bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Integration of Hearts and Minds Concept and Road Safety Enforcement for Accident Reduction
Authors: Igbuku Augustine Omoefe 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
Road transport is recognized as a high risk mode of transport. The World Health Organization estimated that every year road accidents account for 1.2 million deaths and 50 million injuries worldwide. Road collisions have been implicated as the main cause of death of those aged 45 years and below. The total socio-economic cost of road crashes is around £17 billion per year. More people are killed on the road than by any other forms of transportation.
In Shell, road accident is the single largest cause of fatalities. A large proportion of these crashes were preceded by one or more traffic offences. These offences are mostly behavioral and not system or situation induced.
On an aggregate level, traffic offences are the major contributory factor to road crashes and injuries. Yet, in comparison with other types of road safety activity, relatively insufficient effort is being put on behavioral safety to prevent road users from committing offences. In view of the many other pressing problems facing the average road user, the concept of ‘state of mind’ becomes a key issue in enforcing compliance to traffic rules.
In most countries, road traffic regulation enforcement typically has low priority. While traffic levels continue to rise, several countries appear to be devoting fewer resources to traffic rules enforcement than they were several years ago. Traffic rules and regulation enforcement are poorly budgeted for and mostly slaughtered on the alter of so called more expedient national issues. Yet, we do know that nothing could be more expedient than attending to the un-abating carnage on our roads, which is progressively decimating the future by the death of the young and able.
Much of the knowledge that has been gained through enforcement experiments and demonstration projects carried out over the years has not yet been translated generally into strategies that effectively change road behavior, reduce crash risk or reduce injury severity. Any such strategy would only succeed to the extent to which it affects and positively influences the thought process of the individual road user. This is the link between hearts and minds and road traffic rules enforcement. This link guarantees that a very substantial safety benefit would be achieved if road users were to be deterred from committing traffic law offences.
Application of Acoustic Waves for Reservoir Stimulation
Authors: Cidoncha Jose Gil 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
Research related to weak elastic wave stimulation of oil reservoirs started in the late 1950's. Activity peaked in the 1970's and 1980's in the US and in the Soviet Union. However in recent years there has been a resurgent interest and research. This interest derives form observations made in some fields near areas affected by earthquakes and, even heavy traffic, where changes in water level and oil production have been observed. For example, some variations in oil production were noticed in Kern County during the Southern California earthquake of July 1952. However, mechanism associated with earthquakes are very complex and variations in oil production or water level could be consequences not only of seismic vibrations, but also of rock fracturing and other effects associated with earthquakes.
Two different types of waves are usually distinguished: high power frequency (around 20 kHz) and low power frequency waves (e.g. 40 Hz).
High power frequency waves have a local effect in the reservoir and are mainly applied for wellbore stimulation. Their effects are limited to a region close to source due to higher sound absorption in the porous medium at higher frequencies.
Low frequency acoustic waves effects can cover a larger region and are consequently used for reservoir, rather than well stimulation. They are generally applied by using surface vibrators, but there are also example of downhole applications.
This paper is primarily focused on waves used for reservoir stimulation, as opposed to well stimulation. It aimed at understanding the main mechanisms associated with the application of vibrational energy in porous media, and assessing laboratory and field studies.
In this paper, together with potential mechanisms, laboratory and field trials are discussed.
E-Learning : A Complimentary Approach for Employee's Health Education
Authors: Guibert Philippe , Bisits Bullen Piroska 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
Educating employees on health risks and related behavior has always been a company’s challenge. Convincing them to adopt the company’s health strategies is long, difficult and culturally sensitive. As some health risks are emerging or re-emerging, such as pandemics, vector borne diseases or HIV, fortunately employee self-education has never been as much a trend as shown by the frantic use of wikis, blogs or Google®. Some companies have understood that new web-based technology allow them to develop tools to raise employees awareness of risk exposure and management.
In the context of a pandemic, a company's ability to limit infections within the workplace would depend on the cooperation of all staff and their adherence to plans. Similarly, employees working in malaria endemic areas would need to understand the rationale for chemoprophylaxis and mosquito bite prevention. This basically all relies upon the understanding of the risk and the personal feeling of responsibility.
We present how Employee Education and Awareness Packages allow companies to meet their duty of care by ensuring that every targeted / exposed group has benefited from the same health education commitments quickly and effectively.
Online Learning Courses are accessible via the web or the company HSE intranet. Some are used as a stand-alone campaign or integrated into a regular schedule of staff training. They usually consist of several lessons, downloadable summaries, and test questions. An online manager can achieve traceability of training through the administration of courses.
The purpose of this paper is to review the effectiveness and the benefits of this promising type of interventions in the field of pandemic preparedness and malaria education. The objective is to see how it can fit into a holistic learning environment among other traditional employee education strategies.
Preventing Lost Circulation Requires Planning Ahead
Authors: Whitfill Donald L. , Wang Max , Jamison Dale , Angove-Rogers Adrian 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
"Pay now, or pay later" fits in many industries and circumstances. In well construction, ideally the operator wishes to be in a position to decide which of these alternatives is the most economic. Engineered solutions, designed to improve wellbore strength and reduce drilling non-productive time due to lost circulation, are directed at managing wellbore stresses (WSM). This fully engineered approach should include means to help prevent lost circulation as well as stop losses. Prevention of lost circulation by improving the wellbore strength is accomplished by designing and applying borehole stress treatments that increase the hoop stress around the wellbore.
The technology development within the industry that led to the applications of these concepts will be discussed. Proprietary hydraulic design software (HDS) can predict the equivalent circulating density (ECD) over an interval in one module, calculate the width of a fracture that may be initiated, and select and design a proper material and particle size distribution that can efficiently prop and plug that fracture in a second module. A third module then predicts the change in rheology resulting from the addition of the specialized lost circulation materials, which then is cycled full circle back to update the ECD calculations.
Contingency chemical sealant (CS) treatment applications are systems designed to react with the drilling fluid itself to create highly viscous and cohesive sealants in the wellbore that are displaced into the lost circulation fractures. Drilling-fluid-reactive systems are not dependent on temperature or pressure, thus removing a significant amount of placement uncertainty present with cross-linked systems.
This combination of planning and application tools allows the operator to make decisions ahead of time during the "drilling the well on paper" phase as to which approach is the most economic – prevention (pay now) or remediation (pay later).
The Viability of Ultrasonic Detector for Hydrocarbon Gas Leak Detection
Authors: Gregory N. , Mads K. , Teerapong N. , Mike R. , Peter B. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
Conventional gas detectors are widely used and accepted as the standard gas leak detection throughout the oil and gas industry. This detection method uses technology which requires gas to enter a fixed point gas or pass through the path of a linear detector. As it requires either direct physical contact between the detector sensor and the gas or a disruption of a reflected beam path, it can be unreliable in open areas e.g. due to wind direction, beam block or stratification of the gas. Consequently, there is an increasing use of ultrasonic detection technology to ‘listen’ for gas leaks. This ultrasonic detection detects releases from pressurized gas systems by sensing the airborne ultrasounds produced by the gas escaping.
Following a significant hydrocarbon gas release in a platform processing area, which the existing detection system had failed to pick up PTTEP, Thailand’s major oil and gas exploration and production company, initiated evaluation of the ultrasonic leak detection technology as a method increase risk mitigation and the overall effectiveness of existing fire and gas systems. The field trial of ultrasonic leak detection was done in cooperation with Denmark based Gassonic A/S, the leading manufacturer of fixed ultrasonic gas leak detectors.
The trial result was that the ultrasonic leak detector, the Gassonic Observer, performed well emphasizing its ability to pick up ultrasonic noise in the frequency ranges it is supposed to. Through out the trial period, there were no cases of false alarms. Though no gas release incidents occurred in the vicinity of the detector during the trial period, the detector did detect ultrasonic noise from operations, such as choke valve adjustment or wireline operations. Proper detector settings could reduce such influences from operational sources, and increase release detection viability.
In conclusion, PTTEP will implement ultrasonic gas leak detection as a supplementary gas leak detection system in order to compliment and improve the existing fire and gas system in the Bongkot field.
The Use of Approved Surface Cleaners as Part of an Effective Response
Authors: Bly Robert , Colcomb Kevin , Reynolds Kelly 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
Previous trials have been carried out using dispersants to clean surfaces along shorelines. Those trials showed that dispersants were effective at removing weathered oil from a variety of surfaces. However alternative cleaning agents are available to remove contamination from impacted substrates, this paper details trials carried out on an approved product in the UK.
In the UK the use of dispersants is a regulated activity, The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) oversees that regulation and maintains a list of products which may be used in oil spill response in UK waters. There is one surface cleaning product which has been approved for use by Defra. While dispersants are used to disperse surface oil into the water columnsurface cleanersare designed to aid the removal of oil from surfaces for recovery using standard skimming devices. The product is an organic solvent partly formed from citrus oil extracts.
The Maritime and Coastguard Agency sponsored a series of trials to identify the most appropriate and effective techniques for the use of the surface cleaning agent. The trials were carried out using several different oil types, oil state, substrate and cleaning techniques. This paper describesl the findings of these trials and the means for developing best practice for the use of surface cleaners
The use of surface cleaners is not a new response technique and they have been used during several major incidents including the Exxon Valdez and the Prestige.
Performance of a Heavy to Light Crude Oil Upgrading Process
Authors: Veith Edwin J. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
Ivanhoe Energy's proprietary heavy oil to light oil (HTL) upgrading technology is designed to cost effectively process heavy oil in the field and provide a stable, significantly upgraded synthetic oil product along with by-product energy which can be used to generate steam or electricity. Analysis shows that HTL can virtually eliminate cost exposure to natural gas and diluent and capture the majority of the heavy to light price differential for oil producers. HTL accomplishes this at a much smaller scale and at reduced per barrel capital costs compared with established competing technologies.
The HTL petroleum processing represents the application of a commercially proven technology to a new feedstock. Ensyn Group, Inc. initially developed the technology in the early 1980s and has applied it commercially for over 15 years in the biomass (wood) industry. Seven commercial Ensyn biomass processing facilities are in operation in the United States and Canada, with a major expansion recently completed in Canada. Ensyn initiated petroleum processing in 1997.
A petroleum pilot plant built in 1998 has been used for testing crude oil from around the world. In December, 2004, Ensyn initiated operations at a 1,000-barrel-per-day commercial demonstration plant in the San Joaquin Valley in southern California.
Ivanhoe and Ensyn merged on April 15, 2005, and Ivanhoe gained full ownership of the petroleum upgrading technology for the development of heavy oil reserves around the world. Ensyn Group spun off its existing biomass processing business, Ensyn Renewables Inc., to its shareholders prior to the closing of this transaction.
Since the commissioning of its commercial demonstration facility (CDF) for upgrading heavy oil in early 2005, Ivanhoe Energy has tested a number of crude oils and vacuum tower bottoms feedstocks. Analysis of CDF performance shows that the HTL process is capable of delivering high yields of significantly upgraded product. The HTL process significantly reduces or eliminates most contaminants and the product typically meets pipeline specifications without further treatment. CDF run analysis validates data obtained in over 90 pilot scale experiments. Results of CDF runs, including plant performance data, CDF feedstock and synthetic product properties are presented.
Inflow Control Devices: Application and Value Quantification of a Developing Technology
Authors: Al-Khelaiwi F. T. , Davies D. R. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
Horizontal and multilateral completions are a proven, superior development option compared to conventional solutions in many reservoir situations. However, they are still susceptible to coning toward the heel of the well despite their maximizing of reservoir contact. This is due to frictional pressure drop and/or permeability variations along the well. Annular flow, leading to severe erosion "hot-spots" and plugging of screens is another challenge. Inflow Control Devices (ICDs) were proposed as a solution to these difficulties in the early ‘90s. ICDs have recently gained popularity and are being increasingly applied to a wider range of field types. Their efficacy to control the well inflow profile has been confirmed by a variety of field monitoring techniques.
An ICD is a choking device installed as part of the sandface completion hardware. It aims to balance the horizontal well's inflow profile and minimize the annular flow at the cost of a limited, extra pressure drop. Fractured and more heterogeneous formations require, in addition, the installation of annular isolation. The new technologies of Swell Packers and Constrictors can provide this annular isolation in an operationally simple manner.
This paper describes the history of ICD development with an emphasis on the designs available and their areas of application. These technical criteria will be illustrated using published field examples. The ICD's flexibility will be shown by its integration with other conventional and advanced production technologies e.g. Stand-Alone-Screens, annular isolation, artificial lift, gravel packs and intelligent completions in both horizontal and multilateral wells.
It will be shown how the value of such well-construction options can be quantified using commercially available, modelling simulators. Simple, but reliable, guidelines on how to model the performance of ICDs over the well's life will be provided. This technique can thus be used as part of the value quantification process for both the evaluation of completion options and for their detailed design.
New Insights and Applications of Soft Computing on Analysis of Water Production From Oil Reservoirs
Authors: Sheremetov Leonid , Cosultchi Ana , Batyrshin Ildar , Martínez-Muñoz Jorge , Berumen Sergio 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
During the development of reserves of oil fields high water production is not uncommon problem. However, the practice of Oil &Gas production has witnessed many cases with poor field results and low efficiency of operational efforts to mitigate the water production problem. One of the most common reasons is a lack of a precise diagnosis to identify the problem that considers the analysis of well and reservoir integrated information. That is why the key factor in the success of a water control treatment relies in a reliable and precise diagnostics identifying the origin of the water production problem. This leads to select an adequate treatment to effectively mitigate the problem.
This paper describes a new methodology of water shut-off (WSO). This methodology is implemented through a new generation computerized tool, SMART-Agua, which uses soft computing techniques (fuzzy expert systems and perceptual data mining). The system was designed to manage the diagnosis of 14 potential problems commonly found both at wells and reservoirs. The solution analysis phase offers a technical and an economic analysis of the different chemical or mechanical applications and evaluates the potential for additional productivity if the water cut is reduced. Additional modules for solution design (gels, mechanical solutions and surface separation facilities) generate the parameters of the most efficient solutions instead of selecting a particular product from the vendor. Applications of this new methodology to several oil field cases were used to validate the methodology, and results of two such cases are discussed in the paper. These cases are focused on a carbonate fractured oil reservoir and a carbonate reservoir under waterflooding.
A Review on Microbial EOR With Special Reference to Marginal and/or Mature Assets
Authors: Zahid S. , Zahoor M. K. , Khan H. A. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
Oil and natural gas are vital for any economy and the importance of these resources in determining the social stability and economic viability of a nation is enormous. As the search for petroleum continues, recovery of known reserves must be improved if the goal of avoiding shortages is to be met. In today's energy sector, the high oil prices have driven the oil companies to recover the maximum amount of oil with the lowest production costs. Thus, economic production of oil and gas resources requires carefully engineered recovery projects of increasing technical complexity and sophistication.
One of the promising recovery methods is the microbiological enhanced oil recovery (MEOR). MEOR technology has the potential to be one of the reliable technologies that suits best the economic constraints of the current oil markets. The technology is a potential alternative to other EOR/ IOR methods, as it is being implementing in most parts of the world with satisfactory results not only form economics point of view but also from having lesser environmental impact.
The paper provides a review on MEOR technology and discusses it with special reference to marginal and/or uneconomical reserves. The goal of cost reduction, which is a major objective in any recovery methods, can be met by using MEOR technology which involves injecting a small amount of a solution containing microorganisms to spread through the reservoir and consequently produce desirable chemicals and gases that will enhance oil recovery and therefore profit. The paper also outlines the strategies to identify and meet the challenge of recovering large proportions of oil using MEOR techniques which could be very helpful in closing the energy gap by draining large proportions of oil which is left behind and minimizing the supply and demand difference in today's "energy hungry world".
Application of Massive Hydraulic Fracturing in C Field Middle Gharif Formation—Case Study
Authors: Maamari K. , Hajri S. , Clark J. , van Dorp J. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
Massive Hydraulic fracturing technique is widely used to enhance well productivity especially in low permeability reservoirs. Even though MHF is becoming a practice for most of the gas reservoirs operated by PDO (Oman) due to their very low permeability, this technique was not yet applied to the oil reservoirs.
Many wells penetrate the Middle Gharif reservoir in the C field, but low oil rates were tested and this zone remained undeveloped. Production tests on five wells were carried out without achieving sustainable oil rates. The poor production of this formation is due to the low permeability of the poorly sorted alluvial sheet sands. Those sands which would constitute net reservoir are thin (1-2m) and sparsely scattered through a sandy but marginal reservoir sequence.
This paper presents a case study of implementing the massive hydraulic fracturing technique in this reservoir. It describes the candidate well selection process, the fracture design, and the pump schedule. It also discusses the application of a single well dynamic simulation model to optimize the fracture parameters. Finally, it shows the wells performance after the fracture stimulation, and analysis carried out to calculate the fracture parameters and the economics.
The success of this technique assisted in unlocking a large STOIIP in this field for production potential. Other fields in PDO have used this technique successfully as well to increase well productivities