bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Improving Asset Management at Process Plants Through UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) Inspections
Authors: English David 
Published: November 2015

Abstract
Technology remains at the forefront in taking the Oil and Gas industry forward and will provide solutions to future challenges. Companies adopting new technologies to solve existing problems will answer upcoming challenges facing the industry, especially those that provide significant cost savings and increase safety levels.
With the safe operation of onshore and offshore oil and gas assets always having top priority, together with high demands placed on Operators to increase production and maximize returns, increasingly the industry is using Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) to inspect process plants that are generally inaccessible during normal operations. The latter typically comprises online onshore and offshore flare systems, towers and columns, flare support structures, splash zones and underdeck areas.
UAV technology is an innovative, safe and highly cost effective way to perform inspections without the need to shut down the facility, especially with regard to online flares when traditionally the only way to inspect them was visually during a shut-down. The major drawback with the latter is that any problems with the flare could only be identified during the shut-down and (unless operators held a stock of spare parts for these bespoke units), it would be necessary to re-commission the flare system and operate it for a further period until replacements had been delivered hence causing the expense and inconvenience of an additional shut-down.
Splash zone and underdeck inspections require specialist rope access teams, scaffolding and relatively calm weather conditions. The major drawbacks here are manpower levels, bedspace on assets and duration to set-up and disassemble equipment required to undertake and assist with inspections.
UAVs are increasingly being used by international Oil and Gas operators to inspect flares and other process plants whilst online so that a replacement tip and/or spare parts can be ordered in advance, or any necessary remedial work identified and planned in a controlled and coordinated manner prior to a planned shut-down.
UAVs are also used routinely for preventative maintenance inspections in splash zone and underdeck areas.
Managing Contractors and Subcontractors HSE Performance during Plant Turnarounds
Authors: Murthy Venkatesh 
Published: November 2015

Abstract
Plant Turnarounds (TA) are by themselves complex maintenance projects and a back to back turnaround in the Company in 2012-13, without any doubt, threw many challenges that was to be managed well to achieve very stringent HSE targets. This challenge lead the TA core team to an innovative and proactive method on the HSE management aspects that lead to every Contractor employee going back unharmed after 75 days of hard work. The startup of the Ethane unit crackers (EU1) in a record time of 28 days and 18 hours could only be achieved with the philosophy of "First time right" principles embedded within the activities and HSE and Quality Plan, which was executed well by all the team members including the Company leadership team, the employees and above all the Contractor employees who embraced this approach enthusiastically.
This paper aims to present, in a practical approach, the application of basic HSE principles and HSE management elements to the Management of Contractors and Sub-Contractors for a Major turnaround of Olefins and Poly Olefins Plant in the year 2012-13. This application can be understood and emphasized in the various stages of a turnaround: planning, pre-turnaround, shutdown, maintenance itself, commissioning, and startup of the plants.
Integration of Drilling Services, the Key to Excellence in Design and Execution
Authors: Al Suwaidi Muna , Al-Mohammad Mohammad , Al Shamsi Juma , Al-Reyami Mazin , Amanov Batyr , Hariri Nour , Sharma Prateek , Husien Mohammad 
Published: November 2015

Abstract
Abu Dhabi Company for Onshore Oil Operations (ADCO), one of the major Oil and Gas producers in the United Arab Emirates embarked in a new challenge to drill and exploration well in a new field that had only one offset well drilled in the 1980's. ADCO planned to have a step change in how to manage risk, engineering and operations in order to enhance drilling performance and reduce non-productive time while maintaining the highest HSE standards. A detail risk management plan and engineering process was developed and the main drilling services were bundle for the most critical well sections 12.25″ and 8.5″ in order to guarantee seamless operations.
The results of the implementation of this methology as well as the new initiative based on an active participation and cooperation between ADCO and the Drilling Service Company in all the phases of the well were outstanding and exceeded management expectations with regards to enhancement in drilling performance by optimizing ROP; reduction on NPT by reducing wellbore stability problems; ensuring high quality data acquisition; minimizing well cost.
The excellent results achieved in this exploration well included safely drilling and in an efficient manner, considering that very limited historical data was available, the power of drilling services integration proven to be the foundation of success. Other important achievements were the use of the latest logging technology to extract the formation fluid from tight formations in an optimum time; without any doubt drilling the 8.5″ section was the most challenging due to the expected concentration of H2S (~27%) with an increase of 2.3 times the ROP compared to offset wells; this was exceeding ADCO's expectations.
The aim of this document is to describe how the risk management plan was integrated into the drilling program from the planning phase to the operation phase in combination with the technical expertise and drilling technologies fit to propose provided by the Drilling Service Company the knowledge and experience of the operator lead to develop specific solutions for the main risk and challenges of drilling this exploration well. The paper also describes how the use of the bundle service model which used to integrate all drilling services which became a key factor during the critical stages of the execution phase.
Efficient Use of Data Analytics in Optimization of Hydraulic Fracturing in Unconventional Reservoirs
Authors: Temizel C. , Purwar S. , Abdullayev A. , Urrutia K. , Tiwari Aditya 
Published: November 2015

Abstract
Hydraulic fracturing operations affect reservoir flow dynamics and increase production in unconventional tight reservoirs. The control of fracture growth and geometry presents challenges in formations in which the boundary lithologies are not highly stressed in comparison to the pay zone, thus failing to prevent the upward migration of fractures. Several factors influence the growth and geometry of fractures, including reservoir, wellbore, and fluid/proppant parameters. Successful results require a thorough knowledge of reservoir parameters, including stress distribution and the appropriate use of corresponding wellbore components and fluid/proppant. The success of a hydraulic fracturing treatment is highly correlated with control of the created fracture geometry.
This paper discusses a study in which a numerical fracture model is used to design the fractures in a tight oil reservoir. Fracture treatment designs include the selection of fracturing fluids, additives, proppant materials, injection rate, pumping schedule, and fracture dimensions. Using the fracture model, a statistically representative synthetic set of data is generated for each parameter to build data-driven models.
The performance of the data-driven models is validated by comparing the results to a numerical model, and considering the significance of parameters, including size, number, location, phasing angle of perforations, fluid and proppant type, rock strength, porosity, and permeability on the fracture design optimization using various fracture models. Data-driven predictive models are generated by using neural networks (NN) and support vector machine (SVM) algorithms. Optimum values of model parameters are also investigated.
The SVM and NN models are used to optimize the fracturing treatments per well, and are evaluated based on accuracy and computational complexity. Based on the performances of the models, model parameters are adjusted to obtain fit-for-purpose well-based hydraulic fracturing models.
A Novel Approach of Using Phosphate-spiked Smart Brines to Alter Wettability in Mixed Oil-wet Carbonate Reservoirs
Authors: Meng W. , Haroun M. R. , Sarma H. K. , Adeoye J. T. , Aras P. , Punjabi S. , Rahman M. M. , Al Kobaisi M. 
Published: November 2015

Abstract
Smart waterflooding (SWF), an emerging EOR technique, was first investigated in sandstone reservoirs. However in recent years, the effect of smart water on carbonate reservoirs has gained wide interest. Despite the increasing number of research and publications in this area, the mechanism enhancing the recovery is still not fully understood. Wettability alteration and reduction in interfacial tension (IFT) have been identified as the two most dominant mechanisms. Divalent ions such as sulfate (SO42-) are found by many investigators to show promising results during SWF. However, limited research has been carried out to investigate the effect of trivalent ions. The objective of this study was to investigate the potential of phosphate (PO43-) spiked brines as a viable EOR technique in tight carbonate reservoirs.
Seawater with different dilution factors and varying concentration of phosphate ions were investigated against non-phosphate brines. Impact of these brines on wettability alteration was qualitatively monitored by tracking the rate of contact angle change on several aged-carbonate core samples subjected to varying aging periods. Various designed phosphate brines were tested at elevated temperature of 90 °C, and IFT was also measured at both ambient and elevated temperature (90 °C) to complement our findings.
To identify the impact of phosphate ions on wettability alteration due to brine/crude oil/rock interactions, carbonate core samples were prepared having initial contact angle ranging from 130° to 160°. The rate of contact angle change observed ranged from 9° to 36° as a function of varying composition of smart brines. A slight decrease in IFT was observed when lower salinity brines were used without phosphate. Phosphate spiked brines show a near surfactant reduction in IFT, compared to the low salinity brines. Smart brines with higher concentration of phosphate achieved better results than those with lower concentration.
Development of Reliability-Based Assessment Criteria Against Extreme Environments For Steel Fixed Offshore Structures With Significant Permanent Loading
Authors: Manzocchi Mark , Atia Mohamed 
Published: November 2015

Abstract
Many fixed steel offshore platforms in the Arabian Gulf are situated in shallow water and have a relatively high proportion of dead loading to environmental loading. As such their capacity is governed by the combined effect of extreme environmental loading and vertical dead loading. Reliability-based assessment methods normally consider the probability of the lateral capacity being exceeded by the extreme environmental loading. This assessment is typically performed by considering the pushover capacity of the platform compared with the regional environmental hazard curve. Allowance is made for uncertainty in the capacity and load model when evaluating the reliability. In the presence of significant dead loading, and for some ultimate failure modes, the sensitivity of pushover capacity to dead load plays an important role in the reliability analysis.
This paper describes the methodology for reliability analysis against the extreme load hazard and which can be implemented into future assessment codes. Particular attention is focussed on the sensitivity of structures to high levels of dead load and how this may be incorporated into reliability analysis. The development of acceptance criteria for reserve strength ratios (RSRs) which depend on regional hazard curves and dead load is also described.
Comparison of Permeability Estimation Models Through Bayesian Model Averaging and LASSO Regression
Authors: Al-Mudhafar Watheq J. 
Published: November 2015

Abstract
To capture the most realistic reservoir description in terms of heterogeneity, it is essential to find out the most accurate approach for formation permeability estimation in non-cored intervals. The simplest and most common approach of data modeling is multiple linear regression that adopts stepwise elimination for model variables selection. However, that elimination has shown its weakness to efficiently handle the high number of predictors in a physical process. In this research, we adopt two modern statistical leaning algorithms for core permeability modeling given well log attributes and prediction in non-cored intervals of a sandstone formation.
The Bayesian Model Averaging (BMA) was adopted as a stochastic approach of data modeling and parameter selection in formation permeability modeling. Based on Bayes' theorem, BMA integrates prior distribution given the observed data in order to produce a posterior distribution of how likely the model is assimilating the data. In the computed BMA Occam's window, the best selected model has maximum posterior probability and minimum BIC; meanwhile, the non-influential predictors are eliminated when the probability of a nonzero predictor coefficient is less than 50% for the best sampled model. Conversely, the same procedure was done through the LASSO regression that considers penalized least squared equation for data modeling and non-influential factors removal. Results of the two algorithms were illustrated, discussed, and depicted for efficiency comparison in terms of their modeling and prediction accuracy. In addition, the two models were statistically validated based on observed-predicted response matching.
Both BMA and LASSO have led to very accurate modeling and excellent matching between the observed and predicted core permeability. The adjusted R-squared and root mean squared error are highly encouraging with slight preferrnece of LASSO on BMA.
The novelty of Bayesian Model Averaging comes from its stochastic design to generate multiple models taking into account the data uncertainty which leads to finding find the optimal fit between core permeability and well log attributes. Also, the LASSO regression has led to better results than BMA with the same observed-predicted response matching. Both of them have overcome the multicollinearity between two pairs of predictors. Consequently, BMA and LASSO are efficient approaches for multisource permeability modeling with high dimensional predictors.
Directional Wells Anti-Collision Technology Based on Detecting the Drill Bit Vibration Signal and its Application in Field
Authors: Yin Bangtang , Liu Gang , Liu Chuang 
Published: November 2015

Abstract
With the deepening of exploration and development of onshore and offshore oilfields, cluster wells and infill wells are more and more popular. It will greatly increase the possibility of well collision during the drilling and would have great harm to drilling and the production of oilfield. The normal detecting technique of anti-collision is based on the measured well trajectory data and the judgment on the abnormality during drilling. The error of measured data and the uncertainty of downhole situation will result a high risk of collision. Based on detecting the drill bit vibration, a new anti-collision technology is proposed. Firstly, the acceleration sensors are installed on the casing head of risky well to collect the drill bit vibration signal transmitted by the formation and casing. Secondly, the signals are feature extraction by the calculation analysis software based on the time domain analysis and frequency domain analysis to recognize the approach motive of the drilling bit to the risky well. Thirdly, the characteristic signals are shown in real time. When the characteristic value is greater than the threshold value, an alarm will be given for the directional drilling engineer to do the anti-collision scanning in time and decide whether or not to change the well trajectory. This technology was applied in an offshore block in Bohai Oilfield and some fields in South China Sea. The results showed that the risk casing head vibration signal induced by drill bit vibration had a characteristic frequency range and the vibration signal characteristics were related with the distance between drill bit and the risk casing definitely. The vibration signals at the drilling casing head were very strong when cement plug was drilled, which could be used to judge whether bit was close to the cement sheath and casing of risky wells. The signal amplitude acquired at the casing head of risky well declined with the increase of distance between the drilling well and risky well. It can be used to judge the risk of wellbore collision. The results of field tests showed that new technology could monitor the well anti-collision and alert. It can improve the cluster and infill drilling effectively.
This is a new anti-collision technology based on detecting the drill bit vibration signal collected by the acceleration sensors installed on the casing head of drilling and risky wells.
Creating Value from Flared Natural Gas
Authors: Layfield Martin 
Published: November 2015

Abstract
Five percent of the world's gas supply is currently being wasted through flaring and venting. This is equivalent to about 110-140 billion cubic metres of gas which is the combined gas consumption of Central and South America in 2014. Gas flaring releases toxic components and green-house gases into the atmosphere that can have harmful effects on the health and well-being of local communities and contribute to climate change. In 2011, the USA became the fifth largest flaring nation in the world due to associated gas being flared from oil field production with the largest amounts being flared in North Dakota.
Capture of flared gas presents an opportunity to reduce the environmental impact as well as providing an economic opportunity. The gas captured can be used to create new value chains that can not only benefit the industry but also people's quality of life.
Technology has been developing for many years to attempt to tackle the problem specifically where small volumes of gas are being flared. In 2014, regulations in the USA were tightened on gas flaring specifically in North Dakota with oil operators having to put in gas capture plans in place for new oil wells being drilled. Capturing the flared gas presents an opportunity for oil operators to reduce the environmental impact as well as providing an economic opportunity to generate an additional revenue stream.
During 2014/2015, break-throughs were made by new suppliers coming into the market who have successfully installed new micro-LNG technology in North America to eliminate gas flaring at the well-head. Costs of the these micro-LNG technologies have reduced to the point whereby it is now possible to install these technologies cost effectively converting gas streams of less than 1 MMscfd into LNG which can either be utilised locally for drilling rigs or transported by truck to users further away.
The paper will present a range of technologies, including micro LNG, Compressed Natural Gas, Natural Gas Hydrates (NGHs), conversion methods and novel concepts that could be applied to capture and utilise flared and vented gas. It will look at the techno-economic concepts of specific cases at small scale. New features of the technologies will be highlighted and economics will also be given for the different technology options.
Chemical Looping Combustion: an Emerging Carbon Capture Technology
Authors: Snijkers Frans , Jing Dazheng , Jacobs Marijke , Protasova Lidia , Mattisson Tobias , Lyngfelt Anders 
Published: November 2015

Abstract
Chemical looping combustion (CLC) is a promising technology for energy production with inherent capture of carbon dioxide at minimal energy penalty. In CLC, oxygen is transferred from an air reactor to a fuel reactor by means of a solid oxygen carrier. Direct contact between air and fuel is avoided, resulting in an undiluted CO2 exhaust stream. As such, CLC was picked up recently as a high potential carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology. While initial focus was on storage projects, CO2 is more and more considered as a valuable chemical substance for enhanced oil/gas recovery projects as well as for the production of chemicals, polymers or building materials.
A critical aspect of the CLC technology is the oxygen carrier performance which has a very strong impact on the economic viability. Parameters such as particle size, density, porosity, strength, attrition resistance, reactivity, environmental aspects and cost, define the performance of the oxygen carrier. The first generation oxygen carriers was Ni-based. However, due to cost of nickel and toxicity, a search for Ni-free oxygen carriers was conducted with similar or superior performance in CLC. This lead to the development of Cu-, Fe and Mn-based oxygen carriers, that demonstrate the beneficial oxygen uncoupling effect, with complete fuel conversion as a result.
In this contribution it is shown that the industrial spray-drying technique is a very versatile and scalable technique for the fabrication of oxygen carriers. New and promising oxygen carriers with varying compositions, good fluidisability, high sphericity, high attrition resistance, and homogeneity on the micro-scale have been synthesized. Different materials such as perovskite type materials based on calcium-manganate, magnesium manganates, copper based materials, and iron manganates have been investigated for their performance with promising results towards complete combustion and high attrition resistance.