bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Impact of Carbon Geological Sequestration
Authors: Xie Xina , Economides Michael J. 
Published: March 2009

Abstract
Although CO2 geological sequestration is the most popular carbon storage method promoted and pilot tested, the economic feasibility and technical risks for commercial scale sequestration projects are rarely mentioned. More significant is that, apart from rhetorical pronouncements, the would-be impact of the operation on climate change is not discussed. This work studies the technical risks, regulatory issues, and economic burden of CO2 geological sequestration on the U.S. by using the Kyoto Protocol emission requirement as the base line. The potential effect of burying all the extra CO2 regulated by Kyoto Protocol on global temperature change is also evaluated.
The lack of regulatory framework is blamed as one of the obstacles for slowing or stopping CO2 geological sequestration practice. However, any regulatory issues are intertwined and dominated by the physics of the injection process itself and its economic viability. This study analyzes the uncertainty and/or risks caused by CO2 geological sequestration in oil and gas reservoirs, saline aquifers, and coalbeds. The work shows that the potential technical and legal risks and financial costs for sequestering CO2 underground make it impossible to promulgate any regulatory framework without causing detrimental effects on economic development and energy utilization. It is estimated that CO2 sequestration in U.S. will cost over $1 trillion annually for CO2 geological sequestration by complying with the Kyoto Protocol. Even if the global temperature increase of 0.7 degrees Celsius over the past 100 years is solely caused by anthropogenic CO2 emission, the change on the global temperature by sequestering all the CO2 emitted exceeding the 95% of 1990 level will be negligible. The dynamic climate and weather patterns on Earth will make it impossible to be verified.
This work gives a realistic situation on the potential impacts of commercial scale CO2 sequestration projects on economics, environment, and the global climate change. The findings of this study can be used to evaluate the risks of the CO2 geological sequestration projects.
New Tool Assists Informed Purchasing Decisions Based on Overall Cost and HSE Risk Potential of Well Construction Fluids
Authors: Gilbert Ylva , Kumpulainen Anna , Syrjanen Mikko 
Published: March 2009

Abstract
The well construction fluid (WCF) used in a particular operation influences the overall cost of the well construction both during and after the construction phase. The fluid can also be associated with a certain Cost at Risk potential, as unwanted incidents involving fluids may lead to consequences that carry costs. These costs can be related to the fluid's hazard level. The cost and risk related data requirements that support informed WCF choice decisions include direct fluid costs, but also cost items related to operational deployment and production stream treatment. Health, safety and environment (HSE) direct and indirect costs through risk and liability potential also form an important input into the decision making process. Identifying the most cost effective fluid that carries least risk potential may therefore significantly enhance overall well economics.
To compare overall fluid costs, the different fluid pricing models, overall operational costs and HSE related risk potential must be evaluated and summed in the same format. The Activity Based Costing (ABC) approach provides a valid framework for allocating indirect operational costs to each well construction activity and evaluating the overall operational expenditure per well. However, such overarching cost comparisons for WCF choice appear to be rare. This is considered partially attributable to a lack of a simple yet overarching cost and risk assessment tool. This paper presents the management advantages achievable from using a novel, decision supporting software tool for collating and analysing all charges related to the deployment of WCF.
The tool utilises operator, location and operation-specific data in a format that supports data collation across different asset team departments and budgets. This enables systematic, fast, repeatable yet operation-specific assessment and allows management to base decisions on the overall cost and HSE risk associated with the assessed WCF alternatives. The tool has been initially set up to compare high-density completion brines. It provides management with a clear overview of the overall financial implications and comparative HSE risks and advantages related to fluid choice. The approach is currently being adopted by a major oil company and integrated into their fluid decisions-analysis software.
Use of No-Purge Groundwater Sampling Techniques to Eliminate Health and Safety Concerns and Reduce Costs
Authors: Fields Karen 
Published: March 2009

Abstract
Semi-annual groundwater sampling is conducted at a petroleum facility in northern Kentucky. The site is situated on a very steep slope along the banks of the Ohio River. A near miss occurred in October 2006 when technicians were emptying a 325-gallon polytank containing purge water into an oil/water separator. A technician was lifting the tank to get the last few gallons of purge water out of the tank when the tank slipped and fell out of the truck bed, almost hitting a second technician. A root cause analysis was conducted and it brought to light the inherent risks associated with moving large volumes of water around the site. It was decided to use an alternative sampling technique (a no-purge sampling device called a HydraSleeve) to eliminate the generation of purge water, which in turn eliminated the safety concerns with hauling the purge water around the site. No-purge sampling has been shown to produce comparable results to standard purge and sample techniques for certain constituents. As an additional benefit, no-purge sampling has reduced the amount of time to conduct the sampling— from about 4-5 days to about 2 days; thereby also reducing the costs. Thus, an increased concern for safety doesn't have to lead to an increased cost.
Safety in Offshore Frac Hose Rig Hookups
Authors: Arceneaux Chris , DeKerlegand Kim 
Published: March 2009

Abstract
Large volume sand control and reservoir stimulation methods in the offshore market require connecting a heavy, low-yielding flexible hose from the service company stimulation vessel to the drilling rig or platform (Henceforth referred to as "rig"). From there it is typically connected to rigid high pressure treating line routed to a manifold. The use of a flexible hose anchoring point pre-installed on the rig greatly reduces exposure to accidents by eliminating dangerous chaining up methods to secure the hose to the rig. This device may remain on the rig for future pumping events.
The use of a flexible hose rig-anchoring point provides an engineered solution to reduced human, hands-on interaction when securing the treatment hose to the rig prior to a sand control or stimulation pumping event. Pinch points for hand and foot interactions are eliminated.
Placing workers in precarious situations on the outboard of the rig's handrail, high above the water surface is prevented by use of a "drop-in and lock-in" landing plate that supports the flexible hose and its connection flange in a vertical position.
This process saves time by eliminating repositioning measures when having to secure the flexible hose to some fixed object on the outboard side of the rig such as handrail posts or mooring cleats using chains.
Sustainability Assessment via Sustainable Value Added and Composite Sustainable Development Index on the Example of Petroleum Majors
Authors: Fries B. 
Published: March 2009

Abstract
Based on the rising social and political pressure regarding sustainable development of corporations, sustainability is getting a more and more significant issue for the business management. To control the sustainable development of a corporation it is essential to assess the performance for benchmarking purposes or to monitor the developments over time. In the last years several methods have been developed for this purpose. In this paper two methods, a monetary and a non-monetary, are introduced and applied to assess the sustainability performance of the petroleum majors.
The paper in hand presents the concept of sustainable development and explains two methods to assess the associated performance: the Sustainable Value Added (SVA) and the Composite Sustainable Development Index (CSDI). The SVA is a monetary approach, which compares the value creation resulting from the use of a resource with a benchmark according to the concept of opportunity costs and is able to combine the ecological, the social and the economic dimension in this way. The CSDI is a non-monetary method, which is based on the analytical hierarchical process determining the contribution of a single indicator of one of the three dimensions to the total sustainability. The result is a single aggregated measure, which can be compared with other companies or the last years.
Using the data of sustainability and annual reports, the two methods are applied to the petroleum majors: BP, Shell, Total, ExxonMobil, Chevron and ConocoPhillips. Based on the findings the approaches are compared and their applicability is discussed. A limitation of the paper is the data availability, for the application of the SVA-method the social dimension is neglected.
The results allow a critical review of the methods by comparing the results of the monetary and the non-monetary assessment and give answers about the expressiveness of the different approaches. The conclusions of the study should serve as a recommendation for petroleum companies, how to assess their sustainability performance or at least give an idea about potential assessment procedures in regard of sustainable development.
Institutionalization of HSE
Authors: Hallmark Ronald G. 
Published: March 2009

Abstract
The paper describes a road map to achieving "Institutionalization of HSE" which is defined as an organization or company which has a safety culture so engrained that HSE activities are performed by all levels of the organization as a part of their normal daily routine. The paper describes the characteristics of an institutionalized company and then lists the steps to achievement. This roadmap to "Institutionalization of HSE" can be applied to any organization. The examples upon which this author based the paper were oil & gas assets on 4 continents.
The author found that there are specific key characteristics common in organizations which achieve world class HSE performance. By listing the characteristics, one may compare them to their own organization to identify gaps. The world class performers all combine mandatory behaviors and reward mechanisms to achieve success which are highlighted in the paper.
Safety management systems have been around for decades but recently many companies are asking why their Safety systems and programs haven't achieved a definitive "Safety Culture". World Class HSE performers have already achieved "Safety Culture" and have moved to the next level, "Institutionalization of HSE".
Rig Safety and Reliability Incidents Caused by Software: How They Could Have Been Prevented
Authors: Shafer Don 
Published: March 2009

Abstract
The Canadian Defense Force and the US Coast Guard list software along with fire, explosion, flood, and earthquake as risks that produce extreme vulnerabilities to maritime technology systems. More than half the US's imported oil comes through the Gulf of Mexico. Fifteen percent of the US daily oil supply comes through the Louisiana Offshore Oil Port system just 20 miles off of New Orleans. Chances are the port won't be shut down by a bang but by a mere keystroke! The control software running these offshore oil and gas drilling and production platforms is extremely vulnerable to unproven, unmanaged and untested software releases.
These problems exist because the equipment manufacturers, maritime contractors and operators have very little incentive to fix the vulnerabilities. Their driving goal is to make their operations a profitable as possible while complying with the minimal HSSE rules and regulations. In most cases they have little knowledge of software and systems engineering and can neither evaluate vulnerabilities nor devise solutions once problems arise. Many organizations share the blame for this lack of incentive. This presentation will recount some recent safety disasters and near misses caused by software vulnerabilities. Attendees will learn how to ensure that complex software systems function not only on first use but throughout their life cycle. The author and his team have performed software verification and validation on systems from Norway to Singapore, from Brazil to Angola, and through out the Gulf of Mexico.
Water Issues Relating to Heavy Oil Production
Authors: Veil J. A. , Quinn J. J. , Garcia J. P. 
Published: March 2009

Abstract
Crude oil occurs in many different forms throughout the world. An important characteristic of crude oil that affects the ease at which it can be produced is its density and viscosity. Lighter crude oil typically can be produced more easily and at a lower cost than heavier crude oil. Historically, much of the world's oil supply came from light or medium crude oil sources. Oil and gas companies are actively looking toward heavier crude oil sources to help meet demands and to take advantage of large heavy oil reserves located in many countries. Heavy oil includes very viscous oil resources like those found in some fields in California and Venezuela and oil (or tar) sands. In this paper, oil shale is also considered as heavy oil.
Produced water is the largest by-product associated with conventional oil production. The cost of managing large volumes of produced water is an important component of the overall cost of producing oil. Most mature oil fields rely on injected water to maintain formation pressure during production. The processes involved with heavy oil production often require external water supplies for steam generation, washing, and other steps. While some heavy oil processes generate produced water, others generate different types of industrial wastewater. Management and disposition of the wastewater presents challenges and costs for the operators. This paper describes water requirements relating to heavy oil production and potential sources for that water. It also describes how water is used and the resulting water quality impacts associated with heavy oil production.
Why We Don't Learn What We Should from HAZOPs
Authors: Duhon Howard J. 
Published: March 2009

Abstract
It is difficult to learn effectively from projects for many reasons. Despite these difficulties we have learned a great deal in the area of process safety over the past few years as a result of more intense focus on safety both in design and in operation. An example of the increased focus on safety is the increased use of HAZOPs. Almost all process designs are now subjected to one or more HAZOP studies over the course of the project. A HAZOP is a structured method for identifying process design flaws. No such method could ever be perfect. Some design errors will be missed; some problems identified may not be effectively corrected; and some problem "corrections" create new, sometimes worse problems.
This paper applies a structured method to identify cognitive, social and organizational factors which limit the effectiveness of HAZOPs. It is important to consider behavior at these three levels to get a complete picture. At the cognitive level we are interested in why individuals make mistakes and why they resist efforts of others to correct those mistakes (defensiveness). At the social level we need to consider how social interactions, especially those within a design team, impact design effectiveness and defensiveness. Impacts at the organizational level are more subtle and less well understood. The overall organization of a large project will include the operating company, partners, design contractors, construction and installation contractors, vendors, government agencies and others. The processes, procedures, standards and cultures of each of these groups and the interfaces between these groups will impact design decisions and the ability of the design teams to implement changes.
Studying the HAZOP process via a structured method yields new insights into the causes of limited learning in HAZOPs. These insights provide ideas for improving the HAZOP process.
HAZOPs are the last and best line of defense we have for catching design errors and omissions. A significant improvement in the process could provide a step change in the safety performance of process designs.
Facilitating a Change in HSE Culture: How to Understand an Organization's Culture and Affect Change
Authors: Cranford Curtis 
Published: March 2009

Abstract

Introduction
Facilitating a culture change in an organization, both large and small, is a daunting task. The first basic step in this process, to identify the existing culture of the organization, is often the first miscue. This can send the organization down the wrong path from the beginning resulting in wasted time and effort, and causing frustration. EH&S culture is often difficult to correctly determine because the factor of being "politically correct" may cloud the ability to see through facades disguising the true beliefs within the organization.
One of the modern technical definitions of culture, "socially patterned human thoughts and behaviors" shows us that we must identify an organization's true culture through the behaviors and beliefs of all levels of employees. Being able to correctly assess an organization's culture is imperative to understanding what changes must occur in order for the entire organization to progress.
An organization's EH&S program and its culture share a symbiotic relationship. Culture, employee behaviors and beliefs, initially defines the EH&S program or lack there of. The EH&S program, once implemented, will then affect the culture. As the culture changes, this in turn will allow the EH&S program to shift to a level of greater prominence, which will then again affect change in the organization's culture. This process will continue until halted by the culture reaching a point of resistance philosophically in which beliefs and/or behaviors can no longer be changed.
Optimal Life-Cycle Model for Ranking Environmental Performance of E&P Programs
Authors: Abhulimen Kingsley 
Published: March 2009

Abstract
The objective of this paper is to present a novel multiobjective optimization strategy using a weighted optimal Life Cycle Analysis (WOLCA) model to rank environmental performance of Exploration and Production programs. The weighted optimal Life Cycle Assessment (WOLCA) was use to formulate an environmental rank index that incorporates economic tradeoff for selecting best exploration and production (E&P) HSE (Health, Safety, Environment) programs. The application of the model to measure the environmental performance of a typical E & P company based on published HSE data of oil spills and air pollution were weighted statistically and ranked yearly according to their best environmental impact reduction merits over the ten years of operations of the E&P company from 1999-2007. The Environmental impact relating to the impacts of gas flaring and oil spill along pipelines based on the HSE annual report were derived from the concept of the weighted optimal life cycle assessment, the weights being generated using Normal Probability Distributions of the EIU (Environmental Impact Units). The resulting economic and environment and cost multiobjective optimization models were solved using goal-programming (GP) techniques in which the performance index are ranked and then minimized lexicographically. A matrix of deviation from the zero waste targets was formulated using the Jacobean formulation derived from the Liapunov Stability Criteria. A typical E&P HSE program was studied and simulated for the environmental rank and zero target improvement indexes. The results for the E&P case study showed that their environmental performance was poor in 2000 and 2004 with a zero target improvement index being 0.1018 and 0.4151 above zero baselines. Year 2004 exhibited the least environmental performance.The enironmental rank index for year 2000 and 2004 being 0.197165 and 0.198559 having the highest rank fraction in the years spanning 1999-2007. Based on the simulated results, it was possible to rank the environmental performance of E&P Company under a single digit metric. The cost index was derived from the penalties paid as oil spill fines, the cost rank index derived provided a metric of cost associated with the spills and the cost benefits or improvements considered as the economic tradeoffs. This model would be useful to E&P HSE managers, Operators and Regulators to compare the environmental performance of HSE programs of different E& P companies over a common baseline. It would also serves as a useful tool for environmental auditors in providing an informed audit on the actual impact of the E&P Life Cycle operations on the environment.
Comments regarding the USEPA Proposed Class VI Well Rule
Authors: Holliday G. H. 
Published: March 2009

Abstract
On 25 July 2008, US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed a rule governing carbon dioxide (CO2) sequestration wells, e.g., newly EPA designated Class VI wells. The Agency cites many references regarding Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) wells, but demonstrates a lack of applying these concepts to CO2 retention projects. Literature citations range from pulling cemented casing, milling thousands of feet of casing, to using "milling stones" give experienced oil and gas operators pause for concern: Is the Agency in over their heads? One of the major concerns regarding the proposed rule is the high degree of technical support expected by the Agency from the oil and gas upstream industry.
The agency looks to API and other standards writing bodies to prospectively develop materials, hardware and techniques to make the rules viable. Currently, upstream oil and gas operators are experience difficulty staffing in-house engineering groups for the purpose of producing sufficient oil and gas to meet demands. Availability of industry engineers to simultaneously design CO2 sequestration projects appears highly questionable. The lack of qualified industry engineers can lead to speculators submitting inferior sequestration plans to EPA. If the plans are accepted and the speculator starts injection, but goes bankrupt, the project is left to the agency to complete. Is the Agency capable?
The paper discusses the EPA printed proposal, cites concerns, reviews some of the questionable citations, and recommends minimum technical qualification requirements and written examinations for EPA reviewers and Regional Directors so they can recognize speculator's questionable sequestration project proposals from well engineered proposals.