bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Overview of Subsea Monitoring and Inspection Technologies Development in RPSEA
Authors: Pappas James Marcus , Richardson Donald 
Published: April 2012

Abstract
This paper describes concepts being developed in subsea monitoring andinspection through the Research Partnership to Secure Energy for America's(RPSEA) Ultra-Deepwater Program technologies development program. It is meantto provide an overview of the organization and several projects to be presentedin the OTC technical session, under the Subsea Production and ProcessingSystems proposal category.
RPSEA manages a Federal research program for the United States Department ofEnergy, under guidance from the National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL). The program was conceived in the 2005 Energy Policy Act under Section 999, Subtitle J. One of the RPSEA programs is geared toward ultra-deepwater researchand technologies development to increase production and reserves in a safe andenvironmentally sound manner in the ultra-deepwater Gulf of Mexico. Theprojects and results to be presented in this session encompass subseamonitoring and inspection from different perspectives.
The results of the projects to follow will allow the oil and gas deepwaterindustry to improve its ability to monitor and detect problems earlier, atlower costs, and more reliably than currently available methods. The projectsinclude improved riser sensors for corrosion, leak or plume detection;magnetic-flux leakage and vibration-based technologies for risers; developmentof a reliable AUV for inspections; the ability to use 3D high-resolution laserimaging and/or tuned acoustics for subsea equipment; as well as novel pipelinesensor development schemes.
The development of these technologies into commercially applicable tools willenhance monitoring and inspection of all below-waterline equipment. Theiradoption will provide the offshore oil and gas industry the opportunity toforesee and forestall problematic or catastrophic events and result in saferand more environmentally benign operations.

Introduction

Technology Development.
Traditionally the oil and gas exploration and development industry has beenslow to uptake new technologies.
Since the mid-1980s, following a precipitous decline in natural gas and oilprices, the industry's operating companies have dramatically reduced theirinvestment in research and development, as shown in Figure 1.
Multidisciplinary Approach to Data Acquisition of Major Deepwater Infrastructure Pipelines--A Comparison of Techniques Employed To Ensure Continuous Route Coverage, Abyssal Plain to Landfall
Authors: Hawkins Robert Alexander , Crane Lee , Denis Raphael 
Published: April 2012

Abstract
Subsea pipeline designers are taking on more ambitious projects as both thedemand for gas and the distance between the source of supply and the marketplace increase. This has driven national pipeline transmission companies andoil and gas operators to seek more efficient routes and develop improvedinfrastructure networks. To meet these requirements major pipelines are beingrouted across deepwater areas and tectonic boundaries which were technicallynot possible ten years ago. Engineers are therefore faced with the challenge ofdesigning pipelines that pass through a variety of environments includinglandfalls, shallow water continental margins, potentially unstable continentalslopes, and abyssal plains. This paper describes the geophysical, geotechnical, and geological survey techniques that should be used to ensure that there is acontinuous coverage of data for the various environments encountered along atypical route. The paper also explains that the data acquisition stage is partof the process to ensure that a comprehensive integrated Earth science data setis acquired for Front End Engineering Design (FEED).

Introduction
This paper presents a comparison of geophysical survey and geotechnicalinvestigation techniques that should be employed in the varying environmentsencountered along a typical deepwater pipeline route. It discusses differencesin the requirements between an initial reconnaissance survey, where a number ofpotential routes are surveyed on a regional scale, and a detailed survey, identifying the final route and acquiring high resolution data collection forpipeline design. Additionally, it describes when the surveys should occur inthe pipeline project cycle and their relevance at each stage.

A Conceptual Deepwater Pipeline Route
The objective of a pipeline route survey is to ensure a consistent data setalong the route at the resolution necessary to establish a safe pipeline route. In most cases, there are areas along the route that are benign and stablewhilst there are other sections that may be exposed to geohazards that maydamage the pipeline. These sections, and the environment through which theypass, require detailed investigation not only along the route itself but in thesurrounding areas that may hold hazards which could impact the integrity of thepipeline. Appropriate techniques for acquiring survey data in the followingenvironments will be discussed:LandfallContinental shelfContinental slopeAbyssal plain
A typical deepwater pipeline is either transporting oil or gas onshore from adeepwater frontier field or transferring oil or gas from one continent toanother, connecting the source to the market via the shortest route (commonlycrossing an abyssal plain).
An Efficient Hull for Cost-Effective Power Solutions
Authors: Roddier Dominique G. , Cermelli christian 
Published: April 2012

Abstract
In this paper, updated conceptual designs and preliminary schedule estimatesfor the MiniFloat-III power generation hull will be presented. In this study, the MiniFloat hull is sized to support power generation capacity ranging from 5to 100 MW.
The MiniFloat platform is a small semi-submersible with excellent motioncharacteristics. It has been under technical development since 2003. The designphilosophy has been to optimize the economical benefits by minimizing the totalcost of the project. This is achieved by addressing all areas of thedevelopment, and by favoring simplicity in the engineering, fabrication, towing, installation and commissioning of the unit. Technical qualification ofthe MiniFloat includes hydrodynamic, structural and model tests results.
The MiniFloat was sized specifically for power generation equipment to supportsubsea equipment in marginal field developments. One variation of the MiniFloatconcept is the WindFloat, a hull supporting a large (2–10 MW) floating windturbine. The WindFloat is the most advanced form of the MiniFloat, with thefirst unit fabricated in the spring 2011 and commissioned at the end of thesummer. Again, simplicity in all phases, from turbine commissioning at quayside to a wet tow to the deployment site has significant commercial advantages. Applicability of those learnings to the subsea power generation unit will beaddressed in the manuscript.
Large subsea developments are highly sensitive to project CAPEX and amount ofpower delivered to the sea bed. Being able to deliver constant, reliable powerto the subsea, in all type of wave environments, while minimizing the cost ofthe platform supporting the power production equipment is crucial to thisindustry. It will enable the US to develop its marginal fields in the GOM, whenother solutions may not be technically feasible. This has tremendous benefitsin today's world economy where there is significant desire to decrease thedependence on foreign oil.

Introduction

Background Information
The MiniFloat platform as shown in Figure 1 is a small semi-submersible withexcellent motion characteristics. It has been under technical development since2003. The design philosophy has been to optimize the economical benefits byminimizing the total cost of the project. This is achieved by addressing allareas of the development, and by favoring simplicity in the engineering, fabrication, towing, installation and commissioning of the unit.
OPTI Hull Series: A Versatile Platform for Deepwater Field Development
Authors: DaSilva Otto M. , Knecht Harris 
Published: April 2012

Abstract
The design of semisubmersibles for oil production is a balancing act betweencompeting needs. The design tries to achieve the best possible solution so thatthe production up time is safely maximized for a minimum construction cost andfastest schedule and delivery.
This paper describes the philosophies used and methodologies applied in theinitial hull sizing, vessel motion responses, pontoon and columncompartmentation, structural continuity, deck integrity, deck integration atquayside, marine system reliability and hull inspection program that makes theOPTI series of semisubmersibles a good candidate for producing fields in alltypes of environments. The paper also touches on the regulatory requirementchanges that occurred after hurricanes Rita and Katrina in relation to thedesign waves and required airgap for extreme conditions.
Lastly, the work performed to qualify the hull series for wells with directvertical access (DVA) or " dry trees" will be presented.

Application
One of the main motivations for the OPTI series was to reduce the time betweenproject sanction and start of production by developing a design that could beeasily scalable to accommodate a wide range of production levels. The resultwas the OPTI-EX that was designed and then built on a speculative basis withouta particular client in mind or an identified location. This unit can handlesmaller fields with production levels between 20,000 and 60,000 bopd and hassufficient spare deck capacity to adapt to the specific requirements of anyclient.

Introduction
The OPTI series of semisubmersible floating production hull forms was derivedfrom Exmar's unique series of drilling semisubmersible designs (E-2500, E-II, etc.) which feature the patented " pontoon in front of column placement", knownas the " lip" configuration. This " lip" configuration was conceived to canceland/or minimize heave motions. See Reference [1[.
For drilling designs, the " lip" was placed only on the bow and stern because itwas assumed that a preferred heading either would be found on the dynamicallypositioned (DP) or moored into a predominant direction so the heave cancelationcharacteristics were mainly required in head seas. In addition, since drillingapplications have more supply/crane operations from the sides, both offshoreand at the quay, the extra width was removed from the side of thepontoons.
For the production application during hurricanes, no preferred directionalitycan be assumed, and with a slightly deeper draft (greater distance to supplyboat hulls) and less supply boat activity, the " lip" was placed on all foursides to give the hull its omni-directionality.
The drilling series were further " OPTI-mized" with the unique five-sided columnshape with its inherent benefits for structural integrity, stability, andvortex induced motion (VIM) behavior.
Subsea Sampling: Reducing Uncertainty From PVT by Utilizing Representative Sampling Subsea
Authors: Pinguet Bruno G. , Vethe Eivind , Smith Michael Thomas , Smith Gerald , Sbordone Andrea , Nighswander John Allan 
Published: April 2012

Abstract
Inaccurate PVT information has been shown to contribute significantly toincreased uncertainty for subsea multiphase and wet gas meters when determiningstandard conditions flow rates. Typically, subsea meters have been set-up usingPVT information gained from samples taken during drilling. Rarely has this databeen updated, due to lack of access to quality representative samples. Thispaper addresses the issues regarding access to well stream fluids, the abilityto capture representative samples, sample handling and storage, and the dataneeded to recombine the samples, and possibilities to implement solutions tothese challenging conditions.
Multiphase meters serve as the operator's eye into the subsea multiphase flowprocess and provide volumetric flow rates and split between the oil, water andgas phases along with a number of measured and calculated values. The dataprovided by the meters is used for flow assurance, allocation, and productionmanagement and to gain understanding of the reservoir structure, hence theimportance of maintaining the quality of the measurement over time. Themeasurements from any inline meters are reported at line conditions, where themeasurements are taken, usually near the subsea tree, but the operator usuallyrequires the meter to provide flow rates in Standard Conditions as well. Theseline conditions measurements are then converted to standard conditions usingeither a set of correlation (black oil model usually) or a tuned Equation ofState (EOS). Depending on the fluids, the method used can have an impact of upto +/- 30% uncertainty at standard conditions (Joshua Oldham, Exxon Mobil, atSubsea Tieback 2008).
In order to reduce this source of uncertainty, the EOS must be updated asneeded. If wells are commingled subsea the only way to gather the informationneeded is to sample the fluids at meter conditions in a representative stateand recombine them in the laboratory.
The remainder of the paper will describe the tools and methods needed toachieve this as developed by Schlumberger and Framo Engineering.
Development of the ROVDrill Mk.2 Seabed Push Sampling, Rotary Coring and In-Situ Testing System
Authors: Edmunds James , Machin Jonathan Bruce , Cowie Michael 
Published: April 2012

Abstract
The ROVDrill Mk.2 is a state-of-the-art seabed push sampling, rotary coring andin situ testing system designed for working in 2500m water depth and obtaininggeotechnical data to a depth of 120m below seabed. The system has beendeveloped as a geotechnical upgrade to two ROVDrill subsea robotic drillingsystems previously utilised in rotary coring mode in deep-water for the seabedmining industry.
The paper considers the key design features of the current generation of subseadrill rigs and contrasts some of the key conceptual design differences betweenthem. A brief case study looking at the evolution of the ROVDrill Mk.2 rig ispresented including discussion of some of the technical upgrades and an outlineof its principal specifications.
A number of benefits of seabed drilling are highlighted, with particular regardto working in deep water and harsh environments. With the elimination of humanexposure to pipe and tool handling risks, improved operational efficiency andsample quality and increased borehole depth accuracy, the development of seabedpush sampling, rotary coring and in situ testing systems are attractive to theoffshore site investigation market and a real alternative to traditional drillships.

A Brief History of Subsea Drilling Technology
Subsea drilling equipment began to appear in commercial use in the 1970's. Theearliest examples of these units were diver operated, marinized terrestrialsingle-shot rotary diamond core drilling rigs used for shallow rock coring forsurvey purposes. They also found application installing the small diameterpiles which are used to restrain and stabilize oil and gas pipelines in shallowwater zones with rocky seabeds, such as those found in the Persian Gulf and NWAustralia coastal oilfields.
During the last 25 years or so, in step with the marine industry move to deeperwater beyond diver depths and taking advantage of increasingly standardized andsophisticated ROV control technology, subsea drill rigs have become remotelyoperated. Early examples remained as single-shot rotary coring systems, butmore capable rigs were developed initially for the deep-water scientific rockcoring research community. As the technology matured more sophisticated drillrig functionality was developed such as subsea pipe storage racks, iron-roughnecks/foot-clamps for pipe make/break, drill/grout mud pumps andcomplete monitoring and surveillance systems.
Since 1996 a number of heavier duty subsea drill rigs have been built for usein the both geological research and commercial subsea geotechnical market. These units are of higher power (up to 150HP) and are capable of drillinglarger diameter bores (typically in the range 50mm to 75mm core diametercapability) and to greater depth (from 20m to over about 100m) than previousrigs. Systems targeting the geotechnical market additionally feature as aminimum push sampling (i.e. sampling of uncemented soils) and cone penetrationtesting (CPT) capabilities.
Continuous Anti-Agglomerant LDHI Application for Deepwater Subsea Tieback: A Study on Water Quality and Low Water Cut Scenarios
Authors: Webber Peter Andrew , Conrad Peter , Lewis David , Jagneaux Ricky L. 
Published: April 2012

Abstract
This paper details the continuous field application of an anti-agglomerant lowdosage hydrate inhibitor (AA-LDHI) for a deepwater Gulf of Mexico subseatieback with an unconventional projected production profile. Due to pumplimitations and projected production, as well as methanol-in-crudecontamination issues, thermodynamic hydrate inhibition was not suitable forthis new well. The chemical was first qualified by rocking cell performancetests, followed by a rigorous topsides trial on the host platform simulating AAinjection into the expected water production. AA injection began less than 24hours after the well was brought online using methanol. Several lessons werelearned regarding the application of AA at low water cuts. The chemical hasbeen successfully applied for more than one year with no significant effects onwater quality or hydrate events including during shut-ins.
This paper will provide the feasibility for continuous application of AA fromearly field life without water quality issues when reliance on methanol, athermodynamic hydrate inhibitor, wasn't viable. Field and lab data will bepresented to support the case for continuous application of AA chemical withoutthe traditional water quality issues associated with LDHIs. Field data willalso reveal important discoveries regarding the application of AA at low watercuts (&lt;1%). The discovery of the behavior of AA at lower water cuts is asignificant contribution to the industry. Chemical phase partitioning must beconsidered in an oil-dominated system.

Introduction
Offshore production of oil and gas face several challenges with flow assuranceand water separation. Natural gas hydrates are of particular concern whenoperating at reduced temperatures and elevated pressures. Under flowingconditions, hydrates can form and plug a flowline in a matter of minutes. Hydrate management strategies have often relied on chemical inhibition whenmechanical or operational methods are not cost effective or prudent. Conventional treatment options include the application of thermodynamic hydrateinhibitors, such as methanol or monoethylene glycol (MEG). Low dose hydrateinhibitors have also been employed as part of an effective hydrate managementstrategy (Kelland 2005). Anti-agglomerants, one class of LDHIs that have beenparticularly prominent in the Gulf of Mexico region, function by associatingwith an already formed hydrate crystal (Huo et al. 2001, York 2008). Thisassociation disrupts the growth process and causes the hydrate crystals tobecome oil wet. This creates a transportable hydrate slurry and preventsagglomeration and plugging from occurring.
The first applications for AAs in deepwater production were limited to shut-inand restart scenarios (Cowie et al. 2003). The benefits of AA application overthermodynamic inhibitors included
Towards Safer Subsea Interventions: Report on Using Glass-Free S3D Technology To Improve ROV Tasks
Authors: Lueth Manfred , Kleindienst Olivier 
Published: April 2012

Abstract
Towards Safer Subsea Interventions:Report on Using Glass-Free S3D Technology to Improve ROV Tasks
This paper will present the complete journey 'from onshore tests to fielddeployment' to qualify the Kolpi glassfree S3D technology for offshore usage. The Kolpi glass free S3D technology helps operators to conduct precise subseainterventions requiring the use of the manipulator arm and to enable higherperformance and safer execution of ROV tasks.
This fits particular well into the recent efforts of the offshore energyindustry to improve precision levels of subsea interventions to adequatelyrespond to the increased risk level and to improve contingency underwater. Tomeet these challenges, it will be crucial for subsea operations to move from aflat representation on today's monitors towards more ergonomic solution such asglass free 3D viewing with depth perception and a more natural and intuitiveinteraction to address the skill shortage and to reduce the learning curve fornew pilots.
To respond to these requirements, the new S3D topside solution for ROVoperations was extensivly tested by a consortium co-led by Total, Technip, Saipem, Ifremer and Kolpi in 2010 and followed by two offshore missions in2011, including operational work conducted during a field development in WestAfrica
This paper will cover the execution of the qualification tests, the resultsobtained during tests in a controlled environment as well as the feedbackreceived by some of the 87 ROV pilots who tried the system. Furthermore, wewill summarize the findings of the various trials and presenting the how andwhy when selecting the right S3D user interface for safer subseainterventions.
Model Tests for Three Floating Wind Turbine Concepts
Authors: Goupee Andrew Joseph , Koo Bonjun , Lambrakos Kostas , Kimball Richard 
Published: April 2012

Abstract
Floating wind turbine systems have been proposed to tap the significant energyresources found beyond fixed bottom depths. However, limited physical dataexists concerning the performance of these systems. This paper presents detailsof a unique, comprehensive 1/50th scale model floating wind turbine test effortwhich involves extensive testing of a scale model of the National RenewableEnergy Laboratory (NREL) 5 MW, horizontal axis reference wind turbine atopthree generic floating platforms: tension-leg platform, a spar-buoy and asemi-submersible.
Design considerations are presented including scaling, instrumentation, testphases and procedures. The test models are geosyms of the full scale systemswith scaled platform, tower and turbine mass properties. Froude scaling of bothwind and waves is applied and the fundamental tower bending mode is alsoscaled. A novel, low turbulence, low swirl wind generation system incorporatedinto the wave basin is utilized which employs 35 fans, flow straighteners and aconditioning nozzle. The model instrumentation includes motions, accelerationsand loads as well as wind turbine rpm, torque and thrust. The test matrix ispresented and includes system identification tests in addition to testsrepresenting combinations of regular or irregular seas, with static or dynamicwinds in both operational and extreme conditions.
Selected results from the model tests are discussed which point to thedifferences and similarities of the three floater concepts. The resultsdemonstrate relatively strong interaction for the fatigue sea states betweenthe tower and platform dynamics for the tension-leg platform system. Theresults also indicate large loads in the tower during extreme events for thecase of the spar and the semi platforms that are due to tower bending frompitch and roll.
The model tests add to the present technical knowledge base in the offshorefloating wind turbine industry in terms of model test design, wind modeling, coupled response data for the floater and wind turbine and calibration ofanalysis tools. The results of the tests will be used for validation, calibration and potential improvements of floating wind turbine design toolssuch as NREL's coupled aero-hydro-elastic code, FAST.

Introduction
In order to pursue commercial development of floating wind turbine technology avalidated aero-hydro-servo-elastic numerical model is needed to accuratelypredict the dynamic system behavior during the design and optimization process. Currently, there are very few publicly available coupled numerical models forsimulating the performance of floating wind turbines. These codes, such asNREL's FAST (Jonkman and Buhl, 2005; Jonkman, 2007), have yet to be fullyvalidated against real data as little published information of this typecurrently exists.