bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ergonomics in Material Handling in the Offshore Petroleum Industry
Authors: Throndsen Thor Inge , Lund Jan Petter , Torsteinsen Rønnaug , Salbo Terje 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
The paper focuses on the challenges that the material handling on offshore petroleum installations represent, with regard to the possible harmful effects on health.
The term material handling covers all handling of materials, goods and supplies. This includes offloading from a supply vessel and all operations in connection with operation, maintenance and repair. The term ergonomics covers all the manual handling in connection with the material handling operations. In Norway the term working environment (WE) includes ergonomics and other physical and mental factors that influence on the personnel.
The effect of poor solutions for material handling may be low efficiency, exposure to risk, near misses, incidents and lost time injuries. There is a common goal from an operational and an HSE/ergonomic point of view to create solutions that make material handling efficient with a reduced risk for incidents, accidents and occupational diseases. In project work we are focusing on how we in a systematic manner can transfer our experience from operations to other installations and to modification or development projects. A systematic approach to ergonomics at an early stage in design creates better solutions and reduce the need for later modifications and corrective actions.
The Bohai Sea Oil Exploration and Environmental Protection
Authors: Zhijie Fan , Chunyin Song 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
A comprehensive review is given in this paper on marine pollution and its management in the Bohai Sea-a internal sea of China. With fast industrialization in the last two decades along the coast of the Bohai Sea, more and more pollutants discharged into the coastal waters and caused environmental disaster-a dying sea. The monitoring results have shown that 90% of the pollutants come from land-based pollution sources, which have a fundamental impacts on marine environmental quality, on marine organisms and resources and on human health. During the last ten years, the government and scientists had set up many projects including monitoring network, environmental survey, loading capacity study and formulation of management framework. However, all the projects have a little effective on the Bohai Sea environmental quality as a whole. In the late of 90's, integrated coastal zone management (ICM) was introduced into China under the support of International Maritime Organization. The approach and methodologies have changed towards the comprehensive Bohai Sea pollution control and environmental management including international organizations, central government, local authorities and stakeholders. Presently, the central government has paid a great attention to the Bohai Sea pollution problems and initiated a "Blue Sea Action Plan" which lays a foundation to the ICM. Finally, pollution control measures are listed including the laws, regulations and environmental quality standards, as well as stipulation of marine environmental management measures. Some suggestions to improve marine environmental quality and to control oil pollution in the Bohai Sea are discussed.
Management of Oil & Gas Exploration and Production in the Zamrud Conservation Area
Authors: Yunan Arief , Haryanto Bambang 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
This paper describes how Caltex Pacific Indonesia (CPI) manages the development of oil and gas production in the Zamrud conservation area. This management began with a "green" seismic project, "zero discharge" drilling, produced water management, preservation of nature, and includes delivering oil to the sales point. The challenges come not only from internal issues in preserving the environment during oil field operations, but also from the cultivated surrounding areas, which leads to growing pressure on the conservation area.
As global energy demand continues to grow, the oil and gas companies are expanding their exploration and production activities into some of the most sensitive and remote ecosystems. The Zamrud field is one of the example sensitive ecosystems where CPI is exploring and producing oil and gas. The history of oil and gas development in the sensitive tropical ecosystems has been marked by conflicts with the environmentalists and isolated indigenous communities. However, CPI in line with its vision, mission and values in preserving its area of operation has implemented viable techniques, technologies and innovative management approaches – as well as improved communications among companies, governments and local communities – which have increased the potential to reduce the risks of oil and gas development.
High commitment to the environment, which is reflected in an integrated effort between the government, CPI, and the local people and other institutions, has resulted in successfully preserving the conservation area. Application of the latest drilling and production technology has contributed to the success in maximizing oil production and at the same time preserving the environment.
CPI manages exploration and production operations that have proven to be good practices for the future, and has implemented viable techniques to ensure conservation of the environment while exploring for and developing hydrocarbons for the Government of Indonesia.
Heart Disease Prevention in the Workplace: A Case Study
Authors: Babalola R. O. , Fagade O. A. , Ajayi P. A. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
Many oil companies operate in the developing world, where the infrastructure for good health care is deficient, awareness of healthy living low, and information on health issues scarce. Chevron Nigeria (CNL) operates in that kind of environment, and has responded to the situation by providing first class health care facilities for employees and their dependants in its areas of operations.
As part of preventive health efforts, the medical division organized a campaign and a screening program to improve awareness on the risk factors for Coronary Heart Disease, and to screen employees for the risk factors. It involved lectures, posters, mail messages, and intensive electronic campaign to reach all employees. Screening for high blood pressure, diabetes mellitus, elevated Cholesterol, Obesity, Smoking and Exercise habits followed. Individual results on risk assessment were sent, with advice on remedial measures.
The response to the campaign was overwhelming, with records indicating over 75% employee participation. The number of registered hypertensives attending the clinics has risen, more employees now engage in regular physical exercise at the company provided facilities (&gt;1000% increase).
We found a higher prevalence of Hypertension, Obesity and Hypercholesterolemia amongst our employees than has been reported in the general Nigerian population. Our field-based employees were at greater risk than office-based employees.
We conclude that oil industry workers in Nigeria are at increased risk for Coronary heart disease compared with the general population. Workplace health programs can be used effectively for heart disease prevention, and to protect the human resource of companies operating in developing countries.
We recommend increased preventive health efforts to Oil companies operating in these areas.
An Approximate Three - Dimensional Reservoir Simulation Model
Authors: Watts J.W. , Huang H.Y. 
Published: December 2007

American Institute of Mining, Metallurgical, and Petroleum Engineers, Inc.

Abstract
A new method for solving two-dimensional cross-sectional and three-dimensional reservoir simulation problems has been developed. It uses the basic reservoir flow equations, but it solves them only approximately.
The new method has been tested on a variety of problems. The results of these tests show the approximations involved to be quite accurate in reservoirs that have good vertical communication. In reservoirs with restricted vertical communication, the results are less accurate but are generally good enough for most engineering purposes.
The new method uses less computing time than conventional simulation. The amount of improvement obtained is quite problem-dependent; decreases of 28 to 67 percent problem-dependent; decreases of 28 to 67 percent were obtained in the set of test cases run.

Introduction
Reservoirs have three dimensions. However, for economic reasons, they are often modeled in two dimensions. Several approaches have been attempted to reduce three-dimensional problems to two dimensions. Breitenbach et al. problems to two dimensions. Breitenbach et al. assumed that the degree of fluid segregation could be estimated beforehand and used this assumption to calculate average interblock relative permeabilities. Coats et al. used pseudo relative permeability and capillary pressure functions based on vertical equilibrium. These two approaches did not account for reservoir stratification. Hearn accounted for stratification but had to assume that no crossflow occurred. Only Jacks et al. could account for both crossflow and reservoir stratification. However, they had to run a series of representative cross sections to generate their pseudo functions.
This paper describes a new approach. The three-dimensional grid is retained instead of being reduced to two dimensions. The full three-dimensional set of equations is solved, but it is solved only approximately. This generally results in a significant reduction of computing time. In most cases, this is done with little loss in accuracy.
Risk Management in Exploration Drilling
Authors: Thorogood John L. , Hovde Finn , Loefsgaard Dag 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
In late 1997 BP Amoco realised that a step change in drilling performance, including HSE performance, was necessary to sustain the future of the Norwegian operation. A review was undertaken to determine what factors contributed to really successful exploration drilling projects. A detailed planning process was developed and underpinned by a set of Ten Principles.
The results have been outstanding and exceeded management expectations as regards time, cost and HSE performance – not to mention the technical results of the wells in terms of data acquisition, coring and testing. From a drilling performance standpoint all five exploration wells drilled after introduction of this new process are in either the first or second quartile wells.
Identifying, understanding and managing the HSE and financial risks involved in an operation is vital to achieve world class levels of performance. One of the key features of the process is the way risk assessment is seamlessly integrated into the work flow of the project. The paper describes how this is achieved right from the outset of the project and how it continues in increasing detail to completion of the operation. The paper explains the critical stages of the process, the key principles and results. The paper outlines the methodologies applied and how team members are involved.
Restoration of Coastal Wetlands Using Treated Drill Cuttings
Authors: Veil J. A. , Johnson N. , Ford J. K. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
One of the most serious environmental problems facing coastal Louisiana is the loss of wetlands. The oil and gas industry has contributed to erosion of coastal wetlands through extensive dredging of canals for drilling and production and to allow boat access to the Gulf of Mexico. This paper describes an innovative approach to restoring some of those wetlands using treated drill cuttings, a waste material generated in the same wetlands areas, as a substrate for vegetation. Rather than disposing of drill cuttings as a waste material, they can be reused for beneficial environmental restoration. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) provided funding to develop and pursue this pollution prevention/wetlands restoration strategy. Researchers at Southeastern Louisiana University (SLU) conducted laboratory mesocosm studies to determine whether treated drill cuttings would support growth of wetlands vegetation. SLU grew wetlands vegetation in 200- liter containers under four different hydrological regimes and found that treated cuttings allowed growth of wetlands vegetation to an extent comparable to that of dredged materials, another substrate used in wetlands restoration projects. A second set of mesocosm studies will begin in 2000 to better refine the treatment of cuttings to make them more suitable as a substrate. A team of representatives from DOE, Argonne National Laboratory, SLU, an oil field waste treatment company, and an independent oil and gas operator has worked for several years to gain regulatory approval for the project and to identify sites that would be good candidates for a demonstration of the approach. This paper describes the regulatory approaches pursued by the team, the difficulties experienced, and the lessons learned to date.
Social Responsibility and the Sustainable Economic Development of Oil and Gas Producing Communities in Nigeria.
Authors: Agbon I. S. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
In the this century, the social responsibility of oil and gas companies will include not just health, safety and environment, but also the sustainable economic development of host communities. Today, in most host communities around the world, local community organizations protesting environmental pollution and economic underdevelopment are making it impossible for oil and gas companies to operate without engaging in social engineering or economic development activities. In Nigeria, the local community struggles have interrupted operations on numerous occasions leading to declarations of force majeure. In the last five years, these interruptions have become widespread, better organized, and more violent. Company workers have been kidnapped for ransom, hostages taken, flowstations and other surface facilities occupied and access roads to plants and offices blocked.
This paper examines the struggles of local grassroot organizations for sustainable economic development and environmental conservation in the oil and gas producing areas of the Niger Delta of Nigeria. The impact of oil and gas operations on the environment and the development of the communities are also examined. The linkages between environmental conditions and sustainable economic development are highlighted. The relationship amongst the host communities, oil companies and Federal Government of Nigeria is analyzed in detail. A project economics model that captures the cost and benefits of investments in sustainable economic development is developed.
The paper concludes that the social responsibilities of oil companies should encompass the sustainable economic development of host communities. An economic evaluation model that captures profitability from the perspertives of the oil companies, the host communities, the Nigerian government and the shareholder is recommended. This approach encourages the cost-effective participation of the inhabitants of the host communities, the oil companies, the shaeholders and the Nigerian government in the economic development process. A balanced growth strategy is proposed for the sustainable economic development of host communities in the Niger Delta of Nigeria.
Oil-and Gas Development as a Potential Threat to Protected Areas and Pristine Wilderness in the South-East Barents Sea and Nenets Autonomous Okrug – Habitat Fragmentation and Contamination
Authors: Kotkin N. J. , Boere G. C. , Hindrum R. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
This paper is based on experiences from the joint co-operation on nature protection between the Russian – Norwegian working group on biological diversity and the Goskomekologiya NAO, and the Russian – Dutch environmental co-operation.
Results from previous research work in the Pechora region and the South East Barents Sea shows that the actual region is of an outmost importance for protection of areas with ecological key functions and high wilderness quality and richness. Simultaneously this area contains biological resources of significant importance to the people living in the region and nature resources of high potential economical interest. Exploring for oil and gas in the Pechora delta and bay has already led to local oil contamination and disfigured localities from property left of constructions, and illegal fishing has caused decline in salmon and whitefish stocks in the Pechora River and Bay. Oil and gas development in other parts of the NAO shows similar experiences.
In 1998 the part of the regional nature reserve Nenetsky Zakaznik on the northern part of the Malosemelskaja tundra was upgraded to Zapovednik status. The searching for oil and gas in the Pechora River, Bay and Sea is bordering this extremely valuable and rich wilderness area. Also other protected areas, areas planned for protection, or other important habitats to protect the biodiversity of the region are threatened by the oil and gas industry.
Based on the expectations to find and utilise large oil and gas reservoirs in this region, it is of outmost importance to protect the wilderness from habitat fragmentation and to establish the best environmental practises and criteria to secure that the development will be sustainable as much as possible. This paper gives an overview of the existing and possible conflicts to nature protection and attempts to give a brief outline of future challenges and plans. It also questions the seminar theses "Progress to sharing values".
Decommissioning of the Balmoral Installation (UK North Sea) BPEO Case Study
Authors: Linzi P. , Harley L. , Picken G. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
It is anticipated that the infrastructures used to exploit the reservoirs of the Balmoral, Glamis and Sterling fields, in the UK Continental Shelf, will be decommissioned within the next two to three years. Agip (U.K.) Ltd intends to decommission the installations in full accordance with the latest international regulations and to the highest standard of environmental protection and safety.
Various decommissioning options for the 10,000 tonnes of sub-sea components (including a template, trees, flowlines, pipelines and ancillary equipment), were assessed and measured in relation to their performance in five categories, to identify the Best Practicable Environmental Option (BPEO).
The measures for the five categories are in different ‘currencies’ and cannot be combined to produce a single value, to allow a meaningful comparison of the options and the identification of that which best fits the goals. Some element of judgement shall be used to combine the results of the individual assessments.
The assessment of the options for the decommissioning of the sub-sea template, partly imbedded in a mound of cutting piles, were particularly challenging because of the effects associated with the disturbance and re-suspension of the cuttings. The decommissioning options for the flowlines and pipelines were also reviewed in great detail in consideration of the safety implications for those involved in the activities and other members of the community (fishermen), in the short as well as in the long term.
Decisions on the decommissioning options for some of the components have been made, but others have been postponed waiting for the results of a Joint Industry Project aimed at identifying the best ways to deal with the drill cuttings.
West African Gas Pipeline as a Clean Development Mechanism Project under the Kyoto Protocol
Authors: Spiers Albert H. , Shinn John H. , Cornwell John R. , Dehmer Steve G. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
An independent study was conducted on the proposed West African Gas Pipeline (WAGP) to evaluate the project in the context of the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) under the Kyoto Protocol of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. This project would utilize by-product natural gas from petroleum-producing operations in Nigeria to provide clean energy for development. Once operational, WAGP would help eliminate significant levels of gas flaring in Nigeria and would directly replace crude oil–based fuel with clean-burning natural gas in power plants in Benin, Togo and Ghana. It could also provide an indirect reduction in high-carbon fuels such as firewood or charcoal briquettes as end users take advantage of additional power generation. A preliminary assessment of project impacts shows that greenhouse gas emissions may be reduced by approximately 100 million tons (as CO2 equivalents) over a 20-year period compared to the expected emissions that would occur during the same period without WAGP. Actual emissions reduction would ultimately depend on the volume of gas contracted and delivered to the region. WAGP also has the potential to bring other environmental benefits, and promotes sustainable development objectives in the host countries. The project appears to meet currently foreseeable requirements for CDM and provides some insights concerning issues facing ongoing negotiations on rules and modalities of CDM.
Implementing an Accredited Competence Assurance Scheme
Authors: Jeffries J. R. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
accredited. adjective officially recognized; generally accepted
competent. adjective adequately qualified or capable
In an era where competency is increasingly important to individual marketability and to company activity, Schlumberger has developed a system that has gained national recognition in the U.K. and that we are offering this case study as a guideline for others to develop similar systems.
Following the findings of the Lord Cullen report into the Piper Alpha disaster, and the legislation and regulations derived from these findings, it became a requirement for people working on an offshore installation in the United Kingdom (U.K.) sector of the North Sea to be competent to do so. Under this ruling, operators, rig owners, and services companies had to be able to demonstrate and "prove" the competence of their employees through an auditable management system.
Recommendations came forth from the U.K. Health & Safety Executive to the North Sea operators who had a legal obligation to assure the competencies of all workers on the installations. One of these recommendations was that the selection of contractors and service companies should consider the mechanisms for assessing competence within the company and that those companies with an "externally verified" competence assurance management system would be the most desirable.
In 1998, Schlumberger Oilfield Services in the U.K. embarked on such a system of assessing and assuring competence, and by January 2000 had qualified the abilities of nearly 95% of its offshore workforce. Implementation was not all "text book," and we gained many learning experiences along the way. The outcome of this effort is detailed in this paper so that others may benefit from the experience. This paper is not intended to discuss the development of actual standards of competence but more the implementation of standards and qualifications within a competence assurance system.