bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Directly Simulated WAG Hysteresis at Pore Scale and its Effect on Injectivity Index
Authors: Fager Andrew , Crouse Bernd , Sun Guangyuan , Xu Rui , Freed David
Published: August 2019

Water Alternating Gas (WAG) injection is a widely practiced EOR method for many reservoirs. One drawback of WAG is the decreased injectivity when gas, often CO2, is injected into a previously water-flooded reservoir, and a further decline of injectivity is observed as water and gas injection are alternated. We present a workflow which allows the estimation of injectivity decline using pore scale displacement simulations and reservoir simulations.

In this approach, we use a multiphase Lattice Boltzmann method to directly simulate the alternating water-gas injection at pore scale resulting in a relative permeability curve for each injection phase. The simulation input accounts for injection rate, fluid properties and spatially varying wettability for each cycle during WAG. The final distribution of fluid phases in pore space of each displacement test is used as the starting point for the next displacement cycle. This enables the simulation of imbibition-drainage cycles. Any hysteresis effects present are typically captured in the resulting relative permeability curves. These are then used in a reservoir model to obtain an injectivity index for each injection phase.

We observe a strong decline of water relative permeability after the first gas injection cycle in an oil-wet rock. Detailed analysis of the fluid phases, in particular the water phase, shows that water is well connected after the initial water flood before gas injection. As gas is injected large water blobs are partially displaced and their size significantly reduced. For this wettability scenario, water and gas are competing for the large pore system. We find that capturing the hysteresis effect in a WAG requires the direct simulation of the displacement process, in particular known pore scale phenomena such as trapping and retraction.

The novelty of this approach is to directly capture the hysteresis effect of a WAG workflow in a direct simulation of displacement at pore scale. Emphasis is put on a detailed analysis of the multiphase displacement, including visualizations and an explanation for why the injectivity during WAG is reduced, namely, water and gas are competing for the same pore space. The presented workflow enables an a priori estimate for injectivity losses in a WAG EOR approach.
Adaptation Strategies of Oil and Gas Workers in the Arctic on a Shift Basis
Authors: Korneeva Yana , Simonova Natalia
Published: August 2019

The study was carried out with the financial support of the Russian Foundation for Basic Research in the framework of the research project No. 18-013-00623. The development of mineral deposits in the regions of the Far North and the Arctic is a priority for the Russian Federation. The result of the adaptation of shift workers in the Far North should be considered as the formed adaptation strategies. The environmental and personal resources determine the adaptation strategies in the professional activities of shift workers. The optimal personal resource of adaptation strategies of shift workers corresponds to: adoption of others, moderate internality, integral indicator of adaptation, and programming as a regulatory process.
Saving Lives with Statistics - An Introduction to Data Science in Workplace Safety
Authors: Danis Marek
Published: August 2019

Workplace safety is a main objective of any company working in the oil and gas business. The processes have been developed and established over the past decades based on individual experiences and causal pathways. The exhaustion of technical and administrative barriers has led to the introduction of behavioral safety. Recent advances in data technology and machine learning have disrupted many businesses and processes and can lead to a new paradigm in workplace safety as well.

In this case study we demonstrate the application of data science and predictive analytics to aid the HSE function and prevent accidents. We have analyzed operational and accident data from the past 10 years at a leading oil and gas company to quantify the effectiveness of their safety programs.

We have determined how many accidents each program actually prevents, and is able to prevent in an optimal setting. We have determined the optimal level of engagement for each program, and at what level diminishing returns set in.

We have further developed a predictive model to forecast the occurrence of accidents one month ahead of time. In this way the HSE function is able to focus on 15% of locations to control 69% of the accidents. The forecast was also able to predict accidents at locations where one would traditionally not expect accidents to happen, such as locations with low activity.

This paper shows the potential for improvement that is possible with the emerging big data, artificial intelligence and machine learning tools specifically in the field of workplace safety.
Deep Science Ideation to Create the Next Generation of Energy Sector Technology Start-Ups
Authors: Millar David , Owen Alistair , Falcâo Dominic
Published: August 2019

Innovation is critical to the future success of the oil and gas industry (Wood, 2014), particularly when addressing the challenges that the industry is facing. However, the sector has a reputation for being conservative, insular in its collaborative efforts and reluctant to adopt new technology.

As a way of addressing this, the TechX programme at the Oil & Gas Technology Centre has launched TechX Ventures in July 2018 – a partnership with Deep Science Ventures (DSV) – that combines deep science with engineering to create the next generation of start-up companies with technologies that will position the oil and gas industry for a sustainable future in a low carbon economy.

The start of the programme was a workshop held with industry, academia and the scientific community, to identify areas where new thinking and technology could open up significant opportunities. Three challenge themes were developed, each of which became an opportunity areas for DSV to address. These are:

Carbon negative operations - Effective, large scale, affordable carbon capture and storage solutions are essential to meet global emissions targets. TechX Ventures seeks to create new technologies that will allow the capture of carbon at source, safe storage and conversion to other useful products such as graphene and hydrogen.

Automated oil and gas - Oil and gas is playing catch-up with other industries, such as automotive and aerospace, when it comes to adopting robotics, automation and artificial intelligence. TechX Ventures aims to apply recent advances in these areas to North Sea operations to improve safety, enhance production efficiency and automate the decommissioning process.

Energy movement/storage - Extracting, transporting, storing and using oil and gas presents many challenges. TechX Ventures wants to revolutionise the movement and storage of energy from well to customer by creating technologies which convert the reserves to electrical energy at source, store and transport electrical energy and convert currently wasteful processes e.g. gas flaring to electrical energy.

As part of the TechX Ventures programme, DSV recruited thirty scientists and engineering experts from across the world to tackle the opportunity areas and at the end of the nine-month programme a total of six new start-up companies with new intellectual property were created and invested in by DSV. Of these six, two were selected to join the coveted TechX Pioneer accelerator programme run by OGTC in Aberdeen. These companies are called Eltera and Optic Earth.
Alternative High Density Brines
Authors: Champeau Mathieu , Wei Xia , Jackson Phillip , Sui Changping , Zhang Joyce , Okhrimenko Albert
Published: August 2019

Brines are preferred to solids-laden fluids for completion operations due to their solids-free nature, which helps preserve formation permeability. Salt selection is mostly driven by the density that must be reached to match downhole pressure requirements. When density must be above 14.2 lbm/gal (1.7 s.g.), and crystallization must be prevented, previous options were limited to calcium bromide brines, zinc bromide brines and cesium formate. These brines have severe limitations: zinc brines can be harmful to oilfield personnel and the environment, cesium formate brines are cost-prohibitive and not readily available and calcium brines cannot meet deepwater crystallization requirements.

A new brine technology has been developed, that is zinc-free and extends the density of conventional bromide brines beyond their theoretical limits. This new technology addresses the limitations listed above, while providing low True Crystallization Temperature (TCT) and Pressurized Crystallization Temperature (PCT) to perform in deepwater and cold weather applications.

This paper summarizes the completion fluid properties, laboratory qualification and verification, and summarizes recent successful field applications of the new high-density zinc-free brine.
When to Go with Cloud or Edge Computing in Offshore Oil and Gas
Authors: Settemsdal Stig Olav , Bishop Ben
Published: August 2019

This paper will discuss when it is advantageous (in the context of an offshore oil and gas environment) to process data at the network edge (in close proximity to equipment assets) or to stream data to a cloud-based Internet of Things (IoT) platform for analysis. It will offer an objective assessment of both approaches and provide recommendations for securing data in both cases, as part of an overarching cybersecurity strategy.

IoT has opened the door to significant efficiency gains in the oil and gas industry. This is particularly the case in the offshore sector, where there is a pressing need to reduce costs and maximize equipment availability. In some cases, it is advantageous to process data in close proximity to equipment assets (i.e., at the edge). In others, it makes more sense to securely stream data to a cloud- based IoT platform and harness artificial intelligence (AI) to aid in decision making. In certain cases, both architectures can be utilized in compliment to one another.

Many factors need to be taken into consideration when evaluating an edge or cloud-based approach. Some of these include data volume, transmission and processing speed, control of data, cost, etc. Edge computing can be used to streamline and enhance the efficiency of data analytics. In certain applications, this can mean the difference between analyzing a performance failure after the fact, and pre-empting it in the first place, which in the offshore environment could potentially translate into millions of dollars per day.

On the other hand, there are situations where it is beneficial to store large volumes of data on a cloud-based platform. For example, if the goal is to leverage advanced IoT-based industrial analytics to optimize an entire fleet of a certain type of equipment, the cloud may be the best solution. Cybersecurity is another consideration. Attacks on critical infrastructure have risen significantly over the course of the past year. As more Intelligent Electronic Devices (IEDs) are deployed in the oil and gas industry to optimize efficiency, Industrial Control Systems (ICSs) are increasingly vulnerable. As a result, the threat extends beyond proprietary data to mission-critical operational technology (OT) assets and equipment.

Cybersecurity standards and layered, defense-in-depth models have grown in response to the frequency and sophistication of cyber attacks. Additionally, recent advances in cyber defense technology incorporate small, kilobit-sized embedded software agents to monitor networks for anomalies that could signal an intrusion. This paper will explore new cybersecurity threats to oil and gas assets, as well as strategies operators can employ to defend against them, whether using an edge or cloud-based platform, or both.
How to Achieve Project and Operational Certainty Using a Digital Twin
Authors: Douglas Alistair , Rios Vicente
Published: August 2019

A Digital Twin is a software representation of a facility which can be used to understand, predict, and optimize performance to help to achieve top performance and recover future operational losses. The Digital twin consists of three components: a process model, a set of control algorithms, and knowledge.

Usually the time for commissioning a project exceeds the initial estimations, therefore delays in project completion are quite common. This is often because ICSS testing is done on a static system which does not account for how the system will react dynamically to certain scenarios such as start-ups and shutdowns. Issues such as configuration errors, loop behaviors, start-up over-rides, dead-lock inter-trips and sequence logic are difficult to predict and are impossible to anticipate during static testing. Such delays lead to higher costs and therefore reduced revenue.

This paper aims to describe the most innovative approach to Project & Operational Certainty, which addresses these issues by using a Digital Twin for commissioning support and training. One successful use of this approach was in the Culzean project, an ultra-high-pressure high temperature (UHP/HT) gas condensate development in the UK sector of the Central North Sea. A high-fidelity process model was built and fitted to the actual plant performance based on equipment data sheets. This was connected to ICSS database and graphics, offering a realistic environment, very close to the one offshore, which had the same look and feel for the operators.

Dynamic tests conducted on the Digital Twin predicted issues on the real system, which enabled potential solutions to be tested, leading to a significant decrease in the time spent and cost during commissioning. All the operating procedures were dynamically tested, which enabled us to correct errors, saving time before First Gas. Additionally, all CRO (Control Room Operators) and field technicians were trained and made familiar with the system months in advance, aiming to avoid future unnecessary trips during First Gas.

Finally, all the control loops were fine tuned in the Digital Twin and parameters were passed to off shore, to be used as first starting point. It is expected that these parameters will be very close to fine operational points, as the model used is high fidelity model and very close to real system offshore.
Utilizing Real-Time Downhole and Along String Measurements During Drilling and Cementing Operations to Improve Managed Pressure Operations in a Complex High Pressure, High Temperature North Sea Well
Authors: Brian Tom , Hawthorn Andy , Groves Duncan
Published: August 2019

Several mature fields in the North Sea experience significant challenges relating to high pressures and temperatures accompanied with the infill drilling challenge of very narrow margins between pore and fracture pressures. To navigate these narrow mud weight windows, it is critical to understand the bottom hole pressure. However, in the cases of fractured formations above the target zones, severe losses can be encountered during drilling and cementing operations often leading to the inability to maintain a full mud column at all times and even threaten the ability to reach TD.

The operator therefore decided to investigate the use of a new acoustic telemetry system that could provide internal and external pressure measurements, (along with other downhole measurements) independently of traditional mud pulse telemetry in the drilling assembly. Real-time distributed pressure data essential to understanding the downhole conditions could therefore be provided regardless of circulation, even under severe losses or during tripping and cementing operations.

This acoustic telemetry network was deployed on several wells through multiple hole sizes and including losses management, liner running and cementing operations.

The initial primary purpose of running the network was the ability to monitor the top of the mud at all times, even in significant loss situations. As real-time data was acquired it became apparent that the data could also be used in real-time to aid and help quantify the actual downhole pressures. The use of this downhole data was modified and new calculations designed for simpler visualization of equivalent circulating densities at the shoe, bit and identified weak zones in the well at depths beyond the acoustic tools themselves. This data was used to manage the bottom hole pressure within a 300 psi mud weight window to ultimately enable the well to be delivered to planned TD.

The tool and calculations helped verify managed pressure connections and subsequent pump ramp up and down operations to minimize pressure fluctuations in the well. Additionally the data was used during dynamic formation integrity testing and to measure and calculate ECD at various positions along the drillstring and casing when downhole PWD measurements were unavailable.

This paper will describe how the implementation of new technology through the downhole acoustic network was deployed and the lessons learned in how the real-time data was used, changed and adapted in this particular well. Due to this deployment the acoustic telemetry network will now be used on upcoming equally challenging wells and its range of operations expanded to include drilling, tripping and liner cementing operations.
Major Accident Hazards – Own Your Barrier
Authors: Simpson Gillian , FitzGerald Fiona , Taylor Stuart
Published: August 2019

The Health and Safety Executive's analysis shows poor hazard identification and risk analysis is a causal factor in 12 out of 14 recent major hydrocarbon releases, demonstrating that major accidents could be prevented if workers had a better understanding of major accident hazards (MAHs). Therefore, it is proposed that improving awareness of MAHs across the workforce, both onshore and offshore, would lead to better MAH management and a reduction in major accidents.

Once the domain of process engineers, major accident hazard management has been largely overlooked by much of industry. It was acknowledged as a problem but ignored in the hope that specialists had it under control.

Step Change in Safety's Major Accident Hazard Understanding workgroup responded to this by identifying different job roles (onshore and offshore), evaluating the resources to develop MAH understanding already available and creating a suite of resources to fill the gaps.

These resources include an e-learning tool for onshore (office-based) personnel, bowtie lunch and learn sessions, gap analysis tools to identify training requirements of offshore jobs, senior leaders' workshops and a MAH Awareness programme. The MAH Awareness programme, consisting of short films and presentations which can be customised to suit specific worksites and job roles. Each of the four packs explores different aspects of major accident management including MAH identification and analysis, bowties and safety and environmental critical elements, barrier maintenance, assurance and verification and the importance of taking responsibility of ‘owning’ your barrier.

Analysis of questionnaires completed before and after exposure to the programme demonstrates that knowledge of MAH management increased by approximately 30%. Additionally, the data demonstrates that elected safety representatives have a greater base knowledge of MAHs than the general offshore workforce, as do technical staff compared to non-technical and those employed by operators compared to contractor employees.

Whether this increased knowledge gained through taking part in the MAH Awareness programme is retained or impacts the number of major accidents has not yet been analysed but data such as the number of major accidents, including hydrocarbon releases, will be examined over forthcoming years to evaluate the effectiveness of the resources developed.
Offshore Infrastructure Reuse Contribution to Decarbonisation
Authors: Pearson Hayleigh , Pearson Christopher , Corradi Luca , Almeida Ana
Published: August 2019

The UK and the international community have an increasing interest in the benefits of a hydrogen-based economy. Existing and emerging technologies that are inherently carbon-neutral and potentially carbon-negative are increasingly attractive, given the challenge of meeting climate targets to prevent climate change and build a clean growth strategy. The integration of clean energy technologies across the UK Continental Shelf (UKCS) can increase the flexibility of the energy system, driving efficiency, cost reduction and enhancing the value of natural resources.

There are over 250 platforms and 45,000 kilometres of pipeline installed within the United Kingdom Continental Shelf (UKCS). As these assets near the end of their economic life oil and gas operators are planning to decommission these facilities in an efficient and cost-effective manner. Current cost forecasts for this activity exceed £58bn with approximately 50% borne by the operators and 50% borne by UK taxpayers.

The Hydrogen Offshore Production (HOP) project identifies an alternative to decommissioning by providing re-use options for offshore infrastructure while addressing the national challenge of a low carbon energy supply. In doing so, the project will prove the feasibility of several decentralised hydrogen generation, storage and distribution options that collectively provide a scalable offshore hydrogen production solution, whilst offsetting a portion of decommissioning costs that are currently forecast for all offshore assets and infrastructure.

HOP will tackle the challenge of bulk hydrogen production by (1) proposing viable environmental and economic technology solutions to be deployed offshore, (2) developing a new Industrial Hydrogen Production test site to both prove the industrial benefits and to aid commercialisation of emerging technology and, (3) conducting market analysis and producing the business case for the transformation of existing offshore infrastructure, re-purposing assets and demonstrating the viability for decentralised generation of hydrogen.

As part of the project, an Industrial Hydrogen Production test site will be established with Flotta (Orkney Islands) being proposed as the location. This will provide a test bed for technology, fast-tracking its development and providing a route for accelerated commercial deployment. Within a region of considerable renewable energy generation, the island of Flotta is ideally placed to benefit from local expertise, existing supply chain and advanced technology solutions. For example, the Industrial Hydrogen Production test site would greatly benefit from lessons learnt at the nearby Orkney Water Testing Centre.
Machine Learning Image Analysis for Asset Inspection
Authors: Hayward Nick , Portugal Marta
Published: August 2019

Total E&P UK Ltd and Merkle have undertaken a proof of concept project to investigate machine learning image analysis applied to image and video data from onshore and offshore sites, in preparation for the deployment of an autonomous asset inspection ground robot in 2019. The aim is to better understand the feasibility of these methods, and to demonstrate the benefits of robotic inspection with regard to improving safety and efficiency, enhancing data capture and reducing operational costs.

An object detection model was developed based on high-performance open source algorithms. Transfer learning was applied using a custom-built image library and the result is a model able to detect a range of different types of items in the industrial environment including mobile equipment, process equipment, infrastructure and personnel (with and without PPE). The object detection model is used to feed into object classification anomaly detection models to look at the state of selected pieces of identified equipment, such as whether a valve is open or closed, which can be placed in the context of the expected state of the process equipment by relating it to the digital twin for the asset. An additional object detection model was developed to operate as a gas leak detection system for infrared cameras.

The object detection model achieved good results and model performance was driven by the number and quality of images used for the training. An anomaly detection model designed to detect whether ball valves were open or closed delivered good results, with high accuracy and balanced false positive and false negative detection rates. The overall performance of the infrared gas detection model was restricted by the limited volume and variability of the training data, although the false positive detection rate was very low. A significant part of the machine learning was devoted to the development of a consistent labelled image library for oil and gas equipment, infrastructure and gas leaks. Image transformations were tested but boosting the number of images using transforms gave variable results. Additional training and testing data is needed to ensure that the models are as robust as possible, especially for the gas leak detection model. Once the models are productionised and in use, additional data can be used to periodically retrain the models for improved performance.

In addition to the machine learning algorithms, a fundamental aspect of the project is the development of the overall technical architecture, supporting the data science. This includes enabling the transfer of data from inspection robots or other connected camera devices into a data store in a cloud computing environment and returning the results to dashboard systems with different levels of detail depending on user requirements.
Multilateral Multistage Hydraulic Fractured Offshore Wells; A New Trend in Completion Design and Optimization for More Effective Field Development
Authors: Bocaneala Bogdan , Norris Mark , Conrad Joel , Tomlins Andrew , Bramald James , Airnes Jamie
Published: August 2019

Recently two multilateral horizontal wells have been completed offshore using dedicated multistage hydraulic fracturing completions. The first well, located in the Central North Sea (referred to as ML-CNS), was stimulated using acid fracturing; while the second well, located in the Black Sea (referred to as ML-BKS), was stimulated using proppant fracturing. This paper presents the different drivers, challenges and lessons learned for each well while emphasizing the well construction and stimulation methodologies developed for the different reservoirs and field characteristics.

The field development drivers for drilling and completing these offshore hydraulic fractured multilateral wells, a first of their kind globally, was different for each case. The objective of the first project, initially considered uneconomic, was to engineer a technical solution for completion and production of two separate reservoirs with only one subsea well. The second project was seeking to optimize infill drilling from the last available slot on the offshore platform to maximize reservoir contact and production in the same reservoir. ML-CNS was a TAML Level 2 completion with a 14-stage, 5 ½" multistage completion run in each lateral and set-up for sequential acid fracturing. Operationally, the first lateral was drilled and stimulated, followed by the drilling and stimulation of the second lateral, using the drilling whipstock to navigate through the multilateral junction. ML-BKS was a TAML Level 3 completion that had a 6-stage, 4 ½" multistage completion installed in each lateral, which were proppant fractured following a sequence designed to minimize the jack-up rig time required. Both legs were drilled and completed prior to starting the stimulation, access to either lateral was achieved with the existing workover unit on the platform by manipulating a custom designed BHA.

The lessons learned from the first project executed in the North Sea were able to be transferred and applied to the second project in the Black Sea to allow for a more efficient and confident completion solution. Led by varying economical and regional constraints, the key factor for both wells centered on delivering operationally simple and reliable multilateral completion designs to economically meet the field development strategy in place.

To the knowledge of the authors and following subsequent literature research, both wells are a worldwide first for an offshore multilateral well completed with multistage acid fracturing and multistage proppant fracturing, and together they represent a new trend in cost-effective offshore field development through well stimulation. The successful case studies for both wells with the combined analysis of the benefits, challenges, and lessons learned will provide a guide and instill confidence with operators who find this approach beneficial with a view to applying it in other assets.
The Clair Ridge Project - A Safety Leadership Journey to Create a Strong Culture of Care
Authors: White Caroline , Houston Rob , Chapman Graeme , Gourlay Simon , Lang Kenneth
Published: August 2019

The Hook-up and Commissioning program for the BP operated Clair Ridge facility was conducted over a period of three years, starting with the accommodation platform in 2015/16, and then the Production and drilling platform over 2017 and 2018. The total topsides weight is 53,000 tonnes, and the field is located in the harsh waters of the Atlantic West of Shetland. Typically 750 persons were based offshore, but over the life of the program some 7000 individuals worked offshore at some point on the project. Recognizing the safety leadership challenges with such a major hook-up and changing workforce a huge amount of effort went into preparation and working with our contractors to onboard the workforce. Over the first months of the campaign the safety metrics were healthy and there was a good reporting culture, however an increase in incidents was seen, including one late in 2015 where a medical evacuation was required from the platform. The individual made a full recovery and returned to work however it caused the Operator and Contractor project leaders to reflect on their safety leadership and how they were working with and engaging with the workforce. It was a catalyst for change as the team was determined that no other serious incidents would happen during the project delivery.

In this paper we will share the Clair Ridge safety leadership journey and the steps taken by the operator, with the support and collaboration of the main contractors, to set a new approach to safety through the development of a genuine Culture of Care. This included: Building of trust and credibility between leadership and the workforceLeadership openness and transparency in communicationEmpowering front-line supervision to be safety leaders and giving them the skills and tools to do this well

As a result of the approach the Clair Ridge team is proud that, in the three years since the incident in 2015, over 9 million offshore workhours have been completed without any other Lost Time Incident, and a safe start-up was achieved with no process safety related incidents. Clair Ridge realised some of the highest participation in safety observations and near miss reporting across the Operator's global projects portfolio, a continual and significant reduction in all injuries and benefited from an excellent reporting culture.

A Culture of Care has been owned by all, and been recognised and commended by the contractor workforce and visitors to Clair Ridge.
ABB Subsea Power JIP - A Game Changer for Next Generation Subsea Processing
Authors: Vatland Svein , Ingebrigtsen Stian , Pretlove John , Nesheim Henning
Published: August 2019

ABB is running a joint project with Equinor, Total and Chevron to develop technologies for subsea power transmission, distribution and conversion. The output will form a critical part of future advanced subsea field developments. As such an undertaking has never been achieved before, it is a journey with considerable learnings to be shared not only upon completion (anticipated by the end of 2019) but also en route.

The paper will describe steps taken to build confidence along the way that the proposed solution will be fit for purpose when fully launched. Readers will gain insights into the key steps of this cutting-edge project. These include modifying prototypes of the equipment based on rounds of simulations, laboratory assessments (eg accelerated aging, vibration and shock testing) and water testing. Insight will be provided on tedious testing and qualification effort required to achieve the technology readiness level (TRL) required.

Readers will learn from the challenges experienced in this ground-breaking project and how they were overcome. Insight will be given into the overall challenge of both research/development and qualification of the novel technology developed in the JIP. Findings from testing, including extensive lab testing against industry standards, and the impact on subsequent development will be presented. The paper will eventually share results from extensive joint research work between the partners and ABB. The results are ground breaking and will by the end of the day introduce completely new opportunities for development of subsea fields.

As a first-of-kind-project, the results gained, and the subsequent technology developed will be of considerable interest to the industry. By the end of the day, the results from this project will be a key enabler for the subsea factory vision envisioned by the industry.
Work Orders - Value from Structureless Text in the Era of Digitisation
Authors: Salo Erik , McMillan David , Connor Richard
Published: August 2019

Free text and hand-written reports are losing ground to digitization fast, however many hours of effort are still lost across the industry to the manual creation and analysis of these data types. Work orders in particular contain valuable information from failure rates to asset health, but at the same time present operators with such analytical difficulties and lack of structure that many are missing out on the value completely. This research challenges the current mainstream practice of manual work order analysis by presenting a methodology fit for today’s context of efficiency and digitization.

A prototype text mining software for work order analysis was developed and tested in a user-oriented approach in cooperation with industrial partners. The final prototype combines classical machine learning methods, such as hierarchical clustering, with the operator’s expert knowledge obtained via an active learning approach. A novel distance metric in this context was adapted from information-theoretical research to improve clustering performance.

Using the prototype tool in a case study with real work order data, analytical effort for certain datasets was reduced by 90% - from two working weeks to a day. In addition, the active learning framework resulted in an approach that end users described as "practical" and "intuitive" during testing. An in-depth review was also conducted regarding the uncertainty of the results – a key factor for implementation in a decision-making context.

The outcomes of this work showcase the potential of machine learning to drive the digitization of not only new installations, but also older assets, where as a result the large amount of unstructured historical data becomes an advantage rather than a hindrance. User testing results encourage a wider uptake of machine learning solutions in the industry, and particularly a shift towards more accessible in-house analytical capabilities.
Categorising Risk for Drilling and Completions Using High-Resolution Acoustic LWD Image Logs
Authors: Basu Pramit , Morris Stephanie , Morris Stephen , Ritzmann Nicklas , Zheng Yan
Published: August 2019

In extended reach and horizontal wells, it is critical to maintain borehole quality and stability to ensure efficient drilling and for the running and installation of completions. Categorising the risk of borehole degradation is becoming an important aspect of the well planning process. The quality of the borehole is affected primarily by geomechanical or drilling practices, which can significantly impact the life cycle and completion expenditure/cost of a well. We show examples of how recently available, high-resolution, acoustic logging-while-drilling (LWD) borehole image logs have enabled detailed characterisation of borehole shape to the extent that we can visualise and analyse all contributors to borehole stability. LWD measurements also enable the use of time-lapse logging; comparing images from the first pass with repeated logging runs at later stages in drilling to look for degradation in conditions of the borehole shape. These data can be used for several new or existing applications that can be split into two main categories: 1. drilling hazards – degrading borehole shape profiles, identification of borehole breakout and washed-out sections and 2. completions hazards – cement volume calculations, identification of trajectory and small-scale irregularities that could impair liner placement. These applications use zonation to describe all ranges in borehole trajectory, borehole shape and image artefact features for coding of the well during or shortly after drilling. This scheme is then combined with a geomechanics-centric integrated risk management workflow which provides an improved well planning process by identifying potential drilling and geological risks in each of the planed well sections. Pre-drill risk identification combined with visual verification of the borehole condition enables quick decision making for drilling and potential de-risking of subsequent wireline logging and completions operations, thereby allowing safe, predictable operations with minimal NPT, from drilling to completions. The enabling technology of high-resolution LWD acoustic imaging has made possible the visualisation of borehole shape features in detail previously not possible in either water or oil-based mud systems.
Integrated Approach Toward Diagnosing Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion in the Petroleum Industry
Authors: Bruijnen Pieter , van Strien Willem , Doddema Sabine
Published: August 2019

The microbiologically influenced-corrosion (MIC) -related problems encountered in the water-injection wells of the Rijn Oil Field, offshore the Netherlands, were assessed from multiple perspectives to determine the root cause of the corrosion and the declining injection performance. Various classical petroleum-engineering methods were combined with full-bore electromagnetic inspection and 3D laser scanning of tubing sections to analyze the injectivity and integrity problems on both well and reservoir scales. Quantitative evaluation of materials by scanning electron microscopy (QEMSCAN), a novel technique for quantitative analysis of minerals, was used to identify chemical components in the corrosion products and allowed us to reconstruct the electrochemical processes that had taken place on a micrometer scale. Molecular microbiological methods (MMMs) such as quantitative polymerase chain reaction (QPCR) and 16S next-generation sequencing (NGS) were applied to identify the entire microbial population in various samples.

Petroleum engineering, corrosion engineering, and microbiology were thus combined in a multiscale and multidisciplinary approach. This approach was followed successfully during the diagnostic process, resulting in verifiable hypotheses about the fundamental corrosion and plugging mechanisms in these water-injection wells. The results confirmed that the dominant corrosion process was MIC. Also, the presence of chloride contributed significantly to the corrosion process, possibly in combination with underdeposit corrosion (UDC). The full suite of analyses shed light on possible causes of the declining injectivity in the wells: There appeared to be a link between the formation of deposits and corrosion, strongly influenced by microbes. In this paper we demonstrate the importance of an integrated approach, which can lead to reliable diagnostics and successful mitigation against future corrosion and the declining performance of wells and pipes.
Investigation of the thermal conductivity and flexural strength of polymethylmethacrylate denture base material with SiC and Al2O3 added
Authors: kul esra , yeşildal faruk
Published: August 2019

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Predicting the Prognosis of Patients with Pneumocystis Pneumonia by the (1,3)-β-D-Glucan Test Change
Authors: Xu Jun , Yao Hui , Sun Feng
Published: August 2019

Background: To investigate the effects of the (1, 3)-β-D-glucan test (G test) to predict the outcomes of the patients with Pneumocystis pneumonia ( PCP ). Methods: The clinical data of PCP patients diagnosed from 2010 to 2018 in Peking Union Hospital collected. The imaging changes, the independent risk factors of death, changes of the G test and the patients’ outcomes were used as a receiver operating the characteristic (ROC) curves, and the area under the curve (AUC) calculated. Results: A total number of 104 patients enrolled in. The independent risk factors of death for PCP included pulmonary interstitial fibrosis (P=0.003), Cytomegalovirus co-infection (P=0.006), severe complication during treatment (P=0.001). The reduction of the G test was less than 9.13% of the initial G test (P=0.005), and the second imaging was not better than the first imaging (P=0.001). The efficiency of predicting the prognosis by the declined G test (AUC=0.740) is similar (P=0.893) to that of improving the imaging (AUC=0.731). The combination of the risk factors was the most effective predictor of the patients’ outcomes (AUC=0.938, CI 0.873 - 0.976, P < 0.001). Conclusion: The changes of G test can predict patient prognosis, and their efficiency is comparable to that of the changed imaging.
Liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS) analysis of Auxin Metabolites in Arabidopsis thaliana shoot tissues
Authors: Phapale Prasad , Alexandrov Theodore
Published: August 2019

Auxin metabolome affects almost every facet of plant development from hormone transport and biosynthesis to degradation. It also triggers several environmental responses. Measuring auxin biosynthesis can enable a better understanding of metabolism and hormonal activities during plant growth and developmental phases. Here we optimised a solid phase extraction (SPE) sample preparation and liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry \(LC-HRMS) method for profiling auxin metabolites in the tissues \(shoot and leaves) of the model plant system (Arabidopsis thaliana). We combined a sensitivity SPE sample preparation protocol with accurate LC-HRMS analysis to profile auxin metabolites in plant tissues.
Co-transcriptional quantification of RNA synthesis, RNA folding and RNA-protein interactions by "Systems NMR" approach.
Authors: Nikolaev Yaroslav , Ripin Nina , Soste Martin , Picotti Paola , Iber Dagmar , Allain Frédéric H.-T.
Published: August 2019

The protocol describes how to setup and analyse observation of a co-transcriptional RNA folding network by Systems NMR approach. While most experimental approaches can monitor only a single molecule class or reaction type at a time, Systems NMR permits single-sample dynamic quantification of entire “heterotypic” networks – involving different reaction and molecule types. It thus provides a deeper systems-level understanding of biological network dynamics by combining the dynamic resolution of biochemical assays and the multiplexing ability of “omics”. This particular protocol describes the reconstruction of an 8-reaction co-transcriptional network - with simultaneous monitoring of RNA, metabolite, and proteins in a single sample at the same time. From reactions side, the protocol simultaneously quantifies RNA transcription, RNA folding and RNA-protein interactions (observed both from RNA and from protein side) and few other auxiliary reactions. In addition to fundamental analyses of reaction constants under different conditions, the current applications of this particular reconstruction are: (1) map RNA-binding interfaces on proteins without having to purify/order the RNA; (2) monitor co-transcriptional RNA folding perturbations by proteins and small molecules; (3) monitor RNA-transcription-driven protein phase-separation with the possibility to observe multiple proteins at once, each with residue-level resolution. Not counting the protein and RNA template preparation times, the NMR measurement and data analysis parts take about 1 day each. This protocol accompanies Nikolaev et al, Nature Methods, 2019 (doi:XXX). The most up-to-date version of the protocol (including example code and data) is available at: github.com/systemsnmr/ivtnmr
A comparison between the stability fields of a Cl-rich scapolite and the end-member marialite
Authors: Almeida Kaléo M.F. , Jenkins David M.
Published: August 2019

Scapolites are pervasive rock-forming aluminosilicates that are found in metamorphic, igneous, and hydrothermal environments; nonetheless, the stability field of Cl-rich scapolite is not well constrained. This experimental study investigated two reactions involving Cl-rich scapolite. First, the anhydrous reaction 1 of plagioclase + halite + calcite to form scapolite [modeled as: 3 plagioclase (Ab80An20) + 0.8 NaCl + 0.2 CaCO3 = scapolite (Ma80Me20)] was investigated to determine the effect of the Ca-rich meionite (Me = Ca4Al6Si6O24CO3) component on the Na end-member marialite (Ma = Na4Al3Si9O24Cl). Second, the effect of water on this reaction was investigated using the hydrothermally equivalent reaction 2, H2O + scapolite (Ma80Me20) = 3 plagioclase (Ab80An20) + CaCO3 + liquid, where the liquid is assumed to be a saline-rich hydrous-silicate melt. Experiments were conducted with synthetic phases over the range of 500–1030 °C and 0.4–2.0 GPa. For reaction 1, intermediate composition scapolite shows a wide thermal stability and is stable relative to plagioclase + halite + calcite at temperatures above 750 °C at 0.4 GPa and 760 °C at 2.0 GPa. For reaction 2, intermediate scapolite appears to be quite tolerant of water; it forms at a minimum bulk salinity [XNaCl = molar ratio of NaCl/(NaCl+H2O)] of the brine of approximately 0.2 XNaCl at 830 and 680 °C at pressures of 2.0 and 1.5 GPa, respectively. Based on the study done by Almeida and Jenkins (2017), pure marialite is very intolerant of water when compared to intermediate composition scapolite. Compositional changes in the scapolite and plagioclase were characterized by X-ray diffraction and electron microprobe analysis and found to shift from the nominal bulk compositions to the observed compositions of Ma85Me15 for scapolite and to Ab91An09 for plagioclase. These results were used to model the phase equilibria along the marialitemeionite join in temperature-composition space. This study demonstrates that a small change in the scapolite composition from end-member marialite to Ma85Me15 expands the stability field of marialite significantly, presumably due to the high entropy of mixing in scapolite, as well as increases its tolerance to water. This supports the much more common presence of intermediate scapolites in hydrothermal settings than either end-member meionite or marialite as is widely reported in the literature.
Hacia una revisión bibliográfica de los conceptos de cultura y diversidad cultural
Authors: Dermer Wodnicky Miriam
Published: August 2019

El presente artículo realiza una revisión bibliográfica sobre tres temas. En primer lugar sobre el concepto de cultura desde la perspectiva de la historia y de la antropología, en segundo lugar se revisa el concepto de diversidad cultural desde su gestión, desde la antropología y desde dos visiones contrapuestas, a saber la capitalista y la contrahegemónica. Finalmente, el artículo hace una reseña de la negociación de la Convención de la diversidad cultural de 2005 de la Unesco