bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Upgraded Rig Lighting Improves Night Time Visibility While Reducing Stray Light and the Threat to Dark Skies in West Texas
Authors: Wren Bill , Locke Stacy 
Published: March 2015

Abstract
McDonald Observatory, part of the University of Texas at Austin, is a world-class astronomical-research facility representing hundreds of millions of dollars of public and private investment that is increasingly threatened by nighttime lighting from oil-and-gas-related activities in and around the Permian Basin. Established in the remote Davis Mountains of West Texas in 1932, the observatory is home to some of the world's largest telescopes and it has continued as a world-renowned research center. Dark night skies are crucial to its mission. Since 2010, however, the sky along the observatory's northern horizon, in the direction of the Permian Basin, has been steadily and rapidly brightening, due to new exploration for oil and gas. The pace has been accelerating: More than 2,000 applications were filed over the past year to drill in the region. In 2011, the State of Texas enacted a law that instructs the seven counties surrounding McDonald Observatory, an area covering some 28,000 square miles, to adopt outdoor lighting ordinances designed to preserve the dark night skies for ongoing astronomical research at the observatory. Most had already done so voluntarily, but additional effort is needed throughout the area to address fast-moving energy-exploration activities.
A joint project between McDonald Observatory and Pioneer Energy Services (PES) has demonstrated that many of the adverse effects of oilfield lighting can be mitigated, without jeopardizing safety, through proper shielding and aiming of light fixtures. Beginning July, 2013, PES granted the observatory access to a working rig, Pioneer Rig #29. Every time the rig moved to a new location, there was an opportunity to install shields, re-aim floodlights, and evaluate effectiveness.
This joint project demonstrated that, in many cases, nighttime visibility on the rig can be significantly improved. Many light fixtures, which had been sources of blinding glare due to of lack of shielding, poor placement, or poor aiming, were made better and safer, using optional glare shields that are offered by manufacturers for a variety of fixture models. Proper shielding and aiming of existing fixtures improves visibility and reduces wasted uplight. New lighting systems that take advantage of light-emitting-diode technology also promise better directionality, reduced fuel consumption, and darker skies overhead.
The oil-and-gas industry has been lighting its exploration and production activities in much same way for more than 100 years, with little to no consideration of environmental impacts. The opportunity exists to adopt new lighting practices and technologies that improve safety, reduce costs, and help preserve our vanishing night skies so that important ongoing scientific exploration can continue.
Engineering Safe Distances between Occupied Structures and Processing Equipment
Authors: Johnstone J.E. , Spangler M.D. , Heitzman C.S. , Wimberley G.A. , Flores A.R. 
Published: March 2015

Abstract
Determining the optimal distance between explosive, flammable and toxic hydrocarbon sources and occupied structures is constantly a concern for Engineers working to design safe facilities. Over the years, many incidents have occurred where workers were injured or killed by flying shreds of glass and debris; explosive forces, fire, or exposure to toxic gases when occupied structures were not located properly in relation to process equipment. This paper presents newly developed techniques to allow the engineer to optimally locate occupied structures to assure that the risk of harm to personnel is minimized.
The analysis of determining the placement for an occupied structure involves many variables that the Engineer must evaluate. These variables include the properties of the hydrocarbons that are being processed, toxic components (i.e. hydrogen sulfide), operating parameters, loss of containment scenarios, prevailing winds, occupancy loads, building construction, safety systems and operating and maintenance practices. Each of these different variables can have a significant impact on where a building should be located within or adjacent to a facility. The Engineer must consider these variables for impacts to the structure caused by fire, blast or toxic gas infiltration.
Recognized industry best practices and regulatory requirements require that blast loads, which commonly present the most severe hazard to a building, be evaluated when locating an occupied structure. Often, it is not practical to design or locate a building to withstand the “worst case” blast scenario. For this reason, a risk-based approach, in conformance with recognized best practices, has been developed to properly site buildings at oil and gas facilities.
This paper presents a viable risk-based approach for the siting of occupied structures at oil and gas facilities. The technique presented in the paper enables the Engineer to quickly gather the information needed for the analysis, evaluate credible scenarios and then make the necessary calculations to determine impacts to the occupants. The result of using this technique is that an occupied structure is properly located and constructed to reduce the risk of harm to the occupants to a tolerable level.
Innovative Assessments for Selecting Offshore Platform Decommissioning Alternatives
Authors: Truchon Stephen , Brzuzy Louis , Fonseca Mark 
Published: March 2015

Abstract
Hard substrate associated with offshore oil and gas platforms can contribute to the productivity of marine ecosystems thereby generating local and regional economic benefits. These benefits form the basis for incorporating the platform into a rigs-to-reefs program when it is retired or selecting some other type of removal option. There are many options for reefing platforms, each differing in environment impact of activities associated with the dismantling and transport of the platform structure (deck, jacket, and other subsea structures). Utilizing science-based decision making in exploring platform removal options can be beneficial for all stakeholders in the context of a regulatory environment, complex ecosystem, and human interactions across multiple scales. Accomodating these complexities in a decision making process is the foundation of an Ecosystem Based Management (EBM) approach. EBM is an environmental management approach that recognizes the full array of interactions within an ecosystem, including humans, rather than considering single issues, species, or ecosystem services in isolation (Christensen et al., 1996; McLeod et al., 2005; Altman et al., 2011).
The focus of this study is on one of Shell's deepwater assets in the Gulf of Mexico. The fixed jacket platform has been in operation for more than 35 years and extends to over 1,000 feet of water depth of the coast of Louisiana. Few studies have been published on the ecology of marine life inhabiting deepwater platforms such as these. To begin to understand the specific contribution of this platform as an artificial reef, a stratified (across depth down the platform) study was performed using routinely collected Remotely Operated Vessel (ROV) video footage to assess fish and sessile biotic communities. The results of the ROV study revealed clear depth-related patterns for visually conspicuous epibiota (Lophelia pertusa) as well as numerous species of reef and pelagic fishes. These data were used to construct a matrix to rank ecosystem services with respect to several decommissioning alternatives, including: complete removal of the deck and jacket; removal of the deck and topping the jacket (to below 85 feet below the waterline) and leaving it in place; and removal of the deck, and transferring the entire jacket to a rigs-to-reef location. This portion of the assessment provided a strategic framework for identifying and evaluating sensitive ecosystem services in association with both human and environmental drivers to provide realistic (actionable) guidance in the selection of these decommissioning options. The ranking illustrated that a high level of ecosystem services could be maintained by decommissioning alternatives that leave the jacket in place or as part of a rigs-to-reefs program.
A Critical Review of Emerging Challenges for the Oil Field Waters in the United States
Authors: Ali Maaz , Hascakir Berna 
Published: March 2015

Abstract
The rapid rise of oil production from unconventional resources due to the increase in oil demand brings several potential risks to the environment. Governments strictly regulate the oil field water use, treatment, and disposal to reduce both the environmental and the public health effects. Hence, exploration and production companies face several challenges mainly for the management of produced water originated from any water injection processes. On a global scale, the average water cut has increased to nearly 75%. And in the U.S., the water cut is even higher (i.e., 91%) which results in a severe reduction in revenue. The average cost for handling and disposing water can range from $0.50 to $16.80 per barrel of water. In fact, the oil and gas industry in the U.S. spends $5-10 billion per year for the handling of the produced water. Furthermore, this cost does not take into account the loss of hydrocarbons due to the excess production of water. Therefore, it is necessary to develop new technologies for oil and gas production which will reduce (i) the water use for the sustainability of the water resources, (ii) the environmental and health effects of the produced water and (iii) the enormous costs of the produced water management. This paper evaluates both the current strategies and future trends that are followed in the U.S. to manage the produced waters originated from hydraulic fracturing, water flooding, and steam-assisted gravity drainage (SAGD). The paper first summarizes the water injection projects in the U.S. Then, the quantitative impact of each process to the human health and environment along with the differences in the quality of the produced water due to the rock-fluid interactions and the additives used in the processes are discussed. Finally, the industrial attempts on the produced water management for the reduction in water use, reuse of the produced water, and the water treatment are examined. This paper provides a critical review on current and future trends of the produced water management. The short and long term effects to the environment due to the rapid changes in the quality of the water resources are criticized.
Measurement of Environmental Costs for Shale Gas Development in China
Authors: Guo Rui , Luo Dongkun , Jiang Shan 
Published: March 2015

Abstract
Shale gas is a promising unconventional gas resource with clean-burning and efficient nature. Many countries show high interests in this new resource along with the success of shale gas revolution in the US. In recent years, China has raised a boom of shale gas development which may lead to air pollution, water pollution, ecological damage and other environmental issues, it is significant to determine exactly how shale gas development affects on the environment and how to measure quantitatively. This paper conducts the study by means of literature review, exchange conference, academic forums and combining methods of environmental economics, cost accounting, econometrics and other disciplines to build mathematical analysis model of environmental costs of shale gas development. Then we propose on strengthen the environmental cost management and control of shale gas development in China so as to achieve the sustainable development of shale gas.
The conclusions indicate that the evaluation results obtained by quantitative method of shale gas development environmental costs is objective, specific and more easily accepted by enterprise and government so that provide effective suggestions to strengthen environmental protection. From both technical and political levels, we propose that introduction of foreign advanced technology, comprehensive assessment of the environmental impact, strengthen the protection and regulation of oil and gas pipelines, improving the ecological resources compensation mechanism conducive to promoting shale gas development in China.
Additionally, the most important innovations are mainly reflected in: 1) in terms of the influence of shale gas development on water consumption, groundwater pollution, air pollution, ecological compensation, geological disaster compensation, we combine the theory of environmental costs and give econometric model of the environmental costs respectively. 2) considering various environmental cost factors we build econometric model of environmental costs of shale gas development to analyze the impact on the environment. 3) In order to minimize the potential environmental impact to realize the sustainable development of shale gas resources, China should strengthen environmental protection from aspects of both technology and policy.
Fatigue and the Use of Wearable Technology
Authors: Butler P. , Fee W. 
Published: March 2015

Abstract
Land transportation-related accidents are consistently one of the highest causes of fatalities within the oil and gas industry, as shown in the International Association of Oil & Gas Producers performance indicators. Despite widespread efforts, performance improvements have been slow to realize any benefits. Driver Fatigue is a major contributor to road accidents. Global studies estimate that fatigue or sleep related crashes could be a contributing factor in up to 50% of all road crashes. Whilst there is a number of indications that fatigue may have been involved, to date, there is no reliable method of determining this.
Given that shift work and monotonous journeys are common within the oil and gas production industry it would be realistic to assume that fatigue would be a significant contributor to industry related crashes, accidents and near misses. Technology that combines with Fatigue Management Procedures to give valuable feedback to the operator and management can provide early warning to help prevent fatigue incidents. Whilst technology designed to detect driver fatigue has been available for some time the adoption of such technologies has been slow. Given that previous technologies were often in a development state, unreliable, impractical and costly a slow adoption rate is understandable.
This paper will examine new wearable technology, based on EEG technology (the gold standard) focused on the operator, which has been reliably proven, easy to adopt and is producing impressive results in other industries particularly mining and trucking/freight.
Implementing New State and Federal Air Regulatory Programs – A Systematic Approach To Compliance
Authors: Christopher Jay 
Published: March 2015

Abstract
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and several states have implemented, or propose to implement, new environmental regulations targeting air emission reductions from oil and gas facilities, including, for example, NSPS OOOO. As these programs mature, the industry is tasked with establishing increasingly complex compliance programs, including facilities that have not previously been subject to significant regulatory attention. While most operators have traditionally dealt with requirements established by the state oil and gas commissions, these regulations present a new type of concern for operators.
Establishing systematic procedures and protocols can assist operators in meeting their compliance obligations in a consistent and defensible manner. The new air regulations often require testing or other observations, tracking data, and reporting obligations. Colorado's recently finalized Regulation 7 requirements often require the use of infrared cameras to observe hydrocarbon leakage from equipment, as well as audible, visual and olfactory (AVO) observations. While state regulations may not require procedures, training, or recordkeeping formats, it is in the operators' best interest to establish these steps to meet their internal requirements as well as establishing defensible data to demonstrate ongoing compliance. For example, if an infrared camera is used to detect hydrocarbon leaks, establishing a monitoring protocol ensures that the monitoring is conducted consistently, and that leak records will be tracked appropriately. A work practice procedure will establish responsibilities for tracking any discovered leaks, implementing maintenance requirements, and maintaining records to demonstrate compliance. When local operating personnel are responsible for compliance, establishing a training program and appropriate recordkeeping provisions will also help to ensure consistent program implementation. By establishing a systematic compliance effort, oil and gas operators can implement cost-effective strategies to meet these new compliance obligations.
The optimal compliance approach will vary between operators based on internal resources and systems, and may require increasing staff resources or using external resources to meet these increasingly complex requirements. It is important for operators to consider these factors now to avoid unnecessary compliance hurdles down the road.
Managing Psychological Wellbeing While Away From Home Through a Five-Phase Model
Authors: Seaton Simon , Jelley Thomas 
Published: March 2015

Abstract
The Oil and Gas sector strives for a zero incident environment. The UK Health and Safety Executive noted in its latest Offshore Injury Report that safety incidents offshore have been decreasing steadily year by year but appear to have reached a plateau. This is a common industry trend and it is generally accepted that a significant number of serious incidents are directly related to human behaviors rather than a lack of control or processes.
In a high risk environment such as Oil & Gas sites, onshore or offshore, it is imperative to have a healthy workforce - both physically and mentally - and there is a link between employee wellbeing, stress, overall performance and safety attitudes. However, many segments of the Oil and Gas industry require employees to leave home and family for extended periods of time and this can have a significant impact on an employee's psychological wellbeing. This paper's aim is to inform individuals and organizations so they can better understand the effects of the experience of being away and increase the chances of maintaining their employees' psychological wellbeing.
A five-phase model has been developed in consultation with academics, trade unions, expert insight from oil and gas, military and education sector perspectives. This model offers a new and practical way to think about and manage potential adverse impacts on psychological wellbeing while away in order to reduce risk. The paper will expand on each phase from pre-departure planning, expanding through the time away, to being back at home.
This model can be applied to individuals who spend short or long periods of time away under different circumstances. Its application should help to minimize fluctuations from their psychological wellbeing set point, and improve job and safety performance while at work. Specific examples of how the model can be implemented in a variety of situations are included and the benefits that can be expected from a well-managed workforce using these techniques are documented.
Reasonable Assurance of Accuracy of GHG Data Under Mandatory Reporting for the Upstream and Midstream Oil and Gas Industry: Fuel Samples
Authors: Sultana Y. , Madry K. 
Published: March 2015

Abstract
The United States Environmental Protection Agency and California Air Resources Board’s Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Reporting Programs for the oil and gas industry specify rigorous fuel sampling requirements. Efficient resolution of fuel sample data management issues requires an understanding of the lifecycle within the GHG universe. This paper explores different issues associated with fuel sampling data and best methods for proactive sample data management. The lifecycle of sample data encompasses six stages: (1) Identification of a Representative Fuel Sample Point; (2) the Sampling Process; (3) Data Generation; (4) Data Capture; (5) Data Transfer; and (6) Data Consumption. Issues can arise at any stage and affect data accuracy. Efficient compliance with GHG programs requires efficient management of fuel sample data. Lifecycle assessment of fuel sample data and proactive identification of potential pitfalls enables a company to develop appropriate controls and performance indicators. A robust sample management program not only helps with GHG compliance assurance, but also other regulatory compliance programs (for example, Title V).
Practical Barrier Strength Assessment for Bowtie Diagrams
Authors: Rowe R. , Taylor M. 
Published: March 2015

Abstract
Bowtie diagrams are increasingly used throughout the oil and gas industry to represent and communicate the measures in place to prevent or mitigate hazardous events. They are used to identify safety critical equipment, define process safety metrics and highlight safety critical competencies. At their simplest, they provide an overview of safety arrangements. More complex bowties include information about accountabilities, performance standards, procedures, etc. They have been used primarily as a descriptive tool but can also be used to convey information about the effectiveness of the safety measures represented.
Assessment of this “barrier strength” is often either subjective—relying on judgment—or complex, requiring detailed assessment of failure modes of barriers. This paper presents a methodology for undertaking a structured, qualitative barrier effectiveness assessment that allows a “first-pass” screening process. The method considers such factors as whether the safety measure is fail-safe, the complexity of the system, and whether overrides are possible. For existing facilities, operating history and condition can be taken into account. If this assessment is conducted early enough in a project lifecycle, it can be used to support design (not just to record design decisions), by assessing the adequacy of protection and whether additional (or different) barriers should be considered. In operations, it allows the key assurance processes and metrics to be identified that collectively provide a view of the current condition of critical barriers and consequently a “quasi real time” view of the risk level of a facility, compared to that calculated in “static risk assessments.”
This work is applicable across the industry in any site that has the potential for major accident events.
This approach supports operational managers in making risk-based decisions based on their current risk profile (e.g., about where to focus resources) and facilitates the development of meaningful dashboards that can be rolled up or down depending on the viewer’s role in an organization.
This allows otherwise static risk assessments to be recalibrated based on the latest data available on the condition of barriers, informing the operational decisions that could have a major impact in reducing major accidents.