bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Gelation Systems for Conformance Control
Authors: Prada Alvaro , Civan Faruk , Dalrymple E. Dwyann
Published: December 2007

This paper presents the results of laboratory tests measuring typical gel system effectiveness in conformance control. The evaluated gel systems are a metal-complexed polymer system, an organic crosslinked-polymer system, and an in-situ polymerized system. All the systems are typical, commercially available systems used for water control in sandstone formations. The effects of temperature, differential pressure vs. permeability, and adsorption are investigated and quantified.

The first set of core-flood experiments was performed with 1-ft long, 2-in. diameter Brown sandstone cores. The test temperatures were 140° and 240°F. The second set of experiments was run in a composite system with two 6-in. long, 1-in. diameter parallel coreholders. One coreholder contained a Brown sandstone core and the other coreholder held a Berea sandstone core. The permeability of the Brown sandstone core was 5 to 10 times greater than that of the Berea sandstone.

The parametric studies carried out with these gels show

the effect of differential pressure vs. permeability behavior of the water-control systems during placement adsorption characteristics the effect of the gel systems on nontargeted intervals when placed without zonal isolation

The organic crosslinked-polymer system provided the highest gel-threshold pressure. The test results indicate an improved injectivity profile after an in-situ gelation treatment. The permeability of the untargeted intervals was also affected during nonselective treatments. A larger slug had a larger impact on nontargeted zones proportional to the zones’ permeabilities. Therefore, zonal isolation is strongly recommended. Polymer adsorption on rock surfaces and sensitivity of the metal-based crosslinker to the chemical environment can reduce gel-system effectiveness.
Recent Laboratory Results of THAI and Its Comparison with Other IOR Processes
Authors: Greaves M. , Xia T. X. , Turta A. T. , Ayasse C.
Published: December 2007

The integration of reservoir processes with horizontal well technology has led to the development of more efficient techniques for recovering heavy oil and tar sands bitumen. Whilst current in situ applications have concentrated primarily on steam injection processes, such as SAGD, new developments in air injection technology have been made using ‘Toe-to-Heel’ line drive. THAI – ‘Toe-to-Heel’ Air Injection, creates unique operating conditions in the reservoir, that have special advantages for heavy oil recovery.

The superiority of SAGD, compared with other steam processes, is manifested primarily in its gravity-assist mechanism, which allows a stable steam chamber to grow. The oil which is mobilised at the steam-oil interface drains down towards the horizontal producer well. In THAI, a similar gravity-assist mechanism exists by virtue of a ‘narrow mobile zone’ that develops immediately ahead of the combustion front. This occurs in a heavy oil reservoir when the vaporised oil and gases are prevented from communicating through the downstream oil zone and instead are forced to flow down into the exposed part of a horizontal producer well in line drive. The gravity-assist prevents gas override, ensuring an upright combustion front and hence stable process.

Semi-scaled 3-D combustion cell tests using heavy Wolf Lake oil have revealed the essential characteristics of THAI. Temperature profile measurements indicate that a ‘narrow mobile oil zone’ is formed, which allows hot vaporized oil, steam and combustion gases to be easily drained into the horizontal producer well. Cold oil in the downstream layer is effectively immobile due to its very high viscosity and consequently the oil saturation is maintained constant. This provides for constant, stable process conditions. The thermal sweep efficiency of the process is very high and virtually all of the oil in the zones contacted by the combustion front is produced, except for the small fraction consumed as fuel. The potential oil recovery is very high compared to other processes.
Mechanisms Causing Disproportionate Permeability in Porous Media Treated With Chromium Acetate/HPAAM Gels
Authors: Willhite G. P. , Zhu H. , Natarajan D. , McCool C. S. , Green D. W.
Published: December 2007

It is well established that treatment of porous rocks with gelled polymer systems often causes the permeability of water at residual oil saturation to be reduced by one to three orders of magnitude more than the permeability of oil at the water saturation that is immobile after treatment. This phenomenon is called disproportionate permeability reduction and is of interest because application of gel treatments in production wells has potential to reduce water production.

The mechanisms that cause this phenomenon are not well understood. This paper describes how permeability to oil and water is developed in pore space that is filled with a chromium acetate/HPPAM gel and why disproportionate permeability reduction is observed. Experimental data for the flow of oil and brine were obtained in unconsolidated sandpacks and in Berea sandstone cores with and without residual oil saturation after a chromium acetate/Alcoflood 935 gelant was injected and gelled in situ.

We show that oil permeability develops as oil penetrates into the gel-filled pore space, dehydrating the gel by displacing brine from the gel structure and creating "new flow" channels within the gel. The new pore space is a fraction of the original porosity, and the permeability to oil is reduced substantially from its initial value. Subsequent brine injection displaces oil from these flow channels but traps some of the oil in the new pore space as a residual saturation. The trapping of residual oil in the "new pore space" causes the disproportionate reduction in brine permeability because the brine flows primarily in the pore channels created by dehydration of the gel even though the gel has some brine permeability. When gelant is placed in matrix containing residual oil, dehydration of the gel reconnects some of the trapped oil and the oil permeability increases. Brine displacement experiments at the same pressure drop showed that initial brine permeability was reduced by factors of 1001000 more than the oil permeability, verifying the existence of disproportionate permeability reduction.
Laboratory Evaluation of Using Lignosulfonate and Surfactant Mixture in CO2 Flooding
Authors: Syahputra Andy Eka , Tsau Jyun-Syung , Grigg Reid B.
Published: December 2007

In a continuing effort to improve economics of oil recovery, the feasibility of using lignosulfonate with other surfactants for mobility control in CO2 flooding was evaluated. The laboratory tests were designed to quantify 1) the foam property of lignosulfonate with surfactant mixtures, and 2) the incremental oil recovery resulted from using such a mixture system.

The properties of foam were evaluated using a high-pressure foam durability apparatus in which the interfacial tension and stability of foam were determined. The mobility reduction of foam and the oil recovery efficiency were evaluated by conducting coreflooding experiments in a composite core, which contained well-defined high and low permeability regions in parallel to the flow direction.

Our results showed that lignosulfonate was compatible with most of the tested surfactants in generating high pressure CO2-foam. Lignosulfonate is a weak foam former by itself, however, it becomes a good foaming agent when mixed with other surfactant. Using such a mixture system in coreflooding experiments resulted in a significant improvement in oil recovery with a smaller amount of more expensive foaming agents and foam volume.
Compressibility Factor for Gas Condensates
Authors: Elsharkawy Adel M. , Hashem Yousef S. Kh. S. , Alikhan Abbas A.
Published: December 2007

Compressibility factor of natural gases is necessary in many petroleum engineering calculations. Some of these calculations are: evaluation of newly discovered formation, pressure drop from flow of gas through pipe, pressure gradient in gas wells, gas metering, gas compression, and processing. Typically, the gas compressibility factor is measured by laboratory experiments. These experiments are expensive and time consuming. Occasionally, experimental data became unavailable and the gas compressibility factor is estimated from correlations using gas composition or gas gravity.

This paper presents new methods for calculating the gas compressibility factors for the gas condensates at any temperature and pressure. The method is based on compositional analysis of 1200 compositions of gas condensates collected worldwide. When gas composition is known, this study presents a simple mixing rule to calculate the pseudo-critical properties of the gas condensate. The new mixing rule accounts for the presence of the heptane plus fraction. In case gas composition is unavailable, the study presents new gas gravity correlation to estimate pseudo-critical properties of the gas condensate. The study also presents evaluation of eight methods to characterized the plus fraction, three widely used mixing rules, and six methods to calculate the gas compressibility factor. Thus, this study presents evaluation of one-hundred forty-four possible methods of calculating the gas compressibility factor for gas condensates. Accuracy of the new mixing rule and the gas gravity correlation has been compared to other published methods. The comparison indicates that the proposed methods are consistent and provide accurate results.
Detailed Protocol for the Screening and Selection of Gas Storage Reservoirs
Authors: Bennion D. B. , Thomas F. B. , Ma T. , Imer D.
Published: December 2007

Gas storage reservoirs are used worldwide to store produced natural gas during periods of low demand for use during periods of high demand. These formations are often depleted natural gas reservoirs. Proper selection of a gas storage reservoir is important to allow proper and economic operation of the project on a long-term basis. This paper describes issues which need to be taken into consideration from a reservoir perspective when considering the development of a gas storage reservoir. These issues include the proper containment of the injected gas, maintaining injectivity and productivity over long-term operations, and problems which may be associated with the presence of free water or hydrocarbons in the storage reservoir (both mobile and immobile) as well as formation damage issues that often surround the drilling and completion of new wells in the gas storage reservoirs for development purposes.
Reservoir Characterization During Underbalanced Drilling: A New Model
Authors: Hunt James L. , Rester Stephen
Published: December 2007

The downhole pressure and rate data acquired during underbalanced (UB) drilling is essentially a well test during drilling. However, these data are rarely used quantitatively. Usually, the data are used qualitatively during drilling to make changes in the drilling design. In most UB drilling designs, the reservoir is considered to be independent of the well, providing fluid at an assumed constant rate. A reservoir model interacting with the well in real-time is needed.

Incorporating an appropriate reservoir model into the UB system results in a fully coupled system where changes in wellbore conditions are reflected in the flow rate from the reservoir. Data acquired from the UB process can then be analyzed to extract information about the reservoir, namely permeability versus depth, resulting in a more timely reservoir description.

We present a new solution of the mathematical model representing reservoir response during UB drilling. The UB drilling model is a modification of the mathematical model that describes the standard pressure transient test (the diffusivity equation). This modification, which makes obtaining the analytical solution more difficult, involves the time dependence of the boundary condition at the wellbore. As drilling progresses, the length of the wellbore increases and the fluid flow rate from the reservoir changes in response to the well length and wellbore conditions.

Several approximate solutions of this mathematical model exist in the literature. These solutions require simplifying assumptions such as no vertical permeability or the flow rate is a given function of time. In this study, a solution is obtained from the diffusivity equation with no further simplifying assumptions. Results obtained with the new analytical solution, with numerical simulations, and from the literature are shown to be comparable.

An actual field case is presented demonstrating the practical use of the model in a real-time UB drilling application.
Reducing Water Production in a Naturally Fractured Gas Well Using Sequential Gel/Gas Slug Injection
Authors: Wawro K. J. , Wassmuth F. R. , Smith J. E.
Published: December 2007

The application of gels for the control of excessive water production in oil and gas wells has been a treatment alternative for several years. The success of these treatments; however, has been relatively low. The Talisman Energy Inc. (Talisman)- operated Sukunka, British Columbia field pilot was conducted in conjunction with an ongoing research project at the Petroleum Recovery Institute to improve water abatement techniques in gas reservoirs. Sequentially injecting multiple slugs of gelant followed by gas allows for gel placement in the water conducting fractures or high permeability channels, while the gas overrides and reconnects to the upper gas zone.

A series of technical and economic screening criteria were developed to select suitable target gas wells with water channeling problems. Talisman's British Columbia candidate demonstrated water influx from a complex fracture system. The initial treatment design and sizing of the gel slugs was based on the experience gathered from previous gel applications in gas and oil wells. A high molecular weight polymer crosslinked with chromium acetate1,2 was used in the gelant formulation. In total, 127.5 m3 of gelant and 17,700 scm of nitrogen were injected during the sequential gel/gas slug application.

The gel application on this gas well was successful in several ways:

a relatively large treatment volume was successfully placed the water/gas ratio was significantly reduced incremental gas production paid for the treatment costs in 4 months

Identifying the nature of the water influx problem, and using the proper gel and placement technology lead to the success of this field application.
The Re-Engineering of Gas Storage Facilities to Meet the New Demands of Today's Marketplace
Authors: Evans L. Jay
Published: December 2007

The expansion of natural gas pipeline capacity from Canada, unbundling of LDC gas services, and projected increase in electrical demand across the United States is providing a unique opportunity for gas storage facilities to create value through new technology and innovative marketing techniques. Re-engineering of gas storage facilities by applying the latest technology and configuring the offered storage services to meet the new demands will significantly determine the value of these facilities. The paper will describe how these changes will impact the development of natural gas storage facilities, and how gas storage owners can position themselves to take advantage of these changes.
A Quick Method to Diagnose Flow Anisotropy Using Pressure Interference Data
Authors: Chen Her-Yuan , Hidayati Dewi Triarti , Teufel Lawrence W.
Published: December 2007

This paper describes a simple method to diagnose the existence of flow/permeability anisotropy using pressure interference data. The method is based on a log-log plot of pressure-change versus time/(distance)2. In addition, the well-pattern quadrant in which the orientation of flow/permeability anisotropy oriented can be identified within a range of 45 degrees, and the degree/contrast of anisotropy can be described qualitatively from the diagnosis plot. Examples based on simulated (analytical and numerical) and published field data are given to show the utility of the technique.
Field Case Study of Geomechanical Impact of Pressure Depletion in the Low-Permeability Cupiagua Gas-Condensate Reservoir
Authors: Giraldo Luis A. , Chen Her-Yuan , Teufel Lawrence W.
Published: December 2007

In-situ stress depletion is one of the primary causes of productivity reduction in low permeability reservoirs. Natural fractures not only enhanced the overall porosity and permeability of these reservoirs, but also increase the stress-sensitivity. Characterization of both pressure and stress fields, combined with well response analysis, is the first step in order to understand the behavior of such reservoirs.

This paper presents the study of stress-sensitive permeability in the near critical Cupiagua gas condensate reservoir in Colombia. The unusual tectonic stress regime σH > σv > σh combined with the evidence of natural fractures and the earthquake activity in the area make this an interesting case in looking for potential geomechanical impact on reservoir performance. A critical analysis of well tests coupled with the interpretation of core analysis, and numerical simulation is presented. Some practical recommendations trying to optimize reservoir management and final recovery are established.

Results suggest that permeability reduction not only is due to near well gas condensante effects but also associated with turbulent flow and in-situ stress depletion. Opening/closure of natural fractures is one potential mechanism to explain the stress sensitivity of productivity.
Liquid CO2 and Sand Stimulations in the Lewis Shale, San Juan Basin, New Mexico: A Case Study
Authors: Campbell S. M. , Fairchild N. R. , Arnold D. L.
Published: December 2007

In the spring of 1999, Burlington Resources initiated a well stimulation study in the Lewis Shale interval, San Juan Basin. The goal of the project was to establish the operational feasibility of pumping liquid CO2 and sand (Dry Frac) hydraulic fracture treatments1,2,3,4,5,6 in the Lewis Shale, and to compare production response of wells stimulated with liquid CO2 and sand to those stimulated with aqueous based systems. Production comparisons and well tests were used to quantify the results of the Dry Frac technology.

The Lewis Shale is present across the San Juan Basin and is part of the Mesaverde formation at approximately 4000'. Of the wells stimulated in 1999, 16 were treated with liquid CO2 and sand’ a water free stimulation technology. The remainder of the wells (46) were treated with nitrogen-foam water based fluids. Prior work completed within the Lewis interval suggests that imbibing gelled fluid into the low-permeability’ naturally fractured formation may cause permeability reductions. Permeability damage to the natural and hydraulic fractures may be eliminated and/or reduced by fracturing and propping the Lewis interval with the nonaqueous based fluids utilized in the Dry Frac process.
Formation Damage Processes Reducing Productivity of Low Permeability Gas Reservoirs
Authors: Bennion D. B. , Thomas F. B. , Ma T.
Published: December 2007

As drilling and completion technology advances, the trend to exploitation of gas reservoirs exhibiting ever lower permeabilities continues. This paper discusses issues associated with the identification of productive, low permeability, gas-producing formations and the successful completion and production of these reservoirs. For the purposes of this paper, a very low permeability gas reservoir is defined as a formation having an in-situ matrix permeability to gas of 0.5 mD or less. Criteria are presented for identifying economic absolute permeability cutoffs for low permeability gas-bearing formations. Very low permeability gas reservoirs are typically in a state of capillary undersaturation where the initial water (and sometimes oil) saturation is less than would be expected from conventional capillary mechanics for the pore system under consideration. These formations are commonly referred to as dehydrated or desiccated formations and have been documented on a worldwide basis. Retention of fluids (phase trapping) is discussed as one of the major mechanisms of reduced productivity, even in successfully fractured completions in these types of formations. As well, a variety of diagnostic and remedial treatment options are presented.
Sustainability Indicators and Metrics of Industrial Performance
Authors: Beaver Earl , Beloff Beth
Published: December 2007

There is a lack of accepted metrics and credible indicators to assess the current state of a company, an industry or the manufacturing sector of the economy with respect to its performance in promoting sustainable development. Metrics and indicators must be established before progress can be measured and goals for improvement can be set. These indicators of progress need to take into consideration material intensity, energy intensity, resource consumption and pollution dispersion, however, these measures alone are not sufficient indicators. They need to be assessed in the context of the total costs they represent to the company as well as in the context of an overall value-added the business generates.

The design and preliminary testing of indicators by companies under the auspices of the National Roundtable on the Environment and the Economy and the Center for Waste Reduction Technologies (CWRT) have yielded a good basis for establishing workable indicators of industrial performance along the themes of energy and material use, resource consumption and pollutant dispersion; however, these indicators have required refinement to ensure that they are simple, easily understood, reproducible, and cost-effective in terms of data collection and suitable for managerial decision making. In addition, work has been needed to adapt them from large to medium and smaller-sized companies.

Through a grant from US Department of Energy and under the auspices of CWRT, sustainability indicators and metrics in the areas of investigation described above have been further refined and adapted to become more robust for use in management decision making. As a part of this effort, a Total Cost Assessment tool has been developed, and particular focus has been placed on understanding social costs associated with environmental impacts as an indicator of future costs companies may bear.
Implementing a Contractor HSE Program in a New Overseas Operation
Authors: Davies Emily , Gilbert Anthony
Published: December 2007

"Implementing a Contractor HSE Program in a New Overseas Operation" describes the incorporation of Chevron's "Contractor HSE Program" into the business of the Venezuelan 3rd Round Reactivation Project LL-652. The LL-652 Field was previously operated by Lagoven, an affiliate of the Venezuelan national oil company, Petroleos de Venezuela S.A. or PDVSA. The field is now currently operated by Chevron on behalf of partners Statoil, Arco and EPIC (the "Consortium"). The paper details the issues surrounding the application of the Program in principle and in practice, outlining the type and scope of the operation to which the program is applied. The paper also describes how the program was incorporated into the Consortium contracting strategy and its’ application to all contracts. The paper summarizes: "lessons learned" after sixteen months of operation; the improvements achieved by the application of proactive performance measures as evidenced by personnel training; the application of safe systems of work and the improvement in contractor equipment and facilities; and the benefits of a sustained Contractor HSE Program to the Consortium, to the contractors and to the local community.
HSE-Management System in Action?
Authors: van Kuijk E. , Kuijper M.
Published: December 2007

Many Exploration and Production (EP) companies world-wide have made significant investments in setting up formal Health, Safety and Environmental management systems. The challenge is now to convert these investments into performance improvements. In this paper it is argued that a good "return on investment" will depend on: The level of integration with general business controls and management systems: more integration means more impact,The strength and quality of feedback loops: good feedback loops make the useful elements of a management system more effective and ensure timely removal of uncontrolled growth,The clarity of the longer-term vision: an HSE management system is a means to an end. Without a clearly defined "end" vision and policies, even the best HSE-MS may result in only marginal improvements and consequently disappointments.

The question "Is your HSE-MS in Action?" has to be answered negatively. In the end it is people, not Management Systems, who get into action. Which is why the clear longer- term vision is so important. Management systems alone do not motivate people to get into action. Motivation is created by building a shared vision on shared values and by translating this into a concrete strategy and goals.
The Effect on the Health and Safety of Older Offshore Personnel - Long Shifts and Working Night Shift
Authors: Lodden T.
Published: December 2007

In Northern Europe, offshore working is traditionally performed in cycles of continuous two or three weeks of working 12 hour shifts, of either night or days. It is quite common for overtime to be worked in addition to these 12 hours, bringing the working day up to 16 hours or even more.

A work cycle such as this can easily have an influence on the health of the offshore worker and this in turn can affect the ability for the offshore worker to continue working until normal pension age. As long ago as 1981, a report by three major offshore oil companies in Norway, together with representatives from OFS, the Norwegian Federation of Oil Workers union, recommended a pension age for the offshore workforce of around 60 years, but this has never been implemented.

Added to these health problems is one of safety for the offshore workforce. Long shifts and in particular night shifts, are known to increase the risk of workers having accidents.

As there has never been a specific study by the Norwegian oil industry concerning shift, sleep and health problems, especially related to safety and age, I have had to use related studies, reports, publications and verbal presentations, in tying to my reach conclusions.

I will try with this paper to show that a great deal of information already exists today to support the problems experienced by offshore workers and how possible solutions can be introduced.
Combustion Efficiency Measurements of Flares Operated By an Operating Company
Authors: Ozumba C. I. , Okoro I. C.
Published: December 2007

Past studies in the Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) of Nigeria Limited and literature had suggested 95% as the average combustion efficiency for flowstation flares operated in the company. However, with technological advancements, increasing global environmental awareness, the growing concerns on the impacts of gas flaring and the desire to better manage gaseous emissions from SPDC facilities, the need was identified to more accurately evaluate the quality of flares and more importantly, their combustion efficiencies.

Employing the services of Shell Thornton Research Centre, measurements were made on eight representative flares of varying designs and flow rates across the company, to determine their minimum combustion efficiencies using the open-path infrared technique.

Unburned methane and carbon monoxide were not detected in the individual flare exhausts studied and, therefore, minimum combustion efficiencies were calculated by considering the potential quantities of gas that may have been present and yet remained undetected in the plume. Combustion efficiencies based on maximum methane and carbon monoxide levels in the exhaust gases of typical flares operated by SPDC were measured to be in excess of 0.98.

This paper discusses the results of the study with a look at the methodologies and techniques; the processes and assumptions made.
Evaluation of the Offshore Safety Legislative Regime in the UK
Authors: Rose David , Crescent Jacqueline
Published: December 2007

Introduction

This paper focuses on AUPEC's Evaluation of the Offshore Safety Legislative Regime. AUPEC, in conjunction with specialists from the University of Aberdeen's Industrial Psychology Group and Safety Engineering, undertook an Evaluation of the Offshore Safety Legislative Regime (EOSLR) on behalf of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). The study followed on from the 1995 Interim Evaluation of the Safety Case Regulations.

The Safety Case Regulations form part of a larger programme of replacement and review of the Offshore Health and Safety legislation to establish an integrated goal setting regime. The Safety Case Regulations formed the central part of this process. However, Safety Case Regulations are supported by a number of other significant components of the goal setting legislation which have now come into force, namely:

Offshore Installations and Wells (Design and Construction, etc.) Regulations 1996 (SI 1996/913) (DCR), Offshore Installations and Pipeline Works (Management and Administration) Regulations 1995 (SI 1995/738) (MAR) Offshore Installations (Prevention of Fire and Explosion, and Emergency Response Regulations 1995) (SI 1995/743) (PFEER).
Organisational Change as a Means to Cost Reduction – Experiences and Challenges from a Safety Regulator's Perspective
Authors: Holmefjord Agathe , Nielsen Liv
Published: December 2007

This paper presents some of the results from supervisory activities NPD has performed during the nineties. International trends on organisational change together with increasing technological complexity have an important impact on how the oil companies conduct their business. Increased effectiveness and flexibility has been the primary goal to meet the challenges faced by the industry.

This paper discusses some of the challenges from a safety point of view in managing organisational change and increased technical complexity in a potential high-risk industry, arguing that we need a better understanding of the interdependencies between technology and the functioning of organisations.
Thermal Desorption of Drill Muds and Cuttings in Ecuador: The Environmental and Financially Sound Solution
Authors: Zupan Tom , Kapila Mukesh
Published: December 2007

Oil base mud cuttings present a complex and costly waste management challenge. Indirect thermal desorption in conjunction with fluid recovery and reuse is widely recognized as the most promising means of achieving the zero discharge goal. Indirect thermal desorption offers a unique combination of compliance assurance and economic benefits.

Thermal desorption technology, referred to as TPS, developed by SCC Environmental was selected by partners Arco Oriente Inc., Agip Oil Ecuador BV and Petroecuador to provide drilling waste management and fluid recovery for a pioneering E&P project located on Block 10 in the eco-sensitive Villano field of Ecuador.
The UK Cross Industry Safety Leadership Forum - A Drilling Sector Perspective
Authors: Krahn Dennis R. , Mearns Charles S. , Fe Santa , Richards Simon C. H.
Published: December 2007

This paper documents the launch and evolution of the UK Cross Industry Safety Leadership Forum (also know as the Step Change Initiative). The purpose is to outline drilling sector accomplishments under this initiative, detail what drilling specialists have found valuable, and give some insight to those who might like to import such an initiative.
Continuously Improving Safety Processes for Energy Interests
Authors: Lukens William Oran
Published: December 2007

Strong, consistent and dedicated leadership is necessary for successful safety, health and environmental performance.

Simply relying on these attributes in an organization's leadership often leads to inconsistent performance as personnel changes take place. The use of systems, tools and processes to drive and measure performance provides a foundation for continuously improving safety, health and environmental performance.
The Maintenance Baseline Study
Authors: Øxnevad Sverre , Nielsen Liv
Published: December 2007

The use of self-assessment as a method for improving a company's Maintenance Management System (MMS) has not been frequently applied by the operating Companies on the Norwegian Continental Shelf. This paper presents a method developed by the Norwegian Petroleum Directorate (NPD) for this purpose – The Maintenance Baseline Study. In this paper some conclusions are drawn based on the experience from the application of this method in different pilot projects, performed by four operating companies and a couple of drilling contractor companies.
Fear of Flying Helicopter Among Norwegian Offshore Employees
Authors: Ringstad A. J. , Lie T.
Published: December 2007

It is estimated that about 10% of the normal population experience intense fear of flying, and it is therefore imaginable that fear of flying helicopter is a major work environment problem among offshore employees. Norwegian newspapers have taken a keen interest in the issue, and interviews of offshore employees have indeed indicated that this is widespread problem. However, no representative data concerning the real extent of the problem have been available until recently. This paper presents results from a survey among offshore employees (ca 3000) on the Norwegian Continental Shelf. About 5% of the sample are judged to suffer from extreme anxiety/discomfort during helicopter flights. A larger group (20-25%) experience anxiety in situations that in some way deviates from "standard procedure" (e.g. new helicopter types, strange noises, bad weather etc.). The results furthermore indicate a strong dissatisfaction with the physical environment in the helicopters (noise, seating comfort, temperature). The results from the study are discussed in light of recent psychological theory explaining the aetiology and maintenance of phobic behaviour, and some general ways to lessen the anxiety is suggested.
Rising Helicopter Accident Rates
Authors: Gray Captain Peter
Published: December 2007

The most important factor in aviation is SAFETY, followed by EFFICIENCY and RELIABILITY

Unfortunately, many in the petroleum industry, particularly some aircraft operators which support it, are not aware of these priorities and put efficiency first, over safety. For example, when the author asked one pilot why he had just flown 8 people at 70metres on a direct route over the Amazonian primary forest for half an hour on a crew change flight in a single engine helicopter, instead of following the dry river banks which paralleled our track but, because we were too low and far away, were out of reach, replied "This is seismic where all flying is low and direct" Human life and the misery of human suffering following a fatal accident are simply not worth risking just to get the job done quicker. Nor the other effects such as cost and lack of reputation
Road Safety for the Oil & Gas Industry
Authors: Ahern Dan
Published: December 2007

Road accidents appear to represent an under recognised safety hazard for people working in the oil & gas industry. While safety efforts focus primarily on hazardous work sites such as drilling rigs and production facilities, evidence suggests that most occupational fatalities occur on the road. About 50% of occupational fatalities are road related and certain sectors of the oil & gas industry may be at increased risk. This paper considers the extent of the occupational road safety problem and identifies risk factors that specifically relate to the oil & gas industry. Suggestions are then made on how individual companies may reduce this risk.
Technology and People: The ‘Hardware’ and ‘Software’ of Safety
Authors: Green Reg
Published: December 2007

Technology is a necessary, but not a sufficient requirement for the maintenance of the highest health, safety and environment standards, because technology is both developed and used by human beings. An understanding of the relationship between the ‘hardware’ of technology and human ‘software’ – workers and managers - is crucial to a better understanding of their respective capacities and limits.

In a capital-intensive industry such as the oil and gas industry, technology plays a considerable role in the maintenance of health, safety and environmental protection. However, an over-emphasis on the technology of safety can result in an underestimation of the equally important human factors.

Both management and workers have a mutual interest in maximising health, safety and environmental performance and minimising risk. The best means of furthering this mutual interest is through Joint Health, Safety and Environment Committees (JHSECs), comprising balanced representation of both workers’ union representatives and management.

The important task of measuring and assessing safety and environmental performance also requires a clear understanding of human factors. Accident and incident statistics are commonly used indicators of an employer's health, safety and environmental performance. Yet we know that they are inaccurate and incomplete. Under-reporting, under-diagnosis and under-acceptance, present major problems.

Credible indicators of safety performance and assurance need to be developed such that both the technological and the human aspects of an organisation's safety regime and safety culture are fully addressed. The development and implementation of joint union/management indicators of safety performance would be a major step in the right direction.

The SPE, at its next Annual Conference, should set aside time to develop a better understanding of the relationship between technology and human factors. Specifically, consideration should be given to the importance of joint management/worker cooperation, jointly agreed and implemented safety structures, and the importance of both predictive and retrospective indicators.
The Hearts and Minds Project: Creating Intrinsic Motivation for HSE
Authors: Hudson P. T. W. , Parker D. , Lawton R. , Verschuur W. L. G. , van der Graaf G. C. , Kalff J.
Published: December 2007

The Hearts and Minds Project is aimed at developing intrinsic motivation for HSE. After an extensive review of the academic literature on motivation, with special emphasis on self-driven or intrinsic motivation, it was decided that the best way to establish an intrinsically motivated workforce was to develop a safety culture. This paper outlines the review of intrinsic motivation and describes the basic notions of a safety culture, ranging from the Pathological, through the Bureaucratic/Calculative to the Generative. These cultures are described with five basic dimensions covering Communications, Organisational Attitudes, Roles of the HSE Department, Organisational Behaviour and Working Practices. A laudable aim of an organisation is to become as advanced a culture as possible. This is often difficult to implement effectively; implementations often fail sooner or later and organisations are notoriously difficult to change. A model, based upon extensive experience with addiction, has been adapted and applied to help steer the evolution of organisations toward the Generative Safety Culture. This paper finally discusses the advantages to be gained from establishing an advanced safety culture. Not only are the costs and risks associated with HSE failures reduced, there are also direct benefits to be gained. Having a truly motivated workforce can allow less, rather than more, direct time to be allotted to HSE while maintaining or even improving performance.
Confinement of Wastes Injected Below Thawed Permafrost: A 12 Year Update from the North Slope of Alaska
Authors: Weingarten Jean S. , Bill Michael L. , Andrews Donald E.
Published: December 2007

The main North Slope Class I industrial waste disposal facility has injected 12 million barrels into a permeable formation just beneath the permafrost at 2000 feet. Initial concerns about fluid confinement were addressed by extensive field testing. This testing, coupled with the absence of underground sources of drinking water, allowed injection pressures to be authorized above the fracture gradient - an unusual operating condition.

Re-permitting the facility in 1999 required an evaluation of permafrost thermal response to the injection of warm fluids and determination of potential impacts on waste confinement. This was accomplished using temperature logging after a one week shut-in period and by thermal modeling. At issue was whether the temperature log profiles could be explained by conductive heat transfer or whether they indicated upward fluid movement out of the injection zone. The evaluation was accomplished by coupling a radial thermal model with a one-dimensional vertical conduction model. This combination could better predict the temperature profile adjacent to the injection interval because vertical heat transfer is dominant just above the storage reservoir.

Very good agreement was obtained between field measurements and the model results, indicating there was no fluid moving upward through the confining zone. With this "history match" as a basis, the model was used to predict future temperature changes and thaw bulb growth throughout the permafrost interval.
Social Responsibility Codes of Conduct: Tools or Threats for Multinational Companies?
Authors: Armstrong Kit
Published: December 2007

International focus on the social responsibility of multinational companies is becoming more intense. This is being accompanied by increasing efforts to develop voluntary codes of conduct governing environmental and social aspects of business activity.

Codes of conduct are being developed by international industry groups, multilateral government organizations and NGOs. Some address primarily environmental, labor or human rights concerns, while others articulate general principles and commitments on all those topics and more.

Multinational companies face increasing opportunities to adopt one or more of these social responsibility codes of conduct, whether on their own initiative or in response to external pressure. Commitments to a code can bring benefits to a company. However, they can also present challenges resulting from differences between the company's and external parties’ interpretations of code language and about the criteria and procedures to be used to evaluate compliance.

Proliferation of social responsibility codes has increased the intensity of the code debate. That debate is likely to become more complex for companies and industry organizations in the future, even as more of them adopt codes.
Integrating Greenhouse Gas Management into Business Planning
Authors: Lee Arthur , Schievelbein Vernon H. , Debeyssey Svetlana Y. , Milliet Michael P.
Published: December 2007

The emissions of greenhouse gases and their potential impact on climate change are more than just a debate on the scientific uncertainties; it is perhaps the dominant public policy issue as we begin this century. Issues of international interests, economics, energy technology and public perception drive the complexity of the climate change issue for businesses and industries. Since 1997, Texaco has compiled comprehensive annual emissions inventories of its worldwide operations and interests. In 1999, Texaco made a further public commitment to integrate greenhouse gas emissions management into Texaco's business planning processes. This paper describes Texaco's process of integrating greenhouse gas emissions management into the planning of new projects and strategic business thinking.
Industrial and Environmental Safety Provisions for the Prirazlomnoje Oil Field Development in the Pechora Sea
Authors: Jouravel V.
Published: December 2007

New challenging offshore oil production project to be developed by Russian JSC Rosshelf in tight and sensitive Arctic offshore environmental conditions. The Project is subject to extensive international partnership and co-operation both on design/construction/drilling/operational phase and on safety and environmental protection provisions. The paper summarizes the experience gained and prospects expected for enabling proper HSE regime for the pioneer project, expected to open the gate to the development of Barents Sea hydrocarbon development. Special attention is admitted to demonstrate the manner and procedure for implementation of internationally recognized HSE requirements and best practices.
Evaluation of Well Drilling and Completion Chemicals in the Light of a New Regulatory Regime
Authors: Romijn Henk , Wolting Bert , Berg Erik
Published: December 2007

During the past 2 years the policy within the North-Sea countries with regards to regulating use and discharge of chemicals offshore has changed. The work on harmonization of regulations has progressed through the Oslo and Paris Commission (OSPAR), the European regulatory body for the offshore environmental issues. However, despite the outspoken efforts to establish a harmonized chemical hazard and risk evaluation and control system, many countries have continued to use their own systems.

This paper describes the current trend in the oil and gas industry towards zero discharge of offshore chemicals. Operational as well as regulatory viewpoints are given. The zero discharge trend is viewed against several policies of OSPAR, e.g. the Action Plan 1998-2003, Strategy with regard to hazardous substances and the Harmonized Mandatory Control System (HMCS). The various ways in which the North-Sea countries have implemented the OSPAR guidelines so far and the relationship of zero discharge with for example the development of more environmentally acceptable chemicals are discussed. The role of the revised Chemical Hazard and Risk Management (CHARM) Model is also taken into this review.

From their own experience the three major service companies describe how this affects the development and use of certain chemicals.
Community Relations in Bolivia: A New Sustainable Development Approach
Authors: Avila C. E. , Vega K. B. , Suaznábar C. E.
Published: December 2007

The relationship with the neighboring communities has been of high interest and importance for an oil company like Empresa Petrolera CHACO S.A. (CHACO). Considering that Bolivia's rural areas are so deprived, any investment will be of value and will cause a positive social impact. Migration to the lowlands countryside has been massive in the last decade. As a result, a mixture of different cultures has been taking place. In general, the poverty index in rural areas is alarming, reaching levels between 80 to 95% depending upon the region. CHACO has been conducting a community affairs program in all locations surrounding its operations in Bolivia, which in most cases are remote and isolated areas located close to or inside National Parks. These locations because of the migration, is a mixture of different cultures, languages, needs, and ethnic origin. Each location has been approached by the company to learn about their needs, taking primarily into consideration the areas of health, education and road improvement, critical to any sustainable development in the area. CHACO has used the town-hall approach to understand the real needs of the communities. This is done through an initial contact with the community leaders to inform them of the company's work program and its interest in contributing to their well being and improvement in standard of living. Once this contact is established, a general meeting is held with the elders and the local leaders maintaining a good level of communication and information of potential impacts of the works and the mitigation measures that the company will apply in each case. A plan is agreed with the communities reflecting the company strategies and their needs. This approach is clear, direct, personalized and simple. A continued presence in the communities with programs tailored for each location has reached more than 30,000 people in over one hundred communities resulting in excellent relations between CHACO and its neighbors.