bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Phenomenological Filtration Model for Highly Compressible Filter Cakes Involving Non–Darcy Flow
Authors: Civan Faruk 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
A phenomenological model is developed based on the volumetric conservation of the particles and carrier fluid and Forchheimer's inertial flow law. The model incorporates empirical constitutive relationships for the permeability and porosity variations of compressible cakes retaining fine particles. The simulation of a serious of filtration scenarios are presented to demonstrate the parametric sensitivity of the model. It is determined that permeability impairment by fine particles retainment and pore throat clogging in the filter cake is increasingly induced by cake compression. It was also determined that constant pressure filtration limits the filtrate invasion more effectively than constant rate filtration and the nonDarcy flow effect is more significant during the initial period of the filter cake formation. The cake formation models developed in this article can be used for prediction of the effects of the compressible filter cakes involving the drilling muds and fracturing fluids.
Analysis of Pressure Derivative Data of Finite-Conductivity Fractures by the "Direct Synthesis" Technique
Authors: Tiab Djebbar , Azzougen Athmane , Escobar Freddy H. , Berumen Sergio 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACT
This paper extends Tiab's Direct Synthesis technique1,2 for interpreting the behavior of the pressure and pressure derivative data of a well intersected by a finite conductivity hydraulic fracture. In this technique log-log plots of pressure and pressure derivative data of a pressure drawdown or pressure buildup test are analyzed without using the type-curve matching or regression procedures.
A log-log plot of pressure and pressure derivative versus test time for a fractured well in a closed system may reveal the presence of several straight lines corresponding to different flow regimes; bilinear flow, linear flow, infinite-acting radial flow, and pseudo-steady state flow. The slopes and points of intersection of these straight lines are unique and therefore can be used to calculate several well, reservoir and fracture parameters: permeability, skin factor, wellbore storage coefficient, fracture conductivity, half-fracture length, and drainage area.
It is found that equations corresponding to the points of intersection are very useful in checking on the parameters obtained from the slopes, when the pressure derivative curve is not smooth. A new equation is derived for calculating (a) the half-fracture length in the absence of the linear flow regime straight line of slope 0.5 such as in the case of low conductivity fracture, (b) the fracture conductivity in the absence of the bi-linear flow line of slope 0.25, and (c) the skin factor in the absence of the infinite acting radial flow line such as in the case of a short test.
Global Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory Methodology
Authors: Schievelbein Vernon , Lee Arthur 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
An emission inventory is a powerful, multi-purpose tool used by regulators, public interest groups and other stakeholders in the environmental protection arena. Given growing conviction that market-based approaches are more effective than command-and-control regulations, inventories will increasingly be used to influence the behavior of companies in the market place. Carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions are becoming important elements in the emissions inventory. Under the Framework Convention for Climate Change and now the Kyoto Protocol, the emissions inventory of nations as well as the regulated community will come under additional scrutiny as emissions targets and time tables will have to be met once the Protocol is put in place.
Data accuracy and consistency, and the cost and timing of delivery of data from Texaco's worldwide business units were important considerations in the selection of Texaco's emissions inventory methodology. This methodology is based primarily upon the coupling of emission factors with fuel or product throughput, or equipment component count. The Texaco emission source list is comprehensive and, in some cases, the emissions factors used are based on more recent source measurements with greater accuracy. This paper describes the basis for the generation of a Texaco worldwide emissions inventory.
Appropriate Uses of Air Quality Models for Developing Regional Ozone Plans and Related Planning Issues: Issues and Problems for Both the 1-Hour and 8-Hour U.S. Ozone Standards as they Affect Petroleum Production Areas
Authors: Ziman Stephen D. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
In July 1997, EPA revised the National Ambient Air Quality Standard for ozone to an 8-hour average of 80 parts per billion standard. Oil exploration and production areas in California and adjacent to the Gulf Coast states will be impacted by this change, as these areas will most likely be nonattainment for the new standard.
The 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments led to many areas in the United States undertaking ozone modeling in order to fulfil the requirements for demonstrating attainment of the one-hour 120 ppb ozone standard. However, this approach, which assumes that a deterministic model can be used to predict emissions reductions that will result in no exceedance of a probabilistic standard is very questionable. Further, in reality, the requirements do not encourage agencies to explore the ramifications of different strategy options, beyond that of the attainment strategy.
Recent work suggests that the new 8-hour ozone standard may be impossible to attain for a number of areas, including the oil production area in the San Joaquin Valley. Consequently, decisions on emissions reduction strategies for these areas need to be based on considerations other than demonstrating attainment. Among these considerations are maximizing reduction of population exposure, reduction in the areal extent of ozone concentrations above the standard, and reduction of the peak.
Also, because recent studies have highlighted some real concerns with the adequacy of ozone modeling, a new approach to planning is recommended. This would utilize a process that would use both modeling and non –modeling information to develop a plan, along with an iterative review of the modeling and analysis of changes in ozone over 5 to 6 years after enactment of the plan to determine if the original strategy was on target.
In addition, the issues described for ozone modeling also are relevant for other planning requirements such as for the PM 2.5 standard and regional haze regulation. These additional problems will be highlighted at the end of this paper.
Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Mitigation and Monitoring Technology Performance: Activities of the GHG Technology Verification Center
Authors: Masemore Sushma , Kirchgessner David A. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
The Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Technology Verification Center (the Center) is a public/private partnership between the Southern Research Institute (SRI) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) Office of Research and Development. It provides independent third party testing of the performance of GHG mitigation and monitoring technologies, and was established in response to the belief that there are many viable environmental technologies available which are not being utilized for the lack of credible third party performance testing and reporting. The Center is part of EPA's Environmental Technology Verification (ETV) Program, which has established 12 verification centers to evaluate a wide range of technologies in various environmental media and technology areas. The Center has published the results of its first verification: use of a phosphoric acid fuel cell to produce electricity from landfill gas. It has also initiated three new field verifications, two on technologies which reduce methane emissions from natural gas transmission compressors, and one on a new microturbine electricity production technology.
Pollution Prevention/Best Management Practices Training Manual for the New Mexico Oil and Gas Industry
Authors: Weinrach Jeffrey B. , Friday Dave , Kowalski Judy 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
This paper describes the development of a pollution prevention/best management practices manual for the New Mexico oil and gas industry. The manual provides the tools and information needed to develop a comprehensive pollution prevention-based environmental management system. The manual consists of two volumes. Volume 1 describes a set of decision-support tools and techniques that are being advocated by the state of New Mexico to help businesses incorporate pollution prevention into their key business functions. Volume 1 also provides examples of pollution prevention opportunities for four oil and gas sectors: exploration and production, pipeline operations, gas processing, and oil field services. Volume 2 provides a glossary of pollution prevention and waste management alternatives for the common oil and gas waste streams and cross-reference keys to the four oil and gas sectors described in Volume 1.
Minerals Management Service Environmental Monitoring Program
Authors: Irion J. B. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
The Minerals Management Service (MMS) develops and includes mitigative measures or reminders of lease stipulations in the environmental documents that are prepared to assess the effects of proposed oil and gas activities in the Gulf of Mexico Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Region. At present, the MMS imposes certain mitigative measures in environmental documents, primarily Categorical Exclusion Reviews (CERs) and Environmental Assessments (EAs), to minimize or preclude impacts from proposed operations. In 1997, MMS instituted a Seafloor Monitoring Program to verify industry compliance with environmental mitigative measures and to ensure protection of significant seafloor habitats and archaeological properties. The Monitoring Program is twofold. First, it requires operators to demonstrate compliance with avoidance requirements by providing "as-built" maps showing anchor locations with their construction reports. Secondly, field checking by MMS personnel using high-resolution side-scan sonar and/or MMS divers verifies that protected features were avoided.
Costs and Benefits of the E&P MACT Rule: Application of a Regulatory Simulation Model
Authors: Willis Wayne I. , Johnson Nancy , Ranganathan Raja 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
This paper describes the components of DOE's Regulatory E&P Air Model (DREAM) and its use in preparing comments on EPA's 1998 E&P Maximum Achievable Control Technology proposed regulation. DREAM, developed by ICF Resources Incorporated, uses detailed oil and gas well-level data to construct bottom-up estimates of both the costs and benefits of regulations related to air emissions from E&P operations. DREAM consists of a Cost Module and a Benefits Module. In addition to these two components of DREAM, the Cost Module was designed to provide inputs for two of DOE's reservoir-level oil and gas supply models (i.e., the Gas Supply Analysis Model [GSAM] and the Crude Oil Policy Model [COPM]). These models allow DOE to estimate the impacts of increased compliance costs on oil and gas production, well abandonment rates, and the size of economic reserves.
DREAM considers not only the costs of new regulations, but also the human health benefits of reduced emissions. To do this, a simplified air dispersion and risk algorithm is run for each producing field. The resulting individual cancer risks (based on benzene exposure) are superimposed on the population densities surrounding each oil or gas field. This provides a total number of cancers and deaths that would be expected each year. By applying various economic estimates of the "value of life" and the "value of health" to the resulting estimates, health benefits can be directly compared with compliance costs using the common metric of dollars. The most important innovation of this model is that it allows the user to identify the break-even point where social costs (i.e., compliance costs, lost oil production, lost employment) are offset by social benefits (i.e., reduction in the number of cancer illnesses and deaths). Results of two model runs are presented in the paper.
An Evaluation of Protective Concentrations for Hydrogen Sulfide in Produced Water Discharged in California Outer Continental Shelf Ocean Waters
Authors: Glickman Andrew H. , Tischler Lial F. , Ford William H. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) can be present in produced water discharged from production platforms along the Southern California Outer Continental Shelf (OCS). An assessment of the toxicity of H2S to marine organisms was conducted to determine if adverse effects could occur due to California OCS produced water discharges.
Hydrogen sulfide toxicity is attributable to the undissociated H2S, which comprises approximately 3 - 8% of the total discharged sulfide in seawater. The dissociation of H2S is a function of temperature, pH, and salinity. H2S is not persistent in seawater and rapidly degrades by reacting with oxygen to form nontoxic thiosulfates. The oxidation half-life of H2S in seawater is reported to be between 0.4 to 3 hours. Data in the scientific literature indicate that marine species are less sensitive to H2S than fresh water species. Lethal effects to marine species have been reported to occur at concentrations as low as 20μg undissociated H2S/L in 96-hour laboratory exposures. No observable effect concentrations based on results from chronic toxicity bioassays that assess growth and developmental effects have been reported as low as 4 μg undissociated H2S/L.
Produced water data from three production platforms were analyzed to determine the potential impact of H2S on marine life passing through the effluent plume or residing outside of the mixing zone. Calculations of the undissociated H2S at the edge of the mixing zone, taking into account natural oxidation of H2S to nontoxic thiosulfate, and comparing those concentrations with conservative chronic toxicity values, demonstrate that H2S in California OCS produced water discharges should not present a hazard to marine aquatic life.
Pipeline Failure Offshore California: Effective Oil Spill Response in an Environmentally Sensitive and Politically Charged Area
Authors: Rose David J. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
An oil spill in marine waters offshore California can be a devastating and disastrous event. Many factors can be managed to minimize the environmental, political, and financial impacts from such a spill. Among these factors are preplanning, careful execution of a sound response, and proactive attention to the media. This paper examines these factors and others as they relate to a recent spill of 163 barrels of crude oil caused by a catastrophic failure of the 20-inch wet oil pipeline in the Point Pedernales field. In the end, the effort was hailed by agencies as a "text-book" response.
Protection of Sensitive Biological Habitats and Resources in Relation to Offshore Oil and Gas Development in the Gulf of Mexico
Authors: Rogers R. M. , Avent R. M. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
The Minerals Management Service (MMS) has oversight responsibility for leasing, exploration, and development of submerged Federal lands on the U.S. Outer Continental Shelf (OCS). Pursuant to the OCS Land Act, as amended, the MMS Environmental Studies Program was initiated in 1973 to evaluate the environmental effects of oil and gas activities on the OCS. This paper is designed to present some of the environmental issues in the Gulf of Mexico (GOM). Emphasis is placed on several sensitive and important biological and habitat resources of special concern.
These include topographic features of the Western GOM, pinnacle trend of the Eastern Gulf, deepwater chemosynthetic communities, protected species, and coastal wetlands and barrier islands. Each resource is briefly described and the reasons for concern given, whether for legal and/or specific environmental considerations. These may include various mandates (e.g., the Endangered Species Act and the Marine Mammal Protection Act); high productivity, diversity, or biomass; aesthetics; refuge for important species (e.g., fisheries species); rarity or distribution; and vulnerability. Each resource is discussed with respect to past and present research activity, status of knowledge, types of petroleum activity deemed potentially harmful, and special governmental regulatory action required.
Special emphasis is placed on protection of deepwater chemo-synthetic communities. As oil and gas development has proceeded into deepwater environments, the potential of disturbing these fragile forms due to man's activities has increased. Research, largely funded by the MMS, has revealed dozens of sites having chemosynthetic animals that are well-established, high-density communities worthy of protection. In addition to their function as highly productive islands of life supporting a wide variety of life, they provide excellent natural scientific laboratories. Subsequent information on Gulf chemosynthetic communities led the MMS to require that industry protect them from the physical effects of exploration and production.
Rigs-to-Reefs Policy, Progress, and Perspective
Authors: Dauterive L. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
The Minerals Management Service (MMS) has updated its policy affecting oil and gas platform abandonment and removal procedures that should facilitate efforts between coastal states and oil and gas companies in the development of better offshore Rigs-to-Reefs (RTR). Over the past 12 years oil and gas companies have donated 128 platforms for construction of reefs in the Gulf of Mexico (GOM). Through partial platform removals and the elimination of explosives in the RTR conversion process, companies can now conserve reefs with higher profiles and less trauma to platform-associated reef organisms. Providing the industry with more productive offshore disposal alternatives and options can lead to reduction of abandonment cost and preservation of environmental values, thereby generating more incentives to convert platforms to reefs. In addition to producing 100% of the gas and 97% of the oil on our Nation's Federal Outer Continental Shelf (OCS), GOM OCS platforms provide for the largest artificial reef complex in the world.
E&P Site Restoration in Sensitive Wetland Environments
Authors: Kudla M. S. , McDole B. W. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
Four years after completing two exploration projects in the Sabine National Wildlife Refuge, Vastar Resources, Inc., recently conducted an evaluation of its wetlands restoration and enhancement efforts in the refuge. Close inspection of the project areas indicates that the company's restoration efforts were successful in promoting a healthy and vibrant wetland ecosystem, supporting a plant community composition and percent surficial coverage approximate to that of undisturbed marsh.
In this paper, the authors discuss the various techniques utilized in access road and drill site restoration that revitalized this sensitive wetland environment. Techniques discussed include: Maintenance of pre-existing water flows;Systematic selection and use of native soils to construct road dumps and ring levees;Protection of existing vegetative root networks;Improved indigenous seed bed preparation;Creation and use of ecotones to promote habitat diversity and increased wildlife production; andConversion of roadbeds and ring levees to nesting and resting habitat.
These techniques were employed as part of an ecosystem approach to wetlands resource management, involving the restoration of the multiple values and functional attributes of this unique ecological system.
In-Situ Characterization of Residual NAPL Distribution Using Streamline-Based Inversion of Partitioning Tracer Tests
Authors: Yoon S. , Barman I. , Datta-Gupta A. , Pope G. A. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
Identifying the location and distribution of NAPL (Non Aqueous Phase Liquid) in the subsurface constitutes a vital step in the design and implementation of aquifer remediation schemes. In recent years, partitioning interwell tracer tests (PITT) have gained increasing popularity as a means to characterize NAPL distribution in-situ. In this method, a conservative and a partitioning tracer are injected into the contaminated site. The chromatographic separation between the conservative and the partitioning tracer can be used to infer NAPL distribution. The conventional approach to the analysis of the tracer response uses a first-order method of moments to compute average NAPL saturation. Such methods are limited due to the one-dimensional approximation and consequently can not provide detailed spatial distribution of the NAPL.
In this paper we discuss a streamline-based inversion approach for partitioning tracer response to estimate spatial distribution of NAPL saturation in the subsurface. Our approach relies on an analytic sensitivity computation method that yields sensitivities of the partitioning tracer response to subsurface parameters such as porosity, permeability and NAPL saturation in a single streamline simulation. We can then use efficient techniques from geophysical inversion to match the field tracer response and estimate subsurface parameters. For characterizing NAPL saturation we follow a two-step procedure. First, we match the conservative tracer response that provides us with a permeability distribution. Next,the partitioning tracer response is matched by varying the NAPL saturation distribution in the subsurface. The non-uniqueness in the solution is addressed through the use of regularization techniques and/or prior information.
The proposed technique has been applied to synthetic as well as field examples. The synthetic example is used to validate the procedure using tracer response from a 9-spot pattern. The field example is from the Hill Airforce Base, Utah where partitioning tracer tests were conducted in an isolated test cell with 4 injection wells, 3 extraction wells and 12 multi-level samplers. Tracer responses from 51 sampling locations are analyzed to determine permeability variations and NAPL saturation distribution in the test cell. Finally, a performance comparison with another commonly used inversion method viz. simulated annealing, shows that our proposed approach is faster by about three orders of magnitude.