bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Road to Low Cost Well - A Case Study of Successful Cost Optimization Strategies to Remain Relevant in Low Oil Price Environment, Offshore Malaysia
Authors: Lee Jin Ming , Bt Mohd Zain Siti Nur Mahirah , AB Malek Anas B. , B. Nordin M. Haikal , Rahaman Ammar Thaqif B. A. , Hermawan Heru , B. Nasrudin Khairul Anwar 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
X-1 well is one of the wells from project X, a field development project located offshore Peninsular Malaysia. The well has become the signature well for project X as it managed to achieve single digit (in million dollar) well cost, a rare occasion for offshore Malaysia development wells. Project X wells team has taken several initiatives and strategies to reduce well cost and ultimately achieving low cost well (LCW) status as defined by the company's wells department.
Since year 2014, crude oil price has fallen from its heyday to as low as USD27 per barrel in 2015. Oil and gas (O&G) operators around the world have been struggling to make profit and fulfill their capital commitment. The company's wells department has since came out with criteria for LCW to be benchmarked by the company's projects. To be recognized as LCW, a well needs to be below USD 15 million with minimum depth of 1500 m and key performance indexes (KPIs) better than or equal to Malaysia Petroleum Management's (MPM) Drilling Minimum Standard without compromising operational safety, reserve development, well integrity and environmental aspects.
In the quest to achieve LCW, project X wells team has engaged several strategies to ultimately reduce X-1 well cost by 40% from initial estimated. These strategies involved the optimization of critical areas such as well design & engineering, well planning and operations.
After painstakingly planned and implemented above cost saving strategies within restricted time frame, project X wells team has successfully reduced 40% of initially estimated X-1 well cost. The reduction has proven that with focused planning and execution, coupled with full support from management especially with new contracting strategy, LCW is possible and able to help O&G operators to improve their bottom line. Low oil price environment has appeared to be the silver lining in O&G operators’ efforts to drive down cost as it appears to provide the opportunity for operators to re-evaluate their current contracts, planning and operation practices.
E-RTTM: A Multidimensional Approach to Pipeline Leak Detection
Authors: Hochgesang Ruediger 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
Worldwide a net of several hundred thousands of kilometers of pipelines is in use to transfer all kind of products in the most economical way from A to B. This is the most effective and save way, but, as with all kind of technical systems, even the safest one is facing problems from time to time. These problems can be related to aging processes, such as corrosion for instance, by the product in the line (waxing), by the process (cavitation, exceeding or undercutting pressure limits), as well as by external effects (earthquake, avalanches, third-party interaction).
As with increasing pipeline networks and distances between inlet and outlet also the environmental risks are increasing, meanwhile several regulations are in use (for instance API, TRFL (technical rules for pipeline – the most restrictive law (Germany)). These regulations shall ensure that loss of product due to an affected integrity of the pipeline can be minimized to avoid environmental effects. But also from a commercial point of view this is an important information as it can minimize the effects of accidents, minimize the downtime and minimize the loss of product.
To ensure the integrity of the pipeline leak detection systems have been designed to limit the risk, based on different technological approaches. One of the key targets here is to detect leaks reliably (no false alarms without missing leaks), within guaranteed limits (minimum leak rate, defined accuracy in leak size and localization) and within a minimum period of time.
Analyzing the leak detection systems available in the market a big variety of different approaches can be found, following different technical approaches. To select the optimum solution is not an easy process, as a lot of different parameters have to be considered from the definition phase of a project up to regular operations including the role of the operator.
This article is highlighting some of the most important facts about this complex topic.
Optimizing Well Test Design Using Integrated Rate and Pressure Transient Analysis in Fracture Basement Reservoirs
Authors: Yazdi Mohammad Ebrahim , Motaei Eghbal , Ghadami Nader 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
Production data analysis is the key to provide pertinent reservoir information in-terms of reservoir container volume, depletion mechanism, reservoir connectivity and well performances. This study focused on the analytical methods such as Rate Transient Analysis (RTA), Flowing Material Balance (FMB), Pressure Transient Analysis (PTA) and analytical simulation as an integrated approach toward enhanced production data analysis in the oil fields. The idea of FMB has been introduced by Mattar (1997) and it is generally applied to determine the oil or gas in-place volumes using flowing pressure data (Mattar and Anderson, 2005). The main objective of this study was to establish a standardized methodology for production data analysis, illustrate its added value to reservoir performance monitoring as well as its advantages for well test design and how it would help for cost optimization during an expensive Extended Well Test (EWT) for an exploration well.
In this paper, the above mentioned methods and workflow is elaborated and a case study using this integrated approach is discussed for better understanding of the methodology.
Challenges in Implementing Safety and Process Automation in Floating LNG 1 Project
Authors: Dahlan Shah Rizal 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
The Floating LNG 1 (FLNG 1) project is one of the most audacious and risky projects ever undertaken in recent years. Being the first of its kind in the world, it poses a lot of engineering as well as process safety challenges never before encountered in the industry. Issues like integration between top side systems, hull and marine systems, subsea systems and life support system adds complexity to the project. Limited mechanical handling volume, available escape route and having product inventory stored underneath the process units make it exceptionally difficult to manage escalation of potential hazards and to prepare for contingency measures. To mitigate such a high operating risk, pervasive use of sensors and automation is necessary. As a result, the amount of safety sensors and automation systems required are significantly more than the typical numbers required for a facility of similar size built onshore hence the safety and automation systems have to be thoughtfully designed and thoroughly appraised to ensure high safety integrity without jeopardizing the availability of the facility while keeping space and weight requirement of the facilities within tolerance. This paper highlights the specific strategies and approaches taken by the FLNG 1 project team to overcome the challenges associated with the design and engineering of the safety and automation systems since being the first of its kind in the world there was no reference to learn from.
The Role of Model Testing in the Execution of Deepwater Projects
Authors: Magee Allan R. 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
For deepwater developments involving floating platforms in harsh environmental conditions which lie beyond well-established industry practices, model tests are usually required. The paper describes the different types of model tests and their respective objectives, scopes, and requirements. Different types of testing facilities are also described. The objective is to give an overview of various aspects of model testing, so the reader will come away with a better understanding of how and why model tests are performed and how they can best be used in projects.
The timing of tests and their interaction with the project schedule is also described. For example, model tests may be carried out early in the design for concept selection studies, or sometimes at the end of FEED for a specific concept application. Project tests are often performed at the beginning of detailed engineering to resolve any outstanding design issues or sometimes near the end of the project to confirm the effects of certain changes. These different test types have different methods, requirements, procedures and results.
Model tests may address installations, operations or performance of deepwater systems such as mooring and dynamic riser interactions or may generate benchmarking data for CFD. Depending on the type of tests, certain key aspects must be carefully controlled. Required test data and the cost-benefit trade-offs of different test objectives are discussed. Results and observations are given for several model testing applications of deepwater developments in Asia Pacific region and elsewhere. Examples of different types of tests are used to draw conclusions about the role of tests.
Looking ahead to the future, several deepwater testing basins are under development in different parts of the world. Limitations such as scale effects and basin boundary truncations are discussed. Ongoing research into novel model testing methods currently being carried out and their potential to improve the accuracy and reliability of full-scale predictions are pointed out. CFD or so-called numerical wave tank is a relatively mature tool which is gaining use in offshore projects and promises to overcome some of these limitations. Fortunately, improvements in available computing power and software are continually reducing the required computation time and cost. Both physical tests and complementary CFD simulations are required to obtain a complete picture of the full-scale performance of deepwater platforms. The need for full-scale measurements and design feedback is often over-looked but benefits future projects by closing the design loop to reduce future conservatism.
Learnings From The High Temperature Water Based Mud Application in Offshore Sarawak
Authors: Abshar M. , Nor M. , Solehuddin M. , Razak A. , Devadass Lingges 
Published: March 2018

A total of 5 production wells were planned in a gas field development project located in offshore Sarawak, Malaysia. The reservoir section of the field is comprised of two massive pinnacle carbonate structures, characterized by heterogeneous porosity and permeability, with high occurrence of vugs and faults. Severe to total loss circulation was expected while drilling this reservoir coupled with high temperature environment with prognosed bottomhole temperature (BHT) of 370°F.
Considering the high risk of loss circulation, the drilling fluids strategy involved designing and testing of a high temperature tolerant Water Based Mud (WBM) system as a base case plan to drill the reservoir in the scenario of sustainable losses. The HT WBM system was designed using HT polymers for filtration control and viscosity. The fluid was stressed at 370°F and prepared at a density of 14.5 lb/gal (1.74 SG). The high density mud system prompted the requirement to control the rheology for improved ECD management while drilling the reservoir section. Other criterias for the fluids design were the ability to demonstrate low barite sagging tendencies at extended static aging time as well as improved HTHP filtration control. The final formulation was also subjected to a formation damage testing to evaluate the fluids impact towards reservoir impairment. The HT WBM system was a milestone for the operator as being the hottest HT WBM ever deployed in Malaysia operation.
High geological uncertainties in the area led towards unexpected long shale exposure while drilling the reservoir section in both mainbore and sidetrack wells. While the mainhole was drilled successfully with the HT WBM system, the sidetracked well experienced significant reduction in the rate of penetration (ROP), suspected from bit balling despite having additional inhibition material in the system. The field observations, prompted additional learnings towards improvement of the HT WBM formulation as well as recommended lab testing considerations to further evaluate the performance of the mud system.
Economics of Supramolecular Assemblies as Displacement Fluids in EOR
Authors: Temizel Cenk , Alklih Mohamad Y. , Najy Anas K. , Putra Dike , Al-Fatlawi Omar 
Published: March 2018

AbstractIt is estimated that over the next few decades, EOR will be used for the more than 50% of oil production in the US and worldwide. From these, in reservoir with viscositites ranging between 10 – 150 mPa.s, polymer flooding is suggsted as the EOR method. Therefore, there is an upper limit to the recommended range of reservoir oil viscosities for polymer flooding. To address the issue of this limitation of polymer injectivity and pumping efficiency, we propose a novel method. The method involves the use of Supramolecular Systems, which are composed of long-chain aminoacids and maleic acids post complexation. Their unique feature of resersible viscosities allows the operator to overcome injectivity limitations posed by conventional polymer flooding.Viscosity of supramolecular systems, prior to contact with oil, can be lowered to ease the injection process and improve pumping efficiency. On contact with oil, an external pH stimulus can be introduced that will reverse its viscosity to higher values. Lab-scale studies conducted on supramolecular systems have validated this property of reversibly adjusting viscosity through pH stimulus. These systems also have high salinity and temperature tolerance.Conventional polymers, on introduction to extreme shear stress and temperature, have a tendency to breakdown. Supramolecular systems, on the other hand, act as "healable polymers" or undergo dis-assembling and re-assembling when subjected to similar conditions. Therefore, due to these molecular scission processes, these systems are considered to be durable in confining environment. In reservoirs where thermal EOR methods are not suitable candidates, supramolecular system can have significant use due to its high temperature tolerance.The objective of this work is to futher develop these novel supramolecular systems by studying its cost-effectiveness and feasibility through a reservoir simulation model (stratified reservoir). In this study, we will be focusing on the economics of polymer injection.
Feasibility Study and Development Concepts for Barents Sea Oil Discoveries
Authors: Karimaie H. , Pourmohammadi S. , Nyrønning H. H. , Reeds J. 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
The purpose of this study is to provide a technical evaluation of the feasible development concepts for selected oil discoveries in the Barents Sea, named; Goliat, Johan Castberg, Alta, Gohta, and Wisting. The study is unique to the extent that includes consideration of all required elements for a field development project; subsurface conditions, reservoir engineering, production profiles, drilling schedule, subsea and topside facilities, infrastructure (existing and planned) and environmental concerns in the Barents Sea.
The selected method was based on high-level of facts, reservoir data, recoverable reserves, in place volumes and other available data, which all originates from public resources and literature. The collected data were systemized into our in-house developed profile generator tool. A predefined drilling schedule was implemented in the profile generator, and output was production rate and cumulative production.
Technical and commercial evaluation on three different development concept scenarios for the selected oil discoveries has been presented. Scenarios were defined based on using available and future planned infrastructure in the region. It has been shown that the distance between discoveries and the shoreline in the Barents Sea is relatively large, and resources are lower than what is commercially needed to evaluate as a stand-alone solution. The results of the study show that discoveries may be developed through a coupled reservoir solution.
Control and Analysis of Sustained Casing Pressure Caused by Cement Sealed Integrity Failure
Authors: Zhang Bo , Guan Zhichuan , Lu Nu , Hasan A. R. , Xu Shenqi , Zhang Zheng , Xu Boyue , Xu Yuqiang 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
Sustained casing pressure brings heavy routine maintenance and management workload, impedes stimulation treatments such as fracture and threatens safe production. This paper uses numerical model to analyze rising process of sustained casing pressure and study how cement sealed integrity is damaged, finally controlling sustained casing pressure by improving cement properties.
Cement sealed integrity collapse is one of the main reasons of sustained casing pressure, which distributes widely in high-pressure gas fields and gas storage reservoirs. First, numerical model is built according to volume consistency and mass conservation law to study rising process of sustained casing pressure. This model cam also clarify the relationship between sustained casing pressure and cement sealed integrity. And then a nonlinear equation set is established to study the mechanism of cement sealed integrity collapse. This equation set is based on Culon-Morper rule and stress-displacement continuity law. It can calculate micro annulus caused by wellbore pressure change. Lastly, a numerical model is built to predict the sustained casing pressure caused by micro annulus. Through this model, the influencing law of every factor is analyzed to find effective measures to mitigate sustained casing pressure and improve cement sealed integrity. The numerical calculation indicates that pressure rising period becomes shorter as cement micro annulus increases. Micro annulus happens when tensile force exceeds cement bonding strength. Optimizing the cement Poisson's ratio, and elasticity modulus can prevent micro annulus. Meanwhile, the casing internal pressure change should be controlled and cement bonding strength must be increased. It can inhibit micro annulus by using self-healing cement, casing sand adhesion and expansion casing, thus preventing sustained casing pressure. The optimization of cement top can permanently control sustained casing pressure.
Extending Virtual Metering to Provide Real Time Exception Based Analytics for Optimizing Well Management and Chemical Injection
Authors: Law Hiu Ying , Phua Pei Huey , Briers Jan , Kong Joanna 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
Shell Malaysia Upstream operations offshore Sabah and Sarawak in the South China Sea have been utilizing a data driven Virtual Flow Metering System to provide gas production estimates in real time for close to a decade. More recently, the analytics aspect of the system is helping to detect liquid loading in gas wells, support Exception Based Surveillance (EBS) and optimize chemical injection.
In the absence of multiphase flow meters, a Virtual Flow Metering System may be used for well by well production rate estimation. This has been implemented for the oil wells in a deepwater facility in Sabah, enabling onshore production support teams to monitor production from each well in real time. It is a cost effective approach to project delivery while enabling safe and reliable production. Production estimation by the Virtual Flow Metering System is derived from data driven models built using a series of well tests. These models are updated as often as well tests are performed and compared to the export meter to constantly validate the accuracy of the well-by-well production estimates.
For superior wells and reservoir management and to maintain asset integrity, exception based surveillance (EBS) is required. A large number of complex EBS requirements are being monitored in real time, using the signal processing and pattern detection capability of the Virtual Flow Metering System as the calculation engine. The intent of the EBS system is to alert onshore operations when a user defined operating limit is exceeded to facilitate actions to be taken in a timely manner. Some examples of EBS implementation are for sand detection and the quality of injected water and gas. Additionally, the EBS system is being used to detect liquid loading in mature Sarawak gas fields, leveraging on recent best practices reported elsewhere within the Group.
More recently, this Virtual Flow Metering System usage has been extended to provide Real Time corrosion inhibitor flow monitoring with the aim to track injection rates and keep injection on target, while minimizing excess chemical costs. Within days of the deployment of this real time surveillance tool, high injection alerts detected have resulted in significant savings. Over the same period, detection of low injection has allowed faster adjustments to increase injection and thus minimize corrosion effects to the pipelines.
Pipe-Soil Interaction at Engineered Lateral Buckle Touchdown Zones
Authors: Low Han Eng , Anderson Benjamin , Branby Fraser 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
Pipelines exposed to high temperature, high pressure (HTHP) may be susceptible to the phenomenon of lateral buckling. In some cases, engineered buckle initiators (such as sleepers and Zero Radius Bends) are introduced to initiate planned lateral buckles in the pipeline at specific locations in order to ensure the loading in each lateral buckle remain acceptable. Although this is a reliable method of buckle initiation this requires buckle intiator fabrication and installation which is expensive. Therefore, there are benefits to reduce the number of buckle initiators required for such a project.
The number and location of lateral buckle initiators are typically determined during the design phase based on simulations from lateral buckling response models using finite element analysis. The predicted response of these models is dependent on a number of factors including the initial pipeline out-of-straightness, operational conditions and pipeline-seabed interaction (and pipe-structure friction where applicable).
This paper demonstrates the importance of modelling the pipeline-seabed interaction in the buckle initiator touchdown zone appropriately through the presentation of a case study. The case study shows that by appropriately considering the specific pipeline-seabed interaction in the touchdown zone and/or the potential changes in pipeline span length over a buckle initiator, lower pipeline axial strains is predicted. This implies that the potential of reducing the number of buckle initiator structures required to control the pipeline lateral buckle during operation can be demonstrated, thereby potentially saving project cost.