and being located in an ecological reserve.

Some adverse characteristics were:

Viscosities up to 2.000.000cp at environmental temperature (10°C). Pumps installed at different depth conditions.

Example, the 2019 NLL-well with pump landed at 1197 m inside 5.5 pulg liner, and 90° from the vertical reference.

Sucker rod centralizer limited use by flow restriction caused. Wide operational temp range, below −15°C in winter, plus 35°C in summer.

Different applications are described, with particular advantages and high performance in each case. Main topics analyzed:

Viscosity and hydrodynamic wedge reducing the contact between sucker rods and tubing, preventing accelerated wear and final failure event. Using pipe heating wire for viscosity reduction in tubing production. Installation of relief and recirculation valves in production wellhead as protection regarding high back pressure blocked pipelines. Monitoring and automation systems with downhole pressure & temperature sensors. Low operating costs / reduced pulling ratio.. Technical feasibility to develop reservoir exploitation with PCP as ALS.

The results are presented case by case, and then an overall balance for entire field, where based on initial performance with 5 wells and 7600 m3 production in 2005, was possible to increase production until 21,727 m3 with 13 wells in 2013.

In conclusion the working methodology applied is shown for those applications, proving efficiency and recommendations for potential similar fields; that represented in an average run life of 1800 days, or examples as NLL-2001 well (3621 days) and NLL-1003 well (4000 days) both still operating, which becomes the longer runlife for a PCP application registered in Argentina.

The principal contribution is sharing experiences, solutions and working methodology among Operator, Services Company, and even an educational institution as the National University of Cuyo where rheological studies and oil characterizations were performed.
A New Approach To Diagnosis of Sucker Rod Pump Systems by Analyzing Segments of Downhole Dynamometer Cards
Authors: Reges Galdir D. , Schnitman Leizer , Reis Ricardo , Mota Fabricio
Published: May 2015

This work proposes a new method of diagnosing the Sucker Rod Pump Systems, by analyzing segments between the points of opening and closing valves identified in the Downhole Dynamometer Cards. An analysis of the shape of the pumping condition classes represented in the Downhole Dynamometer Cards, especially regarding the behavior of segments between the valve opening and closing points is presented. The feasibility of the classification of Downhole Dynamometer Cards by the curvature characteristics of segments is demonstrated. Then, methods of classification of 16 pumping condition classes are presented, 4 by simple statistics and 12 of them extracting curvature characteristics of the segments andusing statistics to implement Mamdani fuzzy inference systems. Tests are developed with classifiers created by the method, and the test results over a library of Dynamometer Cards from real wells, previously classified by human experts, demonstrate the feasibility of the approach and the precision of the classification even without a deeper study to choose the better characteristics and statistics. In addition the classifiers were developed using samples of Dynamometer Cards from the literature, showing that the method reduces the need of many samples of the great variety of the Dynamometer Cards Shapes from real wells. Different from other methods, these results indicate the severity degree of many pumping condition classes and demonstrate the concomitant pumping condition detection feature. The classifiers were even able to spot misleading classifications by the human experts thanks to deeper understanding of the behavior of the Dynamometer Cards segments in the case of one or more anomalies in the system. The features to quantify and identify concomitant classes of so many pumping conditionsdemonstrated in this approach are novel in the area. The paper shows the feasibility of the approach and the potential for greater identification precision.
Optimizing Completions and Artificial Lift in an Unconventional Play in the United States
Authors: Van Sickle S.. , Shelly G.. , Snyder D..
Published: May 2015

The Marmaton formation is a large limestone reservoir straddling the Oklahoma and Texas Panhandle. This oil laden formation is a significant resource with potential recovery exceeding 88 million BOE, making it an attractive target for many operators. Similar to the Bakken, it was once considered unviable as an unconventional carbonate play due to complexity and associated production costs. With the application of modern horizontal drilling and fracturing techniques, operators are dispelling this notion.

To date more than 1,300 vertical and approximately 300 horizontal wells have been drilled in this play. Although the first horizontal was completed back in 1992, full development of the Marmaton has been relatively slow. Until recently, much of it was considered marginally economic, but this is changing with the application of innovative technologies that unlock and extract commercial volumes of hydrocarbons from the reservoir.

The standard well completion is typically an open hole, multistage (OHMS) completion system that utilizes packers for isolation and fracturing sleeves for stage diversion. This technology facilitates placement of stimulation treatments in one continuous pumping operation. Once the stimulation operation is complete, the well can be immediately flowed back and put on production resulting in efficient operations.

This paper will discuss how one of the more prolific operators in the play is developing its acreage by prudently employing new technologies. These new technologies and advancements include the following: degradable balls, water-soluble tracers, radioactive tracers, and high-rate water fractures. Each will be discussed in detail to help paint a picture of how this particular operator is leading the industry in unlocking the full potential of the Marmaton. To assist in the ongoing development of this unconventional play, theoretical and practical lessons will be highlighted.
The Concept of Smart Water Discharge (SWD), The Next Revolution in Produced Water Treatment
Authors: Richerand Frank , Peymani Yoosef
Published: May 2015

In modern process automation, the Oil and Gas industry is shifting toward Closed-Loop or Feedback process-control automation to constantly maintain the output at a predetermined set point by means of monitoring and controlling the vital process parameters.

Currently, most produced water treatment systems are acting as a non-feedback process or passive feedback control system (i.e. the outcome of treatment does not dynamically or actively influence the process). The development of an effective and dependable Closed-Loop control system is prevented by the lack of a reliable and accurate monitoring system that continuously measures the concentration of contaminates in the process. However, recent developments in Oil in Water (OIW) analyzers encouraged the authors to conduct a profound study on the development of a Closed-Loop System or Smart Water Discharge™ (SWD).

Goal-oriented Smart Water Discharge (SWD) allows the operator to set parameters for oil concentrations in overboard water at specific values (ppm); the Closed-Loop control system adapts the process conditions and/or employs the excursion tertiary water treatment equipment to maintain the set points.

This paper presents the concepts and algorithms of Smart Water Discharge (SWD), the essential components, the priority of a control system, the control functions, and operator-SWD interactions. Furthermore, the authors illustrate the results of field and lab testing for each component providing valuable information on selection and design of the system (including OIW analyzers, logic controllers and controlling elements).
Produced Water Treatment - Preparing for EOR Projects
Authors: Dwyer Patrick , Delamaide Eric
Published: May 2015

This document will highlight the challenges with produced water treatments that facility engineers and operators will have in preparing for a chemical EOR project. The methodology used will help identify common issues, and then emphasize procedures to mitigate the risk to the operations. The complete water cycle will be analyzed and topics will include chemical interactions of the EOR products and production chemistry as well as EOR chemicals preparation.
Misapplication of Solids Control Chemistries May Stress Microbes Towards Dormancy
Authors: Tidwell Timothy J. , Ryther Robert , Broussard Zach , Keasler Victor
Published: May 2015

Microorganisms present multiple challenges in oilfield systems such as microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC), reservoir souring, and biofouling. The misapplication of biocides can lead to significant issues in field operations, including resistance and/or lack of susceptibility of the microbial population to biocide treatment. The selection of chemistries to minimize microbial risk has traditionally relied on culture-based methods such as serial dilution to determine biocide efficacy. However, the diversity of microbes and the unique conditions found in each oil and gas asset make it very challenging to obtain reliable results through growth assays in culture media. Field-based molecular microbial enumeration technologies, such as the quantification of intracellular adenosine triphosphate (cATP) and adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) have advanced significantly in the past 5 years and are often relied upon to determine microbial risks in production systems. Additionally, laboratory based methods such as Flow Cytometry, quantitative-polymerase-chain-reaction (qPCR), and next-generation DNA sequencing (NGS) have begun to shed light on the complex microbial populations inhabiting these production systems. Using this multifaceted approach, we have begun to further understand the effects of prolonged treatment with water quality chemistries such as solids control products and the negative effects it can have on a microbial control strategy. In this study, we look at a production system where the application of low-dosage solids control chemistries caused the microbes to become dormant and thus more resistant to biocide treatments which increased the risk of MIC related failures. Furthermore, treatment of these microbes with other solids control chemistries and biocides have revealed a number other of resistance mechanisms suggesting these microbes utilize multiple strategies for survival which may complicate remediation efforts.
In vitro dissection of anti-diabetic effects of compound a, a dissociating glucocorticoid receptor ligand
Authors: Vujicic Milica , Saksida Tamara , Nikolic Ivana , Stojanovic Ivana , Stosic-Grujicic Stanislava
Published: May 2015

Compound A (CpdA), or 2-(4-acetoxyphenyl)-2-chloro-N-methyl-ethyl-ammonium
chloride, is a stable analog of the hydroxyl phenyl aziridine precursor found
in the Namibian shrub Salsola tuberculatiformis Botschantzev. It belongs to
the group of so-called ?dissociated? GC receptor ligands that downmodulate
pro-inflammatory gene expression via the transrepression mechanism, but
without physically binding to DNA. We have recently reported that the in vivo
administration of CpdA exerts a strong protective effect in a pharmacological
model of type 1 diabetes in mice. The goal of this study was to investigate
in more detail the effects of CpdA on multiple immune system components, as
well as on target pancreatic beta cells in direct in vitro exposure. The
utility of CpdA in diabetes prevention was evaluated through its addition to
mitogen-activated spleen, lymph node and peritoneal cells of C57BL/6 mice,
and to murine pancreatic islets and INS-1 and RINm5F beta cell lines. CpdA
modulated immune cell-derived cytokine production in vitro by restraining the
pro-inflammatory M1/Th1/Th17 response and switching it towards an
anti-inflammatory Th2 profile. However, it did not preserve beta cells from
the cytotoxic action of inflammatory cytokines. Thus, the anti-diabetic
properties of CpdA are mediated through the modulation of immune cell
differentiation pathways rather than through rescue of target cells from
autoimmune attack.
Inheritance of mature leaf properties in grapevine progeny obtained by crossing Muscat Hamburg and Villard Blanc cultivars
Authors: Nikolic Dragan
Published: May 2015

and inheritance mode of six properties of the mature leaf (size of blade,
number of lobes, shape of teeth, general shape of petiole sinus, density of
prostrate and erect hairs between veins on the lower side of blade) were
analyzed in 90 seedlings of the F1 generation from the crossing combination
of Muscat Hamburg x Villard Blanc. The properties analyzed were classified according to the OIV system of classification and ?2 test was used to determine the inheritance mode. A substantial variability of the analyzed characteristics was recorded in the hybrid progeny. Size of blade, number of lobes, shape of teeth and general shape of petiole sinus were most probably
affected by a great number of genetic factors. Monogenic inheritance was
determined with regard to the density of prostrate and erect hairs between
veins on the lower side of blade.
Spring phytoplankton and periphyton composition: case study from a thermally abnormal lakes in Western Poland
Authors: Burchardt Lubomira , Hindák František , Komárek Jiří , Lange-Bertalot Horst , Messyasz Beata , Pikosz Marta , Wejnerowski Łukasz , Jakubas Emilia , Rybak Andrzej , Gąbka Maciej
Published: May 2015

Getting to know the response of different groups of aquatic organisms tested in altered thermal environments to environmental conditions makes it possible to understand processes of adaptation and limitation factors such as temperature and light. Field sites were located in three thermally abnormal lakes (cooling system of power plants), in eastern part of Wielkopolska region (western Poland): Pątnowskie, Wąsosko-Mikorzyńskie and Licheńskie. Water temperatures of these lakes do not fall below 10°C throughout the year, and the surface water temperature in spring is about 20˚C. In this study, we investigated the species structure of the spring phytoplankton community in a temperature gradient and analyzed diversity of periphyton collected from alien species (Vallisneria spiralis) and stones. 94 taxa belonging to 56 genera of algae (including phytoplankton and periphyton) were determined. The highest number of algae species were observed among Chlorophyta (49), Bacillariophyceae (34) and Cyanobacteria (6). In spite of important differences in temperature in the investigated lakes, taxonomic composition of phytoplankton was comparable. Thermophilic species: Glochidinium penardiforme and Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii were found in the species structure (blooms were not observed). The obtained data also showed that the biotic surface of Vallisneria spiralis was a better substrate for Bacillariophyceae colonization than stones. The examination in the spring season of these thermally altered lakes, indicated the taxonomic composition of phytoplankton typical for eutrophic reservoirs (not heated). There was no replacement of any phytoplankton groups which are characteristic for spring conditions, even if there were changes in the competition dynamics.
Dynamics of Lady’s slipper orchid (Cypripedium calceolus L.) population at Lake Kwiecko (West Pomerania)
Authors: Korczyński Maciej , Krasicka-Korczyńska Ewa
Published: May 2015

Cypripedium calceolus is considered an endangered species in the territory of Poland. Population of this rare species, situated at Lake Kwiecko (Western Pomerania), was regularly monitored in the years 1986-2013. The studied population has been under the permanent influence of the nearby hydroelectric power plant for almost 45 years. The field observations showed that the power plant had no negative impact on the condition of Cypripedium calceolus population. An indication of its good condition was, among others, an increase in the size - from 150 to 350 specimens within the study period.