bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Simple Operational Approach To Ascertain the Viability of Your Offshore Gas Lift Project Before Fully Committing: The Meji Jacket X and Y Pilot Case
Authors: Nwaochei Francis , Olufemi Adebayo , Eme Vincent , Ibrahim John , Nakpodia Eseoghene , Areo Wole 
Published: December 2009

Abstract
Application of improved Oil Recovery in mature fields is almost inevitable. However, the method applied in the IOR process is dependent on the economics and value of the method. In the Southern Offshore area of Chevron operations, there are huge cost implications in the implementation of gas lift on several offshore jackets.
New facilities for gas lift operation entails the installation of a compressor, liquid knock out equipment, pipelines, manifold configuration and associated piping etc. In many cases, gas lift sourcing might require completely fresh construction of entire facilities, which will involve project development, management costs, infrastructure cost and space limitation especially in the case of offshore locations.
In the Southern Offshore Area of Chevron operations, several wells have quit and require some kind of support to flow to surface. Artificial lift (gas lift) has been identified as the best method to optimize production from the wells reviewed in this case. However, the infrastructure required to implement the gas lift in the offshore location will come at a huge cost and there is a time factor as well to consider to install the infrastructure.
Numerous gas lift opportunities have been identified in the Meji Field (offshore location) which currently has no gas supply. Wells in the shallow, strong water drive, reservoirs of this field flow naturally to terminal water cuts of between 60 to 70%. Based on the observed trend of terminal water cut, the challenge for the team was to quantify the incremental oil gain if this terminal water cut is raised by introducing gas lift. If this proved to be substantial, it will make a case for the expenditure on pipelines and associated infrastructure.
In a bid to confirm that installing the gas lift infrastructure is a viable project, a simple operational approach of installing a temporary piping system was implemented after the necessary engineering analyses which are all discussed in this paper. Other operational methods of confirming the viability of applying artificial lift technology (gas lift) on the jackets were also reviewed with a resolution to utilize the temporary solution. An estimated production gain of about 1105 BOPD from three wells, through gas lift was identified in the field. The total production gain from the simple operation yielded 1540 BOPD.
This paper reviews a safe and simple operational approach to evaluate the viability of a gas lift project in an offshore environment. This was applied on Meji jackets X and Y by using gas from a high pressure source well delivered to the target wells with segmented pipe to ensure deliverability and accelerate production based on a 3-well pilot case on the 2 jackets.
Capacity Building Strategies for the Nigerian Educational System
Authors: Enejo Idachaba Francis 
Published: December 2009

Abstract
The consistent decrease in the quality of the Nigeria educational system over the last decade has continued to pose a serious challenge to the employers, the industry and the Nigerian state. This paper presents strategies aimed at enhancing the quality of the Nigerian educational system. It presents a review of the history of higher education in Nigeria and establishes the role of the industry as the driving force behind the development of research in Nigeria. It also emphasizes the Nigerian student as being intellectually capable of performing at international levels. A model is developed to show the interrelationships between the different parameters that impact on the Nigerian Educational System and this model shows that the quality of the teacher has the greatest impact on the Nigeria Educational System. Practical steps which will enhance the quality of Nigerian graduates are presented for implementation.
Economics of Nigerian Marginal Oil Fields - Identifying High Impact Variables
Authors: Akinpelu L. O. , Omole O. A. 
Published: December 2009

Abstract
Marginal Field Development in the prolific Niger Delta environment has taken on added significance since the Federal Government of Nigeria adopted an aggressive Reserve and Production Capacity development strategy as a launch pad for rapid economic development. The last few years have witnessed a number of developments in this area with the Government approving a new set of fiscal parameters for Marginal field development. Various strategies have been proposed to enhance the economic value from Marginal field Assets ranging from early production systems, to innovative least cost production strategies such as the use of a converted Jack Up Rig with subsea storage, to accelerating production through the use of horizontal wells. These strategies involve significant tradeoffs, sometimes quite sophisticated technologies and cost implications.
This paper examines the economics of Marginal Field Development using the latest NNPC fiscal/regulatory terms of December, 2000 with a view to identifying the most significant variables impacting the economics. From knowledge of the economic variables and their impact, insights into potentially proactive strategies to improve Marginal field economics are developed.
Preliminary studies inform that a much more aggressive production strategy be considered for marginal field exploitation since time value of money considerations have a disproportionately large impact in such economics and should be exploited. The production variable is treated as one of the main uncertain variables in the probabilistic model - Nigerian Oil Economic models are usually production dominated. The option of the Oil Majors taking equity participation in Marginal Field development and hence making available their technical expertise has very low probability of success. The main reason that these fields don't make it to the development stage in the budget allocation process of most Majors is economic. The current strategy in which the Majors negotiate an Overriding Royalty rate with the Marginal Field operator is likely to be the preferred option because it is less risky, does not involve any risk of their capital or other resources, particularly scarce human resources.
Encouraging Experience in the Use of Permanent Downhole Gauges for Well and Reservoir Management
Authors: Igbokoyi A. O. , Afulukwe C. R. 
Published: December 2009

Abstract
This paper illustrates how pressure data acquired from permanent downhole gauges in a shallow water offshore field are analyzed to provide insight into well performance and reservoir monitoring required for key business decisions. A continuous productivity index is generated to analyze the progressive well performance. Near wellbore damage or water influx into the wellbore in the case of unfavourable mobility ratio is easily flagged off. Combination of productivity index, bottomhole flowing pressure and production data provide robust analysis of the well performance based on which quicker decisions can be made on whether a remedial intervention is required or not. Where the right remedial interventions are made, for example when no stimulation is carried out because variation in productivity index is due to increasing water influx and not near wellbore damage, the derivable benefits are sustained oil or gas production, optimisation of recovery, reduction of operational expenditure, all leading to maximised life cycle economics for the well.
Environmental & Safety Management in the Nigerian Petroleum Industry
Authors: Effiong G. M. 
Published: December 2009

Abstract
It is fundamental to the health of any community to have a clean environment. Rapid industrialization worldwide and ever increasing oil operation has brought with it environmental impact on varying dimensions. In the past few years, the issue of environmental protection has been receiving a lot of attention at global, regional, national, state and local government levels. This is because of degradation caused by oil operation thereby making it unsuitable for habitation especially in oil producing areas.
The burning issues in this paper highlight the significance of the environment to man, the impact of petroleum operation on environment, environmental conservation, waste management and safety. It will also create awareness and stimulate the need for efficient planning for safety and management during and post production, impact control particularly from the legal perspective and emphasis the important of enactment of legislation which include environment, health and safety in the scope of certification of oil industries.
Modelling Subsurface Uncertainties with Experimental Design: Some Arguments of Non-Conformists
Authors: Lawal Kazeem A. 
Published: December 2009

Abstract
As a consequence of limited capability for the acquisition, analysis and interpretation of subsurface data, uncertainties pervade the Exploration and Production (E&P) business. To minimise investment risks, robust development plans, premised on adequate understanding of uncertainties, are critical. Experimental Design (ED), complemented with Response Surface Method (RSM), which uses a statistical proxy equation to model the response (dependent variable) as a function of independent variables (uncertainties), is a common method for studying subsurface uncertainties.
In this paper, current applications of ED to subsurface modelling are evaluated from fundamental principles- mathematical and physical consistencies of the proxy equations, as well as robustness in modelling uncertainties. Within the context of modelling and mitigating subsurface uncertainties, major shortcomings of the ED and their implications for decision-making are highlighted. These include inconsistency and non-uniqueness of proxy models, violation of basic theoretical physics, non-preservation of the correlation between variables that are known to be inherently related, non-controllability of input variables, under-estimation of the impact of uncertainties, and the challenge of constructing (interpolating) realistic simulation models from an ED output.
Although ED is consistent with statistical principles, its description of reservoir physics is not satisfactory. In its present form, reservoir complexities are apparently too overwhelming for reliable modelling or optimisation by the proxy models. Consequently, it is recommended that the application of ED be limited to situations where a simple understanding of the effect of a controllable variable on a dependent variable is required, or where the range of uncertainties is well known within a narrow interval. These include production/injection management, ‘model-based’ control algorithms for ‘intelligent’ completions, business planning and similar areas of the E&P business characterised by continuous data, and where the independent variables could be engineered for the desired objectives.
Probabilistic Inversion of Complex Channelised Reservoirs in Deep Water Niger Delta
Authors: Fehintola Tope , Al-Mandhary Inayat , Weaver Sidney 
Published: December 2009

Abstract
In this paper, we will discuss the probabilistic seismic inversion of Bonga main reservoirs, with the objective of updating the reservoir static models with the net sand prediction from seismic.
A unique solution to the seismic inverse problem does not exist. Uncertainties arise from two sources: noise in the seismic data and ambiguities in the inverse problem itself. Ambiguities are mainly caused by the fact that the seismic data are band limited. Most inversion algorithms, often guided by well and horizon constraints, typically produce a single solution. This solution may represent the most likely subsurface model but it does not give information about other possible solutions.
For the results discussed in this paper, we used a trace-by-trace based inversion that relies upon rock and fluid property relationships that describe acoustic properties (Vp, Vs, density) as a function of reservoir properties (e.g. porosity, net-to-gross etc). A prior model is provided as input. This prior model is the initial reservoir static model from which the rock and fluid properties are obtained. These properties are then perturbed in a statistical manner for a number of iterations, deriving acoustic impedances which are used to generate the corresponding synthetic traces. These synthetic traces are then compared with the actual seismic response, and selected against a matching criterion such as semblance. The probabilistic approach combines the seismic modelling with a statistically correct examination of uncertainties taking into account noise in the seismic data. As no well is used to constrain the inversion, this allows for blind well information to be used as validation points for the inversion results.
This procedure, in addition to providing the "most likely" model, also provides a statistical examination of uncertainties.
Quantifying Errors in Present Value Factor Relationships for Restricted/Declining Production
Authors: Akinpelu L. O. , Omole O. A. 
Published: December 2009

Abstract
In the petroleum economics literature, simple relationships for making rapid profitability calculations abound. These simple analytical expressions are quite useful and facilitate quick decision making. One of such is the Present Value Factor Relationship, PVF for determining the Net Present Value (NPV) of a development well under restricted or declining production. In this paper, the present value factor relationship, PVF of a development well under proration is examined. The production profile assumes that there is a period of restricted production and then exponential decline sets in. Continuous rather than discrete discounting of the cash flows is also assumed. It is shown that the PVF relationship commonly employed in the literature is mathematically inconsistent when the assumption of proration is removed. That relationship is replaced with a more precise one requiring very little additional computation and hence preserving the simplicity of the relationship. It is also shown that significant errors can occur when the approximate relationship is used to calculate the NPV for production profiles with low to medium decline exponents, Di and short to medium production lives, t. The longer the life of the field the more accurate the NPV obtained using the simplified PVF relationship since the defined Error factor, Er expression is a decaying (negative) exponential term. In fact for very long development well lives, (τ≈∞); the approximate and precise relationships yield the same results. The defined Error parameter, Er can be easily employed to correct for the results obtained using the approximate PVF relationship. Two worked examples are presented to illustrate the magnitude of errors that can result in the use of the approximate PVF relationship.
Statistical Diagnosis(VEMST) of Flow Regime: Alternative to Pressure Derivative Approach in Pressure Transient Analysis—Part I
Authors: Biu Victor T. , Biu Emmanuel O. , Onyekonwu Mike O. 
Published: December 2009

Abstract
Before the early eighties, identification of flow regime has been a difficult task for reservoir engineer and welltest analyst until the emergence of the derivative approach. This approach has helped to reduce the uncertainties of the interpretation of welltest result because key regions of radial flow and boundary features required for reservoir characterization, description and evaluation have been adequately diagnose. However the approach is complex for non-mathematician and an alternative method for improving its interpretation and reducing the difficulty of its practical application haven't been discovered most especially where there is inconsistency in data sampling.
The statistical approach(VEMST) utilized simple statistical tools such as StatDiff, StatDev and StatExp derived from time series analysis to identify possible unseen features, diagnose key flow regime for reservoir description and act as checkmate/alternative to the derivative approach to interpret complex features.
Result from channel sand, low and high permeability reservoir, infinite conductivity fractures, dual porosity and/or permeability reservoir show same trend as the derivative approach and also diagnose unseen features such as dual permeability, geologically interpreted as layered reservoir system and also double porosity model with high degree of accuracy.
The Implication of Poor Funding on HSE Policy Implementation in the Nigeria Oil Exploration Industry
Authors: Tubosun Fagbe 
Published: December 2009

ABSTRACT
Employers crave for profit maximization with lesser concern for personnel's health, safety and working environment is worrisome and has made implementation and management of HSE Policy difficult for Professional Safety Personnel in the service of most Nigeria Oil and Gas Companies. In the contemporary setting, expert advices on sustainable Human Safety and well being in an appropriate workplace via provision of essential working tools and standard Personal Protective Equipment for safe operation are strictly adhered to by the Company's management. In Nigeria today, opposite seems to be the practice. This paper examines the impact of poor funding on HSE Policy implementation and enforcement capability in a typical Nigeria Oil Service Company. It avows a high and unsteady population influx and a disproportionate in demand for safety equipment, training and working materials budget for the phased Safety development. This paper proffer solution to stemming the HSE Policy poor implementation tide, which includes, appropriate planning, healthy budget, prompt release of fund and unbiased management commitment to Personnel and operational safety.
Artificial Neural Network Modeling of Viscosity and Wax Deposition Potential of Nigerian Crude Oil and Gas Condensates
Authors: Oladiipo Abiodun , Bankole Abidemi , Taiwo Elijah 
Published: December 2009

Abstract
Artificial Neural Network (ANN) based models were developed for predicting viscosity and wax deposition potentials of petroleum reservoir fluids as a preliminary measure to address the problem of loss of production associated with wax deposition.
Several ANN architectures were trained using supervised paradigms for viscosity modeling and unsupervised paradigms for wax deposition potentials. Input to the models is temperature, pressure and viscosity data of the reservoirs. Five Nigerian crude oil and gas condensate reservoir data were used to validate the models.
ANN competitive layer wax deposition model developed in this work excellently identified crude oil and gas condensate potential to deposit wax in upstream and downstream facilities compared to classical regression technique (CRT) based mathematical model.
The inherent problems of tubing and pipeline blockage by wax deposits would be minimized by the application of the predicting models during well development stage prior to production
Expandable Sand Screen Deployment in Cased Hole Completions: SPDC Experience
Authors: Ayoola Olakunle , Nnanna Erasmus , Osadjere Peter , De Landro Wendell 
Published: December 2009

Abstract
In recent years, expandable sand screen (ESS) has become popular as a sand exclusion mechanism in oil and gas sand face completion. ESS provides sand control through the bridging of formation sand on the screen that is sized to retain formation sand while allowing formation fines to pass through. The deployment of Cased Hole ESS (CHESS) in The Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Ltd (SPDC) since the late 90's has been mainly as a remedial sand control mechanism post-workover operation to replace the previous sand control mechanism if any or to complete over a new interval. The successful deployment of CHESS in over 30 conduits in the Niger Delta by SPDC over the years has come with various challenges and lessons learned leading to improvements in the selection criteria, deployment methodology and procedure, clean-up and operational envelope of usage. This paper presents some of the results and the lessons learned in CHESS deployment in SPDC and offers an insight into the selection and usage of CHESS as a sand control mechanism especially in well remedial operations to prolong well life and optimise hydrocarbon recovery.
Important Considerations in Matrix Stimulation Candidate Selection in Niger Delta
Authors: Nnanna Erasmus , Osuagwu Michael , Okereke Onyedikachi 
Published: December 2009

ABSTRACT
Matrix stimulation improves well productivity through the removal of formation damage in the near-wellbore region of the reservoir. Success and failure of stimulation treatments are often attributable to candidate selection. Lack of a structured approach to candidate selection has had an adverse effect on the outcome of stimulation treatments industry-wide. Where good candidates have been identified, the absence of robust techniques for the determination of damage radius introduces uncertainty on the accurate volume of treatment fluid to deploy.
This paper presents a robust approach to candidate selection based on analysis of the relative impact of various skin effects in the well. Simple mathematical expressions that describe the relative impact of formation damage and partial penetration were also derived. A novel approach for the determination of damage radius is also introduced. The damage radius so determined is considered useful for accurate calculation of matrix treatments volumes.
Improving Production Forecasts through the Application of Design of Experiments and Probabilistic Analysis: A Case Study from Chevron, Nigeria
Authors: Adepoju Olaoluwa , Olufemi Odusote , Djuro Novakovic 
Published: December 2009

Abstract
A reliable production forecast is a critical part of the planning and decision making of companies in the oil and gas industry. The forecasts form part of a company's business and strategic plans and form the basis of evaluating an existing asset, major capital project, or exploration prospect. It therefore follows that generating a reliable and representative production forecast is a key desire of any Oil and Gas company.
There are many factors, surface and subsurface, that affect the reliability and accuracy of production forecasts. All these factors are not single-valued and would generally have a band of uncertainty around them. The challenge therefore is how to generate production forecasts in the face of these uncertainties. Previous production forecasts have been generated using deterministic values for these uncertainties at their end points – 3 forecasts. This method however, does not test the possible interactions between uncertainties which would lead to multiple production forecasts. This method, although reasonable, may sometimes lead to erroneous decisions due to optimistic or pessimistic production forecasts.
This paper describes another methodology which is currently a best practice within Chevron Corporation. This method involves the assessment of the uncertainties using design of experiments and probabilistic analysis using Monte-Carlo simulation. A design of experiment workflow will be presented and the mechanics of incorporating historical data into the workflow will also be discussed. This method enables the generation of a truly probabilistic range of forecasts which can then be used in decision making. A practical application of this method is also detailed in this paper.