bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Online Self-Disclosure Behaviors
Authors: Schiffrin Holly H. , Falkenstern Melissa
Published: April 2012

Self-disclosure, the sharing of personal information between communication partners, has long been a topic of interest due to the large impact it plays in the development of interpersonal relationships (Altman & Taylor, 1973). As the use of computer-mediated communication (CMC) has increased, so has the interest in the impact it may have on self-disclosure and relationship development. Several theories have been posited to explain the impact that the medium of communication has on self-disclosure. Although some theories have predicted a negative impact of CMC on self-disclosure (Daft & Lengel, 1986; Kock, 2005), several researchers have found that CMC increases self-disclosure (McKenna & Bargh, 2000; Valkenberg & Peter, 2009a; Walther, 1996). This article discusses the main theories that explain the nature of online self-disclosure, the possible mechanisms by which CMC serves to increase self-disclosure, and impact that online self-disclosure has on interpersonal relationships and well-being.
Online Intimacy Problems
Authors: Hertlein Katherine M. , Desruisseaux Jennifer H.
Published: April 2012

Online intimacy problems are broadly defined as interpersonal issues occurring when: (1) computer-mediated communication interferes with online relationships, or (2) Internet usage patterns/practices interfere with offline relationships. In general, online intimacy problems include cybersex (Cooper, 2002), online infidelity (Hertlein & Piercy, 2008; Whitty, 2005), social networking and one’s social life (Bargh & McKenna, 2004), and online gaming (Scott, Mottarella, & Lavooy, 2006). Further, Internet use may create intimacy problems related to sharing of intimate information with someone other than one’s partner, misinterpretation of messages, feelings of being smothered, isolation, etc. The entry reviews the current literature on online intimacy problems as well as vulnerabilities that contribute to those problems. The authors also present ideas for future research.
Internet Fraud
Authors: Bachmann Michael , Smith Brittany
Published: April 2012

This article provides an introduction into the topic of Internet fraud. A precise definition and detailed descriptions of the most prevalent Internet fraud schemes are provided. The entry presents a history of frauds committed on the Internet and introduces the leading scholars on the subject. Predominant areas of research are discussed, and future directions of the problem of Internet fraud schemes are outlined. The entry concludes with a critique of current limitations and advancements needed to better address the increasing problem of online frauds.
Cognitive Load Theory in E-Learning
Authors: van Mierlo Christa M. , Jarodzka Halszka , Kirschner Femke , Kirschner Paul A.
Published: April 2012

Cognitive load can be assessed and monitored using a multitude of subjective (self-reports, i.e. Hart & Staveland, 1988; Paas, 1992) and more objective methods (dual tasks, eye-tracking, heart-rate measurements, skin conductance measurements, cf. Brünken, Plass, & Leutner, 2003; Beatty, 1982, Paas, van Merriënboer, & Adam, 1994), either during the learning or afterwards, so that instruction can be optimized based on mental effort data using iterative design (a cyclic process of prototyping, testing, analyzing, and refining a product or process, ultimately improving the quality and functionality of the design). Computer simulations provide an excellent environment to apply CLT principles. However, such e-environments are technically complex and therefore add to extraneous load. Separating the technical knowledge of how to use the computer interface from the actual conceptual knowledge using sequencing should reduce this load to a reasonable extent (cf. Clarke, Ayres & Sweller, 2006). The authors provide guidelines on how to use CLT in the design of e-environments and discuss what future directions can be taken to further optimize the design of such environments.
Implementation of E-Governance in India
Authors: Hirwade Mangala Anil
Published: April 2012

The National e-Governance Plan (NeGP) was approved by the Government of India in the year 2006, comprising of 27 Mission Mode Projects (MMPs) and 8 components. The vision of this programme is –“to make all government services accessible to the common man in his locality, through common service delivery outlets, and ensure efficiency, transparency, and reliability of such services at affordable costs to realise the basic needs of the common man.” The effort has been made to demystify and simplify the process of delivering government services by taking a holistic view of initiatives across the country and proving an enabling ICT based platform. The ultimate objective is to bring government services to citizens’ doorsteps. This article discusses major e-governance initiatives before the launch of NeGP and the status of MMPs under Central and State Government and under integrated service category after the launch of NeGP. It also takes an overview of the number of online services provided to the stakeholders through government portals. A review of recommendations of National Knowledge Commission of India on e-governance is taken along with the actions taken in this direction. Major challenges in implementation of e-governance are also discussed.
Subsea Processing: A Holistic Approach to Marginal Field Developments
Authors: Abili N. , Udofot O. , Kara Fuat
Published: April 2012

Description

The application of Full Subsea Processing (FSP) to develop remotely locatedmarginal fields in Offshore West Africa is an attractive option for breakingthe techno-economic barriers which have long hindered the development of thesefields. Some of the fields have remained marginal and unproduced over theyears, arguably, due to incorrect estimates in recoveries and economicsoccasioned by erroneous estimates in basic input parameters. Therefore, theright method of application for developing marginal fields must be sought toensure that both National and International Operating Companies partake in thedevelopment of these fields.

The present paper explores the use of full subsea processing technology todevelop marginal fields economically.

Application

The economic development of marginal fields in Offshore West Africa poses hugetechnology challenges. These challenges are further complicated as the field islocated offshore with long step-out distance from existing processingfacilities. A good number of such fields exist in Nigeria with no concreteplans in place yet to develop them due to the challenges involved. Subseaprocessing which has recently gained broader acceptance in the industry offersa viable and attractive method of developing such fields.

Results, Observations, Conclusions

Extensive qualification of the different technologies available for carryingout FSP has been conducted and their various readiness levels determined. Asystematic analysis of an existing marginal field has also been done to revealthe enormous advantages stemming from the application of FSP. Increasedrecovery and reduced OPEX have been established as vital incentives fordeveloping marginal fields economically. Various methods of overcoming the longdistance associated with remote fields are developed and the best method whichincorporates a floating storage unit (FSU) identified. A holistic approachwhich considers developing a group of fields together rather than a singlefield at a time is adopted to develop the remote offshore marginal fields inoffshore West Africa.
Impact of Marlin on Crude Oil Export Operations
Authors: Bouix Georges
Published: April 2012

The risk of an export buoy's loading hose being pierced by the spear of abillfish such as marlin is very real. Such incidents are proving especiallyfrequent on FPSOs offshore Angola, where several cases are recorded everyyear.

The consequences can be critical, to the extent of halting production ifstorage capacity aboard is insufficient to cover the time it takes to replacethe damaged item. This is precisely what happened on Girassol in January 2010, resulting in shortfalls in the region of 790,000 barrels.

The Angolan deep offshore, where most of the country's FPSOs are concentrated, is conducive to the development of marlin as the waters bordering on thecontinental plateau stay warm and clear for the greater part of the year. Infact, petroleum activities themselves tend to draw marlin by attracting thespecies they feed on to the locations.

The attacks on flexibles are not deliberate, but the collateral damage, as itwere, of the creatures' hunting excursions. As there is no known deterrent, episodic recurrences are to be expected.

The best way of coping with these incidents is to be prepared for them bykeeping spare hoses on site and having the appropriate vessels, procedures andpersonnel ready to quickly replace the damaged item. The development oftemporary repair kits should also improve the response.

Introduction

Actors in the oil industry are used to having to accommodate the surprisesdealt out by Mother Nature.

But it is hard to admit, in the face of enormous damage, that it was not one ofthe carefully anticipated disaster scenarios that got the better of us but amere harmless animal. Who would boast of losing hundreds of thousands ofbarrels and dollars because of a single fish? And yet this happens, regularly, especially in the Gulf of Guinea and still more frequently offshoreAngola.

Once in a while, the floating export hose of an FPSO is found to have beenpunctured by a billfish. Usually, the bill breaks off the creature's head andremains stuck in the hose. The floating line is then no longer tight and mustbe repaired. When stocks on board are high, production may need to be cut backor even stopped, with all the consequences that entails, if the damaged hosesection cannot be replaced before the next offload.

Production of the Girassol field on Block 17 (Angola), for example, had to beslowed and finally stopped in January 2010 to proceed with just such a repair, resulting in a production shortfall of three quarters of a million barrels. Yetthis was not the first time a marlin bill had pierced one of the "doublecarcass" flexible hose segments of the FPSO Girassol's floating exportline.

Information on such incidents is - understandably - not easy to come by, butdiscreet probing has turned up evidence of similar events happening all overthe world every year.

The first query is: why do marlin attack the floating hoses? And the second, ofcourse: how can we stop them? This article will try to provide an answer bypresenting the view of the Total group.
Essential Process Safety Management for Managing Multiple Assets
Authors: Hopkins John
Published: April 2012

The paper describes the use of a tool and process that shows management whereto make interventions that reduce the risk of having a major accident.

The tool indicates those areas that need immediate attention and those thatneed to be addressed in the future. It allows these interventions to be trackedand is designed to be used by all levels of management.

The process is based on the simple concept that prior to a major event thereare numerous small events which if identified and then eliminated by managementinterventions will prevent a major accident.

It describes how an oil and gas contractor found itself in the position ofbeing legally responsible for the operation of a number of substantial oil andgas facilities over a very short time frame.

It already had in place a mature and robust Management System with the keyelements of Process Safety Management in place across the assets concerned. However there was not a reliable and simple way of comparing each asset interms of vulnerability of having a major accident.

There was no method in place to quantify the vulnerability and the existingreports from the management system were in arrears which meant that anymanagement intervention actions were inevitability too late to beeffective.

This gap was identified as a critical business need. The potential liabilitiesboth legal and financial resulting from major accidents are punitive. Seniormanagement required to have visibility and be assured that their operationswere being managed correctly.

The tool and process has now been in place for over 4 years. It is a practicaldemonstration of Process Safety Management in the international Oil and Gasindustry. It is a global process for the company concerned and is an essentialpart of its Process Safety Management System.
Deepsea Riser Lift via the Air Lift Technology
Authors: Knodt Steffen , Kleinen Torsten , von Wirth Hermann-Josef
Published: April 2012

Besides pumping systems, in the first line, another lifting system offers formining mineral raw materials from large sea depths (up to 6000m) has been knownfor decades in the large-diameter drilling technique, the so-called air liftsystem. Compressed air is blown into a continuous straight lifting string(riser) from top to bottom by injection from the outside into the inner pipe ina certain depth. This operation initiates a continuous lifting process enablinglifting of large solids quantities.

In close cooperation with the BGR (German Federal Institute for Geosciences andNatural Resources) we have optimised this system for deep sea mining ofmanganese nodules in water depth up to 6000m as shown in figure 1.
Arctic Development Roadmap: Prioritization of R&D
Authors: Taylor Rocky Scott , Murrin David C. , Kennedy Allison , Randell Charles
Published: April 2012

The development of oil and gas resources in harsh northern environments isdependent on the availability of the necessary knowledge and technology toovercome the challenges associated with operating in these regions. Tofacilitate this, research and development programs are needed in a number ofspecific areas. The new, industry-funded Centre for Arctic Resource Development(CARD) is focused on addressing medium and long-term R&D needs forpetroleum development in Arctic and sub-Arctic regions, and has sponsored abroad industry consultation program with subject matter experts from the Arcticoil and gas sector. This information has been distilled into an ArcticDevelopment Roadmap (ADR), in which R&D needs have been identified andprioritized to support effective planning. In this paper, the key findings ofthe Arctic Development Roadmap program are presented.

Introduction

The purpose of this project was to develop an Arctic Development Roadmap toidentify, organize and prioritize key R&D themes needed to fill gaps in theknowledge, technology, methodology and training associated with offshore Arcticoil and gas development. This work was funded through the C-CORE Centre forArctic Resource Development which is based out of St. John's, NL, Canada. CARDconducts medium to long-term R&D designed to improve the capacity andcapability for safe, responsible and cost-effective hydrocarbon development inArctic and sub-Arctic regions. With $16.5 million in combined funding from theHibernia and Terra Nova projects and the Research & Development Corporationof Newfoundland and Labrador (RDC), CARD will create more than 20 new full-timepositions for highly qualified individuals, from current world-class experts torising research stars. The centre's expertise is primarily engineering, thoughit will interface with experts in many fields, both in industry and academia. As indicated in Figure 1 below, the results of the ADR project are an importantinput into the five-year R&D plan for CARD, which has been vetted byindustry. This study will also serve to highlight research priority areas ofrelevance to the broader research community and various sectors of the oil andgas industry.
Improvements to Deepwater Subsea Measurement: RPSEA Project 07121-1301
Authors: Letton Chip , Webb Bob
Published: April 2012

Recently there has been an effort to develop new measurement capabilities forultra-deepwater oil and gas production. Beginning in 2005, work began on whatwere perceived to be the most important gaps in deepwater measurementtechnology.

Since October 2008 a consortium of seven operating companies, in partnershipwith the US Department of Energy (DOE), has addressed six of the most pressinggaps for multiphase flow measurement:Deepwater fluid samplingROV-assisted measurementHPHT sensor developmentVirtual flow meter evaluationMeter fouling effectsMultiphase system uncertainty

The work was made possible by the Research Partnership to Secure Energy forAmerica (RPSEA), an entity established to promote cooperative efforts betweenindustry and the DOE. Key to its success was the active support of a JIPsponsored by seven deepwater operating companies: BHP, BP, Chevron, ConocoPhillips, Shell, Statoil, and Total.

Due to increasing dependence on deepwater production, these technologydevelopments are of great importance. There is a need to improve reservoirrecovery from deepwater, possibly yielding tens of millions of barrels ofadditional reserves, but such is not practical using traditional periodic welltests.

Of equal importance is the provision of more accurate and reliable deepwatermeasurement to ensure that the assessment of royalties and the allocation ofrevenues among owners is sufficiently precise and equitable.

In light of the Deepwater Horizon incident, however, perhaps the most importantapplications for these new measurement technologies lie in the realm of safetyand the environment. In retrospect, better and more extensive measurement couldhave proven extremely beneficial both before and after the accident. What hasbeen accomplished in this project has set the stage for future work aimed atproviding these kinds of capabilities for future drilling and productionsystems.

The paper and presentation will provide a look at progress that was achieved inclosing each of the six gaps addressed in this first major RPSEA measurementproject, and will discuss new follow-on projects sponsored by RPSEA to addressthe remaining deepwater measurement problems.
Application of PowerBuoy Wave Energy Converter Technology to Remote Power Requirements in Oil and Gas Field Developments
Authors: Hart Phil , Lurie Robert
Published: April 2012

Hydrocarbon discoveries in frontier regions distant from shore and/or deepwaterare in the main marginal oil reserves lacking sufficient lease gas to satisfylocal power demand. System designs for offshore (subsea) power delivery havenot changed much over the past 50 years; gas and diesel are still the fuels ofchoice for power generation. Given today's volatile commodity market and theuncertainty surrounding climate change regulations developing thesegas-constrained reserves will require a more critical look at powerprovisioning options.

In general, these marginal reserves may support a 2–4 well project. And thebusiness economics dictate that the project's power demand is best served bylocal power generation as opposed to costly long-distance power transmissionfrom onshore.

In select regions of the world, the operator can look to renewables technology- wind, wave, current and ocean thermal energy conversion- for power generationwith no carbon footprint. This paper focuses in on a wave energy technologysolution for energizing a marginal oil field off the coast of West Africa. Itwill address the present status of the technology, recent technologicaladvances and future trends for this wave energy technology solution.

The outcome of this exercise indicates that in certain applications, waveenergy appears to be a cost-effective solution. A subsea asset without pumpinglargely has a peak end-load demand, so the intermittency of a renewable powerresource is tolerable. Where a pumping base load needs to be satisfied, theremay be a need for energy storage technology.
Overview of Subsea Monitoring and Inspection Technologies Development in RPSEA
Authors: Pappas James Marcus , Richardson Donald
Published: April 2012

This paper describes concepts being developed in subsea monitoring andinspection through the Research Partnership to Secure Energy for America's(RPSEA) Ultra-Deepwater Program technologies development program. It is meantto provide an overview of the organization and several projects to be presentedin the OTC technical session, under the Subsea Production and ProcessingSystems proposal category.

RPSEA manages a Federal research program for the United States Department ofEnergy, under guidance from the National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL). The program was conceived in the 2005 Energy Policy Act under Section 999, Subtitle J. One of the RPSEA programs is geared toward ultra-deepwater researchand technologies development to increase production and reserves in a safe andenvironmentally sound manner in the ultra-deepwater Gulf of Mexico. Theprojects and results to be presented in this session encompass subseamonitoring and inspection from different perspectives.

The results of the projects to follow will allow the oil and gas deepwaterindustry to improve its ability to monitor and detect problems earlier, atlower costs, and more reliably than currently available methods. The projectsinclude improved riser sensors for corrosion, leak or plume detection;magnetic-flux leakage and vibration-based technologies for risers; developmentof a reliable AUV for inspections; the ability to use 3D high-resolution laserimaging and/or tuned acoustics for subsea equipment; as well as novel pipelinesensor development schemes.

The development of these technologies into commercially applicable tools willenhance monitoring and inspection of all below-waterline equipment. Theiradoption will provide the offshore oil and gas industry the opportunity toforesee and forestall problematic or catastrophic events and result in saferand more environmentally benign operations.

Introduction

Technology Development.

Traditionally the oil and gas exploration and development industry has beenslow to uptake new technologies.

Since the mid-1980s, following a precipitous decline in natural gas and oilprices, the industry's operating companies have dramatically reduced theirinvestment in research and development, as shown in Figure 1.
Multidisciplinary Approach to Data Acquisition of Major Deepwater Infrastructure Pipelines--A Comparison of Techniques Employed To Ensure Continuous Route Coverage, Abyssal Plain to Landfall
Authors: Hawkins Robert Alexander , Crane Lee , Denis Raphael
Published: April 2012

Subsea pipeline designers are taking on more ambitious projects as both thedemand for gas and the distance between the source of supply and the marketplace increase. This has driven national pipeline transmission companies andoil and gas operators to seek more efficient routes and develop improvedinfrastructure networks. To meet these requirements major pipelines are beingrouted across deepwater areas and tectonic boundaries which were technicallynot possible ten years ago. Engineers are therefore faced with the challenge ofdesigning pipelines that pass through a variety of environments includinglandfalls, shallow water continental margins, potentially unstable continentalslopes, and abyssal plains. This paper describes the geophysical, geotechnical, and geological survey techniques that should be used to ensure that there is acontinuous coverage of data for the various environments encountered along atypical route. The paper also explains that the data acquisition stage is partof the process to ensure that a comprehensive integrated Earth science data setis acquired for Front End Engineering Design (FEED).

Introduction

This paper presents a comparison of geophysical survey and geotechnicalinvestigation techniques that should be employed in the varying environmentsencountered along a typical deepwater pipeline route. It discusses differencesin the requirements between an initial reconnaissance survey, where a number ofpotential routes are surveyed on a regional scale, and a detailed survey, identifying the final route and acquiring high resolution data collection forpipeline design. Additionally, it describes when the surveys should occur inthe pipeline project cycle and their relevance at each stage.

A Conceptual Deepwater Pipeline Route

The objective of a pipeline route survey is to ensure a consistent data setalong the route at the resolution necessary to establish a safe pipeline route. In most cases, there are areas along the route that are benign and stablewhilst there are other sections that may be exposed to geohazards that maydamage the pipeline. These sections, and the environment through which theypass, require detailed investigation not only along the route itself but in thesurrounding areas that may hold hazards which could impact the integrity of thepipeline. Appropriate techniques for acquiring survey data in the followingenvironments will be discussed:LandfallContinental shelfContinental slopeAbyssal plain

A typical deepwater pipeline is either transporting oil or gas onshore from adeepwater frontier field or transferring oil or gas from one continent toanother, connecting the source to the market via the shortest route (commonlycrossing an abyssal plain).
An Efficient Hull for Cost-Effective Power Solutions
Authors: Roddier Dominique G. , Cermelli christian
Published: April 2012

In this paper, updated conceptual designs and preliminary schedule estimatesfor the MiniFloat-III power generation hull will be presented. In this study, the MiniFloat hull is sized to support power generation capacity ranging from 5to 100 MW.

The MiniFloat platform is a small semi-submersible with excellent motioncharacteristics. It has been under technical development since 2003. The designphilosophy has been to optimize the economical benefits by minimizing the totalcost of the project. This is achieved by addressing all areas of thedevelopment, and by favoring simplicity in the engineering, fabrication, towing, installation and commissioning of the unit. Technical qualification ofthe MiniFloat includes hydrodynamic, structural and model tests results.

The MiniFloat was sized specifically for power generation equipment to supportsubsea equipment in marginal field developments. One variation of the MiniFloatconcept is the WindFloat, a hull supporting a large (2–10 MW) floating windturbine. The WindFloat is the most advanced form of the MiniFloat, with thefirst unit fabricated in the spring 2011 and commissioned at the end of thesummer. Again, simplicity in all phases, from turbine commissioning at quayside to a wet tow to the deployment site has significant commercial advantages. Applicability of those learnings to the subsea power generation unit will beaddressed in the manuscript.

Large subsea developments are highly sensitive to project CAPEX and amount ofpower delivered to the sea bed. Being able to deliver constant, reliable powerto the subsea, in all type of wave environments, while minimizing the cost ofthe platform supporting the power production equipment is crucial to thisindustry. It will enable the US to develop its marginal fields in the GOM, whenother solutions may not be technically feasible. This has tremendous benefitsin today's world economy where there is significant desire to decrease thedependence on foreign oil.

Introduction

Background Information

The MiniFloat platform as shown in Figure 1 is a small semi-submersible withexcellent motion characteristics. It has been under technical development since2003. The design philosophy has been to optimize the economical benefits byminimizing the total cost of the project. This is achieved by addressing allareas of the development, and by favoring simplicity in the engineering, fabrication, towing, installation and commissioning of the unit.
Compact Separation Technologies and Their Applicability for Subsea Field Development in Deep Water
Authors: Hannisdal Andreas , Westra Remko , Akdim Mohamed Reda , Bymaster Adam , Grave Ed , Teng Daniel Terng
Published: April 2012

Offshore deepwater discoveries have driven the development of new compactseparation technologies, a core aspect of subsea processing. Compact separatorsare much smaller than conventional separators and have the potential tosignificantly reduce capital expenditure for deepwater developments. Unfortunately, reducing the size of separators generally reduce the separationperformance and the robustness to handle fluctuations in flow rate andcomposition. It is therefore essential to find an acceptable balance betweenthe realized reduction in overall capital expenditure and reduced tolerance tofluctuating conditions. To maximize the economics of a subsea development, itis important to understand how the technology selection impacts performance, risks, costs, and ultimately the attractiveness of deepwater subsea processing. Proactive technology screening and qualification are required. This paperpresents one of several ongoing joint industry projects to develop and screenseparation technologies for deepwater applications, the DEMO 2000 project: NextGeneration Deepwater Subsea Gas-liquid Separation System. An overview ofavailable technologies for separation in deep water is disclosed, includingcyclonic separators, compact gravity-type separators, and slug dampeningtechnologies. Their characteristics, typical performance and maturity level arediscussed. Finally, the program activities are explained and some highlightsfrom the separation test program are shared.

Introduction

Value Drivers for Subsea Gas-liquid Separation

In recent years, subsea processing, and more specifically subsea separation, has been recognized as one of the most promising technology developments in theoffshore industry. With the recent success at Perdido [Ju et al., 2010], Parquedas Conchas (BC-10) [Iyer et al., 2010; Deuel et al., 2011], and Pazflor[Eriksen, 2012], subsea separation is attracting interest from industry becauseof its ability to increase production, enhance recovery, and improve fieldeconomics on a commercial scale. Subsea separation is, in general, stillconsidered an emerging technology area; therefore the benefits and capabilitiesmust be clearly demonstrated to infuse acceptance and confidence as thepreferred development option. McClimans and Fantoft [2006] and Di Silvestro etal. [2011] have presented a detailed review of the value drivers for subseagas-liquid separation, which is the topic of this paper. In summary, subseagas-liquid separation has proven to provide strong business incentives withenabling capabilities, including (i) more efficient liquid boosting, (ii)longer range gas compression from subsea to onshore, (iii) cost efficienthydrate management, (iv) effective riser slug depression, (v) and access tochallenging field developments that otherwise would be abandoned or notdeveloped (due to their remote location, harsh conditions, longer tie-backrequirements, or low reservoir drive). The main drivers are discussedbelow.
OPTI Hull Series: A Versatile Platform for Deepwater Field Development
Authors: DaSilva Otto M. , Knecht Harris
Published: April 2012

The design of semisubmersibles for oil production is a balancing act betweencompeting needs. The design tries to achieve the best possible solution so thatthe production up time is safely maximized for a minimum construction cost andfastest schedule and delivery.

This paper describes the philosophies used and methodologies applied in theinitial hull sizing, vessel motion responses, pontoon and columncompartmentation, structural continuity, deck integrity, deck integration atquayside, marine system reliability and hull inspection program that makes theOPTI series of semisubmersibles a good candidate for producing fields in alltypes of environments. The paper also touches on the regulatory requirementchanges that occurred after hurricanes Rita and Katrina in relation to thedesign waves and required airgap for extreme conditions.

Lastly, the work performed to qualify the hull series for wells with directvertical access (DVA) or " dry trees" will be presented.

Application

One of the main motivations for the OPTI series was to reduce the time betweenproject sanction and start of production by developing a design that could beeasily scalable to accommodate a wide range of production levels. The resultwas the OPTI-EX that was designed and then built on a speculative basis withouta particular client in mind or an identified location. This unit can handlesmaller fields with production levels between 20,000 and 60,000 bopd and hassufficient spare deck capacity to adapt to the specific requirements of anyclient.

Introduction

The OPTI series of semisubmersible floating production hull forms was derivedfrom Exmar's unique series of drilling semisubmersible designs (E-2500, E-II, etc.) which feature the patented " pontoon in front of column placement", knownas the " lip" configuration. This " lip" configuration was conceived to canceland/or minimize heave motions. See Reference [1[.

For drilling designs, the " lip" was placed only on the bow and stern because itwas assumed that a preferred heading either would be found on the dynamicallypositioned (DP) or moored into a predominant direction so the heave cancelationcharacteristics were mainly required in head seas. In addition, since drillingapplications have more supply/crane operations from the sides, both offshoreand at the quay, the extra width was removed from the side of thepontoons.

For the production application during hurricanes, no preferred directionalitycan be assumed, and with a slightly deeper draft (greater distance to supplyboat hulls) and less supply boat activity, the " lip" was placed on all foursides to give the hull its omni-directionality.

The drilling series were further " OPTI-mized" with the unique five-sided columnshape with its inherent benefits for structural integrity, stability, andvortex induced motion (VIM) behavior.
Subsea Sampling: Reducing Uncertainty From PVT by Utilizing Representative Sampling Subsea
Authors: Pinguet Bruno G. , Vethe Eivind , Smith Michael Thomas , Smith Gerald , Sbordone Andrea , Nighswander John Allan
Published: April 2012

Inaccurate PVT information has been shown to contribute significantly toincreased uncertainty for subsea multiphase and wet gas meters when determiningstandard conditions flow rates. Typically, subsea meters have been set-up usingPVT information gained from samples taken during drilling. Rarely has this databeen updated, due to lack of access to quality representative samples. Thispaper addresses the issues regarding access to well stream fluids, the abilityto capture representative samples, sample handling and storage, and the dataneeded to recombine the samples, and possibilities to implement solutions tothese challenging conditions.

Multiphase meters serve as the operator's eye into the subsea multiphase flowprocess and provide volumetric flow rates and split between the oil, water andgas phases along with a number of measured and calculated values. The dataprovided by the meters is used for flow assurance, allocation, and productionmanagement and to gain understanding of the reservoir structure, hence theimportance of maintaining the quality of the measurement over time. Themeasurements from any inline meters are reported at line conditions, where themeasurements are taken, usually near the subsea tree, but the operator usuallyrequires the meter to provide flow rates in Standard Conditions as well. Theseline conditions measurements are then converted to standard conditions usingeither a set of correlation (black oil model usually) or a tuned Equation ofState (EOS). Depending on the fluids, the method used can have an impact of upto +/- 30% uncertainty at standard conditions (Joshua Oldham, Exxon Mobil, atSubsea Tieback 2008).

In order to reduce this source of uncertainty, the EOS must be updated asneeded. If wells are commingled subsea the only way to gather the informationneeded is to sample the fluids at meter conditions in a representative stateand recombine them in the laboratory.

The remainder of the paper will describe the tools and methods needed toachieve this as developed by Schlumberger and Framo Engineering.
Development of the ROVDrill Mk.2 Seabed Push Sampling, Rotary Coring and In-Situ Testing System
Authors: Edmunds James , Machin Jonathan Bruce , Cowie Michael
Published: April 2012

The ROVDrill Mk.2 is a state-of-the-art seabed push sampling, rotary coring andin situ testing system designed for working in 2500m water depth and obtaininggeotechnical data to a depth of 120m below seabed. The system has beendeveloped as a geotechnical upgrade to two ROVDrill subsea robotic drillingsystems previously utilised in rotary coring mode in deep-water for the seabedmining industry.

The paper considers the key design features of the current generation of subseadrill rigs and contrasts some of the key conceptual design differences betweenthem. A brief case study looking at the evolution of the ROVDrill Mk.2 rig ispresented including discussion of some of the technical upgrades and an outlineof its principal specifications.

A number of benefits of seabed drilling are highlighted, with particular regardto working in deep water and harsh environments. With the elimination of humanexposure to pipe and tool handling risks, improved operational efficiency andsample quality and increased borehole depth accuracy, the development of seabedpush sampling, rotary coring and in situ testing systems are attractive to theoffshore site investigation market and a real alternative to traditional drillships.

A Brief History of Subsea Drilling Technology

Subsea drilling equipment began to appear in commercial use in the 1970's. Theearliest examples of these units were diver operated, marinized terrestrialsingle-shot rotary diamond core drilling rigs used for shallow rock coring forsurvey purposes. They also found application installing the small diameterpiles which are used to restrain and stabilize oil and gas pipelines in shallowwater zones with rocky seabeds, such as those found in the Persian Gulf and NWAustralia coastal oilfields.

During the last 25 years or so, in step with the marine industry move to deeperwater beyond diver depths and taking advantage of increasingly standardized andsophisticated ROV control technology, subsea drill rigs have become remotelyoperated. Early examples remained as single-shot rotary coring systems, butmore capable rigs were developed initially for the deep-water scientific rockcoring research community. As the technology matured more sophisticated drillrig functionality was developed such as subsea pipe storage racks, iron-roughnecks/foot-clamps for pipe make/break, drill/grout mud pumps andcomplete monitoring and surveillance systems.

Since 1996 a number of heavier duty subsea drill rigs have been built for usein the both geological research and commercial subsea geotechnical market. These units are of higher power (up to 150HP) and are capable of drillinglarger diameter bores (typically in the range 50mm to 75mm core diametercapability) and to greater depth (from 20m to over about 100m) than previousrigs. Systems targeting the geotechnical market additionally feature as aminimum push sampling (i.e. sampling of uncemented soils) and cone penetrationtesting (CPT) capabilities.
Continuous Anti-Agglomerant LDHI Application for Deepwater Subsea Tieback: A Study on Water Quality and Low Water Cut Scenarios
Authors: Webber Peter Andrew , Conrad Peter , Lewis David , Jagneaux Ricky L.
Published: April 2012

This paper details the continuous field application of an anti-agglomerant lowdosage hydrate inhibitor (AA-LDHI) for a deepwater Gulf of Mexico subseatieback with an unconventional projected production profile. Due to pumplimitations and projected production, as well as methanol-in-crudecontamination issues, thermodynamic hydrate inhibition was not suitable forthis new well. The chemical was first qualified by rocking cell performancetests, followed by a rigorous topsides trial on the host platform simulating AAinjection into the expected water production. AA injection began less than 24hours after the well was brought online using methanol. Several lessons werelearned regarding the application of AA at low water cuts. The chemical hasbeen successfully applied for more than one year with no significant effects onwater quality or hydrate events including during shut-ins.

This paper will provide the feasibility for continuous application of AA fromearly field life without water quality issues when reliance on methanol, athermodynamic hydrate inhibitor, wasn't viable. Field and lab data will bepresented to support the case for continuous application of AA chemical withoutthe traditional water quality issues associated with LDHIs. Field data willalso reveal important discoveries regarding the application of AA at low watercuts (<1%). The discovery of the behavior of AA at lower water cuts is asignificant contribution to the industry. Chemical phase partitioning must beconsidered in an oil-dominated system.

Introduction

Offshore production of oil and gas face several challenges with flow assuranceand water separation. Natural gas hydrates are of particular concern whenoperating at reduced temperatures and elevated pressures. Under flowingconditions, hydrates can form and plug a flowline in a matter of minutes. Hydrate management strategies have often relied on chemical inhibition whenmechanical or operational methods are not cost effective or prudent. Conventional treatment options include the application of thermodynamic hydrateinhibitors, such as methanol or monoethylene glycol (MEG). Low dose hydrateinhibitors have also been employed as part of an effective hydrate managementstrategy (Kelland 2005). Anti-agglomerants, one class of LDHIs that have beenparticularly prominent in the Gulf of Mexico region, function by associatingwith an already formed hydrate crystal (Huo et al. 2001, York 2008). Thisassociation disrupts the growth process and causes the hydrate crystals tobecome oil wet. This creates a transportable hydrate slurry and preventsagglomeration and plugging from occurring.

The first applications for AAs in deepwater production were limited to shut-inand restart scenarios (Cowie et al. 2003). The benefits of AA application overthermodynamic inhibitors included
Towards Safer Subsea Interventions: Report on Using Glass-Free S3D Technology To Improve ROV Tasks
Authors: Lueth Manfred , Kleindienst Olivier
Published: April 2012

Towards Safer Subsea Interventions:Report on Using Glass-Free S3D Technology to Improve ROV Tasks

This paper will present the complete journey 'from onshore tests to fielddeployment' to qualify the Kolpi glassfree S3D technology for offshore usage. The Kolpi glass free S3D technology helps operators to conduct precise subseainterventions requiring the use of the manipulator arm and to enable higherperformance and safer execution of ROV tasks.

This fits particular well into the recent efforts of the offshore energyindustry to improve precision levels of subsea interventions to adequatelyrespond to the increased risk level and to improve contingency underwater. Tomeet these challenges, it will be crucial for subsea operations to move from aflat representation on today's monitors towards more ergonomic solution such asglass free 3D viewing with depth perception and a more natural and intuitiveinteraction to address the skill shortage and to reduce the learning curve fornew pilots.

To respond to these requirements, the new S3D topside solution for ROVoperations was extensivly tested by a consortium co-led by Total, Technip, Saipem, Ifremer and Kolpi in 2010 and followed by two offshore missions in2011, including operational work conducted during a field development in WestAfrica

This paper will cover the execution of the qualification tests, the resultsobtained during tests in a controlled environment as well as the feedbackreceived by some of the 87 ROV pilots who tried the system. Furthermore, wewill summarize the findings of the various trials and presenting the how andwhy when selecting the right S3D user interface for safer subseainterventions.
Model Tests for Three Floating Wind Turbine Concepts
Authors: Goupee Andrew Joseph , Koo Bonjun , Lambrakos Kostas , Kimball Richard
Published: April 2012

Floating wind turbine systems have been proposed to tap the significant energyresources found beyond fixed bottom depths. However, limited physical dataexists concerning the performance of these systems. This paper presents detailsof a unique, comprehensive 1/50th scale model floating wind turbine test effortwhich involves extensive testing of a scale model of the National RenewableEnergy Laboratory (NREL) 5 MW, horizontal axis reference wind turbine atopthree generic floating platforms: tension-leg platform, a spar-buoy and asemi-submersible.

Design considerations are presented including scaling, instrumentation, testphases and procedures. The test models are geosyms of the full scale systemswith scaled platform, tower and turbine mass properties. Froude scaling of bothwind and waves is applied and the fundamental tower bending mode is alsoscaled. A novel, low turbulence, low swirl wind generation system incorporatedinto the wave basin is utilized which employs 35 fans, flow straighteners and aconditioning nozzle. The model instrumentation includes motions, accelerationsand loads as well as wind turbine rpm, torque and thrust. The test matrix ispresented and includes system identification tests in addition to testsrepresenting combinations of regular or irregular seas, with static or dynamicwinds in both operational and extreme conditions.

Selected results from the model tests are discussed which point to thedifferences and similarities of the three floater concepts. The resultsdemonstrate relatively strong interaction for the fatigue sea states betweenthe tower and platform dynamics for the tension-leg platform system. Theresults also indicate large loads in the tower during extreme events for thecase of the spar and the semi platforms that are due to tower bending frompitch and roll.

The model tests add to the present technical knowledge base in the offshorefloating wind turbine industry in terms of model test design, wind modeling, coupled response data for the floater and wind turbine and calibration ofanalysis tools. The results of the tests will be used for validation, calibration and potential improvements of floating wind turbine design toolssuch as NREL's coupled aero-hydro-elastic code, FAST.

Introduction

In order to pursue commercial development of floating wind turbine technology avalidated aero-hydro-servo-elastic numerical model is needed to accuratelypredict the dynamic system behavior during the design and optimization process. Currently, there are very few publicly available coupled numerical models forsimulating the performance of floating wind turbines. These codes, such asNREL's FAST (Jonkman and Buhl, 2005; Jonkman, 2007), have yet to be fullyvalidated against real data as little published information of this typecurrently exists.