bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Burn Volume Estimation Protocol: Refined During the Deepwater Horizon Response
Authors: Mabile Neré J. , Abou-Hamdan Ala 
Published: June 2014

Abstract
As part of the Deepwater Horizon (DWH) response in 2010, many response methods and tactical protocols were used to optimize spilled oil removal. One of the more successful response methods was controlled in-situ burning (CISB), which removed between 220,000 and 310,000 bbl of oil from the Gulf of Mexico, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the US Department of the Interior, the US Environmental Protection Agency, et al. CISB technical experts refined best practices, tailoring them to the specifics of the response to help ensure the most accurate data could be gathered regarding, for example, burn times and locations. The entire process, called the Burn Volume Estimation Protocol, involved ASTM International standards for estimating the volume of oil burned. This protocol proved to be vital in maintaining a consistent approach while communicating the efficacy of the CISB efforts. A "Best in Practice" approach to controlled burn volume estimation during the DWH response operations required the coordinated effort of teams at the scene both offshore and in aerial surveillance aircraft. Responders, using two-way radio communication for field data collection, were able to provide an accurate picture of CISB operations to the Command Center. To account for potential variations of stable emulsions within the oil collected in the U-configured fire boom system, CISB technical advisors used a minimum and maximum burn volume equation. Volume estimation calculations could then be confirmed at the Command Center using photographs, sketches, and field notes from the offshore and aerial operations teams. This paper provides the refined best practices for estimating burn volumes during offshore CISB operations.
A License to Grow: Three Strategies to Meet the Challenge of Non-Technical Risk in Capital Project Portfolios
Authors: Haddon Matt , Brewer Linda , Hall Todd 
Published: June 2014

Abstract
Senior executives across the oil and gas industry are increasingly vocal about the impact of environmental and social issues on their business: CEOs presenting at the last two CERAWeek conferences (and other industry events) on insights into the energy future have repeatedly highlighted maintaining a ‘license to grow’ as among their top three concerns. Internal and industry studies now suggest that as many as 70 percent of major capital projects are being delayed by months – if not years. Consequentially, this is costing investors billions of dollars through stranded and inefficiently allocated capital caused by poor management of what has become known as Non-Technical Risk.
In North America, the challenge is being accentuated by the industry’s return onshore to unconventional shale plays after an absence of high intensity development for more than 20 years, as well as with the push into sensitive frontier locations, such as the Arctic. A confluence of greater industrial activity, questions over environmental performance and heightened community anxiety are making the industry a political hot potato.
Behind these challenges lie common root causes, including lack of specific accountability for managing Non-Technical Risk, unclear or contradictory incentives, the complex and cross-functional nature of the risks themselves, lack of integration into the core business and a lack of deep understanding by decision-makers.
This paper uses real case studies to explore three proven strategies to tackle the challenge of Non-Technical Risk. We present emerging techniques, supporting strategic decision-making and management across the capital value chain, from asset acquisition to site screening, field development and into operation. We provide fresh insights about how to integrate between non-technical functions, such as regulatory, environment, community and communications; how to incorporate into the day-to-day enterprise risk framework; and how to implement real management solutions on the ground.
Risk Ranking and Well Control Measures of Drilling Blowout
Authors: Ren Meipeng , Li Xiangfang 
Published: June 2014

Abstract
Currently the evaluation of well blowout is mainly about the evaluation of human factors, well control equipment factors and comprehensive factors. These factors include some subjective factors and cannot fully reflect the risk of drilling blowout objectively. In order to reduce the chance of wellflow and prevent well blowout accident that gets out of control in oilfield X, considering the statistical data of geological environment factors that objectively influence the drilling blowout, a model of evaluating drilling blowout risk to oilfield X drilling based on fuzzy mathematics is established. The drilling blowout risk level of each wellblock in oilfield X area has been ranked, and the result indicates that both the wellblock A and the wellblock B are the highest drilling blowout risk areas. The exploratory and development areas in oilfield X are also far away from the Material Supply Centers. In order to save the cost, it should take different well control measures for different risk wellblocks. This paper suggests that the well control ranking management should be implemented in the oilfield X. Various well control measures should be made according to different drilling blowout risk, and the risk ranking of drilling blowout should be included in well control design.
Paradigm of Integrating Technology to Reach Zero Safety Risks
Authors: Syed Hafeez , V Vivek 
Published: June 2014

Abstract
This paper analyzes a technology-oriented approach used to mitigate health, safety, and environment (HSE) risks in company operations. The process we followed re-affirms that re-engineering work processes and using technology to mitigate safety and environmental risks are important sources of performance improvement. Using technology lets us promptly meet the safety requirements of the company and our customers. The Technology Group plays a significant role by investigating the identified HSE risks and determining the best solution. Operations and Manufacturing departments also review and provide suggestions for the Technology Group to consider before implementation.
This paper also discusses how our process triggered a technological review of existing safety standards in response to an incident that occurred with another service provider. This proactive approach led to the introduction of volumetric non-destructive testing as a mandatory inspection criterion for all forged components involved in lifting/handling operations in field and manufacturing centers. In another situation, the Technology Group intervened to reduce finger and hand injury risks at repair and maintenance centers and launched a pulser insertion tool for use in company operations worldwide. The new insertion tool eliminated the finger and hand injury risks of inserting the pulser tool into the tube.
The intention of integrating the Technology Group is to improve existing work processes. Consistently following this process is the path to ZERO safety risks for customers as well as service providers. The objective is to re-institutionalize HSE within every branch of the organization and to reaffirm its top priority in the Company’s culture.
Unlocking Trapped Value from Contaminated Properties
Authors: Clodfelter Chris 
Published: June 2014

Abstract
There are multiple elements of inherent value in environmentally impacted properties. These elements can include real estate, business, natural resources and ecological service values. An evaluation to assist in unlocking the trapped value at a contaminated property is described. The overall approach considered the degree of remediation that should be undertaken while considering the greatest benefit to society. The degree of remediation to be undertaken should protect human health and the environment and meet regulatory requirements, but it should also be minimally intrusive.
At the example site this approach resulted in a reduced environmental footprint for the project and the protection of valuable ecological services provided by the property. This approach, however, reduced the real estate and business value of the property. As a result, an analysis of the value of the natural resource and ecological services elements was conducted. This process included a valuation of the potential economic uplift achieved by 1) wetlands mitigation credits under a banking instrument, 2) tax benefits of implementing a conservation easement, and 3) solar energy generation opportunities.
Assessment results show that economic value can be unlocked at contaminated sites by means other than removing contamination from the site to the extent practical. This approach also resulted in a more sustainable solution and the conservation of dwindling natural resources and habitats.
Chemical Degradation of HPAM by Oxidization in Produced Water: Experimental Study
Authors: Luo Weiguo , Xu Suxin , Torabi* Farshid 
Published: June 2014

Abstract
Hydrolyzed polyacrylamide (HPAM) degradation is a critical technical and environmental concern in oilfields, where HPAM is extensively used in drilling or chemical enhanced oil recovery process, especially polymer flooding. However, how to treat the residual HPAM in produced water has become an urgent issue. In this work, the HPAM chemical degradation characteristics were investigated through series of laboratory experiments. The oxidative, ionic and thermal degradation of HPAM were studied, and the feasibility of HPAM degradation by oxidization was examined. The results will help the oil industry to find a practical and optimal HPAM treatment method. In the experiments, the oxidization effects of photo-catalysis and strong oxidants at different temperatures, as well as the presence of typical ions with different concentrations on HPAM degradation process were studied. In addition to this, the related reaction mechanism during the degradation process was investigated.
The experimental results show that the natural sunlight has little effect to excite the HPAM degradation, while the light generated by a high-pressure mercury lamp with a wave length λ &lt; 385 nm can stimulate the catalytic function of TiO2, which consequently accelerates the HPAM degradation reaction. Also, the strong oxidant such as Na2S2O8 and H2O2 can greatly improve the HPAM degradation, especially at higher temperature with a degradation degree η less than 0.15. In the HPAM-Na2S2O8 system, free radical reaction is the main mechanism accounting for the chain scission of HPAM, while the strong reduction-oxidation of hydroquinone (HQ) and generation of H2O2 are the dominant reason for HPAM degradation in HPAM-hydroquinone system, which makes the HQ a stronger reagent for HPAM degradation compared with Na2S2O8. The degradation degree of HPAM is significantly affected by the ion type in produced water, decreasing in an order of Al3+ &gt; Mg2+ &gt; Ca2+ &gt; Na+ under the same ion concentration. This study not only probed into the HPAM viscosity loss problem caused by polymer chemical degradation, but also provided the necessary guide for the residual HPAM removal in produced water, which will boost the application of polymer flooding process.
Gaps in Companies HSE Onboarding Programs: Assessment and Remedy
Authors: Daher Elie , Dowd Darrell , Balogh John 
Published: June 2014

Abstract
With the expanding global workforce, companies are increasingly faced with misalignment between the HSE competencies acquired during the initial onboarding program for the new comers and the competencies required during the first 18 months of their assignment in the field.
Lifting, slinging and pressure handling are some of the tasks that new field personnel are required to do in their daily job assignment by new personnel. New field personnel are assisting in slinging tools and baskets without proper safety training on slinging or proper procedures to detect missing competencies required in slinging. Also new personnel are handling pressure vessels or are required to work in pressure areas without proper permitting. Some companies are reporting that more than 65% of their accidents or near misses are happening to new field personnel within the first 18 months of their field assignment. Most reported accidents and near misses involve extreme injuries. The field is relying on the training department to ensure that new personnel are adequately trained and on the HSE group to ensure that the HSE competencies required in the field assignment are covered during the on boarding.
This case study discusses the improvement process covering assessments, field observations, job safety analysis and possible remedies.
Implementing Behavior Based Safety (BBS) Program in a Middle Eastern Work Environment: Lessons Learned
Authors: Al Abdul Salam Abdullah , Al Qallaf Yousef , Pichery Leslie Anthony 
Published: June 2014

Abstract
This paper describes one successful approach of Behavior Based Safety (BBS) implementation in Oil & Gas Company in Kuwait. The unique approach involved ‘throwing out’ many of the western cultural assumptions and approaching BBS implementation through the very basic building blocks. Much emphasis was placed on understanding the Middle Eastern Social Culture, understanding the organizational culture including the HSE culture and then designing the BBS program to suit the cultural norms.
Safety Management Systems approach have been very successful in reducing fatalities and lost time accidents. However, there is normally a threshold or plateau of minor accidents remaining that appears to be stubbornly resistant to all efforts to remove them. For sustainable continual improvement of safety in the workplace - Going Beyond ZERO - the safety management system must be supplemented by the correct application of safety culture improvement programs. One such program is Behavior Based Safety. Safety cultural improvement programs influence the aspects depicted in the lower tiers of Bird’s Safety Triangle – At Risk Behaviors, Values & Beliefs
Several companies in the Middle East Region have implemented in-house versions of Behavior Based Safety (BBS) programs such as STOP, ASA, SOC, and so on. However, these programs have been driven by Key Performance Indicators (KPI) and therefore suffered from number-crunching instead of focusing on quality execution and effectively influencing behaviors. Quite a few BBS consultants have attempted to implement their respective copyright BBS programs in this Region. There has been varying successes.
This paper provides some lessons learned which are applicable to consultants wishing to implement BBS in a Middle East work culture. Their BBS program should be designed with a clear understanding of the theory behind the behavior change process and should consider the cultural diversity that constitutes the workforce. The successful approach to implementing BBS in a Middle Eastern Culture requires innovation, flexibility, persistence, passion and patience. These lessons learned should reduce any potential negative impact on the organizational cultural and assure the success of the BBS implementation program
Risk of Major Accidents: Causal Factors and Improvement Measures Related to Well Control in the Petroleum Industry
Authors: Lootz Elisabeth , Ovesen Monica , Tinmannsvik Ranveig Kviseth , Hauge Stein , Okstad Eivind H. , Carlsen Inge M. 
Published: June 2014

Abstract
In 2009-2010 there was an increase in the number of well control incidents on the Norwegian Continental Shelf reported to the Petroleum Safety Authority Norway (PSA). This, together with the Deepwater Horizon accident in 2010, made PSA initiate a comprehensive investigation into the causes and possible mitigating measures related to well control incidents. The main purpose of the study was to describe the key challenges the petroleum industry has to face in order to reduce the number of well control incidents in the future.
The bottomic was addressed through a review of public documentation (e.g. investigating reports) on well control incidents in the period 2003-2010, interviews with drilling and well professionals in the industry, and a review of additional documents and material received from oil companies and drilling contractors operating in Norway.
The following main issues were deemed particularly important:What are the key human, technical and organisational causes of well control incidents?What are the most important measures proposed/implemented to reduce the number of well control incidents?Is there correspondence between identified causes and proposed/implemented measures?How can the petroleum industry improve their efforts to reduce the number of incidents further?
Four main areas were identified as crucial in the industry’s efforts to further reduce the risk of well control incidents. There is a need for 1) A stronger emphasis on technical measures that will improve safety. An example is improved and more extensive use of real time data for early detection of well control incidents. 2) A stronger focus on barrier management and more operational risk analysis tools. 3) A stronger focus on major accident risk, and formal investigations of a higher proportion of well control incidents. 4) Creating framework conditions for improved collaboration between the operating company, contractors and subcontractors.
A Solution to Reduce the Annual Cost of Sour Gas Flaring in MODPUs
Authors: Sobhani Sattar 
Published: June 2014

Abstract
Flaring a sour gas is one of the most important considerations in the offshore production platforms and Mobile Offshore Drilling and Production Units (MODPU). The biggest issue occurs in the early stage of heavy oil processing – where the amount of produced gas is fairly low and the gas contains a large amount of carbon dioxide, nitrogen and hydrogen sulfide, without enough flammable components and heat content for immediate and direct flaring. There are several common methods to increase the flammability, with a more common solution being propane injection into the produced gas stream. However in continuous operation, the annual cost becomes prohibitive. In addition, the storage space required for the large amount of propane needed for monthly consumption requires special weight and special considerations for offshore platforms. In this article, a new approach to flaring the sour gas by blending the gas with fuel and injecting the mixture into a fired heater will be presented. By using this approach, the sour produced gas becomes a secondary fuel source (with the primary fuel such as natural gas, diesel or crude oil) and burns in the combustion chamber of a fired heater or furnace. The exhaust is then vented as a flue gas. As a result, the flare system will be used only at well test procedure or start-up condition, with the propane system being a more normal size instead of the much larger one originally required. Also the overall weight of rig, propane cylinder storage space and transportation issues will be reduced.
Integrating Sustainability into Environmental Project Management
Authors: Letlow M. , Kuykendall D. C. , Clodfelter C. 
Published: June 2014

Abstract
Companies managing an environmental project portfolio are faced with tough challenges such as controlling costs while improving process efficiencies and striving for more sustainable outcomes. The word "sustainability" means more than just protecting the natural environment, companies must also evaluate the social and economic impact of their projects and how this affects the company’s financial performance. Incorporating sustainability into project management can reduce costs and minimizes the risks of environmental impacts and stakeholder concerns. Some emerging risks include new or developing regulatory requirements related to energy use and greenhouse gas emissions and community concerns related to water and chemicals.
To more effectively manage a company’s environmental project portfolio, a framework was established to incorporate sustainable concepts into the management process. This enables the development of more sustainable long term solutions which protect the environment, achieve stakeholder acceptance and reduce project costs.
This paper provides a practical overview of the critical elements of a sustainable management program for environmental projects. The types of environmental projects to be discussed include remediation activities, energy improvement projects, water and wastewater systems, and others. Three specific aspects of sustainability are highlighted:EnvironmentSocietyEconomics
The environment aspect will illustrate how "greener" remediation projects can be implemented to not only protect human health and the environment but also reduce the environmental footprint of the project. These types of projects can also enhance community assets and satisfy stakeholder desires. The economic aspect will demonstrate ways of bringing in cost efficiencies such as standardizing equipment and systems, and using local sourcing of products and services. These concepts can be applied to any type of environmental project ranging from environmental remediation and restoration to installing energy efficient equipment.
Several projects will be discussed to illustrate this approach, its advantages, and the results achieved. By incorporating sustainability concepts into the project management process, companies can deliver a holistic approach which provides significant environmental, social and financial benefits to the business.
Quantitative Evaluation of HSSE Culture Using Statistical Analyses of Process-Driven Behavioral Data
Authors: Nodwell Gus 
Published: June 2014

Abstract
The adoption of processes to support HSSE within the Oil and Gas industry offers an opportunity for valuable insight into the culture of organizations, facilities, groups and individuals. Information and data generated by HSSE processes and captured in various information systems can be analyzed statistically to identify anomalies and trends. Many of these processes are now mandated through regulations. The much-discussed offshore SEMS regulations introduced by BOEMRE in 2010, as well as other pre-existing regulations such as Coast Guard regulations are heavily HSSE process centric and are a good example of this. When these processes are supported by the appropriate information management tools, the data generated by these processes can be captured with little or no effort on the part of workers, causing minimal operational impact.
Taking an investigative approach to assessing this data, with careful planning a set of Key Cultural Indicators (KCIs) can be identified within the data set. Using advanced statistical analysis techniques based on the 6-sigma business management strategy, KCI data from single (point-in-time) and multiple (periods of interest) data sets can be analyzed to help identify areas of excellence, and areas of risk. The same data can also be used to quantify an HSSE Cultural Index number for the data set under evaluation. This index can be used for comparison and trend evaluations against comparable data sets (e.g. Facility ‘A vs. Facility ‘B’). This approach can be extended to the evaluation of location-based (spatial) data. Statistical evaluation of spatial data can be used to produce heat maps identifying physical locations with anomalous behavioral performance within a data set(s).
These conclusions can be used to plan further investigations into operational behavioral patterns, focused on delivering behavioral improvements. This approach to evaluating HSSE culture is applicable across the HSSE spectrum.
This discussion will consider the potential of this approach to understanding HSSE culture and the benefits this may bring, as well as exploring problems with this approach that must be considered when planning a behavioral evaluation program.