bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Downhole Mineral Scale Dissolution Booster
Authors: Jiang Li , Stewart Suzanne , Abbott Jonathan
Published: April 2022

Mineral scale formation in the wellbore represents a widespread and serious threat to flow assurance and ultimately to well productivity. Scale formation is generally attributable to the incompatibility between reservoir and injection waters and the main mineral scale types include carbonate, sulfate and sulfide salts of divalent cations. Currently available scale dissolvers for the latter two types are often based on chelating ligand chemistry, restricted by a kinetically sluggish process of displacing the cations plus near static scale-fluid interface at the scale surface area in downhole scenarios.

We wish to report two newly generated material developments aimed at accelerating downhole scale dissolution treatment performance by using either or both: Discrete surfactants able to encapsulate entrained gases in the form of micro- and nano-bubbles that migrate in the fluid body along the pressure differential.Gas generating reactions catalyzed by freshly produced divalent cations at the scale-fluid interface.

It has been demonstrated through systematic, lab-based proof of concept tests that these minor additives can promote interfacial mass transfer of both reactant and products as such that some of the current physical and engineering challenges of downhole mineral scale treatment can be circumvented, resulting in remarkably enhanced scale dissolution rates. Further increase of scale dissolution rates can also be achieved by the inclusion of a genuinely sustainable biosurfactant which, at certain concentration range, can effectively remove any hydrocarbon coatings that might have saturated the mineral scale surface, hence eliminate the often-hazardous organic solvent based preflush.

In addition to the aforementioned example, it is believed that the methodology reported in this manuscript can also be applicable to enhance other chemistry oriented downhole treatments where mechanic agitation is not viable.
Produced Water Management; Case Study
Authors: Mahmud Walid Mohamed , Elmabrouk Saber Kh. , Abdussalam Omran Elhamali
Published: April 2022

Lined evaporation pits are a common way to dispose produced water, especially within hot climate where there is an absence of rainfall and high prevailing evaporation rates. Produced water generated through the separation of crude oil within this case study has been, for many years, disposed into evaporative pits. However, the historical use of unlined pits for the disposal of produced water has a high potential to result in soil and groundwater contamination and may cause severe harm to the environment due to hydrocarbons, residues from process chemicals, heavy metals and naturally occurring radioactive material (NORM).

The area of the present study is an open flat desert environment that receives no rainfall and is exposed to strong sunlight and high temperatures. The facility management commissioned a study to identify applicable disposal options of produced water and generate capital cost estimates for each option. Options considered must have constituent of the produced water and the concentration of the dispersed oil in the water within acceptable regulatory limits for inland discharge besides being environmentally friendly.

Two disposal options were developed, with each generating different levels of produced water management and utilization. Facility management was able to use and implement the results of the study to which obtained an excellent outcome and reduced the estimated cost of produced water disposal requirements.

The study presents impact assessment of long-term disposal of produced water and the environmental remediation of historically contaminated areas. The study also provides the best technically viable options to utilize and dispose produced water.
The Importance of Tracking Hydrogen H2 in Complex Natural Gas Networks
Authors: Erickson Dale D. , Holbeach James , Golcznski Danny , Morrissy Shane A.
Published: April 2022

Objectives/Scope

Many midstream operators are developing plans to introduce Hydrogen (H2) into natural gas networks in concentrations of 0 to 20%. It is important to keep the concentration in all locations in the network within these limits, to reduce H2 induced cracking of pipelines and because most burners in the US are not designed for the different heating values (Wobbe Index) associated with the H2 mixtures, and flame speed present with H2 flames. This paper presents a model which dynamically tracks H2 concentrations, and associated Wobbe Index, in a complex delivery network and discusses the operational challenges associated with the introduction of H2 in these systems.

Methods, Procedures, Process

The model is based on proven technology which has been used on gases of variable quality for 30 years. The key item currently however is the new addition of H2 to the composition mix. The model is dynamic and responds to changes in the H2 concentration and flowrate. It is envisioned that the H2 supply to these networks will be variable (for example solar generated H2). This paper will present several case studies showing how H2 affects an existing gas distribution network and the paper will also discuss how H2 impacts the thermodynamics used in the calculation engine.

Results, Observations, Conclusions

The case studies will show that for even simple events like a customer trip, high concentration H2 packets can travel into pipelines that normally do not receive H2. As H2 travels through the pipeline, parameters within the system start to change such as the pipeline pressure drop increases and the compressor duty and outlet temperature increase.

Novel / Additive Information

The model tracks gas packets dynamically in the network (packet size is based on dispersion length) and calculates the density and energy content based on the local concentration. It then has a built in EOS (equation of state) based on GERG 2008 to calculate the density. Even with this complexity the model can run at speeds 100 times real-timefor a network that has approximately over 1,000 km of pipe.
Modelling of Conductor Jetting Operation Using a Moving-Grid CFD Model
Authors: Gomes Anderson Fernando De Carvalho , Barboza Beatriz Ramos , Cutrim Fabio Sawada , Cytrangulo Lucas Silva , Nardi Luiz Fernando Bermero , Ito Mario Cesar , Da Costa Paulo Roberto Siqueira , Dias Rafael
Published: April 2022

Jetting is a widely applied technique for conductor installation, which allows great time savings in comparison to conventional drilling and cementing of the conductor.

According to Kan et al. (2018), the key parameters for a successful jetting operation are: pump rate, ratio of bit-to-conductor dimensions and bit stick-out, that is, the length of bit bottom out of conductor shoe, during jetting. The influence of these key parameters was studied, with regards to excavation rate.

The present work used a finite volume method to model the impingement of maritime soil by a jetting assembly, comprised of a rotating drillbit and conductor. The soil was modeled as a highly viscous fluid, described by a modified Herschell-Bulkley viscosity model.

Velocity and pressure fields were obtained for the fluid surrounding the jetting assembly. The integration of static pressure acting over certain walls allowed for the calculation of fluid forces acting on the tools. Excavation rate was measured and compared to field-obtained data, for calibration purposes. The comparison of excavation rates obtained for different configurations showed that some stick-outs were more efficient than others.

By measuring the hydraulic energy of each fluid phase, it was possible to understand the physics underneath the jetting operation, which is associated to fragilizing the soil. This fragilization will eventually lead to lower drag forces, if conductor reciprocation becomes necessary.
An Innovative Method to Process and Visualize Real-Time Data Generated in Drilling Activities
Authors: Donatti Carlos Newmar , Gonçalves da Silva Fabio Rodrigues , Fasolin Karina , Girardi Vinicius , Romani Eric Cardona , Barboza Diego Cordeiro , de Oliveira Wesley Lopes , Munerato Fernando Perin , Batista João Humberto Guandalini
Published: April 2022

To mitigate risks and improve performance during the drilling of an oil well and its various hole sections, it is recommended that its operational parameters and trajectory be monitored in real-time. This activity is crucial to avoid several problems during drilling campaigns, especially if the drilling specialist can have all the data and some level of automatic interpretation on hand, so quick decisions can be made. However, most current monitoring software do not have an interactive or immersive visualization of this data, only track plots with multiple curves. To improve specialist experience, a 3D visualization system has been developed to unify both the drilling monitoring and analysis process of charts, drilling trajectory, lithology, and seismic data.

The Divisor system consists of a cloud platform that unifies and processes data from different sources and a digital 3D visualization application. Its visualization module can be used in two forms: a traditional desktop interface enhanced with 3D visualizations and an immersive mode using a Virtual Reality (VR) headset. Both allow the operator to view real-time or historical data in multiple ways, perform assessments and simulations. Additionally, in VR mode, it is possible to navigate through a full-scale virtual environment, interact with the drill hole tridimensional visualization, and freely position charts with the essential variables to be monitored. This allows for better data manipulation granting better insights related to the numerous data captured, improving the decision-making process and enhancing the interaction in troubleshooting activities.

The visualization application connects to a database that contains both static/design information and real time data, enabling a deeper analysis of all data together and the execution of artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms to generate new information and predictions according to the collected data. With both tools working in synchronization, it is possible to insert data from reports, convert them to a readable standard format, and generate visualizations customized by the user. The streamlining of consumption, analysis, and understanding of data allows for savings through the reduction in the numbers of software used as well as the time required for their implementation.

The system can also be used as a training environment using historical data to operators in order to check their capacity of response in different scenarios, as well as guarantee the consistency of the operational activities. As future work, this tool will be extended with more views in VR and desktop modes, including new data generated by AI and comparison of design data (real and simulated), as well as an integration with a Digital Twin platform.
The Social Brain & Team Decision Making: Lessons from Neuroscience on Safe, Reliable Work
Authors: Musgrave David Christopher
Published: April 2022

As teams plan and coordinate work, some do so better than others when ensuring a group process that is free from error. Generally, the saying ‘two brains are better than one’ is very true, but only if a focus on inoculating against social-brain hazards is installed within the work system. Examples include avoiding groupthink and other related error traps that lead to flawed planning, increased risk, or catastrophe.

Many work-related critical errors stem from the natural functioning of the brain, including when several team members come together to communicate about the work but succumb to social norms embedded in our habitual interactions with peers. It is important for organizations to apply enhanced communication processes to detect latent conditions to ensure operations are planned safely, anomalies are detected through focused attention and discussion, and so that dissenting opinions are raised despite human biology that prompts us all to remain quiet and not disrupt the status quo, or question well regarded others.

Companies around the world are improving the way important communications occur to ensure the most critical tasks execute as planned and operations are kept in control. The discipline of Human Performance Improvement has allowed organizations to now take better control of the human factor with a focus on communication, job task design enhancement, and employee education on error prevention. Science based interventions that harness the power of the social brain and improve decision quality and foster situational awareness, yield powerful results that allow employees to detect weak signals amongst equipment but also the team, and other latent error conditions that are aligning to create a brewing storm leading to upset operations, injuries, or catastrophe. We know a lot about how human beings naturally interact at work, so keeping the helpful portion of this in place and addressing natural limitations built within our neuroscience are the key to sustainably safe operations respectful of the people who run them. Results include: Capacity-Yield/On time performance improvements of 27% to 65%Rework/waste reductions of 27% to 45%Absenteeism reductions of 15% to 37%Talent retention improvement of 21% to 60%Productivity increases of 18% to 47%Recordable injury reductions of 25% to 95%

As our systems and work design continues to improve, the greater the impetus to apply human performance science to address the human side of how work really gets done. Most interventions focus on awareness training, and presentation of academic models to people who execute the work. A better approach harnesses the science but integrates it into the natural way work happens. Knowing how people tick, paired with practical tweaks to systems makes all the difference.
Reliability of Residual Curvature Method Used in Deepwater Applications in Terms of the Critical Buckling Load
Authors: Lee Liang-Hai
Published: April 2022

Recently residual curvature method (RCM) has gained significant attention in deepwater applications due to its advantage in cost saving over other mitigation measures used in flowlines subjected to HP/HT condition. It provides an out-of-straightness feature as a triggering agent for global lateral buckling at designated locations to absorb the flowline expansion if properly designed. Although the residual curvature method has been implemented in shallow water regions installed by reel-lay vessels,only a few projects use residual curvature method for thermal mitigation in deepwater regions due to the reliability of triggering lateral buckle in relation to the amount of rotation along the pipe axis. This paper presents a systematic study using common deepwater pipeline geometric, material properties and operational conditions to demonstrate how to determine the safety margins of residual curvature method used in deepwater applications.
Strategy Shifting in Reservoir Management Plan through Integrated Data Analysis for a Mature Reservoir Offshore Malaysia: Lessons Learnt and Pavement to the Best Practices
Authors: Mithani Aijaz Hussain , Ranjan Rakesh , Salleh Khiril Shahreza , Lien Wee Hoo , Md Zainuri Md Zarin
Published: April 2022

The comprehensive reservoir management plan (RMP) is essential to keep the reservoirs healthy and to produce them efficiently. This paper highlights our experiences in managing very complex, mature, and "potentially" fractured reservoir under water injection with 26 producers and 21 water injectors in offshore Malaysia. The reservoir under study is mature and very complex reservoir deposited in fluvial-deltaic depositional system mainly channel and sand bars. The reservoir connectivity remained one of the major uncertainties. A detailed integrated historical data analysis approach coupled with surveillance activities (e.g., chemical inter-well tracers) were adopted to maximize the reservoir recovery which was declining over the years. The exercise revealed many intriguing observations about the reservoir e.g., when injection rates were ramped up, pressure was dropping in nearby wells with lower water cut, while pressure and water cut was increasing in wells away from injectors. Systematic integrated data analysis performed triggeredmany possibilities e.g., unintentional fracture of reservoir caused due to reduced temperature and pore pressure, well integrity issues etc. The plans are formulated to optimize water injection for better productivity. The strategy shift in reservoir management plan may help in fracture closure and its containment while improving production. It may also help to delineate reservoir connectivity information, avoidance of water recycling, reduced unit injection cost (UIC), and safeguarding 11.5MMstb (RF improvement of 14%) of oil reserves. It also pavesthe path for best practices in managing reservoirs under water injection.This case study will provide detailed workflow of technical analysis that was carried out. It will show how even with limited data team could reach to the most likely possibility. Furthermore, it will highlight the simple, yet effective strategy adopted for improved recovery. Finally, we will recommendminimum data acquisition requirements for efficient reservoir management of reservoirs under water injection.
Stereo Image System for Inspection of Mooring Chain in the Splash Zone
Authors: Medagoda Lashika , Van Bruggen Thomas , Galea Mitchell , Morgan Hamish , Syed Tajamul , Kazzaz Abraham , Hamersley Fraser , Jolly Jordan
Published: April 2022

This paper outlines an optical stereo photogrammetric imaging system, called the Lantern Eye Air (LEA), for inspecting the mooring chain above the water in the area known as the splash zone. The system is mounted and deployed by a Rope Access Technician (RAT), and achieves data collection in this difficult to access region for subsequent 3D reconstruction and measurements for inspection.

Typically, splash zone mooring chain inspections are carried out using mechanical calipers which are difficult to deploy, provide measurements at discrete locations only and are dependent on the proficiency and judgement of the operator on the field. The LEA system overcomes these problems, providing objective, accurate and repeatable measurements based on reconstructed photorealistic 3D models. Imagery of the chain links is captured systematically which was used to generate 3D reconstructions and establish measurements of bar diameter and inter-grip length.

A splash zone inspection was undertaken on an offshore platform. The 3D metrology bar diameter measurements were within 1.7% of caliper measurements based on 2σ (95% confidence). Similarly, the 3D metrology inter-grip length measurements were within 0.9% of caliper measurements based on 2σ (95% confidence). Application of a systematic validation procedure following the inspection placed the expected uncertainty of measurements at the 1% range. Similarly, the uncertainty in caliper measurements has been estimated to be 2% based on the use of a standard handheld caliper and measurement procedure laid out in the ABS Guide for the Certification of Offshore Mooring Chain and the 2020 Life Extension Mooring Platform Chain Inspection. Considering these uncertainty bounds, the 3D metrology measurements can also be deemed consistent with the ground truth dimensions.

Based on the results, the LEA and 3D metrology measurements are consistent with current techniques and provide a more systematic and repeatable basis for mooring chain inspection and measurement in the splash zone. This is anticipated to improve the consistency and comparability of inspections and will enable precise change tracking between inspections.
Integration of Formation and Drilling Parameters to Generate a Deterministic ROP Model
Authors: Khan Mohammad Rasheed , Sadeed Ahmed , Kalam Shams , Abu-Khamsin Sidqi , Abdulraheem Abdulazeez , Khan Rizwan Ahmed , Abbasi Asiya
Published: April 2022

Drilling performance is greatly driven by the rate of penetration (ROP) and its optimization. Therefore, accurate prediction of ROP before drilling can help take measures to achieve drilling objectives smoothly. Numerous inter-twined formation and drilling parameters affect the ROP. Consequently, optimizing and predicting ROP is a complex challenge faced by the industry. This study proposes a novel computational intelligence-based (CI) model to predict ROP as a function of multiple readily available mud- and petrophysical- logs. Furthermore, multiple algorithms are utilized, and a comparative analysis is presented.

Adaptive Neuro Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS), along with Artificial Neural Network (ANN) based algorithms are utilized to analyze the data and develop models. A process-based approach is followed starting with systematic data analysis, which includes a selection of the most relevant input parameters, data cleaning, filtering, and data-dressing to ensure optimized inputs into the computational models. This step allows for developing ROP predictor as a function of pivotal formation-related logs such as neutron, density, wave velocity, and gamma ray. Moreover, historical drilling-related parameters such as weight on bit, mud pump parameters, and bit flow rate are also used as model inputs. Next, CI model parameters are tuned for both ANN and ANFIS through a sensitivity analysis on the number of neurons and the cluster radius, respectively. Finally, a comparison of ANN and ANFIS models is performed using graphical and statistical analysis.

The developed models are tested on an unseen dataset to verify their efficiency. An error metrics analysis, comprising of average percentage error, root mean squared error, and the correlation coefficientis performed. This analysis ranks the respective CI models based on the highest performance efficiency and lowest prediction error. Resultantly, it is observed that the ANN-based model can perform better than the ANFIS model by accurately predicting ROP. The superior performance of ANN is due to its ability to map the complex non-linear interactions of formation and drilling parameters to the resultant ROP.
Bridging Knowledge Gaps Through an Integrated Structured Production Engineering Knowledge Management Program: A Story to Tell and Adopt
Authors: Kadem Mohammad , Yateem Karam , Alghamdi Abdullah , Shurafa Mujtaba , Saiood Hussain
Published: April 2022

Knowledge management is the process of defining, structuring, storing, and sharing knowledge and experiences of employees within an organization to increase workplace efficacy and improve general decision-making capabilities. This paper aims to shed light on a structured production engineering knowledge management program and its initiatives for enhancing an organization's performance with associated factors such as learning from remote locations and the availability of subject matter experts.

Knowledge management structure has three main pillars: organizational culture, governance, and technology, which are all integrated to obtain an effective production engineering knowledge management structure. The cultural pillar is captured by formulating a two-year plan and implementing knowledge management process requirements, benchmarking the best practices, and revising the target on a regular basis. Technology is captured through the production engineering community of practice, where people gather in one place to share knowledge and best practices. Governance has a structured architectural plan where the key performance indicators of production engineering knowledge assets and events are monitored regularly.

The Knowledge Asset Index was exceeded due to the implementation of several initiatives such as the incubation of specific instruction manuals for Intelligent Field equipment, which aims to address layouts of roles and responsibilities involving all concerned organizations to maintain healthy Intelligent Field equipment. For the Knowledge Events Index, the organization's subject matter expert conducted an in-house Intelligent Field training course and technical publication writing workshops to improve all engineers' awareness and training for more than 200 professionals. With an excellent implementation of the production engineering community of practice plans, the knowledge management team won an award due to a remarkable participation index increase. The results show that well-planned knowledge management has a number of advantages to an organization. Some of these benefits include increased workplace efficiency, which allows consistency in information provided to knowledge recipients, improved skill growth and development in employees, and improved decision making in the organization.

This paper will serve as a motivation to knowledge management structures by implementing knowledge performance measures pertaining to production engineering. The benefits of this process to future quantifications are that it allows even quicker decision-making skills in the workplace and works to reduce organizations' training times, which can result in bridging knowledge gaps.
Pioneering Industry's First Oil Degradable, Nano-Composite Formulations, for HPHT Temporary Sealing
Authors: Roy Ting , Ben Naceur Kamel , Singh Manjinder , Markel Daniel , Harp Leonard , Ardic Hifzi , Wilkinson Christian , Roy Indranil
Published: April 2022

The Oil and Gas industry is continuously evolving and of late adopting novel and new technologies while transitioning to harness sustainable energies. To improve material efficiency and reduce overall carbon footprint, we have seen the evolution of brine dissolvable alloys, dissolvable PGA/composites, and of late dissolvable bulk-metallic-glass-composites and high-entropy alloys. The triggers for dissolution of these materials are often common downhole-fluids of an aqueous-nature. These materials undergo accelerated corrosion via anodic-dissolution or hydrolysis, facilitated by elevated downhole temperatures.

While these technologies have matured over the last decade into readily available and economic offerings, our industry has lacked significant progress in materials which dissolve in hydrocarbons, while remaining unaffected by aqueous fluids. Motivated to bridge this technology gap, we have embarked on a project to pioneer an industry first oil-degradable metal-matrix nanocomposite.

A focused application for this novel material, will be eliminating the use of wash pipes through intelligent use of a port-isolation temporary-seal, preventing communication from ID-to- OD during deployment in brine, while opening up on demand during production. This can be "Game Changing" for Operators, saving them rig-time and costs in the millions of dollars. A oneway ball-valve for deploying sand-screens using our oil-degradable ball as a temporary seal has been envisioned. The ball will seal against flow-ports when running-in-hole, precluding annular- to-tubular communication. Once screens are set, and the well tied-in to flow, produced oil will drive the sealing-ball away. The ball is retained in a cage to allow unrestricted production. In reality, this solution presents challenges. Production of solids, and asphaltenes often build up around the caged ball leading to restricted production, often needing costly intervention. The ideal scenario would be if the ball-seals can be removed by dissolution in the produced hydrocarbons. This will ensure unrestricted production, reduce the possibility of intervention and rig-time loss, all-in-all a step towards lowering our carbon-footprint.
Evidence of Formation Overpressure Caused by Tectonic Compression in Bohai Bay Basin
Authors: Li Shaoxuan
Published: April 2022

Pore overpressure is widely developed in Paleogene strata of Bohai Bay. It is traditionally believed that overpressure in this area is caused by unbalanced compaction of thick mudstone and hydrocarbon generation of organic matter. By using Eaton formula to calculate an exploration well that encountered overpressure in the strike-slip fault zone in the northern Bohai Bay, it is found that the formation overpressure at the location of the well is contributed by other overpressure factors. The possibility of overpressure caused by hydrocarbon generation is excluded from geochemical analysis. Based on the structural style and plane fracture system morphology in the seismic data volume, it is inferred from the perspective of structural kinematics that the formation at the location of the well is subjected to compression stress, and it is considered that the formation overpressure in this area is the result of unbalanced compaction of mudstone and tectonic compression.

In this study, formation overpressure based on tectonic compression was found in the s-type strike-slip fault zone in the Bohai Bay, and the exact distribution position of the overpressure development zone in the s-type fault zone was pointed out. This discovery will attract attention to the study of formation pressure in the s-type fracture area, thus ensuring drilling safety.
Laboratory Study and Field Trail of Micro-Nano Oil-Displacement System Conformance Control Technology
Authors: Sun Zhe , Wang Xiujun , Zhang Jian
Published: April 2022

Traditional polymer flooding technology has been widely used and obtained remarkable effect of increasing oil. However, in its later stage, the "entry profile inversion" phenomenon occurs inevitably, which seriously affects the development effect. To solve this problem, the micro-nano oil-displacement system has been developed in recentlt years. Due to its excellent performance and advanced mechanism, it can slow down the process of profile inversion, and achieve the goal of expanding swept volume and enhancing oil recovery substantially.

This novel system consists of micro-nano particles and carrier fluid. When migrating in porous media, it shows the unique motion feature of "trapping, deformation, migration", which froms Effective plugging and increases injection pressure. Meanwhile, carrier fluid is forced to enter the small pore with remaining oil, which increases oil production. Therefore, in this paper, reservoir adaptability evaluation, migration characteristics of micro-nano oil-displacement system (MNS) is tested by using the microfluidic technology and 3D Printing technology. On this basis, by adopting CT tomography technology, its oil displacement mechanism is further explored. Furthermore, the typical field application case is analyzed.

Results show that, the appearance of MNS is spherical particles, and it has good expansibility. Based on the reservoir adaptability test results, the matching relationship chart between MNS particle size and reservoir rock pore throat size can be obtained, which laid a good foundation for field trail scheme design. From micro experiments, MNS particles are prone to come into the larger pore with low flow resistance, which forms bridge blockage. Working together with carrier fluid, they can significantly enhance crude oil recovery. Furthermore, by adopting CT scanning devices, the percolation law of MNS in porous media and micro oil displacement mechanism is analyzed. During the experiment process, MNS particles presents the motion feature of "migration, trapping, and deformation", to realize deep fluid diversion and expand swept volume. From 3D macro experiment, MNS has strong transport ability in the core pore and good shear resistance. Lastly, two typical application cases are introduced and analyzed, which all obtained great success.

Through interdisciplinary innovative research methods, the performance evaluation, oil displacement mechanism and field trail of MNS is explored, which proves its progressiveness and superiority. The research results provide theoretical basis and technical support for this technology to enhance oil recovery significantly.
Temporal and Spatial Evolution of Oil and Water Emulsion at Static Conditions
Authors: Zhou Denghong , Karatayev Kanat , Fan Yilin
Published: April 2022

Understanding emulsion evolution at static conditions is crucial for pipeline operations during shut-in and startup and separator optimal design. This study experimentally investigated the temporal and spatial evolution of oil-water emulsion characteristics at static conditions, which include rheological behaviors, droplet size and distribution, water-cut/density, and stability. Emulsion samples were created in a mixer at ambient conditions, which were transferred into graduated glass cylinders where the volumes of separated phases were measured at different times. Phase density, rheological behavior, and droplet sizes were also measured at different times and positions in the cylinders. Isopar V and tap water were used as the testing fluids and Span80 as the surfactant. Four water cuts, two mixing speeds, and two surfactant concentrations were investigated.

Experimental results showed that the apparent viscosity of the emulsion layer increased significantly with time and the shear-thinning behavior became more obvious over time. The emulsion apparent viscosity also variated vertically along with the glass cylinder. These phenomena were believed to be related to water volumetric fraction which was estimated from density measurements. The results showed that the water cut (or density) in the emulsion layer increased with time and eventually plateaued out near the inversion point, consistent with the rheological behaviors. Besides, it was observed that the droplet sizes increased with the depth, which could contribute to the gradually stronger shear-thinning behaviors. The water-in-oil emulsion became less stable at lower water cuts, lower surfactant concentrations below CMC, and slower mixing speeds. It was observed that lower surfactant concentration or slower mixing speed resulted in faster separation, leading to a faster increase of the apparent viscosity and density of the emulsion layer.
Use of Computer Vision for Monitoring of Slow Varying Displacements on Subsea Structures
Authors: Holden Harald , Bjørset Arve , Holm Heidi Gryteland , Torbjørn Amundsen
Published: April 2022

Structural monitoring of subsea structures is very common in the oil and gas industry. Monitoring may be performed to keep track of e.g. position, movements, loads and fatigue accumulation. Well growth of subsea wells is a slow process, and traditional accelerometer-based monitoring is not feasible. The objective of this paper is to present the camera-based monitoring campaign of the subsea wellheads on the Norwegian continental shelf.

The paper gives a brief introduction to the issue around well growth and how that potentially can lead to fatigue issues. Further we give an overview of the theory behind marker-based monitoring and explain how this is used in practice by presenting experience from a measurement campaign where 2 different battery powered camera kits operated subsea for 5 months. This to enable establishment of the fatigue integrity of the subsea wellheads. The paper will show how the experience from this campaign has been used to create a new and improved camera kit for more efficient monitoring of similar issues in the future. The technology can be used in a wide range of subsea applications for monitoring slowly variating relative displacements.
All Electrical Subsea System -Flexibility is Key to Enable Low Emission and Cost Efficient Field Developments
Authors: Lendenmann Heinz , Ingebrigtsen Stian , Vatland Svein
Published: April 2022

Subsea Adjustable Speed Drives (ASD) have in recent years been qualified to TRL4. String testing with a subsea multiphase compressor brought the technology to TRL5. In subsea fields (e.g. new developments, upgrades to increase recovery, or brown field refurbishments), the electrical systems often have several main electrical consumers driving both fixed frequency and variable frequency motor loads. This paper summarizes a number of studies showing how the qualified electrical subsea power technology can be utilized – generally with simple engineering adjustments – to handle a wide variety of demands and field conditions. The electrical system is thereby greatly simplified, especially compared to classical long step out solutions. A first project evaluation presentedin this work, centers on the topic of combining a larger adjustable speed injection pump with a smaller fixed speed pump without the need for a subsea switchgear, or even worse two step-out cables. Another project case, examined to use a step-out cable to feed the adjustable speed pump, and use the same cable to power the pipeline heating system, during the phases the pump is turned-off. One of the projects later explored cost effective solutions to drive two smaller pumps instead, where the cost of two full size drive units would not be attractive. Finally, a project study examined how the qualified subsea switchgear and adjustable speed drive could be used where all or some of the power for the compression function would come from local floating wind turbines. In all these described cases engineering solutions are proposed that avoid the development of new technology. The flexible subsea power technology can be supplied from CO2 neutral power sources either locally generated or transmitted from shore. The use of subsea electrical power technology located on the seafloor enables a superior energy efficient production. Combined with flexibility to support a number of use cases it becomes a very powerful sustainable alternative.
Multiscale Computational Chemistry: How Molecular Modelling Accelerates Innovation in the Oil & Gas Industry
Authors: Deguillard Estelle , Vai Yee Hon , Mohd Saaid Ismail , Chin Hsia Ivy , Mohd Fauzi Noor Amira , van Male Jan , Handgraaf Jan-Willem
Published: April 2022

Chemical Enhanced Oil Recovery (CEOR) is a method developed to recover the remaining oil from the fields by injecting a mixture of chemicals into the well to create type III microemulsion. Formulation design of such mixture to a specific crude is challenging and time-consuming. Recent developments in computational chemistry methodologies applied to the Oil and Gas industry showed great potential in being used to develop such mixtures. Work from the 1990s and recent advancements in coarse-grained computational chemistry has shown that a stable type III microemulsion presents 3 main properties: an ultra-low interfacial tension (∼10−3 mN/m), a torque value close to 0, and a high bending rigidity (∼ kBT). We developed a methodology combining the automatic generation of molecules from patent literature, their coarse-graining and parameterization, and the simulation of a synthetic crude/surfactant/brine system where the interfacial properties are measured. We investigate the potentiality of exclusively using simulation to understand the influence of molecule composition and how modifying their structure can lead to a potential candidate for synthesis. We selected 3 main surfactant structures from 3 different patents: a linear multicarboxylate, a linear sulfonate, and a Gemini-type surfactant. We automatically generated 24 structures consisting exclusively of a combination of polyethylene oxide, ethylene oxide, or carbon groups. Results from the numerical simulation showed that linear surfactants may not be optimum to form type III microemulsion without the addition of a co-surfactant due to poor stability at the interface or the tendency to form type II microemulsion. Modification of their structure by elongating their tails or changing their composition by adding or substituting chemical groups did not improve their performance. The Gemini-type surfactant showed promising results. We saw that a tail exclusively composed of carbon atoms could form an oil in water emulsion while a tail composed of polyethylene oxide favored oil in water emulsion. Following the simulation results, we modified the design by creating a molecule containing a combination of both carbon and polyethylene oxide groups. These modifications resulted in a molecule that showed optimum properties for a type III microemulsion making it a candidate for synthesis and further testing. This investigation shows that it is now possible to exclusively use computational chemistry simulation to create and screen for surfactant structures that will show optimum properties for cEOR without the need for extensive experimental testing. This protocol effectively reduces the time needed to design and test novel chemicals ten-fold, opening the door to faster chemical development in the Oil and Gas industry for applications ranging from oil production to transport and demulsification.
Note on the variant of ‘κρυφη’ in Exodus 11:2a
Authors: Otabela Claude A.
Published: April 2022

The spoliation of the Egyptians is an exodus theme whose interpretation is difficult and often controversial. The great cleavage lies between the thesis of a secret and dishonest action and that of an operation of definitive donations within the framework of the expulsion. The addition of the adverb ‘κρυφη’ in the Septuagint has been used to support the exit from Egypt by a secret escape with fraudulently borrowed objects. This article re-evaluates this variant by showing the limits of the status that several critics hastily attributed to it. It, therefore, appears that the choice of the Greek translator corresponds to its own interpretation that does not agree with the source text from which it derives.Contribution: This article contributes to illustrate the overlap between the transmission of the text, its composition and its reception. We also discover how semantic analysis can be decisive in the evaluation of variants in the Septuagint.
Culturally appropriate care to support maternal positions during the second stage of labour: Midwives’ perspectives in South Africa
Authors: Musie Maurine R. , Peu Mmapheko D. , Bhana-Pema Varshika
Published: April 2022

Background: ‘Doing what the Romans do in Rome’ was an expression raised by one of the midwives following workplace culture and disregarding women’s birth choices. Midwifery practice in South Africa caters for a culturally diverse ethnic groups of childbearing women. Culturally appropriate care highlights the importance of including women in decision-making concerning their birth preferences including maternal positions during labour. Women’s right to choose their maternal position and cultural preferences during labour has been overlooked, leading to poor maternal healthcare provision and negative birth experiences.Aim: In this article, the researchers aimed to describe and explore midwives’ perspectives on culturally appropriate care to support maternal positions during the second stage of labour.Setting: Midwives working in the maternity ward in a public hospital in South Africa.Methods: A qualitative descriptive design using individual interviews was used to collect data. The participants were selected using the purposive sampling method. The study population comprised 20 midwives who volunteered to participate in the study. Data were transcribed manually and analysed using thematic analysis.Results: The four main themes are as follows: (1) Caring for women from various ethnic groups, (2) midwives disregard women’s beliefs and culture, (3) midwife personal cultural attributes and (4) midwifery unit workplace culture.Conclusion: The authors concluded that culturally appropriate care towards the women’s choices of birth position during the second stage of labour should form an integral part of the midwifery care rendered.
Exploring the socialisation experiences of female board members
Authors: Mohatla Shela , Bussin Mark
Published: April 2022

Orientation: The processes that newly appointed female board members undergo to gain the social knowledge and skills to migrate from outsiders to insiders are not well understood.Research purpose: This study aimed to explore the socialisation experiences of female board members in South Africa to determine whether the process is conducive to ensuring these individuals, as newcomers, are better equipped to navigate the challenges and nuances of the board in a short amount of time.Motivation for the study: A paucity of research exists concerning organisational socialisation processes (onboarding) that new female board members undergo to acquire the skills and social knowledge required to migrate from outsiders to insiders. This study intended to fill the gap.Research approach/design and method: A qualitative exploratory research method was followed. An inductive thematic analysis was conducted from semi-structured interviews consisting of 15 female board members from various industries.Main findings: The board organisational socialisation process needs to be strategic, deliberate, collaborative and iterative. A conceptual framework was developed from the summary of findings.Practical/managerial implications: There is a need for organisations to reassess how they perform board organisational socialisation to achieve its intended outcome and maximise the board’s performance and newcomer’s performance predisposed to challenges upon entry.Contribution/value-add: Using the proposed conceptual framework developed in this study, this research can lend itself useful to organisations, leaders and consultants involved in the socialisation of newcomers within non-traditional organisational structures.
Return to play in elite rugby players after severe knee injuries
Authors: Robyn Aneurin D. , Louw Quinette A. , Baumeister Jochen
Published: April 2022

Background: Medical professionals working in an elite sport environment have the challenging task to balance the athlete’s readiness to return to the playing field after severe injury with other stakeholders’ (coaches, sponsors, teammates) opinions and objectives.Objectives: Our study aimed to evaluate differences in the physical profiles of elite rugby players at return to play (RTP) after a severe knee injury, compared with their pre-injury profiles and matched controls.Method: Before the injury, participants performed four performance tests during their preseason screening. These tests were repeated and compared to baseline once a player was declared fit to play.Results: Significant differences (p ≤ 0.05) were found in the injured players’ group who were slower over 10 m speed, in their decision-making time and the total time of the reactive agility tests at RTP, whilst controls were significantly faster over 10 m and 30 m speed tests. The countermovement jump outcomes showed significant improvement in the uninjured participants (p ≤ 0.05).Conclusion: Our study highlights that injured players’ running speeds and decision-making times are slower after injury. The uninjured players have a positive outcome to training and match stimulus by improving their running speed and lower body explosive power during the season.Clinical implications: Our study provides insight into the RTP profile of elite rugby players, and a novel finding was the decision-making time deficit. This highlights the importance of cognitive training during injury rehabilitation as athletes make numerous decisions in a pressured and uncontrolled environment during a match. Speed training development is recommended as the athletes were slower after severe knee injury.