bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modelling and Simulation of Acid Gas Absorption from Natural Gas by Amine Solution Using Aspen HYSYS
Authors: IKPEZE Victoria Kamnetochi , OWOLABI John Olusoji , OLATEJU Idowu Iyabo , GIWA Abdulwahab
Published: August 2021

This work has been carried out to model and simulate a typical acid gas absorption process using Aspen HYSYS process simulator. The chemical components involved in the process development were water, methane, ethane, propane, higher alkanes, carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulphide, nitrogen and amines: monoethanolamine (MEA), diethanolamine (DEA), triethanolamine (TEA) and methyldiethanolamine (MDEA). The fluid package selected for the simulation before entering the simulation environment was Acid Gas – Chemical Solvents. In the simulation environment, the model was developed by picking an absorber from the Model Palette, placing it and assigning the input and the output streams involved before inputting the parameters required for model convergence. The carbon dioxide-rich feed gas was made to enter the absorber at the bottom inlet stream while the lean amine stream entered at the top inlet and showered down on the uprising gas thereby trapping the carbon dioxide molecules within the gas. The top product from the absorber was the treated gas while the amine solution and the trapped carbon dioxide left the absorber as the bottom product. Different simulations were run to investigate the performance of the amines under the same operating conditions. It was discovered that, of all the four amine solvents considered in this work for the removal of carbon dioxide by chemical absorption, MEA had the highest efficiency but would require more dehydration because it had the highest water content. DEA was also found to scrub the carbon dioxide down to acceptable levels. However, TEA and MDEA barely scrubbed any carbon dioxide under these conditions, as their carbon dioxide compositions were found to be unacceptable. The analyses of the results obtained from the simulations indicated that Aspen HYSYS can be used to study the process of acid gas absorption successfully.
Emissions Evaluation of Methanol-Gasoline Blend in Spark Ignition Engine
Authors: Nwovu Sampson Ojon , Etebu O. M. O
Published: August 2021

This study experimentally evaluated exhaust emissions from methanol-gasoline blend (G95) and pure gasoline (G100) fuels using Spark Ignition (SI) engine. We produced methanol from Carbon (IV) Oxide (CO2) and water for transport and other applications. The methanol production involved simultaneous electrolysis of water within the anodic half-cell and catalytic reduction of CO2 within cathodic half-cell of an electrochemical set-up. We separated the produced methanol from its solution by fractional distillation. G95 was a mixture of 5 percent of methanol and 95 percent of gasoline. The experimental engine was naturally aspirated, single cylinder, 4-stroke with port-fueled injector. We operated the engine under constant load of 3000 kg with varying engine speeds of 2200, 2600, 3000, 3400, 3800, and 4200 rpm. The experimental test results showed that CO and uHC emissions by G95 are lower than that of G100 at all engine speeds. However, CO2 and lambda (λ) emissions by G95 are higher than that of G100 specifically at full load operations. The results found in this study highlight that application of methanol in transportation industry has high potential to lessen vehicle's emissions and improve atmospheric environment.
Application of Geomechanics for Successful Drilling of Onshore Well with Multiple Challenges of Losses and Intense Gas Cut Mud in Naturally Fractured Zone.
Authors: Akong Bassey , Orimoloye Samuel , Otutu Friday , Mfonnom Goodluck , Ojo Akinwale , Mrakpo Ovie , Samuel Ogba , Oladoyin Olumide , Obasuyi Edward
Published: August 2021

Drilling of deviated development wells in O-field X has proven to be challenging. Drilling experience in several wells within the field has different issues of wellbore instability, most recent is when traversed through a pre-existing/naturally fractured intervals. Numerous lost-time incidents related to wellbore instability-related problems were experienced, ranging from tight hole (remedied by reaming) to Overpulls, pack-off followed by stuck pipe, fill on-bottom to difficulties in running casing, and tensile cavings to high gas associated with drilling breaks. These problems were observed particularly when drilling previous and current wells in the O-field X. Many of the wells in O-field X were drilled with water-based mud (WBM) for top-hole and POBM for intermediate hole section. However, drilling the most recent well became more challenging with issues of severe losses just below the 13-3/8inch shoe where an interbedded lignite formation characterized with pre-existing fractures was drilled through. Faced with continual non-productive time (NPT), the predrill GeoMechanical report was immediately reviewed coupled with the stress caging procedure adopted to further mitigate the loss circulation wellbore instability problem. The recommendations arising from the comprehensive review of the GeoMechanical window, stress caging and drilling experience analyses was immediately implemented to improve performance which has helped in drilling the well to final completion. This paper highlights the importance of integrating GeoMechanics, stress caging and with proper drilling practices which has helped in delivery of the candidate well. A full-scale GeoMechanical window review was proactively adopted considering the mid-line collapse gradient approach for unconsolidated, naturally fracture formations and critical depleted intervals. All the above strategies were adopted, which assisted in safe delivery of candidate well in O-field X.
Enhanced Method of Estimating Crude Oil Losses in a Unitized Pipeline Supply and Trunk Facilities
Authors: Enweugwu Charles , Monorien Aghogho , Mbeledogu Ikechukwu , Dosunmu Adewale , Illedare Omowunmi
Published: August 2021

Most unitized Pipelines in Nigeria are Trunk lines which take crude oil from flow stations to the Terminals. Very few International Oil and Gas Companies own and operate trunk lines in Nigeria. As a result, marginal field owners, independent producers, and some JV partners share the trunk line for the sale of their crude. But because of the use of wide range of non-compliant meters by the injectors into the trunk lines a lot of line losses due to measurement errors are introduced. Another major feature is that trunk lines are exposed to leakages due to sabotage, aged pipeline and valve failures. The issue here is how does the owner of the trunk line back allocate these losses to their respective injectors. The Reverse Mass Balanced Methodology (RMBM) is currently in use having replaced Interim Methodology (IM) in 2017. In RMBM, the crude trunk line losses have been found to be unaccountable and it's proportionate rule for distribution of the losses to the producers are inequitable as the field owners expressed dissatisfaction with unfair deduction from trunk line operators. This study developed a procedure and an algorithm for estimation of crude contributions from each producer at the Terminal and equitable distribution of crude trunk line losses to the producers irrespective of the type of meters, meter factor and leakages and sporadic theft on the trunk lines. This study also identified two alternatives to the RMBM, the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Flow based models. The results showed that flow-based model accounts for both individual and group losses, not accounted for in the RMBM, and allocates and corrects for leak volumes at the point of leak instead of at the terminal. This is a significant improvement from the RMBM.
Imperatives for Implementing Gas-Lifting for Fields with Sand Control: OT Field Experience
Authors: Iheajemu Kingsley , Nnanna Erasmus , Odumodu Somtochukwu
Published: August 2021

Unconsolidated sandstone formations are normally completed with one form of sand control or the other. The aim is to manage sand production as low as reasonably practicable and protect well and surface equipment from possible loss of containment. There are about 8 broad types of sand control namely; internal gravel pack, external gravel pack, chemical sand consolidation (SCON), open-hole expandable sand screen, cased-hole expandable sand screen, stand-alone screen, pre-packed screen and frac & pack.

Gas-lifting targets to increase pressure drawdown required for wells to produce by injecting gas at a pre-determined depth using gas-lift valves installed in the tubing. Whereas gas-lift design targets to optimize the gas-lift injection to ensure stable production, the associated drawdown may challenge the operating envelope of the sand control mechanism in place.

The OT field has been in production for about 50 years and has been on gas-lift for about 20 years. There have also been occasional sand production problems in the field; some of which occur in gas-lifted wells. This paper will highlight the outcome of a study that investigated the performance of various sand control mechanisms under gas-lift production and present observed trends to serve as guide in maximizing the performance of such gas-lifted wells with sand control mechanism.
The Synergy Between Borehole Imaging and Geosteering
Authors: Ndokwu Chidi Ndokwu , Amadi Kenneth , Okowi Victor , Okengwu Kingsley O. , Acra Jones E.
Published: August 2021

The quest to gain more knowledge of the subsurface and to reduce uncertainty in the interpretation of subsurface data has been an age-long effort in the oil and gas industry. To achieve this, asset owners use tools with improved resolution, utilize different types of logging tools and integrate the interpretation from these logging tools. This paper will review some projects where data from borehole imaging tools were used to support geosteering decisions and to gain more knowledge of reservoir structure.

Borehole images are logs based on the circumferential measurement of a petrophysical parameter along a borehole wall. Logging-while-drilling borehole images can be used for structural, sedimentological and petrophysical analysis. These near-wellbore analyses contribute greatly to the success of most geosteering jobs. Geosteering is a process used in placing high-angled and horizontal wells in subsurface intervals of interest. It involves the use and integration of data from varied sources.

This paper will show different scenarios, in different depositional environments, where borehole imaging supported the geosteering process and how geological interpretations from geosteering brought more clarity to borehole imaging analysis. Examples of these will highlight the stratigraphic relationship between geological structures and wellbore trajectory, detection of subsurface structural discontinuities, primary sedimentary structures, and the interpretation of complex geological structures. This paper will broaden our understanding of the applications of borehole imaging and how it integrates with geosteering in achieving oil and gas well objectives.
Adopting Subsea Separation Technologies for Deepwater West-Africa: A Review Study
Authors: Okereke Ndubuisi Uchechukwu , Ogazi Isaac Anayo , Umofia Anitie , Abili Nimi , Ohia Nnaemeka Princewill , Ekwueme Stanley Tochukwu
Published: August 2021

Recent developments in offshore oil and gas production indicate a trend of deployment of subsea separation technologies in a reasonable number of offshore oil and gas fields in the Northsea and Offshore Brazil. Although Pazflor field Offshore Angola has adopted a vertical gravity separator, there is still a slow acceptance of this technology in Offshore West-Africa. This work reviewed over ten technical papers and also captured expert views; identifying some of the challenges and potential benefits of subsea separation technologies to deepwater West-Africa. Subsea separation of gas and liquid phase for instance creates the opportunity to overcome hydrostatic pressure in lifting the produced fluid to the topside Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel using single phase or hybrid pumps. Gas/liquid phase separation could also reduce possibility of flow assurance challenges like hydrates formation and slugging. In spite of these potential advantages, there are also challenges facing the deployment of subsea separation, especillay in West Africa oil fields. This work reviewed current trends, opportunities, challenges and best practices with respect to subsea separation. Also, possibility of a future driven by compact separators in deepwater environments was explored in this work. Strengths, weakness, opportunities and threats (SWOT) analysis was conducted to identify the key technical challenges and opportunities of already deployed subsea separation technologies in Pazflor and Shell BC 10 field. Improved phase separation was identified as one of the key benefits of compact separators. The challenges in accessing installation vessels for deployment of gravity based subsea separators in West-Africa was also highlighted as one of the key technical challenge in the deployment of subsea separators in Offshore West-Africa. Recommendations for future subsea separation technologies application in Deepwater West-Africa was also done in this work.
Well Logging Analysis in Niger Delta Basin
Authors: Sunday Aniekeme Edet
Published: August 2021

A hydrocarbon exploration begins with the geological recognition of probable hydrocarbon accumulation areas, which are confirmed by seismic survey and, to ensure certainty, it is necessary to drill a well. On those exploration wells measurements are made down the hole for the formation evaluation. The evaluation of water, oil and gas saturations are attained by geological and petrophysical characteristics. To obtain such information it is necessary to use a combination of several sources, namely mud logging, coring, well logging and occasionally down the hole tests. Due to the high risks associated with drilling activities, such as safety problems and environmental impacts, it is extremely important to have a very well designed and established drilling program. Therefore, the activities monitoring and control and a good knowledge of what types of formations will be affected, and its principal characteristics, are priorities to take into consideration. Bearing in mind the sources for the formation evaluation, the present work aims to focus on wireline logs and the major challenge that is faced here which is data acquisition and petrophysical evaluation. The case study is a Niger Delta basin (Nigeria).
Practical Approach for Implementation of the Revised National Policy on Occupational Safety and Health 2020 in the Informal Sector: A Focus on South-South Nigeria
Authors: Adebiyi Juwon , Bada Adebola , Maduagwu Daniel , Udoh Emem
Published: August 2021

The regulation of Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) in Nigeria, which is currently seeing some progress in the formal sector, has been short of impressive in the informal sector of the economy. Con- sidering it is the role of every government to ensure that all sectors of the economy operate in a manner that guarantees and ensures the safety and well-being of its citizens, Article 4 of International Labour Organization (ILO) Convention No. 155- Occupational Safety and Health Convention was ratified by the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (FRN) in 1994, which led to the development of a coherent National Policy on Occupational Safety and Health in 2006. This, inter alia, failed to address the informal sector; hence the Revised National Policy on OSH 2020 was introduced by the Govern- ment, through the office of the Honorable Minister of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, as a framework for bridging the existing gap. In a bid to ensure the success of the Policy document, the Department of Occupational Safety and Health of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment was designated the Competent Authority by the Government. This paper takes a look at the stakeholders in the informal sector of the economy, focusing on the south- south part of Nigeria, and identifies some of the challenges hampering the effective implementation of Occupational Safety and Health systems needed for the promotion of safety and health at workplaces.

It concludes by providing a practical tool that can be a guide for the policy users, especially in the in- formal sector of the Nigerian economy, in alignment with the second of the three determinants of the future of energy, as captured in the theme for NAICE 2021: "The Future of energy – a trilogy of de- terminants; Climate Change, Public Health, and the Global Oil Market".
Determinants of IOGP Life-Saving Rules Compliance Among Nigerian Petroleum Industry Workers
Authors: Abanum Andrew Monday , Alebere Ibidabo David , Patricks-E Chinemerem
Published: August 2021

Life-saving rules (LSRs) are a set of defined rules that support and complement general site-specific safety rules and procedures (SRPs). LSRs are popular in the oil & gas (O&G) industry and are part of the safety management system framework designed to prevent incidents in the workplace. Complying with LSRs ensures its intent of incident prevention, drives the goal of creating decent work, economic growth and sustainable development. With the continuum of incidents in the industry, total compliance with LSRs and SRPs still remains a mirage. Even though the introduction of LSRs in the O&G caused a paradigm shift from fair to better safety performance, incident investigations continue to unveil cases of violations/non-compliance. In the space of continuous improvement, it becomes expedient to determine possible causes of these LSRs and SRPs non-compliance, with a view to nipping the causal factors in the bud. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the factors affecting the level of workers compliance with IOGP LSRs in selected O&G companies operating in Delta State, Nigeria. The research recruited 317 sharp end workers and selected leaders, through a multistage sampling technique. A semi-structured, self-administered questionnaire was used as instrument for data collection. The study in its findings was able to elicit numerous compliance determinants arising from socio-demography, occupational and organisational factors. These factors are barriers to strengthen if the goal of total compliance and zero incident must be achieved in the workplace. The study recommends that management should comply with Thomas Legge's aphorisms 1 & 4 on SRPs and design training programmes for employees to be imparted with requisite knowledge needed for compliance, commit to safety and lead a positive safety culture to drive continuous improvement. Furthermore, there is the need to pursue total compliance with LSRs, SRPs and any site-specific safety rules to achieve zero incidents in the O&G industry.
Assessment of Gas Leak Detection Techniques in Natural Gas Infrastructure: A Review
Authors: Appah Dulu , Aimikhe Victor , Okologume Wilfred
Published: August 2021

The undetected gas leak, also referred to as fugitive gas emissions, are produced from natural gas infrastructure during operational activities. If not monitored, this undetected gas leakage can lead to undesirable economic loss of natural gas from installed infrastructures and are often accompanied by toxic air pollutants that typically pose safety and public health concerns. The efficient quantification of gas leaks from natural gas infrastructure value chain is still largely inadequate. Several studies have repeatedly opined that the actual rate of leaks from natural gas infrastructure is often higher than the documented estimates. The latter is largely dependent on assumptions that rely on inadequate data. This study reviewed most of the existing methods implemented to detect and quantify gas leaks in natural gas infrastructure by assessing the techniques based on the amount of leak detected compared to the amount of gas produced from such facilities. The study illustrates both the problem of methane leakage and the opportunities for instantaneous reduction from natural gas transmission facilities. Furthermore, this review provides a detailed account of the various analytical models and instrumentation-based research performed to identify and quantify gas leak detection. The study opined that the uncertainties associated with efficient quantification of natural gas leak rates demonstrate the need for innovative approaches or processes to identify and quantify leak rates from natural gas infrastructure.
Propane Dehydrogenation Technology; A Viable Alternative to Meet Nigeria's Growing Propylene Demand
Authors: Ichado Solomon
Published: August 2021

Global propylene demand increases year on year, conventional sources of propylene production like steam crackers, refinery fluid catalytic cracker (FCC) are unable to meet global demand for propylene and this has necessitated the use of "On-Purpose" sources for propylene production like propane dehydrogenation (PDH). The PDH and its impact in the propylene mix of the Nigerian petrochemical industry is what this work is centered on.

The need for PDH technology in Nigeria stems from the reality that, Nigeria currently has no refinery with operational fluid catalytic cracker nor sufficient steam crackers to meet an estimated propylene demand gap of about 140 KTA (2016/2017) despite propylene production from a major player in Nigeria (at present, demand gap is expected to be more).

This work involves analysis of Nigeria's petrochemical import and export, petrochemical market size, exposition to the PDH trendand technology focusing on UOP Oleflex technology (chemistry and operation/process flow) and how this technology can help close the current propylene demand gap in Nigeria especially as Nigeria enters its decade of gas.

Petrochemical companies in Asia have been able to use this PDH technology to manufacture propylene thereby significantly closing the propylene demand gap, constructing the most PDH plants in the last 5 years in the process. This also can be replicated in Nigeria and aid in closing propylene demand gap, and with surplus, begin to export propylene to the West African market to generate revenue, improving GDP.
Correcting Subsurface Seismic Depth Uncertainty in Real-Time Using Reservoir Navigation Distance-to-Bed Mapping
Authors: Imomoh Victor , Amadi Kenneth , Onyeji Johnbosco
Published: August 2021

The most common challenge in horizontal drilling is depth uncertainty which can be due to poor seismic data or interpretation. It is arguable that a successful landing of the wellbore in the reservoir optimally and within the desired zone is the most challenging in most geosteering operation. The presence of fluid contacts such as oil-water-contact (OWC) and gas-oil-contact (GOC) complicates the whole drilling process, most especially if these fluid contacts are not well defined or known. Additionally, the ability to map the boundaries of the reservoir as the BHA drills the lateral section is an added advantage to remaining within the desired reservoir section.

The success of any reservoir navigation service where seismic uncertainty at the reservoir top is high will rely largely on how effective the geosteering system is and how the geosteering engineer is able to react promptly to changes while landing the well in the reservoir and drilling the lateral section with without exiting the reservoir.

Reservoir Navigation Service (RNS) provides the means for the drilling near horizontal or horizontal wells for the purpose of increasing hydrocarbon extraction from the earth's subsurface. This involves the use of a pre-defined bottom hole assembly (BHA) with inbuilt downhole logging while drilling (LWD) and measurement while drilling (MWD) sensors. The measurements from these downhole sensors are uplinked to the surface of the wellbore where they are converted to meaningful petrophysical data. The goal is to use the downhole petrophysical data such as gamma ray, propagation resistivity and so on, to update an existing pre-well geological model of a section of the earth in such a way that the final result depicts the true model picture of the earth subsurface.

This paper focuses on using well CBH-44L to showcase how the use of real-time distance-to-boundary (D2B) measurement from a deep reading azimuthal propagation resistivity tool is use to correct for depth uncertainty in seismic, thereby, improving the chance of successfully landing and drilling a horizontal well.
Nigerian Stranded Gas Utilization–Investment and Risk Analysis of a Medium Scale GTL Option
Authors: Omotosho Yetunde , Adeyemi Williams , Akinpelu Lateef
Published: August 2021

Nigerian stranded gas reserves is a vast natural gas resource opportunity (with estimates exceeding 84 trillion cubic feet or 44% of current proved reserves of 190.4 Tcf) is already being monetized especially as the global environment continues to favour low carbon footprint energy sources. Natural gas utilization projects such as Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), Independent Power Projects (IPP), Gas-to-Liquid (GTL), from associated gas (AG) have taken off, however, Nigeria still struggles with low pace of stranded gas development as a result of huge capital expenditure outlays, uncertain fiscal terms as well as inadequate infrastructure, hence, stranded gas remains minimally tapped. Not only that, they exist in pockets of fields unevenly dispersed across Nigerian fields. About 70% of the onshore stranded gas are found in fields with less than 500 billion cubic feet (bcf) reserves, severely limiting gathering system optimization opportunities.

In this work, GTL option is investigated as a viable utilization option. A modular medium scale GTL plant with a capacity to produce 25,000 barrels per day of premium products, is considered. GTL economics is analyzed with and without Natural Gas Liquids (NGL) extraction. The various internal and external risks associated with its development, are also explored. Without NGL extraction accruing to the GTL owner, the project becomes unattractive and never pays out within the projected timeframe of operation. With NGL extraction, project payout is 10 years, NPV@10% is $1,132.6 million and IRR is 15.4%. From the risk assessment, the capital expenditure (CAPEX) and product prices (NGL price being the most important) are major factors affecting project economic risks.

Because of the huge impact of NGL extraction on GTL economics, consideration will have to be given to alternative incentives to improve profitability where this extraction opportunity is low or non-existent by fiscal authorities.
Climate Change and the Rising Geopolitics of LNG
Authors: Adejola Adenike , Iledare Wumi
Published: August 2021

In the 21st century, the nexus between climate change and the global gas industry is more resilient. Gas is now preferred to gasoline in mitigating the effects of climate change and key global gas players and new entrants’ race for a higher global market share. To sustain continuous profit on gas investments, sustainable and strategic energy business models are being developed albeit with unintended or intended geopolitical consequences.

This paper highlights the probable geopolitical risks, their likely impacts, and regional risk mitigation strategies necessary for sustaining the growth of the global gas market for the next ten years. Using a risk matrix table and data from British Petroleum (BP) full report and outlook, the probable effect of regional gas policies are compared to their impact on current and future global gas market dynamics. Results show that within the next 10 years, Asia, America, and the Middle East will likely pose the greatest risks to market dynamics. Proactive mitigation ideas will, therefore, include removing or reducing thesethreats to Africa's growing gas market.
Identification of Potential Candidate's Wells for Workover
Authors: Okon Edet Ita , Appah Dulu
Published: August 2021

To maximize production from mature fields, it is essential to identify candidate's wells that are not producing up to their potential. Performing periodic interventions or workovers in wells is an established approach for arresting production decline and maximizing production from the fields. However, for mature fields with large well counts, the process of determining the best candidates for well interventions can be complicated and tedious. This can result in less-than-optimal outcomes. Advanced data analytics modeling offers quick and easy access to important information. The main objective of this study is to identify potential candidate wells for workover operation ahead of time so that we can fix them before they become problem. This was achieved via principal component analysis with the aid of XLSTAT in Excel. In this study, we developed a model based on PCA to quickly identify and rank the workover candidate's wells. The dataset used in this project comprises of 66 oil wells and were obtained from a field operating in the Niger Delta. The first step involved data gathering and validation and uploading into XLSTAT software. Data preprocessing procedures were conducted to condition the dataset so as to give optimum performance during model development. A model was built to identify potential wells for workover operation. The results obtained here showed that the wells are separated to areas designated as (A to E). Wells found in area A indicated that they are potential candidates for workover operation. Wells found in area B showed that they are not under immediate danger, but attention would be needed to monitor and prevent increasing water and gas rates in the future. Wells found in area C indicated that they required immediate attention to prevent further decline in oil production. Likewise, wells found in Area D indicated that they also required immediate attention to prevent further decline in oil production. Finally, Wells found in Area E showed that they have highest oil production, lowest water production and moderate gas production, indicating normal condition with no immediate workover operation required. With advanced data analytics modeling, reservoir engineers or geoscientists will now see a bigger picture either field by field or reservoir by reservoir and quicky identify potential candidate wells for workover operation ahead of time before they become a problem. Hence, the results of the analysis can help us to better target wells that are potential candidates for high water cut, high WOR, High gas rates and low oil rates.
A Computational Model for Wells’ Performance Analysis
Authors: Edet Ita Okon , Appah Dulu
Published: August 2021

The ability to identify underperforming wells and recover the remaining oil in place is a cornerstone for effective reservoir management and field development strategies. As advancement in computing programming capabilities continuous to grow, Python has become an attractive method to build complicated statistical models that predicts, diagnose or analyze well performance, efficiently and accurately. The aim of this study is to develop a computational model that will allows us to diagnose and analyze well performance using nodal analysis with the help of python. In this study, python was used to compute Nodal analysis method using Darcy and Vogel Equations. A case study was carried out using the data obtained from a field operating in the Niger Delta. Again, sensitivity of tubing size was conducted using python. The results obtained showed that a computational model with python has the ability to visualize, model and analyze wells performances. This technique will petroleum engineers to better monitor evaluate and enhance their production operation without the need for expensive softwares. This will reduce operating cost increases revenue.
Low Capex ESP Powered Dumpflood Water Injector Pilot Improves M Field Recovery
Authors: Imoukhuede Peter , Obe Akin , Chukwuma Atuanya , Anyanwu Emeka , Ekeng Oyie , Murugi Grace , Ajayi Omolade
Published: August 2021

The design of a gravity dump flood well for a depleted QG reservoir located offshore in M Field was significantly enhanced by the inclusion of an Electric Submersible Pump (ESP). This resulted in 1,500 barrels of oil per day production gain from producer wells in Area 2 of the reservoir that had become inactive due to low tubing head pressures with reservoir pressure depletion.

The identification of an optimal water injector location to improve the low reservoir energy and sweep oil towards the existing producers was grossly challenged due to remote nature of existing wells from water injection facility. Significant cost implications exist for the construction of new pipelines to the Water Injection facility. In addition, the existing infrastructure is aged and degraded, creating a need for a cost-saving solution.

The challenges were tackled by implementing a pilot ESP powered dumpflood in an ideally situated injector "Xi". With this technique, a single well acts as both the producer and injector, utilizing an ESP generated pressure differential to pump water from a deep aquifer to a shallow reservoir or boost natural gravity forces to reverse pump water from a shallow aquifer to a deeper reservoir (R. Quttainah 2001). The latter option proved ideal for this application given the shallower location of the water source relative to the target oil zone.

By innovatively using Y-tool technology, the ESP reverse pumped 7,000 BWIPD at a discharge pressure of 772 psig from the upper "A" aquifer zone into the target oil QG reservoir within the same well at startup. The ESP motor was powered by a 4km electrical subsea cable to draw power from the field's Quarter Production Platform. Significant cost savings were achieved by eliminating the need for pipeline construction since water source and injection were combined in one well. Within 3-months of ESP startup, the target reservoir pressure boost resulted in the restoration of inactive wells and 1,500 BOPD incremental production gain from producers in Area 2 of the reservoir.

Following the success of the ESP powered dumpflood pilot project with initial oil production gain of 1,500 bopd and significant cost savings, a study is ongoing for a field-wide deployment of the technique in field M and 2 neighbouring fields.
Model Prediction of Critical Gas Rate With Water-Cut Reversal Effect
Authors: Ekeregbe Merit P.
Published: August 2021

Accurate prediction of gas critical rate is critical to the successful management of gas wells. This paper covers the prediction of gas critical rate and presents limitations of old models with gas condensate wells with water-cut reversal.

Comparison of prediction methods or models with this new method will be explained using field data of condensate wells. The effect and relation of water-cut with critical gas rate determination will be presented and the best method that universally meets changing conditions of the well will be tested with field data.

Any method that must be acceptable must meet the dynamics of the well. No static model can predict accurately a dynamic well and reservoir performance. The old models of critical gas rate prediction show a static outlook, probably see the beginning of the well-life and cannot predict correctly when the fluid phases change in gravity. The late life prediction of the well performance is much more critical than the early life when the well has sufficient energy. The production envelope is more critical at depletion than at when the reservoir energy just kick. Therefore, any model prediction must be dynamic. The results from the old models show that they fail the dynamic test of the well performance. This limitation makes those model unusable in a late life of the well when water cut increases.

This study has revealed a method or a model for critical rate prediction that is accurate throughout the life of the well. The effect of water cut reversal is well tracked with this new model whereas the static nature of other models predicts a wrong minimum rate at a liquid load up rate. The field data reveals that the dynamic nature of well and reservoir performance can only be understood dynamically.
Exploring the Gains of Artificial Intelligence for Addressing the Menance of Pipeline Vandalization in Nigeria: A Review
Authors: Ogwus Chinedu
Published: August 2021

Pipeline transport is a commonly utilised method for moving petroleum products from one location to another. It is considered as one of the safest, fastest, and most reliable options for transporting petroleum products. However, the use of pipelines for oil transport is associated with the risk of pipeline failure, a challenge caused by a range of factors including corrosion, ignition of natural gas, accidental damage during excavation work, lapses in maintenance as well as vandalization. Most prevalent in Nigeria is the menace of pipeline vandalization and oil thefts which is a critical factor responsible for most pipeline failures across the country. Varied efforts aimed at addressing the problem of vandalization and oil thefts in Nigeria have, over the years, yielded minimal benefits. Therefore, this review investigates the usefulness and suitability of artificial intelligence (AI) for securing Nigeria’s pipeline network. The review focuses on summarizing available evidence on the use of some relevant AI components such as Image Analytics, Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) as well as Edge-Based AI Solutions, for securing oil pipelines. Based on the findings of case studies and other primary research materials utilized in this review, this paper concludes that while there is need for further research on the subject, AI offers a promising and useful solution to Nigeria’s endemic challenge of pipeline vandalization and oil theft. This is as AI promotes early detection of illicit activities on pipelines and can relay signals to appropriate authorities on the need for urgent action. The use of AI in securing Nigeria’s vast pipeline network will not only minimize the economic losses caused by vandalization but will equally contribute towards mitigating the adverse environmental impact of oil pipeline vandalization in Nigeria.
Evaluating Alternate Artificial Lift Methods in the Niger Delta
Authors: Enwere Priscilla , Amusa Ademola , Olominu Oluwafemi , Lazson Nchekwube , Mbonu Emmanuel , Osifo Fred , Fatoke Oluwaseyi
Published: August 2021

Gas lift is currently being utilized as the artificial lift system in OML Z, this has been so for the last thirty years. Although, the field has seen significant increase in production rates in recent times, gas lift requirement has increased with increase in production and water cut. To maximize production and value from OML Z, it is expedient to seek an alternative artificial lift method that can debottleneck and unlock the potential of fields within OML Z where production has been less than 50% since the field was brought on stream.

Production from the gas lifted fields within OML Z is constrained by a combination of bottlenecked gas lift facility and surface production facility. This study explores the different artificial lift methods and selects an applicable technology for OML Z using a developed selection criterion. Electrical Submersible Pump (ESP) found suitable for OML Z is further analyzed for feasibility and application within OML Z given existing limitations. The candidate reservoir and well selection criteria are elaborated upon, taking into consideration several elements that contribute to the production process.

The results of the well and network models, that shows the significant gains attributed to the conversion of selected previously gas lifted wells to ESPs, are discussed. The economic benefit of such conversion is also shown.
SIFTER: Electrophoretic complex fractionation protocol
Authors: Vlassakis Julea , Hansen Louise L , Herr Amy E
Published: August 2021

We introduce micro-arrayed, differential detergent fractionation for the simultaneous detection of protein complexes in 100s of individual cells with SIFTER (Single-cell protein Interaction Fractionation Through Electrophoresis and immunoassay Readout). Size-based fractionation of protein complexes is accomplished with five assay steps. First, a cell suspension generated by trypsinization is introduced onto a microwell array, and single cells are settled into the microwells by gravity. Cells are lysed in F-actin stabilization buffer that is delivered by a hydrogel lid. Second, the protein complexes are fractionated from the smaller monomers by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Monomers are electrophoresed into the gel and are immobilized using a UV-induced covalent reaction to benzophenone. Third, a protein-complex depolymerization buffer is introduced by another hydrogel lid. Fourth, the recently depolymerized complexes are electrophoresed into a region of the gel separate from the immobilized monomers, where the complex fraction are in turn immobilized. Fifth, in-gel immunoprobing detects the immobilized populations of monomer and depolymerized complexes. These general steps are built on previously published protocols for bulk actin studies, single-cell western blotting, and bidirectional separations1-4.
Marsh Restoration: Ribbed Mussels (Geukensia demissa) as a Revival Mechanism to Rebuild the Coastal Salt Marshes of Long Island, New York
Authors: Brinton Andrew J
Published: August 2021

Hurricane severity and frequency have been exacerbated by 190 years of anthropogenic climate change. In 2012, Superstorm Sandy decimated Long Island, a 190-kilometer-long island in southeast New York, with up to 4 meters of saltwater inundation due to storm surge, resulting in the highest levels of destruction since the 1938 “Long Island Express.” Sandy was the fifth most costly hurricane on record, after Katrina in 2005, and Harvey, Maria, and Irma in 2017. Synthetic storm-surge barriers such as concrete-and-steel tidal gates are exorbitantly costly to construct and decrease biodiversity by barring habitat expansion. Natural storm barriers, termed “living shorelines,” have recently been suggested as an alternative, owing to their structurally resilient and regenerative properties. Coastal marshes, one type of natural barrier, are key to holding back storm surge; however, the contiguous United States lost coastal wetlands at 0.15 percent per year from 1998 through 2009, the final year for which the data were available. This study investigated ribbed mussels (Geukensia demissa) as a potential regenerative component of living shorelines. Transects and environmental energetic measurements were applied to draw conclusions between mussel abundance and scarcity and coastline erosion in the waters off Freeport, Long Island. It was discerned that the current rate of marsh disintegration on Long Island is 6.5 to 20 times greater than the national rate, as last measured a decade ago, and certain Long Island regions are projected to lose all coastal wetlands by 2079.
Identification of Genes and Pathways of Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs Acting on Synovia from Women with Knee Osteoarthritis by Bioinformatics Analysis
Authors: Zhao Chao , Wang Han , Dong Conglei , Kang Huijun , Wang Fei
Published: August 2021

Purpose: Through the bioinformatics analysis, to identify the genes and pathways of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs(NSAIDs) acting on synovia from women with knee osteoarthritis (KOA), and to provide reference for clinical application. Methods: We downloaded the gene microarray datasets with the accession number of GSE55457 and GSE55584 from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/geo/) database, including 5 untreated KOA patients, 9 NSAIDs treated KOA patients and 2 patients without KOA The samples in the untreated KOA group and the NSAIDs treated KOA group were used for main analysis. The samples in the untreated KOA group and the normal control group were used for cooperative analysis. Then we performed robust multi-array (RMA) normalization with affy R programming package. After that, differential expression genes (DEGs) in main analysis and cooperative analysis were identified based on limma package separately. Screening the common DEGs from main analysis and cooperative analysis. Enriched gene ontology (GO) terms and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways of DEGs were obtained through the Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery (DAVID). What's more, protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed, and we identified modules of PPI network through Cytoscape to screen valuable targets. The value of gene expression fold change (FC) ≥1.4 or ≤1/1.4, and P <0.05 were used as the screening conditions. P <0.05 and Associated genes count>5 were used as the screening conditions. Results: There were 338 DEGs in main analysis. Among them, 211 genes were up-regulated and 127 genes were down-regulated. There were 7005 DEGs in cooperative analysis. Among them, 6952 genes were up-regulated and 53 genes were down-regulated. A total of 129 common DEGs were identified between main analysis and cooperative analysis. There are 2 biological processes, 3 cell components and 2 molecular functions for the enrichment of differentially expressed genes. Conclusion: NSAIDs may play a certain role in synovia from women with KOA by regulating the mRNA expressions of il-6, TNFRSF11A and CSF1R, which may become one of the indicators for monitoring the efficacy of NSAIDs.
“Self-inflicted ballpoint pen in a male urinary bladder and successful endoscopic management - a rare case report ”
Authors: Prakash Javangula Venkata Surya , PV Thiruvarul , Vetrivel Natarajan , Sattanathan Vetrichandar , Arasi Krishnan Vembu , Paranjothi Arun Kumar , Sharma Somanatha
Published: August 2021

Background: Self-inflicted foreign bodies in the urinary bladder are extremely rare sometimes posing a great challenge in the management. Most of these objects are introduced through the urethra for sexual gratification. It is very rare for foreign bodies inserted per the urethra, to reach the bladder, especially in men owing to the anatomy of the urethra. Case presentation: We report a case of the self-inflicted ball-point pen in the urinary bladder of a male patient during the COVID-19 pandemic lock-down. The uniqueness of this presentation is the patient was able to negotiate the foreign body through the normal curvatures of the urethra to reach the urinary bladder in its entirety without causing any significant injury to the lower urinary tract and its successful endoscopic extraction using nephroscope and the challenges faced during the extraction. Conclusion: This is the first reported successful endoscopic extraction of a long rigid foreign body from a male urinary bladder. A combined or open procedure is the usual approach for the removal of large bladder foreign bodies. It is now clear to us that the even long rigid bladder foreign bodies in men can be extracted successfully with endoscopy provided adequate endoscopic instruments and armamentarium are available