bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Water Hammer Modeling in Extended Reach Wells
Authors: Livescu Silviu , Watkins Tom J.
Published: June 2014

Water hammer tools (WHTs) are used in coiled tubing (CT) operations for postponing a potential helical lock-up and running deeper into the hole. By rapidly opening and closing a valve in the tool, pressure pulses are created and the axial vibrating force is overcoming the friction between the CT and the wellbore. The pressure pulses depend on the CT parameters (size and material), WHT parameters (size and valve frequency), pumping rate, and downhole pressure. Although the effect of the water hammer pulses on the axial and radial vibrations has been investigated before, the coupling between water hammer pulses and the axial and radial vibrations for CT operations is not currently understood. Radial vibrations may be important as they may reduce the normal and thus the frictional forces between the CT and the wellbore and increase the reach in long horizontal wells.

In this paper the effect of the water hammer pulses on the radial vibrations is investigated. A numerical model was developed to simulate the water hammer pulses and vibrations of the CT and WHT assembly. The model was validated against lab data for the case of a single WHT located at the end of a CT. Then the model was used to investigate the optimal performance of the WHT.

Several scenarios, such as a WHT located between two CTs and two WHTs working in tandem, were also investigated. It is concluded that the radial vibrations which appear due to the water hammer pulses when two WHTs are used in tandem may be beneficial in reducing the friction forces between the CT and the wellbore. When two WHTs are used, a relationship between the additional pumping pressure and the distance between the two tools is also proposed.
Optimizing Pipe Management with a New Approach of Coiled Tubing Integrity Monitoring
Authors: Torregrossa Michelle , Zsolt Liam , Zwanenburg Mirjam
Published: June 2014

Pipe management refers to the proper handling and treating of coiled tubing pipe to prolong its life and prevent failures. Current pipe management practices are based largely on semi-empirical models based on lab testing and field developed best practices. Among these parameters is tubing fatigue life, which is based on assumed semi empirical models without any physical measurement of the associated phenomena and assumes that coiled tubing surfaces are free of any induced defects. Current best practices used to some extent in the industry govern the use of chemical inhibitors, expended at varying degrees of effectiveness, without additional treatment evaluation.

While these current practices are proactive in prolonging the life of coiled tubing strings, they are inconsistently applied and often without an actual method of assessing ever changing pipe integrity. With the advent of operational Magnetic Flux Leakage (MFL) measurement devices, coil operators are now able to see many of the previously undetectable defects as they occur and advance. Coiled Tubing operators will be able to understand the circumstances that caused these defects, the conditions that worsen them, and the methods to prevent their progress. Pipe management can now be based on job-to-job, continual, physical measurements.

The integration of an MFL measurement device into coil tubing operations will redefine pipe management practices. This work will present an object oriented tracking system that allows coil operators to monitor defects as they evolve over time. Defects will be tracked continually with specific criterion recorded simultaneously, including MFL signatures, coil tubing characteristics, as well as critical job parameters.

In the case of fatigued material, micro fractures, and internal defects, there is no other way of observing the damage rendered to the pipe during operation. MFL measurements also bring characteristics such as bias welds into clear resolution. Additionally, metallurgical defects can be identified by an experienced MFL pipe inspector. Furthermore, with the inclusion of coil tubing characteristics and critical job parameters, the capabilities of observing issues resulting from irregular occurrences associated to job specifics are obtained. With this systematic method it becomes possible to evaluate the damage incurred, quantify pipe elongation, assess internal corrosion, and overall improve pipe integrity monitoring.
Owning the Process Safety Moment: Real-Time Risk Management and Response
Authors: Jose S. J. , Arango G. , Flichy P.
Published: June 2014

During operations, critical events occur where action must be taken or a decision made that can influence an event outcome. Owning these decisive moments involve actively reducing risk exposure, avoiding potential events and quickly minimizing the impact of a realized event. Process safety analysis documents such decisive safety moments using models such as "bow-tie" diagrams. The oil and gas industry is taking positive steps to analyze the critical safety processes, develop the associated bow-tie frameworks and adopt a multi-barrier policy. The steps are in the right direction, but stop short of providing the measurable assurance that delivers true ownership of safety moments.

Bow-tie models articulate the "what" of process safety management. Owning the decisive safety moment involves taking the paper-based processes and barriers and bringing them to life in a real-time managed environment.

Therefore, processes and barrers must be tracked and controlled using a real-time management environment.

This paper presents how to transform paper-based risk management tools into a real-time environment to increase performance, lower risks, and reduce incidents.
Improving Vertical Seismic Profile Safety Through the Use of Specially Designed Source Vehicles
Authors: Tulett John , Dean Timothy , Lane Darvin
Published: June 2014

Two successive models of truck-mounted seismic vibrators were designed and manufactured to ensure the highest possible levels of vehicle safety while also delivering excellent data quality. Seismic vibrators are the preferred energy sources for land vertical seismic profile (VSP) surveys because they are relatively repeatable and controllable, have high energy but a low HSE impact, and are cost effective. Recent advances in vibrator design have enriched the quality of VSP data, but the improvements have been mainly applied only to buggy-mounted vibrators. Buggy-mounted vibrators are typically used for surface seismic surveys in remote areas, and thus their design has been optimized for off-road performance. Surface seismic surveys have typical durations of a number of months or even years. However, VSP surveys are often of short duration (several hours) and require rapid equipment mobilization to the wellsite, often at short notice. Seismic vibrators for vibroseis VSP surveys may spend more time in road transportation to and from the wellsite than in performing the actual VSP survey.

While the main HSE safety exposure for buggy-mounted vibrators is related to their off-road use, the main exposure for the vibrators used in VSPs is related to their transport between work sites and their use by sometimes relatively inexperienced personnel (vehicle weights can be more than 30 tons and hydraulic pressures often exceed 3,000 psi). As the targets for VSP surveys become more complex, there is a need to use more advanced vibrators, which until now have only been available as buggy mounted. However, the use of buggy-mounted vibrators for VSP surveys has HSE implications for transportation. To overcome these issues, the special truck-mounted vibrators that have been developed incorporate all the recent improvements in vibrator quality while retaining all the HSE advantages of modern truck-mounted vehicles, such as their ability to be driven safely between wellsites, and additional modifications to ensure the safety of personnel with limited experience.

One of the greatest HSE exposure risks associated with vibroseis VSP operations occurs during transportation to and from wellsites. Since the introduction of the new vehicles, there have been no HSE incidents.
Environmental Monitoring and Modeling of Drilling Discharges at a Location with Vulnerable Seabed Fauna: Comparison between Field Measurements and Model Simulations
Authors: Frost Tone K. , Myrhaug Janne L. , Ditlevsen May K. , Rye Henrik
Published: June 2014

Offshore drilling activities were carried out by Statoil at the Hyme field, located in the Norwegian Sea, in an area with vulnerable seabed fauna. Cold water corals (Lophelia) were identified in vicinity of the drilling well location. Drilling activities in sensitive areas requires that the operator perform an assessment of potential impact or risk of drilling discharges prior to the drilling operation. The risk assessment is an input to the planning of the drilling operation with regards to minimize negative impacts on corals or other vulnerable fauna present. In addition, environmental monitoring during the drilling operation is undertaken in such areas, to document and, if possible, prevent potential impacts on the seabed fauna.

The monitoring program at the Hyme field included measurements of ocean currents, temperature, salinity, turbidity and sedimentation of particles at the drilling location during the drilling operation. After drilling, the environmental risk assessment was updated with actual current data and high resolution discharge data for the whole discharge period. The results from the field measurements were used for validation of model simulations of dispersion and deposition of discharged drilling particles, in order to predict actual exposure and consequently potential effects or risk to the corals.

In the present paper a comparison between model simulations and field measurements is presented. The model predicted particle exposure concentrations and burial of corals will be verified against turbidity measurements in the water column and particle sedimentation measurements at different distances from the discharge points.

A high level accuracy in the model simulations, as basis for assessment of potential impacts to biota, is of high importance. This enables the operator to evaluate alternatives with regards to drilling discharge solutions (discharge point etc.) with lowest impact on environmental resources at the drilling site prior to drilling. A high level of accuracy is also important in the validation of the simulation.
Human Biomonitoring (HBM): Challenges and Solution for Assuring Quality
Authors: Lerman Steven , Minsavage Gary
Published: June 2014

HBM is an important tool for assessing workplace and environmental exposure to potentially hazardous substances and associated risk. HBM use by government, NGOs and industry is becoming increasingly commonplace. However, there are several critical factors in the manner in which HBM is designed, conducted, interpreted and communicated that must be considered in order to ensure that an HBM Program provides information that enhances decision making.

This paper is intended to identify those critical factors and describe an approach to ensure that they are adequately addressed prior to embarking on an HBM Program.

Critical factors that should be considered in an HBM Program include: The question being addressed and the rationale for the program – Is HBM more effective than more conventional forms of exposure assessment, e.g., air monitoring to address the questionDoes this program constitute research and if so, has it been reviewed by an Institutional Review Board and is informed consent planned?Has a sensitive and specific marker of exposure been identified?Is an appropriate sample collection strategy defined taking into account the nature of the exposure and the toxicokinetics of the chemical and its metabolites? Timing and frequency of samplingChain of custodyPrevention of contamination (including from the container used for collection)Has a laboratory been identified that is qualified to conduct the test and has adequate quality control and assurance methodologies?If HBM is being used to assess risk, has an appropriate biomonitoring reference value (e.g., Biomonitoring Equivalents) been identified?How and to whom will results be communicated? If there is not a reference value, will individual subjects get results? If not, will this be communicated prior to testing?If so, what other than an absolute value will be communicated?Have other communications been considered {e.g., journal publication, communication to impacted community, US EPA – TSCA 8(e)}
Risk Assessment and Planning for Offshore Oil Spill Response Preparedness
Authors: Rob Cox
Published: June 2014

Following the April 2010 Gulf of Mexico (Macondo) oil spill and the Montara incident in Australia, the International Association of Oil and Gas Producers (OGP) formed the Global Industry Response Group. This Group identified nineteen oil spill response recommendations that are being addressed via an Oil Spill Response Joint Industry Project (OSR-JIP) during 2012-2014. The OSR-JIP is managed by IPIECA on behalf of OGP, in recognition of IPIECA’s long-standing experience with oil spill response matters

One of the nineteen recommendations concerned the development of an international guideline for offshore oil spill risk assessment and a method to better relate oil spill response resources to that risk.

This paper describes the development and content of the guideline, including how the oil spill risk assessment process provides structured and relevant information to oil spill response planning for offshore operations. The process starts by defining the context of the assessment and describing the activity to be assessed. Thereafter it addresses a series of key questions, such as: What can go wrong, leading to potential release of oil?What happens to the spilled oil?What are the impacts on key environmental - both ecological and socio-economic - receptors?What is the risk for environmental damage?How is the established risk utilised in oil spill response planning?

The guideline draws on existing good practice in the determination of oil spill response resources. It promotes consideration, in tactical and logistical detail, of the preferred and viable response strategies to address scenarios covering the range of potential oil spills up to the most serious. The methodology to consider the scenarios follows a series of questions: What are the viable techniques/strategies to deliver response with greatest net environment benefit?What are the tactical measures required to implement the identified response strategies, considering technical, practical and safety factors?What Tiered resources are required to mount the tactical measures and achieve effective response?

The paper sums up useful tools, key information and the necessary level of detail that are essential to perform an oil spill risk assessment and use this in oil spill response planning.
Addressing Driving Management Challenges: A Global Perspective with a Risk-Based Approach
Authors: Wiraatmadja Gunawan , Walker Kirsty , Lawrence Dave
Published: June 2014

Despite significant effort to improve safety, driving continues to be the work-related activity with the highest associated risk in the oil and gas industry. Many emerging and developing countries have experienced a rapid increase in the number and diversity of road users that has outpaced corresponding improvement in infrastructure, regulation, and enforcement of driving laws. This has resulted in increasing risk of road incidents, presenting growing challenges for organizations in the management of their global driving activities. Variation in the levels and types of risk between different countries and regions adds to the complexity of effectively managing driving safety. The traditional way that companies manage their driving activities is to apply a corporate standard globally. This involves implementing the same requirements regardless of the level of driving risks in a country or operational location. While this approach provides clear direction, it may not always help to focus attention on high-risk driving situations. To better address the challenges of managing its global driving activities, and take into consideration the variation of driving risks in different locations, an oilfield services company has developed a management approach based on both country and operational risks. This paper presents the company’s risk-based driving and journey management approach and reviews how it was developed. It describes how the approach has enabled the organization to improve the effectiveness of managing driving activities in more than 85 countries, including more than 50,000 drivers, 25,000 vehicles, and in excess of 550 million miles driven per year.
The Global Initiative: Building Government and Industry Cooperation in New Regions
Authors: Bonneville Elisabeth , Coolbaugh Thomas , Depraz Sophie , Murphy Helen , Taylor Peter
Published: June 2014

As oil industry exploration and production activities and global marine shipping patterns have evolved, there is recognition of the potential for increased levels of oil spill risk in specific regions. In response to this, the IPIECA/IMO Global Initiative (GI) Programme is undergoing a period of broad expansion into regions where these increased activities may have the biggest potential impact. These same regions tend to show a need for improvement: consistency in the application of international legislation; effectiveness of regional agreements and national plans; and industry arrangements in order to minimize the likelihood of a significant incident and to mitigate the consequences. As is the case in the existing GI regions, the overall objective of any proposed new regional initiatives is to strengthen the cooperation between government and industry on oil spill related issues and to improve the capacity of countries to protect their marine and coastal environments and resources through the full implementation of the International Convention on Oil Pollution Preparedness, Response and Co-operation, 1990 (OPRC).

Three active and functional GI regional programmes have been established between 2003−13, covering (i) the Black Sea, Caspian Sea and Central Eurasia, (ii) West, Central and Southern Africa and (iii) South East Asia. The establishment and successes of these programmes are described, along with on-going work in this field in the Mediterranean Sea.

As a result of increased oil and gas activity, IPIECA and IMO have identified East Africa as a "high priority" region for future GI activities. In 2013, IPIECA has commissioned a report to outline the existing level of oil spill risk from upstream and shipping activities and assess the existing preparedness and resource capabilities of government and industry within the region. The outcomes from this report along with the recommendations and future plans for possible GI activities in East Africa will be discussed.

The possible development of a GI programme for coastal China that would provide spill preparedness and response technical workshops in China will be reviewed with particular emphasis on the 2012 agreement between the Chinese Maritime Safety Agency, IPIECA, and the IMO. In addition, the draft GI China action plan will be presented with details of proposed oil spill response training.
Assessing Exploratory Drilling Impacts on an Arctic Deepwater Sea-Pen Habitat in Offshore Norway
Authors: Paulsen John E. , Cochrane Sabine K. , Leikvin Øyvind , Hansen Jesper , Torbergsen Hans E. , Pierfelici Stefano
Published: June 2014

Drilling in Norwegian Arctic waters provokes concern regarding potential impacts on commercial fisheries and the marine environment. Of particular concern are deep-water sponge and sea-pen habitats. Drilling permits require environmental surveys to be carried out before and after drilling, to document drill cutting impacts. Lack of data on bottom currents in deep, northern waters may introduce errors in deposition models.

This study aimed to provide data for environmental waste management in the Norwegian Arctic, at a drilling location at approximately 1400 m depth, inhabited by the deep-water seapen tentatively identified as Umbellula enchrinus, which occurs along the continental slope across the entire European Arctic. More than 70 Umbellula colonies were mapped using underwater video within approximately 1 km2 around the drilling location. Four surveys were carried out between 2010 and 2013, covering pre- and post-drilling conditions. Sediment core samples were taken before and after drilling to quantify the thickness and spatial extent of deposited drill cuttings. An Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP) was deployed to measure water currents in the lower 450 m of the water column, at high resolution, during the entire drilling period.

The upper water masses comprised northward-flowing Atlantic water, with cold Norwegian Sea Deep Water in the lowest 200 m overlying the seabed. Visible deposition of drill cuttings was restricted to within 100 m from the drilling location in most directions, and extending to around 150 m to the south-west, in accordance with bottom water movements. Exposure to cuttings deposition was not lethal, but organisms immediately near the well were mechanically destroyed.

This likely is the most detailed investigation of live Umbellula organisms world-wide, and contributes to biological research on drilling impacts. Innovative water column measurements and drill cuttings impact assessments provide data for planning environmentally-sound drilling waste management strategies for offshore operations in Arctic Norway.
Making the Connection: Oil and Gas Management of Natural Resources
Authors: Pedroni Paola Maria , Fennessey Karl , Romer Ruth , Ruck Philip
Published: June 2014

IPIECA, the global oil and gas industry association for environmental and social issues, develops shares and promotes good practice and knowledge to help the industry improve its environmental and social performance. Through its member led working groups and executive leadership, IPIECA brings together the collective expertise of oil and gas companies and associations on a number of issues relevant to onshore and offshore operations. Two specific areas of focus for IPIECA are the topics of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (BES) and Water Management.

In recognition of the cross-cutting nature of these two topics, and to coincide with the UN International Day for Biodiversity’s 2013 theme of "Water and Biodiversity", IPIECA developed a communications tool - Making the connection: oil and gas management of natural resources. The interactive illustration highlights the interface between the management of BES and water issues throughout upstream onshore oil and gas operations. This tool outlines the key management steps for identifying and assessing both dependencies and potential impacts of operations on BES and water risks, as well as how to implement these practically.

The purpose is: To highlight the relevance and importance of ecosystem services for oil and gas operations;To illustrate the synergies and alignment in the approach and management steps for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (BES) and water throughout the operational lifecycle;To present the range of practices and tools available to implement the management steps.

The management steps are based on the "Plan, Do, Check, Act" cycle for continuous improvement in the management of natural resources. Stakeholder engagement is fully integrated into the process.

HSE professionals, managers and practitioners can click through each stage of the cycle to understand the IPIECA approach whilst also discovering IPIECA tools and products that are available to help manage BES and water issues effectively. This paper provides more detail on the rationale behind the different components of the management cycle and uses examples to illustrate its practical application.
Altitude Illness, Peru & Papua New Guinea: A Unique Workplace Hazard
Authors: Hochberg Anthony
Published: June 2014

More than 100 million people visit altitudes up to and higher than 2,500m (~8,000 ft) annually.

There is a developing body of knowledge and accumulated experience with mining companies and construction groups around building and operating mines/LNG facilities at low oxygen / high altitude environments. Much of the knowledge is anecdotal and it is only relatively recently that workplace experiences are being studied more scientifically.

The majority of healthy individuals who relocate without adequate adaptation or a medical management plan will suffer from high-altitude illnesses. For example, up to 80% of high-altitude travellers report sleep disturbances and/or headache. Acute mountain sickness (AMS) represents the most common and usually benign illness, which however can rapidly progress to the more severe and potentially
Test of Analytical Approaches for Assessing Dispersal of Barium Free Drilling Discharges on Seabed
Authors: Ulfsnes A. , MØskeland T.
Published: June 2014

During planning of a drilling operation in the North Sea with planned discharges from the top hole section, it was revealed that the drilling location was bordering to a predefined area for sand-eel (Ammodytes marinus). As sand-eel spawning is strongly related to limited habitat, spawning grounds are given high value on the uniqueness, life-historical importance and productivity.

Due to the presence of sand-eel, mitigating measures were implemented to minimize the risk of smothering sand-eel areas by: 1)Use of cuttings Transport System (CTS) in order to lead the discharges away from the defined sand-eel area.2)Use of particle free drilling fluid for minimizing spreading of particles.

As a consequence barite is not included in the drilling mud composition. Barite contains high amounts of Ba and may generate particles with a potential of being transported over long distances. Environmental authorities required documentation of drilling discharges not spreading to the sand-eel habitat. The question is then how one can monitor and document the spreading of barium free drilling discharges on seabed?

Application/Development

Normally monitoring of drilling operations close to vulnerable habitats in Norway is done with an array of measuring techniques, covering turbidity measurements, sediment traps, current measurements and sediment analysis using barium as a tracer. In this case barium was not present in the mud and could therefore not be used as a tracer. A new approach was therefore chosen. This approach included use of Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), picture analysis, grain size and organic matter analysis from a total of 36 sampling stations.

Results, Observations, and Conclusions

The monitoring approach gave relatively clear results of the dispersion pattern of the drilling discharges. Results were comparable with observations from monitoring of other drilling operations. Especially the SEM approach gave rather clear results, and these findings were supported by the analysis of grain size distribution. The approach used is considered to be relatively cost effective compared to standard monitoring approaches used in Norway.

Significance of Subject Matter

A combination of picture analysis and grain size analysis is an alternative approach for documenting spreading of drill cuttings discharges. It may be a cost efficient alternative in cases where barite is not present in the mud.
Implementation of Best Environmental Practices in an Oil and Gas Company: Myth or Reality?
Authors: Cuenca Isaac Nájera , Sánchez Carmen Santamaria , Roldán Carlos Alberto
Published: June 2014

For a responsible O&G company it is no longer acceptable to follow different environmental performance standards that are based on regulatory requirements that vary from country to country.

Consequently, beyond strict legal compliance, a set of 150 best environmental practices has been established in an effort to prevent and minimize the environmental impact of E&P operations worldwide. This requirement covers the full range of E&P activities (acquisition, exploration, development, production and abandonment), and it contains specific requirements for key environmental aspects, such as biodiversity, noise, air emissions, wastewater and waste management.

A gap analysis was conducted in 15 countries to analyse compliance against the requirement with a global outcome of 11% of cases failing to meet the best practice. This analysis covered all of the activities carried out during normal operations at any worldwide location, onshore and offshore, including joint ventures where the Company was the major shareholder or the operator. The analysis also covered activities carried out on the Company’s behalf by contractors and subcontractors. The study showed remarkable differences in compliance among countries and with regard to lifecycle stages and environmental aspects.

For out-of-compliance situations, a tiered-approach was developed for the visualization, conceptualization, definition and execution of actions to meet the requirements. In cases where the best practice could not be met, a new level of accomplishment based on the best available and economically achievable environmental performance must be proposed. A case study of an onshore oil production facility located in a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve illustrates the application of this methodology. The application of this requirement, despite the financial and operational impacts on the company, has proven to be an excellent tool for continuous improvement in environmental management and a solid approach to ensure alignment and harmonization of environmental best practices worldwide.
Lessons Learned in Executing Leading Safety Indicators
Authors: Toellner Jack
Published: June 2014

The purpose of this paper is to provide an update on ExxonMobil Development Company’s lessons learned in the area of measuring safety performance. ExxonMobil Development Company introduced the use of leading safety indicators on the Hoover/Diana project in 1998. The use of leading safety indicators proved to be a significant driver of project safety performance resulting in the project being the recipient of the National Ocean Industries Association’s Safety in the Seas Award. Since that time, ExxonMobil Development Company has used leading safety indicators on multiple projects and this paper will explore learnings during the last decade. In 2012, an ExxonMobil study team evaluated several ExxonMobil entities and industry practices on utilizing leading safety indicators, and recommended a forward action plan that included a simplified leading safety indicator process that addresses selection of leading indicators, effective analysis of data, and stewardship of results. The study team also characterized the attributes of a leading safety indicators program which will be shared in the paper and presentation. During 2013, ExxonMobil implemented multiple pilot sessions globally to demonstrate the effectiveness of the leading safety indicators process. The results of these pilot sessions will be shared in both the paper and subsequent presentation. ExxonMobil will also share an effective model that demonstrates safety performance results are the product of both the focus on the safety effort and the efficiency of the safety processes. The model can serve as a communication tool that demonstrates that safety performance is ultimately a reflection of ExxonMobil’s commitment to the goal that “Nobody Gets Hurt”.
Methane Emissions from Natural Gas Systems: A Comparative Assessment for Select Industry Segments
Authors: Ritter K. , Shires T. M. , Lev-On M.
Published: June 2014

The recent rapid expansion of natural gas developments and utilization worldwide are bringing into focus the need to improve understanding and characterization of greenhouse gas emission sources, including methane, associated with petroleum and natural gas systems. New production technologies and practices, including those involving hydraulic fracturing, necessitate a thorough review of existing quantification methods for fugitive methane emissions from venting, flaring, and equipment leaks associated with petroleum and natural gas systems and operations.

In the past few years widely divergent estimates have emerged regarding methane emissions from the U.S. natural gas industry sector. Some discrepancies noted by industry surveys have led to a thorough review of newly available information and are leading to the improvement of estimation methods and emission factors associated with activities that comprise natural gas systems. This has manifested itself in the engineering estimations that are used for compiling the national U. S. GHG Emissions Inventory and in the methods used by companies for reporting under the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency mandatory Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program.

This paper will present results of a comparative analysis of GHG emissions data, including methane, for key industry segments such as on-shore natural gas production and natural gas processing and their contribution to the so called "petroleum and natural gas systems". The data analyzed will contrast the "top-down" assessments used in developing the U.S. GHG Emissions Inventory with the "bottom-up" estimation of actual emissions as reported under Subpart W of the GHGRP. The analysis will provide a comparison of the estimation methods and evaluation of the contribution of key sources to overall methane emissions.

The ultimate goal of this effort is to incorporate the new information that is becoming available into consistent methods that can be used both for national GHG inventory development and for corporate reporting. Harmonization of these methods is expected to contribute to informing the public debate on natural gas use and its role in mitigating overall GHG emissions.
II&R - What is a Learning Organization?
Authors: Barnes S. , Schlichtmann III J.
Published: June 2014

An organization’s ability to understand and learn from serious incidents is critical to sustainably and reliably in reducing the occurrence and recurrence of unwanted or unplanned events. The implementation of standardized processes for reporting, investigating, taking preventive action, and sharing lessons learned has demonstrated marked improvements in incident prevention however the occurrence of repeat incidents indicates the need to holistically evaluate the effectiveness of these processes and how they are implemented against the characteristics of a successful learning organization.

For an Exploration and Production (E&P) operating unit to achieve a step change in performance in incident investigation and reporting (II&R) of lessons learned, gaps in how the existing process functions must be strategically identified and measured against a defined future state vision. Evaluation criteria based on six core elements were defined in order to establish the current state of II&R performance as well as the effectiveness of the operating unit as a learning organization. Assessments included internal and external industry benchmarking to better understand best practices in II&R implementation and execution. Using benchmarking data and learning organization characteristics applied to II&R, a future state vision for organization, leadership accountability, people capability, execution, continuous improvement, and culture were developed. The gap assessment between the current state and future state vision enabled the development of tangible actions to be implemented over a 3 year period to provide sustainable improvement actions that support improved effectiveness in II&R and proactive effort towards prevention of incidents and incident recurrence.
Brazilian Deployment of Mobile Effluent Treatment of SBM Contaminated Deck Drain and Slop Water Interfaces From Offshore Drilling Operations
Authors: Cupelo A. C. , Marroquim A. C. , Araruna J. , de Medeiros B. , Moura D. , Gama M. C.
Published: June 2014

This paper will discuss a mobile effluent treatment system, which was developed in Norway and recently deployed in offshore Brazil. The system is a specialized two-module slop water treatment unit deployable on any drilling environment. The treatment process uses a combination of chemical and physical processes such as demulsification, flocculation, settling, and filtration to separate SBM and SBM fractions from the slop water into their main components.

Testing was conducted to ensure that the system would have the capacity to treat SBM-contaminated waste to comply with the Brazillian Resolutions for Effluents Discharge (Conselho Nacional do Meio Ambiente Resolutions - CONAMA n° 357/05 and 430/11). The tests involved adjusting the system to operate within the limits established by the local legislation, which establish very conservative concentrations of metals and hydrocarbons, amongst other parameters, that effluents must meet before being discharged in continental or oceanic bodies of water.

The results presented in this paper show that, with minor adjustments, the system can produce an effluent that complies with all necessary parameters for discharge at an offshore location. This prevents significant risks in transport and disposal, as well as the costs associated with them.

This study has shown that the use of such a system is not only environmentally advantageous, but also economically significant as it helps minimize waste and increases drilling fluids reuse and profit margins in drilling operations. In Brazil, the use of this technology has an innovative profile and it is a tool that can contribute to reducing the high volumes of drilling waste that are currently transported onshore for waste disposal. The next step, before operational use of this technology in Brazil, is the agreement of a monitoring plan with the environmental agency.
Fair Dialogue and Co-Creation - A Shift in Stakeholder Engagement and Global Performance of Industrial Projects
Authors: Conraud Thierry , Jammes Laurent , Morales Luis Vera , Cordoba Jesus
Published: June 2014

The social and environmental impacts of large industrial projects are increasingly raising concerns from individuals and civil society organizations. Impact assessment studies and risk management plans barely satisfy these external project stakeholders, who put forward the right to have a say on project implementation conditions.

While the analysis and optimization of a project’s techno-economic performance remains the responsibility of the project developer, establishing the conditions for the seamless integration of a project in its human and social environment is a matter of concern for all project stakeholders, and thus requires their engagement through a dedicated and eco-systemic management process. However, views diverge on what engagement means. Current practices are often limited to providing information on project features and listening to stakeholder’s concerns, while the final decisions remain the prerogative of the project developer.

The paper argues that a shift in the stakeholder engagement paradigm is needed to create favorable conditions for social acceptance, thus gaining the so-called "Social License to Operate" and more broadly, fostering image, reputation, exemplarity and global performance.

After a review of the meaning of a "project stakeholder" and "social acceptability", and building on the theories and concepts of social psychology, this paper aims at demonstrating that social acceptance requires fair dialogue with stakeholders and the co-creation of some of the project aspects.

The components of an effective stakeholder engagement strategy are discussed, including engagement modes, focus group composition, the role of experts and the use of different communication vehicles. Dedicated collaborative decision-aid software is presented, which supports dialogue and consensus building.

Methodologies to assess project performance according to selected social, environmental and economic dimensions are used to materialize and present opinions, which can be further discussed in groups to evolve towards more objective assessments and to document general interest, while guaranteeing transparency, inclusiveness, traceability and even spontaneity. Innovative mathematical engines are used to detect, qualify and quantify "weak signals" stemming from perception biases that stakeholders inevitably have when assessing complex issues.

This approach and the results will be illustrated via the example of the El Paso LNG terminal, in the town of Puerto Libertad, Sonora, Mexico.
Wellness Scorecards: Tools for Engagement and Organizational Health Management
Authors: Davis-Street Janis , Ryan Noel , Guy Victoria , Stevens Christina
Published: June 2014

Problem Statement: An aging workforce and an increase in the incidence of disabling chronic illnesses may put the workforce at risk. Evaluation of worksite wellness programs and the assessment of an organization's health data provide a means of identifying and addressing the areas at high risk.

Objectives and Scope of Study: This paper describes pilot implementation of a wellness scorecard in multiple business units. The scorecard can determine alignment of programming with wellness best practices and facilitate alignment with specific outcomes that are relevant to the business.

Method: Corporate Health and Medical is piloting a wellness scorecard in a cross-section of business units. An evidence-based approach provides businesses with a standard health report card that can be periodically monitored to provide information on how wellness programming compares to best practices. The scorecard is also used as a communication tool to engage business leaders in discussions about the value of health to the organization and to assess where businesses are currently positioned in the development of a culture of health.

Results and Observations: An overall score or profile is provided based on 4 general categories: leadership engagement and support; workplace policies and environment that support health and wellness; programs that address health and wellness, in terms of design and impact; and assessment of the evaluation approach. Participating locations are also provided with a simple report that describes the degree of implementation of these categories. For organizations with more robust programs, the scorecard provides a tool for monitoring changes in population health and alignment with best practices. For those at the initial stage of developing health and wellness programs, it has utility for engaging leaders around health and wellness. Conclusions: Such scorecards can describe key measures of organizational health and assess implementation of best practices.

Applications: Business units can leverage Corp and local health and medical's expertise around programming, data privacy, legal and policy implications of wellness programs.

Innovations or Technical Contributions: Provides standard processes for management engagement around health and enhances programming that support workforce health and well-being.
Assessing the Actual and Potential Environmental and Socioeconomic Effects of Incidents
Authors: Eggleston Vincent , Hayes Bruce
Published: June 2014

Companies that have been reporting safety, regulatory, and environmental incidents for several decades are realizing that traditional metrics such as type of injury, spill volume or lost time are not necessarily the best indicators of the severity of those incidents. In addition, conventional incident reporting methodologies don’t necessarily distinguish between similar types of incidents to draw out the divergent potential effects of the incidents and what companies can learn from them.

ExxonMobil in an effort to address some of the limitations of traditional reporting systems has adopted a "Hurt-Free" approach to safety. This approach has been an effective way to increase awareness and prioritize action on high consequence potential safety events. An analogous approach can be applied outside the safety realm to identify, assess and reduce the potential occurrences of high severity environmental and socioeconomic incidents. While the actual severity effects are typically evident, readily assessable, and contain many learnings, it is the assessment of the potential severity effects that likely contain the greatest opportunity to mitigate future incidents.

It is important that incidents be assessed using a systematic process to ensure comparable and consistent results across projects and geographies while still providing flexibility to adjust for local conditions. To accomplish this, incident definitions and a guidance table have been created to assist assessors to score the actual and potential effects of incidents. The assessor will need to acquire enough information about the setting and the scenario to establish if and how the incident could have been potentially more severe. This important step needs to ensure that the potential severity effects are both realistic and feasible. Each incident can be reported with an actual and potential severity effect value in both the environmental and social areas.

The identification of high potential severity events allows teams to learn from low severity actual incidents to better understand the potential range of effects from incidents and better develop appropriate mitigations to prevent the higher potential severity incidents from occurring.

Actual and potential environmental and social incident effect severity assessments applied on projects and operating assets can assist with:

Assessing incidents for their environmental and social actual and potential severity effects Distinguishing between similar appearing incidents based on the potential environmental and social severity effects Preventing or mitigating higher severity incidents through an effect-based analysis and corrective actions implementation
Monitoring Total Dissolved Hydrocarbons in Seawater around Offshore Oil and Gas Facilities
Authors: Alboussière Marie-Charlotte , Cailleaud Kévin
Published: June 2014

The oil and gas industry is committed to provide accurate impact assessment of its activity on the surrounding environment. To achieve this, extensive environmental monitoring needs to be performed on a regular basis around offshore installations. Many tools and techniques have been developed to meet that request. But monitoring trace hydrocarbons in seawater remains challenging. Standard methods require sampling of huge seawater volumes, are limited in terms of deployment flexibility and detection threshold for very low levels of contaminants. Due to variability over time, representativeness of spot sampling is also questioned.

Passive samplers (already used to monitor specific substances in air) have been identified as a promising technique which could provide a number of analytical and practical advantages on standard techniques. However, challenges still remain to apply the technique to aquatic environment, especially in seawater.

Additional research was therefore carried out to ensure validity of the tool for offshore use and total dissolved hydrocarbons monitoring. This paper presents the results of the work conducted to characterize passive sampler operating conditions and hydrocarbon uptake. Laboratory trials were conducted to experiment different types of passive samplers and to demonstrate the method robustness under conditions representative of field use. Practical aspects, including sampler preparation, analysis protocols and sample conservation, were also tested and assessed to ensure field applicability of the technique.

It results that passive samplers do provide a highly sensitive measuring technique and have the potential to be usefully applied to monitor total dissolved hydrocarbons around offshore installations. Benefits include ease of use and ability to collect time-averaged samples over the time of immersion. It thereby allows detection of very low concentrations of substances and resolves issues arising from sampling variability. The technique also provides valuable indications on contaminant bioavailability and chronic exposure of ecosystems, which is key information for environmental risk assessment. As any technique, it presents constraints and limitations which will be presented. Nevertheless the tool offers a valuable complement to standard methods, especially for monitoring seawater in the vicinity of produced water discharges.