bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Field Test Results for a Subsea Wireless Annulus Monitoring System
Authors: Rodriguez F.J. , Mat Isa S. , Forness A. 
Published: April 2017

The objective of this paper is to present the field test results of a subsea casing annulus monitoring system utilizing wireless through-wall communication technology which recorded and transmitted pressure and temperature data from a casing annulus in real-time during the drilling, logging, and capping phases of a subsea well.
The annulus monitoring system used off-the-shelf sensors to acquire pressure and temperature data in the casing annulus. The data was communicated from inside the casing annulus to the outside of the subsea wellhead system using a novel wireless telemetry technique through solid casing layers instead of traditional bulkhead connected equipment to avoid penetrations to the high pressure housing. The sensor module was attached to a 13-3/8" casing joint below the casing hanger and was configured to fit into the annular space between the 13-3/8" casing string and a 20" casing string. Additional telemetry equipment was adapted to the outside of the low pressure wellhead housing and a 30" conductor casing string which received and processed the transmitted data.
Once installed, the monitoring system continuously transmitted temperature and pressure data throughout the rest of the drilling program until the well was plugged and abandoned. The annulus data revealed how high the annulus pressure increased due to thermal effects while drilling and circulating fluids in the wellbore bottoms-up. Upon completion, the system confirmed that the trapped annulus pressure below the 13-3/8" casing hanger annulus seal assembly was low enough that the wellhead and casing could be safely cut and retrieved. The field test confirmed that the monitoring system is suitable to survive drilling operations and communicate data from the wellhead casing annulus to the end user in real-time. This marks a first for a drilling-centric wirelessly transmitted annulus monitoring product that takes the guesswork out of annulus pressure well-control or remediation concerns. It allowed the drilling group to see live data on the fluid pressure and temperature in the annulus of a wellhead system without any type of penetration while drilling the remaining critical sections of the well and did not require any modification to existing subsea wellhead components or operating procedures.
Using a Cognitive Analytic Approach to Enhance Cybersecurity on Oil and Gas OT Systems
Authors: Rosner M. , Herve P. , Moore K. 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
In the days before the "digital oilfield" and the Internet of Things, companies struggled to find ways to centralize their operational information. It was extremely difficult to efficiently monitor all assets, provide support, and solve problems in real time for better decision-making. Companies that have been able to do this now are staying competitive and cutting their costs.
More recently, organizations have started to implement IoT solutions onto their systems. Countless hours and human resources are saved, processes are improved tremendously, and failures are minimized. All the data from almost every system available can now be accessed, measured, and managed in one place. This is a remarkable advancement, yet it is also the reason why cyber-attacks are getting more dangerous than ever before. Since systems are now connected, they can be attacked and compromised, even if these controlled systems are dispersed in decentralized locations.
To sufficiently combat the growth of threats in both number and sophistication, combined with the scarcity of security talent, the oil and gas industry needs a stronger approach to cybersecurity. AI-based solutions for cybersecurity can monitor and protect not only the IT infrastructure, but also the OT network. These solutions can inform analysts where to look in order to identify the exact location of a potential attack, and provide evidence as to the validity and severity of the threat.
PYRO-Accumulator: Rocket Motor Powered Hydraulic Power Source
Authors: Bedrossian Nazareth , Welker Joseph , Coppedge Charles , Hernandez Jorge 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
This paper describes the PYRO-Accumulator, a piston accumulator which uses a solid propellant rocket motor instead of compressed gas. The rocket motor is used as a gas generator to pressurize hydraulic fluid inside the piston accumulator. PYRO-Accumulator is a self-contained, unpressurized dormant device, much like an airbag system for automobiles, which provides pressurized hydraulic fluid on demand. It is particularly suited for emergency single-use applications such as closing of subsea BOP shear rams, or applications requiring finite number of operating cycles. PYRO-Accumulator is a conventional piston accumulator that is retrofitted with a PYRO Kit in the space that would normally contain the nitrogen gas. Only minor cap modifications are required and which do not change the piston accumulator pressure vessel certification. Replacing the nitrogen gas with a PYRO Kit increases the accumulator usable fluid by more than 5X for the same working pressure resulting in significantly reduced weight and footprint. Additionally, the PYRO equipped accumulator requires essentially no maintenance and has a service life of more than 10 years, and offers quantifiably and scalable high reliability. Results from a pipe shearing demonstration are also provided.
Novel Degradable Polymeric Composite Balls for Hydraulic Fracturing
Authors: Garza Ramon , Sadana Anil , Khatiwada Suman , Duan Ping 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
Degradable polymeric balls are becoming popular in well completions especially for hydraulic fracturing applications. Commercial degradable polymeric frac balls, however, are not suitable for high-temperature plug-and-perf applications due to the low glass transition (Tg) temperature of the base polymer. At the application temperature above Tg these commercial degradable polymeric frac balls become too soft and their mechanical integrity is compromised. This paper describes the application of a new degradable polymer composite frac ball made from a thermosetting polymer with (Tg) &gt;500°F for use in hydraulic fracturing applications. This degradable polymer composite is good for a temperature envelope of 200°F to 350°F and differential pressures up to 10,000 psi for fracturing applications.
Multiple Pressure and impact tests were performed on the frac balls made from this material to demonstrate that the material had mechanical properties that would withstand the application requirements. Differential pressure tests were conducted on two types of ball seats at different temperatures. Frac balls were tested for plug-and-perf application on ball seats with a conical engagement.
The Shallow Water Enigma: Optimizing Conventional Logging for Identification of Deep Sea Dynamic Formations
Authors: Schexnayder Peter , Guillory Gordon , Hodges Claire , Carroll Landon , Wilson Matthew 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
The objective of this paper is to discern a manner in which the petroleum industry might determine the existence of shallow water flows, or subsea regions of pressurized water and sand, prior to drilling into said formations. Since 2001, a dozen wells have been lost to this phenomenon and millions of dollars have been spent in damages in the Gulf of Mexico alone. Research and analysis of current methods led to the discovery of three additional methods of determining shallow water flows through logging and above-ground tools. These methods were cross-referenced and compiled to produce a four-marker logging indicator which definitively characterizes shallow water formations in the wellbore. When these markers are manifested, this paper offers an updated version of the FKB (flow-kill-breakdown) Cycle in order to stop the kick before it occurs. Furthermore, it offers an opportunity to survey existing wells to create a geological profile which includes these dynamic formations. Familiarity with shallow water flows from a petrophysical perspective has become essential to save time and money, promote safety, and to further the industry's knowledge of shallow water flows. The vast majority of wells drilled in the Gulf of Mexico reside in a high profit area beyond the Late Pleistocene deltaic depocenter, which is a high-risk area for these formations. This research paper has assembled four major indicators for these shallow water formations. From Shaker's research, it has been determined that the pressure profile of any sand formation will be linear. Furthermore, porosity will spike at shallow water flow locations due to their hyperpressurized condition. Ostermeier and his team assembled indicators by observation, noting that pressure would spike and gamma ray results would decrease when encountering such a formation. When depth is restricted to the 1,000 to 3,500-foot range, these indicators offer a narrow and specific profile to locate shallow water flows before drilling into them. At an average cost per well of $1.6 million in damages due to these formations, those are savings worth pursuing. The drilling of offshore oil and natural gas will be safer with the implementation of shallow logging and the incorporation of these identifiers. Though the components of this research have existed for decades, this paper uses fundamental analysis of the issues involved to uncover a previously unknown formula which acts as a preventative measure against kicks, blowouts, and loss of hole due to shallow water flows. Furthermore, an amendment to an existing API document is proposed, which would alter practices in the region by implementing the proposed solution across the country.
A Novel Hydrate Strategy in a High Risk Hydrate Environment for a Fast Track Tie-in GoM Development
Authors: Uribe Oscar , McDermott Chris , Hudson Adam 
Published: April 2017

Under the current market environment, deep water projects are required to evolve a more robust cost solution to remain competitive within the industry portfolio, ensuring safety as priority. With such market drivers in place, this paper details the engineering behind the development of a single flowline concept that ties-in to an existing production system for a GoM deep water development and the associated challenging flow assurance aspects of that design.
The development is a fast track project (approximately 1.5 year from concept to first-oil) that leverages existing subsea infrastructure. The flowline length is over 10,000 ft at water depths exceeding 5,000 ft and will tie-in to a current flow loop dead leg of more than 7 miles in length. Success of the project will set a trend and allow development for future projects, i.e. infrastructure led solutions utilizing single flowlines with rapid delivery and increased financial returns.
To meet economics and schedule, the tie-in is a flexible flowline, which implies limitation in the amount of insulation that can be added to the system; in addition the reservoir temperature is relatively low. These challenges constrain the operating envelop, limited by thermal performance.
Traditional hydrate strategies such as dead oil displacement are not possible for a single leg spur line and continuous hydrate inhibition is not feasible from an OPEX aspect. Therefore a novel hydrate management strategy leveraging existing infrastructure is deployed. The development behind the hydrate and other flow assurance strategies is presented in this paper, as well as the realization of those strategies through to operation.
DeepStar Global Offshore Technology Development Program: New Generation Computational Capabilities in Nonlinear Dynamic Simulations of Flexible Riser Systems
Authors: Majed Arya , Yiu Flora , Chinello Luca , Cooke Nathan , Gomes Joseph , Kusinski Greg 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
A method for accurate prediction of flexible riser behavior and component stress computations under irregular wave inputs is a subject of major interest to offshore oil and gas operators. The initial full field procurement for flexible risers can be upwards of 500M USD, with replacement costs of a single flexible riser often approaching 40M USD. The reliability of fatigue life estimates is therefore critical to the successful long term operation of flexible risers. Computational constraints, however, continue to prevent realistic simulations and meaningful fatigue life predictions.
To address this challenge, a next generation computational capability for nonlinear dynamic simulations of flexible risers has been developed. The FLEXAS solver overcomes computational constraints which limit conventional flexible riser analysis methods by implementing Nonlinear Dynamic Substructuring (NDS). This advanced multibody framework enables the incorporation of detailed finite element models into global nonlinear dynamic simulations under realistic environmental and system loads. Prior to this development, simulating these complex models for spans greater than a few pitch lengths was computationally not feasible even in static cases. The purpose of this DeepStar project is to validate the FLEXAS solver for nonlinear dynamic simulations of flexible risers against numerical and experimental references, and includes extensive local and global benchmarking.
The local benchmarking scope involves comparing FLEXAS simulations against numerical and experimental references of pitch-length and bench test configurations. These benchmarks comprise a wide array of tensile armor stress and strain comparisons made against both a commercial solver and strain gauge measurements. The global benchmarking scope involves the comparison of FLEXAS simulations of a full length flexible riser configuration against the industry accepted numerical benchmarks, which includes large displacement nonlinear statics, vessel motion nonlinear dynamics and regular wave motion nonlinear dynamics. Results from all nonlinear simulations were in excellent agreement with their respective benchmarks.
This work was initiated, technically guided and funded by DeepStar Global Deepwater Technology Development Program as part of Phase XII projects in the DeepStar X400 Floating Systems Committee. The successful completion of the project, established herein, is to build confidence within the industry, which will benefit from the validated FLEXAS simulation technology by improving decision making associated with flexible riser integrity management and continued service, with major cost savings realized across the entire flexible riser life-cycle.
Soil Sensitivity Studies for Fixed Offshore Platforms
Authors: Akinci N. Onder , Wang Wenming , Kumar Abhimanyu , Proietto Alban , Simoni Steve 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
Soil properties and pile stiffness play a significant role in earthquake and hurricane response of fixed offshore structures. Although behavior of topsides and jackets has been studied extensively, effects of variation in soil properties are typically not taken into account. The objective of this study is to present effects of variation in soil properties on assessment of fixed offshore structures.
Sensitivity studies have been performed for earthquake and hurricane assessments of fixed structures using SACS and USFOS software packages. Response spectrum, time history and pushover analyses were performed considering different soil properties. Performance of several platforms were evaluated and compared.
The sensitivity studies indicated that soil properties and in turn pile stiffness are major parameters affecting the fundamental period and ultimate strength of typical fixed platforms in relatively shallow water. Therefore, it was concluded that dynamic response of fixed platforms is sensitive to the soil properties considered in the analyses. Furthermore, consideration of a range of soil parameters results in variations in locations of damage under different types of extreme events. Considering the uncertainties in soil properties, it is recommended to perform sensitivity studies with varying soil properties to minimize possibility of unconservative or overly conservative designs for fixed structures and their foundations.
Effects of soil properties on different types of extreme event response of fixed offshore structures have not been documented extensively in the literature. This study presents findings and conclusions from assessment studies for a range of offshore platforms. The findings of this study are expected to provide guidance for future assessments and help to better understand and address uncertainties in soil properties.
Development of a Probabilistic Tropical Cyclone Track Uncertainty Cone Using Multi-Model Ensembles
Authors: Ortt Derek , Hebert Chris , Weinzapfel Bob , Eyre Devin 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
Tropical cyclone (TC) forecasts are subject to large amounts of uncertainty. The current operational method of estimating the uncertainty is via historical errors from the past five years of forecasts. Circles are drawn around each of the forecast points such that the actual position of the TC is within the circle 2/3 of the time. The edges of the cone are then connected to create the "cone of uncertainty"
There are drawbacks to the standard "cone of uncertainty". The first is that the cone is misunderstood by many. The second is that the cone remains the same size for all TCs, regardless of the forecast uncertainty or confidence. A forecast with very high confidence will have the same cone size as one with low confidence. The third drawback is that only one possible track can be depicted. Thus, it is possible that a path well away from the area drawn by the cone will be possible.
To overcome the limitation of a historical error- based "cone of uncertainty", we can use model ensembles. Model ensembles are multiple runs of operational forecast models with tweaks made to the initial conditions or the model physics. The ensembles create multiple track forecasts. Probabilistic forecasts can be generated from these forecasts, which can create an objective estimate of the forecast uncertainty based upon the current state of the atmosphere.
Results from the 2016 Atlantic and Pacific hurricane seasons indicate that an ensemble-based probability swath can be used to estimate the forecast uncertainty for TCs. For hurricanes Darby, Lester, Madeline, and Matthew, data indicate that this ensemble-based probability swath is a suitable replacement for the "cone of uncertainty". These four hurricanes remained within the 20 percent swath 71 percent of the time for a 5-day period, which is slightly more than the desired 2/3 of the time depicted by the standard error cone.
Innovation in Reservoir-Driven Shaped Charges Enhances Productivity
Authors: Zuklic Stephen , Satti Rajani , Betancourt David , Harvey William , White Ryan , Sampson Tim , Myers William 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
The performance of shaped charge jet perforators in complex downhole environments remains the status quo for successful cased-hole completions. Traditionally, these perforators have been evaluated using concrete targets under ambient conditions. The designs based on these evaluations were therefore optimized for conditions that don't reflect true downhole environments. Recent testing specifications in sandstone targets (API RP-19B Section 2) have also failed to consider the effects of complex well conditions and rock properties. In addition to the perforator itself, the overall completion design must be considered to properly optimize the perforating event. This is typically done using empirical correlations and first-order modeling software. While beneficial, these methods can misrepresent the complex interactions among the perforator, the reservoir, and the wellbore in the unique set of conditions. Ultimately, this can all lead to the deployment of a perforator optimized with conditions (not tailored to the reservoir) and utilizing generic practices, thereby leading to adverse implications on the overall well completion.
The use of perforation flow laboratories and advances in shaped charge research and engineering have been employed in this study to understand and optimize shaped charge performance at downhole conditions. The perforators that result from a comprehensive test program in conjunction with multi-physics computational modeling are tailored for improved shaped charge performance under reservoir-specific conditions. These bespoke perforators undergo further testing as part of a more comprehensive optimization program to design the overall application on a well-specific basis. A similar scientific approach is also applied for the overall application optimization by integrating laboratory testing, CT imaging, computational flow dynamics, and dynamic event modeling to eventually upscale the results to the field applications.
The results of these processes demonstrate the significant performance improvement in the shaped charge tailored for true reservoir conditions. Field applications examined in this study demonstrate specific uses of optimized perforators, as well as example workflows of how an integrated testing and modeling process can insure the perforators are applied properly. Comparisons demonstrate productivity improvements through these engineered processes.
The new class of reservoir-driven shaped charges is aimed towards increasing production or injection by deeper formation connectivity with the wellbore as well as ensuring perforation contribution efficiency. The productivity gains in these case studies demonstrate the potential improvement in well completions through the use of engineered processes both for initial product design and specific application optimization in perforated completions.
Genesis Spar Continued Service - A Case Study
Authors: Gallagher Daniel J. , Abadin Jose A. , Madden Daniel J. 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
The current economic situation in the Oil and Gas industry has made it imperative to prolong the economic viability of many existing oil fields and facilities. As a result, a Continued Service Assessment (CSA) was performed for the Genesis Spar in the Gulf of Mexico to determine the risks involved with continuing to operate the facility beyond the current planned service life. The understanding of these risks allowed a Continued Service Plan to be developed which addresses each of these risks and demonstrates how the facility will remain fit-for-purpose through a combination of operational decisions, inspection and monitoring, upgrades and repairs (if needed) and an ongoing review of the plan itself.
The CSA covered all aspects of the Genesis Spar hull and marine systems, topside structure, mooring system, and risers. Reviews of the other systems (e.g., production equipment, subsea equipment, controls, etc.) were not included in this assessment.
The result of the CSA was the establishment of a roadmap for continued service including activities required to be performed through the remainder of the original service life as well as those required beyond. This was submitted for approval as an updated In-Service Inspection Plan (ISIP) to the United States Coast Guard (USCG) and as a comprehensive Continued Service Plan (CSP) to both USCG and the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE). Approval has been received from USCG and approval from BSEE is pending the formal response.
This paper presents the challenges faced, the process used to evaluate them, the results of the evaluation and lessons learned through the execution of this project.
Please note that throughout this paper the term "continued service" is used, but this is synonymous with "life extension".