bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Control of Chemical Usage in Drilling Fluid Formulations to Minimize Discharge to the Environment
Authors: Geehan T. , Forbes D. M. , Moore D. J.
Published: December 2007

A reduction in the environmental footprint from drilling operations can best be addressed by minimizing the sources of that footprint. One of the principal sources of possible environmental damage is drilling fluid and drill solid discharge. The toxicity as measured by acute and/ or sub-chronic testing regimes depends on the composition of the drilling fluid/ drill solids slurry. The trend within the drilling fluids industry has been to direct its attention to finding drilling fluid products which alone and in combination are considered to be non-toxic as determined by required testing procedures. This paper goes on to describe a parallel approach in which the total volume of chemicals discharged (whether considered toxic or benign) is reduced. Both approaches can be considered complimentary. The reduction in volume/ mass of discharge is achieved by increased monitoring of both drilling fluid properties, composition and solids control operational efficiency, (Ref 1). Additionally the increased monitoring allows less complicated formulations to be used to produce the desired drilling fluid properties; as specified by the mud programme. The need for more complete rigsite monitoring packages, see (Ref 2), will become more important as oilbased muds are replaced by waterbased mud for difficult drilling situations with stricter environmental regulations on discharge of drilling waste. The paper also outlines how the optimization of the drilling fluid operation was linked to a reduction in drilling fluid costs at the sametime maintaining drilling efficiency.
Laboratory Waste-Management Programs for Research and Field-Support Operations in the Oilfield Servicing Industry
Authors: Manning L. , Grannan S. E.
Published: December 2007

Key components of a waste-management program for R&E and field-support laboratories within the oilfield service industry are discussed. Guidelines presented encourage efficient waste management via waste minimization, providing economical benefits and environmentally sound disposal of waste.

Generic criteria, based on physical and chemical properties of the waste, are established for hazard characterization, classification, and segregation purposes. Several waste disposal options for the identified waste streams are reviewed. Specific case situations and the resulting cost benefits are described using the guidelines presented.
Cleanup of Contaminated Soil and Groundwater: A "Location Specific" Cleanup Operation at the Sappemeer Gas Production Site
Authors: Veltkamp A. G. , Mathijssen J. J. M.
Published: December 2007

Soil and groundwater have been contaminated with volatile aromatic hydrocarbons and mineral oil at the Sappe- meer gas-production site. The extent and degree of contamination were determined in an extensive site investigation.

The clean-up operation has been designed so that normal plant operation can continue during the clean-up period. A combination of three techniques has therefore been selected: excavation of heavily polluted soil; vacuumex- traction of the heavily polluted unsaturated zone; and groundwater abstraction in the shallow and deep aquifer at a rate of 500,000 m3/year.

The design for the clean-up operation was finalized on the basis of test results from two pilot projects: a pumping test for groundwater abstraction and a vacuum test for vacuum extraction.

The initial results of the operation, which started in October 1990, are very satisfactory. Removal of 1 kg of contaminants costs USS 300. Clearly prevention and active monitoring of soil contamination will always be cheaper than an "end of pipe solution", such as a soil clean-up operation.
Evaluation and Comparison of Closed-Loop Wash-Water Systems
Authors: Whitney P. M. , Greer C. R.
Published: December 2007

Effluent from vehicle and equipment cleaning is known to contain a variety of potential pollutants, the most common being hydrocarbons and suspended solids. Proper treatment and discharge of this effluent is a growing concern as environmental awareness increases. In the United States, discharge of this effluent to municipal sewage treatment systems requires a permit from local authorities, discharge to surface waters requires a federal permit and, in most cases, discharge to the ground is prohibited. Furthermore, discharge to ground and surface waters can cause soil or groundwater contamination resulting in property devaluation, adverse impact on human health, fines from regulatory agencies, expensive cleanup and negative publicity.

Effluent from vehicle washing typically does not meet the minimum pollutant levels allowed by regulatory agencies for discharge to surface waters or sewage treatment plants. Because of the liability associated with discharge to ground and surface waters and the difficulty in meeting municipal sewer discharge permit requirements, closed-loop wastewater treatment is an attractive alternative to discharge. Closed-loop systems, which recycle wash water, eliminate the need for discharge permits and significantly reduce environmental exposure and risk. A Schlumberger field test was conducted to determine feasibility of this concept and to evaluate and compare several closed-loop systems. As part of the field test, 13 closed-loop treatment systems and 2 pretreatment systems were installed in field shops over a 2-year period. The systems are divided into three different treatment categories based on the primary treatment technology employed (mechanical, chemical and biological).

Evaluation and comparison of systems from each category constitute the basis of this paper. Factors involved in selecting a system and available water-treatment technologies are discussed. The conclusion summarizes the results of the system comparison and makes recommendations for selecting and installing closed-loop water treatment systems for vehicle and equipment cleaning.
The Treatment and Disposal of Oily Solids
Authors: Wright R. A. D. , Noordhuis B. R.
Published: December 2007

Oily solids are generated as a waste product of Brunei Shell Petroleum's drilling and production activities. The main sources are waste oil based mud, tank bottom sludges, and oil contaminated soil. The oily solids are stored in a purpose built holding basin which is gradually being filled up. The need for appropriate treatment and an acceptable means of final disposal of the solids has been recognised as an item for attention in the Company's Environmental Management Plan. The paper describes the resulting feasibility study which is evaluating the relative merits of processes such as incineration, lime stabilisation, and landfarming. The feasibility study is considering the guantity and properties of the solids, the environmental conditions in Brunei, the availability of treatment services in the country, and the need to define acceptable environmental criteria for the treatment and disposal methods. The way in which these factors influence the study are discussed.
Radioactive Scales in Oil and Gas Production Centers
Authors: Bassignani A. , Di Luise G. , Fenzi A. , Finazzi P. B.
Published: December 2007

Due to the presence of Uranium, in small concentrations of the entire surface of the earth, and due to particular geological features, liquids coming from reservoirs may have significant radio activity levels.

In Oil & Gas Productions centers, the deposits of radioactive elements U and Ra 226 underthe form of chemical salts, may lead to situations known as "Radioactive Scales Problem".

Their identification is important because of the potential risks for workers due to the irradiation-contamination, connected to their presence in critical areas or to the handling of pieces, during the maintenance operations.

The work reports the data coming from an investigations program and a geological correlation is given in order to propose some explanation to the problem.
Evaluating the Real Risks of Radioactive Scale in Oil and Gas Production
Authors: Reed G. , Holland B. , McArthur A.
Published: December 2007

This paper describes the deposition of naturally occuring radioactive materials (NORM) in oil and gas production facilities. Hazards arising from process., maintenance and cleaning operations areconsidered and relevant legislation is detailed.

Potential doses to personnel are estimated and compared with actual doses received. Measures to reduce hazard to the workforce and general population are discussed.
Minimizing the Environmental Impact of Seismic Operations in Canada and Alaska
Authors: Wren J. M.
Published: December 2007

This paper looks at some of the impacts of seismic operations on the environment in Alaska and Canada. It covers all stages of the operation from initial planning to the abandonment of the area and discusses the impact each can have on the different aspects of the environment - air, water, wildlife, vegetation, people etc. It also pinpoints some areas where environmental accidents could occur and proposes some solutions.
Maturin East Seismic Program: Environmental Impact Assessment
Authors: Ruiz O. S.
Published: December 2007

The Maturin East Seismic Program consists of the exploration of the swamp region which lies to the north and southeast of the state of Monagas, with the intention of locating new fields of petroleum and gas which would permit the increase of national reserves of these hydrocarbons.

In the desire to develop the Seismic Program in harmony with the dynamic environmental equilibrium under its influence, the company carried out an Environmental Impact Evaluation through the Office of Environmental Protection of its Department of Integral Protection, based on the visual and digital interpretation of satellite images and field work.

The design and execution of the forementioned evaluation was based on the characteristics of the program and the requirements of the Ministry of Environment and Renewable Natural Resources. The evaluation will establish a basis for the decision-making process involved in the handling of operational and environmental measures to control and minimize the possible environmental impact.

In the first place, the study justifies the need for the development of an evaluation adapted to the Characteristics of the Seismic Program. Secondly the objectives, methodology and characterization of the project and its area of influence are presented. Next the actions of the project and the possible environmental impact generated by them are identified, analyzed and evaluated. Furthermore, operational and environmental recommendations are proposed to prevent and minimize those affects which could limit the development of the project and environmentally affect the area. Finally, and as a result of the environmental impact study, 14 geographic maps are presented of the area, in a scale of 1: 50,000. Each one contains: -environmental characteristics of the area.-environmental response units (polygons).-program activities.-environmental and operational restrictions.
Environmental Auditing in Exploration and Production Companies: A Tool for Improving Environmental Performance
Authors: Tan G. T. , Hartog J. J.
Published: December 2007

The Exploration and Production Coordination of Shell International Petroleum Maatschappij B.V. (SIPM-EP, a service company to the Royal Dutch/Shell Group of companies) has led a number of environmental audits on request of Group E&P Operating Companies since 1983. The essential steps and methods for conducting such environmental audits are discussed as well as the main topics covered in an audit.

Almost all recommendations made in the audits have been implemented. Environmental audits carried out with SIPM- EP assistance have helped managements of audited Operating Companies control the quality of existing and future operations and develop strategies for improvements in anticipation of future demands. Consequently, environmental performance has improved through such audits.

Common findings have been identified and where necessary Group action has been taken. SIPM-EP has also learnt many lessons from these audits providing useful feedbacks for improving the audit process and the management of environmental matters.
Environmental Auditing in European Operations
Authors: Whitehead A.
Published: December 2007

Hie paper will describe briefly the background to environmental auditing in BP Exploration's european operations and its evolution in the 1980's into a regular programmed activity as part of environmental protection management. It will discuss the experience gained with environmental auditing and the development of the ideas that have lead to the incorporation of environmental concerns into the wider loss control auditing system.

Early environmental audits, or review, carried out on BP Exploration operations tended to be general in character, cover only large operations and sites, and had terms of reference related to that specific audit.

The development of the Environmental Protection Management system in the 1980's, of which environmental auditing is an essential element, dictated the need for a structured auditing system applicable to all operating sites large and small. The system developed permitted site managers to track their environmental performance from audit to audit and also allowed some comparison between similar sites.

The adoption, by BP, of the International Safety Rating System (ISRS) gave the opportunity to produce an integrated system for auditing loss control management in its widest sense. The system, which is compatible with ISRS, explicitly includes environmental management.

The paper will include details of environmental management audits, baseline audits and technical audits which now comprise the current environmenta auditing system employed by BP Exploration.
Measuring Safety Culture and Attitudes
Authors: Donald I. J. , Canter D. V. , Chalk J. R. , Hale A. R. , Gerlings P.
Published: December 2007

The development of a questionnaire to assess safety culture and attitudes in organisations is described1. The questionnaire is based upon an extensive review of the organisational and human factors literature, and was developed by Surrey University as a result of major studies in the UK Steel Industry. A short form questionnaire has been developed and refined from an extensive pilot question set addressing 6 critical factors in the management of industrial safety, the people who make up the safety system, their attitudes and behaviour, the activities they carry out, the focus of those activities (both specific to their jobs and in the organisation as a whole), and phase of the life cycle in which those are carried out (design/planning, operational, etc.) and the conditions under which the work is carried out (normal, maintenance, emergency). The questionnaire is designed to measure efficiently the effectiveness of the safety culture and attitudes, and to indicate where improvements need to be made.

The questionnaire has been developed in the UK steel and chemical industries. It is currently being tested and refined in a joint project between UK, Netherlands and Luxembourg. The available results show that the questionnaire has good validity in cross-cultural contexts, and in correlating with the accident rates across plants with different production processes.
A Corporation's Environmental, Safety, Fire, and Health Compliance Review Process
Authors: Gates P. R.
Published: December 2007

Chevron Corporation initiated Environmental and Safety, Fire and Health Compliance Reviews in the early '80s. This paper describes the review process and how it has evolved. Specifically, the Author describes how independent assessments by consultants have influenced the evolution of the process.
Review of Environmental Research and Policy With Regard to Oil and Gas Extraction on the Dutch Continental Shelf
Authors: de Krieger M.
Published: December 2007

During the past 25 years huge investments have enabled the development of a very busy offshore industry in the North Sea area. International environmental policy regulations for this type of activity are given by the Paris Commission and by International Conferences on the Protection of the North Sea.

The North Sea Directorate of Rijkswaterstaat in the Netherlands is responsible for the management of the Dutch sector of the North Sea, i.e. responsible for the quality of the watersystem and the management of several human activities which have an impact on the sea.

The activities which result directly from this are:

- detection and removal of oil spills and other marine pollutants; - contingency planning; - issuing of dumping and discharging licenses; - coordination of research, and development of policy; - sounding and dredging of water routes; - international consultation related with these activities.

This paper starts with a short overview of North Sea use, North Sea policy and development of airborne surveillance.
Design Of A Subsea Petroleum Production System
Authors: Thomas John P.
Published: December 2007

American Institute of Mining, Metallurgical, and Petroleum Engineers, Inc.

Paper outlines a system for the complete development of deepwater offshore oilfields incorporating a subsea capsule. The capsule permits the economical drilling, production, permits the economical drilling, production, storage and shipping of oil and gas.

Introduction

As the petroleum industry moves further offshore into deeper water in the quest for reserves, the cost of drilling and producing has increased dramatically. Conventional techniques restrict the reservoir characteristics and reserves which can be economically exploited in the deep waters now being explored.

Standard surface structures, subsurface structures or subsea well heads are extremely costly in initial capital investment or in operational expense. In addition, they represent only a portion of the total system required to produce an offshore reservoir. Additional facilities are needed, such as pipelines, production equipment, storage and pipelines, production equipment, storage and a marine terminal.
Contributions to Total Storage Capacity in Devonian Shales
Authors: Schettler P. D. , Parmely C. R.
Published: December 2007

Sorption properties of individual constituents of Devonian shale were compared with similar properties of a wide variety of shales of different lithologies. Major components examined included illite, quartz, chlorite, kerogen, and oil. Kerogen was isolated from a core sample retrieved from a producing gas well, while the oil used was taken from a gas well in West Virginia that is producing from the shale interval. Helium and methane isotherms were collected up to 1000 psia for analysis of the adsorptive properties of these substances. It is shown that about 50% of the gas in the rock is associated with and stored in the open porosity of the rock. The remaining 50% is more intimately associated with some of the mineral or organic constituents of the shale. Some of the gas is dissolved in the oil which serves as an efficient storage material. In addition, the solid kerogen can also store gas by adsorption, as can other minerals, such as illite. All materials examined contributed to the total sorption isotherm, with smaller amounts being associated with storage in quartz and chlorite. This total isotherm is, however, less than the composite isotherm obtained by summing the separate isotherms of its constituents. This implies a possible blocking phenomenon that reduces the storage efficiency of the minerals.
Recharge Models for Devonian Shales
Authors: Carlson E. S. , Mercer J. C.
Published: December 2007

Devonian shale gas reservoirs, which are believed to be highly fractured, require the use of dual porosity simulators to adequately describe the dynamic production processes. When using a dual porosity model, one has the option of using the pseudosteady- or the unsteady-state matrix recharge models. The recharge model determines how much gas can flow from the shale matrix, where most storage takes place, to the fracture system which provides the formation permeability. This study examines rigorously the differences between the two recharge models and how these differences impact specifically the performance calculations of Devonian shale wells. The paper presents the circumstances for which each of the models is appropriate. A parameter is given which roughly estimates when the unsteady or the pseudosteady models should be used. This parameter depends only on the shale matrix properties.

The paper shows, both theoretically and by example, that even when the pseudosteady model is approximately valid for the calculation of cumulative productions, shut-in pressure calculations may still require the use of the unsteady model.
A Simple Method for Predicting the Performance of a Sucker-Rod Pumping System
Authors: Khodabandeh A. , Miska S.
Published: December 2007

This paper presents a simple and efficient approach for predicting the dynamic behavior of the sucker rod string. The dynamic behavior of the sucker rod string is an important factor for predicting the performance of a pumping system, and it is presently modeled by a second-order partial differential equation. The proposed approach, unlike other approaches, requires neither familiarity with nor solution of the partial differential equation(s). In this study, the model consists of two linear algebraic equations that are used to calculate the dynamic changes in forces and velocities along the rod. Practical usefulness of the proposed approach is shown by solving simple examples and by generating dynamometer cards for conventional pumping units. The computer-generated cards are compared to the cards actually recorded on the pumping wells simulated by the method. This study shows that the proposed approach is very efficient for designing and predicting the performance of a sucker rod pumping system.
Pipe Soil Interaction For A Buried Offshore Pipeline
Authors: Reese L.C. , Casbarian A.O.P.
Published: December 2007

American Institute of Mining, Metallurgical, and Petroleum Engineers, Inc.

Introduction

A problem that has been encountered by the oil industry in offshore operations is the large movement of pipelines. This movement may result in the parting of the line. There have been reports of many damaged pipelines following storms in the Gulf of Mexico. The aim of the research program described in this paper is to develop design criteria to allow offshore pipelines to be constructed in such a manner pipelines to be constructed in such a manner that movements will not occur, but that the pipeline will be stable over a long time. pipeline will be stable over a long time. To develop design criteria so that the stability of a pipeline can be assured, it is necessary to have an understanding of the manner in which a pipeline interacts with the supporting soil. This interaction is affected by many parameters. Some of these parameters are the size and weight of the line, the character of the soil, the method of the installation of the line, the kind of fluids pumped through the line, the temperature pumped through the line, the temperature variation of the line, the possible vibration of the line, the currents in the water at the ocean floor, the initial tension in the line, the possible upward flow of water in the vicinity of the line, the geometry of the line, the geology of the area and depositional environment, [possibility of submarine flowslides] and the possible scour or sedimentation at the ocean floor. While it obviously will be very difficult to evaluate the influence of some of the above parameters, it is thought that research should lead to a generally good understanding of the interaction between the pipeline and the supporting soil and, hopefully, to a rational design procedure.

THEORY CONCERNING VERTICAL STABILITY

Much study has been given to the design of pipelines for marshy areas or offshore pipelines for marshy areas or offshore locations; however, it is apparent that some confusion exists in regard to certain design parameters. In this discussion, the equilibrium parameters. In this discussion, the equilibrium under static conditions of a submerged pipeline will be considered.

Fig. 1 shows a cylinder immersed in water and assumed to be motionless. The cylinder is also assumed to be very long so that a two-dimensional analysis is valid.

The stability of the cylinder can be studied by considering the forces acting on it. These forces are the weight of the cylinder and the resultant of the water pressure on the cylinder boundary. The weight of the cylinder is wL where w = weight per unit length, and L = length of cylinder under consideration.

The horizontal forces exerted on the cylinder by the water evidently add up to zero and are not shown.
Producing the Oriskany in Southwestern Pennsylvania
Authors: Henderson F. D.
Published: December 2007

CNG Producing Company currently operates forty (40) Oriskany wells in southwestern Pennsylvania. A variety of both downhole and surface production problems have been encountered in the past four years. This paper will address four major factors effecting the success of Oriskany production operations. They are: 1) Pre-Production Decisions, 2) Downhole Production Problems and Solutions, 3) Surface Production Problems and Solutions and 4) Avoiding Production Downtime
The Use of Injection/Falloff Tests and Pressure Buildup Tests To Evaluate Fracture Geometry and Post-Stimulation Well Performance in the Devonian Shales
Authors: Hopkins C. W. , Lancaster D. E. , Foster J. M.
Published: December 2007

This paper summarizes a series of experiments performed on the Gilbert Exploration Emma Preece No. 1 well in Martin Co., KY which have led to a better understanding of fracture geometry and post-stimulation well performance in the Devonian Shales. The Preece well, like many Devonian Shale wells, was perforated and stimulated with a single treatment over a large, perforated interval (727 ft). Post-fracture well tests performed after initial completion indicated little improvement over pre-fracture well performance. In 1989, the treated interval was sub-divided into four distinct zones to further evaluate the fracture treatment using isolation, communication, nitrogen injection/falloff, and flow/buildup tests. Results of these tests indicate (1) that the large completion interval was not uniformly stimulated by the fracture treatment and (2) that reservoir quality was different for each perforated interval, indicating the completion interval should be treated as a layered reservoir. These results help explain the apparent short fracture half-length and the less-than-expected flow rates for this well following stimulation.
Environmentally Safe Salt Replacement for Fracturing Fluids
Authors: Himes R. E. , Vinson E. F.
Published: December 2007

The use of salts, such as potassium chloride (KCl) and sodium chloride (NaCl), as temporary clay stabilizers during oil well drilling, completions and servicing has been in practice for many years. Their effectiveness in this practice has been well established throughout the industry. However, because of the bulk and potential environmental hazards associated with the salts, many operators have begun to search out alternatives to their use.

Recent research has developed a relationship between physical properties of various cations (K+, Na+, etc.) and their efficiency as temporary clay stabilizers. These physical properties were then utilized to synthesize an organic cation with a higher efficiency as a clay stabilizer than the typical salts now used in the oil industry. This allows much lower salt concentrations to be used to obtain the same clay stabilizing effectiveness. The liquid product has proven to be much easier to handle and transport. It has been shown to be environmentally compatible and is biodegradable in its diluted form. Its effectiveness in fracturing operations has been extensively proven in numerous treatments in various formations throughout the U.S. and Canada.
Polynomial Approximations for Gas Pseudopressure and Pseudotime
Authors: Aminian K. , Ameri S. , Abbitt W. E. , Cunningham L. E.
Published: December 2007

The gas pseudopressure and pseudotime have significantly improved the accuracy of the gas reservoir engineering analysis. However, the cumbersome calculations involved in evaluation of the pseudo—functions have hindered their application in gas engineering practice. This paper introduces simple analytical expressions for evaluation of the gas pseudopressure and pseudotime. The analytical expressions have been developed with aid of the polynomial regression analysis.

The polynomials provide a quick, yet accurate method of calculating gas pseudo—functions. The comparison of the values determined from the polynomials and the published values of the psuedopressure and pseudotime indicate only 0.3 percent difference. This is well within the range of accuracy for engineering analysis.

The polynomials can significantly enhance the utilization of the gas pseudo—function in gas reservoir engineering applications and the gas reservoir simulation.
Estimating the Stabilized Deliverability of a Gas Well Using the Rawlins and Schellhardt Method: An Analytical Approach
Authors: Johnston J. L. , Lee W. J. , Blasingame T. A.
Published: December 2007

This paper introduces a direct method to use the results of Houpeurt deliverability analysis to derive the constants "C" and "n" in the Rawlins and Schellhardt gas well deliverability equation. The motivation for this effort is the need to report the results of Rawlins and Schellhardt analysis to regulatory agencies, and the widespread use of their deliverability equation by engineers. We present a detailed procedure which shows how these results can be applied to deliverability forecasting. This paper includes an illustrative example in which the new method is applied to field data from the literature. This example presents comparisons between Houpeurt and Rawlins and Schellhardt analyses and shows the correlation between the two methods.
Transient-Pressure Analysis for an Interference Slug Test
Authors: Chu L. , Grader A. S.
Published: December 2007

This paper presents a new general solution for an interference slug test in a two-region composite system with both active well and observation well having wellbore storage and skin. The solution technique, which employs the Laplace transformation and addition theorem of Bessel function, is new and different from past works. As a reduced form of the general solution, slug test interference analysis in a homogeneous domain is readily obtained by letting the properties in both regions be identical. The paper presents the characteristic pressure responses for interference slug tests, as well as some slug test design criteria. Dimensionless correlation parameters and parametric analyses are discussed,

An interpretation technique for a slug test in a homogeneous system is presented. Two type curves are presented along with two correlation groups. The first correlation group, (CD/LD2)(LnCD+2S), is applicable for the case when the effects of the wellbore storage and skin in the observation well are negligible. The second correlation group, (CD/LD2)[LnCD+0.8( S1+S2)], is applicable when wellbore storage values in both wells are identical, and skin values are arbitrary. Interference slug testing in various composite reservoirs is discussed, including oil-gas well interference, and interference in the presence of a linear boundary.
Overview of Appalachian Basin High-Angle and Horizontal Air and Mud Drilling
Authors: Yost A. B. , Javins B. H.
Published: December 2007

The United States Department of Energy's Morgantown Energy Technology Center has been investigating the potential of using high angle and horizontal drilling technology to improve gas production from low permeability reservoirs for more than 20 years. A chronology of 45 high angle and horizontal wells have been identified to show the date, type well, type build curve, location, formation and the type of application. The historical well drilling events that have taken place since the first well are discussed to evaluate the progress in developing the technology. Detailed discussion about how the drilling technology developed in the Appalachian Basin for directional drilling and completion was provided.

A discussion of the types of applications for high and horizontal drilling in the Appalachian Basin were identified. A summary of four jointly funded DOE/Industry horizontal wells were discussed to illustrate how the air horizontal drilling technology developed and learning curves for drilling cost and feet per day were provided to illustrate the improvement in the technology and equipment reliability.
Streamtube Modeling of Horizontal Wells in Mixed Pattern Waterfloods
Authors: Charles D. D. , Startzman R. A.
Published: December 2007

This paper describes the recovery performance of horizontal wells in mixed pattern waterfloods. It extends the present streamtube modeling techniques to horizontal wells by approximating the horizontal wellbore with a finite, distributed line source in two-dimensions. Together with the conventional (vertical well) solution, an integral expression for the stream function results. Streamlines extracted from this expression were used to implement waterflood recovery performance calculations.

Recovery performance at breakthrough and post breakthrough for mixed five-spot patterns were analyzed using horizontal wellbore lengths of 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% of well spacing. Results demonstrate that recovery at breakthrough is a decreasing function of wellbore length when the injection and production wells are different kinds (vertical, horizontal). Three mobility ratios (M = 0.3, 1.0, 10.0) were used to study how favorable and adverse mobility ratio fluids affect recovery performance of horizontal waterfloods.
The Progressing Cavity Pump in Coalbed Methane Extraction
Authors: Klein S. T.
Published: December 2007

Today there are nearly one thousand Progressing Cavity (PC) pumps dewatering coalbed methane wells in Domestic US basins. The versatile PC pump design has enhanced methane production in both high and low water producing wells with easily adjusted pumping rates as well as the ability to handle solids and gaseous fluids. Continued product enhancement, comparatively lower capital expenditures and higher operating efficiencies have made the PC pump a viable lift method in coalbed methane extraction.
Reliability Considerations in Design of Steel and CRA Production Tubing Strings
Authors: Banon H. , Johnson D. V. , Hilbert L. B.
Published: December 2007

Design procedures for production tubing strings are conceptually similar to other structural designs; a combination of safety factors and other implicit conservatism are used to assure the safety of a design. Because design procedures for tubing strings have been developed over a long period of time, it is not obvious that these procedures would lead to consistent reliabilities for various modes of failure in a string, e.g., triaxial failure, tubing collapse, or tension failure. In this paper, probabilities of failure for joints in an example (steel) tubing String design are calculated and compared. In these calculations, the loading conditions are assumed to be known. The conditional probabilities of failure can vary widely depending on the location of a joint in the string and its controlling mechanism of failure. The calculated reliabilities are also compared to the case where the string is designed with Corrosion Resistant Alloy joints. The results of such studies can be used to develop reliability- based design criteria for tubing strings.
Designing for Safety
Authors: Brandie E. F.
Published: December 2007

The importance of good design criteria cannot be over-emphasised. With a complete understanding of requirements, designs can be optimised and minimal problems will be encountered.

As Lord Cullen’s Report emphasises, however, major hazard plant design requires more than good professional engineering standards.

An essential feature of optimal design for new installations or processes is the experience at operating level which has been integrated into the design team. A good management system should be able to demonstrate that the major hazard plant which it is operating has been designed with the benefit of such operating experience input.

All projects should have a detailed safety plan of studies and activities from the earliest concept stage. The contents of the safety plan will be mirrored in much greater detail within respective sections of the FSA. The elements of the safety plan must be interactive with the development of the design, and safety must not be considered as a "bolt on extra" at the end of the design.

The safety plan presents a structured approach to safety management through all design phases, construction and subsequent modification. The planning, timing and purpose of quantifiable or logically justifiable techniques are incorporated in the safety plan which can then be referenced as the guiding document for a particular project design.

It cannot be stressed too highly that integrity of containment is a key parameter for the safe management of major hazards.
Environmental Audits for Oilfield Service Districts Methodology, Findings, and Recommendations
Authors: Jennett L. E.
Published: December 2007

The operation of oilfield service districts worldwide presents unique opportunities to address environmental best management practices at the individual facility level whether oilfield service districts operate in the regulatory climates of North America and Europe or worldwide in countries where the focus for addressing environmental problems is in the arena of best environmental practices as opposed to comprehensive enforcement regulations. There appears to be common management issues and technical problems that, once identified, can be addressed in an environmentally responsible manner.

The results from the initiation of an environmental audit program company-wide for a variety of oilfield service operations including support districts for evaluation, testing, and production and seismic services as well as drilling and pumping support services form the basis for the recommendations presented in this paper.
Advanced Fault Tree Analysis in Offshore Applications
Authors: Burns D. J.
Published: December 2007

The Offshore Industry is at present witnessing the emergence of guidelines for Formal Safety Assessments, following the Cullen Inquiry. Two decades ago the Nuclear Industry underwent a similar phase of evolution in safety issues which led to the widespread application of Probabilistic Risk Assessment (PRA). It is proposed that much benefit stands to be gained by developing offshore safety and quality standards along the same rigorous lines as has been done for nuclear safety.

Any analytical tool which plays a major part in PRA is Fault Tree Analysis, which has seen a limited application offshore, but should, in the author’s opinion, be used on a larger scale both in the assessment of safety and in the overall cost/benefit philosophy.

Illustrations of such applications are given from recent offshore safety studies.
Management of Safety and Environment Risks in an Oilfield Service Company
Authors: de Fleurieu R. , Williams J. A. , Reverdito G.
Published: December 2007

This paper discusses an approach of methodical risk identification and risk reduction based on management by objectives in an oilfield service company.

The concepts and the data used by the management structure are defined and illustrated with several tables.

The Safety Awareness and Prevention Plans, SAP, used by the operating bases, are analyzed and are shown to bring many local improvements and a few innovative company wide improvements.

A Safety and Environment Passport, carried by the employees at all times, is described. Its various applications are discussed.

In conclusion, the approach has been successful and will be further refined.
Effective Communications System for a National Oil Spill Contingency Plan in Nigeria
Authors: Adeyermi-Wilson O. A.
Published: December 2007

This paper describes what constitute an Effective Communications System for a National Oil Spill Contingency Plan. It discusses the system available in Nigeria for the oil exploration and producing companies, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and the only oil spill response cooperative, the Clean Nigeria Associates (CNA). The Emergency Communications System which the companies had in place for some time, but is no longer functioning because of bureacreatic problems, is mentioned. The paper also mentioned the need to integrate the various separate systems already in use to provide effective communication for proper oil spill response. It recognises the need for support from the Ministry of Communications and the two government agencies, NITEL and NET which provide telephone services in Nigeria. A proposed Effective Communications System for Nigeria is described.
Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials: The Next Step
Authors: Thayer E. C. , Racioppi L. M.
Published: December 2007

The initial literature on Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials (NORM) on Low Specific Activity Scale (LSA) found in upstream petroleum operations focused on where it was found and the radiochemistry of scale formation. This paper builds upon initial efforts and presents detailed procedures that can be used to ensure a safe work environment. Topics of discussion include monitoring equipment, maintenance, decontamination, and trends.
The Use of Fire Hazard Analysis as the Design Basis for Fire Protection on New Projects
Authors: Dalzell G. A.
Published: December 2007

The paper addresses how the difficulties of designing the fire protection on a new offshore project using fire assessment as the basis of design can be overcome. It suggests how the layout# process and protection design can proceed in parallel when they are interdependent. It examines the stages at which fire assessment should take place, the level of detail required and the decisions which should be taken.

The size and duration of process fires with respect to platform scale are addressed. This introduces the question of the maximum tolerable fire size. This, in turn applies constraints to process design, inventories and layouts.

It identifies process design and layout measures which can be used to minimise the scale and duration of possible fires. It shows how the fire analysis method can be used to highlight those process sections creating the greatest fire risks and those with insufficient inventory to cause significant damage or escalation.

Overall it directs designers to integrate process and fire protection design so that the optimum protection strategy can be achieved.
Offshore Safety Assessment
Authors: Pietersen C. M. , Engelhard W. F. J. M.
Published: December 2007

Safety assessments, risk analysis studies and emergency management evaluations are increasingly used for on- and offshore industrial installations with hazardous material. TNO has a broad experience in the development and application of effect and consequence modelling, reliability engineering methods and accident analysis and investigation. From this background, the application has been extended to offshore applications. A toolbox for offshore safety assessment has been structured and continuous efforts take place in further development of the models and decreasing of uncertainties.
Managing Environmental Compliance for Field Facilities
Authors: Greer C. R.
Published: December 2007

This paper describes a methodology developed to help field facility managers maintain environmental compliance. Issues discussed are waste water, solid and hazardous waste, and hazardous material management. Since good housekeeping, best management practices, record keeping, proper documentation, and waste characterization and disposal are essential, the methodologies presented in this paper emphasize these critical exposure areas. Methods for health, safety and environment (HSElsupport staff to aid management are also discussed. These methodologies have been successfully implemented in Schlumberger Wireline and Testing districts in South Louisiana and have been well received by both location managers and state environmental regulators.
Offshore Safety Case: An Integrated Part of the Classification Scheme for Mobile Offshore Units
Authors: Lindemann K. , Huse J. R.
Published: December 2007

The publication of the Cullen report on 12th November 1990 was a milestone in North Sea history.It signposts the way ahead, leaving the Health and Safety Executive and Industry to establish the precise route.

Classification has in many respects covered the structural and system safety aspects of Mobile Offshore Units (MOUs). As such it forms a natural part of a Safety Case asked for in the Cullen report.However the Cullen report asks for a formal safety assessment of major hazards and the implementation of Safety Management Systems. This exceeds that covered by today's classification scheme.

The Certifying Authorities are prepared to assist the industry in meeting the requirements put forward in the Cullen report. Det norske Veritas Classification A/S (DnVC) is working on its Total Safety Class (TSC), an extended scheme which to a large extent will meet the requirements put forward in the Cullen report. This development has been under preparation for the past years.

In this paper we address how TSC responds to Industry needs. TSC will cover the total safety of the unit, paying attention to among others: the safety management system (SMS),the permit to work system,hazards from risers,fire risk analysis,provision of Safe Heavens (Temporary Safe Refugees) evacuation,escape and rescue analysis and personal safety,emergency shutdown systems and procedures,the formal command organization which is to function in an emergency.

all being important aspects covered by the 106 recommendations issued by Lord Cullen.

TSC will place some additional requirements for documentation that has to be submitted to the Classification Society. However, we do not foresee any major cost impacts on the design and constructionof conventional mobile offshore units to be classified within the TSC scheme. The scheme will provide a method to accommodate important requirements put forward to the Industry in the Cullen report.
Seismic Techniques in Guatemala: An Approach Yielding a New Dimension to Environmental Protection
Authors: Bertherin G.
Published: December 2007

Shell Exploration B.V. (Guatemala) signed a production sharing contract with the Ministry of Energy and Mines in November 1990 to explore a 3000 km2 area including Lake Izabal. Halliburton Geophysical Services has been awarded the contract on May 16 to acquire 500 km of 2D Seismic with a Digiseis cableless system for both land and shallow water work.

The contract area is environmentally very sensitive and public awareness of the need for environmental protection is very high due to adverse effects of earlier exploration and production activities.

Contacts with the different environmental organizations are complex and a good understanding of their roles and motivations is essential to secure acceptability of operations.

A good preparation, including establishment of clear objectives, principles and guidelines incorporated into a Master Plan for Health, Safety and Environment is critical to achieve a smooth start in such an environmentally sensitive area.

Government approval of an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is a legal requirement in Guatemala before starting any project. It proved, however, difficult to achieve a consensus about impacting/non impacting activities, and about the format and contents of the document.

Archaeology is also a critical issue.

Although the extensive preparatory work was necessary to secure the feasibility of the whole operation, it is expected to provide windfall benefits in the form of improved performance of the seismic crew in all domains.