bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
„Lexical Bootstrapping” Hypothese und bilingualer Erstspracherwerb (Am Beispiel einer Longitudinalstudie eines russisch-deutschsprachigen Kindes)1
Authors: Dieser Elena
Published: July 2008

The present study tests the lexical bootstrapping hypothesis using the first language acquisition data of a bilingual Russian-German-speaking child. Emphasis was placed on (1) the early development of infinitives and (2) the acquisition of the first person (1.P.) (I-concept), especially within the construction “personal prounoun (1.P. Sg.) + verb (1.P.Sg.)”. In both of these cases, an asymmetrical process was documented for German and Russian.

The phenomena described indicate that the process of language learning includes a lexeme-specific phase (e.g. a chunk-phase). These constructions are transferable to similar types of cases within the same language only after enough lexeme-specific forms have been learned. At the beginning of language acquisition, what is learned in one language can not automatically be applied in the grammatical constructions of the other language.
Die Rede Präsident Putins auf der Münchner Sicherheitskonferenz 2007
Authors: Radünzel Claudia
Published: July 2008

The present article is a contribution to the linguistic analysis of Russian political texts, based on the speech delivered by President Vladimir Putin at the 43rd Munich Conference on Security Policy in February 2007. The study demonstrates various characteristic features of this text, e. g. a strongly speaker-oriented formulation style. Special attention is given to Putin's debate about political forces like the United States and the NATO, using selected examples like the discussion about an antiballistic missile defence system in Europe or the NATO eastward enlargement.
„Ich kannte euch nicht – Juden”: Der jüdische Aufstand und die Figur des Barchob in Cyprian Norwids epischer Dichtung „Quidam” (1857/1863)1
Authors: Fieguth Rolf
Published: July 2008

The action of Quidam is set in Hadrian's Rome. Public and private hysteria rises due to the Jewish war 132-135 p. Chr., but also to a conflict between Hadrian's religion policy and its Greek, Jewish and Christian opponents. The Jewish uprising is confronted to Greek non opposition and to the Christian way of opposition by public faith witnesses. It is raised to the role of a ‘motor’ in a ruined epic machine, and hints to modern Polish (or other nations') uprisings. Barchob (Bar-Kokhba?) is shown as a Roman Jew's disciple, secret admirer of Christian courage, friend of Alexander, the poem's main person; as a messianic fighter in Judea; and finally as an advocate of interreligious solidarity. “Quidam” is a “przypowieść”, a “para-novel” with a ruined narrative time structure, and a “parable” which answers strangely to Chateaubriand's demand for Christianity epics, forming an allegory also of modern civilisation, police state, public opinion, modern conflictual cultural and religious pluralism, modern individualism, scepticism and altruism.
„Eine Arbeitsnorm für sich, eine für Pavka!” Sozialdisziplinierung im Stalinismus mittels Literatur und Literaturkritik sowie antidisziplinäre Lektüren
Authors: Uffelmann Dirk
Published: July 2008

The article is devoted to the reception of Nikolai Ostrovskii's sots-realist novel How the Steel Was Tempered. It confronts the official intention of social control with anti-disciplinary mechanisms of reception (Certeau). Focussing on the secularized model of Christ-like self-humiliation (Phil 2,7) as represented by the protagonist Pavka Korchagin, the author attempts to show that in the actual reception of Ostrovskii's novel the seemingly dysfunctional Christological features of the prototypical sots-realist hero allowed the Soviet readers to identify themselves more with Pavka's particular faults and defects than with the ideology of sacrifice for the sake of a collective group which remains difficult to grasp. The tension between the officially orchestrated glorification of Korchagin as a monolithic hero and the anthropology of weakness inherent in the anti-disciplinary reception repeats the Christological paradox of inferiority and glory.
Human chorionic gonadotropin measurements in parathyroid carcinoma
Authors: Rubin Mishaela R , Bilezikian John P , Birken Steven , Silverberg Shonni J
Published: July 2008

Objective

Preoperatively, it is difficult to differentiate between parathyroid cancer (PtCa) and severe primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) due to a benign tumor. Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is a tumor marker in trophoblastic and nontrophoblastic cancers and hyperglycosylated hCG is increased in hCG-secreting malignancies. We investigated whether hCG can distinguish PtCa cancer from benign disease and add prognostic information.

Design

Observational study.

Methods

Measurement of urinary hCG (total and malignant isoforms) and serum malignant hCG in 8 subjects with PtCa and in 18 subjects with PHPT (measurement of urine in ten and serum in eight).

Results

Total urinary hCG was normal in the benign PHPT control subjects (range: 0–17 fmol/mg Cr; nl<50). In the PtCa subjects, three had normal total urinary hCG levels and survived complication free for at least 2 years; three had persistently elevated total urinary hCG levels (range: 217–1986 fmol/mg Cr) and sustained hip fracture (n=3) and died (n=2) within 3 and 6 months respectively; two had a rise in total urinary hCG and had hip fracture (n=1) and died (n=2) within 4 and 10 months respectively. Elevated urinary hCG was of the malignant hyperglycosylated isoform. Serum malignant hyperglycosylated hCG values in all of the cancer patients exceeded the maximal serum malignant hCG level of the PHPT subjects with benign disease (3.77 pmol/l).

Conclusion

hCG, especially its hyperglycosylated isoform, might add diagnostic and prognostic information in PtCa. Further studies would help to elucidate the role of hCG as a potential tumor marker in this disease.
Low dose cabergoline for hyperprolactinaemia is not associated with clinically significant valvular heart disease
Authors: Wakil Ammar , Rigby Alan S , Clark Andrew L , Kallvikbacka-Bennett Anna , Atkin Stephen L
Published: July 2008

Objective

Recent trials suggest that using ergot-derived dopamine agonists such as cabergoline in the treatment of Parkinson's disease is associated with an increased risk of valvular heart disease. However, the dose of cabergoline used to treat hyperprolactinaemia is considerably less than that used in Parkinson's disease.

Design and methods

A cross-sectional comparative assessment. Forty-four patients treated with cabergoline for hyperprolactinaemia underwent transthoracic echocardiography and were compared with 566 sequential subjects complaining of palpitations, taken from a contemporary echocardiography database.

Results

The mean cumulative dose of cabergoline in the cases was 311 mg. There was no significant, severe or moderate, right- or left-sided valvular regurgitation in either group. Left heart: in the mitral and aortic valves, the rate of mild and trivial valvular regurgitation was not different between the two groups. Right heart: mild tricuspid and pulmonary regurgitation on colour Doppler alone was increased significantly in the cabergoline group, odds ratios of 3.1 and 7.8 respectively (95% confidence interval 1.0–9.6 and 0.8–78.4, P=0.04 and P<0.0001 respectively).

Conclusion

Cabergoline at doses sufficient to suppress hyperprolactinaemia for a period of 3–4 years is not associated with an increased risk of clinically significant valvular regurgitation.
Dual bronchial carcinoids and Cushing's syndrome with a paradoxical response to dexamethasone and a false positive outcome of inferior petrosal sinus sampling
Authors: Burman Pia , Lethagen ÅsaLinda , Ivancev Krasnodar , Johansson Leif , Sundin Anders
Published: July 2008

Context

Establishing the cause of Cushing's syndrome (CS) can be a considerable challenge, in particular in ectopic adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) syndrome, and often requires a combination of biochemical tests and imaging procedures.

Subject

A 27-year-old man presented with signs of CS. P-ACTH levels were three times above the upper limit of normal (ULN) and free urinary cortisol around 2000 nmol/24 h. The work-up showed remarkable results.

Results

A 2-day low-dose dexamethasone suppression test demonstrated paradoxical increases in cortisol. Sampling from the bilateral inferior petrosal sinus sampling (BIPSS) showed a central to peripheral ACTH ratio of 4.7 after corticotrophin-releasing hormone (CRH) stimulation, i.e. indicated pituitary disease, but magnetic resonance imaging of the pituitary was normal. Computed tomography (CT) scan of the lungs showed two oval-shaped masses, 1.3×1.8 and 1.3×2 cm, in the middle lobe. Both were positive at somatostatin receptor scintigraphy, compatible with tumors or inflammatory lesions. Subsequently, 11C-5-hydroxytryptophan-PET showed distinct uptake in the tumors but not elsewhere. Two carcinoids situated 3 cm apart, both staining for ACTH, were removed at surgery.

Conclusion

This unique case with dual bronchial carcinoids inducing hypercortisolism illustrates the problems with identifying the source of ACTH in CS. Possibly, an abnormal regulation of ACTH production in response to dexamethasone, or steroid-induced tumor necrosis, explains the paradoxical outcome at dexamethasone suppression, and the false positive result at BIPSS reflects an unusual sensitivity of the pituitary corticotrophs to CRH in this patient. The work-up illustrates the great value of 11C-5-hydroxytryptophan-PET as a diagnostic procedure when other investigations have produced ambiguous results.
Neurobehavioral Profile and Brain Imaging Study of the 22q13.3 Deletion Syndrome in Childhood
Authors: Philippe Anne , Boddaert Nathalie , Vaivre-Douret Laurence , Robel Laurence , Danon-Boileau Laurent , Malan Valérie , de Blois Marie-Christine , Heron Delphine , Colleaux Laurence , Golse Bernard , Zilbovicius Monica , Munnich Arnold
Published: July 2008

OBJECTIVE. The 22q13.3 deletion syndrome (Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man No. 606232) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that includes hypotonia, severely impaired development of speech and language, autistic-like behavior, and minor dysmorphic features. Although the number of reported cases is increasing, the 22q13.3 deletion remains underdiagnosed because of failure in recognizing the clinical phenotype and detecting the 22qter deletion by routine chromosome analyses. Our goal is to contribute to the description of the neurobehavioral phenotype and brain abnormalities of this microdeletional syndrome.

METHODS. We assessed neuromotor, sensory, language, communication, and social development and performed cerebral MRI and study of regional cerebral blood flow measured by positron emission tomography in 8 children carrying the 22q13.3 deletion.

RESULTS. Despite variability in expression and severity, the children shared a common developmental profile characterized by hypotonia, sleep disorders, and poor response to their environment in early infancy; expressive language deficit contrasting with emergence of social reciprocity from ages ∼3 to 5 years; sensory processing dysfunction; and neuromotor disorders. Brain MRI findings were normal or showed a thin or morphologically atypical corpus callosum. Positron emission tomography study detected a localized dysfunction of the left temporal polar lobe and amygdala hypoperfusion.

CONCLUSIONS. The developmental course of the 22q13.3 deletion syndrome belongs to pervasive developmental disorders but is distinct from autism. An improved description of the natural history of this syndrome should help in recognizing this largely underdiagnosed condition.
A Prospective, Cross-sectional Survey Study of the Natural History of Niemann-Pick Disease Type B
Authors: McGovern Margaret M. , Wasserstein Melissa P. , Giugliani Roberto , Bembi Bruno , Vanier Marie T. , Mengel Eugen , Brodie Scott E. , Mendelson David , Skloot Gwen , Desnick Robert J. , Kuriyama Noriko , Cox Gerald F.
Published: July 2008

OBJECTIVE. The objective of this study was to characterize the clinical features of patients with Niemann-Pick disease type B and to identify efficacy end points for future clinical trials of enzyme-replacement therapy.

METHODS. Fifty-nine patients who had Niemann-Pick disease type B, were at least 6 years of age, and manifested at least 2 disease symptoms participated in this multicenter, multinational, cross-sectional survey study. Medical histories; physical examinations; assessments of cardiorespiratory function, clinical laboratory data, and liver and spleen volumes; radiographic evaluation of the lungs and bone age; and quality-of-life assessments were obtained during a 2- to 3-day period.

RESULTS. Fifty-three percent of the patients were male, 92% were white, and the median age was 17.6 years. The R608del mutation accounted for 25% of all disease alleles. Most patients initially presented with splenomegaly (78%) or hepatomegaly (73%). Frequent symptoms included bleeding (49%), pulmonary infections and shortness of breath (42% each), and joint/limb pain (39%). Growth was markedly delayed during adolescence. Patients commonly had low levels of platelets and high-density lipoprotein, elevated levels of low-density lipoprotein, very-low-density lipoprotein, triglycerides, leukocyte sphingomyelin, and serum chitotriosidase, and abnormal liver function test results. Nearly all patients had documented splenomegaly and hepatomegaly and interstitial lung disease. Patients commonly showed restrictive lung disease physiology with impaired pulmonary gas exchange and decreased maximal exercise tolerance. Quality of life was only mildly decreased by standardized questionnaires. The degree of splenomegaly correlated with most aspects of disease, including hepatomegaly, growth, lipid profile, hematologic parameters, and pulmonary function.

CONCLUSIONS. This study documents the multisystem involvement and clinical variability of Niemann-Pick B disease. Several efficacy end points were identified for future clinical treatment studies. Because of its correlation with disease severity, spleen volume may be a useful surrogate end point in treatment trials, whereas biomarkers such as chitotriosidase also may play a role in monitoring patient treatment responses.
Maternal Smoking During Pregnancy, Other Prenatal and Perinatal Factors, and the Risk of Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease
Authors: Bahmanyar Shahram , Montgomery Scott M. , Weiss Rüdiger J. , Ekbom Anders
Published: July 2008

OBJECTIVE. The causes of Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease are largely unknown, but this pediatric disease seems to result from interruption of the blood supply to the proximal femur and is considered a vascular disease. Because maternal smoking during pregnancy influences fetal development and is associated with cardiovascular diseases in offspring, we hypothesized that this exposure is a risk for Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease and also investigated other markers of impaired fetal development and early-life exposures.

MATERIALS AND METHODS. The Swedish Inpatient Register identified 852 individuals with a diagnosis of Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease from 1983 to 2005, individually matched by year of birth, age, sex, and region of residence with 4432 randomly selected control subjects. Linkage with the Swedish Medical Birth Register provided information on prenatal factors, including maternal smoking. Conditional logistic regression examined associations of maternal smoking during pregnancy and the other measures with the risk of Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease in offspring, adjusted for socioeconomic index and other potential confounding factors.

RESULTS. Maternal smoking during pregnancy was associated with an increased Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease risk, and heavy smoking was associated with a risk increase of almost 100%. Very low birth weight and cesarean section were independently associated with ∼240% and 36% increases in the risk of Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease, respectively.

CONCLUSION. Maternal smoking during pregnancy and other factors indicated by impaired fetal development may be associated with an increased risk of Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease.
Carbonation rate and reinforcing steel corrosion rate of OPC/FC3R/FA mortars under accelerated conditions
Authors: Zornoza E. , Payá J. , Garcés P.
Published: July 2008

Carbonation kinetics of mortars of normal Portland cement partially substituted by spent fluidised bed catalytic cracking catalyst (FC3R) and fly ash were studied for accelerated test conditions. It has been noted that the main limiting factor for the penetration of carbonation front is the mortar porosity, and only if this porosity is high, would the mortar alkaline reserve play an important role on the carbonation process. For that reason, even for mortars with such a low alkaline reserve as those with total amount of cement substitution of 45%, the carbonation rate obtained has been very low when a low water/cementitious material ratio and a plasticiser were used. The corrosion rates of steels embedded in these mortars have been measured by the polarisation resistance technique. In the initial curing period it was observed that normal Portland cement–FC3R–fly ash mortars did not provoke a premature depassivation of steels. During the subsequent carbonation attack, it was observed that the combination of FC3R and fly ash in mortars resulted in corrosion rate levels slightly higher than those observed in non-substituted mortars.
Adsorption behaviour between cement and asphalt emulsion in cement–asphalt mortar
Authors: Hu S.-G. , Wang T. , Wang F.-Z. , Liu Z.-C.
Published: July 2008

The workable time of cement–asphalt mortar (CA mortar) is controlled by the early age interaction between cement and asphalt emulsion, which could be indicated by the adsorption of asphalt droplets in the emulsion on cement grains. The adsorption behaviour leads to an increase in particle size in the cement and asphalt emulsion (CAE) system. In the present study, a laser particle size analyser was employed to characterise the particle size variation, and the results indicated that the cement/asphalt emulsion ratio (C/AE) and types of asphalt emulsion had great influence on the particle size in the CAE system. Within the same period, the particle size increased more prominently with a larger C/AE, but when the C/AE exceeded 0·625, it had little influence on the particle size increase after 30 and 60 min. The particle size and its increasing magnitude during different periods in the cement–cationic asphalt emulsion system were both greater than those in the cement–anionic asphalt emulsion system. The viscosity test indicated that particle size increase led to the loss of flowability of the CAE system. A filtration method was used to investigate the adsorption behaviour of asphalt droplets to the cement grains and the adsorption ratio was correlated with the variation in particle size, indicating that the particle size increase in the CAE system was mainly attributed to this adsorption behaviour.
Impacts of climate change and establishing a vegetation cover on water erosion of contaminated spoils for two contrasting United Kingdom regional climates: A case study approach
Authors: De Munck Cécile S , Hutchings Tony R , Moffat Andy J
Published: July 2008

This study examines how pollutant linkage of contaminants will be influenced by predicted changes in precipitation and subsequent rainfall erosion of soils and spoils in the United Kingdom during the 21st century. Two contrasting regional climates were used in conjunction with 2 extreme emissions scenarios (low and high greenhouse gas emissions) to run the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation 2 (RUSLE2) model for a case study that represents a high risk of pollutant linkage through water erosion. Results for the 2 scenarios and the 2 regions showed a significant and gradual increase in erosion rates with time as a consequence of climate change, by up to 32% for the southwest and 6.6% for the southeast regions by the 2080s. Revegetation of the site showed a dramatic reduction in predicted future amounts of sediment production and subsequent contaminant movement, well below existing levels. Limitations and future improvements of the methodology are discussed.
A Web-Based Integrated Project-Management System Supporting Teamworking and Decision Making on Field-Development Projects
Authors: Piantanida M. , Rossi P. , Gaudioso G.
Published: July 2008

Following the re-engineering of the Eni Development Management System (DMS), which occurred in early 2004, Eni developed an information technology (IT) integrated Project Management System (PMS) to support field-development projects.

The DMS promotes a stage-and-gate approach to the development of a field, starting from assessment of the value of the field, identification of the viable development scenarios, definition of the selected development strategy, and execution of the project (including the construction of the facilities and the handover to operations). At the end of each stage, a predefined set of data and documents are prepared by the project team to be submitted to a decision gate to support an informed decision by Eni's executives and authorize the start of the next phase.

The IT system was developed with a Web Portal technology and it assists in the following:

The multidisciplinary team involved in the project (geologists, reservoir and drilling engineers, facility and construction specialists, and HSE consultants) on a daily basis. In fact, it provides web-based tools to share and verify project documents; develop and control the schedule baseline of the project; automatically track cost expenditures against budget values; document and review risks and lessons learned; and manage milestones, issues, and project changes. The executives involved in decision making. In fact, it provides a high-level dashboard with an integrated visualization of the last updated schedule and cost figures for the project, as well as direct access to the main project documents relevant for the decision gate of the current project phase.

The system integrates the document-management capabilities of Lotus Domino, extends the planning and control functions of MS Project, automatically imports the budget/actual expenditures from the SAP R3 Enterprise Resource Planning system, and authorizes and profiles users according to their role. It has been used to support 116 project phases across 82 projects.
Rheology of Gas-to-Liquid Products, Alaska North Slope (ANS) Crude Oil, and Their Blends for Transportation Through the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System (TAPS)
Authors: Inamdar A. Abhijeet , Chukwu Godwin A. , Khataniar Santanu , Patil Shirish L. , Dandekar Abhijit Y.
Published: July 2008

It is projected that by the year 2015, Alaska North Slope (ANS) crude-oil production will decline to such a level (200,000 to 400,000 B/D) that there will be a critical need for pumping additional liquids through the pipeline to maintain economic operation of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System (TAPS). The estimated proven and recoverable gas reserves of 38 trillion cubic feet (Tcf) on the ANS can be converted to a high-premium liquid product using gas-to-liquids (GTL) technology. The GTL product can be transported from the ANS to the southern port of Valdez, Alaska through the TAPS.

One of the proposed modes of transportation of the GTL products from ANS to market is by commingling it with crude oil as a single phase and pumping the mixture through the TAPS. This mode of transportation changes the properties of the GTL as well as the crude oil. The focus of this work, therefore, was to determine the physical and chemical properties of GTL and its blends with ANS crude oil, analyze the energy requirements for flowing the mixture through TAPS, and determine the optimum blend ratio to maximize the transportation economics. Four blends of GTL/crude-oil mixture in the ratios of 1:1, 1:2, 1:3, and 1:4 were prepared for their rheological evaluation and pressure drops at different temperature conditions.

The results of the analysis show that flow behavior of the GTL and GTL blends are temperature sensitive. Viscosity and density of the blends were found to decrease with increasing amounts of GTL and increasing temperature. The optimum GTL/crude-oil blend ratio of 1:2.5 (28%:72%) was determined to take full advantage of the economics of commingled flow of GTL/crude-oil mixture through the TAPS.
The Cost of Carbon Capture and Storage in the Perth Region
Authors: Allinson W. G. , Dunsmore R. E. , Neal P. R. , Ho M. T.
Published: July 2008

This paper describes and reports the results of analyses of the costs of carbon dioxide (CO2) capture and storage in southwest Western Australia. We analyze the costs of capturing approximately 22 million tonnes per year of CO2 and injecting it into one of three storage sites: the Gage sandstone offshore Perth, the Dongara depleted gas field, and the Neocomian subcrop offshore Geraldton.

The central estimates obtained are that the real cost to capture, transport, and inject CO2 for a period of 25 years is between 59 and 63 Australian dollars (AUD) per tonne of CO2 avoided (in 2005 terms), depending on the location of the injection site.

The sensitivity of these cost estimates to changes in key assumptions is also analyzed. These sensitivity analyses show that the costs of carbon capture and storage (CCS) can vary significantly with different assumptions for key variables.
Integrated Flow-Assurance Modeling of the BP Angola Block 18 Western Area Development
Authors: Watson M. J. , Hawkes N. J. , Pickering P. F. , Elliott J. , Studd L. W.
Published: July 2008

As oilfield developments become more challenging and economically challenging, flow assurance has become crucial to the feasibility of projects. Consequently, flow-assurance issues such as hydrates or wax deposition must now be considered early in concept selection. Modern numerical methods, coupled with the latest software engineering techniques, now allow the rigorous calculation of multiphase thermal hydraulic behavior in an integrated asset model (IAM) on time scales acceptable for concept selection.

This paper describes the application of a new IAM tool to analyze options for the development of fields in the western part of BP's Angolan deepwater Block 18. Novel aspects include the embedding of field scheduling rules such that the drilling schedules were predicted automatically from the model. In addition, different field architectures were considered including tubing and pipeline sizes, looping of pipelines and subsea multiphase boosting, and the impact on production rates and drilling schedules was quantified. Furthermore, the option to tie back to the planned Greater Plutonio floating production storage and offloading (FPSO) vessel was also modeled with the forecast ullage profile being imposed on production from the new fields. All calculations were performed using rigorous multiphase thermal-hydraulic models allowing flow-assurance constraints to be analyzed simultaneously.
Treatment of Seawater With Cartridge Filtration–A Field Trial
Authors: Lee Joseph M. , Frankiewicz Ted , Walsh John
Published: July 2008

In offshore operations, seawater is often injected to maintain reservoir pressure for enhanced oil recovery. A sulfate-reducing membrane (SRM) is typically used to reduce the sulfate content in the seawater from 2900 mg/L to less than 50 mg/L to prevent souring of the reservoir by sulfate reducing bacteria and formation of barium and strontium sulfate scale when seawater is mixed with formation water. A two-cartridge in-series filtration pilot unit installed on a deepwater platform in the Gulf of Mexico (GOM) has demonstrated that cartridge filtration can be used upstream of the SRM to pretreat seawater to meet the SRM feed seawater specification of a silt density index (SDI) <5 and a nephelometric turbility unit (NTU) < 1. Scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM/EDS) was used to determine the composition of the material deposited on the surface of a used cartridge filter. From the SEM/EDS results, it was concluded that the filters were blocked predominantly by coccoliths (calcium compounds), diatoms (silicon compounds), iron oxide corrosion products, and broken, crushed marine debris, that formed a fine-grained membrane cake on the filters. It was found that a two-filter in-series configuration is a better seawater filtration system than using a single filter if seawater with an SDI <3.5 is required. With the installation of a 50-micron nominal filter upstream of a 10-micron absolute filter, the service life of a 10-micron filter was increased by 20 times.
Effects of High Oil Viscosity on Oil/Gas Flow Behavior in Horizontal Pipes
Authors: Gokcal B. , Wang Q. , Zhang H. -Q. , Sarica C.
Published: July 2008

Oil/gas pipe flows are expected to exhibit significantly different behavior at high oil viscosities. Effects of high-viscosity oil on flow pattern, pressure gradient, and liquid holdup are experimentally observed, and differences in flow behavior of high- and low-viscosity oils are identified. The experiments are performed on a flow loop with a test section of 50.8-mm ID and 18.9-m-long horizontal pipe. Superficial liquid and gas velocities vary from 0.01 to 1.75 m/s and from 0.1 to 20 m/s, respectively. Oil viscosities from 0.181 to 0.587 Pa·s are investigated. The experimental results are used to evaluate the performances of existing models for flow pattern and hydrodynamics predictions. Comparisons of the data with the existing models show significant discrepancies at high oil viscosities. Possible reasons for these discrepancies are carefully examined. Some modifications are identified and implemented to the closure relationships employed in the Zhang et al. (2003) model. After these modifications, the model predictions provide better agreement with experimental results for flow pattern transition, pressure gradient, and liquid holdup.
An Investigative Study of Potential Emulsion Problems Before Field Development
Authors: Kokal Sunil , Al-Ghamdi Abdullah , Meeranpillai N. S.
Published: July 2008

Before the development of a field, it is worthwhile to determine the characteristics of crude-oil emulsions. This may be even more important if the wells are to be equipped with electricalsubmersible pumps (ESPs) which can create a shearing environment resulting in tight emulsions. One such study was conducted to determine the characteristics of emulsions from a cluster of oil fields planned for development. The proposed development is to produce from three fields and several different reservoirs. The central processing facility (CPF) will process ≈500,000 B/D oil and 50,000 B/D of water. Previous studies determine the impact of ESP on emulsions and on the ESP design (horsepower) and the possibility of demulsifier injection downhole. The emulsion properties are also necessary for the design of central wet crude handling facilities. A series of emulsion tests was conducted with crudes from different reservoirs at bottomhole and surface temperatures, range of water cuts, and shearing conditions. The results are provided in terms of "relative" tightness of emulsions from different reservoirs. The viscosities of various emulsions were also determined. The results indicate that demulsifier injection facilities will be needed at the wet crude handling facilities and possibly in wells from one reservoir that has a high asphaltenic and viscous crude. This paper provides a framework of laboratory emulsions studies that can provide valuable information for the design of CPFs before they are built. This paper also discusses some practical aspects of demulsifier treatment programs, including demulsifier selection and optimization and methods to prevent emulsion problems.
Advances in Deepwater-Pipeline Route Selection—A Gulf of Mexico Case Study
Authors: Tootill N. P. , Vandenbossche M. P. , Morrison M. L.
Published: July 2008

The selection of pipeline routes and the location of the associated tie-in structures require detailed knowledge of the seabed conditions and shallow geology. The areas along the routes and the areas regionally around the routes must be accurately surveyed. This is especially important for the complex geology and seabed topography found in the deepwater Gulf of Mexico.

The Mardi Gras project used an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) to provide high-quality survey data. These data allowed the project to make decisions with a high degree of confidence regarding pipeline routing, ultimately leading to successful installation of the Mardi Gras pipelines.
Harmonics in Offshore Electrical Power Systems
Authors: Kumar Balesh , Sethi V. K. , Bhattacharjee Saibal
Published: July 2008

Recently, electrical submersible pumps (ESPs) have become widely used in depleting oil fields with low pressure (dead crude) and in deep wells with marginal pressure to achieve oil production. These types of ESPs are variable-speed drives (VSDs) and operated at variable voltages and frequencies to optimize production. The introduction of a large amount of ESPs driven by VSDs into an electrical power system of an offshore oil field that is electrically weak leads to distortion of voltage and current profile beyond acceptable limits, thereby producing harmonics. The more distortion there is in the waveforms, the higher the harmonics.

The concept of harmonics, along with their impact and mitigation measures to be exercised in an offshore power system, is discussed in this paper. Furthermore, a method statement is provided for sizing the active harmonic filter (AHF). An attempt is made to arrive at an empirical relationship for an AHF rating in kVAR for offshore electrical power systems, but it is not yet well documented. A case study of harmonic analysis for an integrated offshore field in the South China Sea has been discussed.

The information contained in this paper is useful for design engineers as well as operators handling electrical power systems for offshore oil fields with significant amounts of nonlinear loads or VSD loads. This enables them to predict the requirement of harmonic treatment in offshore electrical power systems. It also helps them to take early action at the planning/design stage to avoid probable damage to equipment or loss of power resulting from harmonics and to conduct detailed harmonic analysis.
Leak Detection for Gas and Liquid Pipelines by Online Modeling
Authors: Wang Shouxi , Carroll John J.
Published: July 2008

The leakage of hydrocarbon products from a pipeline not only represents the loss of natural resources, but it also is a serious and dangerous environmental pollution and potential fire disaster. Quick awareness and accurate location of the leak event are important to reduce losses and avoid disaster.

A leak-detection method using transient modeling is introduced in this paper. This method is suitable for both gas and liquid pipelines, with comprehensive consideration of the transient-flow features of compressible flows and stochastic processing and noise filtering of the meter readings. The correlations for diagnosing the leak location and amount are derived on the basis of the online real-time observation and the readings of pressure, temperature, and flow rate at both ends of the pipeline. As an online real-time system, great attention has been paid to the stochastic processing and noise filtering of the meter readings and the models to reduce the impact of signal noise. It is also essential for the robust realtime pipeline observer to have the self-study and adjustment abilities needed to respond to the large varieties of pipeline configuration, pipeline operation conditions, and fluid properties.

Real application cases are presented here to demonstrate this leak-detection method. For example, in the leak detection of a crude-oil pipeline of 34.5 km long and 219 mm (nominal diameter), this method located the leak at 16.6 km from the pipe-line upstream end, which is only 0.6 km away from the actual leak location.
Options, Methods, and Costs for Offsite Commercial Disposal of Oil and Gas Exploration and Production Wastes
Authors: Puder M. G. , Veil J. A.
Published: July 2008

In the United States, most exploration and production (E&P) wastes generated at onshore oil and gas wells—contaminated soils, naturally occurring radioactive material (NORM), oil-based muds and cuttings, produced water, tank bottoms, and water-based muds and cuttings—are disposed of or otherwise managed at the well site. Some of these E&P wastes, however, are not suitable for onsite management, and some well locations in sensitive environments cannot be used for onsite management. In these situations, operators must find offsite waste-disposal solutions. Responding to this need, offsite commercial disposal facilities are businesses that charge a fee for accepting and managing E&P wastes generated by others.

Funded by the U.S. Department of Energy (USDOE), the authors of this paper assembled a unique set of data covering options, methods, and costs for offsite disposal of E&P wastes in the United States (Puder and Veil 2006a). Data were collected for more than 200 disposal facilities. This paper describes the project and the findings, which were published in September 2006.
Operating Experience With the Split MR Machinery Configuration of the C3MR LNG Process
Authors: Brimm A. , Ghosh S. , Hawrysz D. J.
Published: July 2008

Efficiency and economics have motivated RasGas Trains 3 through 5 to implement a novel compressor-driver arrangement comprising both propane and mixed-refrigerant (MR) compressors on a single shaft. One Frame 7E gas turbine drives the low-pressure (LP) and medium-pressure (MP) MR compressors, while a second Frame 7E drives the propane and high-pressure (HP) MR machines. With minor control system adjustments after startup, the refrigerant compressors in RasGas Train 3 are operating reliably.
Flexible Treatment Program for Controlling H2S in FPSO Produced-Water Tanks
Authors: Burger E. D. , Andrade C. A. , Rebelo M. , Ribeiro R.
Published: July 2008

Tanks used to store produced water on floating production, storage, and offloading units (FPSOs) are extremely susceptible to generation of high hydrogen sulfide (H2S) levels because of the activity of sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB). The FPSOs operated by Petrobras in the Campos basin, offshore Brazil, all contain slop-water tanks, while some also have upstream oil/waterseparation tankage. Slop water, including produced water, ballast water from oil cargo ships, and deck water, contains SRB and their nutrients required for generating H2S. Additionally, solids accumulations at the tank bottoms provide an excellent environment for microbial growth.

A 2002 field trial on an FPSO confirmed the viability of combined batch treatments using anthraquinone (AQ) and a THPS blend and their effectiveness in controlling H2S biogeneration better than previous treatment programs. AQ, a nontoxic SRB inhibitor, and tetrakishydroxymethyl phosphonium sulfate proprietary blend (THPS), an oilfield biocide, act synergistically to provide effective control of H2S biogeneration in this environment. The combined-chemical treatment strategy has now been implemented successfully on six Petrobras FPSOs. Flexibility has been important in developing the treatment programs because operating parameters are different for each FPSO and change with increased water-production rates. Options include the ability to inject the chemicals continuously or batchwise at different locations and to alter the volumes and ratios of chemicals for optimizing control over H2S and corrosion.

This paper describes the individual FPSO water-flow and water-storage systems and discusses the customized chemical treatment programs. Included are field H2S data showing the evolution of the programs as they are being continually adjusted to optimize control of H2S generation and cost-effectiveness. Also included are results of laboratory microbial studies showing the synergy of anthraquinone and THPS and of corrosion studies that have impacted the direction of usage of these chemicals.

With more than 100 FPSOs operating worldwide, the treatment program described can significantly affect the safety and environmental aspects of processing water containing SRB.
Reducing Incidents in Marine Personnel Transfer
Authors: Strong Philip A.
Published: July 2008

Millions of crew transfers take place each year, and whether they are by boat or helicopter, this remains one of the most high-risk activities in offshore operations. Although the safety of crane transfers compares favorably with other methods of crew supply, incidents and associated litigations are not infrequent.

Why does such an apparently simple operation go wrong? One reason is a lack of recognition of the true risks. Operators go to great lengths to improve the safety of helicopter operations, while marine transfers rarely get a second thought. The underlying objective, however, remains the same: to move personnel to and from their place of work in a safe, cost-effective, and reliable manner.

This paper looks at the real risks, the root causes, of recorded incidents and outlines how transfers can be made safer. Risk can be managed in two ways:

Engineered protection. A modern car provides a secure environment that can protect passengers from impacts. A transfer device can do the same and guard against the inevitable human factors that contribute to the majority of incidents. Improved operational control. Procedures, pre-lift planning, communications, and training can all play a significant role in reducing risk.

The paper also describes how analysis of past incidents led to the development of improved equipment and operating practices. Considerable focus was given to human factors to prevent minor misjudgments, for example by a crane operator or a vessel skipper, leading to serious incidents.

After 10 years working with enhanced systems and after millions of safe transfers, the author explains why serious transfer incidents are not an inevitable feature of offshore life. Modest investments and changes in operational practices have provided many operators with a dual benefit of safer operations and reduced downtime.

Finally, the author takes a look at the future of offshore crew supply, providing details of a groundbreaking new project that will utilize a state-of-the-art high-speed catamaran and newly developed transfer system. This will be the first time that a vessel and transfer system have been custom-built to provide swift, comfortable, and safe transfers to offshore installations. The system, developed for the new Crewzer Class of vessel, is due to be commissioned in the Gulf of Mexico in late 2007.
Pipe/Soil Interaction Behavior During Lateral Buckling
Authors: Bruton D. , White D. , Cheuk C. , Bolton M. , Carr M.
Published: July 2008

This paper addresses lateral pipe/soil interaction behavior at the large displacements that occur with lateral buckling of a pipeline. Force-displacement-response models were developed by the Safe-buck joint-industry project (JIP) to replace the use of simple friction-coefficient approximations. Such simplistic models are unrealistic for modeling large lateral displacements or the building of soil berms that occurs with cyclic lateral loading.

The models are based on large- and small-scale tests carried out by the Safebuck JIP on deepwater soils from the Gulf of Mexico and west Africa, as well as on kaolin clay. To this database was added project-specific test data donated by JIP participants.

Four stages of pipe/soil interaction are considered:

Embedment of the pipe at installation. Breakout during buckle formation on the basis of different levels of initial pipe embedment. Large-amplitude lateral displacement as the buckle forms. Cyclic lateral displacement influenced by the building of soil berms.

While breakout loads have been the subject of much research and published papers on pipeline stability, there is little guidance on modeling lateral resistance at the large displacements experienced in lateral buckling. There is also little guidance on modeling subsequent large-amplitude cyclic behavior, which occurs with each shutdown and restart of the pipeline.

New equations were proposed where appropriate, and recommended models for each part of the characteristic response were developed. These models provide a valuable basis for lateral-buckling design guidance. They currently are being applied by JIP participants on a number of projects in which pipelines are being designed for lateral buckling.

Background of the Safebuck JIP

The aim of the Safebuck JIP (Bruton et al. 2005) is to raise confidence in the lateral-buckling-design approach and to improve understanding of the related phenomenon of pipeline walking. Experimental work is being undertaken at the Welding Inst. on low-cycle fatigue-materials performance and at Cambridge U. on axial- and lateral-pipe/soil interaction.

The JIP has been very well supported by the offshore industry. BP, ConocoPhillips, ExxonMobil, Petrobras, and Shell, as well as the U.S. Government through the Minerals Management Services, participated in Phase I, with installation contractors and suppliers represented by Allseas, JFE-Metal One, Technip, and Tenaris. Additional participants including Acergy, Chevron, Statoil, and Saipem have joined Phase II, which will run through 2005 and 2006.
Mercury Monitoring and Removal at Gas-Processing Facilities: Case Study of Salam Gas Plant
Authors: El Ela M. Abu , Mahgoub I. S. , Nabawi M. H. , Azim M. Abdel
Published: July 2008

Presence of mercury in natural gas can cause catastrophic failures of aluminum heat exchangers in gas-processing plants. In addition, the release of mercury can have serious health and environmental consequences. Recently, a number of methods for detecting mercury content in natural gas have been developed, and several techniques to remove mercury from the gas stream have been investigated.

Khalda Petroleum Company, an international joint venture company in Egypt, has recently found mercury as a naturally occurring component of hydrocarbons in the Egyptian Western Desert. Since then, Khalda Petroleum Company has concentrated on measuring and removing the mercury from its produced gas. A mercury removal unit was installed at the Salam gas-processing plant. The mercury contents of the gas at the inlet and outlet of the Salam mercury removal unit have been continuously monitored.

This paper gives a short overview of the biochemical effects of mercury, the corrosion mechanism of mercury and aluminum, analysis techniques for mercury in natural gas, and mercury removal techniques from natural gas. It also covers process design, field-analysis procedures, and the performance of Salam mercury removal unit.