bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Road Mixing Sand Produced From Steamdrive Operations
Authors: Cornwell J. R. 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACT
Thermally enhanced oil recovery (EOR) operations in the southern San Joaquin Valley (SJV) of California increase oil recovery, but also cause excessive sand production. Sand and heavy hydrocarbon materials removed from tanks and other production facilities are typically non-hazardous by California waste characterization criteria. The tank bottom hydrocarbons exhibit cohesive properties that support the beneficial reuse of these materials as binders in road paving materials. Tank bottoms mixed with local aggregate yields a product that has minimal environmental impact.
Road mix variability can be high due to the nature of the materials used, but does not severely impact the overall quality of the final product. Process and issues that directly or indirectly impact road mix variability include: free liquid removal, aggregate mining, produced sand characteristics, oil/binder viscosity and mixing operations. Despite the variability of road mix materials and processes, test results show that heavy oil road mix products meet most of the minimum standards for commercial cold mix paving products.
Potential environmental concerns with oilfield road mix are offset when net air and waste management benefits of this process are considered. Air emissions are a potential concern and are related to the level of volatile organic constituents (VOC) in the oil. Offsetting this concern are:
– Low VOC content in most SJV heavy crude. – Particulate reduction from paving onsite roads.
In addition, offsite disposal of tank bottoms yields higher emissions from transport and disposal and fills up valuable landfill space with non-hazardous materials.
An Operational Perspective on the Handling and Disposal of NORM in the Gulf of Mexico
Authors: Shannon B. E. 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACT
The Gulf of Mexico (GOM) Offshore Continental Shelf (OCS) Regional Office of the Minerals Management Service (MMS) published a Letter to Lessees and Operators (LTD dated November 20, 1990, concerning the reporting, disposal, and transportation of produced well solids containing naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORM). On December 11,1991, the MMS published another LTL which provided clarification to the November 20, 1990, LTL. These interim guidelines are designed to provide operators with disposal options while also providing the MMS with data on the offshore oil and gas industry's handling of NORM-contaminated produced well solids. This paper will review the interim guidelines and current operational practices.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) must publish Best Available Technology Economically Achievable (BAT) Guidelines and New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) by January 15,1993, for the offshore subcategory of the oil and gas extraction point source category. In the development of these effluent limitation guidelines, EPA has conducted a field study to determine if the discharge of NORM-contaminated produced water had any bioaccumulation or biomagnification potential in shallow waters of the GOM. An American Petroleum Institute (API) study designed to assess risk factors of fish consumption near production platforms, will also be discussed.
Fugitive Emissions From an Offshore Oil and Gas Production Platform
Authors: Jelinek K. A. , Rooney T. C. , Webb M. G. 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACT
A study was commissioned to obtain fugitive emissions data from a production facility that contains oil and gas production equipment and is located in the Outer Continental Shelf Gulf of Mexico region. A total of 10,212 components were inventoried and screened for leaks. Less than 1 % or 84 screening values were above 500 ppmv, and 54 of these leaking components were further analyzed using the bagging method. The samples were analyzed for hydrocarbons C1 through C6+ and three samples were tested for ВЕТХ components. A site specific correlation equation for the platform was developed. The results were compared to mass emissions calculated by published emission factors (US EPA AP-42)1. The study confirmed that the platform does not qualify as a major source under Title III of the CAAA. Overprediction of the emissions calculated by the AP-42 factor method was also confirmed.
Development of Sampling and Analytical Methods for Measuring BTEX and VOC From Glycol Dehydration Units
Authors: Rueter C. O. , Ogle L. D. , Reif D. L. , Evans J. M. 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACT
Emissions of benzene, toluene, ethyl benzene, and the xylene isomers (BTEX) and volatile organic compounds (VOC) from the reboiler still vent of glycol dehydration units have become a major concern for the natural gas industry as a result of increasing regulatory pressure. The Clean Air Act Amendments (CAAA) of 1990 have provided an impetus for air toxics regulations, and several states are regulating or considering regulation of these units.
A key issue in developing approaches for handling these emissions has been accurate measurement of the emissions. The primary method used to date has been rich/lean glycol sampling at atmospheric pressure, which is favored for its simplicity. However, there are several potential errors associated with this approach, including the flashing and loss of BTEX and VOC during sampling. Direct (stack) measurement of these emissions has not been widely used because of the stream temperature and water content.
To address these difficulties, the Gas Research Institute (GRI) is sponsoring a program to develop and refine sampling and analytical methods. Input to the program is provided by an Industry Working Group that contains representatives from several industry organizations. After an initial field experiment was performed to screen potential methods, surviving methods were refined in the laboratory using a synthetic still vent overhead stream. The refined methods are being evaluated in two additional field experiments, and the final, recommended methods will be validated in a series of experiments in mid-1993.
Particulate Emission Testing Methodologies as Applied to Natural-Gas-Fired Turbines
Authors: Wilson M. J. , Frederick J. D. 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACT
As the allowable emission limits for New Source Review have been reduced due to the requirements of the installation of Best Available Control Technology, source testing methodologies have not kept pace with the control technology. An example of the emission limits being kept below quantification by practical source test methodologies is that of particulate testing of natural gas fired cogeneration turbines. Normal testing procedure utilizing EPA Method 5 results in spurious particulate emission rates which should not be considered in determining compliance with permitted limits.
In an attempt to establish a reliable emissions factor which accurately characterizes the particulate emissions from General Electric LM5000 gas turbines, a study of EPA Method 5 and the results of twenty-five particulate tests was conducted. Various test time periods were utilized. A lower limit of applicability to EPA Method 5 is supported by actual field data.
Issues in the Modeling of the Atmospheric Dispersion of Hydrogen Sulfide Emissions
Authors: Kaiser G. D. 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACT
The purpose of this paper is to discuss some of the issues involved in the modeling of the accidental release of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) during oil and gas extraction activities. The focus is on wellhead blowouts or pipeline ruptures that lead to large releases of sour gas.
First, the types of possible source terms are reviewed, including characteristics such as rate of release, H2S content and duration of release. In particular, it is shown that most sour gas streams are less dense than is air. Second, the availability and suitability of atmospheric dispersion models is discussed. One of the most important issues is that of lift-off; that is, whether a buoyant plume that is initially on the ground will in fact lift off. For plumes that are marginally buoyant (e.g after dilution during an initial jet phase), lift-off is unlikely.
Another important issue is the choice of an appropriate airborne concentration as a Level of Concern (LOC). Quantitities such as the Emergency Response Planing Guideline (ERPG) and the LC01 (the concentration that would prove fatal to one percent of those exposed to it) are discussed. Some examples of predicted distances to these LOCs are given for severe accidents in unfavorable weather conditions.
The paper also briefly discusses the following: a) seepage of H2S from buried pipelines; b) burning plumes and releases from flare stacks; c) the reasons why "pooling" of sour gas in hollows is unlikely; d) the behavior of sour gas dispersion in complex terrain.
Hydrocarbon Emission Estimates and Controls for Natural Gas Glycol Dehydration Units
Authors: Grizzle P. L. 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACT
The evaluation and reduction of hydrocarbon emissions from glycol dehydration units has required a concerted effort in the areas of methods development, emission measurements and field testing, and control technology evaluation and application. Of five emission estimate methods evaluated, excellent estimates of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and toluene (BTEX) and good estimates of total volatile organic compounds (VOC) can be achieved with rich/lean glycol mass balance. Rich/Lean glycol BTEX emission estimates are independent of atmospheric and pressurized sample collection, whereas, higher estimates of VOC are obtained from pressurized samples. Confirmation of the rich/lean glycol method has been made from total capture stack condensation on small glycol units (&lt; 15 MMSCFD) and from partial-stack condensation on large units. BTEX emission data obtained from total capture condensation and rich/lean mass balance are in excellent agreement. The agreement in total VOC emissions from the two methods is dependent on the inlet gas composition. From total capture stack condensation field tests, a combination of condensation and use of the non-condensible gases as fuel to the reboiler has been determined to be the most cost effective method to reduce emissions. Prototype units have been developed and are presently in operation in Louisiana and Oklahoma.
Estimating Hydrocarbon Emissions from Triethylene Glycol Dehydration of Natural Gas
Authors: Thompson P. A. , Berry C. A. , Espenscheid A. P. , Cunningham J. A. , Evans J. M. 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACT
Increasingly stringent environmental regulations have caused emissions of air toxics from natural gas dehydration units to be a concern for the natural gas industry. Of particular interest are emissions of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes, collectively known as BTEX. Radian Corporation and the Gas Research Institute have developed a software program called GRI-DEHY© to provide gas producers with an easy-to-use tool for estimating emissions of BTEX and other VOCs from triethylene glycol dehydration units. This program uses fundamental chemical engineering thermodynamics along with available experimental data to make its emissions estimates. GRI-DEHY provides a rapid, inexpensive method for determining which dehydration units are in compliance with applicable regulatory emission levels, which units may require minor control approaches, and which units may require retrofit controls. Pre-release testing has shown that GRI-DEHY provides good emissions estimates, especially for the BTEX compounds.
The Importance of Environmental Site Assessments of Oil and Gas Properties Prior to Property Purchase or Sale: Examples of Environmental Hazards
Authors: McNeill A. D. , Reed T. M. , Hunnicutt J. C. 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACT
The ever-expanding magnitude of environmental laws and regulations is increasing the due diligence required before buying or selling an oil and gas property. The environmental hazards on an oil and gas property can pose future financial and environmental liabilities for both the purchaser and the seller which can be disastrous. By performing an environmental site assessment prior to oil and gas property transfer, the purchaser and the seller can limit their financial and environmental risks.
An Environmental Site Assessment is typically divided into three distinct phases: Phase I, qualitative investigation; Phase II, quantitative evaluation; Phase III, hazard management. The qualitative investigation, or Phase I, is a thorough records review and on-site inspection to determine whether any suspected environmental hazards exist on a site or in its vicinity. If any suspected hazards are discovered, Phase II is initiated, which involves further investigation of the site and representative sampling to quantify the extent of the hazards. Phase III is the implementation of remedial options. The qualitative (Phase I) and quantitative (Phase II) information is used to build a workable plan for controlling or eliminating environmental hazards found on a property.
This paper documents examples of environmental hazards identified from three years of environmental site assessments. The assessments were on oil and gas properties comprising over 2000 well sites and 500 facilities, operated by both major and independent oil companies.
Purchase/Sale of Property: The Black Hole of Corporate Liability Ways to Minimize Risk
Authors: Curtis B. W. , Kirchof C. E. 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACT
Environmental implications regarding the purchase and sale of property have become one of the big unknowns in corporate liability. This paper and presentation will focus on practical ways to identify such risks and liabilities and subsequently minimize them in the sales agreement. Specifically, it will explain the various kinds of detailed auditing procedures that must be done prior to the transfer of facilities or property. Such auditing not only includes the historical and document searches, but also and more importantly, the actual physical auditing and in most cases sampling that must occur. In addition, the paper and presentation will outline the ways parties can protect themselves with language in the purchase/sale agreements and how to obtain the best results through certain negotiating techniques.
Environmental Due Diligence in Oil and Gas Acquisitions
Authors: Clark B. F. 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACT
Rising costs attendant to increasing environmental awareness and regulation have captured the attention and exploration budgets of many independent oil and gas exploration companies. Many of these smaller companies are riding the horns of a dangerous dilemma. On the one hand, they cannot afford to maintain a permanent staff of environmental engineers and auditors necessary to investigate potential liability arising under federal and state "Superfund" laws. On the other hand, they cannot afford the risk of ignoring potential liability when buying leases and producing properties.
In order to minimize exposure for Superfund and manage environmental liability risks, many companies are conducting environmental site assessments prior to acquiring oil and gas exploration prospects. In order to keep down the costs of such investigations, smaller independents that lack environmental expertise on staff can enlist their landmen to conduct the preliminary aspects of the investigation called a "Phase I." Most of what is involved in a Phase I consists of the type of duties traditionally handled in our industry by petroleum landmen. In the oil and gas industry, landmen specializing in environmental audits arethe logical alternative to the more costly environmental engineering consulting firm.
An Approach to Resolve Uncertainty in Quantitative Risk Assessment
Authors: Gordon R. D. , Cayias J. L. 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACT
A general method to determine uncertainty in risk assessment using Monte Carlo simulation with Latin Hypercube Sampling is presented. This method is compared with a traditional approach to show that its uncertainty is several orders of magnitude less. Part of the approach is to remove health conservative assumptions and replace them with realistic data. If a measure of health conservatism is needed for risk management, it may be added as a safety factor.
Environmental Practices Training for Oilfield Operations Personnel: Course Content and Measurement
Authors: Griffin J. M. , Marinello S. A. , Cox J. R. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
This paper includes both a review for course content for Environmental Practices Training, and a measurement criterion for evaluating a company's environmental practices. The format for the course applies to a short-course, industry-directed, classroom presentation. Outlines used by the author(s) in addressing these issues for a major oil company as well as video-based instruction will be included. As management must knowingly or unknowingly approve the content of these courses, it appears prudent that appropriate decision makers within the industry determine what constitutes environmental practices training in a sufficiently precise manner. Coupled with this determination is a need for verifiable, repeatable, and defensible measurement tool. The authors propose the Waste Index for meeting this need for a measurement tool. A defense for a measurement tool is made, the criterion described and is then illustrated by a case history example employing actual field data.
A Business Approach to Environmental Communications
Authors: Allyn J. B. 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACT
The objective of this article is to provide a business framework for decision-making regarding the design and implementation of environmental communications programs in the production and exploration areas of the petroleum industry.
An assessment is first discussed which analyzes the impact of external factors on a company's decision making, evaluates the risk to a company's business of communicating or not communicating, and assigns quantitative and qualitative costs and benefits to environmental communications.
Although difficult to quantify in term of dollars, the business advantages in environmental communications activities can be assessed qualitatively by examining successful and unsuccessful case studies such as those discussed in the article.
Release Reporting for the Oil and Gas Exploration and Production Industry as Required by the CWA, CERLA, and SARA Title III
Authors: Toellner J. J. 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACT
Environmental regulations on reporting of hazardous chemical releases have proven to be very complex and confusing. An effort by the American Petroleum Institute (API) and the author has been undertaken to provide the oil and gas industry concise and straightforward guidance on which releases are reportable to which government agencies. This paper addresses the various federal reporting requirements addressed in the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA); the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA), commonly referred to as SARA Title III; and the Clean Water Act (CWA).
This paper covers the reporting of what most in industry consider emergency or incidental releases. These are releases which are typically unplanned and not covered by a permit issued by a government agency. The paper does not address state and local requirements which, in many cases, may be more stringent.
A series of flowcharts (Figures #1 – #7) have been developed to provide guidance on release reporting. The flowcharts are designed to help the user make accurate reporting decisions in an efficient manner.
Emergency Planning for H2S Releases: Utilizing Shelter in Place and Interagency Drills
Authors: Wheeler W. H. , Byrd W. R. 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACT
This paper highlights the implementation of Shelter in Place techniques and associated emergency procedures involving state and local emergency planning personnel as well as local residents. Several unique emergency planning enhancements recently made by an Operator in a populated sour gas/oil production area will be presented, including:
a shelter and evacuation drill involving Operator, emergency response personnel and residents, an automatic phone notification system with multi-call capability and call verification, a flexible siren/public address system designed for local acoustic conditions, and community education programs including distribution of a local historical calendar with emergency information.
Microcosm Studies of Factors That Influence Bioremediation of Crude Oils in Soil
Authors: McMillen S. J. , Kerr J. M. , Gray N. R. 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACT
Bioremediation treatments were evaluated on the microcosm scale for their effectiveness in removing petroleum hydrocarbons from soil. Three compositionally distinct crude oils were applied to native soils from their respective oil production areas. The crude oils varied in API gravity (21 to 31 at 60°F) and in hydrocarbon class distribution. A total of 8 treatment regimes that included the variables of moisture content, fertilizer application, tilling, and pH control were examined for their effectiveness in enhancing biodegradation rates over no action and sterile controls. The microcosms were monitored for 52 weeks.
The extent of biodegradation was determined by the total extractable hydrocarbon (TEH) concentrations, hydrocarbon class distributions, gas chromatography, C17/pristane and C18/phytane ratios, and hopane concentrations in the initial and final oils. The estimated half-lives of the crude oils were determined to be greater than two years under all but one treatment regime. A very rigorous treatment of monitoring and controlling soil pH, nutrient concentrations, and moisture content on a weekly basis reduced the half-life of a crude oil to 8 weeks. Half-lives were measured by TEH loss and confirmed by hydrocarbon class distribution changes and gas chromatography "fingerprints." Hopane concentrations were used to more accurately predict crude oil half-life.
An Exposure/Risk-Based Corrective Action Approach for Petroleum-Contaminated Sites
Authors: Stanley C. C. , Johnson P. C. 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACT
A practical and easy to use exposure/risk-based methodology for guiding corrective action activities at petroleum contaminated sites has been developed. In this approach, site characterization, assessment of potential beneficial uses, exposure/risk characterization, site prioritization, and selection of corrective action alternatives are integrated into a series of worksheets. These worksheets guide the user through the necessary steps to derive site-specific target clean-up levels and the corresponding appropriate corrective action. The risk characterization activities discussed here focus on exposure to groundwater, which is expected to be the pathway of greatest concern at the majority of petroleum contaminated sites. However, it is not difficult to see how this worksheet based approach can be extended to other pathways. The worksheets comprise a final document that is a valuable tool for regulators, contractors, and responsible parties to consistently prioritize sites and develop corrective action plans. This approach is currently being reviewed by several state agencies. In addition, the approach has been presented to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the American Society for Testing in Materials (ASTM).