bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
API Technical Report – Guidance for the Integrity Management of Weathervaning Systems
Authors: Spong Robert , Deschamps Rodney , Bhattacharjee Subir , Byatt David , Gallagher Daniel
Published: April 2023

Presently, limited guidance is available to the industry on best practices for managing the integrity of weathervaning systems for floating assets. Weathervaning systems include internal and external turrets, tower yoke turrets and loading/offloading buoys. Components that make up these systems (i.e., bearings, lubrication systems, swivels, leak recovery systems, connection and release systems) are critical to the weathervaning capability of offshore Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) and Floating Storage and Offloading (FSO) Systems (hereon collectively referred to as Floating Production Systems or FPS) as well as loading/offloading buoy systems. They are also critical to maintaining production and disconnection/reconnection to avoid extreme events. To maintain these complex systems, a multi-discipline offshore integrity team (e.g., process, mechanical, electrical and structural) is required. As a result of these complexities, it is often challenging for offshore operators to understand all the subsystems and manage the long-term integrity.

Recognizing this limitation, the American Petroleum Institute (API) commissioned a project to develop guidance on managing the integrity of weathervaning systems. The resulting new API technical report addresses this limitation by providing information from OEMs, and operators on the various component functions, complexities, deterioration mechanisms along with guidance on typical activities required to maintain integrity. This paper describes the development, industry engagement and content of the new API guidance document for weathervaning systems integrity management (IM).
A Robust Static Model for Geo-Mechanical Characterisation and Drilling Optimisation in Offshore Niger Delta Basin, Nigeria
Authors: Asedegbega Jerome Edafe , Eyinla Dorcas Sekemi , Oladunjoye Michael Adeyinka , Opara Alexander Iheanyichukwu , Nwakanma Alexander
Published: April 2023

There exists little or no core laboratory data needed for dynamic measurements-to-static elastic moduli calibration in most of the offshore fields in Niger Delta Basin. Wells are planned or drilled with little or no geomechanics inputs. Oftentimes, this has led to wellbore instability issues, non-productive time, and abandonment. To overcome this challenge, Gassmann's fluid substitution model that connects with the rock volume's geomechanical properties is therefore presented. This approach involves draining the rocks of its initial pore fluid, so that in-situ dry rock moduli (bulk and shear) and bulk density of the porous frame are estimated. Shale anisotropy, which has effect on wellbore stability analysis especially in highly deviated and shale-rich wells is corrected for in the process. The in-situ static relationship for dynamic-to-static elastic moduli transform is provided and has proven to be optimal in mud-weight design in the offset wells. The static model was compared to existing empirical formula to prove the reliability and otherwise of the model. The results showed that pore pressure exceeded 5200 psi at depth > 8000 ftss with corresponding overpressure >2000 psi. Sudden pressure ramp was observed between 7400 - 7600 ftss and corresponded to the interval kicks which were recorded in the offset wells. At these depths, it was observed that the initial mud-weights window was selected without recourse to geomechanics, i.e., the in-situ stresses and static rock elastic properties interplays were ignored thus, leading to an underbalanced drilling. The ranges of the obtained static rock mechanical properties, the in-situ stresses, the resulting mud-weights, and shear failure profiles at the corresponding depths are presented as reference. The most significant part of this static model is that it has been applied to drill five nearby wells successfully for the first time in this field and can be adapted for future well planning and drilling optimisation. This rock physics approach though rigorous but novel in the sense that it can reduce uncertainties inherent in the characterisation of subsurface stresses and static elastic properties, especially in the absence of core or in-situ laboratory measurements.
Using a Multi-Phase Approach to Place Submerged Landscapes into a Cultural and Archaeological Context
Authors: Evans Amanda M. , Swanson Eric A. , Fadem Cynthia M. , Scholl Nathan C.
Published: April 2023

This paper details the multi-phase approach used by Atlantic Shores to place submerged landscapes identified through geophysical and geotechnical surveys in support of offshore windfarm development into appropriate cultural and archaeological contexts, resulting in more accurate interpretations of potential historical significance. Where these submerged landscapes may be adversely affected by lease development, the multi-phase approach is used to tailor mitigation strategies based on the locally-specific context.
Datacentric System for Automatic HazOp Study
Authors: C. da C. B. Diniz Filipe , Braun Felipe Eduardo , Munk Marcel , R. de Paula Eduardo Augusto , Da C. Pacheco Daniela , da C. Amaral Marcelo
Published: April 2023

This work aims at characterizing a system which automatically generates a list of HazOp scenarios by analyzing a set of databases which contain Process and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs), its objects (equipment, piperuns, instruments, valves) and relationships between them. The scope is currently limited to process systems of FPSOs. The system can explore P&IDs through the databases that describe them, mimicking the same thinking process that human beings would execute. It divides them into nodes, and searches for possible causes of process deviations. For each cause, the system verifies which consequences could happen to P&IDs objects and, if they do happen, the system looks for detections and safeguards that could protect them, also listing interlocks. All those rules are stored as tables that objectively define the relation between causes, consequences, safeguards, carrying the engineering team experience. Based on those results, a list of recommendations is built. The result is a complete HazOp Study, including subdivided nodes, description (listing equipment, piperuns, instruments, valves, data, drawings, systems), causes, consequences, detections, safeguards, interlocks, and recommendations. Standard HazOp is very time-consuming and subject to error, as it depends on human effort and attention to details, which are not constant nor error-free. The automatic analyses are based on pre-established relationship tables of cause, consequences, and safeguards, thus more compliant to rules than the conventional HazOp. Those tables can also be customized to accommodate the operator learned experience and to allow HazOp team to add more complex scenarios. All objects from those scenarios are completely identified by tag and P&ID (typically conventional HazOp fails to be that meticulous). The interlocks related to the switches are more thoroughly searched than conventional HazOp would have (including the final element and the action). The proposed system can execute the HazOp for the entire topsides from an FPSO in about 48 hours (with no human supervision), which is a very short time when compared to requirements from a conventional HazOp. The purpose is not to completely replace standard HazOp, but to complement it. The result is standardized, fast generated, and highly detailed, contributing to higher productivity and safety.
Offshore Power Generation Floater and Gravity Based Structure with Integrated CO2 Capture
Authors: Pactat Alexandre , Mariac Laurent , Orhon Dominique , Dinant Frederic , Le-Guen Anne , Volatron Jean-Philippe , Cousin François , Pourchot Thierry
Published: April 2023

This paper presents two novel concepts of combined cycle power generation floater and Gravity Based Structure (GBS) with a Post Combustion CO2 Capture (PCC) system integrated in the hull structure. Decarbonizing offshore power generation based on simple cycle gas turbines and using conventional post combustion CO2 capture technology is challenging due to the high flow rate of flue gas with carbon content as low as 3.5 vol%. The use of a compact combined cycle power generation with a back pressure steam turbine optimized for offshore space and weight constraints and with the carbon capture system integrated within the hull structure of a floater or a GBS allows significant cost reduction compared to a conventional design. A conceptual level engineering study was carried out to assess the technical feasibility and the economic viability of these two concepts. The following two cases studied are each based on a centralized power generation facility able to supply up to 100 MWe (Net export) of low carbon electricity to several offshore fields and where CO2 can be stored locally underground: Centralized power generation floater with CO2 capture in a West African deep-water sectorCentralized power generation GBS with CO2 capture in a shallow water sector of the North Sea

The carbon capture system is based on a generic mono ethanol amine (MEA) solvent. Process simulations, 3D models, stability studies and structural modelling were also carried out using industry's leading software. Capital cost estimates were developed for each concept. The largest parts of this capture system (direct contact cooler, absorption and water wash columns) are directly integrated into the concrete or steel structure (shell & bulkheads) to benefit from the naval architecture requirement for hull structure partitioning (watertight compartments) which thus reduces the impact on topside weight and layout.

This novel design can substantially help to overcome the challenges due to the cost and complexity to implement CO2 capture at existing or newbuild offshore facilities which are too remote for electrification from shore or to use offshore renewable sources, in order to decarbonize a significant part of the oil & gas production.
Unlocking Bulk Hydrogen Production, Storage and Transport with Learnings from Real-Life UK Trials
Authors: Elizabeth Iliffe Molly
Published: April 2023

The growing hydrogen economy represents a major opportunity for energy producers - many of whom have existing skills and infrastructure which can be repurposed for this sector. However, the ability to store and transport hydrogen in large quantities is a challenge. Hydrogen as an energy carrier has a relatively low volumetric energy density. A solution for transporting hydrogen at scale between supply and demand centres is therefore needed. The UK Government commissioned ERM to design two industrial scale trials to address these considerations. Key learnings from these projects will be presented to delegates, including technical challenges and solutions, commercial drivers and optimisers, and health, safety and stakeholder considerations and approaches. The two industrial scale trial projects together cover the full value chain for liquid organic hydrogen carrier (LOHC) storage, transport and use.

LOHCs are a viable means of transporting hydrogen in large quantities and have several advantages over other carriers such as ammonia, methanol or liquid hydrogen. In particular, LOHCs can be stored at ambient pressure and temperature, enabling the repurposing of existing oil infrastructure for storage and transportation. The first industrial trial evaluates the technical and economic feasibility of storing LOHC in conventional oil storage tanks, transporting it via oil pipelines, transporting it at bulk scale using conventional marine tankers and loading/unloading at existing oil jetties using standard equipment (loading arms, valves, pumps, etc). The second industrial trial involves demonstrating a design for a novel cascade tankage system that can supply large quantities of hydrogen at high pressure for a range of applications. The system stores ‘charged’ LOHC (i.e. LOHC carrying a high quantity of hydrogen) and is designed to enable hydrogen to be released from the LOHC and the ‘depleted’ LOHC (i.e. LOHC with hydrogen removed) to be stored in a unique cascade tankage system. The released hydrogen is compressed and used to supply hydrogen applications at high pressure (300-700 bar) or, at lower levels of compression, used to directly connect to a hydrogen supply line.

Insights from these industrial scale trials will be presented to delegates. The learnings cover the entire LOHC value chain including storage, transport and use in a marine context - and there will be particular focus on the technical and economic potential to repurpose existing oil and gas infrastructure for hydrogen transport via LOHC.

The ability to store and transport hydrogen in large quantities will be key to unlocking large scale hydrogen production opportunities. By sharing insights from two industrial scale trial projects covering the whole LOHC production, storage, transport and use value chain, delegates can benefit from the latest exciting learnings on this innovative solution, through real-life current projects.
Predicting Surge Wave Instabilities in the Åsgard Field
Authors: Biberg Dag , Britt Kirkedelen May , Sassan Johansson Peter , Nordsveen Magnus , Kindsbekken Kjeldby Tor
Published: April 2023

The work we describe here was motivated by the sizable operational difficulties and capital expenditure associated with liquid surging or "surge wave instabilities" frequently encountered in gas condensate fields in late-life production. Predicting and managing surge wave instabilities is becoming increasingly important as the number of aging fields is growing. The observed surging for low production rates at the outlet of a 45-km gas condensate pipeline in the Åsgard Field was not captured by our dynamic multiphase flow simulator. The water content in the pipeline, as measured by a radioactive tracer, was also substantially underpredicted. To better understand these shortcomings, Equinor launched an extensive experimental campaign in their explosion proof (EX certified) test facility in Porsgrunn, Norway (PLAB), using "real" fluids designed to provide a better match with field conditions than typical model fluids: a methane-based natural gas, stabilized condensate sampled from the Troll Field (low-density, viscosity, and surface tension), and water with Monoethylene glycol (MEG) (high density and viscosity). The PLAB data provided the basis for the development of new closures for the high-definition stratified flow model. The total pressure drop, condensate, and water content for the Åsgard pipeline were well predicted with the updated multiphase flow simulator. Simulations based on a refined grid and some modifications to the simulator settings revealed rich dynamics with massive surges consisting of water/MEG only, pushing a large reservoir of condensate in front. The water/MEG surges started out relatively small close to the pipeline inlet and grew considerably in length until they reached roughly 4 km as they approached the riser base. The water/MEG surges carried all the water/MEG through the pipeline. There was no water/MEG transport between the surges. The simulation results agreed with the observations at the outlet of the pipeline, where the condensate arrived before the water and the water flow was zero between the surges.
Reliability Centered Strategy for Mooring Integrity Management
Authors: dos Santos Gabriel Yudy Matsunaga , dos Santos Christian Ramalho Gomes , Azevedo Leonardo Amaral , Trovoado Leandro Cerqueira
Published: April 2023

Petrobras has operated offshore production units on the Brazilian coast for over 25 years. Over time, its facilities are expected to degrade due to the variety of mechanisms of damage that the offshore environment provides. Mooring systems are among the assets that present degradation throughout the operation and understanding the integrity behavior of this system throughout its lifetime is extremely important for operational safety. Mooring lines installed in floating production units of Petrobras have a wide range of operating ages (2 to 30 years) and a diversity of mooring systems (Spread mooring semisubmersible, single point mooring FPSO and spread mooring FPSO).

To optimize integrity management, a reliability-centered strategy was developed using available field data of mooring lines installed in floating production units of Petrobras. The database created for this study covered failure data, maintenance, and operational parameters of mooring line components installed between 1992 and 2021. Life data analysis was used to evaluate how the failure probability evolved with the lifetime. Therefore, the Weibull parameters of each mooring line component were estimated. The strategy aims to improve reliability and optimize life cycle cost, reducing corrective maintenance and avoiding production loss as a result.

The results show that different mooring line components have different failure rate behaviors during their lifetime. Also, parameters such as mooring system type (single point mooring or spread mooring), the position of mooring lines (due to environmental conditions), and the presence of cathodic protection are important to predict the level of degradation of the components. Through the scenarios evaluated, it was possible to define critical systems where preventive maintenance should be done and the optimal time, to improve life cycle cost and reliability.
Efficient Survey Tools for an Improved Understanding of Deep Seabed Minerals
Authors: Bosler R. Mitchell , Rønne Simen , Furmidge David , Waeroe Alfhild , Rangua Johann , Ferguson Craig
Published: April 2023

The proposed paper presents a novel method of sampling potential polymetallic nodule and manganese crust extraction sites that improves the efficiency and effectiveness of the campaign when compared to traditional surveying methods.

The new method utilizes a work-class ROV to perform survey sampling and testing tasks at a relatively large number of sites per dive. The ROV platform enables the use of precision measurement devices such as high-resolution sonar, cone penetrometer test (CPT) systems and core drilling machines to take in-situ samples and measurements. An ROV mounted skid with integrated sample storage drawers allows samples to be taken from numerous sites using ROV resources and manipulators. Transiting from sample site to sample site at depth improves the efficiency of sampling campaigns especially at very deep polymetallic nodule fields up to 6000 meters deep.

Initial studies have shown that high resolution sonar scans can measure nodule abundance and size with sufficient accuracy over a much greater area in less time when compared to traditional box coring methods. Studies of nodule and manganese crust sampling campaign durations have shown that transiting from site to site with the ROV at depth reduces the total duration of a representative sampling campaign by 50% or more. Incorporation of a high accuracy CPT system onto the ROV skid enables in-situ geotechnical testing at depth that are more accurate than the traditional method of measuring sub-core samples taken from box core samples at surface laboratories. For manganese crust fields, a novel core sampling drill rig is capable of drilling core holes on sea floor slopes from 0 – 90° without the need for the ROV to land. These advantages combined with the adaptable capability of manipulator systems to collect samples and the ability to provide high-definition video footage of seafloor topology will result in significant improvements to the efficiency and quality of polymetallic nodule and manganese crust site evaluation.

The expected gains in cost and accuracy of assessing deep-sea mineral resources will accelerate the pace of material extraction projects and allow greater investment in marine mineral extraction projects due to greater confidence of project success.
Digital Transformation of MEG Hydrate Inhibitor Chemical Optimization for Offshore Sour Gas Fields With an Online Solution Utilizing Supervised Machine Learning
Authors: Makogon Taras Y , Almakhaita Ahmad M , Khuraidah Mohammed A , Ganugapenta Venkateswara R , Faqehi Reham A
Published: April 2023

Aramco has developed and deployed several digital Hydrate MEG and Liquids Management Solutions at the 4IR Center to support hydrate management at several offshore sour gas fields. For one of the deployments, the method allowed production of 146.77 million MSCF gas in one winter season, which would not be produced otherwise. The solutions integrate thermodynamics at gas plant operations, multiphase gas-dominated flow in production trunklines, real-time analysis and virtual measurement of liquids accumulation in the lines with good accuracy which is validated by periodic checkups and confirmed by field operations. All that is accomplished without the use of commercial flow software. The method relies on several layers of supervised machine learning, with multiple layers coupled through time. Optimization also allowed to reduce the carbon emissions.
Using LWD Borehole Image Iinterpretation for Drilling Optimization: A Brazilian Pre-Salt Case Study
Authors: Aguiar Romulo Reis , Lima Angelo Dos Santos Laura , Tocantins João Pedro , Ross Jodi , Meda Rafael , Garg Shashank
Published: April 2023

In Brazil, pre-salt assets account for 70% of the national oil and gas production. Even after 15 years of Brazilian pre-salt exploration and development, modelling these complex reservoirs remains a challenging and uncertain task. With such high geological uncertainty, drilling campaigns experience unplanned bottomhole-assembly (BHA) trips due to severe shock and vibration, low rate of penetration (ROP), and premature polycrystalline diamond compact (PDC) drill-bit cutting structure damage.

This paper presents a case study of the successful use of an acoustic logging-while-drilling (LWD) borehole image log for drilling optimization. The ultrasonic image was acquired at high-resolution (0.2 in.), displaying clear rock formation textural and hardness variations. These contrasts are the key for understanding and simulation of drill bit-rock interaction; therefore, using the high-resolution LWD borehole image log has the potential to optimize and reduce uncertainty in the operator's upcoming drilling campaign.
Viability of the Northwest Passage as North America's Resource Export Highway
Authors: Bond James , Oldford Dan , Moakler Ed
Published: April 2023

For decades the Northwest Passage (NWP) has been a formidable challenge for the shipping and maritime industries. Arctic community resupply and export of Arctic resources by ship has been seen as the viable in the summer season. Changing ice conditions and the new ability to process high volumes of data in real time has allowed the quantification of risk and determination of the required ship strengthening to a specific ice class notation for seasonal and year-round export planning.

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has provided a methodology to assess the risk of operating a ship in a specific ice regime, as seen from the bridge, or as reported in an ice chart. An ice regime, from a navigation standpoint, is the ice that the ship will likely encounter and defines several important factors including the ice-concentration, thickness, age, state of decay, and roughness. The authors have developed methods to convert ice charts into maps using the IMO POLARIS risk assessment methodology. By processing decades of ice charts, the trends of changing ice and the variation in ship access through the NWP was determined. Focusing on critical resource development locations, routes and the ships needed for seasonal and year-round export have been developed.

This paper provides an examination of the viability of various routes through the NWP for a series of ships of different ice class using the IMO POLARIS methodology. The results are presented in terms of the most recent 5-year averaged ice condition. The 5-year averaged ice conditions are compared to a 10-year dataset to highlight and contrast past and current ice conditions. Risk maps for recent individual years are also presented to illustrate year on year variability of ice conditions. Observations are drawn from the plots to summarize the necessary ice class for year-round NWP transit, and also ship traffic for specific locations (eg. Alaska North Slope LNG shipment to Asia with a 5-month (September to January) shipping window). This paper provides the answer to "What ice class ship is needed to operate in specific locations the Arctic at different times of the year.?"
Minimizing Environmental Impacts During Offshore Drilling and Production Using Innovative Waste Recycling and Reutilization Technology in China Bohai Oilfield
Authors: Hou Xinxin , Huo Hongbo , Zhang Xiaocheng , Xie Tao , He Ruibing , Lin Hai , Xu Dongsheng , Zhang Yuchen , Li Zhiheng , Song Chuang , Liu Jia
Published: April 2023

In recent years, an oil company has intensified its drilling activities in China Bohai Oilfield to meet challenging production targets and has almost doubled its drilled wells. Aiming to minimize environmental impacts of drilling activities on China Bohai Bay which is an internal bay with weak self-cleaning ability, this oil company has always been exploring continuous improvement to minimize the impact of its drilling and production operations on the environment.

With the intention of recycling and reutilizing drilling and production waste including cuttings, wasted drilling and production fluids, many efforts are done. In design, well profile is downsized, cement top is restricted and reusable drilling fluids are developed to reduce waste from the root; In the field, environment protection ships (EPS) equipped with solid modified control system, cuttings closed transfer system and cuttings treatment system are used to recycle the produced the waste while drilling platform work as backup when weather is bad; Moreover, offshore waste management online system (OWMOS) has been developed covering the whole life cycle data chain of waste generation, collection, transportation, storage, disposal (utilization).

Statistics from OWMOS show that the amount of the waste produced from downsized wells has been reduced by 41~65% compared to similar wells drilled before. Moreover, environmentally friendly drilling fluids with low solid content are developed and liquid phase after solid-liquid separation treatment can be reused. Consequently, the usage amount of drilling fluids has been decreased by 55~75%, while the solid content are packed and transported to onshore for disposal. These wastes can be turned into raw materials of cement stabilized soil and ceramic, which can also provide economy benefit and reduce impact on the environment.

Waste recycling and reutilization technology has been successfully applied in more than 40 wells and lay the foundation for the digital transformation acceleration of waste management of offshore drilling and production waste, which can provide more practical reference for waste management of other similar offshore oilfield.
Standards Development in Support of Low Carbon Activities
Authors: Watkins Paula Dawn , Miller David Lee , Roueche Jacqueline Newcomb
Published: April 2023

As the global energy supply continues to diversify to meet growing energy demands and climate goals, operators and other stakeholders in the natural gas and oil industry are innovating and evolving to help provide affordable, lower-carbon energy. Part of that challenge requires development, adoption, and deployment of new technologies in the field of low carbon energy. With the advent of these new technologies, it is important to consider their impact through the lens of health, safety, and environment (HSE), which provides our industry its license to operate. An integral foundation of that license is the industry's use of standardization, and that too must be applied to the implementation of these new technologies. Advancement of new technologies is foundational to API's Climate Action Framework's initiative to accelerate technology and innovation to reduce emissions while meeting growing energy needs.

Given the growing interconnectedness of the global economy, this presents a prime opportunity for industry to drive standards harmonization in the growing low carbon field. In 2019, the American Petroleum Institute (API) established the Global Standards Strategy (GSS), a concerted effort to drive standards harmonization on a global scale, and this methodology can be instructive in the field of low carbon activities.

While many of API's standards are used globally, national standards developing organizations and regulators often develop competing or duplicative standards and regulations applicable to the oil and natural gas industry. This creates inefficiencies and divergences that result in unnecessary barriers and reduced economic competitiveness. By working with our international partners, such as IOGP, API has been developing industry publications and standards on low carbon activities, while avoiding duplicative efforts through coordination of work in this area.

The industry, through API with significant experience in standardization, can channel its collective experience to drive swifter deployment of new low carbon technologies while maintaining the same level of engineering and scientific rigor on which our industry relies.
Investigation of a Jetted Conductor Failure in a Pre-Salt Well and Lessons Learned
Authors: Cutrim Fabio Sawada , De Souza Bruno S. P. , De Souza Charlton Okama , Dias Rafael , Arduino Edgard G. A. , De Resende Delton Lustosa , Pinto Thiago De Santana , Pinheiro Arthur V. S.
Published: April 2023

Jetting operations have been performed, in Petrobras context, mainly in Campos and Espírito Santo Basins, where the surface casing is cemented to the mudline successfully. Lately, the company has been applying this spud-in method in pre-salt wells, mostly in Santos Basin in order to optimize the top-hole construction. This paper will focus on the analysis of a ultradeep water well which had three attempts to install the jetted conductor. The first attempt was successful but due to an operational problem in third drilling section, the well had to be abandoned. The second attempt resulted in a conductor failure, which sank into the seabed under its own weight, during the execution of the second drilling section. The third one was successful, and the well was drilled to total depth.

The analysis focused in comparing the operational parameters and procedures in these three attempts. All of them were performed in close locations, therefore, it can be assumed that the soil properties are very similar in these locations. The aspects evaluated in these wells were the flow rate, the weight on bit and the conductor integrity for buckling. The retro-analysis showed that the main reason for the failure (conductor sinking into the soil) was the high flow rate used in the operation. Another observation is that the weight on bit used in the operation, in general, complied with the recommended by (Zakeri, et al. 2014), but could be increased to overcome high resistance layers while maintaining structural stability for buckling in the conductor.

Petrobras has a large experience in jetting wells of Campos and Espírito Santo Basins, but the type of soil in these areas is very distinct from the Santos Basin's soil. Besides that, the wells are deeper and requires a higher axial capacity to withstand the expected loads. Therefore, the jetting technique was not meeting these needs and generated problems of conductor failure. This work brings a new proposal of actions to overcome high resistance layers and also to improve the success rate of conductor jetting in pre-salt basins.
A New Approach in Reservoir Characterization Using Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Bataee Mahmood , Al-jarmouzi Aseel Hamid , Shahbazi Amin , Hamdi Zakaria , Moradi Babak
Published: April 2023

The basic characteristics of a reservoir system are normally distributed spatially. Since there is no immediate measurement for the lithological parameters, they are to be computed from other geophysical logs or seismic attributes. In this study, oil field data from the exploration wells including logs and seismic data were used and studied using AI Artificial Intelligence to select the best locations for drilling according to porosity distribution. Moreover, the objective of this project is the study of reservoir characteristics and distribution using Artificial Intelligence (AI). The studied area is the Asma area in India where all seismic and well-logging data were collected. The process is first aligned in finding the porosity of the well-logging interpretation using density log and sonic log and then shed the prediction of porosity using seismic data using the reflected waves of the structure to estimate the acoustic impedance. The neural network was used to predict porosity. There were three outputs for each of well-logging, logging-seismic and seismic. All the outputs were compared where the accuracy was good with a ratio of 95% and a small error percentage of 5%. A map of the area was created where the porosity distribution of each of the outputs was determined. The best areas were identified for drilling the future production wells depending on the porosity and the type is sandstone.
Advanced Modelling of Clamped Mattress for Pipeline Walking Prevention and Mitigation
Authors: Parrella Antonio , Bughi Sabrina , Profeta Giovanni , Curti Gianbattista , Yuan Henry , Hailat Amr , Hooghoudt Marijn , Francis Jack , Watson Phillip
Published: April 2023

This paper is based on experience obtained during design of Payara Project, offshore Guyana, where 10" production and 16" water injection pipelines were found to be potentially susceptible to walking. Offshore pipelines that are subject to HT/HP conditions, riser tensions and seabed slopes can be susceptible to walking, which may jeopardize the integrity of connected subsea structures. Should the cumulated walking during the operating life of the pipeline exceed the maximum allowed displacement, an anchoring system could be required to mitigate the movement. However, predicting pipeline walking is a complex matter, depending on parameters often affected by significant uncertainty, such as pressure and temperature conditions, heating and cooldown cycles, soil pipe interaction, planned buckle evolution and route modifications. For this reason, a walking assessment performed during detail design can lead to uncertain results, and question arises as to the best timing to install walking mitigation structures (WMS).

A Wait-and-See approach represents a good compromise, mediating between CAPEX and OPEX needs, and allowing a risk-based decision process based on pipeline behavior as monitored during planned surveys. However, the installation of WMS during operation may require ancillary structures to be installed on ‘day one’ that could nullify the strategic advantage given by the Wait-and-See, not to mention the mob/demob cost of the vessel used for installation.

The Pipe Clamping Mattress (PCM), patented by Shell and commercialized by MMA Offshore, has been proposed as a convenient and effective way to anchor the pipeline, either at day one or during operation. The PCM comprises a two-winged mattress fabricated by pivoting two concrete blocks around a central hinge, and which is shaped to engage and clamp the pipe. A log mattress is then positioned to provide additional clamping force. The overall weight of PCM provides the clamping grip required to prevent pipeline slippage as well as the additional axial resistance needed to mitigate or arrest walking.

An advanced FE Model for PCM performance study has been developed in ABAQUS based on the CEL methodology (Coupled Eulerian-Lagrangian). In comparison to more conventional models, this technique models the seabed as a deformable Eulerian domain, in which PCM and pipeline can penetrate. Seabed settlement and soil displacement due to system motion can be fully calculated, estimating the evolution of axial resistance and the growth of berms at the PCM sides. The objective of this paper is to improve the understanding of pipeline/PCM interaction, in particular with respect to: Verifying the overall embedment of the pipeline/PCM system.Verifying and assessing the PCM restraining capacity against axial displacement.Assessing the minimum number of PCMs required to ensure walking prevention/arrest.
Offshore Gas Field Hydrate Management Practical Issues, Solutions and Application of Big Data
Authors: Ganugapenta Venkateswara Reddy , Alawi Muntazer N , Rithauddeen Megat A
Published: April 2023

The paper presents the hydrate inhibition system operational issues and adoptable practical solutions to overcome the challenges and ensure uninterrupted offshore gas production involving subsea long pipelines. The paper also highlights how big data and mathematical modelling can be deployed for effectively predicting hydrate inhibition requirements, gas production limitations, and performance of Mono Ethylene Glycol (MEG) regeneration units. Offshore gas production and hydrate inhibit operational upsets are mapped, extensive field data was verified and flow assurance simulations were performed. Extensive sampling of hydrate inhibitor is conducted and laboratory results are compared against modelling predictions. Combination of machine learning algorithm and physics simulators are used to predict the expected hydrate inhibitor concentration from a regeneration unit, its distribution throughout the long subsea pipelines, and its impact on hydrate inhibition and gas production.

Based on the lessons learned in operating hydrate inhibition systems for offshore gas fields, effective strategies for field facilities design and optimization are developed. Real-time visualization of lean MEG concentration distribution throughout the MEG loop and its impact on gas production during the winter season is developed to facilitate effective decision making on gas production based on actual MEG concentration estimated through soft sensor analytics solution. The paper highlights the applicability of a combination of machine learning algorithms and physics simulators for effectively solving complex problems related to the hydrate inhibition in long subsea pipeline.
Critical and Hard Minerals Management on the United States Outer Continental Shelf
Authors: Knorr Paul Octavius
Published: April 2023

The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM), an agency within the U.S. Department of the Interior, has responsibility over both energy and non-energy mineral development on the United States Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) under the OCS Lands Act ("OCSLA"). BOEM’s Marine Minerals Program (MMP) manages federal offshore mineral deposits through non-competitive, negotiated agreements for federal sand and gravel ("sand") used in coastal restoration efforts and the competitive leasing of critical and hard economic minerals ("critical minerals").

As the sole federal steward of OCS critical minerals, BOEM MMP is responsible for understanding where critical minerals are located, identifying and understanding their environments, managing activities that affect these resources, and implementing pertinent federal policies. Fulfilling these responsibilities involves the collection and analysis of environmental, geological, and geophysical data; supporting the science needed to understand the impacts of resource-related authorized activities on the biological, physical, and sociocultural environments; encouraging emerging technologies that can reduce the environmental impact of activities; and communicating with stakeholders to foster an understanding of existing federal regulations and potential needs to revise the legal framework.

Four U.S. federal rules in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) currently inform MMP’s procedures: 30 CFR 580 (prospecting for minerals), 30 CFR 581 (leasing of minerals), 30 CFR 582 (operations in the OCS related to minerals), and 30 CFR 583 (negotiated noncompetitive agreements for sand). Other federal laws and regulations are also pertinent, particularly those supporting the National Environmental Policy Act, Endangered Species Act, National Historic Preservation Act, Marine Mammal Protection Act, Coastal Zone Management Act, Clean Air Act, Federal Water Pollution Control Act, and Magnuson Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act.
Reduction of Well Construction Time with Innovative Design: Tot-3p (True One Trip - 3 Phases)
Authors: Passos Adriano Gouveia Lima Gomes dos , Menezes Gabriela Márcia Ribeiro , Lima Flank Melo de , Piedade Thiago , Geraci Laura Correa Musgueira , Peralta Moreira Rafael , Reis Glaydson Ismael Machado dos
Published: April 2023

Drilling wells with TOT-3P design consists of optimizing (reducing) the steps of well construction. Drilling takes place in 3 sections (3P=3 phases) and the completion, sand containment screen plus production column (upper and lower), is performed in a single trip (TOT = True One Trip).

The construction of wells in 3 sections is only possible with the deepening of the casing of the second section of the well and the capacity of this casing to have the function of surface and production. Some challenges stand out this project, such as the gain of inclination, cleaning and stability of the open well in a riserless phase, in addition to the need to return cement to the mud line for structural purposes and guarantee the solidarity set of barriers.

Because drilling has only three sections, the shoe surface/production casing should be deepened in such a way that it is competent to withstand the production loadings, the pressure influence of injector wells and compose the solidary set of barriers (SSB) for abandonment, as well as enable the installation of components of the tubing at the required depth, such as the gas lift mandrel (GLM).

To analyze the feasibility of the TOT-3P project, some points are studied: Analysis of flow potential of the shallow sands crossed in section II;Surface/production casing shoe racing analysis for well construction and for well productive life;Depths of tubing modulates (PDG, chemical injection mandrel and gas lift mandrel) to meet production monitoring, combat fouling and well production.

Thus, integrated strategies for Drilling, Fluids and Cementation were defined in order to obtain the objectives mentioned through a bore caliper with diameter that allows a good cementation to be performed and obtained a satisfactory result in the cementation evaluation profiles, leading to the return of cement to mud line and composition of 2 solidary sets of barriers in annular above the reservoir.
Conceptual Design of Thermoplastic Composite Pipes for Downhole Applications
Authors: Nardi Luiz Fernando Bermero , Abreu Leonardo Teixeira Fernandes , Santos Hugo Francisco Lisboa , Hernalsteens Cedric , Sias Daniel Fraga , E Gama Winston Carneiro
Published: April 2023

Thermoplastic Composite Pipes (TCP) have been receiving growing attention from the oil industry, as potential replacements for steel pipes, due to superior corrosion resistance, lighter weight, and other advantages (Shi C., et al., 2021).

In the upstream segment, TCP have been already explored for subsea applications, as shown in (Barbosa, Bastos, De Boer, & Rojas-Díaz, 2019). This kind of application is relatively simpler than downhole scenarios, where high temperature and pressure can lead to complications. The present work aims to determine what kind of composite material should be pursued to enable downhole application for TCP.

Numerical simulations were performed to understand the response of TCP to severe loadings, expected during operation of producer and injector wells. Simulated operations involved acid jobs, pressure tests and unexpected evacuation of tubing or annular pressure build-up (APB), due to thermal effects.
Comparative Simulation Studies of ESP Permanent Magnet and Induction Current Motors in ESP Selective Applications
Authors: Albori Mostafa , Alsadah Hashim
Published: April 2023

Induction alternating current (AC) motors (IACM) have been used in electrical submersible pumps (ESP) due to them being more cost effective and easier to manufacture compared with other type of motors used in ESP systems. With increase of oil demand globally, the application of electrical submersible pump systems also increased. Therefore, optimizations of ESP systems are needed. This paper will discuss and simulate both types of ESP motors, which are: induction AC motor and permanent magnet motor in ESP systems, with emphasizes on why some application are better suited for permanent magnet AC motor and others for induction current type motor. The option of choosing the optimum motor type is dependent on multiple factors that may include: ESP design reliability, wellbore complexity and completion strings, production requirements, reservoir fluids characteristics, power supply limitations and ESP designs challenges.
Robotics Workforce Training, Offshore Energy Transformation
Authors: Zuo Wenyu , Allen John , Dabney James B , Krishnamoorti Ramanan
Published: April 2023

There is an increasing demand for robotics systems in production, inspection, and maintenance in the energy industry from offshore to onshore, to reduce operating costs and lower the risk of exposing humans to hazardous environments. However, a gap exists between existing workforce expertise and technologies that are developing rapidly. The deployment of robots requires the engineer to have rich experience in production and sufficient understanding of the robotic multidisciplinary system so they can identify and deploy the robot in the use case that can maximize the robot's efficiency. The nature of robotics and automation presents a challenge to the workforce since the existing workforce's background, in specific engineering disciplines or business, hinders them from adapting and then keeping up with the transition to robotic (not normally manned) operations. Directed by the University of Houston, the Subsea Systems Institute (SSI) is developing, in collaboration with Sprint Robotics, the National Robotarium (UK) and the Society of Underwater Technology (SUT), a robotic training program. The objective is to upskill and reskill the energy industry personnel (offshore and onshore) to meet the emerging industry demand for multidisciplinary robotics expertise. This group is collaborating to fill the gap between required knowledge and application in the energy industry by identifying the necessary knowledge and skillsets, and then developing an adaptable modular program with use cases to train the existing workforce. The SSI led effort will adjust to the differing needs that drive the adoption of this evolving technology, including engineers and scientists and other stakeholders such as managers, influencers, and the public.
Intrinsic STAT4 Expression Controls Effector CD4 T Cell Migration and Th17 Pathogenicity
Authors: Buzzelli Ashlyn A , McWilliams Ian L , Shin Boyoung , Bryars Morgan T , Harrington Laurie E
Published: April 2023

Effector CD4 T cells are central to the development of autoimmune chronic inflammatory diseases, yet factors that mediate pathogenicity remain ill-defined. Single-nucleotide polymorphisms in the human STAT4 locus are associated with susceptibility to multiple autoimmune disorders, and Stat4 is linked to the pathogenic Th17 gene signature; however, Th17 cells differentiate independently of STAT4. Hence the interplay between STAT4 and CD4 T cell function, especially Th17 cells, during autoimmune disease is unclear. In this article, we demonstrate that CD4 T cell–intrinsic STAT4 expression is essential for the induction of autoimmune CNS inflammation in mice, in part by regulating the migration of CD4 T cells to the inflamed CNS. Moreover, unbiased transcriptional profiling revealed that STAT4 controls the expression of >200 genes in Th17 cells and is important for the upregulation of genes associated with IL-23–stimulated, pathogenic Th17 cells. Importantly, we show that Th17 cells specifically require STAT4 to evoke autoimmune inflammation, highlighting, to our knowledge, a novel function for STAT4 in Th17 pathogenicity.