bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Application of Chemical and Microbiological Data for Sulfide Control
Authors: Morris Edgar Alan , Gomez Rick , Peterson Roger 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
Hydrogen sulfide souring in oil and gas reservoirs due to sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) has been well documented, and the awareness of the problem is widespread in the industry. Reser-voir engineers often specify preventive subsurface biocide treatment where progressive souring has the potential to occur. This strategy has the advantage of attaining early control of microbial communities that may eventually cause souring. The disadvantages include cost, environmental, and worker-safety considerations. In addition, the reservoir engineer cannot be certain that down-hole treatment is necessary without specific chemical and microbiological information on the system treated.
In a study sponsored by Northern Natural Gas (an Enron Company), a group of wells in a natural gas storage field having a history of souring was evaluated. Wells in the reservoir had been biocide treated for many years and some eventually went sour. The wells studied remained sweet although they had been expected to eventually go sour. Microbiological and chemical analysis of these wells revealed that, unlike the sour counterparts, little potential existed for them to go sour. The subject wells exhibited limited nutrients available for SRB, and other bacteria were identified in the produced water that naturally inhibit sulfide production. The study was extended to three additional natural gas storage facilities, utilizing the same formation, and similar correlations were shown between bacteria, nutrients, and sulfide production, although the fundamental water-quality parameters were different. The sponsor of the study has utilized these findings to curtail unnecessary treatment.
Mitigating in a Sensitive Environment, Overcoming Logistics with Technology: Bird Island Mitigation Project, Upper Laguna Madre, Texas
Authors: Graham Alexandra L. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
Fina Oil and Chemical Company is currently involved in a mitigation project which consists of two phases: earthwork and seagrass replanting. The Bird Island Mitigation Project is part of a mutual agreement between Fina and the US Army Corps of Engineers in retribution for seagrass damage in a 37 acre area during mobilization of a drilling rig to location in 1990.
The site is located in the Upper Laguna Madre, between the southern coast of Texas and Padre Island. It is among the largest of three high-salinity lagoons in the world and also one of the world's rarest marine environments. This area's extreme environmental sensitivity, coupled with an average water depth of 3 feet, caused deriving successful mitigation plans to be difficult.
The objective of the project was to place fill and recondition the bay bottom in two areas creating proper seagrass habitat. Upon completion of the earthwork, 74 acres of seagrasses would have to be harvested and planted in the habitat created.
This paper provides a chronological depiction of the development and procedure of one of the largest restoration and mitigation projects of its kind. Highlighted, are the new technologies researched, developed and tested to aid in the development and implementation of the earthwork phase completed in May 1998. This was the most challenging and difficult phase of the mitigation project.
Research conducted produced the negative effects of hydraulic dredging plumes on the environment. Studies show that plumes both distribute and re-supply areas with necessary nutrients, but consequently, block light penetration due to the suspended particles. Critical research concentrated on techniques developed primarily for hazardous substances and technology responsible for transportation of dried commodities. Both techniques researched minimized turbidity plumes and allowed for timely completion.
Polyaromatic Hydrocarbon Content in Crude Oils Around the World
Authors: Kerr J. M. , Melton H. R. , McMillen S. J. , Magaw R. I. , Naughton G. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
Polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are of environmental concern because a few of them have been found to be mutagenic and/or carcinogenic at some dose levels in laboratory studies. For this reason, 16 PAHs are on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA) Priority Pollutant list (U.S. EPA 1987). PAHs consist of two or more fused benzene rings in linear, angular, or clustered arrangements. They are naturally occurring in crude oils and therefore may be of concern at crude oil spill sites and in some types of E&P wastes. There are many sources of PAHs in the environment with incomplete combustion of fossil fuels (including coal and oil) being a major source of low concentrations of PAHs worldwide. Some other environmental sources of PAHs are natural oil seeps, spills of refined products, and wood preservatives such as creosote.
Exxon Production Research and Chevron Research and Technology as participants in a joint industry effort through the Petroleum Environmental Research Forum Project 97-08 have analyzed over 48 crude oils, exploration and production (E&P) wastes, and site soils from across the world. In this paper, information regarding PAH content and concentration is compared to the composition of some refined products, creosote, and combustion sources. The potential risk to human health from PAHs in crude oils is also addressed. Preliminary assessments were conducted to determine the concentrations of these crude oils in soil for which human health risk from PAH exposure was acceptable. The concentrations determined from these assessments were compared to total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) cleanup criteria targets of 10,000 ppm, as used by several states. For all oils tested, the cleanup standard of 10,000 ppm was protective of human health with a considerable safety factor.
Framework for a Comparative Environmental Assessment of Drilling Fluids Used Offshore
Authors: Meinhold Anne F. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
In response to effluent limitation guidelines promulgated by the United States Environmental Protection Agency, industry has developed alternatives to the water and oil-based drilling fluids used offshore. These synthetic-based muds (SBMs), enhanced mineral oils (EMOs) and purified paraffin oils have lower toxicity and smaller environmental impacts than diesel or conventional mineral oil-based muds (OBMs). EPA is developing new guidelines for the discharge of these fluids and the associated cuttings. The decision about allowing or disallowing the discharge of cuttings with small amounts of associated SBMs, EMOs and purified paraffin oils should not be based solely on potential environmental impacts, especially those such as bioaccumulation or biodegradation that may not be directly connected to effects on populations or ecosystems. Regulatory decisions about drilling fluid discharges should also consider potential impacts associated with the alterna-tives; including occupational accidents and chemical expo-sures, impacts associated with disposal, air emissions, and transportation risks. Because these new fluids are expensive, industry will not continue to use them if the cuttings cannot be discharged offshore. The alternative to allowing the discharge of these new drilling fluids is the continuing use of OBMs in difficult drilling situations. This paper develops a framework for a comparative environmental assessment for the discharge of drilling fluids, to help support a risk-based, integrated approach to regulatory decision making.
Silica Micro-encapsulation: A Technology for the Elimination of the Environmental Impact of Cutting Discharges
Authors: Limia Jose M. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
A new approach is required in order to eliminate the environmental impact of the discharge of cuttings contaminated with invert emulsion drilling fluids. Up to now, much emphasis has been given to the inherent environmental characteristics of the fluids themselves (toxicity, biodegradability, etc.) but little or no attention has been dedicated to the mechanisms of environmental impact
The main mechanism of impact of the discharge of drilled cuttings is the organic enrichment of the marine sediment. Organic enrichment is a situation derived from the accumulation of organic matter in concentrations exceeding the "processing capacity" of the receiving environment (the oxygen demand exceeds the supply).
Silica Micro-Encapsulation will eliminate the possibility of organic enrichment as well as the direct toxic effects of the fluids coating the discharged cuttings. Once the oil attached to the cuttings is encapsulated, the cuttings become water wetted, which leads to their dispersion in the water column (as it is the case with water based mud cuttings). The dispersion of the cuttings will minimize the load of fluid in the sediment. In addition, the encapsulated oil is not bio-available, therefore these cuttings will not have an oxygen demand which will prevent the organic enrichment.
Well Control Guidelines for Girassol
Authors: Bertin D. , Lassus-Dessus J. , Lopez B. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
The Girassol field, discovered in 1996, lies offshore Angola in water depths around 1350 m. The development project calls for the drilling of 40 subsea wells which will target shallow oil bearing tertiary reservoirs constituted of highly permeable unconsolidated sand layers. Although pore pressure is hydrostatic, well control is an issue, as there is a high swab kick risk, mainly for the long horizontal wells. This paper reviews some essential particularities of West Africa deep water drilling operations which make well control challenging; the objective is to highlight key parameters related to well control situations in this environment such as low temperatures, very low fracture gradient, problems induced by the risk of major lost circulation, and all the consequences of the BOP position at mudline, sometimes nearer to well TD than to surface. A new theoretical control approach is proposed, based on the classical Driller's method, offering an optimized choice of the slow circulating rate and some easy-to-follow control curves. A graphical synthesis associated with the essential equations of the wellbore pressures at the different stages of the control operation will be detailed. This method intends to be fully efficient even in extreme situations such as a swab gas influx in a long horizontal drain with significant choke line pressure losses. Validation has been made by using an advanced kick simulator. The objective is to propose to Girassol operations staff a new type of kill sheet. New operational well control guidelines, combining essentially the experience gained while drilling Angola Bloc 17 exploration and appraisal wells, and the theoretical approach already introduced, are also presented in this paper.
Conductor System Design For A Deep Water Jackup in Cantilever Mode Over the ETAP Platforms
Authors: Burton K. , Odgers M. J. , Nehring C. , Boon W. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
Increasingly, field developments in the 0 m – 100 m depth range are utilising deep water, harsh environment jackups in cantilever mode over fixed platforms near to their operating limits. In such water depths, it is possible that there will be substantial relative movements between the jackup and fixed platform, under the action of environmental wind, wave and current loading. Any such relative movements cause very high loadings within the conductor system, in the surface equipment and on the jacket guides; indeed, such loadings are often in excess of those caused by environmental loading on the conductors themselves. Consequently, all of the above loadings must be accounted for in the design process, in appropriate combinations.
The above issues were addressed in the design of conductor systems for two platforms located the United Kingdom Continental Shelf (UKCS) Central North Sea (CNS). The platforms were Marnock and Mungo, which form part of the ETAP development. A thorough understanding of the key issues were developed, and analytical and design solutions prepared to maximise drilling operability. Operating procedures were prepared, to ensure that the conductor systems will remain within acceptable operating envelopes. These procedures are now being used in the field.
The purpose of this paper is to briefly describe the analytical work which was performed for both Marnock and Mungo, summarise the key issues, and outline the operating procedures that were developed (by the ETAP project) to manage the integrity of the conductor systems. Also contained in the paper is an outline of the topics which should be addressed when designing such systems for use from deep water jackups, working in cantilever mode (over fixed platforms).
Though each jackup/conductor/platform combination is unique, the novel techniques described in this paper will be applicable to other projects, where similar systems are being considered.
Development and Implementation of a Process That Fosters Organizational Learning
Authors: Morgan D. R. , Willis J. C. , Lindley B. C. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
How can an operator consistently deliver best in class drilling performance around the world? Phillips formed a Critical Well Improvement Team (CWIT) to answer this question. This team included representatives from each of its E & P business units and from every discipline involved in drilling projects. The team critically looked at the processes used in planning and executing drilling projects and examined the obstacles that stood in the way of consistently delivering best in class wells. This lead to the development of the MaxWell, short for Maximum Well Value, Process.
The MaxWell process includes a consistent methodology to be used in planning, executing and post well analysis of drilling projects. In addition, it introduces a common filing structure, a common format for documents generated by a drilling project, and a method for sharing lessons learned on a global scale. MaxWell also includes a staffing template to help each division identify the personnel resources required to deliver best in class drilling results.
This paper will discuss the steps the CWIT took to develop MaxWell, the MaxWell process itself, and the care taken in developing an implementation plan to insure that MaxWell becomes a part of the well planning culture and does not become another forgotten initiative.
Win90's: The Evolution of a Partnership
Authors: Lane Ian , Richards Simon 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
This paper represents the views of two parties seeking to optimise a working partnership. It represents the "official" view of neither operator nor contractor.
Industry has interpreted partnership in many different ways, from alliances to lead contractors, incentive through gainshare. In the late 80's, Shell Expro embarked on a strategy of contracting out the execution of drilling and the management of many associated services on its North Sea installations via a "lead contractor". Perception of its effectiveness throughout the next decade covered the whole spectrum of opinion. Supporters highlighted the potential for reduced overheads, performance improvement and focus on core business. Detractors highlighted increases in "hidden" overheads, loss of control and reduction in performance focus.
This paper then describes the evolution of a working relationship between operator and contractor from the initial implementation period when Win 90's was being forcefully promoted throughout the industry, through the development of a workable and working partnership, and looks forward to what the future may hold. Contractual issues, incentivisation, organisational issues, other environmental factors as well as performance, are all examined during the course of the paper.
Safety Can't Wait: A Global Campaign for Transformational Change
Authors: Buchan Rob 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
The statistics tell a sobering story, about half the lost time injuries in our industry occur on drilling rigs. Industry trends indicate drilling safety performance is on a plateau and there is a growing belief that the current performance isn't good enough. Faced with this information we have two choices. The first is to do what we do already and accept the inevitable consequence that we will continue to have accidents. The second is to realise that, as an industry, we need to do something different if we are to create a culture where an accident free drilling operation is common place.
This paper describes a process for revealing the underlying culture of the drilling industry and the type of behavioural and organisational changes which need to be made if we are to achieve a permanent step change in safety culture and performance.
In the same context the paper describes the global drilling safety leadership campaign which has been initiated to enroll operators, drilling contractors and service companies to the common cause of improving drilling safety performance by working together on personal commitment, leadership and behaviour.
Best Completion Practices
Authors: Dyson William Q. , Coludrovich Earl , Weldy John C. , Fruge Michael , Guidry Marlon 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
Over one hundred Gulf of Mexico completions have been analyzed over a period of two years, resulting in the best practices, as outlined in this paper. The completions have been categorized into ten different types, and optimized methods for implementing each type are listed. Completion engineers, production engineers, rig foremen and many service company personnel have contributed to Best Completion Practices. The work, however, has mainly been driven by an Alliance Process Improvement Team (APIT) composed of the authors, thus shared visions and solutions are the means by which common completion objectives have been reached.
Analysis of the Stick-Slip Phenomenon Using Downhole Drillstring Rotation Data
Authors: Robnett E. W. , Hood J. A. , Heisig G. , Macpherson J. D. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
The stick-slip phenomenon has been identified in the industry as an inefficient and often damaging drilling vibrational condition. Numerous studies, predominantly focusing on measurements of drillstring torque, have detailed the nature of this phenomenon, and have shown its detrimental effects on drillstring components and especially on PDC bits. Using surface rotary motor current, drilling contractors and surface logging companies have attempted to monitor drillstring torque so as to recognize and correct for this torsional instability.
Recent MWD tool developments using downhole drillstring rotational speed have established a superior method to identify stick-slip and establish its severity. Measuring actual rotational behavior of the lower BHA gives a better insight to the torsional movement of the drill bit during the drilling process, without the problems involved when inferring this behavior from the surface torque readings, obtained at the opposite end of the drillstring.
This paper describes the method of determining the stickslip behavior downhole from magnetometer readings. The sensors are sampled at a high enough frequency to compute nearinstantaneous values of downhole drillstring rotation, and variations in the RPM are then used to establish the incidence and severity of stick-slip. This information is telemetered to the surface and provided to the driller in order to allow for real-time changes in drilling parameters to correct for this inefficiency. Also presented in the paper are several examples using actual field data that detail stick-slip behavior and demonstrate how real-time information about downhole RPM variations can help to reduce the problems associated with this torsional drilling dysfunction.
Innovative use of BHAs and LWD Measurements to Optimize Placement of Horizontal Laterals
Authors: Farruggio G. , Rasmus J. , Low S. , Ingold C. , Jackson K. , Curtis C. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
More than 50 horizontal laterals averaging 4600 feet in length have been drilled in a shallow, heavy oil reservoir in eastern Venezuela. Precise navigation through the formations was necessary to optimize placement of the lateral drainholes and maximize the percentage of reservoir sand exposed. To meet this requirement, an optimized bottom hole assembly (BHA) design and logging while drilling (LWD) interpretation technique were developed based on field experience.
Measurement while drilling (MWD) continuous directional measurements were used to steer the well through the reservoir, along a specific well path chosen from three-dimensional (3D) seismic that covers the field area. The LWD azimuthal and bit electrode measurements were integrated with the 3D seismic to allow an interactive interpretation of the stratal boundaries present within the reservoir which resulted in continual refinements to the planned well path. Using the information derived from the LWD azimuthal and bit electrode measurements, the location of shale stringers, bed boundaries, and pay sand relative to the BHA could be determined and the well then steered in the appropriate direction to maintain an optimum position within the oil reservoir.
As a result, the number of sidetracks was reduced and the percent sand encountered increased. The longest horizontal lateral in Venezuela was also drilled and completed as part of this project.