bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Is the U.S. Fuels Infrastructure Resilient? An Examination of Natural Disaster Vulnerabilities
Authors: Mohan H. , Crawford P. M. , Carolus M. J. , Kuczma G. 
Published: April 2018

Abstract

Objective/scope
The U.S. fuels infrastructure has undergone significant changes in the last several years. These changes are in response to shifts in domestic production, imports and exports, processing and distribution. The objective of this analysis is to define and model the U.S. fuels infrastructure, from production, transportation, and processing of crude oil to the distribution, storage, and consumption of refined products, and assess resiliency to natural disasters. This has become a pressing concern in the wake of Hurricane Harvey's impacts on U.S. infrastructure and fuels markets.

Methods, procedures, process
The analysis was conducted through a detailed assessment of the petroleum infrastructure, including wells, pipelines, refineries, crude and product terminals, import and export facilities, natural gas storage and processing facilities, and other key components. Interdependencies between petroleum and other types of infrastructure were also evaluated. As part of this analysis, a wide range of natural disasters, including earthquakes, hurricanes, tsunamis, and wildfires, were considered. For each of these natural threats, the geographic risks, the severity and type of damage, the likelihood of that damage, and the time required for recovery were all established using the latest available research.
To complete the analysis several tools were developed and applied. These include a comprehensive geospatial system used to identify major markets and submarkets and to determine dependencies and vulnerabilities; models of the market supply/demand requirements; a national disruption model which details the major crude and product markets; and disruption models to predict the impact on crude and refined products from hurricanes, earthquakes, and tsunamis.

Results, observations, conclusions
The analysis showed that the U.S. fuels infrastructure is vulnerable to being impaired by natural disasters. Furthermore, the interdependencies of the infrastructure, in terms of both type of infrastructure and geographic location, leave the U.S. vulnerable to cascading risks. As part of the study, potential mitigation efforts were determined to address regional and national vulnerabilities. The proposed mitigation efforts have been incorporated into the Department of Energy's recent Quadrennial Energy Review. This study provides an update and extension of work performed earlier.

Novel/additive information
The paper provides a detailed assessment of the U.S. fuels infrastructure and its vulnerabilities to natural threats. These include earthquakes, hurricanes, and other disasters. For each of these threats, the geographic risks, as well as the type, probability, and severity of damage, are discussed. Finally, case studies of recent disasters, including the impact of Harvey on the Gulf Coast, Midcontinent, and East Coast, are used to illustrate the fuels infrastructure vulnerabilities and the need for mitigation.
Laboratory Tests Conducted to Perforate and Displace Viscous Oil from Saturated Formation Core to Help Optimize Steam Flood Completion
Authors: Haggerty Dennis J. 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
API 19B Section 4 Flow Laboratory tests were conductedto test and optimizethe perforation strategy of wells in a shallow, viscous oil reservoir. Cored sand formation samples sealed inaluminum tubes wereremovedwith care and prepared to allow stressing for simulated perforation and displacement testing.
The first challengewas to extract the viscous crude oil-saturated, unconsolidated cores taken from the zone of interestandpermittheir use with minimal disturbance. Once the cores were prepared such that stress and pore pressure could be appliedin an API RP 19B Section 4 configuration, shaped-charge perforators were shot to determine penetration depth and casing-entrance hole size. The central parameter investigated was casing-hole size, which regulates the flow-velocity/drawdown-pressure relationship important for sand control. The effectof solvent versus heat displacement of the viscous crude oil was also observed.
Tests using heat to assess its effectiveness on promoting crude oil flow of a specific composition throughits associated sand causedminimal sand movement. The focus began with the perforation behavior in the stressed, viscous crude oil-saturated sand, followed by the flow of viscous crude oil through the sand, and then finally on how viscous crude oil-flow behavior was affected by viscosity reduction with heat. Results demonstratedthat even the smaller-shaped charges were capable of sufficient penetration, and the primary attribute was the resulting casing-entrance hole diameter. The desired hole size in a specific shots-per-foot perforator is a compromise betweenoptimal steam delivery for uniform injection across the targeted sand body and the maximum hole size for optimal production while minimizing sand production.
When this abstract was written, multiple wells had been perforated and are currently under field evaluation and data gathering, which will be compared to laboratory findings. This paper includes discussions on the testing process used and the effect of perforating the viscous crude oil sand. Additionally, it offers insight into the effects of increasing the temperature of the viscous crude oil and selecting a perforating strategy.
Surfactant Versus Solvent Co-Injection to Improve Efficiency of Steam Assisted Bitumen and Heavy Oil Recovery Processes
Authors: Ozum Baki 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
In Canada, daily steam assisted bitumen and heavy oil production is about 1.5×106 barrels per day, which is predicted to increase steadily. Oil industry has spent significant effort on solvent, mostly light hydrocarbons co-injection with steam to boost bitumen mobility, therefore, production efficiency; which resulted limited commercial success. In most solvent co-injection with steam studies further reduction of already reduced bitumen viscosity by steam injection was focused, while its effect on bitumen-water interfacial tension was ignored. At our laboratory effects of surfactant (such as biodiesel) and solvent (such as pentane) on bitumen viscosity, bitumen-water interfacial tension and steam assisted gravity drainage were evaluated. Experimental data showed that bitumen recovery efficiency was reduced by solvent co-injection with steam; which is attributed that solvent addition increases bitumen-water interfacial tension, causes slip of water on bitumen and suppresses bitumen mobility, which result in counterbalancing benefits of viscosity reduction. In the present study creeping flow of two immiscible fluids, such as oil and water (condensed steam) in a capillary with no-slip and slip boundary conditions at oil-water interface is discussed to provide technical support for better understanding of solvent versus surfactant co-injection with steam for bitumen and heavy oil recovery, as well as water flooding and CHOPS and Post CHOPS processes.
Slug Dissipation in a Horizontal Enlarged Impacting Tee-Junction
Authors: Mohammadikharkeshi M. , Dabirian R. , Cole T. , Shoham O. , Mohan R. S. 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
Enlarged Impacting Tee-junctions (EIT) are the building blocks of multiphase manifolds, which are large diameter pipe sections fed by several smaller diameter inlet pipelines. The goal of this study is to conduct an experimental and theoretical study on slug dissipation in an enlarged impacting tee-junction (EIT). Experimental data are acquired and a mechanistic model is developed for the prediction of the length required for slugs to dissipate in the EIT, namely, the "slug dissipation length". The developed model is validated with the acquired data.
An EIT test section is designed and installed in a multiphase flow loop to investigate slug dissipation length at an EIT junction. The EIT inlet is a 0.05 m diameter, 4.6 m long pipe, which is connected to the center of an enlarged 0.074 m diameter 5.5 m long pipe forming the EIT section. Air and water are used as the test fluids, with superficial gas and liquid velocities in the ranges of 1-5 m/s and 0.3-1.2 m/s, respectively, to ensure slug flow at the EIT inlet. The slug dissipation process in the branches of the EIT is observed visually and recorded by a set of cameras.
A slug dissipates as it enters from the reduced diameter inlet section into the EIT section. The dissipation of the slug in the EIT is due mainly to liquid drainage from the slug front and penetration of "bubble turning" into the slug body as it moves along the branches of the EIT. Thus, the length of the slug body is continuously reduced until it completely dissipates. The experimental results show that the slug dissipation length increases with increasing superficial gas velocity. The results also confirm that the dissipation length is more sensitive to the superficial gas velocity, as compared to the superficial liquid velocity. The developed mechanistic model is based on the physical slug dissipation mechanism, namely penetration of turning bubble into the slug body. The predictions of the proposed mechanistic model are in good agreement with the experimental data, showing discrepancies less than 15%. The results of this study will enable to properly design a multiphase manifold by providing a criterion for slug dissipation length in EIT.
An Efficient Compositional Model for Unconventional Reservoirs: Eagle Ford Formation Case Study
Authors: Uzun Ilkay , Eker Erdinc , Kazemi Hossein 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
The main complexity of the multi-component, multi-phase simulation in unconventional reservoirs arises because of the thermodynamic phase behavior and component transport in such small pores. To manage these issues, a computationally cost-effective implicit model is needed. This paper presents a new multi-component, multi-phase, dual-porosity numerical model including molecular diffusion for simulating fluid flow for the field applications in Eagle Ford formation, Texas. The model, which is based on the mass transport equations for each component, solves for the pressures and overall compositions simultaneously, then it solves for crossing phase boundaries and saturations sequentially. This new model, which determines the effect of molecular diffusion on production, is computationally robust and efficient. The vapor-liquid equilibrium calculation is performed using Peng-Robinson equation of state including the phase shifts and the capillary pressure effects on phase behavior. The rock and fluid data from Eagle Ford wells are used as an input for the simulation model to evaluate the accuracy and computational efficacy compared to the classic volume balance technique for unconventional reservoirs.
The compositional mass transport equations can be solved using several variants of the fully implicit method in addition to a less stringent sequential volume balance technique. The latter is of interest because one can generate a simple compositional pressure diffusivity equation and sequentially solve for the composition. However, the volume balance technique is sensitive to the grid and time-step size. We compared our results with the volume balance method to examine the accuracy of both solution techniques. The degree of implicitness in our model not only provides better accuracy for the simulation but also eliminates the material balance errors occurring in explicit solutions. Therefore, our method provides a better understanding of the physical phenomena of fluid flow processes at the matrix-fracture interface in unconventional reservoirs.
Production Loss by Scale Formation in Unconventional Reservoirs
Authors: Abouie A. , Tagavifar M. , Sanaei A. , Sepehrnoori K. 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
Scale deposition is a common problem during oil production resulting in equipment corrosion, wellbore plugging, and production rate reduction. In unconventional reservoirs, the negative effect of scale formation and deposition becomes more pronounced as it severely damages the conductivity of hydraulic fractures. However, how and to what extent the scaling changes the gas production is unclear. In this work, a robust and integrated tool is developed to model scale deposition under dynamic flow conditions in unconventional reservoirs considering the damages to fracture and shale matrix. In doing so, a comprehensive compositional reservoir simulator (UTCOMP) coupled with IPhreeqc is utilized to predict carbonate and sulfate scales formation in the Marcellus shale formations. This integrated approach allows to adequately resolve the multiphase flow in the fracture network and near-wellbore region and to determine the associated geochemical behavior. Our results show that scale formation mainly results from changes in the physicochemical properties of brine (pH, temperature, and pressure) and/or mixing with incompatible brine compositions (e.g. mixing of fracturing fluid and formation brine). Precipitations of barite and calcite due to the incompatibility of fracturing fluid with formation water was identified to be the main cause of hydraulic fracture plugging, which resulted in fracture conductivity reduction. Based on the fracturing fluid composition and its invasion depth, fracture conductivity can decrease up to 10%. Due to the complex flowback of the fracturing fluid, we observed a time-dependent fracture plugging. Specifically, a moderate plugging of the fracture face occurs early in Marcellus formation causing a reduction in production peak rate while the fracture tip is severely plugged at later times and further reduces the gas production rate.
A Diagnostic Approach to Predict Asphaltene Deposition in Reservoir and Wellbore
Authors: Davudov Davud , Moghanloo Rouzbeh G. , Akita Emmanuel , Karami Hamidreza 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
Despite the myriad of published literature on asphaltene, true understanding of its characterization, and deposition is still lacking. There have been many proposed models based on principles in thermodynamics, hydrodynamics, and many empirical equations proposed, however, further work still needs to be done to have a better grasp of the asphaltene deposition. In this study, we examine an integrated approach to evaluate asphaletene deposition in both the reservoir and wellbore as a function of fluid velocity.
We discuss the effect of permeability reduction as a function of combined effects of surface deposition and interconnectivity loss due to pore blockage in the reservoir. The effects of pore surface deposition and pore blockage are evaluated based on published experimental data on sandstone and carbonate rock samples. Next, based on different wellbore/tubing configurations (uniform and tapered) and fluid types, the asphlatene deposition is evaluated within the wellbore considering both favorable and non-favorable regions. Simulated values obtained from OLGATM are used to define these regions and critical particle sizes where there is a shift from Region I to Region II.
Results indicate that in terms of asphaletene deposition in the reservoir, for sandstone samples, both surface deposition and pore throat plugging seem to contribute fairly equally to permeability reduction. In the case of carbonate however, pore blockage seems to be mainly dominant, which results in an almost instantaneous sharp decrease in sample permeability. Moreover, increasing fluid velocity, positively contributes to diminishing permeability reduction in sandstone samples, whereas it has no effect in case of carbonate samples.
In case of deposition in the wellbore, asphaltene deposition rate is inversely related to fluid velocity in Region I whereas in Region II, it is directly proportional. More importantly however, this study determines particle size cutoff values for the two regions and does a systematic study of the impact that uniform and tapered wellbore configurations have on asphaltene deposition.
Results of this study may change the industry's predictions of asphaltene deposition in both reservoir and wellbore. Improved understanding of asphaletene deposition leads to better production and far more accurate economic predictions.
Successful Water Shut-Off Treatment Specially Designed for High Temperature: Vizcacheras Experience
Authors: Vega Isabel N. , Campomenosi Álvaro , Hernández María Isabel , Moglia Diego , Peltier José 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
Injection of blocking gels in the near wellbore of producer wells is a technique employed for water production control. A proven and effective alternative to control this water excess is the application of crosslinked gels.
Water shut-off (WSO) treatments efficiency depends on several aspects such as reservoir fluid flow patterns, rock petrophysics, formation heterogeneities and gel characteristics. Although experimental laboratory tests previous field implementation, are many times underestimated, they provide valuable information that increases the chances of success. Integrating lab results with reservoir and field data creates a proper scenario that diminishes the uncertainties during field implementation. It is also crucial the support of a multidisciplinary team work while injecting the WSO tretament.
This paper presents a successful water shut-off treatment specially designed for high temperature, applied in a production well located in Vizcacheras field, Mendoza Agentina.
Costa Norte Project: Enhancing Environmental Protection Against Oil Spills in the Northern Brazilian Coast Through the Combination of Data Collection, Numerical Forecasts and Impact Assessment
Authors: Pessoa M. C. , Guedes A. , Queiroz D. S. , Pellegrini J. D. , Fragoso M. , Cabral M. M. , Soares M. L. , Sabino C. M. , Chaves F. O. , Assad L. D. , Vasconcelos A. , Bock C. S. , Toste R. , Faller D. G. , Rollnic M. 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
The oil and gas industry is continuously improving its standards and procedures in order to operate safely. Risk management and process safety approaches are used to minimize the likelihood of major accidents. However, offshore exploration and production is not, by definition, inherently safe, and therefore the industry also has to enhance its emergency response techniques. When working in remote areas this becomes extremely important.
Offshore oil spills are one of the major accidents that may bring harm not only to the company itself or to its employees, but to the local communities, to the coastal systems, to the marine life, to the food chain, among several others not mentioned in this abstract. An efficient oil spill response is therefore increasingly necessary, and understanding pollutant's transportation in the coastal zones can assist in this response and minimize the impacts of a spill.
The objective of this paper is to describe a research project currently taking place in the Brazilian Equatorial Margin with the collaboration of different institutions. The Costa Norte project considers the development of an integrated marine hydrodynamic and oil dispersion simulation model, in order to enhance the oil dispersion and impact forecast in the coastal areas of the Pará-Maranhão and Foz do Amazonas basins. The integration of these technologies will be made using a simulation environment based on a web portal, remotely accessible to the user. This remotely accessible environment will receive in situ collected environmental data and, together with ocean circulation model, will effectively represent thelocal meteoceanographic conditions. The project will also evaluate the vulnerability level of the coastal environments, notedly the mangroves, considering their environmental sensitivity, contamination susceptibility and resilience aspects in the equatorial margin.
Levels of perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) in groundwater around improper municipal and industrial waste disposal sites in Thailand and health risk assessment
Authors: Hongkachok Chanidaporn , Boontanon Suwanna Kitpati , Boontanon Narin , Fujii Shigeo , Tanaka Shuhei , Suzuki Yuji 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
The aims of this study were to examine the levels of perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) in groundwater around improperly developed municipal and industrial waste disposal sites, including estimating non-cancer risk and cancer risk from ingestion of the groundwater. A total of 27 groundwater samples were collected from two cities in Thailand, Ayutthaya and Chonburi. Seven target compounds were extracted by solid phase extraction (SPE) and analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometer (HPLC–MS/MS). The results showed that the total PFCs in groundwater around municipal waste disposal sites (MWDSs) varied from 1.68 to 7.75 ng/L. In groundwater around the industrial waste disposal site (IWDS), total PFCs varied from 2.64 to 42.01 ng/L, which were significantly different from those found in groundwater around the MWDSs at p &lt; 0.01. PFOS and PFOA were ubiquitous in both areas, while perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS) was frequently found in the samples around IWDS. The findings possibly suggest that PFHxS has been introduced for use as an alternative substance for most current C8 and higher due to it having shorter chain length and shorter half-lives. The results for both non-cancer risk and cancer risk in all samples were acceptable.
Predicting Truck At-Fault Crashes Using Crash and Traffic Offence Data
Authors: Rezapour Mahdi , Wulff Shaun S. , Ksaibati Khaled 
Published: April 2018

Introduction:The number of truck-related injuries and deaths can be reduced by understanding the factors that contribute to the higher risk of truck-related crashes and violations. Truck drivers are at fault of more than 80% of all the truck crashes on Wyoming interstates, and the literature review indicated that in order to identify appropriate countermeasure to crashes, each crash type should be analyzed individually. The literature review also revealed that relationships exist between driving records and driver culpability in crashes.Method:This study employed two approaches to identify contributory factors to truck-at-fault fatal and injury crashes, and truck-related violations. Interstate 80, a Wyoming corridor in a mountainous area with one of the highest truck crash rates in the US, was selected as a case study. Only truck-at-fault crashes and specific types of truck-related violations were considered in this study. The analyses include two approaches. First, the logistic regression model was employed to explore vehicle, driver, crash, and environmental characteristics that contribute to truck-at-fault fatal and injury crashes. Second, truck violations were used as a proxy for truck crashes to examine the tendency to violate truck-related traffic laws in relation to driver and temporal characteristics. Based on the literature, only violations associated with higher risk of severe crashes were included in the analyses. The included violations accounted for more than 70% of all the violations.Result:This study considered more than 30 variables and found that only 10 variables impact truck-at-fault crashes. These factors included: gender, history of past violation, crashes involving multiple vehicles, exceeding the speed limit, occupant distraction, driver ejection, fatigued driving, non-seat belt usage, overturn, and head-on collision. Results of the second analysis indicated that both residency and time of crash are factors that impact truck-related violations. Results of the analysis also indicated that both residency and time of the crash are factors that impact truck-related violations.