bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessment of Waterflood Performance in a Heterogeneous Heavy Oil Field in Northern Kuwait
Authors: Kharghoria Arun , Garcia Jose Gregorio , AlRasheedi Khaled Saleh , Al-Rabah Abdullah Abdul , Sanwoolu Ayodele Olusegun , Husain Hisham 
Published: December 2018

Abstract
This study presents an assessment of heterogeneity on vertical and areal scales and discusses the development of methodology for a proposed waterflood scheme in a heavy oil field in Northern Kuwait. The field produces average 15° API crude of 50-100 cp at 100° F. The field has a complex geologic and stratigraphic architecture, and the associated reservoirs are highly heterogeneous in nature. Both numerical simulation and analytical models were used to assess the performance of the proposed waterflood.
Vertical and areal heterogeneity of the oil bearing formation were evaluated using Dykstra-Parsons coefficient, Lorenz coefficient and coefficient of variance methodologies. Both numerical simulation and analytical models were deployed to evaluate the waterflood performance under 5-spot and inverted 9-spot patterns for 20 and 10 acre spacing. An analytical excercise was carried out as a pre-check for the expected waterflood recovery factors.
Results from all three methods of heterogeneity assessment indicated the existence of a highly heterogeneous reservoir with average Dykstra-Parsons coefficients being greater than 0.8. A heterogeneity distribution map shows strong presence of areal heterogeneity. Ratio of the injectors to producers, pressure depletion schedule and associated recovery factors for planned pattern configurations were assessed from numerical simulation. Pattern by pattern heterogeneity indices were estimated and attempted to correlate to predicted flood performances.
This work highlights the impact of heterogeneity on the waterflood performance for a heavy oil reservoir to assess a more realistic production target, with integrated results from analytical and numerical methodologies.
Conceptual ESP Completion Design to Maximize Rig-Less Intervention and Reduce Overall Workover Rig Utilization
Authors: Al-Khaldy A. , BouKhamseen A. A. , Hassan J. M. , Hassan A. , Hantoush K. F. , Dashti R. , Al-Buloushi Z. 
Published: December 2018

Abstract
Well workover and completion operations presents multiple challenges due to the fact that operator have to plan ahead to select feasible completion equipment and tools in order to ensure that all the objectives are met from a well authority standpoint for expected production, future well interventions and expenditures during well lifecycle.
An ESP Y-Tool completion design is presented that uses a tail pipe to connect onto straddle packers creating a continuous path and permanent access for interventions below.
The novelty of this design is the ability to utilize straddle packers instead of spotting and squeezing cement for zonal isolation and still have access to conduct well interventions on zones below these straddle packers rig-less, optimizing workover rig utilization.
The ESP Y-Tool tail pipe has been modified to include a perforated pup joint with a centralized latch assembly, which connects to the straddle packer and eliminate the need of removing this assembly for future well interventions.
Experimental Comparison between WASP and LSASF in Bartlesville Sandstone Reservoir Cores Bearing Heavy Oil
Authors: Al-Saedi Hasan N. , Long Yifu , Alameedy Usama , Al-Bazzaz Waleed , Research Kuwait Institute , Flori Ralph 
Published: December 2018

Abstract
Low salinity (LS) water flooding is a promising EOR method which has been examined by many experimental studies and field pilots for a variety of reservoirs and oils. This paper investigates applying LS flooding to a heavy oil. Increasing the LS water temperature improves heavy oil recovery by achieving higher sweep efficiency and improving oil mobility by lowering its viscosity. Steam flooding projects have reported many problems such as steam gravity override, but override can be lessened if the steam is is alternated with hot LS water. In this study, a series of reservoir sandstone cores were obtained from Bartlesville Sandstone (in Eastern Kansas) and aged with heavy crude oil (from the same reservoir) at 95°C for 45 days. Five reservoir cores were used in this study, and five treatments were performed. They were flooded with (a) steam; (b) formation hot water (FHW); (c) low salinity hot water (LSHW; (d) steam + FHW; and (e) steam + LSHW (so-called LSASF). The laboratory experiments showed that basic water flooding using FW recovered approximately 50% of OOIP. After that initial flood, upon switching to the various steam, FHW, LSHW, steam + FHW, and steam + LSHW treatments, the incremental oil recoveries were 5, 3.1, 6.3, 7.5, and 12% OOIP, respectively. The contact angle measurements showed that injecting steam + LSHW alters the wettability considerably more than using steam + FHW. The results of this work show that water flooding using LSHW in reservoir cores could improve oil recovery significantly because it both reduces oil viscosity and alters the rock wettability towards more water-wet. The results also showed using LSHW alternated with steam is more beneficial than using steam only or alternated with regular water due to the combined benefits of reducing gravity override and altering the wettability. Using LSHW water is more economical than using steam and gives significantly improved oil recovery, and using LSHW is more beneficial than ambient temperature LS water.
Exploring Resilience in the Oil Industry: Theory vs. Practice
Authors: Capello Maria Angela , Passalacqua Alessandra 
Published: December 2018

Abstract
Adversity and continuous change challenge leaders, and even the most resolute and determined feel discouragement along their path in the corporate or entrepreneurial worlds. How do oil and gas organizations and the industry leaders build, foster and grow their resilience to cope with difficult periods and maintain the necessary focus on the ultimate goals in comparison with what does the theoretical approaches describe, is the matter of this paper.
Leadership has to be grounded on resilience, as one skill cannot shine without the other. Resilience has been characterized as the ability of a person or an organization to recuperate, recover, bounce-back, adjust or even thrive following adversity, and is widely acknowledged as a complex, dynamic and multi-dimensional phenomenon (Waugh and Koster, 2014). Our paper highlights how resilience takes form in individuals and organizations, comparing theory and practical stands. The BP Deep-Water Horizon Oil Spill is one of the examples selected to illustrate how resilience in the organizations takes shape before, during and after a catastrophic event. The three factors of resilient organizations will be exposed as the realization of vulnerability, the willingness to cooperate, and the power to act courageously (Oudhuis & Tengblad, 2018). The individual resilience will be exemplified by examples of how this quality and skill is strengthened throughout the careers of experienced individuals in private, public and not-for-profit organizations related to the oil industry, establishing a comparison between theoretical viewpoints about resilience, and practical developments.
A summary of findings will support the understanding of the theoretical basis related to the resilient profiles, and how they cope with the four elements that affect resilience: neuroticism, mindfulness, self-efficacy and coping, for adjustments in the workforce. Then, the analysis will propose a series of conclusions derived from the analysis of how resilient leaders in oil and gas from different organizations built their resiliency, taken from a series of published resources and direct interviews. A comparative analysis about these practical approaches in relation to theoretical research on leadership and resilience, is offered, in relation to the oil sector workforce, specifically for the managerial and executive contexts.
The conclusions about how, why and when the shaping of resilient profiles and organizations occurs, on theoretical and practical grounds provides a useful understanding about the positive impact that boosting resilience in the workforce has the potential to offer to enable more positive outcomes, less turn-over, less burn-out individuals and better performance.
A Cost-Effective Water Management Strategy for Developing Large Heavy Oil Field in Northern Kuwait
Authors: Al-Ballam Shaikha , Pandey Dharmesh , Pallath George , Kuijvenhoven Cornelis 
Published: December 2018

Abstract
A cost-effective water management strategy for the thermal development should ensure the availability of right quality and quantity of water during the lifetime of the field. This paper presents an actual case for field water management, which includes availability, use, re-use and safe disposal of both source and effluent water.
Thermal projects are notorious for their large volume of produced water through the life of the field. While treatment of produced water is a major issue; in a country like Kuwait where water is scarce, part of the produced water need to be recycled and re-used for steam generation. The methods and procedure followed are based on the practices used in the current Large Scale Thermal Pilots (LSTPs). The process involves field observations and performance, facility set-up and limitations, technical analysis and mitigation plan; so as to reach to an efficient water management plan and deliver better quality water.
Heavy oil field development in Northern Kuwait is currently one of the few thermal "mega-projects" in the world. The development started initially with Cyclic Steam Stimulation (CSS), followed by Steam Flood (SF). These projects need dedicated used water disposal wells. Water disposal wells, initially completed, showed poor injectivity even after CTU acid stimulation with 15% HCl. Based on lab test results and analysis, injectivity was restored with suitable anti-scalant injection and precipitate removal.
Another aspect of these wells was the injection casing shoe-setting depth. A multi-disciplinary team reviewed and established the optimum placement interval for shoe that meets the regulatory and design criteria. The new shoe setting-depth eliminated repeated well interventions during the life of these wells. The learnings were disseminated to various other projects within the company. Quality of source water was also a focus area for the team. Water quality of the source water at various depths were analyzed and tested. Based on the results, optimum well depth and location was ascertained which resulted in improved water quality and quantity.
A novel approach, with key focus on competitive scoping and sustainable development and the combined effort from various stakeholders through an integrated approach have enabled significant savings to reduce the cost of this project. The learnings gathered, and the uniqueness of the project will add significant value to similar projects elsewhere in the world.
A Computational Fluid Dynamics Model for Simulating the Rotating Disk Apparatus
Authors: Kotb Abdelrahman , Ali Mahmoud , Aziz Ezzat Ahmed , Elwany Alaa , Nasr-El-Din Hisham 
Published: December 2018

Abstract
Reaction kinetics between calcite and acid systems has been studied using the rotating disk apparatus (RDA). However, simplifying assumptions have been made to develop the current equations used to interpret RDA experiments to enable solving them analytically in contrast to using numerical methods. Experimental results revealed inadequacy of some of these assumptions, which necessitates the use of a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model to investigate their impact on the RDA results. The objectives of the current work are threefold: (1) develop a CFD model to simulate the reaction in the RDA, (2) Identify the error associated with the assumptions in the original equations, and (3) develop a proxy model from the results that can accurately represent the reaction in the RDA.
In developing the CFD model, the averaged-continuum approach was used to simulate the chemical reaction on the disk surface. Both Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluids were studied to investigate the adequacy of the equations’ assumptions. To validate the model, simulations were compared with experimental results. Experiments were run at 0.25, 0.5, 1, and 1.25M HCl with marble using the RDA at 250°F. Rotation speeds of 200, 400, 600, and 1,000 rpm were tested at each acid concentration. The diffusion coefficient was then calculated. Parameters of the CFD model were then adjusted to match the rock dissolved throughout the RDA experiments.
The rock dissolved in the disk from the CFD model matched the results from the RDA experiments. The transition from mass-transfer to the kinetics-limited reaction behavior was captured by the CFD model. The velocity and viscosity profiles for both Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluids showed the effect of the container's boundaries on the flow. Results indicate that this effect is pronounced in the case of Newtonian fluids at high rotational speeds. Moreover, the impact of varying viscosities in the case of non-Newtonian fluids resulted in errors in estimating the reaction kinetics. Finally, a proxy model was obtained to reduce the computational time involved in accurately simulating the experiments.
The present work developed the first CFD model to accurately evaluate reaction kinetics and diffusion coefficient in the RDA with minimum assumptions. More specifically, the model relaxes the infinite acting, constant fluid properties, and constant reaction surface area assumptions. Finally, the proxy model obtained results in reduced computational time with minimal compromise on accuracy.
An Prediction Model of Steam Front of Horizontal Steam Flooding for Thin Heavy Oil Reservoirs
Authors: Huang Shijun , Xia Yun , Cao Meng , Chen Xiao 
Published: December 2018

Abstract
Steam channeling is an important factor affecting the steam flooding, for thin heavy oil reservoirs, the steam overriding in the vertical direction is not as severe as the thick heavy oil reservoir, and often can form a regular shape of the steam front which can directly reflect the extent of steam overriding. it also can determine the steam swept volume, steam breakthrough time. Therefore, the study of steam front is of great significance.
In this paper, a series of works are conducted to study the characteristics of steam front of horizontal steam flooding. Firstly, the equation of steam front and the equation of motion are established. Then, coupled with energy conservation equation and mass conservation equation, a comprehensive model is established. The model is solved with method of characteristics and the predicted results are compared against field data and previous models.
The results show that: (a). The new model is applicable to predict different shapes of the steam front according to the production conditions. (b). The comparison between experimental results and model results showed that this new model can predict the steam front well. (c). The comparison of steam front among different shapes indicated that linear-shape was the best, followed by the concave-shape, and the convex-shape was the worst, usually causing severe steam overriding and the severity will increase over time, the development effect can be improved by forming a proper shape of steam front.
Resolving Contract Mangement Challenges in Research Collaboration Agreements
Authors: Chaturvedi Sandeep 
Published: December 2018

Abstract

Objective
Research and innovation have become necessary for sustainability and profitability in Oil and Gas industry in present times. Oil and Gas Companies (Companies) have established procedures and contract templates for commercial contracts. Research Collaboration Agreements (Agreements) have very different requirements and pose Contract Management challenges. This paper deals with the resolution of such challenges.

Method/Procedure/Process
In process of developing this paper, a number of Research Collaboration Agreements have been studied with respect to their (i) objectives, (ii) Research Collaborators Concerns, (iii) Research Collaborator's business model and expectation from the Agreement (iv) major issues which contradict with the Oil and Gas Company's contract templates and procedures and (v) mutually acceptable resolution to various issues.
Based on the study, this paper has been developed to systematically analyse the issues and share the successful strategies and mutually acceptable provisions of the Agreement.

Result/Observation/Conclusion
In commercial contracts, we deal with conventional contractors. In Research Collaboration agreements, contractors are Research Collaborators. The Research Collaborators have unique requirements, which are different from conventional contractors. They have different business models, pricing expectations, legal sensitivity and risk tolerance capabilities.
Further, the Research Collaboration Agreements need to be flexible in terms of scope of services, contract period, resource requirements, payment methods etc., so that the researchers can exploit even their intermediate and unforeseen findings to arrive at meaningful outcome. This is in contrast to conventional contracts, which have definitive requirements.
While required flexibility needs to be built-in the Agreements, the Company needs to ensure that it has suitable controls in the Agreement to ensure value for its investment.
In course of time, contracting strategies and Agreement provisions have been developed to:build up flexibility in the Agreements without deviating from basics of contract management andaddress the unique requirements of Research Collaborators without compromising the objectives and control of Oil and Gas companies.
Efforts have been made by the author to share the resolution of contract management challenges through contracting strategies and contract provisions, developed for Research Collaboration Agreement.
Surfactant-Polymer Flooding: One-Spot EOR Pilot Design for a Middle-Eastern Heavy Oil Reservoir
Authors: Al-Murayri Mohammed Taha , Hassan Abrahim Abdulgadir , Al-Mahmeed Narjes , Suzanne Guillaume , Sanchez Juan-Pablo 
Published: December 2018

Abstract
This paper sheds light on the design of a one-spot surfactant-polymer (SP) flooding pilot in a reservoir with oil viscosity greater than 1000 cP using a vertical well. The results of this pilot will be important to optimize the selected chemical formulation and finalize the recommended injection sequence with the purpose of de-risking subsequent multi-well surfactant-polymer flooding deployment.
Based on systematic screening, preliminary laboratory evaluation and reservoir simulation, SP flooding was identified as a promising EOR method for the Ratqa Lower Fars (RQLF) reservoir in Kuwait. This was followed by extensive laboratory work to design a robust chemical formulation based on specific reservoir properties and operating conditions. The performance of the developed chemical formulation was validated by means of simulation. Thereafter, a one-spot EOR pilot, which is also referred to as a Single Well Chemical Tracer Test (SWCTT), was designed to assess the effectiveness of the selected chemical formulation mainly in terms of injectivity and oil desaturation.
It was envisioned that the injectivity of a lab-optimized SP formulation for the RQLF heave oil reservoir needs to be confirmed in connection with oil desaturation using a one-spot EOR pilot due to the relatively high reservoir oil viscosity and low injection pressure to maintain cap rock integrity. Assuming favourable injectivity, incremental oil recovery in a one-spot EOR pilot is represented by the difference in residual oil saturation after water flooding and after chemical (SP) flooding. However, achieving low oil saturation as a result of waterflooding in a heavy oil reservoir takes a long time and requires large water volumes that are not applicable to full-field deployment. Therefore, the objective of the one-spot EOR pilot that is discussed in this paper was adjusted to validate oil desaturation as result of polymer and surfactant injection upon confirming water injectivity within a 3ft radius of investigation as outlined below: Initial water injectivity testPolymer solution injectionMeasurement of oil saturationSurfactant-polymer injection followed by polymer driveMeasurement of oil saturation
This paper describes a methodical approach to de-risk surfactant-polymer flooding in a heavy oil reservoir using a one-spot EOR pilot. There is limited reference in the literature, if any, to field deployment of surfactant flooding in heavy oil reservoirs with an oil viscosity of more than 1000 cP. The findings of this study can be used to evaluate and potentially improve the techno-economic feasibility of chemical EOR in heavy oil reservoirs with similar properties.
New Insights of Low Salinity Water Flooding in Low Permeability-Low Porosity Clay Rich Sandstone Reservoir
Authors: Alhuraishawy Ali K. , Bai Baojun , Wei Mingzhen , Al-Bazzaz Waleed H. 
Published: December 2018

Abstract
One of the EOR technologies is low-salinity water flooding (LSWF) is an EOR method that operates at a lower cost than other EOR methods, which makes it a preferred area of interest for oil industry economists, who continue to call for EOR costs to come down. The aim is to minimize the possible cost to recover as much oil as possible. The performance of low salinity waterflooding in decreasing residual oil saturation in low permeability- porosity clay-rich sandstone reservoir.
Porosity test, core flooding test, XRD and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) tests were achived in this study. Salinity effect on the porosity, oil recovery, and injecton pressure was established. The results showed that low salinity waterflooding resulted in improving oil recovery and porosity with permeability reduction and decreased the clay content. SEM results results showed that the flowing direction will be restributed during low salinity waterflooding by realizing some sand particle and minerals and increased the porosity. Therefore, low salinity water flooding can modify both porosity and permeability and, in turn, improve oil recovery factor.