bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An Outbreak of Chronic Mass Psychogenic Illness at Workplace: A Case of Mental Control Over Physical State
Authors: Razavi Jalees K. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
The paper describes a Health Hazard Evaluation (HHE) of a Mass Psychogenic Illness (MPI) outbreak that occurred at an office complex late in the fourth quarter of 1996 and continued well into 1997.
In essence, a group of employees experienced a variety of health problems that they were totally convinced were directly related to exposure to residual organophosphate pesticide contamination.
The paper describes the intriguing series of events that took place from the time of the pesticide application and the timeline analysis. It explains what the author believes were the initial factors that initiated the MPI outbreak: those that caused the chronicity of the outbreak and also its maintenance over a prolonged period of time. It illustrates the adverse effects on the outcome, by means of social pressures and economic loss.
A combined team of an Occupational Medicine Specialist physician and 2 Industrial Hygienists from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) conducted the HHE in February 1997, revisiting the site in April of the same year.
The paper describes the author's definition of "the rainbow syndromes"(those diseases that present with subjective signs and symptoms without objective clinical findings, including laboratory findings and other building-related syndromes.
Results. The results of the medical investigations undertaken were derived from a review of medical records from local hospitals and other health facilities visited by the employees and also medical evaluations conducted by the NIOSH Team.
The results of the industrial hygiene investigations undertaken at the facilities were derived from surface sampling, air sampling and bulk sampling.
Conclusion. The medical investigator concluded that there was no evidence to substantiate chronic organophosphate poisoning. The events did in fact indicate an outbreak of MPI and resulting anxiety that continued for a long period of time due to factors such as: workplace/socio-economic stresses; family stresses; co-morbidities; and secondary gain.
The paper asserts the view that judicious and timely risk assessment and management of exposure can minimize financial loss, human anguish and distress.
Safety Practices for Servicing Wells with Hydrogen Gas Generated in the Wells Annuli
Authors: Zainalabedin K. A. , Al-Habib N. S. , Ahmad G. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
This paper will relate Saudi Aramco's operational experience with pressurized hydrogen gas in the annuli of wells equipped with cathodic protection. The presence of hydrogen gas in the effluent samples from the annuli of cathodically protected wells was confirmed in the laboratory and appropriate steps were taken to ensure the safety of wells. These steps include training of personnel involved with well servicing, limitations on welding in the vicinity of these wells and any other activity that could generate a flammable mixture.
This paper will discuss the practices of Saudi Aramco in handling this material in a safe manner. Hydrogen gas found in the annuli of cathodically protected wells represents a potential safety hazard since hydrogen gas mixed with air forms an explosive mixture. This odorless and colorless gas is generated as a result of electrolysis of water in the annuli of wells equipped with impressed current cathodic protection to protect the casing from external corrosion.
Experiences in the Management of Drilling Fluids and the Regulatory Control of Associated Cuttings in the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry
Authors: Agha G. U. , Irrechukwu D. O. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
One environmental issue that has continued to receive increasing and significant attention in the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry over the past decade is the management of drilling fluids and control of the disposal of the associated cuttings in the different ecological zones where exploratory activities take place. The development of the framework for the relevant regulatory control criteria have been based on scientific understanding of the potential environmental impacts and consideration for the sensitivities of the communities of the host regions.
The tortuous process of selection and approval of drilling fluids for each ecological zone and the respective set limits are described against the backdrop of available waste treatment technologies. This paper also reveals the peculiarities of the evolving concepts of development of regulations based on science, experiences of the international industry and local social issues as a means of striking an acceptable though delicate balance among stakeholders in drilling waste management.
The constraints in effective implementation of such policies within the economic bounds that characterize a mono product developing economy (as Nigeria) are discussed.
Accurately Measuring Discharged Drilled Cuttings and Retained Fluids
Authors: Valentine Anthony V. 
Published: December 2007

AbstractIn October 1999 Chevron assumed operatorship of Block B8/32 in the Gulf of Thailand. The continuing slimhole drilling program involves monobore production, horizontal production, horizontal injection and exploration wells, all of which typically have 2D or 3D well paths. Consequently, due to its inherent lubricity and hole stability, IEM (Invert Emulsion Mud) is used for drilling all 6⅛" reservoir hole intervals. Over the first several months of operatorship it became apparent that the UK DTI (United Kingdom Department of Trade and Industry) method used to measure the mass of cuttings and retained fluids discharged with the cuttings was inaccurate. Mass balances of fluid and materials consumed on various wells indicated the calculated IEM and base fluid discharge figures were notably less than that actually discharged.As part of the TFM (Total Fluids Management) process, an in-house program was initiated to accurately measure the mass of cuttings and retained fluids discharged with cuttings. The testing methodology, calculations and reporting format were developed over a period of 12 months during which time over 30 wells were drilled with a single rig. To date, results from slimhole drilling operations indicate that the method currently used by the industry throughout much of the world, generally in compliance with government regulations, significantly underestimates the mass of cuttings and commercial solids discharged to the environment.
The Sustainability Assessment Model (SAM)
Authors: Baxter Tom , Bebbington Jan , Cutteridge David 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
Business has a fundamental role to play in delivering Sustainable Development – the process needed to achieve a sustainable society. Sustainable Development is becoming an important issue for the oil and gas industry to address. There is, however, a lack of tools for improving decision making in this area. The paper outlines a tool (the Sustainability Assessment Model – SAM) which has been developed to assess whether or not a project can be said to be "sustainable". A project focus has been adopted in developing the tool because we believe that greater control over impacts can be achieved at this level. However, the tool can be used to aid specific design decisions (eg development scheme selection or concept selection) and also to assess an organisation's overall performance. The SAM assesses the social, environmental, economic and resource usage impacts of a project over its full life cycle. In the case of a hydrocarbon development this includes the design, construction, installation and commissioning of the facilities, the production of oil and gas and the eventual decommissioning of the facilities. This part of an oil and gas development is (usually) within the control of the operator. The SAM, however, extends the analysis beyond exploration and production and also assesses impacts from hydrocarbon refining, the manufacture of products and the eventual product use. It also addresses the possibility of remediation and restoration options. The SAM monetises all the impacts so that they can be compared on a like-for-like basis. This also allows the impacts to be combined into a single measure (which we have called the SAMi, or Sustainability Assessment Model indicator) which reflects overall whether a project is "sustainable" or not.
Zero Discharge Philosophy: A Joint Project Between Norwegian Authorities and Industry
Authors: Marthinsen I. , Sørgård T. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
With the aim to reduce the impact from discharges to the sea from offshore oil and gas activities by the year 2005, a zero discharge work was started by the authorities in 1997. The initiation of the work was a White Paper from the Norwegian Ministry of Environment: Environmental Policy for a Sustainable Development (1996–97), in combination with the objectives agreed upon at the North Sea Conference in Esbjerg, Denmark in 1995. In order to reach the zero discharge goal by the year 2005 as stated in the White Paper, a Zero Discharge Philosophy project was also initiated in 1997. Norwegian authorities, oil companies and the supply industry took part in this joint effort project which was a part of the zero discharge work. The report from the project which ended in 1998, concluded that the aim of the zero discharge work is to reduce the impact, and not necessarily the discharges themselves, either by reducing the content of harmful components in the water, or the amount of chemicals and water itself. In addition, a reduction in the discharges offshore should not lead to increased pollution in other areas. For instance, if transportation to shore is chosen, increased emissions to air and the consequences of handling the waste on land should be considered.
As a part of the zero discharge work and based on the results from the Zero Discharge Philosophy project, the operators were required to look into existing offshore activities to evaluate possible initiatives to reduce the impact from the discharges. Most of the proposals have been connected to traditional lines of thinking such as reducing the use of chemicals in the water treatment plants, injection instead of discharges of produced water, and different cleansing techniques for oil and chemicals. The operators have to implement measures according to the plans they have presented to the authorities. Their efforts will be followed closely, and formal requirements will be imposed in 2003 if their actions do not seem to be sufficient to reach the goal of no harmful discharges to the sea by the year 2005.
Safety Training For The Employees Of The Exploration & Production Companies: Are They Really Worth?
Authors: Mukundan Ashok P. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
The E&P industry is unique by its nature of operations. Accidents create – pain to the injured; mental sufferings to the parents, children, dear & near one's of the injured; sufferings to the fellow workers & superiors; production delays & interruptions; legal expenses, penalties & compensations; material/equipment damage; environment pollution, all of which costs quite high for an E & P Company. The E & P operations extend both onshore & offshore; also extend to deserts, jungles & extremely cold climatic conditions. Most of the E & P companies take care of their employees as an invaluable asset. If so, the employee health and life should be considered precious by these companies.
This paper gives a brief outline about the safety training needs and model safety training for an E & P Company. A brief insight is also given on general safety training requirements and content for new recruits, managers, supervisors, safety representatives and contractors. The overall rationale for safety training and education in an E & P company is to improve awareness of associated safety hazards related to E & P operations, to expand knowledge of the causes of the accidents and to promote the implementation of effective preventive measures. Thus, the specific purpose and impetus for safety training will however vary for different target audiences, locations (offshore and onshore) and the environment.
As training is an important part of any management programme, it also has to be an essential part of a safety management for the E & P companies. This includes making sure that the latest knowledge is imparted to those responsible for designing, operating and maintaining E & P installations and the supporting services in the safest manner. Competent employees i.e. those possessing the knowledge, skill and motivation to perform their work properly, are likely to be the Safest Employees for the organization.
Management of Indigenous Communities Health Issues at the Villano Project in the Ecuadorian Amazon Region
Authors: Vacas Francisco , Gonzalez Mario , Sanabria Vinicio , Madera Angelo 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
Agip Oil Ecuador B.V. (AOE), as the operator of Block 10 in the Ecuadorian Amazon region, is faced with a number of indigenous community health issues. Most of these communities belong to the Quichua ethnic group with other groups like the Huaorani and Shuar-Ashuar also represented. AOE's health programs include more than 6,000 people, including some 3,000 colonists that had settled in the region.
The program is now in full development since its original inception more than two years ago and intends to improve the quality of living of the people by providing primary health care. AOE is involved in disease prevention and control, health education, basic sanitation and safe water distribution, vaccination, nutrition, maternal and child care, treatment of common disease and injuries, access to essential medicines, emergency evacuation. In addition a new program is now being implemented with the objective of rescuing the local traditional natural medicine.
AOE's program is supported by the local branch of the Ministry of Health and NGO's such INNFA (The National Institute for the Child and Family), and SNEN (The National Malaria Eradication Institute).
As a result, this program has successfully reduced the morbidity and mortality rate in the region and at the same time protects the fragile environment surroundings the area, respecting the culture and traditions of the people.
Successful Implementation of an Intranet Web-Based, Secure, Real-Time, Project-Knowledge Repository System
Authors: Drnec M. L. , Andrea M. D. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
This paper presents the successful implementation of an intranet Web-based, secure, real-time, project-knowledge repository system. The system, based on the Storage Area Network (SAN) concept, optimizes project document generation, flow, distribution and storage. The system offers an easy way to interact, build and access project knowledge. Project data are not locked to local hard drives (e.g., laptops or desktops) or client-server-based Local Area Networks (LANs).
Data are hosted and managed on a secure Web server, eliminating the need for distribution to project team members; e.g., as an e-mail attachment. Data are accessed through a secure Web portal to make user access, data analysis and integration easy. Users do not need to download and store project information on their machines, saving disk space and reducing the risk of a security breach. To access project information, they visit a virtual workspace: a one-stop shop for all team members. The collaborator is led to the content rather than the content to the collaborator. Everybody is on the same (Web) page.
Electronic document processing makes possible an extended support structure for maintaining day-to-day operations, as well as performing data storage for future use and organizational learning. The system preserves knowledge, handling it as a valuable asset and making it, at the same time, as easily accessible as a commodity.
Information technology (IT) specialists are responsible for 24/7/365 support of the system, data mirroring, backups, best-in-class security, database administration, emergency recovery procedures and state-of-the-art storage methods. Project knowledge is protected and preserved for generations: macro, instead of micro, data management of integrated oilfield projects as a long-term, strategic approach of secure knowledge preservation. Currently, nearly 200 projects worldwide use the system.
PROACTIVE SAFETY MANAGMENT
Authors: Arias Daniel , Tucker Jan 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
Pan American Energy (PAE) is an Oil & Gas Company with an average production as per last year figures of 44,16 MMBOE. Production areas are located in several Argentine provinces. For the year 2000 PAE's operations logged 9.250.972 man-hours, of which 80 % are allocated to Contractors workforce.
The implementation of the actions described below was the key to awake HSE conscience in our workforce. To give an example: in 1999 our Days Away From Work Cases Frequency – DAFWCF vis-a-vis 2000 was about 63% higher.
Achieving and sustaining this level involved setting clear objectives throughout the whole PAE workforce. In other words, reduction of accidents is the result of a consistent HSE performance.
Early last year we have implemented tools such as: Critical Task Analysis, Potential Risk Cards (near/hit miss report), Advanced Safety Audits, STOP Programs, Incident Investigation Reports (Root Cause Analysis), Lessons Learned Report, in-house publications (Trabajando Seguro and HSE Forum bulletin), Safe Driving Program, HSE Forum, Internal Auditing of HSE Management System, all of them based on Risk Administration, Leadership and Commitment.
These and other useful tools in use by PAE have proved to be successful. They are the evidence of the results for 2000 and 2001 YTD in HSE performance, when compared to 1999. See table in page 4.
At present, preventive actions are fully reinforced. All employees across the board are being made part of HSE, when it comes to the observation of safe and unsafe acts and conditions. This new approach has led us to set a strategy whereby our top managers are becoming full HSE players.
One of the basic principles of our awareness process is founded on the leadership and commitment shown by our managers to our workforce in the field.
Their true involvement in Safety Management System has led them to acquire a thorough knowledge of the System; to see its applicability in the field; to identify gaps and then cooperate towards its improvement.
Gas Turbine Exhaust Heat Recovery Applied To Emulsion Treating System
Authors: Andrist Calvin R. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
The Seminole San Andres Unit pressure maintenance facility in Gaines County, Texas is powered by multiple 1000 hp gas turbine engines driving multistage centrifugal pumps. The exhaust gas from each of these engines contains approximately 7 million Btu/hr recoverable heat. The central treating facilities for this Unit share common sites with the injection facilities and represent a highly variable heat load, ranging from zero in the summer months when production arrives at the treating facilities at design treating temperatures, to a maximum of approximately 25 million Btu/hr during the winter months when production arrives at the treating facilities 30 degrees F below design treating temperatures.
The exhaust gas from four engines is coupled through extended surface gas-to-oil heat exchangers which transfer the rejected heat to the hot oil circulating systems. The heated oil is circulated through shell and tube heat exchangers where the heat is transferred to the emulsion streams.
Because of the large cash flow significance of the production stream the system was designed with 100 percent auxiliary natural gas fired heating capability to replace the turbine exhaust heat when engines are down due to maintenance. The system was installed in 1974 and has operated successfully since, with no major system failures.

Introduction
While the primary purpose of this paper is to discuss the application of waste heat from gas turbine engines to the dehydration of crude oil, a brief summary of the field production history is presented so that the reader can gain some understanding of the production system to which it is applied. production system to which it is applied. The Seminole San Andres Unit, operated by Amerada Hess Corporation, is located in Gaines County, Texas. The field was discovered in 1936. The discovery well penetrated the San Andres gas cap and produced at an extremely high GOR. This discouraged development until 1939, when the oil column was identified and rapid development of the field occurred.
The primary producing mechanism was solution gas expansion. Bottom-hole pressure had declined from the original 2020 psig to 1150 psig by March, 1969, when an operating unit was formed for the purpose of initiating a pressure maintenance project. The Unit encompasses 15,700 acres and contained approximately one billion barrels of oil in place. Water injection was initiated in October, 1969, utilizing two 1000 hp gas turbine engines driving multistage centrifugal pumps. The injection system has progressively been expanded to the present level of 10 pumps injecting 250,000 barrels per day. These pumps are located in three injection per day. These pumps are located in three injection plants, as illustrated in Figure 1. plants, as illustrated in Figure 1.
Microbial Problem Solving with Cost Effective and Biodegradable Biocide in the Oil and Gas Industry
Authors: Siegert W. , Lee P. H. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
Standard fuel contains up to 0.2 ml water per litre, of which is more than enough for microbial activity. The development of microorganisms mainly occurred when aqueous condensate collected in oil tanks. Studies have shown that the troubles of clogged filters, fuel tank corrosion, breakdown of tank coatings and engines are connected to the microorganisms. It is important and necessary to stop the bacterial growth with specific use of biocides. This paper will describe some experiences in overcoming this problem using a cost effective and environmentally friendly biocide as well as preventive measures.
Reducing Hydrocarbon Emission : Case Study at Plumpang Terminal Indonesia
Authors: Suwasono Djoko 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
PERTAMINA is Indonesian State Owned Oil and Gas Company and have up stream activities (explorasion & production) and down stream activities (oil refinery, distribution & marketing and transportation).
For distribution and marketing operation PERTAMINA have many fuel terminals such as Plumpang fuel terminal is located about 8 km north of the center Jakarta.
The storage tanks in Plumpang terminal are all cone roof tanks, and all storage tanks have no emission control system.
For an inland fuel terminal, hydrocarbon emissions are typically generated from storage tank vents, from fugitive eqipment leaks and from product loading operations.
The paper studied some aspects related emission control system, install internal floating roofs to reduce hydrocarbon emission from storage tanks and gasoline tanks truck loading also can reduce the emission losses by 80 – 95%.