bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prediction of Reservoir Formation Collapse in a Carbonate Gas Field in Abu Dhabi UAE Using Coupled Reservoir Geomechanical Modelling
Authors: Sirat M. , Al Ammari K. , Masoud R. , AL Hashemi H , Zhang X. , Chen Y. , Povstyanova M.
Published: December 2014

Formation collapse in reservoirs where the pressure has not been maintained during depletion can cause permeability reduction, completion damage and well failure, interrupting production and affecting the ultimate recovery from the reservoir. The problem is particularly acute within severely depleted areas of the field.

In this paper a carbonate gas field was investigated. For this developed field, a further production plan has been scheduled to deplete the reservoir up to the year 2063 without any reservoir pressure maintenance. The objective of this study is to investigate the possibility of formation collapse of the productive zone, well failure and completion integrity damage particularly within the severely depleted areas. Coupled reservoir geomechanical modelling was conducted, and different scenarios were investigated to understand the impact of uncertainty in mechanical properties and the presence of faults and fractures.

The results indicate that pore collapse is likely to be the main failure mechanism of high porosity formations with high levels of depletion. Onset of formation failure is likely to happen around 2018 to 2020, and it is recommended to monitor the production rate of those wells located in high porosity and high depletion areas. Pressure maintenance should be implemented if the reservoir pressure falls below 1000 psi in the later stages of production.
Developing Project Management Professionals
Authors: Al Jaidah Bader
Published: December 2014

TAFAWOQ, which means "excellence" in Arabic, was established in 2011 as a regional non-profit Project Management Centre of Excellence, to deliver a world-class course program which aims to develop the competencies of project managers for capital projects in the State of Qatar and the GCC.

The Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Petroleum (QP) and Qatar Shell developed the TAFAWOQ initiative in supporting Qatar National Vision 2030 (QNV 2030), one of the most ambitious development programs in the world. This program is accompanied by investment projects valued at more than US$ 230 billion.

A Memorandum of Understanding between the three partners was signed in October 2012.

This paper illustrates how TAFAWOQ contributes to the development of the competencies of project managers and other participants in project teams in Qatar and the region. In summary, this is through: The delivery of a world-class course program for project managers and those participating in projects in the State of Qatar and in the GCC region. This program is developed in conjunction with the Shell Project Academy, Cranfield University in the UK, Technical University Delft in The Netherlands, Queensland University of Technology in Australia, and the University of Texas in Austin.Community Events to promote networking and provide the project management community with a forum to discuss major subjects regarding project management in the GCC region.Tailored courses to address specific requirements of regional companies and delivery of courses at their premises.Toolbox sessions to refresh what was presented in our courses or to address a particular topic.

Over 250 project professionals from companies in Qatar and other countries in the region successfully completed the TAFAWOQ programs and four community events were organized. Meanwhile, the first batch of course participants passed the APMP examinations.
4D Seismic Processing Pilot, Offshore Qatar
Authors: Blanco B. , Charron P. , Brechet E. , Pagliccia B. , Radigon M. , Emang M.
Published: December 2014

4D seismic is a powerful tool to monitor a reservoir. This geophysical technique involves repeating 3D seismic over a produced area. It is well known as a robust reservoir monitoring tool in clastic deposit environments. In a carbonate reservoir however, once oil is replaced by water the effect on seismic parameters is less pronounced and should result in only a slight 4D signal. Thus 4D seismic has often been overlooked to monitor the production of carbonate reservoirs. However, in such context, Total E&P Qatar engaged in a 50 km2 4D pilot study in 2012. This was carried out over the Al Khalij field, offshore Qatar, a Middle-East carbonate field under development. This 3D survey, shot more than 10 years after baseline acquisition, helped to determine what could be achieved by 4D data. 4D inversion and interpretation have since shown encouraging results, consistent with well calibration. Therefore, a full field acquisition that will repeat the 1999 3D vintage is envisaged to be shot during 2014.

This paper will develop the meticulous 4D processing that has been done in order to optimize the interpretation of this slight 4D signal. Each processing step has been challenged with over a hundred SEGY outputs on the whole project for internal QCs. 3D seismic processing is already a challenge over the Al Khalij field and the intensive 4D testing flagged numerous errors that have had no impact for 3D purposes although were detrimental to the 4D analysis. In order to prepare for the future full field 4D processing, the 4D pilot processing has been restarted from scratch several times in order to fine tune results. For ensuring 4D repeatability a test will be launched on the full field acquisition with Total E&P's original method for predicting 4D noise during acquisition.
Deposition, Stabilization, and Removal of Asphaltenes in Flow-lines
Authors: Aslan Seyma , Firoozabadi Abbas
Published: December 2014

Asphaltenes are the most polar components of crude oil and its deposition is a serious problem in petroleum production. Asphaltenes are composed of 10-12 fused benzene rings with aliphatic chains, heteroatoms, and some metals. To stabilize the asphaltenes from deposition or to chemically remove the deposited asphaltenes, we studied various dispersant/stabilizers to assess their effectiveness. We have studied two oils, MN-133 and BAB, and employed two acidic dispersants (DBSA and PAO-72) and a stabilizer (BA). We have performed mixing, sedimentation and characterization of the supernatant in vial studies, and stabilization, deposition, and removal of asphaltenes in flow-line experiments. Our results indicate that only 5 ppm of BA is sufficient to stabilize asphaltene particles. To remove the previously deposited asphaltenes, 5% of an acidic dispersant for 1-2 pore volumes is sufficient. Our experiments have been performed in laboratory scale but show great promise for a field-testing. This study will enhance our knowledge on the effect of non-ionic and acidic surfactants in asphaltene solubilization/stabilization, decipher the mechanism, and shed light on fundamental understanding of asphaltenes at the molecular level.
Improving Gas-Condensate Recovery Factor and Addressing the Flow Assurance Issue with an Innovative and Highly Accurate Fluid Sensors for Wet Gas Business
Authors: Pinguet B.
Published: December 2014

In wet gas business, the fundamental challenge from a metrology point of view is to detect either condensed water or first formation water entry. This need is related to the flow assurance concerns, mitigation process to be started with chemical injection, and detection of water breakthrough at reservoir level.

In recent years, operators have requested multiphase and/or only wet gas meter manufacturers to solve these challenges by additional measurement and specifically the ‘salinity’ measurement (i.e. conductivity). Most of the manufacturers have responded by incorporating additional sensors into their conventional meter, which address the fundamental problems that their technology is facing and to correct the bias coming from a change of salinity, but unfortunately, it is also increasing the entire complexity and equipment cost.

This paper is describing the development of the most innovative solution to obtain this additional conductivity measurement and thru this versatility in the installation of the sensor becoming an enabler for some oil and gas operators that can obtain a very cost effective solution in some field developments.

The paper is explaining the fundamental principle, and the entire process of qualification encountered over 4 years for obtaining a commercial solution including for high pressure and temperature conditions. The performance of the conductivity measurement will be check against the best flow loop references around the world.

The paper demonstrates that even in control conditions with only few tenth to hundredth ppm of liquid (0.001%), it is possible to discriminate the different phases, even the condensate formation inside the pipe (crossing the dew line). This innovative solution is a breakthrough for any wet gas development where flow assurance is critical.
Identifying New Opportunities Through Reservoir Performance Reviews and Systematic Benchmarking of TQ Recovery
Authors: Prelicz R. M. , Fearfield D. , Sobera M. , Roeterink R. , Van der Harst C.
Published: December 2014

The Champion field is a large offshore oil field in Brunei Darussalam, which has been on production since 1972. The field is complex both geologically and in terms of the production system. The reservoir has over 500 stacked sandstone reservoirs across 15 fault blocks. Over time production facilities have increased to 40 surface structures supporting production and processing from over 1300 completion intervals. Although the field is considered a mature field and with aging facilities, there is a clear long-term vision to rejuvenate the field to sustain production for another 30 years through re-development and expansion of the water injection scheme.

Ongoing maturation of the waterflood project is supported by continuous Reservoir Performance Reviews (RPRs). The RPRs bring together the reservoir understanding, hydrocarbon saturations and production data. The purpose of the RPRs is to identify opportunities – restoration, acceleration and reserves addition and compile them in an integrated development plan covering the short, mid and long term. RPRs are carried out at the flow unit level - a small group of commingled reservoirs within a single fault block.

Top Quartile Recovery Factor (TQ RF) analysis is an integral part of the RPR. With the Top Quartile Estimated Ultimate Recovery (TQ EUR) tool, Shell developed a benchmarking tool which provides a conceptual framework that probes the performance of each field in a consistent manner. Basic geological and fluid properties as well as economic parameters are used to determine a complexity factor for each flow unit. The current and expected ultimate RF of the unit is then compared to the TQ RF (from reservoirs of the same complexity).

A systematic approach is taken to bridge the gap to TQ RF. Closed-in well reviews identify restoration and water injection candidates. Deterministic analysis of sweep patterns and high remaining oil saturations are compared with streamlines in the NFA forecast model. Potential gains are quantified by the simulator. The outcomes are near-, mid- and long-term surveillance and development plans to move the recovery up to TQ and beyond to the technical limit (TL).

By applying this systematic RPR/TQ process per flow unit across the whole field, a detailed reservoir understanding of this giant, complex field is achieved. This approach enabled the integrated WRFM team to deliver significant value in terms of increased production, optimization of Waterflood development and new in-well and infill opportunities.
First Real-Time Drill-Stem Test in Deepwater Using Fully Acoustic Telemetry Monitoring and Control of the Well
Authors: Dias Flávio , Marcançola Fernando , Wakabayashi Dalmo , Piazza Ralph
Published: December 2014

As exploration has moved into deeper, more hostile environments, drill-stem testing (DST) has had to address new challenges related to testing in these ever-changing, more demanding environments. These new scenarios have required continuous technology innovations to enable DSTs to meet the additional needs inherent to the deeper offshore environments. Testing technology has had to find solutions for these conditions, while maintaining cost optimization and operational safety, both of which present continuous concerns. One strategy has been to reduce the use of electrical cables in the well and minimize the application of pressure to the annulus. This paper presents the industry's first fully acoustic telemetry controlled and monitored real-time drill-stem testing (DST) operation performed in a deepwater environment. The fully acoustic controlled operations included: Opening tester valve for flowClosing tester valve for build upOpening circulation portsActuating downhole samplersAcquiring real-time pressure and temperature data.

This job was performed in the pre-salt region of southeast Brazil from a semi-submersible rig at 7,053-ft water depth in a well that was17,600 feet deep. In this DST, a completely wireless acoustic system was used to control the downhole tools, and as such, had to actuate the tester valve, the circulation valve, and the bottomhole fluid sampler, while acquiring real-time bottomhole pressure and temperature data. This was the first time that this type of operation had been attempted in deep-water conditions.

Acoustic telemetry systems usually can help optimize operational cost because of their capability to access quickly real-time data pertinent to the reservoir evaluation; because of this capability, immediate well-timed decisions or changes to operations can be made.

The fully wireless system (acoustic wireless transmission across the subsea safety tree and its components) provided the operator with acoustic feed-through response, which enabled troubleshooting from the surface and capability to change the "next steps" for the DST quickly.

This paper also discusses how the use of these tools elevated testing operations to a higher performance level and improved quality standards.
Fluid Loss Prevention for PrePerforated Liners, in High-Temperature and High-Pressure Applications
Authors: Carrejo N. , Kellogg B. R. , Barnard J. J. , Gaudette S. L.
Published: December 2014

Global demand for energy is driving the necessity to develop completion technology that optimizes production while maintaining a cost effective strategy. Operators rely on these technologies to push the boundaries to complete ultra-deep, high pressure and high temperature wells. These depths require proper fluid placement during drilling. After thetotal depth is reached, a conventional method to gain access to the reservoir in a cased-hole application is to use gun perforating systems or wireline platforms to perforate the casing. These systems generate costly losses in production time, and are followed by a clean-up run to prevent the debris from plugging the well or damaging other tool systems. In addition, the perforation of the drilling liner can cause unwanted skin damage to the formation that can impede production. High-strength disintegrating materials (HSDM) are an engineered metallic that provides an interventionless solution. HSDM combines the strength of metallic material with the unique quality of degradable composites by dissolving in brines or acids. This material enables the liner to be predrilled to a predesigned diameter, and filled with a high-strength disintegrating plug (HSDP). The HSDP provides a flow path for essential drilling fluids, and after displacing the drilling fluids to completion brines or acid, the HSDP dissolves. After removal of the HSDP, the operator gains full access to the formation without impeding production. The technology is combined with a new bonded bead matrix to provide reliable sand control while maintaining the HSDM as a fluid loss barrier. These two technologies form an extreme pressure frac screen (XPFS). With the bonded bead matrix protected by a HSDM disc, the working pressure rating is 15 ksi in burst and collapse. Upon removal of the HSDM disc, the bonded bead matrix is a sand control screen that prevents production of 85 to 95% of all particles larger than 53μm while maintaining high erosion resistance and compatibility with corrosive fluids such as hydrochloric acid. This paper presents the pressure rating dependability and sand control capabilities of a liner that provides operators with an interventionless ability to reliably complete ultra-deep, high-pressure and high-temperature wells.
Integrated Water Injection System Capacity Optimization through Cluster Looping
Authors: AlSelaiti I. H. , Aly Moussa M. , Mohammed Al Haj J. , Yersaiyn S. , Mehran F. , Didanloo A. , Cristea Z.
Published: December 2014

This paper describes an efficient approach to evaluate the water supply-to-injection cluster facilities capacity and also to define the required upgrades and areas of optimization.

The supergiant filed understudy is located in Abu Dhabi and is producing for decades from multilayered carbonate reservoirs. The field is under peripheral water injection to maintain reservoir pressure and also to enhance the oil recovery.

Total of 53 water injection clusters have been commissioned in the field to support water injection operation for reservoir management purpose. The water clusters consists of producing wells from water bearing formations and multiple injection wells completed in different reservoirs. Frequent down time in the water supply wells and existing bottle necks in the water supply to injection system has led Abu Dhabi Company for Onshore Operation to evaluate the clusters looping option to enhance the water injection capacity of the field and optimal re-distribution of the water through the clusters.

By this strategy, the high capacity water supply wells will be able to feed the candidate clusters required extra water or the clusters with the closed water supply well under maintenance.

To achieve this strategy, a fully integrated water supply to water injection system was built using a commercial fluid flow simulator. The integrated model consists of water supply well equipped with ESP, water injection facilities network with surface pumps, strainers and choke manifolds as well as injection wells. The system was validated against most reliable measured data at a snap shot of time.

The full integrated water supply to injection model was used to evaluate the opportunities to loop the high capacity clusters to high demanding clusters, identify the bottlenecks in the system and also to determine the various options in the clusters facilities to enhance the water injection capacity of the field.
Advanced Monitoring and Inspection Help Increase the Safety of Operations
Authors: Kapusta Sergio , Wang David
Published: December 2014

Asset integrity is one of the crucial components of process safety. While process safety incidents in the oil and gas industry are rare, they have the potential to cause injury to people and damage to the environment, to our business and to the industry's reputation. To prevent and mitigate the impact of such incidents we establish successive safety barriers such as adequate materials selection, process operating windows, corrosion control, monitoring and inspection. In this presentation we focus on some of the novel techniques to inspect and monitor the condition of equipment and detect potential hydrocarbon leaks. These techniques are integrated through robust work processes and management systems into the asset integrity program, and can help to dramatically improve the safety of operations.
Rising Heat, Rising Threat - Hydrate Before It's Late
Authors: Al Ali Mohamed A. , Sarkar Prabir Kumar
Published: December 2014

Exposure to excessive heat from ambient environmental conditions during the summer months is a common hazard in most of the Oil and Gas installations in the Gulf. ADGAS Occupational Health Risk Assessment has also identified heat as a major hazard during the summer months. In order to mitigate the adverse health effects of heat exposure, ADGAS implemented a comprehensive management programme, based on a multi-angled approach, which included filed surveys, lab tests and control measures as summarized below.

Workplace survey: Walkthrough of the workplace to identify activities with potential for heat exposure along with the availability of controls and employee awareness.

Thermal environment monitoring: Determining the Thermal Work Limit by measurement of dry bulb, wet bulb and globe temperature, and air velocity.

Hydration testing: Measurement of specific gravity of urine samples from selected outdoor workers (308 out of 500 workers) to ascertain the hydration level in accordance with ADNOC COP guidelines.

Control measures: A Multi-tier approach to mitigate the effects of heat exposure through the following: Management involvement: Heat stress campaign with site visits by the top management and provision of water and refreshments.On site arrangements: Rest shelters with provision of drinking water along with tool box talks on heat exposure for the workforce.Employee awareness: HSE leaflets, presentations, awareness booklet, etc., to enhance the level of knowledge on harmful effects of heat.

The above programme resulted in risk reduction for a group of nearly 1000 employees (~59%) of ADGAS workforce. The program has met its objectives as manifested by zero incidents of heat related illnesses in 2013 as compared to eight cases in 2012. The programme has also helped to provide information on the baseline heat exposure, and possible immediate and future control measures.
Rotation by Reciprocation Casing Landing Technology
Authors: Gosselin R. , Montgomery T. , Muriby A. , Yussef Moataz , Karrani S. , Khamis A.
Published: December 2014

With the innovation of ERD and directional drilling and the challenges these wells impose due to complicated and difficult wells’ paths, advanced well profile, Deep and HPHT wells and Horizontal wells, running casing and liner strings has become increasingly problematic.

Conventional casing running methods have not given full confidence of landing at TD every time a casing orliner job is run, especially with difficult and challenging wells.

Not much has been done to address these challenges which vary with wells and fields such as: ledges & obstructions, washouts, swelling shale, bridging, high doglegs, difficult well profiles, fill on bottom and well collapse, etc.

To overcome the challenges, the inventors developed the Fill Drill Product Line as a new technology to facilitate casing operations especially for long horizontal strings, production strings, and intermediate casing strings.

The authors will describe the innovative system utilized to improve the casing run supported by extensive field data. Case History will be presented and the benefits of the application of this technology in these wells will be explained.
Preventing Production Opportunity Losses In LNG Plant
Authors: Al Shehhi Abdulla Bin Saif , Lallchandani Kailash Tikam
Published: December 2014

Rotating Machines are critical key equipment in the LNG plants. Acceptance working conditions have been defined in standards and are followed closely by the operators. In this article, a real case study is described for Critical equipment which was allowed to operate in an abnormal condition, based on a calculated risk decision in which the technical defect and potential consequences were taken into account.

Long term opportunity losses on one of LNG Trains in ADGAS was avoided by taking a calculated risk decision and allowing the Propane Centrifugal compressor to operate at high vibration levels till the shutdown could be planned.

A sudden unexpected trip occurred in one of the LNG train in ADGAS and during start-up, the Propane Compressor driven by a steam turbine tripped several times due to excessive vibrations. Vibration analysis indicated a heavy rub, thermal bow, or ingested foreign material near the center of the rotor along with heavy sounds from the suction drum. This supported the assumption of ingestion of foreign material, rather than a machine originating problem. Hence the machine was allowed to run for six months whilst keeping it under intensive care i.e. a very close online condition monitoring.

Thus an accurate vibration analysis helped Maintenance and Operation personnel to carry out the risk assessment for keeping the Compressor running till all the spares and manpower arrangement could be done and prevent the Production loss.

Introduction

LNG Train#1 was operating at full load condition when a sudden trip was experienced on Das Island on 27th April 2013. System was restored after 2 days and all machines were restarted. The Propane refrigerant compressor driven by a steam turbine was attempted to start but machine tripped repeatedly at high vibration levels.

The machine was brought to full speed by increasing the vibration trip levels and vibration data was collected. The vibration data was well analyzed by ADGAS engineers in-house and also opinions from external experts & OEM were sought, to decide that the machine shall be kept running or stopped immediately. Outage of the machine was suspected to be 6 months due to nonavailability of spares and could have high impact on production targets and risk of meeting commitments.
Deployment of Down Hole Gauges in Sucker Rod Pump applications - New step in Optimization
Authors: Quttainah R , Mehmood F , Dange A , Sierra T
Published: December 2014

Sucker Rod Pump (SRP), one of the most common and mature artificial lift techniques is usually known to be designed with minimum available data. With the flexibility of the operational characteristics it is possible to find a combination of pumping unit, pump and rods to draw the fluid out of the well. A SRP system potentially could draw the bottom-hole pressures down to near-zero condition. However the need for accurate data for optimized design and operations is equally important in order to meet production targets and achieve reasonable run life.

This paper summarizes a case study for one of the Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) fields in Kuwait where down hole gauges were employed first time in SRP wells to receive the pump intake pressure (PIP) and pump discharge pressure (PDP) in real time, a Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system to transfer the down hole and surface data to a real time optimization software. The initial designing of two wells were done with a very limited knowledge about the reservoir Productivity index (PI). Data limitations caused a conservative design approach which led to oversizing of the equipment. As the operations started, with real-time optimization system, the productivity index of the well was determined with a high degree of certainty. This information along with surface real time data helped Optimize and scale down the pumping unit size for the future nearby wells,Balance the units in real timeFine tune the production in real time with the changes in reservoir inflowEnsure the system integrity
The Importance of Data Integration to Optimize a Steamflood Project in South Oman: Case Study
Authors: Al Rabaani A. O. , Shibli A. , Tromp J. , Zhen C. , Duggan T. J. , Al-hinai S. M. , Belghache A. , Sheibani H.
Published: December 2014

The "A" West field is located on the Eastern Flank of the South Oman Salt Basin. The field is at Haima level and is a classic high relief ‘turtle-back’ fault-bounded, anticline approximately 4kmsx2kms oriented North-South. It is a dome shaped structure with large oil columns of 200+m. The thickness of the oil column and the reservoir quality make the reservoir a good candidate for steam flooding with high thermal efficiencies. The field received FID for thermal development based on a vertical well 10-acre 7-spot pattern in 2009.

The "A" West steam-flood pilot started in 2008 as an inverted 10 acre-7 spot pattern comprising a vertical steam injector surrounded by six vertical oil producers located 125 m from the injector and three observation wells. Five years after the start of injection in the "1P" pilot area, a temporary increase in hot oil production has been observed in one producer of the "1P" pattern. The temperature and net oil increase started in February 2010, some 14 months of injection and continued till January 2011, when the injector well was abandoned and replaced with new injector as part of the facilities "urban development" plan. The switch of the wells was accompanied with the change in the perforation interval to the lower half of the oil column in an attempt to improve the steam conformance within the pattern.

The in-depth analysis of existing and newly acquired well and production data with the integration of the formation pressure tests, seismic, pressure and temperature data with detailed simulation models provided new insights that together helped in explaining the performance of the thermal EOR process. This has also helped in optimizing the pattern size and improve steam conformance to maximize the sweep efficiency.
Impact of Baffles and Shales on Reservoir Performance under Cyclic Steam Stimulation and Steamflooding
Authors: Jain Anil Kumar , Ferdous Hasan , Ahmad Khalid , Choudhary Pradeep , Al-Khamees Waleed
Published: December 2014

Cyclic steam stimulation (CSS) and steamflood performances are strongly influenced by shaly barriers and cemented baffles in the heavy oil reservoir. Marine shales do act as a permanent barrier in most conditions, while non-marine shales and diagenetically altered cemented siltstone baffles may not act as barrier under different operating and reservoir settings. In this paper an investigation was made to understand the impact of barriers and baffles on performance of a reservoir operating under CSS and steamflooding.

Out of several hundred wells drilled, seven isolated wells were selected for CSS on a trial basis. Two of them were completed in the Upper-A layer and three in the Upper-B layer. Marine cap shale as barrier exists on top of Upper-A while a cemented sandy siltstone baffle separates Upper-A and Upper-B layers. Wells completed in Upper-A performed better than those completed in Upper-B in the first cycle though sand thickness of Upper-A is much less than that of Upper-B.

Production performance of the CSS wells was analysed considering the geological nature of baffles and shale barrier, and from results obtained during steamflood experiments conducted on plugs from baffles, and it was concluded that the main reason for the better performance of Upper-A layer compared to Upper-B layer was the presence of impregnable cap shale barrier. Cap shale does not allow the steam to migrate upward, thus forcing it to remain in Upper-A layer while when injecting steam in the Upper-B layer, some of the steam passes through the baffle above it, resulting in poor production performance and higher steam oil ratio. This analysis suggests that the aspect of competent shale being barrier to steam and baffle not so effective barrier should be given due consideration during commercial application of the CSS and steamflooding processes in the field.
The Temperature Control Technology of Fire Flooding Assisted with Gravity Drainage in Liaohe Oilfield
Authors: Long Hua
Published: December 2014

Fire Flooding Assisted with Gravity Drainage Oil-recovery Technology is one of the effective replacement of Cyclic Steam Stimulation Technology, and the Temperature Control Technology is one of the key measures to guarantee the forward moving of Fire-flooding front and the normal production of wells. Based on the oil production mechanism of Fire Flooding Assisted with Gravity Drainage Process, this paper is to set up the produced-fluid temperature field model of horizontal production well as well as the temperature-control model, and to predict the bottom hole temperature with the wellhead fluid temperature reaching to the inflection point temperature, and then determine the required steam injection rate for the viscosity reduction in the early stage of Fire Flooding to maintain the normal lifting. In the process of Fire Flooding, in order to prevent the damage of the well completion string and ground equipments caused by the high temperature of bottom hole, the injection speed of the cooling water should be calculated to ensure the safety of the well bore, and so by taking the effective measures of temperature control, the Fire Flooding Test could be carried out smoothly. Now, the Temperature Control Technology is successfully applied in the Shu 1-7-5-H8 Pilot Test Well Group of Liaohe Oilfield, and the bottom-hole temperature corresponding to the well-head inflection point temperature, the tracing-heat steam injection rate at the different drainage intervals and the cold water injection rate to ensure the wellhead fluid temperature below 150°C, all of these critical parameters have been predicted effectively to guide and ensure the normal production of the well group.
A Comprehensive Investigation of WASP Application in Heavy Oil Using Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Am Suranto , Bae Wisup , Permadi AK , Park Yunsun , Lasahido M. R. , Migas SKK , Dang Son T. , Naser M. A.
Published: December 2014

Steamflood has been performed successfully since the 1950's in several fields worldwide. Although being considered successful, it still has problems associated with its mechanism. Due to gravitational effects, steam tends to move towards the upper portion of the reservoir causing the lower section to be poorly drained. In order to overcome this effect, water alternating steam process (WASP) might be a good solution which helps inhibiting the steam from moving upwards while keeping breakthrough-time from increasing. Previous literature study about WASP is scarce, even though this process is complex and sensitive to operating condition. By investigating WASP using response surface methodology, factors governing the steamflooding operations can be evaluated.

This paper presents the investigation regarding WASP applications in heavy oil. The reservoir model is ran with several operating conditions to achieve the most realistic interpretation. The operating variables include WASP start, WASP cycle, steam and hot water injection rate, and steam quality. Afterwards, a statistical model is fitted to examine the most important parameters influencing the 8-year net present value (NPV).

Simulation results indicate that the injection rate and WASP cycle are very sensitive to the NPV. The optimum case is that in which the WASP is started after 3.57 years, the cycle of steam-hot water injection is 4.65 months, the steam quality is 0.58, and the steam and hot water rate are 108 m3/day. The maximum NPV is 29.80 MMUSD.
Addressing Challenges of Water Flooding in Heavy oil Reservoirs Using Numerical Simulation: Case Study
Authors: Aboelhassan M. Gamil , Noureldien Darhim M. , Mahmoud Sobhy F.
Published: December 2014

GUPCO (Gulf of Suez Petroleum Company) is the pioneer in Egypt and Middle East in applying conventional waterflooding projects fas a secondary recovery method, Starting from Morgan field, Ramadan, October and July field by injecting into different reservoirs such as Lower Rudies, Upper Rudies and Cretaceous. These successful examples have been done and still running to recover greater amount of oil utilizing more advanced techniques like BrightWater and LoSal.

The Heavy oil block in July field which is located in the Gulf of Suez (GoS) was discovered in Jan. 1986 by appraisal well J53. Many tests were performed to get the extension, characteristics of the reservoir and the hydrocarbons as well. It was found that the API gravity of oil is 19 degree. Using Numerical Simulation, we could define different scenarios of depletion plans to maximize the recoverable oil, and hence a decision was taken to start and implement the optimum scenario.

This paper will discuss different scenarios and the selected optimum depletion plan, and comparing between the forecast from the model versus the actual achievement addressing production performance, reservoir rock characteristics, Data gathered and surveillance plan for the reservoir since May 1996 followed by water injection using dual string completion in December 1996.

The paper is a good example as a case study for the value of using the technology of 3D modeling to maximize the recovery from challenging reservoir like heavy oil reservoirs in addition to proving that waterflooding has successfully improved the recovery of 19 API degree oil in July field.
Viscosity Predictions of Viscous Oil from a Kuwait Oil Field by Low-field NMR
Authors: Ahmed Khalid , Sandor Magdalena , Chen Songhua , Li Lilong , Hassan Faisal , Mishra Prasanta Kumar , Al-Khamees Waleed , Shao Wei , Al-Jabari Naim
Published: December 2014

In-situ viscous oil viscosity estimation is critical for identifying sweet spots, selecting depths to collect samples, designing well completion and recovery strategies, and production predictions. NMR logging is the only technique that allows an indirect yet continuous assessment of viscosity. Accuracy of NMR based viscosity prediction largely depends on the robustness of the correlation. The existing empirical NMR viscosity correlations are either based on light and medium viscose crude oils, synthetic oils or extremely viscous oils or tar.

The Kuwait viscous oil has viscosity ranging from tens to few thousands of cP. The present study was focused on developing an NMR T2-viscosity correlation through low-field NMR experiments applicable to data acquired by different logging instruments, which operate at different frequencies and have different data acquisition parameters.

In order to limit number of unknowns, a viscosity correlation was developed that implemented the relationship between T2 geometrical mean (T2GM) at 5 inter-echo spacings (TE) to account for the signal loss related to the faster relaxing components of the crude oil. Compared to previously published T2GM or apparent hydrogen index based viscosity correlations, which uses a single TE measurement, the inclusion of multiple TE data reduces the sensitivity of variations due to noise or inversion of the fast decaying components. This allows the correlation to be easily applied to the analysis of logging data, which may be acquired from various logging service providers at different TEs.

The robustness of the viscosity correlation derived from this data was subsequently tested on select unconsolidated viscous oil core plugs. In-situ viscosity determination using the derived correlation was demonstrated by comparing NMR log measurements and oil data at reservoir temperature for different service provider data. Better agreement between the NMR predicted and the rheological viscosities are obtained in comparison to using the known correlations.
Phenomenological community and integrative social agency: Critique of a phenomenological concept of inter-subjectivity
Authors: Bagi Zsolt
Published: December 2014

The term ?phenomenological community? is not among the most well-known
concepts of phenomenology. It was used by Marc Richir referring to
Merleau-Ponty?s concept of ?natural? community. The paper examines this
concept from the point of view of social philosophy. It analyses its
relevance in the context of a post-Hegelian philosophy of inter-subjectivity.
The community conceived this way is origin and result at the same time,
giving rise to a theory of a historically grounded formation of a previously
not given and heterogeneous communicative integration; moreover, social
mediation defining the subject of action is an open, non-totalizing process,
which makes it possible to conceptualize an integrative action that does not
neutralize the heterogeneity of the contemporary society. The theory of the
phenomenological community is the ontology of a disintegrated but common
world. Social action never happens on the basis of chaos but of the
inter-subjective world, thus it can provide a new basis for such an action.
On the other hand the ?phenomenological community? is essentially a form of
the ?passive synthesis? thus it is unable to provide foundation for a
unifying action, the only possibility for an authentic integration (a
non-representative form of social integration). Thus it necessitates a
critique.
Two conflicting interpretations of social philosophy
Authors: Losoncz Alpar
Published: December 2014

In this paper I present two philosophers, namely Maurice Merleau-Ponty and
Jean-Paul Sartre, but from the perspective of social philosophy. I emphasize
that social philosophy proves to be a rarity today, and this explains the
necessity of articulation of the achievements of these philosophers. In
particular, I analyze the relationship between the articulation of
intersubjectivity and social philosophy and on the basis of these relations I
present the differences and conflicts between the aforementioned
philosophers. Merleau-Ponty?s philosophy is explained from the perspective of
unbroken intersubjectivity; the philosophy of Sartre is presented on the
basis of the relation between 56 transcendental subjectivity and
intersubjectivity. The article follows the genealogical approach, that is, it
highlights the dynamics of the thinking of these thinkers in order to show
the displacements. Finally, I develop the thesis that the late Sartre, who
remained within the frames of Marx?s approach, actually reinterprets the
early indications to be found in Merleau-Ponty concerning social philosophy.
Consequently, late Sartre is still an important reference point in terms of
the critical philosophy of society.
Laïcité et sécularisation aux pays-bas et en Belgique ou la fin de la pilarisation de la société civile: Partis politiques, religion, sécularisation, pays-bas, Belgique
Authors: Mommen André
Published: December 2014

Les relations entre l?Eglise et l?Etat en Belgique et aux Pays-Bas furent
longtemps d?termin?es par un compromis historique ?tablissant une paix larv?e
entre les forces politiques pr?nant la ? libert? scolaire ? et celles
d?fendant la la?cit?, de facto les valeurs de la R?volution fran?aise. A
l?origine, il s?agissait essentiellement d?une lutte visant le contr?le de
l??ducation publique et le r?le des congr?gations religieuses dans
l?organisation de l?enseignement. Ceci avait ensuite conduit ? une
segmentation accrue de la soci?t? en ? piliers ? g?rant leurs propres r?seaux
sociaux dans un syst?me communautaire subventionn? par l?Etat et dont les
?lites d?cidaient entre elles des modalit?s ? suivre. Avec la
d?confessionnalisation et l?expansion ?conomique inf luen?ant de plus en
plus les rapports humains, cette organisation de la soci?t? a perdu sa
signification et a conduit ? la disparition plus ou moins compl?te des
"piliers".
Who should take care of the poor? Religion and social welfare in America
Authors: Vukelic Jelisaveta , Stanojevic Dragan
Published: December 2014

The purpose of this study is to examine the church-state relations in the
United States from the perspective of the social welfare system. More
precisely, we are questioning the way the conceptual foundations and
practical activities of religious organizations influence the directions of
social policy and shape the way of dealing with the poor. The first part of
the text outlines the main features of religious life and social welfare
system in America, while the second contains an analysis of the impact of
basic moral and religious principles of the Reformed Protestantism and Roman
Catholicism (the two most widespread religious traditions) and the ways in
which religious organizations are taking part in the modern social welfare
system in America.
Liberalism in foreign trade versus liberalism in air transportation - is there a link?
Authors: Grancay Martin , Szikorova Nora
Published: December 2014

The aim of this paper is to determine whether there is a statistically
significant link between regulation of international civil aviation and
protectionism against foreign trade. We use weighted air liberalization index
(WALI) as a proxy for the level of regulation in a country?s foreign aviation
relations; trade tariff restrictiveness index (TTRI) and overall trade
restrictiveness index (OTRI) as proxies for the level of protectionism in a
country?s foreign trade. Correlation analysis shows that there is no
statistically significant link between the indicators. Hence, our research
confirms the view that air transportation is a specific sector and it is
subject to a different kind of policies than trade in goods. We also
demonstrate that large high-income countries tend to have a more liberal
approach to international civil aviation than small low-income countries.
The Proper Use Of Laboratory Tests In The Diagnosis And Management Of Diabetes
Authors: Lukens F D W
Published: December 2014

A well-balanced index of suspicion of diabetes is essential to the physician in internal medicine or general practice. As one sees the kaleidoscopic range of disease, the possibility of diabetes should be rapidly, routinely and reflexly considered in dealing with persons in the following categories: all those who have diabetic relatives, the obese, and those with conditions which place a burden on the function of insulin. A suspicion should lead to investigation by laboratory tests.
Controlled Versus Free Diet Management of Diabetes
Authors: Wilson James Lee , Root Howard F , Marble Alexander
Published: December 2014

Clinical experience has led the authors to believe that continuous aggressive treatment of diabetes, directed toward the maintenance of physiologic conditions including normal levels of blood sugar, is of the greatest importance in reducing the incidence and severity of degenerative complications. Ideal control implies that a quantitated diet providing ample minerals, vitamins and calories derived from the proper distribution of carbohydrate, protein, and fat has been so well utilized by adequate insulin effect that blood and urine tests for sugar are invariably normal. Although this ideal is rarely attained, a consistent, conscientious effort to reach it will usually result in reasonably good control. On the other hand, in recent years some have advocated plans of treatment which provide much less rigid control and thus by the authors' standards fall far short of being adequate therapy for diabetes.1-6 These plans allow, in general, a free selection of diet as well as disregard of glycosuria and hyperglycemia as long as acidosis is absent.
Recent Statistics On Diabetes
Authors: Marks Herbert H
Published: December 2014

The section on Diabetes Statistics is carried over from Diabetes Abstracts, in which it appeared regularly beginning with the tenth issue of that journal (Volume 3, Number 2) for April 1944. The section was started on the suggestion of Herbert H. Marks to Dr. William Muhlberg, then Treasurer of the American Diabetes Association and Chairman ofits Committee on Statistical Investigation and Corporate Membership.

The original proposal was for a regular page on current statistics of the disease, with particular emphasis on mortality statistics. Gradually, other types of statistical data on diabetes and on the characteristics of the diabetic population were added. For a period of several years, the section consisted merely of a series of statistic cal tables. It was proposed in 1946 to enhance the value of this section by adding a short interpretive text with regard to the statistics contained in the tables, and this was done beginning with the first issue of Volume 6 of Diabetes Abstracts.
The Objectives of the American Diabetes Association: Definitions And Proposals
Authors: Colwell Arthur R
Published: December 2014

At the end of its first ten years of rapidly expanding growth, the American Diabetes Association has recently completed a review of its past, an examination of its present, and a tentative program for its future. This intensive self-study was prompted by the factthat the Association's work has accumulated faster than its ability to plan. On occasion, our facilities for execution have actually lagged behind the responsibilities we have assumed.