bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Hurt-Based Approach to Safety
Authors: Smith R. M. , Jones M. L. 
Published: June 2014

Abstract
This paper describes the Hurt-based Approach to Safety that ExxonMobil’s Upstream Companies use in personnel safety management. Traditionally, ExxonMobil has primarily used industry standards driven by the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to classify safety events based on the treatment and/or restrictions provided. However, this treatment-based approach has limitations. With intense focus on administrative reporting (i.e., is the incident recordable or not?) and incident escalation management, the approach does not naturally resonate with workforce members to enable desired cultural changes. Also, historical approaches have not included a potential consequence assessment; a critical element in preventing future injuries. Incident classifications are often inconsistent because work restrictions and medical treatments are subject to individual medical provider judgment.
ExxonMobil has created a Hurt-based Approach to mitigate limitations of the treatment-based approach. This paper discusses the history of ExxonMobil’s "Hurt Free" philosophy and explores benefits:natural safety language of humans; protect family, prevent injuriesconsistent description of actual injury severityintegral assessment of potential injury severityresonates with workforce to enable cultural changes based on caring for peoplealignment with Exxon Mobil Corporation’s safety vision of "Nobody Gets Hurt"
These benefits, along with passionate safety leadership and Hurt-based metrics, are critical elements in ExxonMobil Upstream’s safety management systems. While many companies have some of these elements in their programs, it is the combination of all elements that drive ExxonMobil’s Hurt-based Approach. This paper will share ExxonMobil’s expectations of safety leaders and insight into how a Hurt Free philosophy leads to higher levels of understanding and promotes safety leadership throughout the organization. It will describe how a Hurt-based Approach provides a more natural line of sight for assessing incident potential and provides a more natural and caring interaction with injured parties; thereby, creating a more positive personal safety culture. It will describe how potential consequence is determined and how this potential drives the prioritization of resources, incident assessments, work activity focus, etc. It will detail ExxonMobil’s "Mining-the-Diamond" initiative which provides increased focus on high consequence potential work activities that could result in life-altering injuries or death. Trend analysis will be provided to illustrate continuous improvement efforts.
The Great Emissions Roundup: Strategies for Permitting Maintenance, Startup and Shutdown (MSS) Emissions at Upstream Oil & Gas Facilities
Authors: Ontko Robert J. , Bradley Donald D. 
Published: June 2014

Abstract
Unconventional development projects follow a general life cycle. Each step in the life cycle has a number of common activities that can have important environmental and social impacts. Managing those activities to reduce/control the impacts can reduce the project’s business risks and improve the overall success of the development program.
As the development activities become more production oriented, facilities will be more likely to undergo regular maintenance, and the potential for air emissions will increase accordingly. In recent years, the EPA has been working to reduce air pollution from stationary sources by closely examining the use of affirmative defense as it pertains to emission events. To this end, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) issued rules in December 2005 for permitting planned maintenance, start-up and shutdown (MSS) emissions.
Upstream oil and gas sites have an MSS permitting deadline of January 5, 2014. For the refining, chemical, and utility industries, the TCEQ processed MSS permit applications for 30 refineries, 400 chemical plants, and scores of utility plants. In the coming year, more than 20,000 oil and gas sites are expected to confront this issue. The vast majority of these oil and gas sites are authorized under permit by rule or standard permit.
While TCEQ has published guidance for MSS Best Available Control Technology (BACT) for refineries, the relevance of this guidance to the oil and gas industry is lacking, and additional guidance has yet to be presented. Facilities seeking to utilize existing authorization mechanisms for their identified MSS activities will have to evaluate the equivalent of BACT to meet the emission limits.
Based on the implementation schedule, most companies have not yet attempted to tackle the MSS permitting issue. Early experience in this area indicates that, in order to meet current permit requirements, MSS activities at oil and gas production sites will require a combination of revised operating procedures and application of additional controls. Sites that cannot manage to a tighter set of operating parameters during MSS activities may trigger the need to convert to a new source review permit, which would require BACT.
This paper will look at the permitting and emission control challenges and strategies for complying with this impending requirement using existing mechanisms.
Keeping Up With Rapid Change: Performance Assurance for Operating Assets in Shale Development Areas
Authors: Read H. L , Bradley D. D. 
Published: June 2014

Abstract
Unconventional development projects follow a general life cycle. Each step in the life cycle has a number of common activities that can have important environmental andsocial impacts. Managing those activities to reduce/control the impacts can reduce the project’s business risks and improve the overall success of the development program.
Operations in many shale plays are rapidly shifting from exploration into the longer-term production step of the life cycle. The pace of change presents significant challenges to maintaining compliance with federal and state environmental, health and safety (EHS) requirements.
To reduce the risk that significant noncompliance could result in regulatory issues that could slow or halt development activities, many operators are conducting independent reviews of their assets. Such reviews, which can be conducted in accordance with the Texas Environmental Health and Safety Audit Privilege Act, provide management and owners with an appraisal of potential environmental liabilities and recommendations for managing compliance risk. EPA has also developed a specific audit policy for new owners of assets who want to make a "clean start" at newly acquired facility by addressing environmental compliance prior to or early in the stages of ownership.
These types of audits focus on key questions to identify areas for improve performance and thereby enhance shareholder value:Do the locations have the necessary permits, authorization and plans?Do the permits, authorization and plans represent current operations?Can the operations expand?What capital will be necessary to come into compliance with regulatory permits and requirements?What is the compliance culture? Is there a sufficient management of change program to identify and adjust to different compliance requirements?
ERM’s experience has shown that the most frequent findings from these audits include storm water contamination issues, lack of air permitting or under-permitting emissions sources, failure to use adequate control devices, and problems with spill containment and spill plan implementation. Through the audit privilege process, disclosed civil and administrative violations can be corrected without incurring monetary penalties, in addition to a prescribed time frame to implement corrective actions. An environmental audit can be a beneficial tool for new or experienced owners or operators looking to enhance their asset value and manage non-technical risk at their sites.
Innovative Way to Involve Business Partners in HSE: A Success Story
Authors: Al Abdul Salam Abdullah , Al Qallaf Yousef , Adivi Bala Siva , Kakoty Debasish 
Published: June 2014

Abstract
Business Partners play vital role in achieving world class HSE Performance in any industry. Health, Safety, Environment being one of the key strategic objectives KOC (Kuwait Oil Company), hence, it is of paramount importance to move together with Business Partners to achieve world class HSE Performance. In order to promote a safe work environment at the contractors’ work sites in consistence with KOC HSE Procedural requirements, full cooperation and commitment of Contractors’ workers as well as Contractors’ management are absolutely essential. Also, to address the risks identified in the North Kuwait Directorate Risk Register, an innovative way has been introduced to bring the High Risk items to ALARP level.
The sustained drive and commitment of the management is identified as the most critical aspect of creating and maintaining strong HSE culture. Kuwait Oil Company (KOC), one of the premier Oil &Gas companies in the Arabian Gulf region, gives top most commitment to HSE and considers HSE as a key strategic objective of its business strategy and number one priority towards sustainable development. KOC recognized the importance of Business Partners involvement in HSE in not only just integrating in the policies and procedures, but involves accountability & commitment to the implementation and practicing. KOC strongly believes that Leadership of Client as well as Business Partner coupled with commitment and accountability act as fundamentals to HSE performance, and to business success.
This paper will focus the methods and processes how the Business Partners (Contractors) in KOC North Kuwait Directorate have been brought on board for achieving wonderful HSE Performance.
Identification and Evaluation of Brackish Groundwater Resources and Alternate Water Sources for Hydraulic Fracturing Operations
Authors: Mueller Dan 
Published: June 2014

Abstract
An important aspect of the hydraulic fracturing process is identifying and securing sufficient water resources. With the ever increasing demands for higher quality water resources for domestic and agricultural needs, alternative water sources including brackish groundwater and water reuse options are being evaluated and used for hydraulic fracturing operations.
To access alternate water sources both the availability and suitability of the water resource must be addressed. Available alternate water sources are first identified within a reasonable distance to the wells that will be hydraulically fractured. Once identified, the alternate water source must be evaluated to determine if it is suitable (in terms of both quality and quantity) to meet the hydraulic fracturing requirements. If all conditions are met, the alternate water resource will provide a viable solution to meet the water needs of the hydraulic fracturing operation and at the same time minimize impacts to more sought-after water resources.
Examples of utilizing available groundwater information from public domain sources to identify brackish groundwater resources and to map the horizontal and vertical extent of these resources are presented. The classification of brackish groundwater includes a wide range of water quality parameters and only some of the brackish groundwater falls within the technical specifications needed the hydraulic fracturing operation.
Water reuse in the form of treated wastewater effluent can provide a suitable water resource for the hydraulic fracturing process. Examples of the identification and evaluation of wastewater effluent sources are presented. From initial identification of potential wastewater effluent resources through the evaluation of these identified resources to determine the viability to use these resources for the hydraulic fracturing process is presented.
Sustainable use of water resources is important under all circumstances with heightened concern when drinking water and irrigation quality water is limited from higher demand and/or draught conditions. The effective and appropriate identification and evaluation of alternate water sources is critical to the successful hydraulic fracturing process. This paper presents field implemented processes and procedures used to identify and evaluate brackish groundwater and treated wastewater effluent to meet hydraulic fracturing water needs.
Solving an Acute Problem and Developing a Long-Term Sustainable Solution for an Operational Facility Supporting the Oil and Gas Industry
Authors: Large Alex , Serra Jordi , Letlow Myna , Marczak Janette 
Published: June 2014

Abstract
An oilfield service company has been operating a site in Knowsley, Liverpool, UK for more than 20 years. The site was first developed during WWII as a Royal Ordnance Factory, and since that time has been used almost continually for the manufacture of specialty chemicals (including organic chemicals, organotin compounds, and lead-based compounds) by various companies.
Historical use and disposal practices have resulted in significant subsurface impacts including the presence of free-phase hydrocarbons (LNAPL) and mobile organotins within a complex geological and hydrogeological setting. Despite a number of efforts over the years to characterize and address site contaminants, issues remained and required clarification to resolve the regulatory roadblock that was preventing successful closure of the on-site remediation.
This case study presents the results of the recent successful efforts to develop a robust and defensible conceptual site model, highlighting the key lessons learned in terms of data assessment, integration and visualization. Two important areas of focus include:Engaging with the regulators on a pragmatic, risk-based approach to managing LNAPL remediation. This included developing a remedial strategy focused on understanding whether there are actual risks rather than the mere presence of LNAPL.Understanding the relationship and interaction of tributyl-tin (TBT) with LNAPL, where the LNAPL was acting as a preferential solvent, and enhancing the mobility of the TBT. As such, the risks presented and any subsequent remedial solution could not be considered as two separate problems and an integrated strategy was developed.
The use of risk-based approaches, robust conceptual models and a detailed understanding of contaminant distribution are critical to the development of long term sustainable solutions to remediate contaminated sites.
Effective Strategies for Crystalline Silica Exposure Monitoring and Control in Hydraulic Fracturing
Authors: Benson Brian , Denson Barbara Brandl , Huddleson Steve 
Published: June 2014

Abstract
Accounts of occupational respiratory illness associated with the inhalation of rock dust date from antiquity, and thus the condition known as silicosis is among the oldest known occupational illnesses. Respirable crystalline silica is, and has been, an enforcement priority for OSHA for several years. The current ACGIH TLV (the recommended exposure limit) is roughly one fourth of the OSHA Permissible Exposure Limit, and many regulators believe the current legal exposure limits do not offer adequate worker protection.
There are some technical challenges to monitoring worker exposure for respirable crystalline silica. These technical issues can lead to flawed exposure evaluation and risk assessment, and thus put employers at risk. Options will be presented to supplement traditional NIOSH and OSHA exposure monitoring methodology and exposure data analysis and provide common sense approaches to dust control that can reduce exposure.
There are several techniques that allow gathering more silica exposure data in less time and with less expense. These techniques can provide larger, more representative data sets at lower cost, and enhance employers’ abilities to assess and manage silica exposure at their sites.
The recent OSHA/NIOSH Hazard Alert on excessive silica exposure during oil and gas well stimulation using hydraulic fracturing has put employers on notice that they are responsible for managing this recognized workplace hazard. Employers who can produce records of proactive, robust exposure monitoring programs are rarely targeted for intensive regulatory field in-spections.
Unconventional Technology Performance: Bridging the Technical to the Nontechnical
Authors: Gardner Katherine , Hernandez Maximo 
Published: June 2014

Abstract
As the need for energy independence broadens hydrocarbon exploration to new geographies and involves new and improved techniques, new lifecycle success factors are continuously introduced to unconventional projects which are required to achieve production objectives on schedule and budget. These factors differ somewhat from the ones a traditional drilling and production field development exposes to the view of those beyond the industry, thus generating new challenges. Traditionally perceived technical issues are typically centered on well control, hydraulic fracturing fluid composition and other technical discipline improvements on a well by well basis. However a set of new challenges have developed as a range of social, economic and environmental stakeholder issues. These can significantly support or affect the ultimate outcome of an investment. The following analysis exposes the authors’ views on performance to the technical limit and factors that contribute to the end result which are beyond the technical limit.
Improving Performance of Alarm System by Implementing Effective Alarm Management Philosophy: A Case Study of West Kuwait Field
Authors: Al-Azmi F. , Parikh C. A. 
Published: June 2014

Abstract
The DCS (distributed control system) alarm system of gathering center of West Kuwait field at Kuwait Oil Company was not functioning as required. DCS alarm system was generating around 400 to 700 alarms in one hour which was out of operator’s alarm handling capacity. This was highlighted as one of the key contributing factor to the seriousness of process upsets & incidents. The overall alarm management system was thoroughly investigated to understand root cause of these poorly functioning system and to improve it accordingly. A detailed investigation revealed lack of alarm management philosophy during design stage and subsequent over configuration of DCS alarms as main cause of this poorly functioning system. All DCS alarms were analyzed in detail to eliminate all unwanted alarms to achieve manageable alarm level of around 5-20 alarms per hour.
This paper shares field experience for analysis of DCS alarm system and explains main root causes which resulted in such poorly functioning alarm system at gathering center of West Kuwait field. It also provides guidelines for improving such alarm system & for developing alarm management philosophy to implement efficient DCS alarm system. It also shares some of the actual alarm data and their analysis which supports need of well-developed alarm management philosophy for implementation of efficient DCS alarm system.
It was observed that total 182 alarms were mainly contributing for significantly higher rate of DCS alarms. These alarms were mainly categorized as frequent alarms, duplicate alarms and chattering alarms. Effective implementation of alarm management philosophy has significantly reduced these alarms and reduced alarm rate from around 700 per hour to 10 per hour.
The paper justifies need for Alarm management philosophy to ensure implementation of efficient DCS alarm system and also provides guideline to achieve it.
A New Approach for CT Interventions in High-Permeability-Contrast Wells of Cupiagua Field, Colombia
Authors: Castaño D. A. , Ruiz N. , Muñoz J. , Zabala R. , Botero O. F. , Mora E. , Nava D. J. 
Published: June 2014

Abstract
Ecopetrol’s – Cupiagua field-, is currently one of the most prolific gas-condensate fields in Colombia. Coiled tubing (CT) interventions have been a constant for more than 10 years, but because of the maturity of the field and the change in the reservoir propertiesmainly the reservoir pressure has fallen below the dewpoint-condensate banking has become a major cause of damage. Moreover, the high permeability contrasts between formations led to unsatisfactory results after the stimulations, such poor placement of the treating fluids in the low permeable intervals and short term results of the treatments. For those reasons, CT interventions with successful results have become a challenge. This paper describes three key CT technologies that have been applied recently in the field. Based on technical analyses and all the particularities of the field, these technologies have overcome the conventional operating restrictions, improving operational efficiency with successful results.
Sacrificial Agent for Reducing Adsorption of Anionic Surfactants
Authors: Shamsijazeyi Hadi , Hirasaki George J. , Verduzco Rafael 
Published: June 2014

Abstract
An important economical factor affecting Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) is the adsorption of surfactants on the rocks. Sacrificial agents may be used to reduce the adsorption of surfactants. An alkali (traditionally, sodium carbonate or sodium hydroxide) is often used as sacrificial adsorption agent; however, sodium carbonate is not an effective sacrificial agent in the presence of anhydrite in the rocks due to the reaction between sodium carbonate and sparingly-soluble anhydrite. Therefore, it is essential to develop a sacrificial adsorption agent that can act effectively in the presence of anhydrite.
In this work, sodium polyacrylate is evaluated as a sacrificial agent, and is compared to many other conventional or recently- recommended sacrificial agents, and has shown advantage over all of them for the case of presence of anhydrite. Some experiments have been conducted to demonstrate the ineffectiveness of sodium carbonate as sacrificial agent in the presence of anhydrite. Effect of molecular weight of sodium polyacrylate is tested, and it is found that increase in molecular weight results in decrease in adsorption of surfactant until a certain molecular weight of polyacrylate is reached after which molecular weight has no further effect on reducing adsorption of surfactant. Addition of polyacrylate was shown to reduce adsorption of a selected anionic surfactant on different outcrop minerals, including Carlpool dolomite, industrial calcite, kaolinite, Berea sandstone, and Indiana limestone. To prove the point further, application of polyacrylate was tested with two different anionic surfactants. Adsorption of polyacrylate itself is measured in the presence and absence of surfactant and showed to be independent of the presence of surfactant. The effect of concentration of divalent ions and salinity in the brine on effectiveness of sodium polyacrylate as sacrificial agent has been evaluated on different minerals/rocks. Finally, dynamic adsorption data has been presented in different concentrations of sodium polyacrylate.
All these experiments demonstrate the advantage of using sodium polyacrylate as sacrificial adsorption agent for anionic surfactants even in the presence of anhydrite in the rock.