bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Steamflood Pilot Test in Waterflooded, 2,500-ft Tar Zone Reservoir, Fault Block II Unit, Wilmington Field, California
Authors: Lim F. H. , Saner W. B. , Stilwell W. H. , Patton J. T.
Published: December 2007

A case history is presented of a tertiary, steamflood pilot project conducted from 1982–1989 in the Tar Zone reservoir of the Fault Block II Unit located in Wilmington Field, Los Angeles County, California. The design, implementation, performance and operations of the pilot are reviewed. Prior production mechanisms consisted of pressure depletion by solution gas drive followed by pressure maintenance using waterflooding. The 20 acre pilot area contained four, inverted 5 acre five-spot patterns. The reservoir steamflooded was the "D1" member, an unconsolidated sandstone, with 60 feet average thickness at a depth of about 2,550 feet. The nine production wells were completed open-hole with gravel-packed, wire-wrapped screens and were initially steam stimulated. The four injection wells were also completed open-hole with wire-wrapped screens. Using individual natural gas-fired, steam generators, high quality steam was continuously injected down insulated tubing into each injector.

During its seven year history, the steamflood pilot recovered 1.1 million barrels of oil from the injection of 7.2 million barrels ewe (cold water equivalent) of steam. The pilot project demonstrated successful field operations and an oil recovery factor of 75% (of the oil-in-place at the start of project) in this waterflooded, medium depth reservoir.

The pilot has been expanded to over 150 acres totalling 54 new production wells and 39 new steam injection wells treating both "T" and "D1" members of the Tar Zone in Fault Block II Unit.
An Improved Recovery and Subsidence Mitigation Plan for the Lost Hills Field, California
Authors: Wallace N. J. , Pugh E. D.
Published: December 2007

Maximizing oil recovery in the Lost Hills Diatomite Reservoir presents interesting technical challenges due to this reservoir’s low matrix permeability (less than 2 md) and thick net pay interval (600 to 800 feet). The high porosity (averaging 50%) and high oil saturation (up to 60%) provides significant incentive to improve and/or accelerate recovery considering the tremendous asset base of more than 2 billion barrels of oil-in-place.

Massive hydraulic fracturing, that placed as much as 3000 lbs/ft of sand, has been employed since the mid-1980s to accelerate recovery. Although these treatments have proven profitable, the accelerated fluid withdrawal and associated pressure depletion has increased compaction of the highly compressive diatomite. The compacting reservoir is causing a redistribution of stresses in rocks from the base of the productive interval to the surface. As a result, surface subsidence is occurring in the area of greatest development at a current rate of approximately 1 ft/year and wellbore integrity is at risk for a large number of wells. A waterflood project was initiated in January, 1991 to improve recovery and mitigate subsidence.
A Multidisciplinary Study Aimed at Optimizing Reservoir Management in a Gas Field With Over 30 Years of Production History
Authors: Erba Mario , Maioli Filippo , Dadda Giuseppe , Bolze Jean
Published: December 2007

This paper presents the methodological approach, the technical innovations and the results of an integrated reservoir study aimed at optimizing both final gas recovery and investments.

The main technical difficulties and economic constraints were due to the field limited reserves, the geological complexity of a torbiditic reservoir, the well recompletions dating back to 1959 and the daily rate at the limit of profitability.

Two phases were envisaged.

The results of the Phase 1, based on three key–well workovers, were the following: –a preliminary estimation of the remaining reserves;–the validation of a methodology for data collection;–the verification of the technical feasibility of the best well recompletion methodology.

The second phase, started only after a technical and economical evaluation of the results of the first one, was constituted of a complete reservoir study. This study is characterized by a multidisciplinary approach where all static and dynamic data were used and integrated. It was performed by applying innovative investigation methodologies, such as a detailed geomorphological–structural study and a cluster analysis based on cased hole logs.

The main results of the project were the reduction of economic risks and the optimization of final gas recovery by planning future actions of reservoir management and, particularly, the final development phase.
The Combined Effect of Capillary and Viscous Forces on Waterflood Displacement Efficiency in Finely Laminated Porous Media
Authors: McDougall S. R. , Sorbie K. S.
Published: December 2007

Recent work on fluid flow upscaling in clastic facies has demonstrated the importance of both the small scale lamination structure and the local viscous/capillary force balance. This paper presents a pore-scale analysis of unsteady-state imbibition and drainage processes, which attempts to elucidate the interaction between capillary and viscous forces during waterfloods in such finely laminated porous media. Network simulation studies have been performed to evaluate their combined effect upon "residual" oil trapping and microscopic displacement efficiency.

The three main purposes of this paper are (i) to demonstrate these small scale structure/force balance mechanisms from first principles (i.e. from microscopic modelling at the pore scale); (ii) to examine sensitivities of the laminar capillary trapping mechanisms to various factors; (iii) to comment on aspects of the pore to core upscaling of these effects in the light of the recently proposed "geopseudo" methodology. Results demonstrate how small-scale lamination can greatly affect the larger-scale dynamics of a flood, especially where the principal flow direction is across the lamina as in cross-bedded systems. Sensitivity studies have been undertaken to examine the effects of lamina orientation and matrix wettability: a range of lamina structures has been considered under both water-wet and oil-wet conditions. The importance of scaling these effects in the light of the underlying geological structure is discussed. In the course of developing the network simulator for this study, some developments are presented on the modelling of the imbibition process.
Three-Phase Flow in Water-Wet Porous Media: Determination of Gas/Oil Relative Permeabilities Under Various Spreading Conditions
Authors: Kalaydjian F. J -M. , Moulu J. -C. , Vizika Olga , Munkerud P. K.
Published: December 2007

This paper aims at studying the impact of the spreading power (which rules the ability of the oil phase to spread on water in presence of gas) on three-phase gas/oil relative permeabilities and residual oil saturation. Relative permeabilities have been determined by the steady-state method for both increasing and decreasing gas saturation as well as by analyzing unsteady-state displacements.

These experimental relative permeabilities are finally compared together and to theoretical curves derived from an analytical model.

The differences observed between the relative permeabilities, and the effect of the spreading power on them as well as on the residual oil saturation are explained by pore scale mechanisms.
Case History: Cuttings Reinjection on the Murdoch Development Project in the Southern Sector of the North Sea
Authors: Schuh P. R. , Secoy B. W. , Sorrie Eric
Published: December 2007

This paper describes how Conoco planned and implemented downhole injection of oil contaminated drill cuttings on the Murdoch development project in sector44/22 of the Southern North Sea. Five wells were predrilled through a template from December 1991 to March 1993.The firstwell, 44/22 D-1, was drilled as a producer and was also designed and used as the injection well for all subsequent wells. Injection was conducted via the 13-⅜" × 9-⅝" annulus. The casings were designed to accomodate the injection loads. The injection interval was the Triassic Bunter, a sand/shale sequence between 6200'-7000'TVD, bounded by 200' of salt above and 1500' of shale below. Topside equipment consisted of a prototype Cuttings Processing Package (CPP), a screw conveyor, a slurry storage tank and a small triplex pump.
The Argyll Field Life Cycle with Cost Control as the Operator's Ethos
Authors: Methven J. O.
Published: December 2007

The Argyll field came onstream in June 1975 and produced the first oil from the United Kingdom Continental Shelf (UKCS). The floating production concept adopted for the field demonstrated an innovative cost efficient approach to developing a marginal field. The initial field life expectancy was three to five years and cost sensitivity was embraced as the only viable way to ensure that the field survived longer than originally forecast.

This paper reviews some of the Argyll field innovations from initial design into ongoing operations and on through to abandonment. Technical solutions which result in low capital investment but then give higher than preferred operational costs, do not necessarily result in reduced field life. A Tight" approach to operational cost control is vital in the early years of a field's life so that later year cost control is a natural progression and not a desperate rearguard action.

Cost control is a state of mind and must be engendered into the Ethos of a company. The question, why?, is probably the most powerful tool that any individual can apply in the approval process, no matter the level of that approval. Expenditure approval set at an appropriate level coupled with staff committed to a continuous search for improvement, results in an operations group which manages their own business. This level of understanding acts on market changes rather than reacting to change, thus resulting in true cost control.
Pipeline Freespan Evaluation: A New Methodology
Authors: Kaye David , Galbraith David , Ingram James , Davies Russell
Published: December 2007

A methodology for the rigorous assessment of pipeline freespans is described, together with a description of its application to the Beryl Field network of pipelines.

The methodology is in two parts, each with two stages, and comprise preliminary stress and vibration frequency checks followed by detailed strain and fatigue life checks where appropriate. Comprehensive software, automatically linked to the inspection database, has been written to allow efficient use of the methodology.

The use of a new ROV based freespan rectification technique is also described.

Both the assessment and rectification techniques were successfully used in Mobil's Beryl field and the SAGE pipeline in 1992.
Simultaneous Inversion of Galvanic and Induction Logging Measurements to Improve Resolution
Authors: Mezzatesta A. G. , Payton C. C. , Strack K. M. , Tabarovsky L. A.
Published: December 2007

Improved resolution in estimating formation resistivities can provide more accurate values of residual and movable hydrocarbon saturations. Routinely, formation resistivity information derived from galvanic and induction logging measurements are interpreted independently. As a result, several models of formation resistivity can emerge that are typically not consistent. Here, we illustrate how simultaneous inversion of data from galvanic and induction tools can yield more consistent and better resolved parameters.

When measuring formation resistivities, different References and illustrations at end of paper physical principles govern galvanic and induction tools. In galvanic tools, the voltage differences measured are related to the surface charges at the interfaces between adjacent media of different resistivities, whereas in induction tools, the voltage induced in a measuring coil is caused by magnetic fields of alternating currents flowing in the surrounding formation.

A joint inversion of galvanic and induction data is proposed, in which a single earth model, consisting of a distribution of resistivities, is simultaneously applied to the two types of measurements. Combining measurements based on different physical principles also improves resolution. A complete concept of resolution is proposed that involves earth model, measuring device, data noise, and interpretation technique as components.

A number of earth models and tool combinations (Dual Laterolog, Dual Induction, Thin Bed Resistivity Tool, Microlaterolog) are analyzed and discussed under the framework of the proposed resolution concept. The analysis clearly shows the advantages of combining data from different instruments to improve interpreted results.
Use of Tubular Sucker Rod Pumping to Produce High Viscosity Oil: The Problem and Some Solutions
Authors: De Araújo F. R.
Published: December 2007

The objective of this work is to show the experience in the use of tubular plunger pumps for production in viscous oil, in the Estreko and Alto do Rodrigues fields.

Based on the fields surveys we observe "in loco" the problems existents and analyse them. Suggestions were made for pumps changes, with the purpose of improving its performance.

Cargo loss calculations in the traveling valve annular were made using the "BULLETIN API 13D".
A Survey of Field Applications of Gel Treatments for Water Shutoff
Authors: Seright R. S. , Liang J.
Published: December 2007

Previously published field results were examined to determine if they reveal usable guidelines for the selection of wells as candidates for gel treatments. Views of seven gel vendors and experts from eight major oil companies were also examined concerning the selection and implementation of gel treatments in injection and production wells.

This study demonstrates that gel treatments have been applied over a remarkably wide range of conditions. Unfortunately, the success rates for these projects have been very sporadic. Our analysis indicates that the producing water/oil ratio was usually the only criterion used to select candidate wells.

To improve the success rate for future gel applications, the source and nature of the water production problem must be adequately identified. Results from interwell tracer studies and simple injectivity and productivity calculations can be especially useful in this diagnosis. Recovery calculations should indicate that considerable mobile oil remains that could be recovered more cost-effectively if a blocking agent could be realistically placed in the proper location.

Improvements are needed in the methods used for sizing gel treatments. The method of sizing should be tailored to the type of channeling problem encountered. Five different types of channeling problems are discussed.
Petrographic Characteristics of Productive and Non-Productive Sandstones, Canadon Minerales Field, San Jorge Basin, Argentina
Authors: Davies D. K. , Dienger L. , Selva C. , San Martin H.
Published: December 2007

The accuracy of formation evaluation in sandstones of Caήadon Minerales Field has been significantly improved through knowledge of detailed rock composition, pore geometry and cation exchange capacity. Prior to the implementation of a program of integrated petrographie and wireline log analysis, 50% of perforated zones either did not flow or flowed water. As a result of the integration of rock and log derived data, more than 85% of perforated zones in this field flow hydrocarbons.
A Rheological Model for Polymer Foams
Authors: Winkler W. , Valkó P. P. , Economides M. J.
Published: December 2007

A new principle, that of Volume Equalization has been applied to characterize the flow behavior of Nitrogen-HPG-Gel foams. Large scale vertical and multi -diameter horizontal experiments were conducted at two different temperatures within both the laminar and the turbulent flow regimes. Pressure loss calculation procedures independent of pipe size and inclination were investigated. Instead of the previous available turbulent pressure drop correlations a fluid mechanics description of drag reduced foam flow was applied making use of a new form of Reynolds number.
A Waterflood Model Based Upon Percolation Theory Concepts
Authors: Barrufet M. A. , White R. J.
Published: December 2007

This paper presents a novel application of percolation theory for the development of a three-dimensional two-phase waterflood model.

The waterflood model consists of a three-dimensional, two-phase cubic reservoir composed of many smaller cells. The model represents one-quarter of a five spot waterflood pattern and has one injection well at one corner and a production well at the opposite corner.

Two different random numbers are allocated to each cell throughout the lattice. Based upon the first random number, one decides upon the contents of the cell (oil or water). The permeability of that cell is determined from the second random number, which belongs to a log-normal distribution density. The lattice is swept cell by cell with the displacing fluid (water) following certain invasion rules. The model stores the oil and water clusters (aggregates) as well as the fluid production. The simulated waterflood process terminates when no more oil is produced. Then the residual oil saturation (trapped oil) is computed and the spatial location in the lattice is printed (graphed). These simulations were done on a CRAY Y-MP2/116 Supercomputer using vectorized code.

Several characteristics of this model were investigated: First, the effect upon the residual oil saturation of different initial water saturations; second, the effects of fluid allocation by using different probability distribution functions, i.e. uniform, normal, and Beta distribution densities; third, the effect of different parameters in the log-normal distribution for permeabilities to indicate different degrees of heterogeneity of the porous media; and last, the effect of lattice size upon the residual oil saturation. The results are encouraging, and we envision that the model could be extended to layered reservoirs.
Simulation of Water Coning Behavior Using Geostatistic Techniques to Represent Reservoir Heterogeneities
Authors: Beraldo V. T. , Pedrosa O. A. , Remacre A. Z.
Published: December 2007

Numerical simulation has been applied to study the water coning behavior in a well producing from a highly heterogeneous reservoir in an oil field located in the onshore part of the Potiguar Basin, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil. In this reservoir, the scale of lateral heterogeneities is too small to be represented by layer average properties.

Small scale heterogeneities in the drainage area of the well were modeled by sequential stochastic simulation of categorical variables representing flow units of the reservoir. Variographic analysis was performed using logging and core data from the reservoir and also data from outcrops in the same depositional enviroment.

The purpose of this work was to evaluate the effect of small lateral heterogeneity on the water coning behavior. This was accomplished by history matching production data and numerical results of flow simulation performed in geostatistic realizations of the reservoir.
Geologic and Stochastic Characterization of Naturally Fractured Reservoirs
Authors: Guo G. , Evans R. D.
Published: December 2007

New techniques for characterizing naturally fractured reservoirs are presented. Fundamental fracture units defined from geologic analyses are identified, and their corresponding permeability tensors analytically derived. The integration and synthesis of different fracture units provide realistic and mathematically tractable conceptual models for the analysis of naturally fractured reservoirs. A technique for modelling more complex fracture systems is also developed to stochastically simulate the fracture geometry based on the probability distributions of fracture characteristics. The permeability tensor distribution of the simulated fracture system is then calculated by a numerical method. The combination of these two techniques constitutes a comprehensive methodology for a realistic and quantitative characterization of naturally fractured reservoirs.
Hydraulic Fracturing Design Optimization in Low-Permeabiiity Gas Reservoirs
Authors: Hareland G. , Rampersad P. R.
Published: December 2007

This paper uses a pseudo three-dimensional hydraulic fracturing model with different fracture height growth models, in conjunction with a fractured reservoir production model to optimize hydraulic fracture design. These models have the capability to optimize the controllable fracturing parameters, such as pump rate, fluid rheology, proppant schedule and fracture length. The production of the fractured reservoir and the economics are compared to the cost of the actual fracture treatment of each individual fracture design. The net revenue is then compared for the various designs and the optimum design parameters for the specific well is recommended. This paper uses input data from a hydraulic fracture performed on the DOE's Multi-Well Experiment Wells as one of the input wells. Results indicate that this approach can be used to optimize hydraulic fracture design. A parametric study using various pump rates and fracture length show fracture length and pump rate for maximum net revenue. Observations on fracturing fluid rheology show that it has a strong effect on pressure drop in the fracture and leakoff to the formation. Fracturing parameter

selection should therefore be conducted with extreme care. This paper shows that this approach can be used to optimize hydraulic fracture design and that it has strong economic benefits.
A Decision Analysis Approach to the Design of a Chemical Flooding Process
Authors: Sanz C. A. , Miller M. A.
Published: December 2007

The objective of this study was to apply decision analysis to the design of a chemical flooding process. A base case was taken from a pilot test at the Big Muddy oil field, Wyoming. Areas of study included reservoir engineering in combination with cash flow, sensitivity and stochastic analyses; the last one through Monte Carlo simulation.

A microcomputer version of a surfactant flooding predictive model which included economic analysis was used for deterministic simulations. Input variables considered uncertain were ranked by means of a sensitivity analysis. Those having the greatest impact received further attention. Monte Carlo simulation was implemented to combine possible values of the selected uncertain variables. FORTRAN programs were written to conduct the sensitivity analyses and Monte Carlo simulations. To compare different alternatives the concept of stochastic dominance was applied in combination with conditional loss-monetary expectancy.

Finally, alternative strategies are proposed which could yield a significant improvement in the economics of surfactant flooding in a field such as Big Muddy.
Field Applications of Low Invasion Coring
Authors: Rathmell J. J. , Gremley R. R. , Tibbitts G. A.
Published: December 2007

This paper describes the field applications of low invasion coring using waterbase coring muds in several Alaskan and lower 48 sandstone reservoirs. This is a companion paper to SPE 20413 which presented the laboratory development of the tow invasion coring method.

High coring rates exceeding 200 feet/hour (61 m/hr) with 100% core recovery were achieved with the new low invasion PDC core bits. In most applications, this technique yields a 2.5 inch (6.35 cm) diameter uninvaded core center in a 4 inch (10.16 cm) diameter core. The invasion of the outer part of the core has been observed in the field as a color change caused by lower oil saturation. Tracers confirm that when coring rate exceeds 80 ft/hr (24.4 m/hr), approximately 80% of the samples taken from the core center have no mud filtrate invasion for permeabilities greater than 50 md.

Connate water saturation measured in offsetting wells by oilbase cores agree with low invasion waterbase cores. This demonstrates the possibility of using low invasion coring for log calibration and other reservoir engineering applications where water saturation is needed. These core samples are also useful for laboratory testing to measure relative permeability and other wettability sensitive parameters.

Field muds with 5 cm3 API fluid-loss may be used in such coring operations as successfully as more costly oilbase coring fluids. The combination of high coring rate (reduced rig time) and use of field muds (reduced mud cost) can have significant impact on coring cost.
Reservoir Evaluation Using Geophysics Methods
Authors: Da Prat G.
Published: December 2007

In this work Geophysical methods applicable to Reservoir evaluation are presented. Both the benefits and limitations of each method are discussed and illustrated using field cases. A brief summary is given to Reservoir evaluation objectives, in particular for secondary and enhanced recovery projects. Finally the importance and application of seismic methods, in particular vertical seismic profile (VSP), 3-D seismic and Cross - Borehole tomography are discussed using relevant cases histories.
Scaling with Transverse Dispersion to Reduce Simulation Time
Authors: Kumar V. , Lake L. W.
Published: December 2007

The objective of this study is to relate transverse dispersivity (αt) to the heterogeneity of an uncorrected permeable medium. We propose a quantitative relation between these and examine the consistency of the relation at different scales as well as at steady and unsteady-state. We also suggest under what circumstances αt can represent the heterogeneity of a medium and, therefore, replace it. The direct application using the quantitative relation is to reduce the computational time of a reservoir simulation by decreasing the number of grid blocks.
Miscible Displacement of Polymers in Porous Media
Authors: Obernauer S. , Tcmprapo N. , Chertcoff R. , D'Onofrio A. G. , Gabbanelli S. , Rosen M.
Published: December 2007

The results of experiments carried out to explore the dynamics of fluid-fluid displacement in a one dimensional (cylindrical) and bidimensional porous medium are presented. The isotropic porous media consist of glass spheres packings. In a first step, the miscible displacement of water by a polymeric dispersion (xanthan) was studied. In this case there is no hydrodynamic instability in the fluid flow.

The originality of the measurement consists in the fact that the polymer molecule was tagged with a γ tracer. The technique used allows us to obtain concentration values of polymeric dispersion, proportional to activity, in terms of time and position of planes perpendicular to the cylinder axis.

Transversely averaged concentration profiles were adjusted with the solution of the convection-dispersion equation modified by the presence of dead and retention zones.

To study the fraction of retained polymer and the presence of instabilities, the sweep of polymeric dispersion was followed by another of water. Anomalous decreasing concentration profiles were obtained.

In order to analyze the viscous instabilities, experiments were performed inside a bidimensional porous media. This miscible displacement process was studied by means of visualization techniques (video-photography). Porous media with two different grain size and a wide range of viscosity ratios and flow rates were used.

In all cases the sample was first saturated with polymer dispersion at different concentration and then flooded with water.

A rich variety of patterns was found and the results obtained show the crucial influence of fluid viscosity ratio in the resulting structure. For values larger than 100 a fractal behavior appears.

A growing law of the fingers length was found and the fractal dimension was measured with different methods. The concentration profiles as a function of time were analyzed.

The results obtained are an original contribution to the understanding of the highly complex phenomena occuring during enhanced oil recovery.
An Analytical Study of Interference in Thermal Oil Recovery
Authors: Guevara-Jordan J. M.
Published: December 2007

The two zone composite reservoir analytical model is used in the interference test interpretation of a conceptual oil reservoir under continuous steam injection. This application of the composite reservoir model in well test analysis has not been reported before. In addition, the study presents a useful approximation to the two zone composite reservoir model solution at the observation well (external zone), which is used to perform a sensibility analysis of the type curves as a function of the mobility ratio and the distance to the discontinuity. Although this analysis can be found in the literature, the type curves behavior presented in this paper as a function of the mobility ratio is new.
A Systematic Approach to Improve HSE Performance in Construction
Authors: Wiig Erik
Published: December 2007

The Troll HSE Management System, described in an hierarchy of HSE controlling documents, sets out a HSE Programme which fills the gap between the HSE Policy and the actual standards, plans and risk acceptance criteria, thus giving clear strategies to meet the set HSE objectives.

Through systematic identification and assessment of risks in all project phases and activities, risk reducing measures are implemented in order to meet acceptance criteria.

An HSE training programme to enhance the HSE awareness and skills has been implemented for contractor management, supervisors and foremen as well as for own staff.

Special topics like metallizing (hot aluminium spraying) has called for workshops with participation of technicians, health personnel, hygienists and management in order to reduce the human exposure and to develop health monitoring programmes.

The results from this enhancement and systematic approach to HSE have been encouraging with a remarkable improvement of HSE performance and efficiency.
Protecting People and the Environment: Implementing Environment and Safety Policy Internationally
Authors: Pfeil R. W. , Clement D. L
Published: December 2007

This paper will describe the process that Chevron Overseas Petroleum Inc. is using to formally implement Chevron Corporation's revised safety and environmental policy, Protecting People and the Environment, throughout its international operations. This Chevron policy, which was updated and ratified by stockholders in 1991, fully supports the requirements of the Chemical Manufacturers Association's Responsible Care Program and the American Petroleum Institute's STEP (Strategies for Today's Environmental Partnerships) Program.

The challenge is to put into place enhanced management practices and reinforce existing practices that support the 10 Key Elements of the policy throughout our business units around the world, to maintain a consistent and measurable approach, and also to allow for local variations in style and cultural diversity. The initial emphasis is being focussed on the 3 critical Key Elements pertaining to Safe Operations, Pollution Prevention and Compliance Assurance. The focus in subsequent years will be expanded to include other Key Elements such as Emergency Preparedness and Response, Community Outreach, Legislative/Regulatory Advocacy and others.

Chevron's strategy clearly places prime responsibility on the line management of each individual business unit to implement the policy as a routine part of planning, budgeting, conducting and evaluating the success of their business. Each business unit a) defines its own criteria for attaining implementation of the policy; b) plans and budgets a sound work program to achieve attainment as part of its business planning process and c) measures and reports its own progress in achieving attainment milestones.
Safety Management for Offshore Completion: The Integrated Project Team Approach
Authors: Kjellén U. A.
Published: December 2007

The offshore completion of Oseberg C was carried out between May and December 1991 and comprised 1,5 million man-hours. Results showed that Norsk Hydro achieved a simultaneous promotion of safety, progress, quality and productivity in this work. No sever accidents occurred and the lost time incident frequency rate was about 25% of previously experienced rates in similar offshore completion work. The first oil milestone was reached four months after offshore mobilization, which was one month ahead of schedule. Full oil production was achieved two months ahead of schedule.

Results and experiences from the offshore completion phase are presented. Different factors that contributed to the results are described and their effects on the safe behaviour of the offshore organization are discussed. Examples of such factors are careful preplanning in an integrated client/contractor team and delegation of responsibility to the contractor. These factors have promoted short feedback loops and problem solving at a low level in the organization. A positive safety climate developed in the integrated team during preplanning onshore and was transferred offshore. This climate affected the behaviour of the workers in choosing safe work methods and in avoiding risk taking.

The experiences from Oseberg C have shown the benefits of developing a comprehensive strategy for planning and execution of offshore completion work. This strategy has given the necessary weight to safety in relation to progress, quality and costs. The benefits of this strategy have been further shown during the offshore completion of the Brage platform in 1993.
PIMMAG: A Joint Industry Effort in Oil Spill Response and Preparedness in Malaysia
Authors: Rahmat Hussein
Published: December 2007

The increasing incidence of oil spills in the Straits of Malacca and the South China Sea, has resulted in growing concern about Malaysia's capability to respond to oil spills in its waters. This concern is compounded by the ever growing number of oil tankers plying the Straits of Malacca and the South China Seas, as well as the intensifying activities in the exploration and development of offshore petroleum resources.

Various measures were taken by the Government to deal with the problem including a review of the Malaysia National Contingency Plan and a call to the Malaysian oil industry to upgrade the industry oil spill response capability. In response to the Government's request, in April 1993, the industry, led by the National Oil Corporation, PETRONAS agreed to form a service company called ‘the Petroleum Industry of Malaysia Mutual Aid Group’ or in short PIMMAG.

This paper briefly presents an overview of the nature and scope of the company, its structure and modus operandi as well as the cost sharing approach. Most importantly, it describes the commitment and spirit embodied in the birth of PIMMAG.
Managing Environmental Impact Assessment in Russia
Authors: Geerling Chris , de Bie Steven , Jones M. G. , Estratov V. N.
Published: December 2007

The paper describes the preparation of an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for an oil exploration and production (E&P) project in the Russian Federation of Republics.

Companies operating worldwide encounter a wide range of factors determining environmental actions. However, there is a worldwide trend towards more coherent regulations.

In the past, Russian industry has not adopted a comprehensive environmental management approach. Environmental problems were treated on an ad hoc basis. EIA was designed to obtain permits, it was not part of any development or management process.

EIA in Russia was and is part of the overall economic and technical feasibility study and is focused on the quantitative assessment of potential pollution, on resource utilisation and on alternative resource revenue loss.

Environmental awareness in the population has led to an strong insistence on proper environmental protection and conservation.

Indigenous people have a strong position in Russia. They have statutory land rights and any economic activity in these areas requires their approval.

The formula for dealing successfully with situations as described in this paper has three basic elements:

* high standards of environmental performance as a starting point; * a comprehensive and systematic analysis according to established EIA principles, to identify potential environmental issues, and * a continuous dialogue with all parties involved.
The Development of Goal-Setting Safety Legislation Following the Cullen Report
Authors: Ledsome R. J.
Published: December 2007

The Cullen Report into the Piper Alpha disaster recommended a new approach to regulating health and safety on the UK Continental Shelf based on a goal-setting philosophy.

The UK health and safety authorities have been developing new legislation to implement Lord Cullen's recommendations.

This paper sets out how a goal-setting approach towards health and safety legislation has been developed in the UK. It describes the key elements of the goal-setting philosophy; outlines the new goal-setting regulations which have been put in place or which are in the course of development; and describes other actions being taken to promote a stronger safety culture offshore.
Crisis Management: An Integrated Approach
Authors: Calieri R. B. , McHarg Edward , DiPerna C. J. , Miller D. E.
Published: December 2007

Mobil Oil Corporation has crisis management programs to address major emergencies which may affect its worldwide operations. This paper reviews the programs, many of which predate the major industrial disasters that occurred during the past ten years, and explains different levels of involvement from the facility level to that of the corporation headquarters. The paper also describes the role of the Crisis Center at Mobil's Headquarters in Fairfax, VA and the newly organized worldwide Regional Response teams.
Experiences in Use of Risk Analysis and Emergency Preparedness Analysis as Active Tools in Safety Management
Authors: Sandve Kjell , Schei Rune
Published: December 2007

In 1991 and 1992 the Norwegian Petroleum Directorate issued new regulations concerning use of risk analyses and emergency preparedness analyses in the petroleum industry. This paper presents some of the results from a research project conducted by Statoil Gas Transport and Rogaland Research. The aim of the project was to introduce the principles and intentions in the new regulations at Statoil Gas Transport's facility at Kårstø. Emphasis was put on emergency preparedness analyses and on the process of establishing specific emergency preparedness requirements. The results indicate that these activities can be initiated successfully and produce immediate valuable results when they are based mainly on operational experiences. A method of establishing specific emergency preparedness requirements is presented.
Personality and Crisis Management in Offshore Installation Managers
Authors: Slaven G. M. , Flin R. H.
Published: December 2007

A survey of UK and Norwegian operating and drilling companies identified the characteristics required of effective Offshore Installation Managers (OlMs) to deal with an emergency. Personality profile scores of 93 OlMs were correlated with ratings of their ability to manage a simulated offshore emergency. The findings are discussed in relation to key managerial characteristics and the applicability of personality profiling for selecting OlMs.
Environment, Safety, and Health Compliance Programs at the U.S. Dept. of Energy
Authors: Hartstein A. M.
Published: December 2007

Environment, safety, and health (ES&H) compliance remains an overarching mandated goal of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). All research, development, and demonstration (RD&D) activities for advanced oil and gas recovery technologies incorporate ES&H programs. In carrying out its mission and programs, DOE conducts audits and appraisals to assure compliance with applicable Federal, State, and local ES&H laws, and DOE regulations for environmental protection and worker and public safety.

DOE's Office of Fossil Energy (FE) has initiated a government/industry cost-shared RD&D program to encourage development of advanced exploration and production technologies. This program will consist of over 100 field demonstration projects totalling at least $1 billion over a 10-year period. All contractors and DOE researchers will identify environmental aspects of proposed operations, implement a continuous environmental monitoring program to assess environmental compliance, and obtain technology-specific data throughout the project duration.

This paper details the Office of Gas and Petroleum Technology (OGPT) methods to implement a program to ensure compliance with all applicable ES&H laws, regulations, and the National Environmental Policy Act, which requires environmental review of all Federal actions.
Occupational Health Auditing: Experiences With the Development of a Management Tool To Improve Performance
Authors: de Jong Geert
Published: December 2007

SIPM1 issued in 1989 specific guidelines on the management of occupational health to all Shell Companies outside North America. These ‘Occupational Health Management Guidelines’ highlight occupational health as a management responsibility, which should receive the same attention as other business objectives, including safety and the conservation of the environment. This requires the application of normal business control mechanisms, such as management review and appraisal. Occupational health auditing was developed and promoted as an essential tool to assist the management of Shell companies with this review and appraisal process.

Our experience with auditing has shown that all parts of a health management system can be audited, with the objective of defining areas for improvement. The development of a consistent standardised review/audit method is described and the need for clear definition of objectives, standards and a structured approach is highlighted. On the basis of an analysis of reviews and audits carried out since the publication of the Shell ‘Occupational Health Management Guidelines’ in 1989 it is concluded that the reviews/audits should in the first place address the main elements of a health management system, especially line responsibility and performance measurement, as well as the competency of the occupational health advisers. It is also concluded, that most of the earlier reviews/audits provided (detailed) technical/medical prescriptive advice rather than an assessment of the management controls of occupational health. Follow up audits have shown that such advice did not stick and could not be sustained if the key elements of a health management system are lacking.
Burden or Benefit? ISO9000/Vision 2000/TQM
Authors: Chenault L. M. , Sherman T. S.
Published: December 2007

Management of Safety and environmental performance is increasingly integrated with management of business and technical matters. As this process progresses, busy managers with dwindling staff seek simplifying and especially time and cost efficient means to accommodate these demands.

VISION 2000, the planned integration of ISO 9000/Q90 standards with the principles of Total Quality Management, portends to offer the simplication through consistency. Yet, many skeptics prognose costly and ineffective bureaucracy in the rush toward this goal.

This paper describes some practical approaches to achieve effective management of safety and environmental performance while maintaining consistency with VISION 2000 principles.

A top-down approach is recommended, since the common elements in each system focus on management commitment and responsibility. Management's demonstrated commitment must generate employee involvement, especially in training. To be practical, quality management of safety and environment must focus on bringing order to the existing elements of a program, rather than inventing a "new system from scratch. The use of common sense is encouraged without sacrificing the structure that is so urgently needed in many existing systems.

Finally, a discussion of the costs and benefits of implementing improved safety/envirornmental/quality management is presented.
Promoting Sustainable Development: Strategies for the Exploration and Production Industry
Authors: Armstrong Kit
Published: December 2007

Sustainable development is being widely promoted as the environmental vision for the world for the 21st century. It presents both significant risks and advantages for companies in the E&P industry.

The push for sustainable development could result in increasing constraints on the industry, possibly threatening the industry's viability. On the positive side, it offers companies the incentive to improve their internal operations and expand their benefits to society. This will result in more efficient, profitable companies and a more successful industry.

Companies can pursue a wide range of strategies to address sustainable development and its potential impacts. Significant efforts will likely be necessary if the industry is to maximize the benefits and minimize the risks posed by the sustainable development movement.
Partnership Between Government and Industry in Vietnam To Develop Standards and Procedures for Environmental Protection in Offshore Oil and Gas Development
Authors: Gann Michael
Published: December 2007

Vietnam was a war torn nation for thirty years until 1975 and then entered a period of economic and social isolation for the next 12 years. Only in 1987 did the Government introduce its "open door" policy to encourage foreign investment. At the same time Vietnam reopened its territorial waters to Western oil exploration companies to search for new reserves of oil and gave the opportonity to bid for concessions to produce from reserves previously discovered but not yet developed.

The country's infrastructure and legislative base for oil and gas exploitation were very poorly developed but rapid progress bas been made in the last 4 years. Tins paper describes the cooperation between the Oil Industry and Government in the development of standards and procedures for conservation of the environment in which the search for oil is taking place.
Building Partnerships in Environmental Regulation
Authors: Stephenson M. T. , Nguyen M. H. , Gallagher M. P. , Andrews T. D. , Handszer Adriana
Published: December 2007

Texaco has been involved in partnerships in various areas of the world in the area of environmental protection regulation. These partnerships have been with the national governments, national oil companies, and other international E&P operators. Examples include offshore environmental operating guidelines for Bulgaria, the draft environmental protection decree for Angola, and regulations to support the recent environmental law in Bolivia. These partnerships provide the national regulatory body with the cumulative experience and the technology of all the operators involved. These operators have acquired a large amount of knowledge on the protection of the environment during E&P operations in virtually every ecological setting.
Environmental Assessment and Review of Joint Ventures in Oil and Gas Sectors in Russian Federation
Authors: Bourtsev S. A.
Published: December 2007

The objective of the acticie is to provide a general idea on the environmental legislation in Russia regulating 3U organisation and registration.

No revival of Russian oil and gas industry is possible without active participation of foreign companies and investments.

Russian Federation has its own Specific requirements on the volume and content of the pre- and project documentation which differs a lot from the western.

Environmental Review procedure is a mandatory activity in Russia and without its approval no activity can be started of financed on it's territory.

To avoid excessive delays and expenses in the project prepera-tion foreign companies need to strictly follow OU Rejistration Procedure and have to compily with the Requirements of Russian laws, standards and regulations on the protection of the environment.
Air Emissions From Offshore Oil and Gas Production
Authors: Husdal Geir
Published: December 2007

This paper addresses the main air emission categories and the future challenges that will meet the offshore oil and gas production industry.

A proactive, systematic, step-wise approach to control the emissions is proposed and described. This is an approach that has been applied by the Norwegian Oil Industry Association in its OLF Environmental Programme. The practical implementation is described and some of the results and observations are presented and discussed.