bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The New Faces of Corrosion and Damage Detection in Oil and Gas Facilities: A Brief of What has Worked So Far and How it Can Work for You
Authors: Alum Moses , Eze Tobechukwu 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
The Oil and Gas processing plant is replete with pressurized static equipment such as Pressure vessels, pipelines/risers, pipings, tanks, Pressure safety valves (PSV) and Heat exchangers usually made of metal alloys. In addition, these facilities also consist of massive metallic structural components such as offshore Jacket legs, platform supports, FPSOs Hulls, decks, flare stacks etc. The integrity of these equipment and structures has been and will continue to be a major cause of concern in the oil and gas industry especially as facilities age.
Analysis of major refinery incidents over the past 35 years has shown that loss of containment due to corrosion contributed to more than 25% of the root cause of these incidents. On a larger scale, corrosion in its different forms contributes to more than 42% of the failure mechanisms in all engineering structures.
Despite improvement in engineering designs and materials, this trend still persist in the 21st century, therefore determining, predicting, monitoring and controlling corrosion to avoid failures and extend the life of facilities has become an industry of its own. As a result, new Inspection methods, strategies, techniques, equipment and/or software to determine damage mechanisms, analyze Inspection results, predict time-to-failure and ultimately propose solutions to mitigate and avoid corrosion failures abound. However the Inspection effectiveness of these novel techniques is much more important than the novelty of the technology in itself.
This paper shares experiences on some of the real-life case studies where some of these new techniques and methods have been applied and it worked. This ranges from pulsed eddy current to determine corrosion under insulation, crawler technique for in-service water tank inspection, flare tip in-service inspection using drones, and inspection of unpiggable pipelines. It is believed that the feedback can help operators make quicker decisions on what next inspection tool/technique to select from, given an array of multiple new Corrosion and damage detection methods available.
Determination of Heavy Metals Concentration in Nigeria Tar Sands
Authors: Anochie Victor , Agogo Hezekiah , Ogolo Oghenerume , Elechi Anthony 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Nigeria's bitumen deposits are estimated at 37 billion barrels in reserve, covering 120 kilometers costal belts of the South-Western part of the country, with most of the reserves in Ondo state. With growing interests in the extraction of bitumen in Nigeria, it is important to note that development of tar sand contributes toxic metals to the environment. This research is focused on the determination of heavy metals concentration in Nigeria tar sands. Tar sand samples were collected from three different locations namely Aye Rail head, Loda Irele, and Agbabu in Ondo State. Heavy metal analysis was carried out to determine the concentrations of eight metals; Mn, Cd, Pb, Fe, Zn, Ni, Cr, and Cu using atomic absorption spectrophotometry techniques and energy dispersive x-ray Spectroscopy. Results obtained indicates that Fe had the highest concentration across the three samples with a concentration of 4.8 ppm, 6.075 ppm and 114.65 ppm in Aye Rail head, Loda Irele, and Agbabu samples respectively. Pb was not detected in Aye Rail Head sample, as Cd and Cr were not also detected in Loda Irele sample. For Aye Rail head sample, concentration of metals was low except for Fe, Ni, and Cr with values above the recommended standard set by WHO and NIS. Similarly, for Lori Irele sample, Pb, Fe and Ni showed higher concentrations. While the sample from Agbabu indicated a higher concentration of metals such as Mn, Cd, Pb, Fe, Ni and Cr, making it more toxic in terms of heavy metals. Amongst the heavy metals investigated, only Zn and Cu were below the recommended limits in the three samples. Results from this study provides information for exploration activities and environmental impact assessment of the region.
Numerical Based Optimization for Natural Gas Dehydration and Glycol Regeneration
Authors: Okoro Emmanuel E. , Sanni Samuel E. , Olatunji David I. , Igbinedion Paul , Oni Babalola , Orodu Oyinkepreye D. 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Exergy is a simultaneous measure of the quantity and quality of energy. This helps to identify the inefficiency of the process and allows engineers to determine the cause and magnitude of the loss for each operating unit. Natural gas dehydration via absorption using glycol is the most economically attractive approach, and this advantage can only stand if lower energy consuption relative to adsorption process can be obtained; thus, timely prediction and identification of energy consumption is vital. In this study, an energy utilization predictive model for natural gas dehydration unit energy consumption was developed. This numeric approach will increase accuracy and reduce the high simulation time often encountered in using other simulation software. To achieve this novel idea, a multilayer perceptron approach which is a deep learning neural network model built on python using Tensorflow was adopted. The model used for this study is implemented to further increase the accuracy of the output set variables which are matched with simulation result. Since we are dealing with a non-linear function, rectified linear unit (ReLU) function was used to activate the neurons in hidden layers so as to strengthen the model to be more flexible in finding relationships which are arbitrary in the input parameter. These input parameters are fed into the steady state model and sent to various branches of fully connected neural network models using a linear activation function. Each branch produces a result for each output parameter thereby fitting the model by reducing the mean squared error loss. The training data were not normalized but left in their original form. Results showed that the adopted double hidden layer with 5 branches are uniquely branched in such a way that it predicts values for a single output variable, which is an upgrade to the former work done with a single hidden layer in literature. The accuracy analysis showed that the proposed double hidden layer approach in this study out-performed the single hidden layer.
The Evaluation of Coconut Fibre as a Loss Circulation Material in Drilling Operation
Authors: Owolabi Ololade , Emmanuel Ayodele , Okafor Ikechukwu , Daniel Ngwu , Igbine Anita , Gloria Maduabuchi 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
This study attempts to show the effectiveness of using coconut fibre as a loss circulation material in drilling operation. The research incorporated a practical approach. Laboratory experiments was conducted to design drilling muds with the desired loss circulation materials. Their rheological properties and permeability plugging ability was ascertained and compared to determine the most effective loss circulation material blend. To formulate the loss circulation materials, the coconut fibre was processed and particle sizing distribution was conducted on the processed coconut fibre. The coconut fibre was separated into coarse sizes (3350, 2360, 1700 and 1180) and medium be sizes (850 and 425). The distinction between the formulated muds is the loss circulation material combination in them. The three drilling muds had medium-coarse coconut fibre ratio of 60:40, 40:60 and 30:70. The rheological properties of each drilling mud was determined to show suitability of use as a drilling fluid. Experimental results showed similar rheological properties for each mud and they are all suitable for use. The PPT test and ES test were conducted on the mud samples as well. These experiments were conducted at a desired temperature of 200°C and filter press pressure of 1500psi. The thickness of the produced mud cake was measured.
By comparing the amount of unrecovered fluid (fluid loss), the least fluid loss was observed in the mud with medium-coarse coconut fiber combination of 60:40
Subsea Pipeline On-Bottom Stability Optimisation
Authors: Iyalla Ibiye , Hossain Mamdud 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Current knowledge and understanding of pipeline on-bottom stability is based on research programmes from the 1980's such as the Pipeline Stability Design Project (PIPESTAB) and American Gas Association (AGA) in Joint Industry Project. These projects have mainly provided information regarding hydrodynamic loads on pipeline and soil resistance in isolation. In reality, the pipeline stability problem is much more complex involving cyclic hydrodynamic loadings, pipeline response, soil resistance, embedment and pipe-soil-fluid interaction. Thus, resulting in the use over-conservative analysis approach and costly stabilisation techniques for subsea pipeline stability.
Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) modelling was used to investigate and establish the interrelationship between fluid (hydrodynamics), pipe (subsea pipeline), and soil (seabed). The effect of soil types, soil unit weight, pipe diameter and weight on embedment was examined. The overall pipeline stability alongside pipeline diameter and weight and hydrodynamic effect on both soil (resulting in scouring) and pipeline was also investigated. The use of CFD provided a better understanding of the complex physical processes of fluid-pipe-soil interaction. The results show that soil type has a significant effect on the degree of embedment when considering the combined effect of pipe weight and diameter. The analysis also show that embedment is a result of the combined effect of pipe displacement and seabed scouring.
This work shows the weakness of the current approach to pipeline on-bottom stability analysis and its inherent over-conservatism leading to the use of costly stabilisation techniques.
Towards Transparency in Oil Spill Management in Nigeria
Authors: Ekperusi Abraham O. , Imiuwa Maurice E. , David Adekunle O. 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
The Nigerian oil and gas industry has undergone significant changes in exploration, production, transportation and processing of crude oil and refined products due to several key reforms in the sector over the years. These reforms have positioned the upstream, midstream and downstream of the petroleum industry for global competitiveness. Despite these feats, the petroleum industry has a long history of giving lukewarm attention to the issues of environmental management, especially in the Niger Delta region where oil operations are prevalent. The unsustainable exploitation of natural resources by the oil and gas industry, and the reactionary approach of third party activities have resulted in the significant degradation of ecological systems, adversely affecting biological diversity and life support functions for local communities. The legal, regulatory and institutional framework in place has proved inefficient for the holistic protection of the environment, economic livelihood and health of people in the region. As we move into the next decade, there is need for all concerned stakeholders in the oil sector to proactively work together to map out a new path to sustainable exploration of natural resources and improve transparency in the management of oil spill to halt and reverse the environmental degradation in the region.
£55M Shell Petroleum Development Company's Compensation to the Bodo Fishermen and Community: The Effectiveness of Polluter Pays Principle in the Liability Settlement
Authors: Oranye Nkechinyelu , Adenikinju Adeola 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) defines the Polluter Pay Principle (PPP) as that which ensures the environment is remedied close to or its original state following an action or inaction that results in the pollution of the environment. It provides for compensation of those affected by the impact of the pollution. The principle includes prevention of pollution, measures for control, the cost for clean-up and the liability. PPP is thus, an environmental principle which has developed over the years and has increasingly been accepted especially in the oil and gas industry. In the recent past, in an out-of-court settlement, Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) agreed to pay Bodo community in the Niger Delta, the sum of £55 million for two major oil spills that resulted in environmental degradation and loss of livelihood. This paper investigates, in the light of the principles of International Environmental Law, the effectiveness of PPP in the liability settlement by SPDC to the Bodo community. Through an analytical approach, this paper compared the settlement to the liabibility settlement mechanism as outlined by the Civl Liability Convention which entered into force in 2003. It discovered that the settlement catered not just for the compensation of the community but also for the remedition of the environment based on international standards. This study is relevant; highlighting the need for oil companies to take all necessary precautions to ensure the environment is protected during their operation. This is important for attainment of the sustainable development goals.
A Case of Achieving Sustainable Annular Sealing in a Deepwater Marginal Nigerian Field
Authors: Musah Mobolaji , Asokhia Benjamin , Bagal Joseph , Adeniyi Dapo , Chum Wai Hoe 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
The industry has been relying on cement as primary method for annular sealing. The initial evaluation considers a formation integrity test and a cement bond log. This shows good results in 85% of the cases and cement squeeze is the main remediation method. The ultimate measure of the sealing performance is production: more than 50% of the wells have sustained casing pressure in the B-annulus or are producing in degraded mode. Additional solutions are required to improve the sustainability of the industry.
The present paper discusses a case history in a marginal well in Nigerian deepwater. Primary cement evaluation was successful, in line with the industry statistic of 85% successful cases. However, production started with 60% Basic Sediments and Water (BS&W) and after six months of production, the well was shut-in due to excessive gas production. The investigation identified that the target Turonian oil sand was separated by thin shales from bottom water and gas cap.
In the sidetrack, two Well Annular Barrier (WAB) were used to augment the cement. The WAB is a metal-expandable packer that sets in open hole to assure sealing. One WAB was installed between the oil zone and the gas cap, and another one between the oil zone and the bottom water. The operation was successfully executed and the WABs expanded in wet cement after bumping the plug. Three years later, the well is still producing with 0.2% BS&W.
This paper discusses the well conditions that contributed to insufficient cement sealing, the WAB application in the field, and the field results.
Enabling Reservoir Management Excellence through Real Time Surveillance of an Unmanned Onshore Gas-Condensate Field Platform
Authors: Okpala Justin , Adedokun Oluwasegun , Jaja Adagogo , Olubukola Olubukola , Ogugua Emeka , Olayomi Joseph , Aitokhuehi Inegbenose , Korede Peters , Awonuga Kunle , Eruvbentine Obor 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
The increasing need to acquire reservoir surveillance data for agile reservoir management continues to drive the popularity of real-time data acquisition and transmission technology solution. This is even more important for remote or unmanned well locations. A fit-for-purpose real-time data acquisition and surveillance system, leveraging the Sonam Field application, was implemented at a newly installed and unmanned platform for two Field X gas-condensate reservoirs, Onshore Nigeria. Value realized within a two-month period stands at $0.23MM.
This paper discusses the implementation of Real-Time Reservoir Management (RTRM) solution on this unmanned platform. Two NAG wells were drilled in Field X from this unmanned platform with each completed in a gas-condensate reservoir. The RTRM solution setup was slightly modified from the Sonam application to fit the location. Sensors for casing and flowline pressure/temperature data, transmitters, including solar panels and batteries to provide continuous power to the system, were introduced.
The RTRM installation on this facility has fostered collaboration between the Asset Engineers and Operations. Opportunistic shut-ins were leveraged to acquire data for Pressure Transient Analysis (PTA) used to determine completion efficiencies of the wells for optimal production. Additionally, significant time that would have been spent on logistics planning, as well as personnel and material mobilization for this PTA operation were avoided. It has also enabled proactive decisions to be made on well/facility issues and allowed interventions to be appropriately scheduled.
This paper reinforces the tremendous value of the RTRM and highlights the collaboration between multidisciplinary functional groups to overcome challenges of security and power to achieve success.
Elevated levels of miR-483-5p in oocytes aggravates premature ovarian insufficiency induced by CDDP by targeting the FKBP4
Authors: zhao huihui , Gu Wenqing , Ouyang Huogui , Pan Wenbin , Zhang Hanbin , Shuai Ling , Diao Ruiying , Wang Liping 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) is characterized by a loss of ovarian function before 40 years-of-age and represents an existing challenge cause of female infertility. POI is one of the dominant causes of cis-diaminedichloroplatinum (cisplatin, CDDP)-induced reproductive impairment. However, the detailed mechanisms underlying POI induced by CDDP remain unclear.Methods: The POI C57B6/J mouse model was created by administering CDDP. The effects of FKBP4 were investigated using isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantification analysis (iTRAQ), real-time quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR) and western blotting. Target prediction was predicted using TargetScan software. Levels of sex hormones were tested using Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA).Results: We found that the FKBP4 protein was down-regulated in the ovaries of CDDP model. Target prediction identified FKBP4 as a potential target for miR-483-5p, which was expressed at high levels in both the ovaries and serum of CDDP-POI mice, and in the serum from POI patients. In vitro experiments further confirmed that FKBP4 was the target for miR-483-5p in human cervical cancer cells (HeLa). The overexpression of FKBP4 in human granulosa cells (KGN) alleviated the apoptosis caused by CDDP and the overexpression of miR-483-5p. Furthermore, the overexpression of miR-483-5p in oocytes caused injury to the ovaries, and disrupted the levels of sex hormones in CDDP-POI mice (AMH: P < 0.01; E2: P < 0.01; FSH: P < 0.01).Conclusions: Analyses showed that miR-483-5p targets the FKBP4 protein in a mouse model of POI induced by CDDP. Elevated levels of miR-483-5p in oocytes could aggravate POI induced by CDDP by targeting FKBP4. Overall, our data demonstrate that miR-483-5p was responsible for the underlying pathophysiology of POI induced by chemotherapeutic treatments, such as CDDP.
Active Tunable THz Metamaterial Array Implemented in CMOS Technology
Authors: Liu Yongshan , Sun Tong , Wu Xiaojun , Bai Zhongyang , Sun Yun , Li Helin , Zhang Haoyi , Chen Kanglong , Ruan Cunjun , Sun Yuzu , Hu Yuanqi , Nie Tianxiao , Wen Lianggong 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Terahertz (THz) metamaterial modulators offer multifaceted capabilities for various practical applications such as THz imaging, wireless communications, sensing, et cetera. However, compared to the modulation devices for other electromagnetic bands, the ubiquitous proliferation of THz applications is severely impeded by the tremendous lack of complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) compatible technology. Here we demonstrate a CMOS based actively tunable THz metamaterial array (C-ATTMA) with split ring resonators (SRRs). The THz metamaterial modulators can be externally controlled with an electrically-controlled dynamic. The C-ATTMA fabricated by the 180 nm CMOS technology featuring a resonant frequency of 0.30 THz was connected to the source and drain of a bottom metal-oxide-semiconductor field effect transistor (MOSFET) through the vias. By delicately controlling the MOSFET gate voltage, the equivalent circuit response of the C-ATTMA was actively engineered, enabling tailoring THz resonance frequencies. Under a gate voltage of 1.8 V, we successfully realized a 35 GHz modulation bandwidth with [[EQUATION]] phase modulation. The exhibited CMOS-compatible electrically-regulated THz metamaterials may provide enormous potentials for implementing THz wireless communications, information encryption, THz compressed sensing imaging, et cetera.
Cardiovascular Risk Prediction in Diabetes – Changes in the Prognostic Values of Modern Cardiovascular Biomarkers in Relation to Duration of Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Resl Michael , Vila G , Heinzl M , Luger A , Neuhold S , Prager R. , Wurm R , Hülsmann M , Clodi Martin 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Based on the complex pathophysiology of type 2 diabetes and atherosclerosis we hypothesized a dynamic change in prognostic value of cardiovascular biomarkers over time. Methods: In this prospective study 746 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, being followed up for 60 months were analysed. The primary endpoint was defined as unplanned hospitalization for cardiovascular disease or death. Beside others, especially the prognostic performance of the biomarkers of interest (GDF-15, NT-proBNP, hs-TnT) was evaluated in relation to quartiles of diabetesduration.Results: In patients having a diabetes duration below 7 years lnGDF-15 (HR 2.84; p < 0.01) and lnhs-TnT (HR 2.96; p<0.01) were significant predictors of the primary endpoint. LnAge (HR 40.11; p < 0.01) and lnNT-proBNP (HR 1.61; p <0.01) were significant predictors in patients with a diabetes duration between 7 and 12 years. In the third quartile (diabetes duration 12-22 years) lnAge (HR 13.09; p =0.041), urinary albumin to creatinine ratio (HR 2.74; p = 0.001) and lnNT-proBNP (HR 1.81, p < 0.001) predicted the endpoint. In patients with a diabetes duration above 22 years, lnAge (HR 50.79; p = 0.002) and lnNT-proBNP (HR 2.1; p < 0.01) were the only significant predictors of the endpoint. Conclusion: Prognostic power of cardiovascular biomarkers changes dynamically in relation to duration of type 2 diabetes mellitus. In patients with shorter duration of the disease markers of subclinical cardiovascular dysfunction and inflammation perform better than markers of systemic advanced organ dysfunction and cardiovascular disease.