bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Gas Flaring Reduction Initiative Ofon Phase 2 Project
Authors: Braide Opakirite , Remoue Christophe , Rat Guillaume , Anozie Ikechi , Vandeville Patrick , Ahiamadu Nnamdi , Okoroafor Uzoma , Brown Wendy , Ganga Dieudonne 
Published: March 2016

Abstract
In line with its Headquarter's commitment to sustainable environmental practices and Global Gas Flaring Reduction (GGFR) Partnership initiative, Total Exploration and Production in Nigeria (TEPNG) identified the Ofon field as a major contributor to its gas flaring volumes and responded by initiating the Ofon Phase 2 Project. This was also a key step toward realizing the Company's plan, at Group level, to reduce the flaring of associated gas and greenhouse-gas emissions, on operated sites.
Ofon is an offshore field that came on stream in 1997, and is located some 180 kilometers from Port Harcourt (about 65 kilometers from shoreline), South of Nigeria, in 40 meters of water depth. It is operated by Total E&P Nigeria Limited in a Joint Venture agreement with NNPC having 60% ownership and Total 40%. In its first phase, all associated gas was flared with minor fuel gas usage. Main objectives of OFON 2 projects are: ▪Stop routine flaring by the end of 2014,▪Increase oil reserves and production from 25 to 65 kbopd,▪Monetize gas through the Nigeria LNG plant and Domgas via Amenam facility,▪Inject water to repressurize the reservoirs to ensure good sweep efficiency and increase oil recovery.
The Company's flare down objective in Ofon field was achieved on 15th December 2014, accounting for an immediate 10% cut in the overall volume of gas flared by the Group's Exploration & Production activities. The start-up of Ofon Phase 2 had made it possible to avoid the flaring of one million standard cubic meters of gas per day under normal operating conditions. This reduction in gas flaring is estimated to have led to reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from 80ktCO2 equivalent to less than 8ktCO2 equivalent in the Ofon field.
The project has also complied with Nigerian law of zero-flaring in oil and gas facilities. The Company is by this singular effort actively implementing the World Bank's initiative to eliminate all routine flaring of associated gas by 2030.
As part of the Ofon phase 2 project, the new 70 kilometers pipeline had made it possible to pipe the gas to the OML 99 Amenam offshore gas hub, from where it is exported to the Nigeria LNG Plant at Bonny.
A further 24 new wells scheduled to be drilled on Ofon field will make possible to market 3 million cubic meters of gas per day.
Other significant achievements by this project include improved waste heat recovery and produced water management as well as the high level of local content in engineering and fabrication of the facilities including the Living Quarters built almost exclusively by local contractors for the first time ever in Nigeria.
All activities have been conducted with the highest demand on safety and respect for the environment. Project achieved outstanding performances with more than 4.1 millions man-hours offshore without LTI including 1.5 million man-hours in SIMOPS.
A Social License to Operate in the Arctic: Exploring the Challenges and Opportunities for Offshore Oil and Gas Activities in Greenland
Authors: Smits C. C. , Huber E. 
Published: March 2016

Abstract
To supply the World's future energy demand, new areas such as the Arctic region are being explored to find oil and gas resources. Offshore Arctic oil and gas operations are to an increasing extent subject to global public opinion and scrutiny. Potential impacts can easily become a topic for discussion, locally and globally. This manuscript will explore the challenges and opportunities of a social license to operate for oil and gas activities in the Arctic. Building or re-building a sustainable, trustful relationship with local communities is crucial, as well as balancing the risks and benefits at a local level. However, the challenges for Arctic oil and gas activities do not only relate to the local level, but are intrinsically linked to the global level including the debate on climate change and the use of fossil fuels. At the same time, if the social license to operate of an Arctic project is under pressure, this can potentially affect the social license of not only a company but the entire oil and gas sector.
The main challenge for oil companies that want to explore the Arctic is the strong link between their project's social license to operate and the political and legal licenses it needs to obtain. Pressure on the social license could alter the conditions or put on hold the political and sometimes even the legal licenses of an activity. Furthermore, the strong link between Arctic projects and the global level could potentially jeopardize the global success of the entire industry. Creating a level playing field in the fragmented governance of Arctic oil and gas activities is a challenge. Collaboration with local, national and international stakeholders, the use of social media, and a thorough understanding of a social license to operate and its influence on a project, company and the oil and gas sector is therefore paramount. This manuscript will use oil and gas development in Greenland as a case study to shed light on the mechanisms that link these licenses and what opportunities oil companies have to positively influence their social license to operate. This includes working on trustful local relationships via human capital development and using industry knowledge to connect to other stakeholders and work on the industry's image via social media.
The Arctic is a pressure cooker, with the potential to quickly mobilise crowds at different levels of scale. The social license to operate of an Arctic project is strongly linked to other geographical scales and the reputation of the company/the sector it belongs to. Any lesson learned here can be applied to other parts of the World.
Is There Scientific Evidence to Support the Selection of Hydraulic Fracturing Rules?
Authors: Campin David 
Published: March 2016

Abstract
The application of hydraulic fracturing to hydrocarbon-rich basins has evolved since the first tentative steps to stimulate conventional oil reservoirs in the United States Mid-West in the late 1940s, into a widely practiced technology, principally used today in gaining commercial flows of unconventional hydrocarbon reserves. The early application of the technology was directed toward draining methane from coal seams as a safety measure (Thakur 2014), evolving to assist commercial recovery of coalbed methane as the first systematic use in the unconventional resources. In conjunction with the application of horizontal drilling and completions technology, real time micro-seismic monitoring technology, and understanding of the nature of unconventional resources geology, the phenomena of modern shale gas and oil extraction transformed the US energy landscape. Following this break-through in the US, other jurisdictions commenced similar pursuits for their unconventional petroleum potential. The application of hydraulic fracturing was just one more aspect in a rapidly evolving complex business where regulations were in a state of permanent catch-up.
Regulations to address specific environmental1 risks2 associated with on-shore hydraulic fracturing evolved as use of the technology spread to new jurisdictions. State oversight of hydraulic fracturing is the norm worldwide other than for single-level federal jurisdictions such as the UK. Elsewhere, federal regulation is generally restricted to the outer envelope of environmental impacts such as air quality standards and receiving water standards, except with the case of off-shore activities. State regulations tend to be directed to the exploration and development processes with local government exerting control using planning rule3s such as noise and set-back. Off-shore regulation of hydraulic fracturing is dominated by federal authorities across the globe due to complexities of national waters and contiguous hydrocarbon basins extending across national economic zone boundaries (Nordtveit 2015, Gordon and Paterson 2015). This paper builds on earlier work where hydraulic fracturing regulations from fifty five jurisdictions were assessed (Campin 2013). Self-selected rule categories (fifty nine elements) were identified based on frequency of occurrence in the various regulatory frameworks examined. The rationale and justification for environmental protection parameters is examined and documentary evidence is assessed for selected rules. This paper draws from the peer reviewed, scientific literature or official reports from government agencies and is restricted to the on-shore sector.
Regulation in the absence of a critical evidence base has been strongly criticised by the industry as serving no useful purpose and imposing unnecessary cost. The evidence base included in this paper demonstrates the presence or lack of connectivity between regulation and science across various jurisdictions.
An Innovative Approach to Well Safety by Increasing Operational Awareness through Real-Time Monitoring
Authors: Baksh Nazaad , Wadhwa Anil , Ahmed Anmar , Hill Steve 
Published: March 2016

Abstract
The prevention of well control incidents requires stringent well-design and casing standards, blowout prevention equipment, safe drilling practices, and multiple layers of controls and workflows. However, industry statistics suggest that most well control incidents occur due to human factors such as misinterpretation of data, delayed response to abnormal well conditions, and drilling crew physical fatigue. Real-time data has long been used by major operators for drilling optimization and well placement activities, but not so much for well control.
Exception-based monitoring of real-time data by remote operators can increase operational awareness of drilling crews, who can significantly minimize well control risks by taking proactive and precise actions. However, there are several challenges in the way that current technology is used. Real-time streaming data from a well can consist of 50 to 500 tags that make it challenging to simultaneously and continuously monitor such a large amount of data. The current technology requires determining the well condition from single-curve plots and generic alerts—a technique that is time consuming and allows for errors. Poor-quality data can also adversely affect interpretation, analysis, and decision making.
We have developed a new real-time alarm solution to overcome some of the above challenges by combining signal processing and complex logic to manipulate raw and fragmented data and to emulate the thought process of a drilling operator. This real-time system enables drilling operators to set up different alarm thresholds for various activities of well construction such as drilling, tripping, and circulation. A user-friendly alarm console provides valuable situational awareness, enabling the operator to proactively respond to abnormal conditions using real-time alerts based on well condition.
The Drilling and Completions Decision Support Center (D&C DSC) team at Chevron Energy Technology Company uses this technology for well control in its global operations. The following paper explains the technology platform of this system, data processing techniques, and some of the drilling events previously identified.
Implementation of the UN Guiding Principles in Conflict-Affected Settings: Aligning Human Rights and Conflict Sensitive Approaches
Authors: Cleland Roper , Orsini Yadaira 
Published: March 2016

Abstract

Objectives/Scope
International Alert (Alert), a leading peacebuilding NGO, is updating its seminal Conflict Sensitive Business Practice (CSBP). Originally published in 2005, CSBP guides companies on how to operate in conflict-affected settings in a way that mitigates business risk while reducing any negative impacts arising from operations. A key focus area for the update is the alignment between the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs) and CSBP; the update explores the opportunities and limitations of human rights due diligence in fragile and conflict-affected settings (FCAS) and the value of integrating with conflict-sensitive approaches.

Methods, Procedures, Process
The research set the following questions as an entry point into exploring how human rights and conflict sensitivity align:

Results, Observations, Conclusions
The research identifies three areas that require particular attention when conducting human rights due diligence in FCAS:

Novel/Additive Information
While there have been significant efforts to undertake more rigorous human rights due diligence in line with the UNGPs, there is little practical guidance on what this means for companies operating in FCAS. Given that human rights violations are particularly pertinent in FCAS, practical guidelines are highly relevant and bridge the gap between the conflict sensitivity and human rights debates.
Together, Better: Stabilizing Stakeholder Relationships and Maintaining Social Capital During Major Economic Decline
Authors: Bucke Linda 
Published: March 2016

Abstract
In early 2014, after nearly a decade of planning, designing, engineering and early-works development of the Total E&P Canada (TEPCA) Joslyn oil sands mining and extraction site in northwestern Canada, the Joslyn project was delayed indefinitely. Significant changes to global energy market conditions and escalating project execution costs necessitated the change and a shift in business direction.
Although Joslyn is no longer considered a near-term priority for Total SA, maintaining an appropriate degree of social capital with TEPCA stakeholders is critical to ensure the asset will be accepted by regional stakeholders should the company, its industry partners, or another energy developer recommence project development in the future.
During the past seven years TEPCA's societal initiatives have raised the bar and set new standards with urban and Aboriginal stakeholders in the Northeastern Alberta region with highly active community engagement and community integration initiatives and partnerships; comprehensive long-term benefit agreements forged between the company and Aboriginal groups such as the Fort McKay, Mikisew Cree and Athabasca First Nations and the Fort McKay and Fort Chipewyan Métis; and, sustainable community investment programming that builds capacity and enduring shared value potential for stakeholders.
As Joslyn operations transition from active operations to paced site development, Aboriginal stakeholder uncertainty levels and interests will need to be well understood and addressed. With the goal at the societal level to ultimately create an optimized position for TEPCA to sustain Joslyn in its current state of suspended development and to also readily, efficiently and expediently recommence operations, Aboriginal Stakeholder relationships must be managed with prudence, resolve and efficacy. How the relationship with Aboriginal and regional stakeholders is managed over the short term will impact the company's ability to return for future development.
This paper will discuss the process TEPCA representatives underwent in an attempt to preserve the relationships, social license and reputational investment it established with stakeholders at the community leadership, business and grassroots levels. It will delve into learned lessons regarding the criticality of open and transparent communications, phased in approaches to devolvement and divestment and also outline how company/stakeholder relationships continue to evolve and progress today.
A Robot that Removes Operators from Extreme Environments
Authors: Peerless Ian , Serblowski Adam , Mulder Berry 
Published: March 2016

Abstract
Hydrocarbon exploration and production is moving into increasingly extreme environments as exemplified by the Kashagan field in Kazakhstan. This has high concentrations of high pressure hydrogen sulphide gas, extreme climactic variations, and remote normally unmanned islands that can be difficult to access at certain times of the year. Therefore, the North Caspian Operating Company (NCOC) decided to investigate whether its production operators could work from the safety and comfort of the control room while operating on-site robots.
Sensabot evolved from this challenge. It is characterised by its ability to operate in potentially explosive environments, long intervals between routine maintenance, and the fact that it can operate in walkways that have already been designed for human access.
The Sensabot project was launched in 2010 and has been led by Shell on NCOC's behalf. The Mark 1 Sensabot was delivered in 2011 and contained an array of cameras, gas detectors, a vibration detector and a microphone. Trials of this robot were very successful so the development project was continued resulting in a manipulation arm and Sensabot Mark 2. The latter is now proceeding through the certification process for Zone 1 explosive environments with a view to deployment in Kazakhstan during 2016.
Leaders of upstream oil and gas companies will benefit from an understanding of Sensabot's capabilities and of the implications for improved operational safety. There are also early indications that robots might improve operational efficiency in extreme environments.
HSE for Youth: How Sharing HSE Expertise Externally Reinforces the Principles Internally
Authors: Barnier Muriel , Stott M. L. 
Published: March 2016

Abstract
In 2008, an oilfield services company launched HSE for Youth, a program that reinforces a health, safety, and the environment (HSE) culture among employees to help make HSE become a lifestyle habit for the entire family.
The program is designed to reach young people 7 to 18 years old, both employees' children and youth in local communities, and focuses on nine topics: Ebola, injury prevention, internet safety, road safety, personal security, HIV/AIDS, malaria, water, and climate change.
The paper describes the program's implementation; the learning materials developed, and program results. The paper also discusses how the program has evolved and how it has been sustained since its launch 8 years ago.
Ownership and leadership of the initiative are under the umbrella of the company's HSE function, supported by a global HSE for Youth manager. Organization and delivery of the workshops involve trained volunteers from the company's HSE experts, employees, and their spouses.
The paper discusses the educational content methodology used, how the program has been reinforced with a quality control framework, mandatory criteria to run workshops, and how material was redeveloped to better fit specific age groups and address key specific subtopics. The paper also discusses how the program has been sustained over the years through a train-the-trainer program, which now comprises master trainers in all regions of the world.
Underwater Sound Radiation From Subsea Factories
Authors: Binnerts B. , van Beek P. 
Published: March 2016

Abstract
In the oil & gas industry there is a trend towards more subsea activities such as the processing of the Oil and Gas in so-called ‘subsea factories’. Regulations aimed at managing the impact of underwater sound on marine life are being put in place by different nations. Many offshore operations require an assessment of the potential impact of underwater noise on the environment, which requires knowledge of the sound transmitted by the subsea components. However, until now little is known about the underwater source mechanisms, the acoustic strength of these complex installations, the coupling of the emitted source sound to the surrounding medium and the impact of the sound on the underwater wildlife.
With the measured noise spectrum (in air) of a complete turbo compressor installation and correcting for the differences between radiation into air and sea water, a stylized, equivalent noise source power spectrum is constructed. Steps towards validation of the radiation correction are in progress. The contribution of the source to the subsea soundscape is computed by coupling the source model to an acoustical propagation model. Predicted levels can be used as an input for environmental impact studies.
In water source and radiated sound levels are presented in this paper. The accuracy of the in air to underwater conversion methodology is discussed and knowledge gaps are identified. The high speed turbo compressor dominates the broadband sound pressure levels generated by the total subsea processing factory. Subsea processing sound exceeds the sound from a ship, especially is shallow water and for calm sea states due to the high frequency content of the subsea processing sources. The sound field of the compressor contains almost all of its energetic content above 1000 Hz, while for example ship generated sound is typically below 500 Hz.
Managing Biodiversity Challenges in a Sensitive Remote Scottish Island Environment
Authors: MacPherson Calum S. , Keown Rachel , Hynd Craig 
Published: March 2016

Abstract
Most of Shetland is covered in blanket bog mainly consisting of peat, one of the rarest wildlife habitats in the world. Construction of the Shetland Gas Plant (SGP) required the stripping of a layer of this peat. Early surveys of the area proposed for SGP and its associated pipelines recorded significant numbers of otters living and breeding in the area. The import pipeline landfall was shown to be a particularly important area, with two otter (lutra lutra) families living there. The Shetland otter population is one of the densest and most important in Europe. The area is also home to numerous species of nesting birds.
The focus of this paper is to describe the measures that have been taken to both preserve the peat during the construction of the SGP and minimise the adverse effects on the animals. A summary of the archaeological findings beneath the peat is also described.
The paper will explore the learning's in detail, highlighting the importance of not tracking over peat with machinery, cutting turves regularly and peat turf storage. Peat handling and restoration is a unique challenge to the SGP development.