bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Use of Sand Probes In Offshore Operations
Authors: Swan Richard D. , Reimer Charles M. 
Published: October 2008

ABSTRACT
Sand probes have proven to be a reliable means of detecting sand production from oil and gas wells and activating surface shut-in equipment. The probes, which are thin walled, hollow steel cylinders with a closed end, are installed perpendicular to flow in the flow line and connected to a pilot valve. When the wall of the probe has been penetrated by sand erosion, flow stream pressure is transferred to a pilot valve which effects closure of the safety valve on the Xmas tree.
Based on the successful results of both laboratory and field tests, Exxon had installed sand probes on alto its Offshore Louisiana wells by January 1,-1973. Field experience to date has shown that the probes will successfully shut in wells before flow line equipment damage can occur. In addition to providing an increase in safety and a decrease in pollution risk, the use of probes has significantly reduced the costs associated with equipment failures due to sand erosion. The data obtained from sand probes is also used analytically to evaluate precautionary sand control walkovers.

I. INTRODUCTION
Equipment or flow line erosion caused by produced sand has long been a major operating problem in many areas, both in terms of cost of equipment replacement and in terms of the risk of pollution and/or fire caused by flow line or equipment cutouts. While it is obvious that a dependable, long-lasting sand control work over procedure would be the best solution to this problem, such a procedure has yet to be attained, and a method of detecting produced sand prior to well standup or equipment cutout is necessary.
Until the development of sand probes, the foremost obstacle in the path of controlling sand erosion was the fact that there was no continuous, 'on-stream' way to detect the erosion of flow lines or equipment until a cutout actually occurred. The occasional detection of sand production by shakeout was not particularly helpful, as this gave no indication of how much, if any, damage had already been done. Ultrasonic and radiographic inspection are expensive and only indicate damage already done. What was really needed was a device which would detect the presence of sand as it was being produced and then provide some type of an output signal so that appropriate measures could be taken to prevent equipment failure. The sand probe satisfies these requirements.
This paper first describes the sand probe and its operation, laboratory and field testing of sand probes, full-scale field installations, and the reporting system used to keep both operations and engineering personnel informed of sand probe status on each well. Evidence is then presented to demonstrate the success achieved through use of the sand probe as a safety device, and finally, the use of -the sand probe as an analytical tool is discussed.
Sea Trials of a High-Seas Oil Recovery System
Authors: Blockwick Thomas N. 
Published: October 2008

INTRODUCTION
This report presents the results of the at-sea tests conducted on the Ocean Systems, Inc., oil Recovery System (ORS). The tests were conducted without oil, the purpose being to qualify the ORS with respect to strength) stability, operational function, ease of handling, compatibility with the Coast Guard buoy tenders.
Previous testing of the ORS had been limited to tank tests conducted at Battelle Northwest, in Richland, Washington. - These tests were conducted in calm water in two-foot waves, using two different grades of oil. In these tests the capability of the ORS to recover oil at high efficiencies (percent oil in the recovered stream) was demonstrated.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE OIL RECOVERY SYSTEM
The 2000 gallon per minute oil recovery system (ORS) consists of a weir/ basin recovery unit, a pumping and power system, a control system, and handling and packaging components.
The weir/basin recovery unit contains primary and secondary weirs for effecting the collection and separation of floating oil from the water surface. Both weirs are supported by discrete foam flotation elements which allow the unit to be highly surface-conforming.
The primary weir plate is angled and is maintained in this position by bridles attached to an external tension line. The external tension line takes the loads imposed on the system by waves and currents. The external tension line and the primary and secondary weirs are all fabricated in a parabolic configuration to minimize stresses. The general arrangement and configuration are shown in Figure 1.
A hose manifold is attached to the secondary weir sections for attachment to the four oil pumps, which is mounted on the system near the secondary weirs. The oil pumps are gear pumps and are driven by low-speed, high torque hydraulic motors. The hydraulic power for the pump motors is supplied by a diesel-hydraulic power supply.
Control of the oil pump f low is performed with a sensor array and an electronic pump control system which detects the oil level in the recovery basin and controls the pump flow depending upon the desired level. Control may also be performed manually at the hydraulic power unit.
Launching and retrieval of the weir/ basin is accomplished with a lifting frame consisting of a strong back and cross-arms which contain quick-release attachment points.
The system is packaged in special containers and pallets which are suitable for truck transport or air transport in a Lockheed C-130B aircraft. The total weight including packaging is approximately 28,000 lbs.

FOREWORD
This report presents the results of at- sea testing of the Ocean Systems, Inc. 2000-gpm Oil Recovery System, the ORS- 2000.
Testing the Lockheed Disc-Drum Rough Water Oil Recovery System
Authors: Scharfenstein C.F. , Leary John F. 
Published: October 2008

ABSTRACT
The United states Coast Guard through the efforts of Lockheed Missiles & Space. ComplarJ1L Inc., Sunnyvale, California, has developed and tested a device for recovering spilled oil from the high seas.
This paper discusses the qualification, testing of the Lockheed prototype High Seas Oil Recovery System. These tests were:an inland pool test using oila high seas test in an operational environment (Sea State 4)a high seas test in a survival environment (Sea State 6)
The tests proved the system capable of being transported in an HC-130B Coast Guard aircraft, buoy tender and by truck over the road. The system (one unit) also proved to be capable of recovering oil up to the rate of 1000 gpm under certain conditions of current, oil thickness and viscosity.
The system proved that it will be capable of surviving a severe sea state condition after certain minor redesign.

INTRODUCTION
The United States Coast Guard developed through the efforts of Lockheed Missals & Space Company, Inc., Sunnyvale, California, a prototype High Seas Oil Recovery System unit based on Lockheed-patented rotating disc-drum principle. The unit is capable of recovering up to 1000 gpm oil under certain conditions of thickness of oil, relative current and oil viscosity.
A considerable amount of information has been presented on the Lockheed-developed High Seas Oil Recovery System. Much of the prototype design and actual structure of the system is well known within the industry through prior publications in scientific and trade journals. In 1972 and 1973, Coast Guard authors Commanders Lehr and Leigh, and Lockheed author Bruch, presented technical papers which amply described the disc-drum principle. However, a brief description of the rough water oil recovery machine is in order at this point. The 14,750-1b machine is 27-ft wide and 23-ft long. It is 8-ft high, draws 20-in water, and with the main deck safety rails, presents an excellent radar and visual target. The 4-ft digester disc-drum oil recovery device is 13-ft long. It is suspended between twin machinery hulls, port and starboard (PiS), that are connected by the rigid cross structure over the disc-drum. The diesel prime mover and starting air bottle are in the cross structure.
The oil recovery rate is dependent upon the rotating discs which are preferentially wet by the oil which is then collected from the discs by wipers. Wipers direct the oil onto an axially aligned trough through which it flows into the PIS hull sumps. From the sumps the oil is pumped through 300-ft of la-in diameter, lightweight transfer hose to a manifold on the tender. It goes to available storage from the manifold. Alternately, the manifold can be attached to the unit and two 6-in hoses used to transfer the oil directly to available storage. The unit is designed for remote control through a 300-ft long umbilical that also serves as a refueling hose for the on-board diesel prime mover.
Nuclear Power for Offshore Arctic Oil Exploration
Authors: Schaff E.C. , Cannell C.W. , Hollett E.S. 
Published: October 2008

ABSTRACT
This paper addresses the problems of pursuing the search for oil in perhaps the most costly and hostile region yet considered for offshore exploration, the offshore Arctic. The total task force for these operations and the feasibility of using nuclear power in the support ships are discussed. Nuclear power is shown to have an early economic advantage over fossil-powered ships even though the nuclear plant develops only 40,000 HP, one-third that normally considered cost effective for marine use.

INTRODUCTION
This paper is presented to discuss two questions:Why is the oil industry looking to the Arctic?Why is nuclear propulsion being considered to power ships intended for Arctic use?
It includes results of a recent feasibility study of a nuclear-powered ship whose mission is to support offshore hydrocarbon exploration in the Arctic regions of the world. The feasibility study was conducted under the auspices of the Maritime Administration and was performed by Global Marine Inc., Babcock & Wilcox, and General Electric Company.
For several years now, Global Marine has been studying concepts and designs to enable exploration for hydrocarbon reserves in the offshore Arctic. The design of an exploratory unit is almost' complete and the concept of an Icebreaking Drilling Ship (IBDS) was presented last year at the Offshore Technology Conference.
B&W has been designing and developing the Consolidated Nuclear Steam Generator (CNSG) for commercial marine applications since 1959. An early version of the CNSG is now plying the seas in the German Ship, OTTO HANN.
In 1972, Global Marine began intensive investigations into the support that the IBDS would need because of the environment in which the drill ship is intended to operate. It was soon obvious that this environment would require a type of supply boat not previously envisioned by the offshore industry. The companies (GMI, B&W, and G.T.) joined forces in 7g73 to take the first engineering steps leading to a support ship configuration that could routinely venture into regions where year round waterborne operation is rare.

WHY THE ARCTIC REGIONS?
The interest shown in Arctic regions of this planet is a natural extension of the exploration and exploitation spirit of man. Whatever curiosity might be attached to the scientific exploration of these areas has recently been overshadowed by the latest problem -- a growing worldwide energy shortage. The Arctic is no longer an area to be studied merely forint$ unique weather and climatology; its importance as a potential reserve of energy resources is taking precedence.
We are rapidly consuming the most available and cheapest oil reserves, yet our rate of consumption continues to increase. The highest priority is being assigned to the search for new fossil fuel reserves because of long term dependence and extensive development of uses for this form of energy.
When the easily exploited land sources first showed signs of depletion, the quest led to submerged areas adjacent to land sources.
Offshore Dredging Systems For Beach Nourishment Projects
Authors: Nonner R. , Dooremalen J.J.C.M. , Ziegler R.B. 
Published: October 2008

Beach erosion is a serious international problem. In the United States alone, it has been reported by the Corps of Engineers that measures to control erosion appear justified along 2700 miles of coastline. The cost of this work is estimated at $1.8 billion.
The natural forces causing beach erosion are complex, involving effects of wind, and upland erosion. A discussion of these factors is beyond the scope of this paper. Suffice it to say, beach erosion is with us to stay.
It is possible in many cases to overcome the problem by modifying current patterns through use of artificial structures, and by replacing the lost sand with sand dredged from the sea floor.
This paper deals with an analysis of several dredging systems that can be effectively employed for rebuilding eroded beaches, a process referred to as beach nourishment. Beach nourishment can be accomplished with both permanent, and portable, dredging systems.
1.1 An example of the former is a system installed in Italy along the Liguria Sea between Massa and Carrere. The need for a permanent installation is the exception however, and in most instances replenishment can take place on a periodic basis, using portable dredging plant.
1.2 If sand is available onshore immediately near the beach to be replenished, it can be pumped directly to the beach site through a delivery pipeline, using established dredging techniques. In many cases, however, the sand is only available immediately seaward of the beach. This paper will review the various dredging systems which can be employed in this latter case.
To provide a means for selecting the dredging system most appropriate for a given replenishment project, this paper will present calculations of (1) the cost per cubic meter of sand deposited on the beach, and (2) the return on investment in dredging plant.

2. INFLUENCING FACTORS
Generally speaking t the following factors must be considered in selecting the appropriate dredging and transportation system.2.1 The location of the offshore sand deposit and the characteristics of the deposit2.2 The number of cubic meter of sand required for replenishment2.3 The sand delivery site2.4 Type of dredge

2.1 Sand deposit
As mentioned in the introduction t this study pertains only to cases in which the source of sand for beach replenishment lies offshore in the open sea. In all cases the supply site should be a sand deposit of sufficient volume and suitable grain size characteristics. A "suitable sand composition" is defined as follows:(Equation Available In Full Paper)
Selection of dredging system t and the cost per cubic meter of sand deposited on the beach t are determined to a large extent by the distance between the offshore sand deposit and the sand delivery site. If the distance is not too great t and the dredge is equipped with machinery of sufficient power t it may be possible to pump sand directly through a pipeline from the offshore deposit to the beach.
An Analytical and Experimental Study of Stiffened Tubular Joints with Multiple Branches
Authors: Miller Clarence D. , Trammell J. Hugh 
Published: October 2008

ABSTRACT
This paper describes a method developed by Chicago Bridge & Iron Company for analyzing a.ring-stiffened tubular joint with multiple non-intersecting branch members, each branch member being arbitrarily loaded. A computer program has been developed for analyzing a maximum of six branches, only three of which may intersect any one stiffening ring. For example, a triple K-joint may be analyzed.
Model test results are presented for a three-way Y-joint and for a single K-joint. Each branch of the three-way Y-joint was loaded simultaneously with several combinations of axial, radial and tangential loads. The K-joint was loaded with axial loads only. Photoelastic coating was applied to the branch-to-chord intersections to obtain the full field distribution. Electrical resistance strain gages were placed on the models to obtain the load distribution in the branch member near its intersection to the chord member and to obtain the surface stresses on the outside of the shell and the inner fiber of the stiffening rings. Also several transducers were used for measuring radial deflections of the stiffener rings. The models representa 1:12 and 1:13 scale of a structure with a 52 foot diameter chord member. A comparison is shown of the experimental and analytical results.

INTRODUCTION
For platforms in deep, rough water there is a tendency to use fewer but larger members, each member supporting a larger share of the total load. As member sizes get larger, strengthening the joints by increasing chord wall thickness becomes impractical.
In the above situation there is definite reduction of wave forces if the wells are drilled through one or more large legs of a platform. Also since there are no wave forces on theconductors, guides can be lighter in weight. To drill down the legs, however, requires the legs to be kept relatively open and not restricted at every joint by diaphragms and bulkheads.
These two points led to a consideration of tubular joints using ring stiffeners to strengthen the chord walls. Very little analytical or experimental work on such joints was found in the literature so a research program was started to develop a method of analysis which could be used to select the number and size of stiffeners required. The primary purpose was to develop a design tool which would predict thrusts, shears, moments and deflections in the rings with sufficient accuracy for design use.
The finite element method. is too cumbersome, time consuming and expensive for use as a routine design tool. A single structure requires the design of many joints, each for several loading conditions. Some finite element analysis will be done to provide an additional check on the proposed design method and hopefully to fill in any gaps between the analytical and test results. The finite element study will not be covered in this paper.
Sharply Peaked Wave Energy Spectra In the North Sea
Authors: Rye Henrik , Byrd Robert C. , Torum Alf 
Published: October 2008

ABSTRACT
Recent research results on the growth mechanisms of a wind-wave field, combined with actual wave measurements of extreme sea states in the North Sea, show that the Pierson-Moskowitz type of spectrally may not always be adequate for the description of extreme and operational sea states. Evidence is presented which shows this statement to be true, and a more sharply peaked wave spectrum is proposed for supplementary use. The importance of the spectral shape of a wave field for structural behavior is considered.

INTRODUCTION
For offshore operations, an adequate description of the environmental conditions is important. A better understanding of the wind, wave and current conditions experienced in the hostile areas of the North Sea will provide improved criteria for offshore activity. This paper deals with the results from recent studies of the North Sea wave conditions and of their implications for the North Sea exploration.
Empirical data and the conceptual idea of a lively developed ll sea state, led Pierson and Markowitz (1964) to propose a formula for a spectral description of the wind generated sea state. This spectrum has been adapted for a great variety of engineering applications?; i. e. testing of offshore structural behavior in irregular waves, and for the statistical description of severe sea states.
Wave recordings from the North Sea however, show that the Pierson - Markowitz spectrum may not always give a realistic description of the sea states; in particular duping the wave growth stage. In addition, scientific results, both theoretical and field experiments, show that the wind wave spectrum during wave growth is much more sharply peaked and contains more energy than the correspond ing Pierson - Moskowitz spectrum., Further, the existence of a-"fully developed" sea state questioned

THE "JONSWAP" EXPERIMENT
In order to improve-the understanding of the processes that develop a wind-way field, a multi-national experiment was conducted in the North Sea. Thirteen wave stations spaced along a 160 km profile extending westward from the Island of Sylt (North Germany) were in operation, recording over 2000 wave spectra. They found traitor-wave growth conditions, the source function S in the spectral energy balance equation
(available in full paper)
A Test Particle Dispersion study In Massachusetts Bay
Authors: Hess Wilmot N. , Nelson Terry A. 
Published: October 2008

Abstract
The development of predictive models to estimate in advance of a dredging operations where the fines in a dredge plume will travel is an important goal.
On June 11, 1973, 2700 kilograms (3 tons) of small (0.5&lt;d&lt;50?) particles were released into the water column in Massachusetts Bay and their movement tracked for 10 days. Also, oceanographic data were collected and analyzed and a dispersion model was formulated.
Final data show the plume movement to be west toward Boston Harbor, eastward toward Stellwagen Bank and southward along the coast into Cape Cod Bay where a counterclockwise gyre is suggested.

Introduction
The New England Offshore Mining Environmental Study (NOMES) was a joint effort of NOAA and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to determine the effects on the environment of offshore sand and gravel dredging. This study was begun in June 1972 and terminated short of 'its goal in August 1973 The importance of a NOMES type study can be appreciated when one considers the significant problems which can be caused by the rain of silt from overboard dumping of dredge spoil. These are:The effects on metabolism and survival of organisms confronted with high concentrations of fine particulate matter;The effects on the benthic habitat caused by sediment removal and redeposition;The chemical and physical response of resuspended bottom deposits; andThe types, amounts and methods of chemical constituent transfer to the water column or sediments, and their amplification by organisms through the marine food web.
An actual dredging operation in which 764,000 cubic meters (1 million cu. yds.) of sand and gravel were to be removed from a dredge site 12.87 kilometers (8 mi.) out of Boston was to be the focus of the study. It was estimated that approximately 3% of the 764,000 cubic meters of dredged material would be dumped overside from the dredge. This means 22,938 cubic meters (30,000 cu. yds.) of silt (d &lt; 64?) would be introduced into the water column.
Development of a predictive model to estimate in advance of the actual dredging where the fines in the dredge plume would travel was considered of extreme importance. The actual dredging operation could be used to test and refine the predictive model.
Previous investigations of diffusion in coastal and oceanic waters have utilized fluorescent dyes such as rhodamine Band tracked the plume continuously through use of fluorometers. These dyes were deemed inadequate for the study of a dredge plume mock-up since dye does not exhibit the fallout characteristics of natural sedimentary particles. It was therefore necessary to use a tracer composed of particles which exhibited settling characteristics similar to natural silt and clay-size sediments, but were easily identifiable from particles indigenous to the local water column and substrate.