bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Enhancing Situation Awareness and Process Safety in Offshore Drilling Operations: Applications of Eye-Tracking System
Authors: Salehi Saeed , Kiran Raj , Jeon Jiwon , Kang Ziho , Teodoriu Catalin , Cokely Edward 
Published: April 2018

Pushing the boundary of offshore drilling operations further has resulted in more complex and riskier frontiers. The paramount level of systemic complexity and risks have turned the focus of industry on the situational awareness and process safety. In case of failure at any of these accounts, the operations suffer several setbacks in terms of additional financial burden nonetheless the time. Workers have been reporting in several instances of the physiological and psychological issue which most of the time triggers an unfortunate or undesirable incidents.
Situation awareness (SA) has been conceived as directly associated with meta-cognitive faculties of human, however quantifying the cognitive abilities of a human while interacting with the systemic environment objectively is a far-fetched idea. Eye-tracking has been seen as a gateway to such ideas. Eye-tracking technology is not a recently discovered avenue. However, implementation of such technology in several highly sophisticated fields such as aviation, meteorology, and health sectors have witnessed radical changes in the past few years in SA explorations. This paper presents a comprehensive review of eye-tracking technology in the context of different high reliability organization and explores its relevance into offshore drilling operations. What will be a better way of exploration than to implement it through a case study? Keeping this in mind, a case study is also presented in this paper with the hypothesis of distinct anticipated behavior from less and more alert and aware participant. The experiments were conducted in a Virtual Reality Drilling Simulator (VRDS) equipped with eye tracking technology at OU Drilling simulator facility. The ocular activity of the participants was registered and further analyzed to assess their behavior. The cameras in such devices capture the characteristics of participants’ behavior, and through image processing algorithms oculomotor data such as eye fixation count and pupil sizes were obtained. These data were further analyzed through sophisticated statistical analysis and mathematical algorithms to generate cues to explore the relevance of the hypothesis.
Overall this paper digs into the role of eye-tracking technology to enhance the process safety and situational awareness. Results from the pilot study clearly indicate the significant deviation in case of less aware/alert participant from the ideal behavior or more aware participants. This paper will provide an initial framework for implementation of eye-tracking technology in complex real-time operations to further extend the safeguards from the human errors.
Condition and Performance Analysis of a Subsea BOP Control System Pressure Regulator
Authors: Mutlu Mete , Wassar Taoufik , Franchek Matthew A. , Gutierrez Jose A. 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
Presented in this paper is a model-based approach for performance and health monitoring of a double spool blowout preventer (BOP) pressure regulator. Governing equations of the pressure regulator are derived based on mathematical and functional relationships. The relationships are carried to a simulation environment. Same approach is followed to generate the model of an annular preventer control circuit from the hydraulic power unit to the preventer itself. The nominal performance the regulator during an annular preventer closing event and effects of internal leakages are shown via simulation. Model-based condition and performance monitoring techniques are developed to detect regulator internal leakages and regulator instabilities. The methods are demonstrated over a dataset obtained from a deepwater BOP. The results show that the leakage detection method can differentiate between a leaking and non-leaking regulator within the same BOP, and that regulator instabilities can be detected with the given sensor set and data acquisition capabilities.
Reduction of Surfactant Adsorption in Porous Media Using Silica Nanoparticles
Authors: Suresh Radhika , Kuznetsov Oleksandr , Agrawal Devesh , Darugar Qusai , Khabashesku Valery 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
In surfactant flooding for enhanced oil recovery, adsorption of surfactants on the porous media of an oil reservoir is a major concern. It weakens the efficacy of the injected surfactant in reducing oil–water interfacial tension (IFT) and makes the oil recovery process uneconomical. Colloidal silica nanoparticles were found to adsorb at a lower rate than surfactant in porous media because of their charge density and high surface area. Silica nanoparticle surfaces with a negative surface charge are expected to adsorb onto the same active sites in the reservoir as anionic surfactant molecules used in enhanced oil recovery (EOR) applications. Experiments conducted in sandpack demonstrated that pre-treatment of the sandpack with silica nanoparticles at 80°C reduced surfactant adsorption by a factor of three when using artificial seawater as the injection fluid.
Dynamic Uncertainties Appraisal throughout a Development Project, Applying PRMS Indicators of Resource and Reserves Categorization
Authors: Nascimento J. H. , Santos A. A. S. , Schiozer D. J. 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
In general, Oil Companies need a contract with the government to have legal rights to carry out Exploration and Production (E&P) projects. In this work, we discuss contractual and economic issues in (E&P) sector in Brazil and the dynamics of uncertainties throughout the stages of an E&P project. This study uses Petroleum Resource Management System - PRMS (SPE, et al., 2007) concepts, its reserve categorization and indicators to measure uncertainty in oil and gas projects. First, we analyze complexities resulting from different contractual regimes and their limits – time, area and cumulative production – as well as the impact on the management of Field Development Plans (FDP). Under these limits, not all production and resources are included in the contract, affecting volume amount, property rights and fiscal regime. Time limits affect decisions about the remaining reserves after the end of contract, while area issues occur when reservoirs extend beyond the geographical boundary of an exploratory block. Cumulative production limit appears in the Transfer of Rights Agreement (TRA), which authorized the Brazilian Government to assign 5 billion barrels of oil equivalent to Petrobras in 2010. The National Agency of Petroleum (ANP) promoted technical studies that indicated the recoverable volume in the area of TRA exceeds the limits originally agreed.
In the second part, we use the 12-step integrated decision analysis methodology by Schiozer, et al. (2015) and PRMS reserve indicators to describe the dynamics of uncertainties throughout exploration, development and production phases. Through reservoir simulation and the optimization of a production strategy, we measured the key reserve indicators in different phases of a project. The increment of developed reserves due to the introduction of wells, in the development, and the reclassification of resources, in the management phase, are assessed probabilistically.
The novel information of this work is the use of the PRMS international standard and the 12-step methodology to not only calculate reserves, but also describe the dynamics of uncertainties throughout a Development Project and to qualify complex contractual and economic issues.
Incorporating Magneto-Rheological Damper into Riser Tensioner System to Restrict Riser Stroke in Moderate-Size Semisubmersibles
Authors: Zainuddin Zaid , Kim Moo-Hyun , Kang Heon-Yong , Bhat Shankar 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
In case of conventional shallow-draft semisubmersibles, unacceptably large riser stroke was the restricting factor for dry-tree-riser-system development. Many developments to address this issue have focused on using larger draft and size with extra heave-damping plates, which results in a huge cost increase. The objective of this paper is to investigate an alternative solution by improving riser systems through the implementation of a magneto-rheological damper (MR Damper) so that it can be used with moderate-size/draft semisubmersibles. In this regard, both linear/viscous and MR-damper riser systems and connections are numerically modeled so that they can couple with hull-mooring time-domain simulations. The simulation results show that the moderate-size semisubmersible with MR damper system can be used with conventional dry-tree pneumatic tensioners by effectively reducing stroke-distance even in the most severe storm environments. Furthermore, the damping level of the MR damper can be controlled to best fit target cases by changing input electric currents. The reduction in stroke allows smaller topside deck spacing, which in turn leads to smaller deck and hull. As the penalty of reducing riser stroke by MR damper, the force on the riser system can significantly be increased.
Well Abandonment Solutions Utilizing Bismuth and Thermite
Authors: Carragher Paul John , Fulks Jeff 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
Well abandonment is often not thought of as a crucial part of a well's life. As such, traditional methods of abandoning a well utilizing cement and bridge plugs are still common practice among most operators throughout the world. Although resins have been utilized by some as an alternative, there have not been anymajor new developments in well abandonment materials for nearly 100 years. Although each of these materials have their benefits, there are also limitations to their sealing capabilities. Bridge plugs lack a high expansion ratio required in some wells and rely on elastomers to seal, limiting their ability to seal in damaged tubing or open hole environments. Cement is porous and lacks the ability to block gasses from migrating through it. Resins must be squeezed into an area and can take days to fully cure before a seal is created. This paper will demonstrate a new way to create gas tight seals during well abandonment, overcoming the limitations of traditional methods and reducing the operator's liability and potential environmental impact after decommissioning has been completed.
Experimental Study on the Thermal Insulation and Seawater Corrosion Resistance Effects of Silane-Nanoceramic Coatings in Subsea Riser
Authors: Hu Zhiqiang , Yang Jin , Kan Changbin , Xin Yanyu , Feng Pengtian , Li Shuzhan , Wang Huanhuan , Zhang Tianwei , Wang Junxiang 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
In China's Bohai Sea, there is a large amount of heavy and viscous oil needs to be produced. At present, the steam huff and puff is currently the most effective means of producing heavy oil reservoir, and the riser system is a conduit system that connects the subsea wellhead and the rig and also plays an important role in the circulation of steam. Thus, as an important circulation channel in thermal recovery well in offshore heavy oilfield, the riser needs to have heat insulation effect. The silane-nanoceramic composite as a new type of heat insulation coating material has the advantages of low thermal conductivity, high insulation effect and seawater corrosion resistance than other insulation coatings. This paper firstly utilizes infrared heating technology to test the thermal insulation performance of ordinary nanoceramics and silanenanoceramic coatings. Then the actual service condition of thermal insulation coating is simulated by using the test of the riser heating device. The thermal barrier effect of three types of riser thermal barrier coatings is evaluated, the influence of coating structure, and coating thickness on the insulation effect of silane-nanoceramic composite coating are also analyzed. Considering the corrosion resistance of the riser coating system in seawater, this paper also tests the anti-seawater immersion properties of the coating and salt spray corrosion resistance, and uses two field experiments to verify the actual results. The results figure out that silane-nanoceramic ceramic coatings have better thermal insulation properties than ordinary ceramic coatings. The thermal conductivity of silane-nanoceramic can be as low as 0.028 W/m·K, and heat insulation rate can reach more than 70% when the inner temperature is kept at 350°C, so the silane-nanoceramic coatings have obvious advantages compared with other insulating materials. External wall spraying coating has higher insulation effect. With the increase of coating thickness, the insulation effect is more significant. The insulation preservation rate can be more than 80%, when coating thickness reached 500um. The corrosion resistance experimental results show that the coating anticorrosive life rises with the increase of the coating thickness and the field experiments prove the silane-nanoceramic composite coating has good seawater corrosion resistance, salt spray resistance and antifouling performance.
Novel Dynamically Installed Fish Anchor - Diving Upon Loading in Calcareous Silt
Authors: Chang K. , Hossain M. S. , Kim Y. H. , Randolph M. F. , Wang D. 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
This paper proposes a novel dynamically installed ‘fish’ anchor, adopting a geometry taken from nature, for economic and safer tethering of floating facilities in deep water. Every cross section of the fish anchor shaft is elliptical, leading to very low drag resistance during free fall through the water column, and also low resistance in penetrating the seabed sediments. The padeye is fitted on the widest part of the shaft to mobilise the maximum resistance area under operational loading. The fish anchor embedment depth during dynamic installation, and capacity under both monotonic and cyclic operational loading in calcareous silt were assessed through centrifuge model tests and large deformation finite element (LDFE) analyses.
During dynamic installation, the normalised tip embedment depth of the fish anchor was typically three times that for the torpedo anchors and 50 % greater than that for the OMNI-Max anchors. Under operational loading, the fish anchor dived deeper, reaching penetrations 20 to 60 % greater than achieved during installation. By contrast the torpedo anchors (for all mooring mudline inclinations) and the OMNI-Max anchors (apart from a single test with mooring mudline inclination of 0°) pulled out directly without diving, reflecting insufficient free-fall penetration in calcareous soil. Regardless of the padeye offset ratio and mooring mudline inclinations, the diving efficiency of the fish anchor, which dictates the potential gaining capacity, was significantly higher than that of the OMNI-Max anchor. The normalised net capacity of the fish anchor was significantly higher than obtained with the torpedo anchors regardless of mooring mudline inclinations, and comparable to that obtained with an OMNI-Max anchor for mooring mudline inclination 0°, after allowing for loading-unloading cycles experienced by the OMNI-Max DIA prior to a nominally monotonic loading test.
Dynamically installed anchors have yet to be used in calcareous silty sediments (e.g. offshore Australia). This is primarily because the anchor tip embedment depth in calcareous silt has been found to be only half of that in clay due to the naturally higher undrained shear strength gradient and high dilation-induced bearing and shaft resistance. During subsequent loading, the anchor then pulls out of the seabed, without diving. To achieve adequate capacity under operational loading, deeper penetration that allows anchor diving and better diving potential are therefore critical in calcareous silt. The fish anchor was found to dive in calcareous silt for mooring mudline inclinations &lt; 38°, while by contrast the OMNI-Max anchor generally did not dive. As such, the fish anchor has the potential for efficient anchoring to allow economic development of oil and gas reserves in deep water with calcareous seabed sediments.
Modeling of Subsea BOP Shear and Sealing Ability Under Flowing Conditions
Authors: McCleney Amy B. , Green Steven T. , Mueschke Nicholas J. 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
A computational modeling effort was undertaken to combine finite element analysis (FEA) and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) methods to simulate the closing of the blind shear rams of a blowout preventer (BOP) under flowing conditions. The objective of this effort was to develop a high-fidelity fluid-structure interaction (FSI) simulation methodology that reliably assesses the combined mechanical and hydrodynamic forces acting on BOP shear rams that could potentially impact the rams’ ability to safely shut-in a well. BOP shear ram designers typically consider the material properties and geometry of the drill pipe to be sheared and the hydrostatic flowing pressure during ram closure. Fluid hydrodynamic effects on the rams are difficult to simulate and currently cannot be produced in a laboratory setting due to complexity and personnel safety in conducting such tests under high transient conditions, and thus are often neglected.
To determine the best computational approach in terms of complexity and accuracy, a novel simulation methodology was developed by coupling the fluid interaction with the BOP as it shears a drill pipe using LS-DYNA® and ANSYS® Fluent®. The conditions and assumptions made for this analysis are presented herein, and initial simulation cases are compared against validation data to confirm model accuracy. For a high-pressure, high-flow well scenario in the Gulf of Mexico (GOM), a one-way coupling of the FEA and CFD simulations was determined to be the best approach for modeling the closing of blind shear rams under flowing conditions. This investigation also confirms that as long as the fluid is single phase, the ram forces due to fluid flow effects are small in comparison to the mechanical shearing force. It is noted, that highly dynamic flow events such as slugging flow or the potential erosive effects of sands or solid particles present additional risks, and the analysis methodology described here can serve as the basis for additional investigations into more complicated flow scenarios.
How to Effectively Develop a Marginal Offshore Heavy Oil Field with Strong Aquifer Under Low Oil Price Condition
Authors: Shi Hongfu , Luo Xianbo , He Yifan , Chen Cunliang , Re Bo 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
D oil field located at the west of Bohai Bay of China is characterized as a complex fluvial reservoir with multiple oil-water systems. It is classified as a marginal field because of the thin sand channels (average 12m), low oil columns(less than 10m), strong bottom aquifer, and high oil viscosity (30-300mPa.s). In order to drive the project forward, several solutions were present in the process of ODP (Overall Development Plan) implementation.(1) The PDS (progressive development strategy) which meant limited well to develop large reserves by sidetrack frequently was present to short payback period under the low oil price condition.(2) We accurately anatomized the sand architecture in four levels, including compound channel, single channel, point bar, and lateral accretion body with high-quality seismic data and guided by the high resolution sequence stratigraphy. After these work, a large 3D visualization of geological reservoir model was set up to quantitative the potential and risk.(3) Horizontal wells were widely used to delay bottom water coning and maximize initial productivity. A brand new equation about the swept volume of horizontal wells was proposed to determine the well spacing. Smart wells were drilled based on the accurate description of interlayer.(4) In the program of horizontal well drilling, the study team must overcome the challenges in identifying the oil water contact (OWC) while placing the trajectory within a very small target window close to the roof. A detailed technology review, advance azimuthal LWD, with the ability to map the distance to the multiple boundaries such as the OWC, the top and bottom of the reservoir structure in the remaining oil column, was selected as the fit-for-purpose application and to enhance reservoir understanding.
A Novel Approach to Generating a Hurricane Database for the Gulf of Mexico Based on Numerical Weather Prediction Models
Authors: Liria Juan , Coelho Henrique , Sproson Dave , Martinho Paulo , Webb Cody , Oropeza Fernando , Bradon Jill , Smith Rosemary , Peng Zhong 
Published: April 2018

AbstractAccurate, reliable and cost effective hindcast databases have become essential tools for the design of offshore and coastal structures. Within the Gulf of Mexico (GoM), many databases exist, which cover operational wave climates, but very few of these fully resolve the complexities of Tropical Revolving Storms (TRS) in terms of both the spatial and temporal resolution. Here, we present the results of our hindcast analysis, covering all TRS affecting the GoM from 1979 to the present. This database represents all the physical and dynamic aspects of the TRS, reproducing not only the cyclonic winds, but also how the hurricane interacts with the atmospheric mean flow in the area surrounding the eyewall. The Weather Research and Forecasting model (WRF-ARW), with two nested fixed domains (18 km and 6 km), and uncoupled Hurricane WRF (HWRF) have been used to model the atmospheric conditions. Waves have been modeled using Wave Watch III (WW3), a third-generation wave model, driven by the 18 km WRF modeled winds. Boundary conditions from our inhouse global wave database have been used, forced by CFSR winds. Most of the existing databases produce a set of TRS based on the records of wind, track, pressure and radius of maximum speed, producing a uniform field of wind and pressure. We have developed a state of the art wind and wave database of TRS based on fully convective, non-hydrostatic numerical models. Model results have been validated against observational data from buoys, meteorological stations, airborne measurements, satellite data and against tracks from the International Best Track Archive for Climate Stewardship (IBTrACS) database. Results show that the modeled TRS are quite sensitive to the initial state, obtaining the best results when initializing the model with the vortex in a mature state. The hurricane intensification and wind distribution are well reproduced by the HWRF model, being in good agreement with both the track and measurements. This approach provides a realistic, cost effective and up to date hindcast of the wind and wave conditions during hurricane events throughout the GoM. Using cutting edge models, we have been able to reproduce hurricane conditions over the whole GoM, obtaining results that are physically representative.