bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Reliability Based Approach to Assess Pressure Relieving Device Testing Frequency
Authors: Islam Abidul 
Published: November 2016

Abstract
Pressure Reliving Devices (PRD) forms the last line of defenses in a Process Safety system. Their performance is often tested only during the scheduled testing opportunities. A review process of validating the adequacy of the testing frequency is deemed to be of paramount importance from a Process Safety and Integrity perspective. A set of 351 PRD test data from crude unit of three refineries were studied to develop a reliability based model using three different approaches.
Risk based approach using API 581, Normal Exponential Reliability equations and 2 Parameter Weibull Analysis (using industry standard software) were used to calculate the reliabilities of the set of sample PRDs with different testing frequencies and benchmarked against the desired level of reliability.
The testing data of 351 PRD test data were analyased through the three techniques and reliability values calculated. The sample refineries used frequencies of 2, 4 & 5 years and 99% desired reliability. With the sample failure data, the plant using 4 years frequency was be closest to the desired level of Reliability. 2 years frequency was found to be too conservative (over Inspection) while the plant with 5 year frequency showed less then desired level of PRD reliability, thereby compromising Process Safety.
The assessment demonstrated usefulness of normal Exponential equation based calculations, which is reasonably consistent with the complex calculations done through the API 581 or the Weibull Software generated reliability values. It was evident that the Normal Exponential Equation with simple failure rate as the only critical input, was adequately robust to carryout preliminary assessment of adequacy of the PRD testing frequencies. The size and homogeneity of the database is critical in increasing the accuracy of the assessments. This approach would assist scientific validation of PRD testing frequencies. Potential for a software based platform for PDR reliability assessment also is an opportunity.
State-of-the-Art Environmentally Friendly Stimulation Technology Applied on Tight Carbonates on the Black Sea Yields Higher Production Than Expected
Authors: Ulloa Joel , Abdellatif Ibrahim 
Published: November 2016

Abstract
An initiative of a major E&P operator on the Black Sea led to the redesign and optimization of completion and stimulation of important offshore carbonate reservoirs. The wells in this study are characterized by low permeability and heterogeneous properties across the layers. These wells have been producing gas and condensate since the 1990s, and the hydrocarbon production must be maximized.
This paper describes overcoming the challenge of redesigning the stimulation fluid systems to create uninterrupted "wormholes" and remove the damage to improve the productivity of the offshore wells.
The Effectiveness and Evaluation of Road Traffic Accident Reduction Measures in UAE
Authors: Okomgboeso Samuel 
Published: November 2016

Abstract

Objectives/Scope
This paper examined road traffic accident reduction measures in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) between year 2007 and 2011. There are three (3) main objectives of this paper. Firstly, the paper aims to ascertain if the measures put in place by UAE government and other non-governmental agencies (NGOs) towards the reduction of accidents on UAE roads were successful. Secondly, is to investigate why some measures were successful and why others failed. Thirdly, is to establish better ways on how to reduce road traffic accidents in UAE.

Methods, Procedures, Process
Quantitative data was gotten from survey questionnaires sent to 308 people of which 88% of the respondents were drivers and 12% were non-drivers. Qualitative data was gotten from interviews of ten employees of a transport organization in Abu Dhabi. The results of the content analysis of the interview answers were used to triangulate the results from the qualitative data. The UAE RTA statistics gotten was used to compare with the results of the obtained quantitative and qualitative data. Surveyconsole web-based survey software was used to distribute the survey questions. The descriptive analysis method was used to analyse the raw data that it generated.

Results, Observations, Conclusion
The result showed that accident reduction measures put in place in the UAE have been mildly successful and that more work is required to bring down the number of road traffic accidents that occur on UAE roads. The study revealed that persistent adverts utilizing posters and bill boards (in both English and Arabic language) made a significant impact on the drivers while the use of flyers and leaflets made the least impact. RTA adverts that are persistent, constant and persuasive are vital in educating and creating awareness programs on better ways to reduce accidents on UAE roads. This paper advocates for more studies into finding out better ways of educating and communicating road accident reduction messages to the UAE population in order to create the desired personal safety consciousness among drivers. Furthermore, more studies is canvased to ascertain the impact of social culture on drivers’ behaviours and to determine how it can contribute to either an increase or a reduction in RTAs.

Novel/Additive Information
It is considered that the recommendations posited will be used by the transport authorities in the Gulf region to advance their efforts towards achieving their goals with respect to RTA reduction.
Simultaneous Operations For Cantilever Drilling Jack-Ups
Authors: Baan R , van der List R 
Published: November 2016

Abstract
Since the sharp decline in the Oil prices every element in the value chain of producing oil and gas has been looked at in search of reducing cost. It is not so much the end user, the consumer complaining about a too high gasoline price but in general the big hydrocarbon producers fighting over market share with no intention to give in on any gained ground. Apart from that tug of war the US tight oil and Iran upcoming production capacity has made the more than halfed oil price a given which will still last for some time.
To keep the offshore oil and gas industry turning the total well cost equation has more than ever become the key performance indicator for making development and related investment decisions. Oil companies are setting up tenders such to get competitive bids in with the latest equipment. A bottom in dayrates are almost achieved when considering the latest fixutres of the last 6 months as reports from the well established brokers.
Drilling contractors can only compete on price. Efficiency is assumed similar or expected to be reflected in a lower dayrate. Due to the natural resistance of scrapping jack-ups the jack-up portfolio shows a broad band in efficiencies. For example, reviewing the approximately 150 rigs situated in the Middle East the average age is about 22 years with rigs from the early ’70 up to modern rigs just delivered. Still, the spread in efficiency across modern rigs is considerable due to a lack of efficiency drive during the construction boom some years ago.
Using Thomeer Hyperboles for Rocktyping in a Tight Carbonate Reservoir
Authors: Pinto Pedro , Belhaj Hadi , Oriyomi Raheem 
Published: November 2016

Abstract
Rocktyping is a crucial part of static and dynamic reservoir modelling. By grouping together rocks with the same characteristics, models construction is both simplified and improved. Several types of rocktyping techniques exist, focusing on different aspects such as petrophysical properties like porosity and permeability, or sedimentary facies. This paper presents a simple petrophysical rocktyping methodology based on pore size distributions instead or their resulting properties, by using Thomeer hyperboles and multivariate clustering techniques. A set of sixty four Mercury Injection Capillary Pressure curves from a Middle East tight carbonate reservoir were modelled with Thomeer hyperboles and grouped using K-medoids clustering. The number of groups in which to divide the sample was experimented upon by grouping the samples into several numbers of groups and its effects on the saturation model resolution were assessed by the means of the covariance between the original and the grouped dataset. The result of this comparison showed that the ideal number of rocktypes is seven, allowing a good reproduction of saturations in the original dataset and still maintaining a low number of rocktypes which favours dynamic simulation models. The comparison of the grouped data with the petrophysical properties showed that different pore size distributions can yield similar porosity and permeability values, reinforcing the importance of grouping rocks based on pore systems instead of their resulting properties. This method also assists in determining the most relevant samples to define the rocktypes.
Achieving Substantial Cost Savings through a Holistic Asset Replacement Strategy
Authors: Awda H. , Al-Sayed T. , Azouz A. , Al-Hammadi H. , Omar T. , Abdel Hakim M. 
Published: November 2016

Abstract
A holistic asset replacement strategy is developed to produce a master asset replacement plan for a significant number of ageing offshore structures and subsea pipelines in order to meet the business objectives in terms of production from ADMA-OPCO offshore fields over the next 30 years and beyond. The developed strategy follows an integrated approach that covers the entire cycle starting from evaluation and selection, phasing of replacement campaigns and integration with planned development projects. A holistic set of criteria are established for evaluation and selection of asset replacement covering integrity condition (License to Operate), code compliance, technology obsolescence, component replacement, capacity limitation and network optimization.
The developed process for asset replacement master planning is a dynamic and continuous process. The replacement plans are constantly reviewed and updated based on new information and changes in various factors such as business plan, operational requirements, new inspection, technology development etc.
Substantial cost savings can be achieved through developing an integrated asset replacement strategy. The main areas for cost savings include optimization of asset life extension, optimization of CAPEX expenditure associated with asset replacement and optimization of production outage due to asset replacement. The key factors for successful implementation of such a strategy are evaluation of the integrity status of the assets based on an integrated assessment of technical, economic and HSE aspects and optimizing the phasing and integration of the asset replacement campaigns.
This paper presents an integrated asset replacement strategy to achieve substantial cost savings in replacement of ageing offshore structures and subsea pipelines. The key elements and process for developing the asset replacement master plan are presented through a case study. The application of the presented strategy can be extended to other types of oil and gas production assets.
Metal Organic Framework Mixed Matrix Membranes for CO2 Separation
Authors: Anastasiou Stavroula , Bhoria Nidhika , Pokhrel Jeewan , N. Karanikolos Georgios 
Published: November 2016

Abstract
Efficient carbon capture and storage (CCS) approaches are needed to significantly reduce CO2 emissions in the atmosphere. The present work focuses on development of polysulfone (PSF) based mixed-matrix-membranes (MMMs) with Metal Organic Frameworks (MOFs), for enhanced CO2 separation. ZIF-8 synthesized using in-situ hydrothermal method, was incorporated as filler in the polymeric PSF matrix using solution casting. The resulting membranes were characterized for their morphology, structure and stability. The MMMs provide flexibility to effectively tune permeance and selectivity towards acid gas removal by tuning the structure-property relationship of polymer and MOF. SEM, XRD, and FTIR results confirmed that the characteristics of the MOF were preserved in the MMM. The BET surface area of ZIF-8 filler was 1318 m2/g. Based on ongoing work, a suitable combination between the PSF with MOF, and functional amines can open the prospect for efficient MMMs integration towards industrial CO2 capture and separation applications.
Fracture Characterization by Seismic Anisotropy Analysis at Awali Anticline Structure Bahrain: Case Study
Authors: Abousetta Abdulnaser , Abdulla Mohamed , Barni Sajeda , Pandolfi Daniela , Michel Jean-Marc , Roure Benjamin 
Published: November 2016

Abstract
The Amplitude Versus Azimuthal AVAZ analysis has proved to be an important tool for characterizing fracture distributions and orientations of hydrocarbon reservoirs. This paper is aiming at the application of this tool for characterizing the fractures in Bahrain field reservoirs. Better understanding of faults and fractures distribution is essential to optimize EOR strategy and reservoir management. Regional analysis is possible by looking at faults distribution characterized by structural attributes analysis validated by regional stress and geological information. The investigation at local scale is more cumbersome but an Amplitude Variation with Azimuth (AVAz) method based on azimuthal Fourier Coefficients (FCs) proves to be a simple and powerful tool to characterize fractures distribution validated by FMI data. The anisotropy information was then used to update and improve the reservoir model long production history matching.
Smart Actuators: A Predictive Maintenance Strategy to Achieve Cost-Saving Targets
Authors: Martinelli Stefano 
Published: November 2016

Abstract
End users of the oil and gas industry are seeking increased capital efficiency due to the challenging macroeconomic environment. Seen from a plant operation perspective, this means reduction of total cost of ownership of the assets, through cost saving projects. Operational costs are affected by two main contributors: cost of unreliability (asset failure) and reliability improvement costs. The selection of the right maintenance approach for valves is then critical to achieve efficiency targets set by the end user and meet optimum point of total costs.
Predictive maintenance strategy is based on the assessment of the critical valves condition by means of performance datas, nonintrusive testing techniques and visual inspection. Analysis of the valve condition-monitoring datas on a continuous basis is useful for planning and scheduling maintenance/repair in advance of catastrophic or functional failure.
Failure always comes unexpected and costs of such event will include: production losses, temporary resources allocation (emergency management), quick mobilization of suppliers, risk management. How cheaper and lower risk it would be to plan repair or replacement activities during a scheduled shutdown! Smart actuators and communication networks are main enablers of predictive maintenance techniques applied to actuated valves; the diagnostic features of such intelligent devices support end users to monitor the condition of valves, collect and analyze data while the plant is up and running, saving time and resources, anticipating issues in order to improve availability of their critical assets, minimizing cost of unreliability.
The main target of this paper is to educate the reader about the importance of predictive valve maintenance through smart actuators in order to achieve cost-saving targets.
Sucker Rod Pump Production Optimization Via Intelligent Real Time Surveillance In Joint Operations – Wafra Field Illustrated Through Case Examples
Authors: Bahbahani Baqer , Attia Adel , Jagannathan Rajaperumal , Heshmat Kareem , Mohamed Assem 
Published: November 2016

Abstract
The oil and gas industry is applying smart techniques to monitor, manage, and optimize the assets in a safe manner. Real-time surveillance for 450 instrumented sucker rod pumps allowed instant detection of problematic wells and provided data for smart analysis. This manuscript focuses on enhancing production in sucker rod wells by improving the surface pumping unit and downhole efficiency to decrease operating cost, minimize deferred oil, and run at optimum condition.
The intelligent field enabled teams to collaboratively make decisions that maximize profit and to understand their short- and long-term impact. The availability of historical and the real-time data for 450 instrumented sucker rod systems provided the opportunity to identify abnormal well performance in many terms, such as high gearbox, structural load, and overloaded motors. Having a database with analysis workbench capabilities helped in further investigating well potential versus current load capacity. For wells with high loads and high well potential, it was a challenge to make the best production optimization decision for each well based on their current running conditions.
To identify candidates for production optimization, the surface pumping unit, the downhole equipment, and the performance of each well were evaluated. Of 450 wells, 57 wells were classified as: High-potential wells running at high sucker rod pumping unit load and requiring upgradeHigh-potential wells running within limitations of the sucker rod pumping unit and running parameters need modificationWells running at optimum conditionsWells pumping at optimum well productivity using a bigger sucker rod pumping unit than required
For production optimization and cost saving, it was decided to use the available sucker rod pumping units to swap the overloaded units with the low-load units. It was recommended to keep continuous optimization for automated wells (wells running with variable speed drive). The remote control availability helps in applying changes of the running parameters in a safe manner. The estimated oil gain for the 57 wells is 1,500 barrels of oil per day according to the simulation executed.
Smart sucker rod pump optimization in the neutral zone between Kuwait and Saudi Arabia for the first time enabled real-time surveillance, data storage, instant analysis, and diagnostics reporting in which problematic wells were identified, solutions were recommended, and necessary actions were applied.
Micro Dogleg Detection with Continuous Inclination Measurements and Advanced BHA Modeling
Authors: Menand S. , Mills K. A. , Suarez R. 
Published: November 2016

Abstract
Micro doglegs are a natural effect of any vertical or directional well that can explain a wide variety of down hole problems, from additional torque and drag to an inability to run completions. These doglegs are inherent to the rock drilling process and can generate borehole spiraling in vertical sections or slide-rotary pattern when using steerable mud motor in horizontal sections. Standard surveying every 95ft or so cannot detect these micro doglegs and only gives a partial look at the actual well path. This paper presents the results of a case study showing how accurate downhole measurements combined with advanced drill string modeling can detect borehole tortuosity and better quantify the down hole drilling efficiency.
A trajectory prediction model able to calculate the inclination and azimuth each foot or so has been developed to estimate micro doglegs using standard surveys, bottom hole assembly (BHA) data and steering parameters. In the demonstrated case, a slick motor assembly was used to drill a horizontal well in a single run. The predicted trajectory was then compared to actual continuous inclination data gathered by the measurement while drilling tool during drilling and showed a good match between the predicted trajectory and the actual drilled trajectory. Transitions between sliding and rotating modes are highlighted by micro doglegs and downhole forces, such as bending moment close to the bit, are well reproduced by the model.
This new methodology combining downhole data measurements with drill string modeling analysis highlights the potential for drilling optimization and wellbore placement. Having a better definition of the well path is very critical for torque and drag analysis and wellbore placement.
This paper presents for the first time a comparison between continuous survey measurements and computer modeling to highlight the importance of micro-doglegs in evaluating drilling performance.
Numerical Simulations on the Applicability of Multiphase Down-Hole Twin-Screw Pumps MDA in Offshore Oil production
Authors: Alwan A. A. , Dominik W. R , Lewerenz J. 
Published: November 2016

Abstract
Multiphase pumping technology is continuously emerging in the oil industry as solution for oil and gas field production where limitations with conventional pumping systems occur.
This paper presents the recent research on the application of a new multiphase down-hole twin-screw pump on the base of reservoir and production simulations of an offshore oilfield.
The simulations revealed that the deployment of the multiphase down-hole pump in galleries in two phases of tail-end production led to a positive impact in well and reservoir performance compared to natural flow as originally achieved in the field production history. The down-hole pumps extended the well life, added incremental oil and improved the ultimate recovery.
Downhole Sand Ingress Detection Using Fibre-Optic Distributed Acoustic Sensors
Authors: Thiruvenkatanathan Pradyumna , Langnes Tommy , Beaumont Paul , White Daniel , Webster Michael 
Published: November 2016

Abstract
Sand production remains a key technical challenge in many reservoirs where formations comprise of weakly consolidated sandstone. Sand control completion equipment is typically installed to prevent sand from entering the well. However, in cases where the sand control is ineffective due to installation flaws/defects, high sand production may occur often requiring choking back of wells and resulting in significant hydrocarbon production losses. An effective remediation requires identification of locations of sand entry. However, there is currently no proven technology available in the market that accurately identifies downhole sand ingress locations in real-time. In this paper, we present results from a new technology solution that addresses this challenge by using in-well conveyed fibre optic distributed acoustic sensors (DAS) for the detection of sand ingress zones across the reservoir section throughout the production period in real time. The technology employs a novel signal processing technique that isolates and extracts acoustic signals resulting from sand ingress from background flow and instrumentation noise in real time. The new processing architecture also addresses the "big-data problem" that currently hinders DAS technology uptake through use of intelligent feature-extraction techniques that reduce data volumes at source (by several orders of magnitude). The technology feasibility has now been verified both through flow loop experiments and through multiple field trials and has been successfully used to inform the first targeted sand remediation in a BP production well.