bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Stones Project: Subsea, Umbilical, Riser and Flowline Systems
Authors: Hoffman Joe , Clausing Katrina , Robinson Stuart , Subramanian Pravin , Zummo Ashley 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
The Stones project is located in the Walker Ridge (WR) area approximately 200 miles due south of New Orleans in 9,500 feet of water. The host facility is a Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel with a disconnectable buoy that allows the FPSO to move off site in a hurricane event. Subsea wells are located in daisy chained drill centers that tie back to the FPSO via dual Steel Lazy Wave Risers and subsea flowlines. Other key subsea infrastructure includes two production manifolds, eight subsea trees, umbilicals and an artificial lift system. Produced gas is exported through a lateral pipeline which ties into the Walker Ridge Gathering System located in WR 457.
This paper provides an overview of the subsea and flowline system, overall flow assurance strategy, a description of the gas export pipeline, and challenges encountered during execution of the project.
Key challenges include the water depth at the site, furrowed seabed, metocean conditions, slope stability along the Sigsbee escarpment, the disconnectable buoy, flow assurance and changes mid execution due to deep and difficult wells.
Innovative and Cost Efficient Heat Traced Flowline with Improved Reliability
Authors: Lirola F. , Pionetti F-R. , Agoumi J. , Sundermann A. 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
The purpose of this publication is to present the development and qualification of an innovative heat traced flowline concept. Heat Tracing is a relevant solution for long tieback or when relying on a standard or hybrid production loop is not economical or not feasible. This concept is aimed at improving existing solutions and adapting the concept to J-laying installation methods thus allowing for the installation of larger diameters or accessing remote areas where a spooling base is not easily accessible.
The developed concept is based on a conventional sliding pipe in pipe configuration that has been adapted and improved in order to include a heat tracing capability while optimizing laying rates. As commonly used in heat traced pipe in pipe concept (e.g. onshore applications), the electrical cables are wound around the inner pipe, covered with insulating material and enclosed in an outer pipe. Fiber optic cables are in general added for temperature monitoring purposes. In the case of this solution, several innovations aimed at improving the overall performance of the system have been implemented and tested.
The proposed solution relies on a specific connector that allows for the simultaneous connection of all electrical wires and fiber optics in a single and quick operation. The concept of sliding pipe in pipe has also been improved, relying on packers and specific pipe end design that simplify the handling of quad joints and speed up offshore installation in J-lay. More specifically, the arrangement of the cables allows for an increased level of redundancy and reliability in the system while simplifying its operations. Finally, the pipe not being plastically deformed during installation fiber optics allow for the monitoring of both temperature and stress by the fiber optics. The paper will present: The main features of the concept;The qualification testing performed, including the connection system, fiber optics and packers;A specific focus on the reliability of the system;Details on the monitoring capabilities of the system which allows for improved operability.
All tests have been performed at full scale and included pressure, temperature and deformation testing. They allowed for the demonstration that all components can be easily integrated within a conventional Pipe in Pipe design while significantly facilitating offshore operations.
The performed tests allowed for validating and qualifying the design that is now ready for its first implementation.
Managing Liquid Accumulation in Large Diameter Gas-Condensate Pipelines
Authors: Zakarian E. , Morgan J. E. P. 
Published: April 2017

Large diameter gas-condensate pipelines are rarely operated below their minimum turndown rate specified during design. However there are circumstances where operations at low flow rates are necessary, such as partial shutdown of downstream facilities, which may be planned or in response to abnormal situations.
At low flow rates, large liquid volumes are likely to build up in pipelines and limited time is available before production needs to be turned up or stopped to manage liquid surges on ramp-up or restart. This paper describes three events where large diameter two-phase (gas and condensate) and three phase (gas, condensate and aqueous phase) offshore pipelines were operated for extended time periods below their notional minimum turndown rate. For each event, an operating strategy was developed to manage liquid surges in receiving facilities. This strategy is described and analyzed through comparisons between field measurements and dynamic multiphase flow simulations.
Design Requirements for Offshore Wind Tower Foundations and Comparison with Oil and Gas Foundations
Authors: Rahim A. , Mirdamadi A. 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
The paper is in support of the effort by the Marine Renewable Energy (MRE) Committee of the ASCE Coasts, Oceans, Ports, and Rivers Institute (COPRI) for setting up a guide document for offshore renewable energy foundations. The guide would use standard design codes for fixed foundations and mooring anchors in API, ISO and DNV. This paper focuses on specific aspects of design of offshore wind turbines that distinguish them from oil and gas installations. Emphasis is placed on the source of loading and the corresponding response of soil resistance.
The paper also how soil investigation for offshore windfarms differ from oil and gas and economic procedures for carrying out such investigation.
Foundation design of offshore structures requires identifying the critical loads. In the case of oil and gas foundations, the source of the load is the wind or wave or a combination of both. For offshore wind towers on fixed foundations, an additional source of dynamic load is the turbine blade rotation during operation. The frequencies of the rotor revolution and that of the blade passing the tower, need to be checked in relation to the resonance frequency of the foundation. The foundation dynamic response therefore depends largely on the stiffness and dampening characteristics.
Most offshore wind turbines tend to be located in relatively shallow water depth where difficult multi-layered soils tend to be dominate. This paper also discussion installation suction buckets of fixed foundation in difficult multi-layered soils.
Application of Raman Spectroscopy for Real Time Speciation Monitoring and Quantification
Authors: Kosacki Igor , Srinivasan Sridhar 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
The application of Raman spectroscopy for hydrocarbon speciation is described and recent advances in real time monitoring have been highlighted. The vibrational properties of hydrocarbon molecules were modeled using Density Function Theory and results were correlated with Raman spectra. The speciation of gas mixtures containing C1 – C4 hydrocarbons and concentration of vapor phase components were derived from Raman spectra analysis. Calibration curves showing the dependence of Raman line intensities as a function of hydrocarbon concentration have been presented to validate applicability of Raman spectroscopy for hydrocarbon detection. The minimum hydrocarbon concentration detectable by Raman spectroscopy has also been quantified. Results obtained indicate that Raman spectroscopy is a reliable tool for quantifying and monitoring industrial processes.
Finding Safe Ground for Deepwater Development; Integrated Probabilistic Geohazard Assessment iPGA for Pipeline Routing and Facilities
Authors: Moore Roger 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
The paper presents an integrated probabilistic geohazard assessment (iPGA) method developed in recent years by several leading offshore oil and gas companies for the evaluation of risk to subsea pipelines and facilities. The approach builds on the practice of establishing regional ground models for land-based engineering projects, in which the complete geological history of the site is used to predict the performance of the ground in response to engineering work and to identify the likely presence of geohazards. A considerable challenge in deepwater subsea environments is reconciling the scale and frequency of geohazard features and processes about which little is known and which at first sight can appear to be showstoppers to development. The iPGA method has many benefits over the more typical deterministic approach as it provides a systematic, iterative and rational approach to addressing uncertainties and quantifying the likelihood and impact of geohazards on subsea pipelines and facilities over the life of development. Presentation of outputs in the form of numerical values of geohazard event frequency, probability of a hit and damage outcomes, together with probability maps, is more readily understood and transferable to support engineering design and risk reduction. Experience from major projects around the world demonstrates the considerable value of the iPGA method in finding safe ground for the routing of pipelines and siting of facilities. The paper illustrates the various stages of the iPGA method which provides the industry with a new standard for the evaluation and mitigation of geohazard risk to deepwater development.
Stones Development: World Class Safety Performance in Singapore
Authors: Lohr Curtis , Penney Ian 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
The Stones Project is Shell Offshore Inc.'s ("Shell") play opener discovery in the emerging Lower Tertiary trend in the Gulf of Mexico ultra-deep water (~9,500 ft. water depth). The initial plan is a phased development, with a Floating Production Storage and Offloading facility (FPSO) and eight initial wells for Phase I, potentially followed by a Phase 2 development after field performance is confirmed. The Stones FPSO is the deepest floating production system in the world. This paper will address what has contributed to the world class safety performance on Stones during project execution and how the approach on Stones differed from other projects.
The following key enablers underpinned the Stones Project's safety performance: Safety as a Key Project DriverExcellent Working RelationshipsGenuine Care for PeopleCommitment from Project and Senior ManagementConsistent Approach to Safety
The Stones Project started strong and delivered outstanding safety performance in the Singapore construction yards. Over 13 MM man-hours (889 days of Goal Zero performance) were worked in conversion of the FPSO without a recordable safety incident. The Stones project achieved its' goal in Singapore of "Building Something Special with No Harm".
Vortex Induced Motions and Surge/Sway Oscillation Periods of the Independence Hub and Thunder Hawk Semi-Submersibles
Authors: Rijken Oriol 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
The Independence Hub semi-submersible and Thunder Hawk semi-submersible, both located in the Gulf of Mexico, have been operational since 2007 and 2009 respectively. The underwater hull geometry is basically the same for both vessels. Both Independence Hub and Thunder Hawk are moored by twelve polyester mooring lines. Independence Hub supports many more flowlines than Thunder Hawk. Each semi-submersible is equipped with a measuring system which records, amongst other data, the semi-submersible's position, and the current speed and direction. The measurements indicate that Vortex Induced Motion (VIM) behavior occurs, and VIM behavior occurs under increased current velocities. However, observed VIM amplitudes are much smaller than what is observed under typical model test conditions and there is a significant variation in oscillation period. Yet and evaluation of oscillation periods between Independence Hub, Thunder Hawk and model tests reveals very similar characteristics when normalizing the periods by the natural period in surge/sway. The determination of the surge/sway natural period for field conditions is not as straightforward; different natural period in surge/sway have been observed for the same vessel under different historical conditions. The natural period in surge/sway for those field conditions was identified through an iterative procedure. The important aspect of the procedure is that at lock-in 1) the variation in natural period in surge/sway is minimal, 2) that the motions are nearly sinusoidal, and 3) the motion amplitudes are the largest observed. The Independence Hub and Thunder Hawk field observations indicate that the frequency (response period) behavior of a semi-submersible in the field is rather well duplicated by the traditional model test setup, though significant differences exist regarding the magnitude of response. The field measurements contain information for reduced velocities up to approximately eleven; hence lock-in and post lock-in conditions are included.
HPHT Well Integrity: Load-Resistance Monitoring and Predictive Analysis
Authors: Das Bibek , Samuel Robello 
Published: April 2017

In recent years, in the post Macondo era, the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) has come out with proposals and regulations that require monitoring of Deep Water (DW) and High Pressure/High Temperature (HPHT) wells in real-time. As new wells are being drilled in DW and HPHT environment, much of this drilling is supported from the Onshore Drilling Centers located onshore miles away from the offshore field. Real time monitoring (RTM) plays an important role in identifying leading and lagging indicators of barrier failure. High bandwidth fiber optic cables are now allowing high levels of communication and real time data.
Predictive Analytics is a natural step to follow RTM. However, the challenge that stills lies ahead is whether to apply Data-driven prognosis, Model-based prognosis or a fusion approach; and which Machine Learning Algorithm is best suited to address a specific well barrier reliability issue in HPHT environment.
Producing oil and gas from deepwater reservoirs with pressures greater than 15,000 psi and temperatures of 350°F at the mudline subjects the equipment to major loads. The major loads in HPHT conditions can be attributed to: (i) heat transfer between hot fluid and equipment leading to lateral expansion/contraction loads in response to the temperature changes of the fluid; (ii) high collapse pressure due to high formation pressure; (iii) higher corrosion damage rates under sour conditions, and (iv) tensile loads due to the buoyed weight.
In light of the new BSEE requirements on load monitoring and data collection for HPHT operations, this paper discusses the major loads in HPHT conditions, and the different predictive analysis models that are available. The paper discusses particularly the load-resistance monitoring and predictive analysis approach with respect to HPHT well integrity. If we monitor the right data, extract the right features, predictive analytics can identify the integrity issues in advance, and procedures can be implemented to maintain the barrier integrity, reliability and thus prevent any fluid leakage.
Life of Field Cost Reduction Strategy: The Deployment of Facilitating Intervention Technologies for Well Construction and Deconstruction
Authors: Canny Steven A , Foubister Graeme 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
In an attempt to reduce the capital expenditure (CAPEX) costs of field development, the development and adoption of focused, bespoke equipment can provide significant cost savings. With rig based technology consistently accounting for over 40% of a well construction or de-construction project, it is an area with significant cost reduction potential if alternative facilitating technology is deployed.
The paper describes alternative facilitating technology. Modification and project specific integrated engineering that allows for potential cost reductions, through early engagement with an operator and project stakeholders.
A well construction project case study presents the early interfacing with a Yangon based operator, concerning the development of an Intervention and Completions Unit (ICU) for operations in a segregated well construction project, to undertake well completion and stimulation activities.
A well rejuvenation project case study presents the engineering modification of a Hydraulic Pulling and Jacking Unit (PJU) to undertake well slot preparation activities for mature asset rejuvenation activities for a Gulf of Mexico (GoM) operator.
The focused engineering presented in the well construction and well rejuvenation case studies, and the identification of functionality requirements that can be improved to operate in high cost base projects, demonstrates the potential savings that can be achieved. Detailed operational analysis appraisal, and identification of those activities with empirically high levels of non-productive time (NPT), are categorized and technology solutions are developed.
Technology solutions provide the required technical capabilities for the intended operations, whilst reducing the associated base construction, maintenance, certification and operational costs that are commonly experienced with over specified equipment. Both case studies present the benefits to the operator in the pre-engineering and design phases, allied to operational benefits.
Efficient and Safe Casing Removal with Downhole Hydraulic Pulling Assembly
Authors: Hartman C. J. , Cullum J. L. , Melder J. E. 
Published: April 2017

When performing a slot recovery or a well abandonment, the casing can frequently be difficult to pull. This could be due to scale, barite buildup, or cement stringers. Other considerations are the limitations of the rig and its ability to apply the force needed to pull a long string of casing. Removing stuck or lengthy sections of casing typically requires multiple cut-and-pull attempts as well as high-capacity rigs capable of pulling high loads, resulting in increased costs and potentially nonproductive time (NPT) and associated HSE risks.
An alternate method that uses a downhole hydraulic pulling assembly enables operations to overcome these limitations and increase efficiencies. The hydraulic-activated assembly uses a pressure differential to anchor into the casing above the section to be removed while pulling as much as 1.8 million pounds through a casing spear that is engaged in the cut section. The pulling force is focused between two downhole anchor points, isolating the high loads from the derrick. This isolation protects the derrick and drillstring from upward drill pipe movement if the casing releases abruptly.
Recent operations have proven the successful retrieval of casing in multiple offshore applications. When attempting to pull 9⅝-in. casing, the rig was limited to 570,000 pounds over-pull, which was insufficient to retrieve the stuck casing string. The hydraulic pulling assembly was set in the 13⅜-in. parent casing and pulled the casing free with 1.2 million pounds of over-pull. The operation was completed in one run, eliminating multiple cut-and-pull attempts. The time saved reduced operational expenses by USD 450,000. The system has also been used to pull 13⅜-in. casing from inside 18⅝-in. casing, and has been used on fixed and floating platforms.
Deploying the hydraulic pulling assembly in cut-and-pull operations provides customers the ability to use lower-capacity rigs in plug-and-abandonment (P&A) operations and to safely pull loads up to 1.8 million pounds because the forces are confined downhole. Using specialized equipment to ensure successful cut-and-pull attempts enables safer jobs and provides a more cost-effective abandonment operation.
Technical Feasibility Study of Advanced Tomography Sensor for Inspection in Piggable Flowlines
Authors: Lehikoinen A. , Kaipio J. P. , Voutilainen A. , Laakkonen P. , Rivas-Griswold A. , Vreenegoor L. , Khosla V. , Varma R. , Broze G. 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
Electrical tomography (ET) techniques are used for determining material distributions within the detection volume of the sensor, and they are based on measuring the material-dependent responses of electrical excitation signals. The state of the art in electrical tomography is to use sensors around the pipe and image inwards. In this paper, we investigate an ‘inside-out’ ET sensor and the related computational approach to image the annulus between the sensor (measurement pig) and the pipe. The physical and mathematical models connect the electric fields to the permittivity and the conductivity. The estimation (computation) of the permittivity and conductivity based on alternating current/potential feeds and the measured potentials is mathematically called an (unstable) inverse problem. We construct a device and carry out laboratory experiments with water, oil, and mixtures of crude oil, water and air, as well as deposits of synthetic paraffin, calcium carbonate and real crude oil wax. We show that both the permittivity and the conductivity in the inside-out geometry can be estimated using the device and an inversion algorithm. Therefore, it was possible to detect material build-ups and identify build-up materials with the prototype system.
HSE Management System Effectiveness – A New Approach to Realize Continuous Improvement
Authors: Ezeldin H. Sam 
Published: April 2017

Abstract

Objectives/Scope
This paper outlines the metamorphoses between HSE compliance audits and HSE management system audits including the auditor skillsets required, the interactions between auditors and auditees expected, and the final report contents. The use of HSE management system audits to drive continuous improvement in a successful business performance will also be described.

Methods, Procedures, Process
Historically, HSE assessments have fallen into one of two categories - a compliance audit or a management system audit. While these two terms are often used interchangeably, they seek to deliver distinct outcomes, as follows: A compliance audit verifies compliance against a defined set of requirements and is used to identify gaps in compliance.A management system audit verifies the effectiveness of the management system as a whole and is used to drive continuous improvement for the entire organization.

Results, Observations, Conclusions
Auditing results shall support the concept that business success depends on balancing and interconnecting business priorities such as; Research and Development, Environment, Health and Safety, Equipment Integrity, Production, and Quality. To drive continuous improvement and business performance using a management systems audit, a Bottom Up and Top Down, (BUTD) analysis technique has shown ultimate results in our experience. We conclude that using the BUTD approach when analyzing management approaches and techniques and operator behaviors & workplace conditions and not rely only on verification of documentation and bureaucracy has resulted in the desired continuous improvement.

Novel/Additive Information
This manuscript also discusses best practices and Organization HSE performance metrics resulted from assessment Audits that seek to effectively combine the two types of audits into a comprehensive and efficient audit event.