bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Recovery of Flash Gas from Storage Tanks at an Offshore Production Platform Using Scroll Compression Technology
Authors: Schneider G. W. , Boyer Brian E. , Goodyear Mark A. 
Published: July 2010

Abstract
A major independent oil and gas producer (Producer) with operations located on the Outer Continental Shelf of the Gulf of Mexico had several facilities damaged by Hurricane Ike. As a part of restoring operations, one of the offshore platforms was refurbished. The refurbishment included upgrading the production train to handle additional oil and gas production from other nearby production platforms. The additional production to the platform required a vapor recovery system to recover facility flash gas. The project team chose the scroll compressor vapor recovery unit (VRU) to recover and recompress the flash gas. The project was the first application of scroll compression technology for vapor recovery in an offshore environment.
The Producer installed the VRU allowing the facility to recover flash gas from the oil storage tanks and excess unused flash gas from the oil treater. The average volume recovered was approximately 58,000 standard cubic feet of natural gas per day during the initial phase of the project. The methane content of the recovered natural gas was approximately 69 percent by volume. The estimated methane recovered was 0.84 US tons per day and the estimated recovery of greenhouse gases were 17.6 US tons per day CO2e. Volatile organic compounds (VOC) recovered were 1.0 US tons per day. The scroll compressor VRU met the regulatory requirements of the U.S. Minerals Management Service's flaring and venting regulations. The projected payout was 15 months (simple payout).
The significance of this project includes: First use of scroll compression technology in an offshore applicationSmall physical footprint of unit important to offshore operations with limited spaceScroll technology requires less maintenance than typical mechanical compressorsLower initial costs and lower operating costs enhance economics of recoveryRecovered flash gas that contained volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and methane, a greenhouse gas
Implementing Driving Fatigue Management in Oil & Gas Operations in Brazil
Authors: Camargo Marcelo , Fox Chris , O'Byrne Mark , Villarreal Gonzalo , Fraga Kermitz 
Published: July 2010

Abstract
Driving presents the greatest potential risk for accidents in oilfield operations. Fatigue is one of the main contributing factors for automotive accidents and fatigue-related accidents are often more severe than others. Driving fatigue is therefore an exposure that must be managed effectively. This paper is about the implementation of a driving fatigue management program by an oilfield services company operating in Brazil. It describes the processes put in place, results obtained to date, and discussion of what more could be done to have a greater, longer-term positive impact.
The objectives were to decrease accidents by minimizing night driving, planning operations taking into consideration fatigue conditions at the time of driving, monitoring vehicle movements, and providing support to drivers. The scope of work covered several different operating locations in Brazil, a fleet of more than 200 vehicles of different types and purposes, more than 500 drivers, and almost 4 million kilometers driven annually.
The driving fatigue management program is complementary to other existing corporate programs within the company, such as defensive driving training, a competence assurance program, behavior-based safety, driver improvement monitoring, auditing, assessments and three levels of fatigue management training.
The main steps of the implementation included enforcement of journey management procedures such as driver rest evaluation; management commitment and leadership workshops; road-hazard mapping of common routes; contracting of hotels in strategic locations; preparation of night driving maps; elevation of night-driving management approval levels based on night driving maps; and introduction of a pre-job fatigue evaluation process.
Implementation of the driving fatigue management program resulted in increased awareness and decreased fatigue-related automotive accidents. There is now traceability of journey management and fatigue management not only while driving, but during operations as well. The authors suggest that the program is applicable across companies and across industries, although it puts pressure on field personnel if implemented as an isolated initiative. The program could be considerably more effective if adopted by the industry as a whole.
Produced Water Reuse for Production of Chemicals
Authors: Grimaldi Maurício Carvalhinho , Castrisana Walterli José , Tolfo Fabiano Coradini , Christino Fernando Protti , Geraldo Lúcia Maria , Saliba Gustavo Coutinho , Lopes Daniela Emilia 
Published: July 2010

Abstract
Produced water is highly saline. It may be used for soda ash (sodium carbonate) production. That is why its main component is sodium chloride and soda ash industrial process is based in brines. This process, in use since 1861, is also known as Solvay process. It starts when seawater-based brines receive ammonia gas, making up ammoniated brine. In the following step, carbon dioxide is added, precipitating sodium bicarbonate, which is filtered, leaving an ammonium chloride solution. Sodium bicarbonate is pyrolised to soda ash, water and carbon dioxide, which returns to the carbonation step. Produced water will undergo a pre-treatment step designed for removing metals such as calcium, magnesium and iron. After this procedure, produced water will be evaporated until it reaches the brine concentration for Solvay process. This operation also produces high purity water, suitable for many purposes. Carbon dioxide (CO2) used in this process is originally obtained from thermal decomposition of limestone.
Soda ash is an important raw material for a wide variety of products, such as glass, soap, cosmetics, etc. Brazil imports all soda ash used by its industries. Using high salinity produced water for producing it may be a very attractive alternative with huge economic and environmental incomes. It may be possible to use CO2 captured from atmospheric emissions, contributing to mitigate global warming.
Some laboratory scale experiments are in course now, dealing with Solvay process applied to produced water conversion into soda ash. Present results have shown that the process is feasible, allowing us to scale it up to a pilot scale.
Considering the environmental benefits obtained of this process, both in wastewater treatment and carbon sequestration, as well as the production of a valuable commodity, applying Solvay process for treating produced water is a promising technology for the next years.
Real-time Environmental Monitoring of Discharges of Drill Cuttings in the Peregrino Field (Campos Basin, Brazil)
Authors: Salgado C. S. , Johnsen S. , Gomes S. , Torkelsen T. 
Published: July 2010

Abstract
Peregrino is an oil production field located in Campos Basin, 85km from the Brazilian coastline. Production well drilling in Peregrino will start April 2010 and approximately 40 wells will be drilled from two well head platforms in two locations over a period of three to five years. The Peregrino field is located in an area with high density of calcareous algae rodoliths, species that form important substrates for the seabed ecosystem. Initial actions related to the location of the two well head platforms have been taken to avoid impact of drill cuttings discharges to this habitat, but Statoil will in addition implement an environmental monitoring program with special focus on the calcareous algae rodoliths and the marine ecosystem related to these species. The program combines the use of sensor based real-time measurements of relevant environmental parameters, and visual observation of the seabed environment with sediment sampling and tracking of cuttings dispersion and settling by acoustic sonar systems. In parallel, a laboratory study to assess the key species of the local seabed ecosystem sensitivity towards drill cuttings exposure will be carried out. This approach aims, in combination with risk assessment modeling, to improve the environmental management ability and performance in the operations. A seabed based ocean observatory will be deployed (March 2010) in a position where it can follow the cuttings dispersion from the discharges, with the aim of a sonar. The observatory will also include sensors for measurement of vital environmental parameters (e.g. turbidity, light intensity, sedimentation rates) and visual surveillance (video) of ambient species. Combining these observations with RoV surveys for visual characterization and sediment sampling in the vicinity of the discharge points will provide a cost effective monitoring with highly relevant quality information as output. The proposed program constitutes an innovative way to monitor, in real-time, the dispersion, deposition and impact of drill cuttings offshore.
Integrating Organisational Culture into Incident Analyses: Extending the Bow Tie Model
Authors: Hudson Patrick 
Published: July 2010

Abstract
Recent analyses of major incidents, such as BP's Texas City disaster and the loss of the space shuttle Columbia, have moved from considering immediate factors and basic organisational failings to considering cultural issues. Cultural issues are, however, even more difficult to incorporate into incident investigations and analyses than are organisational factors. This paper provides a structured approach to analysing individual, organisational and cultural/regulatory factors based upon the Bow Tie methodology, using well-defined rules to distinguish three levels of causation.
Level 1 analysis describes barriers implemented at the individual and immediate hardware level; Level 2 describes the organisational factors that support level one barriers; Level 3 describes the cultural and regulatory environment that ensures that the organisation implements level 2, thereby ensuring the integrity of level 1 barriers. Incident investigation and analysis can be performed as a structured search for failed barriers at any or all of these three levels. Both organisational failure (L2) and problems with the safety culture and regulatory environment (L3) can be reliably identified, rather than relying upon the intuitions of investigators.
Is a Recognition Program an Efficient EHS Management Tool?
Authors: Ferreira H. , Sahlit S. , Lage V. 
Published: July 2010

Abstract
This paper describes Anadarko's experience and EHS performance results in recent exploratory drilling campaigns offshore Brazil. The relationship between EHS performance with a recognition program implemented for contractors on offshore dedicated installations is discussed. This program is being considered a potential efficient management tool for future operations because reinforce and supports the management tools already implemented by contractors. This so called "Anadarko EHS Incentive Plan" has been developed aiming to achieve the EHS goals measured by leading and lagging performance indicators. Workers receive cash bonus according to pre-defined criteria previously discussed with contractors, considering the achievement of the goals (overall and individual ones) in proportion to number of days on board. This plan involves the contractor's management engagement including the effective payment to their personnel under reimbursement by Anadarko.
Since the beginning of this Incentive Plan in 2006, three offshore exploratory wells have been drilled in two Blocks using three rigs (two different owners) and 12 supply vessels (five different owners). No oil spills to the sea occurred and just one recordable safety incident occurred, in all periods of drilling operations. One other recordable incident occurred in the transit of the rig from the GOM to Brazil, in the 2008 operation, not related to the drilling operations. The lagging indicators for all these Anadarko drilling operations achieved a significant high EHS performance. Considering the three year operation, an average TRIR of 0.36 was achieved if one recordable incident is considered, and 0.71 if one considers the two incidents. In both cases, the Anadarko International goal of 0.8 TRIR was easily met by this performance. Therefore, these results motivate the continuity and improvement of this recognition program among other management tools applied by Anadarko in Brazil. This paper also summarizes the Anadarko's EHS-MS approach as a whole, highlighting the relationship with contractors. Despite the good results achieved, other indicators have also been considered, such as some recorded High Potential near misses which call the attention for continuous improvement.
A Model Based Assessment of Underwater Sound Levels during a Seismic Source Soft-start Operation
Authors: Hannay David , Racca Roberto , Carr Scott , Jenkerson Mike , Melton Rodger , Hedgeland David , Tsoflias Sarah L. 
Published: July 2010

Abstract
The seismic source soft-start or ramp-up procedure involves the progressive activation of individual airguns within a seismic source array over a period of time to gradually increase the emitted sound pressure levels. The intent of the soft-start procedure is to warn nearby marine mammals of pending seismic operations and to allow sufficient time for those animals to leave the immediate vicinity. This is perceived as a ‘common sense’ procedure that assumes animals will move away from lower sound pressure levels and thereby avoid exposures to higher sound levels later in the soft-start process and during full array operations. However, the efficacy of soft-start has not been scientifically evaluated. The approach is commonly used as a mitigation measure during seismic survey operations in order to reduce the risk that marine mammals in close proximity to the source at the time of activation are exposed to levels which might cause auditory or physiological injury.
A computer modeling study was performed to estimate sound levels received at various locations in the water column near an industry-standard seismic airgun array during a typical soft-start procedure in 2000 m water depth. The models included an airgun array source model and an acoustic propagation model. Received pressure levels were computed for receiver positions at several distances perpendicular to one side of the seismic vessel tow line and at multiple receiver depths. The computer model generated predictions of per-shot sound exposure level (SEL). These were summed over a number of shot points to compute cumulative SEL at each fixed receiver position.
The model predictions indicate that sound levels present during the initial stages of soft-start are below the cumulative SEL thresholds that might lead to Permanent Threshold Shift (PTS) auditory system injury in cetaceans even at receiver locations 100 m off the seismic vessel sail line or 100 m depth when sail line passes directly overhead. The cumulative SEL levels could reach auditory system injury thresholds for pinnipeds at 100 m depth directly beneath the sail line at the third stage of soft-start, but this exposure level would only occur if the animal remained stationary during the approach of the seismic source.
Integrating Performance Metrics into Social Responsibility Practices
Authors: Overton Cindy 
Published: July 2010

Abstract
This paper will undertake an overall evaluation of the role performance metrics plays in E&P companies’ Social Responsibility (SR) programs and show how to build value into SR efforts.
Regardless of whether companies are in an early design phase or involved in advanced phases of implementation of the SR metrics programs, they will be able to use this information as a basis for evaluating the value of the metrics they use/intend to use. They will understand what drives their sustainability metrics efforts - external demands to report or internal sustainability goals. When metrics are separated from the reporting function, they will function as a powerful tool to foster improvement across the entire business.
The paper creates a current profile of how companies across the E&P sector manage and use SR metrics and details challenges their organizations have faced as programs have been implemented.
Defining the Optimal Organizational Structure for EHS Management
Authors: Marshall Jessica M. , Serwinowski Mark A. 
Published: July 2010

Abstract
Given the current economic conditions, it is essential for EHS organizations to support the overall management imperative to reduce costs, mitigate risks, and maintain or improve brand image. By implementing the optimal organizational structure and business model, organizations are able to create short and long term value with improved ROI of their EHS investments. In the next 5-10 years, the EHS business model will have evolved from the tactical / functional support role to a strategic platform for product and process innovation and growth strategies.
This paper seeks to define the optimal structure that can facilitate improved efficiency, cross disciplinary communication, mitigated risk, and improved innovation across the organization. By benchmarking the organizational structure, strategy, and management execution of fourteen independent and super-major oil and gas organizations the paper is able to identify the Business Case and Opportunity for the following: Optimizing the Organizational StructureDriving cost containment and sustainable market growthEncouraging business units to adopt corporate holistic view of the organization,Driving value creation by improving the reputational capital / brand image of the organization
By evaluating the organizational structure and strategy of fourteen oil and gas organizations, this paper hopes to identify the best in class structure to answer the following: Strategy & Structure○What is the best in class reporting structure and how should it be aligned with a value-chain approach?○Does the current organizational structure facilitate business unit cost containment, and brand / regulatory risk management?○Is there a consistent implementation strategy exist that reduces repetitive processes and roles within the organization?Process & Governance○How are roles within the organization differentiated within EHS functions to enable optimal support of the business units?○How can process changes be documented and communicated?○How are best demonstrated practices shared and optimized?Systems & Tools○What is the current toolset for managing and tracking EHS metrics?○What are the appropriate systems and tools in place to implement a global, organizational restructuring?○Are current toolsets robust enough to support CO2 emissions accounting and manage associated financial risks and opportunities?Organizational Capabilities & Skills○What type of organizational structures best facilitate the roles EHS will be asked to play in the future?○What is the appropriate leadership in place at the Business Unit level to support the reorganization and cost reduction strategies?
These key questions are the driver for defining the shareholder value of the EHS organization, the best in class business model, and the optimal future state EHS organization.
Obesity Among Seafarers in an International Oil Logistics Company: A Growing Concern
Authors: Pinto Augusto Paulo , Hausmann Erica Feitosa 
Published: July 2010

Abstract
Medical exams are required for boarding, including the register of patient´s weight and height are always done.
The Body Mass Index (BMI) is defined as the patients weight (Kg) divided by the square of the height (m). This index is more useful than the crude weight for defining obesity, because it allows comparisons between different biotypes.
Obese are more prone to become sick and to have medical complications while sick. Diseases related to obesity include hypertension, diabetes mellitus and joint diseases, among others.
The prevalence of obesity keeps growing worldwide, in spite of many efforts (education campaigns, nutritional advise, incentives to the practice of physical activity).
The purpose of this study was to verify the percentage of obese seafarers among those with BMI above the normal range annually, over a period of 6 years (from 2003 until 2008).
Data was obtained from the company´s database. The research parameters were: (1) being a seafarer (all categories) and BMI &gt; 25; (2) being a seafarer (all categories) and a BMI &gt; 30.
The proportion of patients with BMI &gt; 30 between those with BMI &gt; 25 was calculated (simple division).
Results:
For 2003: 205 (BMI&gt;25), 56 (BMI&gt;30), 27% BMI&gt;30 among BMI&gt;25
For 2004: 398, 122 and 30%
For 2005: 481, 152 and 31%
For 2006: 497, 167 and 33%
For 2007: 565, 198 and 35%
For 2008: 681, 248 and 36%
The data shows a temporal increase in the total number of both overweight patients and obese patients, and also in the percentage of patients with BMI &gt; 30 among those with BMI &gt; 25.
Given that a seafarer has an abnormal BMI, he is more likely to be obese nowadays than he was in the previous year. Possible explanations are the ageing of the crews or a reduction in physical demands onboard due to automation; but perhaps the obesity in seafarers is part of a larger social phenomenon of growing obesity.
These data are provocative, and could help defining priorities and planning future health actions.
Developing a Biodiversity Action Plan through an Integrated Phased Approach
Authors: Maguire Simon , Casaretto Carolina , Vexler David , Kingham Richard , Rolseth Scott 
Published: July 2010

Abstract
The Peru LNG Project is located in the southern region of Peru consists of a natural gas transportation pipeline system that traverses the Andean mountains to a liquefaction plant and marine terminal located on the Pacific coast. The 408 km pipeline traverses many diverse landscapes and ecosystems from the edge of the tropical rainforests to the high peaks of the Andes and finally down to the arid desert coastline. This paper describes the processes taken to develop a Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP), utilizing a phased approach throughout the planning and construction phases of the pipeline and moving forward into operations.
The general objective of the BAP is to provide a comprehensive strategy aimed at protecting biodiversity during the construction and operation of the pipeline. The phased approach considers the various critical phases of a construction project from the early planning stages through assessment, construction, operations, and closure. Undertaking a phased approach to the development of the BAP has enabled this Plan to evolve through the different phases of the project.