bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
ARKTOS Shear Zone Evacuation Craft Self-Righting Model Tests
Authors: Hall T.A. , Seligman B.H.J.W. , Kharrazi M. 
Published: June 2014

Abstract
The ARKTOS Evacuation Craft has been the primary means of emergency evacuation on Arctic and Caspian Sea bottom founded oil exploration and production facilities for over 20 years.
Oil production strategies are currently being developed by major oil companies for operations within and beyond the Arctic Shear Zones, where the mobile polar pack ice and the static land-fast ice meet.
A major area of concern for any development within and beyond the Shear Zones is Escape, Evacuation, and Rescue (EER) capability, due to the extreme ice and sea conditions that will be encountered. In response to a major oil company initiative, a conceptual design for a 75 person self-righting ARKTOS Amphibious Evacuation Craft suitable for operation in this region has been developed.
As part of the ongoing design process, an extensive series of self-righting model tests have been carried out to confirm the Shear Zone Craft will be capable of self-righting in all combinations of pitch and yaw, both fixed and free, which the dual unit craft is capable of attaining.
Four load cases covering the range from maximum displacement to maximum vertical center of gravity (VCG) were evaluated with 36 combinations of pitch and yaw for each load case, resulting in 144 individual tests.
This paper describes the model test procedures and results of the model test program. It also includes recommended minor design enhancements to ensure the Shear Zone Craft will be self-righting in all load cases.
Global and Local Iceberg Loads for an Arctic Floater
Authors: Jordaan Ian , Stuckey Paul , Liferov Pavel , Ralph Freeman 
Published: June 2014

Abstract
Analysis of loads from icebergs for an Arctic Floater has been performed. The determination of iceberg loads was guided by the ISO 19906 International Standard. Global and local loads on the hull, as well as mooring loads, were studied. To determine loads at the specified levels of exceedance, probabilistic methodology using Monte Carlo methods was used, taking into account the areal density of the ice features (for example the number of icebergs per 10,000 km2), and the probability distributions of the size and mass of the features, their added mass, their velocity, eccentricity of the collision, compliance of the structure, and the strength of the ice. The influence of surrounding sea ice on iceberg loads, as well as iceberg management including detection, towing and disconnection were analysed. Iceberg areal density was determined based on an analysis of available data, including information on the various forms, such as tabular or bergy bit. The strength of ice in collisions involving icebergs was modeled based on full scale crushing data from ship rams with multi-year ice. The pressure-area scale effects associated with ice-structure interaction were taken into account, considering also scatter in pressure measurements for a given contact area. Separate relationships for local and global loads were used. The analysis accounts for the Ekman current acting on an iceberg, together with wind and wave drift forces. Motions of the floating vessel and the icebergs in sea states were analyzed, accounting for the prevailing environmental conditions. Probabilities of collision along the length of the floater and in the vertical plane have been calculated using Monte Carlo methods. A variety of assumptions have been made: no ice management, management with and without disconnection, and the effect of sea ice on detectability and management is included.
Arctic Relay Communications, Data Exchange and Enhancement Protocol (ARCDEEP) Through-Ice High Data Rate Optical Communication System
Authors: Mooradian Greg , Richter Dean , Marttila E.J. , Saade Edward 
Published: June 2014

Abstract
The potential oil reserves in the Arctic are enormous. However, the inherent difficulty (and risk) of oil exploration and production in the Arctic is proving to be the most challenging region in the world. The challenge will be to establish the ability to collect a wide variety of information (e.g., environmental) from under the ice and then deliver that information to a command center for analysis and application in a short amount of time. The Arctic Relay Communications, Data Exchange and Enhancement Protocol (ARCDEEP) Optical Laser Communications (OLC) system will support the real-time exchange and exfiltration (exfil) of information collected under sea ice, enabling the networking and fusing of data from fixed distributed sensors and mobile platforms (e.g., both aircraft as well as mapping autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) under the water) and the aggregation of their data for enhanced analysis/interpretation. Therefore, ARCDEEP becomes an Arctic "information enabler" dramatically increasing Arctic situational awareness (e.g., tracking an oil spill under the ice, exfiltrating subsurface Arctic sensor data, etc.).
Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (SUAS)
Authors: Ziska Matthew 
Published: June 2014

Abstract
SUAS are available to support a number of arctic missions. Applications are continually evolving as the technology is better understood but here are some of the missions applicable to the arctic today:Sea Ice Monitoring3 Dimensional Terrain Modeling and GIS data product developmentMaritime Border PatrolOil Spill DetectionOil Spill Damage AssessmentCommunications RelayInfrastructure inspection / integrityIncident MappingCoast Line MonitoringIce Breaking Support / MappingSearch and RescueWildlife MonitoringScience Data GatheringAsset Security
Use of Robotic Aircraft in the Oil and Gas Sector
Authors: Pearce Wilson 
Published: June 2014

Introduction
Getting the right information, into the right hands, in a timely manner, is a crucial aspect of oil and gas exploration and production, especially in harsh conditions. Many of the survey and surveillance jobs, including geological exploration, critical infrastructure inspection, pipeline monitoring, ice condition study and wildlife and other forms of environmental surveys can be dull, dirty and dangerous. These are well suited to robotic aviation.
Information today is gleaned from a variety of sources such as installed monitors, terrestrial patrols, fixed and rotary wing aircraft and satellites. Managing the significant issues of cost, risk, safety, flexibility and responsiveness, let alone the disparate nature of the data sets received, is a daily challenge.
Effective use of robotic aviation has the potential to greatly improve the situation. A robotic aircraft system that incorporates the airframe, sensor package and data fusion plan is a powerful tool. The quality of the data that can be gathered quickly, and in both a proactive and/or reactive manner has to be seen to be believed. What is even more significant is the huge reduction in footprint in terms of cost, risk and in the requirements for space, fuel and personnel. For example, the fuel required for a fixed wing robotic aircraft is less than one litre per hour, carrying similar or better sensors than a helicopter or light plane.
ING Robotic Aviation developed its expertise with the Canadian Army in Afghanistan, and to this day retains a team deployed with the Royal Canadian Navy in the Indian Ocean. Experienced gleaned from military operations is already proving to be useful in the civil sphere, for example in conducting flare stack inspections for Irving Oil and wildlife counts that can be conducted accurately and unobtrusively.
Aerial Reconnaissance in Support of Arctic Drilling Operations: Requirements, Challenges and Potential Solutions
Authors: Garas Victor , Simms Andrew , Lennox Ted , Jonasson Bruce , Blunt Joshua , Kokkinis Ted 
Published: June 2014

Abstract
Acquisition of broad, detailed and real-time information about ice conditions in the vicinity of arctic offshore drilling sites is one substantial challenge that faces effective ice management operations supporting floating drilling operations. Reliable and objective characterization of ice conditions up drift of the ice management fleet is needed to appraise an ice management system's anticipated efficacy with sufficient lead time to suspend or adapt operations if conditions become challenging or trend towards becoming unmanageable. Remote sensing technologies have the potential for reducing labor intensity and personnel exposure while observing and characterizing the changing arctic environment.
In this paper, the need for acquiring detailed ice information in real time to evaluate ice-induced hazards on offshore facilities in the arctic is presented with specific focus on airborne methods of measuring sea ice thickness, which is one of the most important parameters in assessing ice-induced hazards. The paper then discusses in detail how some manned and unmanned aviation concepts could be viable options for delivering persistent operational reconnaissance. In addition, infrastructural, technological and regulatory challenges associated with using airborne reconnaissance for continuous ice characterization in offshore regions of the arctic are presented and discussed.
A Tactical Ice Management Simulation Methodology and Approach
Authors: Wright B. , McKenna R. , Browne R. 
Published: June 2014

Abstract
There are a number of models that have been developed to assess ice management effectiveness. Many of these models are relatively simple in terms of how they treat pack ice conditions and ice management vessel performance needs. The Chevron Arctic Center has recently developed a substantially more advanced ice management model, one that incorporates key factors such as the full spectrum of "difficult ice situations", ice management support aspects such as level ice, pressure ridge and rubble field fragmentation, and other constraining effects on ice management operations such as poor visibility, darkness and ice pressure events.
In this paper, the Chevron ice management modeling approach is described. Key aspects include how ice conditions and dynamics are treated, and how ice management vessel effectiveness is assessed. Sensitivities relating to the number and capability of different ice management vessels are also noted. This method is probabilistically based and allows the user to assess the risk of "ice management failures" in relation to platform station-keeping limits, the ice management support system and the ice environment being considered. Several representative examples of this analysis approach are given.
Requirements on Logistics to Tow Large Gravity-Based Structures to the Chukchi and Beaufort Sea
Authors: Wernli Markus , FitzGerald Ken L. , Hjorteset Kare , LaNier Michael W. 
Published: June 2014

Abstract
Oil companies are considering large Gravity-Based Structures (GBS) as a potential solution to support operations in new offshore oil and gas field developments in the Arctic seas that are designed for year-round production in potentially 100-meter-deep waters. These structures support multibillion-dollar drilling, production, and storage facilities that are typically commissioned with topsides and consumables before entering the Arctic, and are towed with these elements already installed on the GBS to the installation site. However, the tow not only presents a high risk during the installation phase of the platform, but also has a significant influence on the design and cost of the GBS. Movement of these large offshore structures through the Bering Straits and into position at the installation location includes unique risks that result from the minimal precedence of these tows and the scarcity of local support and contingency ports. This situation suggest that typical approaches to risk identification, design criteria development, and application of risk mitigation approaches may merit reevaluation. This paper will discuss the logistics related to the movement of these large structures and discuss the various cost- and schedule-related risks that have to be identified to support the early design phases of the GBS.
Results Using Azipod Propulsion in Ice Management Operations
Authors: Hanninen Samuli , Heideman Torsten , Toivanen Olli 
Published: June 2014

Abstract
A major part of world's oil and gas reserves are located in Arctic and Subarctic seas, such as Sakhalin fields in Okthosk Sea as well in Chuchki Sea, Beaufort Sea Alaska. Year around operations in these areas results increasing need for special designed icebreaking offshore support vessels and tankers. Important characteristic of these vessels is the capability in ice managent duties.
Azimuth thruster offers great flexibility in different ice management using the thruster wake and propeller close contact with ice. Electric propulsion with Azipod propulsors has been used in such vessels with good success for many years and the system itself has shown to be reliable and very good characteristics when operated in ice. In Sakhalin region there has accumulated experience from 7 icebreaking vessels with ABB electric propulsion many equipped with Azipods. Recently two new icebreaking vessels with Azipod have been built for Arkutun-Dagi field. Electric Azipod propulsion system have been playing an important part in several arctic ship projects making the demanding projects technically and economically feasible. In this paper will be presented characteristics as well some full-scle test results where Azipod units are used in ice management type operations.
Performance Evaluation of a Multiphase Electric Submersible Pump
Authors: Morrison G. , Pirouspanah S. , Kirland K. , Scott S.L. , Barrios L.J. 
Published: June 2014

Abstract
Electrical Submersible Pumps (ESP) are widely used in upstream oil production. Pumps with the ability to operate with fluid streams that include gas are increasing. To better understand the ESP pump's behavior in these multiphase flow situations, Split Vane Impeller Pump (SVIP) designed for multiphase flow has been studied experimentally to determine the pump's performance in different operating conditions. The SVIP is a multi-vane electrical submersible pump which has been designed to increase the gas handling capacity of typical multiphase ESPs up to 70% gas volume fraction. Homogenized flow and finer bubbles produced by the SVIP pump helps the ESP to delay the surging and gas lock condition until higher gas volume fractions occur. The goal is to operate effectively at high GVF. In this work, an experimental study on the performance of a 3-stage SVIP is performed. Overall pump performance for different operating conditions are investigated for different inlet pressure, inlet gas volume fraction, water flow rate and rotation speeds using a mixture of water and air.
Development and Possible Applications of Mebo200 for Geotechnical Investigations for the Underwater Mining
Authors: Spagnoli G. , Freudenthal T. , Strasser M. , Weixler L. 
Published: June 2014

Abstract
Deepsea mining sites are usually large areas of polymetallic nodules or seafloor massive sulfide (SMS) deposits. Prior to underwater mining campaigns, successful exploration programs have to be taken into account in order to include selection of target areas by means of seafloor and sub-seafloor surveys of the rocks and sediments. Coring of the submarine sediments plays a major role for evaluating of the marine sediments and they are useful for future mining operations. The main geology which hosts the polymetallic nodules is pelagic clay. On the seafloor and specifically at the mudline, this kind of soils has very low undrained shear strength up to 20 kPa. In order to properly design the nodule harvester, which will be in contact with the sea floor, physical properties of the seabed and shallow subsurface (i.e. the upper 100–200m)are needed to compute bearing capacity. Underwater soil cores can be used to evaluate soil type, cohesion, unit weight of soil, modulus of elasticity. Seafloor massive sulfide (SMS) deposits are very different from the polymetallic nodules. In this case, cores are needed in order to assess possible anomalies. Measured uniaxial compressive strength (UCS) values strengths in the SMS zone can be very high. Drill cores are required for assessing the mineral content at these deposits. The MeBo200 is a sea bed drill rig presently developed by the MARUM Center for Marine Environmental Sciences at the University of Bremen and the department of Maritime Technologies of BAUER Maschinen GmbH. It is well suited for core drilling in formations of comparable strength and therefore it is suitable preparatory geotechnical exploration. MeBo200 is the second generation of MeBo. From 2008 to 2012 MeBo was employed in 9 expeditions. 66 deployments took place in up to 2,050 m water depth. 1,445 m were cored in different type of geologies, concentrating more on the quality of the cores. These include crystalline rocks from the Porcupine Bank west of Ireland, as well as very soft homogenous silty clays in the Gela Basin with very low undrained shear strength values. The recovery rate was good for hard rocks and cohesive soft sediments. Taking into account the case histories of MeBo it is possible to state that for underwater mining applications the new MeBo200 can be utilized for geological and geotechnical drilling campaigns.
Gap analysis for the development of a Geohazard Monitoring and Warning System
Authors: Cauquil Eric 
Published: June 2014

Abstract
The classical approach to cope with geohazards is to conduct a "baseline" geohazard assessment recognizing the threat (shallow gas, shallow water flow, gas hydrate, unconsolidated / over consolidated sediments, slope instabilities, over steepening seafloor (fault through, pockmarks…), active faults, mud volcanoes, seabed fluid escapes, chemosynthetic communities…) and to avoid it by moving the facility outside the impact area of the given geohazard. Avoidance is the safest and most satisfactory long-term solution to cope with geohazards. However, as E&P activity is moving to more complex and deeper geo-environmental contexts, recent projects have shown that it may not be possible to avoid the geohazard and its impact area. In this case, mitigation measures as reducing risk through engineering work may be implemented so that the risk is reduced to an acceptable level. In addition to the "baseline" approach, it may be necessary to evaluate the impact of a given geohazard that may evolve during the field life time (20–25 years). This new concern introduces the notion of time that is rather difficult to address for geological processes. For example, an area may be recognized as a sliding prone area and appropriate mitigation in terms of foundation design may be proposed during the engineering study, but the long term behavior of the sliding area must be properly evaluated and monitored for forecasting during the field lifetime. Similarly, seabed conditions and foundation bearing capacity may be subject to modifications during the life time of a field due to E&P itself, as subsidence due to reservoir depletion or overpressure due to gas/water/cutting reinjection.
Pre-FEED decision making for mooring system configuration using Progressive Reliability Method
Authors: Mousavi Mir Emad , Haverty Kevin 
Published: June 2014

Abstract
The safety of an offshore structure is significantly affected by the decisions made early in the Pre-FEED and FEED stages; however, a quantitative measure to evaluate the effect of each decision on system safety is usually not available. Mooring systems are particularly vulnerable offshore structures to such early decisions because they are exposed to uncertain extreme environments and already have a relatively high rate of failure in their components. This paper presents a Pre-FEED quantitative reliability analysis for the configuration selection of a mooring system, accounting for the uncertainties associated with the environmental loads and component strengths. By estimating the annual probability of failure of alternative mooring configurations, using Progressive Reliability Method (PRM) and some simplifying assumptions, the additional safety versus additional cost of different mooring configurations compared to the based configuration are compared and discussed. In the analysis of this study, the redundancy of the mooring system is considered by defining the system failure as if two or more mooring lines fail. The environmental conditions and the mooring component capacity variations are selected based on Gulf of Mexico projects. By estimating the response of the mooring system based on limited dynamic analysis for various return periods and loading directions, a regression model is used to develop the probability distribution of the conditional probabilities of failure under each return period and estimate the annual probability of failure of the mooring system. This simplified method decouples the environmental demand probabilistic analysis from the component demand and capacity probability distributions and therefore uses a practical probabilistic model to compute the safety of alternative mooring configurations. The results are useful for identifying the safest alternative configuration as well as quantifying the effect of adding more lines to the system or risk of each configuration. This study discusses the strength failure of the mooring components under extreme loads and other failure modes are beyond the scope of this work.
Evaluation Of A Composite Device With An Embedded Non-Intrusive Water Cut Sensing Platform For Production Tubing And Well Completions
Authors: Parker Alan , Edward Giles , Ladwa Ramesh M 
Published: June 2014

Abstract
We present the development of a unique water-cut/component meter with sensor elements embedded in a composite thermoplastic pipe. It is suitable for use in a high pressure, high temperature, and / or sour service environment. Composite construction allows the sensor elements to lie outside the flow path, without flow obstruction or contact with the flow-line fluids, and the sensing is capable of measuring the full flow line diameter without the need for active mixing, or vertical orientation of the meter. The sensing systems are low power, robust and are designed for zero planned intervention during a multi-year life. The sensor device is monolithic and suitable for high hydrostatic and flow line pressure and applicable for production tubing and well completions. The meter design is embodied in an number of patent applications.