bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Performance Evaluation of Acid Treatments in Injector Wells With Reference to Division Techniques
Authors: Beheiri Faisal I. , Nasr-El-Din Hisham A. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
Numerous acid stimulation techniques have been employed in water injectors to achieve uniform distribution across the injection interval. Mechanical and chemical diversion techniques were utilized separately and jointly to eliminate high permeability zones or thief zones where most of the injection water is flowing into a thin layer of the injection profile. The choice of placement techniques and chemical diversions plays an important role in the treatment success.
This paper presents case histories of acid treatments performance evaluation based on placement and diversion techniques. Based on the calculated time-lapsed injectivity index model and flow-meter surveys, the effectiveness of various mechanical and diversion techniques were evaluated. Placement techniques were either using bullheading or coiled tubing technique. The study covered 49 treatments using bullheading technique and 33 treatments using coiled tubing technique. The chemical diversions included polymer and surfactant-based in-situ gelled acids and foam diversion.
Flow meter survey conducted on several seawater injectors indicated that polymer-based acids damaged some zones of the injection interval. This resulted in poor distribution of the injected water. Foam diversion using bullheading technique did not improve the injection profile in the presence of thief zones. Wells treated by placing the acid using CT showed better performance than those wells treated by placing the acid by bullheading. Combinations of mechanical (CT) and chemical diversion (foam) showed better results than using chemical or chemical diversion alone. Viscoelastic surfactant-based acid showed significant increase in the injectivity index.
Proactive 3D Geosteering Boosts Productivity and Recovery in Complex Clastic Environment
Authors: Al-Dossari Salih M. , Al-Shobaili Yousef , AlHadhrami Mohsin , Nasr Raed , Babayeju Oludiran 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
Traditionally, the steering of horizontal wells has been based on logging-while-drilling measurements that rely on the sensors to actually measure the formation's characteristics when drilling through it and then use this information to make the correct steering decision. This approach is a reactive one, however. The implementation of deep and directional electromagnetic measurements that can detect approaching boundaries enables us to implement a proactive steering approach.
Another key element of the new approach is the ability to make geosteering decisions to change the well trajectory in both inclination and azimuth. This is a critical success factor when dealing with a channel sand environment, where the shape of the sand bodies is not well delineated by seismic data.
This challenging work calls for multidisciplinary collaboration and integration of techniques to succeed in maximizing the net-to-gross ratio obtained from drilling horizontal laterals in such environment. Similar collaboration has been facilitated using a workflow that helped the geosteering operation run effectively, even within a large geosteering team from different backgrounds and companies.
In this paper, we look at case studies where the new technique has been implemented. We discuss aspects that lead to the success of this approach and the learning points gathered from the case studies are presented as well.
Reducing Incidents in Marine Personnel Transfer
Authors: Strong Philip A. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
Millions of crew transfers take place each year and whether they are by boat or helicopter, this remains one of the highest risk activities in offshore operations. Although the safety of crane transfers compares favorably with other methods of crew supply, incidents and associated litigations are not infrequent.
Why does such an ‘apparently simple’ operation go wrong? One reason is a lack of recognition of the true risks. Operators go to great lengths to improve the safety of helicopter operations, whilst marine transfers rarely get a second thought. The underlying objective, however, remains the same; to move personnel to and from their place of work in a safe, cost effective and reliable manner.
This paper looks at the real risks, the root causes of recorded incidents and outlines how transfers can be made safer. Risk can be managed in two ways:
Engineered protection – A modern car provides a secure environment that can protect passengers from impacts. A transfer device can do the same and guard against the inevitable human factors that contribute to the majority of incidents. Improved operational control – Procedures, pre-lift planning, communications and training can all play a significant role in reducing risk.
The paper also describes how analysis of past incidents led to the development of improved equipment and operating practices. Considerable focus was given to ‘human factors’ to prevent minor misjudgments, for example by a crane operator or a vessel skipper, leading to serious incidents.
After ten years working with enhanced systems and after millions of safe transfers, the author explains why serious transfer incidents are not an inevitable feature of offshore life. Modest investments and changes in operational practices have provided many operators with a dual benefit of safer operations and reduced downtime.
Finally, the author takes a look at the future of offshore crew supply, providing details of a ground breaking new project that will utilize a state of the art high speed catamaran and newly developed transfer system. This will be the first time that a vessel and transfer system has been custom built to provide swift, comfortable and safe transfers to offshore installations. The system, dubbed ‘Crew-Express’, is due to be commissioned in the Gulf of Mexico in late 2007.
Comparison of Stabilised/Solidified Mixes of Model Drill Cuttings Based on the North Sea and Red Sea Areas
Authors: Al-Ansary M. S. , Al-Tabbaa A. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
Following the global stringent legislations regulating the wastes generated from the drilling process of oil exploration and production activities, the management of hazardous drill cuttings has become one of the pressing needs confronting the petroleum industry. Most of the prevalent treatment techniques adopted by oil companies are extremely expensive and/or the treated product has to be landfilled without any potential end-use; thereby rendering these solutions unsustainable.
The technique of stabilisation/solidification is being investigated in this research to treat drill cuttings prior to landfilling or for potential re-use in construction products. Two case studies were explored namely North Sea and Red Sea. Given the known difficulties with stabilising/solidifying oils and chlorides, this research made use of model drill cutting mixes based on typical drill cutting from the two case studies, which contained 4.2% and 10.95% average concentrations of hydrocarbons; and 2.03% and 2.13% of chlorides, by weight respectively. A number of different binders, including a range of conventional viz. Portland cement (PC) as well as less-conventional viz. zeolite, or waste binders viz. cement kiln dust (CKD), fly ash and compost were tested to assess their ability to treat the North Sea and Red Sea model drill cuttings. The dry binder content by weight was 10%, 20% and 30%. In addition, raw drill cuttings from one of the North Sea offshore rigs were stabilised/solidified using 30% PC. The characteristics of the final stabilised/solidified product were finally compared to those of thermally treated cuttings.
The effectiveness of the treatment using the different binder systems was compared in the light of the aforementioned two contaminants only. A set of physical tests (unconfined compressive strength (UCS)), chemical tests (NRA leachability) and micro-structural examinations (using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD)) were used to evaluate the relative performance of the different binder mixes in treating the drill cuttings.
The results showed that the observed UCS covered a wide range of values indicating various feasible end-use scenarios for the treated cuttings within the construction industry. The leachability results showed the reduction of the model drill cuttings to a stable non-reactive hazardous waste, compliant with the UK acceptance criteria for non-hazardous landfills:
(a) by most of the 30% and 20% binders for chloride concentrations, and (b) by the 20% and 30% of compost-PC and CKD-PC binders for the Red Sea cuttings. The 20% and 30% compost-PC and CKD-PC binders successfully reduced the leached oil concentration of the North Sea cuttings to inert levels.
Barium Sulfate: A Protocol for Determining Higher Site-Specific Barium Cleanup Levels
Authors: McGinty Jim , McHugh Thomas E. , Higgins Elaine A. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
Although different barium compounds are known to exhibit vastly different toxicities, cleanup standards for barium in soil or sediment at environmental corrective action sites are typically based on total barium concentration without regard for the specific barium compounds present. However, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) has recently agreed that the insoluble barium compound barium sulfate (i.e., barite) is not a compound of concern with regard to human health, thereby eliminating the need for cleanup standards or site remediation for this compound. The TCEQ still requires that their barium cleanup standards be applied to any soluble barium compounds that may be present at a site. To allow the application of barium cleanup standards to soluble barium compounds while excluding barium sulfate, we have developed a protocol to measure the concentration of soluble barium in soil or sediment samples that may contain both barium sulfate and soluble barium compounds. In this paper, we present (1) a review of the toxicity and regulation of soluble barium compounds and insoluble barium sulfate, and (2) a description of our protocol to measure the concentration of soluble barium compounds in soil and sediment samples and the validation of this protocol.
Mapping and Monitoring the Petroscape in Venezuela's Heavy-Oil Belt With Landsat and CBERS Satellite Images
Authors: Baynard Chris W. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
A study is made of petroleum infrastructure expansion, or petroscape, in three of Venezuela's four heavy oil operations between 1990 and 2005. A change detection method using Landsat and CBERS satellite imagery and a GIS is implemented for gauging estimates in land use and land cover change (LULCC). The objective is to determine which Associations showed the greatest and least reduction in biomass tied to petroscape growth in a time series corresponding to the before, early and full production phases. Results indicate variability in the amount of land use dedicated to petroleum infrastructure among three (of four) operations which consists of partnerships between the state oil industry and multinational oil companies (MNOCs).
Predicted Impacts From Offshore Produced-Water Discharges on Hypoxia in the Gulf of Mexico
Authors: Bierman Victor J. , Hinz Scott C. , Justic Dubravko , Scavia Don , Veil John A. , Satterlee Kent , Parker Michael E. , Wilson Scott 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
Summer hypoxia (dissolved oxygen &lt; 2 mg/L) in the bottom waters of the northern Gulf of Mexico has received considerable scientific and policy attention because of potential ecological and economic impacts. This hypoxic zone forms off the Louisiana coast each summer and has increased from an average of 8,300 km2 in 1985–1992 to over 16,000 km2 in 1993–2001, reaching a record 22,000 km2 in 2002. The almost 3-fold increase in nitrogen load from the Mississippi River Basin (MRB) to the Gulf since the middle of the last century is the primary external driver for hypoxia.
A goal of the 2001 Federal Action Plan is to reduce the 5-year running average size of the hypoxic zone to below 5,000 km2 by 2015. After the Action Plan was developed, a new question arose as to whether sources other than the MRB may also contribute significant quantities of oxygen-demanding substances. One very visible potential source is the hundreds of offshore oil and gas platforms located within or near the hypoxic zone, many of which discharge varying volumes of produced water.
The objectives of this study were to assess the incremental impacts of produced water discharges on dissolved oxygen in the northern Gulf of Mexico, and to evaluate the significance of these discharges relative to loadings from the MRB. Predictive simulations were conducted with three existing models of Gulf hypoxia using produced water loads from an industry study. Scenarios were designed that addressed loading uncertainties, settleability of suspended constituents, and different assumptions on delivery locations for the produced water loads. Model results correspond to the incremental impacts of produced water loads, relative to the original model results which included only loads from the MRB.
The predicted incremental impacts of produced water loads on dissolved oxygen in the northern Gulf of Mexico from all three models were small. Even considering the predicted ranges between lower- and upper-bound results, these impacts are likely to be within the errors of measurement for bottom water dissolved oxygen and hypoxic area at the spatial scale of the entire hypoxic zone.
Continuous Ion Exchange for Wyoming CBM Produced-Water Purification: Proven Experience
Authors: Dennis R. S. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
Water is pumped from thousands of shallow wells in the Powder River Basin of Wyoming to extract methane contained in coal bed seams, commonly referred to as coal bed methane or CBM. Over 2 barrels of water are pumped to produce a thousand cubic feet (MCF) of gas. The only environmental problem associated with the production of this clean burning domestic fuel is that the water's sodium bicarbonate content is so high that its discharge to the environment is harmful to both plant and animal life.
EMIT Water Discharge Technology LLC and Severn Trent Services, Inc. have teamed together to apply one of STS's technologies for the purification of this produced water. The Higgins Loop Continuous Ion Exchange (CIX) System utilizes cation resins in an efficient mode to remove sodium from the water and concentrate it into a very small brine stream for disposal. The process also reduces the water's bicarbonate content by evolving carbon dioxide gas from the low sodium treated water under slightly acidic pH conditions. Purified water is then neutralized with limestone. This step increases its calcium content and makes the water more suitable for use in irrigation, human consumption, ranching and for aquatic life in rivers and creeks.
The CIX process was first demonstrated in April, 2003 in a well field north of Sheridan, WY. Since then, EMIT has placed 15 more CIX Systems in operation in both Wyoming and Montana treating over 180,000 barrels per day of water. The technology has been accepted by both the gas producers and state regulators as the best available technology (BAT) and most economical process for CBM produced water treatment. This paper describes the reasons for produced water treatment, the purification process and the overall benefits to the industry and environment.
OGP Land Transport Safety Recommended Practice: An Industry Standard for Land Transport Safety
Authors: Tate Derek 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
Driving-related events continue to be the single largest cause of fatalities in the oil and gas industry. Only by implementing a common set of expectations based on industry best practice and experience can the industry as a whole make any significant headway in addressing this issue.
The International Association of Oil and Gas Producers (OGP) formed a Task Force comprised of several leading member organizations with a charter to produce a document that captured established best practices from industry. This document then would be used to provide a benchmark for land transport safety program content. Each member company is expected to implement the document, or Recommended Practice, themselves and to expect implementation by their contractors.
The purpose of this paper is to introduce the Recommended Practice to participants at the 2007 E&P Environmental and Safety Conference, provide insight and background for the document, and to discuss implementation of its elements.
An E-Line Deployed Retrofit Completion With Temporary Automatic Water Shutoff in a Subsea UK North Sea Well Using an Intervention Vessel
Authors: Hartley Michael , Moodie Neil , Rogers Mark , Murphy Bob 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
The Machar field is located in the Eastern Trough area of the UK North Sea. Well 123, a subsea well, was drilled and completed as an oil producer in March 1998 and brought onto production from the Lower Chalk formation in August 1998 upon commission of the production facilities. Water breakthrough was first detected in May of 2001 and despite subsequent intervention to shut it off, the water cut continued to increase until production had dropped off to 3000 BOPD by late 2005. The accompanying 65% water cut presented handling problems at the production facilities that necessitated the well being shut in until additional water handling capacity could be made available.
Additional reserves were present above the Lower Chalk formation in the Upper Palaeocene Sands, but to date they had not been fully evaluated and their potential could well have a significant affect on the future of the field. Therefore, in order to make up for the loss in production, it was decided to re-enter the well and re-complete it so that the Upper Palaeocene sands could be produced. At a subsequent time, when additional production facilities were available, the Lower Chalk could be brought back on stream automatically without further intervention.
In this paper, the authors will review the decision-making process that led to the re-completion, discuss installation planning and execution, and present the results achieved with this unique completion that was installed using an intervention vessel.
Economic Recovery of Gulf of Mexico Shelf Reserves Using an Integrated Approach to Well Services
Authors: Nicosia Chad , Fremin M. E. , Matthews N. J. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
Economic recovery of shelf reserves in Gulf of Mexico asset has been made more efficient by using a rig-less, through-tubing (RTT) completion equipment package. The package integrates all services and personnel needed for the completion and charges on a day rate-plus-material basis. The RTT approach has been used to repair wells that have developed sand-control issues and still have justifiable reserves to recover. The techniques can be used in abandonment of depleted zones and completing untapped zones.
The equipment package is modular and adaptable to each well's needs, and all personnel concerned have experience in multiple disciplines. The added benefit is a single, simplified invoice; compared to multiple invoices as is the case when using discrete services. The equipment packaging and day rate-plus-materials (DPM) pricing structure allows for a more accurate estimation of cost and reduces unplanned variable costs. There is a lower delivery cost using dual-purpose equipment and multiple-discipline personnel, which has the added benefit of optimizing manpower and equipment needs while decreasing exposure to hazards. Based on the economic drivers of the project, new technology can be implemented, further improving either time savings, increasing reserve recovery, or both. All of the above factors allow for real-time cost-tracking, enabling decision-making based on the current status of the project.
The primary focus of the paper is on remedial completions and workovers to install an economically viable form of sand control for the latter-day producing life of the wells. Case histories demonstrate how the application of this approach has proved to be the preferred method and a viable means to repair sand-control problems for producing zones, complete new zones, and abandon depleted zones for many wells in the Gulf of Mexico Shelf.
A Critical Review of Completion Techniques for High-Rate Gas Wells Offshore Trinidad
Authors: Cooper S. D. , Akong S. , Krieger K. D. , Twynam A. J. , Waters F. , Morrison R. , Hurst G. , Lanclos B. , Parlar M. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
BP Trinidad and Tobago (bpTT) has been developing highrate gas fields in Trinidad & Tobago since 1999, and has six high rate gas fields currently on production, with several more in planning stages. All of the wells require sand control and this has resulted in five sandface completion types (Open Hole Gravel Pack, Cased Hole Frac Pack, Cased Hole Gravel Pack, Stand Alone Screen and Orientated Perforating). Based on the experience and field performance, open-hole gravel packing has become the preferred option. The techniques used in completing these high rate gas wells as open-hole gravel packs have included both water-packs and shunt-packs. The experiences gained from these operations have now become part of BP's open-hole gravel pack best practices.
The paper details the completion evolution in BP's offshore Trinidad and Tobago high rate gas fields and the relative performance of these completion types from sand control and well productivity standpoints.
Phase Envelopes From Black-Oil Models
Authors: Schindler Miguel H. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
This paper compares the output of several available empirical black oil model correlations against compositional model results. In this process, the limitations of these models became apparent.
Even acknowledging the imperfections of black model implementation, it is possible to improve the quality of the outputs by means of making the definitions consistent and coherent across the prediction ranges.
A new method is outlined in order to extend the validity of the models in predicting both reservoir and multiphase flow simulations.
This new method is presented here and will be extended in a separated paper.