bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estimation of Mutual Information and Conditional Entropy for Surveillance Optimization
Authors: Le Duc H. , Reynolds Albert C.
Published: June 2014

Given a suite of potential surveillance operations, we define surveillance optimization as the problem of choosing the operation that gives the minimum expected value of P90 minus P10 (i.e., P90 – P10) of a specified reservoir variable J (e.g., cumulative oil production) that will be obtained by conditioning J to the observed data. Two questions can be posed: (1) Which surveillance operation is expected to provide the greatest uncertainty reduction in J? and (2) What is the expected value of the reduction in uncertainty that would be achieved if we were to undertake each surveillance operation to collect the associated data and then history match the data obtained? In this work, we extend and apply a conceptual idea that we recently proposed for surveillance optimization to 2D and 3D waterflooding problems. Our method is based on information theory in which the mutual information between J and the random observed data vector Dobs is estimated by use of an ensemble of prior reservoir models. This mutual information reflects the strength of the relationship between J and the potential observed data and provides a qualitative answer to Question 1. Question 2 is answered by calculating the conditional entropy of J to generate an approximation of the expected value of the reduction in (P90 – P10) of J. The reliability of our method depends on obtaining a good estimate of the mutual information. We consider several ways to estimate the mutual information and suggest how a good estimate can be chosen. We validate the results of our proposed method with an exhaustive history-matching procedure.

The methodology provides an approximate way to decide the data that should be collected to maximize the uncertainty reduction in a specified reservoir variable and to estimate the reduction in uncertainty that could be obtained. We expect this paper will stimulate significant research on the application of information theory and lead to practical methods and workflows for surveillance optimization.
The Multiscale Finite-Volume Method on Stratigraphic Grids
Authors: Møyner Olav , Lie Knut-Andreas
Published: June 2014

Finding a pressure solution for large and highly detailed reservoir models with fine-scale heterogeneities modeled on a meter scale is computationally demanding. One way of making such simulations less compute-intensive is to use multiscale methods that solve coarsened flow problems by use of a set of reusable basis functions to capture flow effects induced by local geological variations. One such method, the multiscale finite-volume (MsFV) method, is well-studied for 2D Cartesian grids but has not been implemented for stratigraphic and unstructured grids with faults in three dimensions. We present an open-source implementation of the MsFV method in three dimensions along with a coarse partitioning algorithm that can handle stratigraphic grids with faults and wells. The resulting solver is an alternative to traditional upscaling methods, but can also be used for accelerating fine-scale simulations. To achieve better precision, the implementation can use the MsFV method as a preconditioner for Arnoldi iterations using the generalized minimal residual (GMRES) method or as a preconditioner in combination with a standard inexpensive smoother.

We conduct a series of numerical experiments in which approximate solutions computed by the new MsFV solver are compared with fine-scale solutions computed by a standard two-point scheme for grids with realistic permeabilities and geometries. On the one hand, the results show that the MsFV method can produce accurate approximations for geological models with pinchouts, faults, and nonneighboring connections, but on the other hand, they also show that the method can fail quite spectacularly for highly heterogeneous and anisotropic systems in a way that cannot efficiently be mitigated by iterative approaches. Thus, the MsFV method is, in our opinion, not yet sufficiently robust to be applied as a black-box solver for models with industry-standard complexity. However, extending the method to realistic grids is an important step on the way toward a fast and accurate multiscale solution of large-scale reservoir models. In particular, our open-source implementation provides an efficient framework suitable for further experimentation with partitioning algorithms and MsFV variants.
Assessing the Potential Impact on Extractive Industries of IFC's Revised Social Standards
Authors: Wasserstrom Robert , Gerrits Robert
Published: June 2014

The International Finance Corporation (IFC) adopted its Policy on Environmental and Social Sustainability and Performance Standards in April, 2006. These standards are aimed at encouraging better management of environmental and social risk in major capital investments. They are often used as de facto benchmarks or regulatory guidelines in oil, gas and mining projects, even where IFC is not directly involved. The eight Performance Standards cover key operational areas: environmental and social management systems, including risk assessment and evaluation (PS1); labor and working conditions (PS2); resource efficiency and pollution prevention (PS3), community health, safety and security (PS4); land acquisition and involuntary resettlement (PS5); biodiversity conservation and sustainable management of living natural resources (PS6); indigenous people (PS7); and cultural heritage (PS8). In January, 2012, IFC issued revised standards based on three years’ experience with them.

This paper focuses on IFC’s revised social performance standards (PS 1, PS5 and PS7, with reference to others) and analyzes their potential impacts on the oil, gas and mining industries. These standards introduce broad-based concepts that will require many companies to modify their existing development strategies. Such concepts include a defined hierarchy of stakeholder engagement; access to natural resources as a potential impact on land acquisition and resettlement; the importance of ecosystem services to human communities; and "Free, Prior and Informed Consent" during project development (FPIC). For each social standard, we focus on (a) new requirements or significant modifications of existing requirements; (b) expected pathways for implementation; (c) desired outcomes; and finally, (d) how compliance with new requirements might be assessed.

Potential implications for extractive industries are significant because new requirements are likely to increase the complexity of social risk assessment and management – for example, by providing broadly expanded access to communities, ethnic minorities, local leaders and NGOs. In turn, increased complexity often translates into greater uncertainty and extended timelines for project design and implementation. In an era of growing resource nationalism, global advocacy and more empowered stakeholders, the consequences of uncertainty – and the need for better management systems – will fall heavily on private companies. This paper will outline broad strategies to meet such challenges.
Burn Volume Estimation Protocol: Refined During the Deepwater Horizon Response
Authors: Mabile Neré J. , Abou-Hamdan Ala
Published: June 2014

As part of the Deepwater Horizon (DWH) response in 2010, many response methods and tactical protocols were used to optimize spilled oil removal. One of the more successful response methods was controlled in-situ burning (CISB), which removed between 220,000 and 310,000 bbl of oil from the Gulf of Mexico, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the US Department of the Interior, the US Environmental Protection Agency, et al. CISB technical experts refined best practices, tailoring them to the specifics of the response to help ensure the most accurate data could be gathered regarding, for example, burn times and locations. The entire process, called the Burn Volume Estimation Protocol, involved ASTM International standards for estimating the volume of oil burned. This protocol proved to be vital in maintaining a consistent approach while communicating the efficacy of the CISB efforts. A "Best in Practice" approach to controlled burn volume estimation during the DWH response operations required the coordinated effort of teams at the scene both offshore and in aerial surveillance aircraft. Responders, using two-way radio communication for field data collection, were able to provide an accurate picture of CISB operations to the Command Center. To account for potential variations of stable emulsions within the oil collected in the U-configured fire boom system, CISB technical advisors used a minimum and maximum burn volume equation. Volume estimation calculations could then be confirmed at the Command Center using photographs, sketches, and field notes from the offshore and aerial operations teams. This paper provides the refined best practices for estimating burn volumes during offshore CISB operations.
A License to Grow: Three Strategies to Meet the Challenge of Non-Technical Risk in Capital Project Portfolios
Authors: Haddon Matt , Brewer Linda , Hall Todd
Published: June 2014

Senior executives across the oil and gas industry are increasingly vocal about the impact of environmental and social issues on their business: CEOs presenting at the last two CERAWeek conferences (and other industry events) on insights into the energy future have repeatedly highlighted maintaining a ‘license to grow’ as among their top three concerns. Internal and industry studies now suggest that as many as 70 percent of major capital projects are being delayed by months – if not years. Consequentially, this is costing investors billions of dollars through stranded and inefficiently allocated capital caused by poor management of what has become known as Non-Technical Risk.

In North America, the challenge is being accentuated by the industry’s return onshore to unconventional shale plays after an absence of high intensity development for more than 20 years, as well as with the push into sensitive frontier locations, such as the Arctic. A confluence of greater industrial activity, questions over environmental performance and heightened community anxiety are making the industry a political hot potato.

Behind these challenges lie common root causes, including lack of specific accountability for managing Non-Technical Risk, unclear or contradictory incentives, the complex and cross-functional nature of the risks themselves, lack of integration into the core business and a lack of deep understanding by decision-makers.

This paper uses real case studies to explore three proven strategies to tackle the challenge of Non-Technical Risk. We present emerging techniques, supporting strategic decision-making and management across the capital value chain, from asset acquisition to site screening, field development and into operation. We provide fresh insights about how to integrate between non-technical functions, such as regulatory, environment, community and communications; how to incorporate into the day-to-day enterprise risk framework; and how to implement real management solutions on the ground.
Risk Ranking and Well Control Measures of Drilling Blowout
Authors: Ren Meipeng , Li Xiangfang
Published: June 2014

Currently the evaluation of well blowout is mainly about the evaluation of human factors, well control equipment factors and comprehensive factors. These factors include some subjective factors and cannot fully reflect the risk of drilling blowout objectively. In order to reduce the chance of wellflow and prevent well blowout accident that gets out of control in oilfield X, considering the statistical data of geological environment factors that objectively influence the drilling blowout, a model of evaluating drilling blowout risk to oilfield X drilling based on fuzzy mathematics is established. The drilling blowout risk level of each wellblock in oilfield X area has been ranked, and the result indicates that both the wellblock A and the wellblock B are the highest drilling blowout risk areas. The exploratory and development areas in oilfield X are also far away from the Material Supply Centers. In order to save the cost, it should take different well control measures for different risk wellblocks. This paper suggests that the well control ranking management should be implemented in the oilfield X. Various well control measures should be made according to different drilling blowout risk, and the risk ranking of drilling blowout should be included in well control design.
Paradigm of Integrating Technology to Reach Zero Safety Risks
Authors: Syed Hafeez , V Vivek
Published: June 2014

This paper analyzes a technology-oriented approach used to mitigate health, safety, and environment (HSE) risks in company operations. The process we followed re-affirms that re-engineering work processes and using technology to mitigate safety and environmental risks are important sources of performance improvement. Using technology lets us promptly meet the safety requirements of the company and our customers. The Technology Group plays a significant role by investigating the identified HSE risks and determining the best solution. Operations and Manufacturing departments also review and provide suggestions for the Technology Group to consider before implementation.

This paper also discusses how our process triggered a technological review of existing safety standards in response to an incident that occurred with another service provider. This proactive approach led to the introduction of volumetric non-destructive testing as a mandatory inspection criterion for all forged components involved in lifting/handling operations in field and manufacturing centers. In another situation, the Technology Group intervened to reduce finger and hand injury risks at repair and maintenance centers and launched a pulser insertion tool for use in company operations worldwide. The new insertion tool eliminated the finger and hand injury risks of inserting the pulser tool into the tube.

The intention of integrating the Technology Group is to improve existing work processes. Consistently following this process is the path to ZERO safety risks for customers as well as service providers. The objective is to re-institutionalize HSE within every branch of the organization and to reaffirm its top priority in the Company’s culture.
Unlocking Trapped Value from Contaminated Properties
Authors: Clodfelter Chris
Published: June 2014

There are multiple elements of inherent value in environmentally impacted properties. These elements can include real estate, business, natural resources and ecological service values. An evaluation to assist in unlocking the trapped value at a contaminated property is described. The overall approach considered the degree of remediation that should be undertaken while considering the greatest benefit to society. The degree of remediation to be undertaken should protect human health and the environment and meet regulatory requirements, but it should also be minimally intrusive.

At the example site this approach resulted in a reduced environmental footprint for the project and the protection of valuable ecological services provided by the property. This approach, however, reduced the real estate and business value of the property. As a result, an analysis of the value of the natural resource and ecological services elements was conducted. This process included a valuation of the potential economic uplift achieved by 1) wetlands mitigation credits under a banking instrument, 2) tax benefits of implementing a conservation easement, and 3) solar energy generation opportunities.

Assessment results show that economic value can be unlocked at contaminated sites by means other than removing contamination from the site to the extent practical. This approach also resulted in a more sustainable solution and the conservation of dwindling natural resources and habitats.
Chemical Degradation of HPAM by Oxidization in Produced Water: Experimental Study
Authors: Luo Weiguo , Xu Suxin , Torabi* Farshid
Published: June 2014

Hydrolyzed polyacrylamide (HPAM) degradation is a critical technical and environmental concern in oilfields, where HPAM is extensively used in drilling or chemical enhanced oil recovery process, especially polymer flooding. However, how to treat the residual HPAM in produced water has become an urgent issue. In this work, the HPAM chemical degradation characteristics were investigated through series of laboratory experiments. The oxidative, ionic and thermal degradation of HPAM were studied, and the feasibility of HPAM degradation by oxidization was examined. The results will help the oil industry to find a practical and optimal HPAM treatment method. In the experiments, the oxidization effects of photo-catalysis and strong oxidants at different temperatures, as well as the presence of typical ions with different concentrations on HPAM degradation process were studied. In addition to this, the related reaction mechanism during the degradation process was investigated.

The experimental results show that the natural sunlight has little effect to excite the HPAM degradation, while the light generated by a high-pressure mercury lamp with a wave length λ < 385 nm can stimulate the catalytic function of TiO2, which consequently accelerates the HPAM degradation reaction. Also, the strong oxidant such as Na2S2O8 and H2O2 can greatly improve the HPAM degradation, especially at higher temperature with a degradation degree η less than 0.15. In the HPAM-Na2S2O8 system, free radical reaction is the main mechanism accounting for the chain scission of HPAM, while the strong reduction-oxidation of hydroquinone (HQ) and generation of H2O2 are the dominant reason for HPAM degradation in HPAM-hydroquinone system, which makes the HQ a stronger reagent for HPAM degradation compared with Na2S2O8. The degradation degree of HPAM is significantly affected by the ion type in produced water, decreasing in an order of Al3+ > Mg2+ > Ca2+ > Na+ under the same ion concentration. This study not only probed into the HPAM viscosity loss problem caused by polymer chemical degradation, but also provided the necessary guide for the residual HPAM removal in produced water, which will boost the application of polymer flooding process.
Gaps in Companies HSE Onboarding Programs: Assessment and Remedy
Authors: Daher Elie , Dowd Darrell , Balogh John
Published: June 2014

With the expanding global workforce, companies are increasingly faced with misalignment between the HSE competencies acquired during the initial onboarding program for the new comers and the competencies required during the first 18 months of their assignment in the field.

Lifting, slinging and pressure handling are some of the tasks that new field personnel are required to do in their daily job assignment by new personnel. New field personnel are assisting in slinging tools and baskets without proper safety training on slinging or proper procedures to detect missing competencies required in slinging. Also new personnel are handling pressure vessels or are required to work in pressure areas without proper permitting. Some companies are reporting that more than 65% of their accidents or near misses are happening to new field personnel within the first 18 months of their field assignment. Most reported accidents and near misses involve extreme injuries. The field is relying on the training department to ensure that new personnel are adequately trained and on the HSE group to ensure that the HSE competencies required in the field assignment are covered during the on boarding.

This case study discusses the improvement process covering assessments, field observations, job safety analysis and possible remedies.
Implementing Behavior Based Safety (BBS) Program in a Middle Eastern Work Environment: Lessons Learned
Authors: Al Abdul Salam Abdullah , Al Qallaf Yousef , Pichery Leslie Anthony
Published: June 2014

This paper describes one successful approach of Behavior Based Safety (BBS) implementation in Oil & Gas Company in Kuwait. The unique approach involved ‘throwing out’ many of the western cultural assumptions and approaching BBS implementation through the very basic building blocks. Much emphasis was placed on understanding the Middle Eastern Social Culture, understanding the organizational culture including the HSE culture and then designing the BBS program to suit the cultural norms.

Safety Management Systems approach have been very successful in reducing fatalities and lost time accidents. However, there is normally a threshold or plateau of minor accidents remaining that appears to be stubbornly resistant to all efforts to remove them. For sustainable continual improvement of safety in the workplace - Going Beyond ZERO - the safety management system must be supplemented by the correct application of safety culture improvement programs. One such program is Behavior Based Safety. Safety cultural improvement programs influence the aspects depicted in the lower tiers of Bird’s Safety Triangle – At Risk Behaviors, Values & Beliefs

Several companies in the Middle East Region have implemented in-house versions of Behavior Based Safety (BBS) programs such as STOP, ASA, SOC, and so on. However, these programs have been driven by Key Performance Indicators (KPI) and therefore suffered from number-crunching instead of focusing on quality execution and effectively influencing behaviors. Quite a few BBS consultants have attempted to implement their respective copyright BBS programs in this Region. There has been varying successes.

This paper provides some lessons learned which are applicable to consultants wishing to implement BBS in a Middle East work culture. Their BBS program should be designed with a clear understanding of the theory behind the behavior change process and should consider the cultural diversity that constitutes the workforce. The successful approach to implementing BBS in a Middle Eastern Culture requires innovation, flexibility, persistence, passion and patience. These lessons learned should reduce any potential negative impact on the organizational cultural and assure the success of the BBS implementation program
Risk of Major Accidents: Causal Factors and Improvement Measures Related to Well Control in the Petroleum Industry
Authors: Lootz Elisabeth , Ovesen Monica , Tinmannsvik Ranveig Kviseth , Hauge Stein , Okstad Eivind H. , Carlsen Inge M.
Published: June 2014

In 2009-2010 there was an increase in the number of well control incidents on the Norwegian Continental Shelf reported to the Petroleum Safety Authority Norway (PSA). This, together with the Deepwater Horizon accident in 2010, made PSA initiate a comprehensive investigation into the causes and possible mitigating measures related to well control incidents. The main purpose of the study was to describe the key challenges the petroleum industry has to face in order to reduce the number of well control incidents in the future.

The bottomic was addressed through a review of public documentation (e.g. investigating reports) on well control incidents in the period 2003-2010, interviews with drilling and well professionals in the industry, and a review of additional documents and material received from oil companies and drilling contractors operating in Norway.

The following main issues were deemed particularly important:What are the key human, technical and organisational causes of well control incidents?What are the most important measures proposed/implemented to reduce the number of well control incidents?Is there correspondence between identified causes and proposed/implemented measures?How can the petroleum industry improve their efforts to reduce the number of incidents further?

Four main areas were identified as crucial in the industry’s efforts to further reduce the risk of well control incidents. There is a need for 1) A stronger emphasis on technical measures that will improve safety. An example is improved and more extensive use of real time data for early detection of well control incidents. 2) A stronger focus on barrier management and more operational risk analysis tools. 3) A stronger focus on major accident risk, and formal investigations of a higher proportion of well control incidents. 4) Creating framework conditions for improved collaboration between the operating company, contractors and subcontractors.
A Solution to Reduce the Annual Cost of Sour Gas Flaring in MODPUs
Authors: Sobhani Sattar
Published: June 2014

Flaring a sour gas is one of the most important considerations in the offshore production platforms and Mobile Offshore Drilling and Production Units (MODPU). The biggest issue occurs in the early stage of heavy oil processing – where the amount of produced gas is fairly low and the gas contains a large amount of carbon dioxide, nitrogen and hydrogen sulfide, without enough flammable components and heat content for immediate and direct flaring. There are several common methods to increase the flammability, with a more common solution being propane injection into the produced gas stream. However in continuous operation, the annual cost becomes prohibitive. In addition, the storage space required for the large amount of propane needed for monthly consumption requires special weight and special considerations for offshore platforms. In this article, a new approach to flaring the sour gas by blending the gas with fuel and injecting the mixture into a fired heater will be presented. By using this approach, the sour produced gas becomes a secondary fuel source (with the primary fuel such as natural gas, diesel or crude oil) and burns in the combustion chamber of a fired heater or furnace. The exhaust is then vented as a flue gas. As a result, the flare system will be used only at well test procedure or start-up condition, with the propane system being a more normal size instead of the much larger one originally required. Also the overall weight of rig, propane cylinder storage space and transportation issues will be reduced.
Integrating Sustainability into Environmental Project Management
Authors: Letlow M. , Kuykendall D. C. , Clodfelter C.
Published: June 2014

Companies managing an environmental project portfolio are faced with tough challenges such as controlling costs while improving process efficiencies and striving for more sustainable outcomes. The word "sustainability" means more than just protecting the natural environment, companies must also evaluate the social and economic impact of their projects and how this affects the company’s financial performance. Incorporating sustainability into project management can reduce costs and minimizes the risks of environmental impacts and stakeholder concerns. Some emerging risks include new or developing regulatory requirements related to energy use and greenhouse gas emissions and community concerns related to water and chemicals.

To more effectively manage a company’s environmental project portfolio, a framework was established to incorporate sustainable concepts into the management process. This enables the development of more sustainable long term solutions which protect the environment, achieve stakeholder acceptance and reduce project costs.

This paper provides a practical overview of the critical elements of a sustainable management program for environmental projects. The types of environmental projects to be discussed include remediation activities, energy improvement projects, water and wastewater systems, and others. Three specific aspects of sustainability are highlighted:EnvironmentSocietyEconomics

The environment aspect will illustrate how "greener" remediation projects can be implemented to not only protect human health and the environment but also reduce the environmental footprint of the project. These types of projects can also enhance community assets and satisfy stakeholder desires. The economic aspect will demonstrate ways of bringing in cost efficiencies such as standardizing equipment and systems, and using local sourcing of products and services. These concepts can be applied to any type of environmental project ranging from environmental remediation and restoration to installing energy efficient equipment.

Several projects will be discussed to illustrate this approach, its advantages, and the results achieved. By incorporating sustainability concepts into the project management process, companies can deliver a holistic approach which provides significant environmental, social and financial benefits to the business.
Quantitative Evaluation of HSSE Culture Using Statistical Analyses of Process-Driven Behavioral Data
Authors: Nodwell Gus
Published: June 2014

The adoption of processes to support HSSE within the Oil and Gas industry offers an opportunity for valuable insight into the culture of organizations, facilities, groups and individuals. Information and data generated by HSSE processes and captured in various information systems can be analyzed statistically to identify anomalies and trends. Many of these processes are now mandated through regulations. The much-discussed offshore SEMS regulations introduced by BOEMRE in 2010, as well as other pre-existing regulations such as Coast Guard regulations are heavily HSSE process centric and are a good example of this. When these processes are supported by the appropriate information management tools, the data generated by these processes can be captured with little or no effort on the part of workers, causing minimal operational impact.

Taking an investigative approach to assessing this data, with careful planning a set of Key Cultural Indicators (KCIs) can be identified within the data set. Using advanced statistical analysis techniques based on the 6-sigma business management strategy, KCI data from single (point-in-time) and multiple (periods of interest) data sets can be analyzed to help identify areas of excellence, and areas of risk. The same data can also be used to quantify an HSSE Cultural Index number for the data set under evaluation. This index can be used for comparison and trend evaluations against comparable data sets (e.g. Facility ‘A vs. Facility ‘B’). This approach can be extended to the evaluation of location-based (spatial) data. Statistical evaluation of spatial data can be used to produce heat maps identifying physical locations with anomalous behavioral performance within a data set(s).

These conclusions can be used to plan further investigations into operational behavioral patterns, focused on delivering behavioral improvements. This approach to evaluating HSSE culture is applicable across the HSSE spectrum.

This discussion will consider the potential of this approach to understanding HSSE culture and the benefits this may bring, as well as exploring problems with this approach that must be considered when planning a behavioral evaluation program.
Terrestrial Toxicity Performance of Different Base Oils in two Different Aging Conditions and Soil Types
Authors: Hughes S. A. , Anderson T. , Dorn P. B. , Martin V.
Published: June 2014

There is increasing attention on minimizing the risk of land-based drilling activities to the terrestrial environment. As a result, the selection of base oils used in drilling fluids can be based upon optimal environmental properties. However, information into what role different site conditions such as temperature and soil type have on terrestrial risks is lacking. In the present study, different base fluids were tested for terrestrial toxicity using aging conditions and soil types to determine how toxicity could be impacted by site conditions. Four base oils were tested including Diesel; a low toxicity mineral oil (LTMO), and two synthetic, gas-to-liquids (GTL) based paraffins, GTL C10-C22 (GTL 1) and GTL C11-C24 (GTL 2). These base oils were tested in two different soil types (sandy loam and silt loam), with three different ageing treatments of fresh spike, aged 90 days at 10°C and aged 90 days at 30°C, to determine the influence of climate and soil aging on terrestrial toxicity. Terrestrial toxicity bioassays conducted included: earthworm, spring tail and cricket bioassays, germination bioassays with three plant types (alfalfa, wheatgrass, and saltbrush), soil respiration, and microbial community analysis. In both soil types, the synthetic base oils had lower toxicity scores in freshly spiked soil compared to LTMO and Diesel. Aged base oil soil treatments had lower toxicity scores than freshly spiked soil with differences in profiles observed between soils aged at different temperatures. Soil type had the greatest impact on the results of earthworm and microbial diversity tests. Earthworm survival was greater in silt loam soil likely due to the increased organic carbon content of this soil over the sandy loam soil tested. Overall this research found that assessment of base oil performance against a variety of toxicity endpoints yields a greater understanding of the environmental risk of the base oil drilling fluid. This research also demonstrated the importance of testing materials in field soils. Many toxicity studies on base fluids are conducted using synthetic soil which has a higher organic carbon content than many natural soil types and thus may under predict overall terrestrial risk.
Lessons Learned From the Global Implementation and Evolution of a System to Track Environmental Performance Indicators
Authors: Kuykendall D.
Published: June 2014

Measuring environmental performance is a critical step in reducing the environmental footprint of a company’s operations. By tracking and analyzing key environmental metrics, we can begin to understand how our particular activities impact the environment, enhancing our ability to set appropriate improvement goals and develop specific action plans to achieve those goals. This paper describes the design, implementation and evolution of the company’s tracking system for environmental performance indicators.

A pilot project was first conducted to evaluate the burden of additional reporting and the feasibility of tracking this data in various regions around the world. An extensive evaluation process then commenced to select the best "fit for purpose" web-based software system.

A global team developed a phased implementation plan and provided input for various communication and user tools. These included a training manual, a Quick Start Guide and list of frequently asked questions, supplemented by multiple webinar training sessions, and a dedicated support person to provide assistance to users. Webpages were developed for the tracking system "user tools" and a second "toolkit" dedicated to resources, awareness materials and success stories to promote conservation and improvement projects.

Once the tracking system was implemented, emphasis was placed on developing specific reports to compile and analyze data for facilities, regions and business units. Data is normalized to account for changes in activity using a variety of factors. A dashboard is now under development to promote an instant view of key environmental metrics and support the company’s environmental goals to reduce energy, water and greenhouse gas emissions. Efficiencies have also been realized by importing data from other systems, and using data for internal and external sustainability reporting. These and other lessons learned are presented, along with best practices.
Associated Risk in Utilizing Controlled Implosion to Securely Seal an Offshore Oil-Leaking Pipeline
Authors: Alkazimi Mohammad , Grantham Katie
Published: June 2014

This paper examines the potential risk of using controlled implosions as a new technique to securely seal an offshore leaking oil pipe. Massive amount of toxins and radioactive waste are produced by offshore oil leaks. These leaks can have negative impact on marine life and can threaten the stability of the ocean’s ecosystem. In the past few years, there were several oil leak accidents that had left an overwhelming impact. Identifying potential impact and consequences to the proposed risk mitigation technique, to both the environment and the surrounding infra structure, is crucial to emergency response and crisis management teams. In order to equally quantify and communicate the probable impact of the proposed controlled implosion technique, a one-to-five risk / consequence assessment scale was created. The optimal explosive configuration is being investigated by the Mining Engineering Department at Missouri S&T. Their research outcome, as well as this one, can potentially mitigate the damage of an offshore oil leak disaster in the future.
The Problem with People: The Complex Nature of Human Behavior
Authors: Bowen Mathew
Published: June 2014

Traditional Behavioral Based safety systems have been implemented in organizations and industries across the globe, with some success. Yet across organizations safety performance has reached a plateau and in many cases incidents and injuries are again on the rise. A key part of the reason is that a purely behavioral approach to safety is based on an incomplete understanding of human psychology. To truly influence people and impact on the way people behave and engage with safety processes requires a deeper understanding of the motivations that drive our behaviour and more than that, an understanding of how to influence individuals and groups toward safety.

This paper explores how current literature and research in the areas of cognitive psychology, social psychology, the psychology of change and neuroscience can add greatly to refining how we apply psychology to our safety systems, and go beyond the simple reward and punishment paradigm of behavioural based approaches. The presentation will shed light on what these theories mean for behavioral safety systems and provide safety leaders with insights to build an intrinsically motivated workforce who value safety.

The use of psychological theories and concepts can provide a wealth of opportunity for improving safety performance and culture, if we move past a purely behavioral approach to one that embraces a more broad understanding of individual and group psychology.
Analysis of the SEMS II Safety Management Rule
Authors: Sutton Ian
Published: June 2014

SEMS II (DOI 2011) is the informal name given to the proposed new safety management rule from the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE). It applies to deepwater operations on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) of the United States. The rule "proposes to amend … regulations to require operators to develop and implement additional provisions in their … SEMS programs".

This paper discusses the following bottomics:Provide an overview of the contents of the proposed SEMS II rule;Show that it is largely non-prescriptive, but not risk-based; andDiscuss the effect that the rule may have on the bottomic of company culture.
Global Compliance and Sustainability Reporting Demands Place Growing Burden on Asset-Intensive Industries
Authors: Cain David
Published: June 2014

Overview and Background

Sustainability has become an operational, fiscal, and strategic imperative for business, resulting in greater senior executive visibility and focus. For many companies, sustainability is more than an environmental concern. Mature sustainability programs can support bottom-line growth by identifying opportunities to reduce operational costs, increase efficiency and reduce risks.

As environmental reporting protocols become more complex and require more robust information, the ability to track and manage emissions is essential. Broad-based environmental tracking requires complete and accurate data to advance effective business decisions. Today’s HSE reporting requirements also highlight the need for enterprise-level information management that can streamline data management and drive best practices.

Top corporate sustainability drivers revolve around cost reduction, managing compliance risk, securing revenues, and meeting stakeholder expectations. Potentially, the most impactful initiatives are aligned with heavy industrial production processes. In addition, emerging unconventional E&P processes require the ability to track and benchmark environmental effects to maintain a license to operate. Increasing scrutiny by governments, stakeholders and the public means higher risks related to accurate and timely disclosure.

Generating meaningful outcomes from a sustainability strategy is dependent on the ability to efficiently track and aggregate environmental data from numerous sources across operations and deliver up-to-the minute information to advance proactive decisions. Effective collection and calculation of environmental information is the first step toward development of a formal strategy for HSE management, with an eye toward establishing a path to sustainability.

This paper presents a new approach to compliance and sustainability reporting that progressively includes other stakeholders as it bridges the gap between operations and enterprise reporting needs.1
Lubricants and Drag Reducers for Oilfield Applications - Chemistry, Performance, and Environmental Impact
Authors: Patel Arvind , Zhang Joyce Hui , Ke Mingjie , Panamarathupalayam Balakrishnan
Published: June 2014

Lubricants are often added to drilling, completion and workover fluids to reduce the coefficient of friction between tubular equipments or tubular and wellbore wall. For coiled tubing (CT) operations, however, drag reducers are added to the fluids to reduce or minimize the pressure loss caused by high pumping rates. From the perspective of molecular structure and chemical properties, this paper illustrates the differences between lubricants and hydraulic drag/friction reducers. The subject matter will be illustrated using a newly developed phospho-lipid derived and modified ethoxylated castor oil-based chemistry as very effective and environmentally acceptable lubricants for clear brines and drilling fluid applications. Also included are drag reducers derived from high-molecular-weight sulphonated polyacrylamide polymer that effectively reduce the hydraulic friction of completion fluids including both low and high density monovalent and divalent brines. The paper will also include the chemistry and performance of several other newly developed environmentally safe lubricants and synthetic drag reducers for applications in various wellbore fluids.
Interactions of Sandstone Acid Systems with Aluminosilicates
Authors: Zhou L. , Nasr-El-Din H. A.
Published: June 2014

Mud acid, which is composed of HCl and HF, has been extensively used to remove the formation damage in sandstone reservoirs; however, many problems may occur during stimulation treatments with this acid. To overcome many of these drawbacks, sandstone acid systems (HF and a phosphonic acid) have been used as an alternative to mud acid. However, very limited research has been performed to investigate the interactions of sandstone acid systems with clay minerals in sandstone reservoirs.

In this study, sandstone acid with different HF concentrations was used to evaluate the solubility of clay minerals (kaolinite, chlorite, and illite) and feldspar as a function of time, reaction ratio and temperature. The Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques were used to identify the reaction products. The concentrations of key cations in the supernatant were analyzed using ICP. 19F Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy was utilized to determine the chemical species and reaction products that involved in the reaction of sandstone acid systems with aluminosilicates.

Sandstone acid system used in this study is not effective in leaching aluminum from chlorite. No AlF3 precipitate was identified by SEM analysis of the precipitates. Secondary reaction between clays and HF occurred at high temperatures and, as a result, affect the solubility negatively. 19F NMR results showed that all HF acid in the sandstone acid solution reacted with clays at a weight ratio of 10:1, while HF was detected in the spent acid after regular strength sandstone acid reaction with chlorite and illite at a weight ratio of 20:1. At 150°C, increasing the soaking time caused precipitation in the sandstone acid systems. Therefore, sandstone acid systems should not be soaked for more than 0.5 hour at high temperatures. This work examined the chemical interactions between sandstone acid systems and aluminosilicates that have not been discussed previously.
Application of a New Class of Chemical Tracers to Measure Oil Saturation in Partitioning Interwell Tracer Tests
Authors: Viig S. O. , Juilla H. , Renouf P. , Kleven R. , Krognes B. , Dugstad Ø. , Huseby O. K.
Published: June 2014

This paper introduces six new oil-water partitioning tracers suitable for use in oil reservoirs to estimate remaining oil saturation in inter-well regions. The tracers were tested in a field pilot in the Total-operated Lagrave field located in the South- West of France in 2011. The tests were successful for all six tracers.

Measurement of remaining oil saturation in a near well region, using a single-well chemical tracer test (SWCTT) is commonly used in the oil industry. This method exploits the time lag of back-produced ester vs. hydrolysed alcohol. Partitioning inter-well tracer tests (PITTs), which can be used to assess inter-well oil saturation, are frequently used to investigate the presence and remediation of non-aqueous phase liquids (NAPLs) in aquifers. However PITTs are rare in the oil industry, with a few notable exceptions dating back to the 1990's. Consequently, few tracers are available for such tests in oil reservoirs. In addition, several of the tracers previously used were radio-labelled, which may restrict their application in many fields. Our main objective is therefore to expand the portfolio of environmentally acceptable partitioning tracers for PITT operations, and we present results from a field pilot where we successfully tested six new PITT tracers with oil-water partitioning coefficients ranging from 1.5 to 2.9.

Lagrave is a relatively small carbonate field with fast injector-producer communications, which allows for relatively low- cost field qualification of partitioning tracers. Six partitioning tracers were injected in February 2011, together with a well-known non-partitioning tracer (2-FBA). The pilot area encloses one injector and three producers. Frequent sampling (2-3 times per week) yielded concise tracer response curves well-suited for estimation of remaining oil saturation. The response curves from the partitioning tracers were compared to the non-partitioning tracer to estimate saturations. The results are also compared with other reservoir data.

The class of new partitioning water tracers enables testing of oil saturation in inter-well regions and may become a vital tool to investigate the potential for enhanced oil recovery and assess the effect of EOR measures. Outside the oil industry, the new tracers should also be useful for NAPL identification and evaluation of NAPL remediation processes.