bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Test Procedures for Subsea Wellhead Annulus Seal Assembly Under Extreme Loads
Authors: Weidlich M. C. , Rossatto T. T. , Alle L. S. R. , Mattei F. , Buzzatti D. T. , Buzzatti J. T. , Oliveira M. O. , Moreira N. , Pinto T. S. , Oliveira F. L. , Resende D. L. , Souza C. O. , Santos C. M. , Gerber J. P. , Reguly A. , Potter P. 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
During production start-ups and shutdowns, the ASA (Annulus Seal Assembly) is subjected to compression and tension cycling loads, featuring the normal condition loads, and for this reason, demanding an endurance qualification procedure. Furthermore, in a real well, these loads are not applied separately. As a result, the ASA is always under cyclic and combined loads that can affect its sealing capacity. In addition to the normal condition loads, some events may be characterized as an extreme event, in accordance with the API Standard 17G (Design and Manufacture of Subsea Well Intervention Equipment).
This paper will present the methodology and description of the test performed to evaluate the performance of ASA under extreme conditions, which falls beyond the scope of the API SPEC 17D (Specification for Subsea Wellhead and Tree Equipment) requirements and normal condition loads definition, in order to replicate the load conditions of a subsea well considering an extreme event. A full-scale experimental test facility has been built in a controlled laboratory environment to evaluate the behavior of the ASA under these extreme loads. The test facility was built to simulate the real conditions of the well, reproducing cyclic and combined axial and pressure loads. In this test facility, the ASA is tested together with the High-Pressure Housing and Casing Hanger, thus evaluating the whole subsea wellhead system.
The results showed downward CH displacement due to ballooning effect at 4,500 and 5,000 psi, as pressure end load increases, a significant upward displacement is seen before assembly failure, indicating the limit if the ASA. The test enabled the creation of a performance envelope that exceeds the parameters of the API 6A PR-2F and API 17D testing procedure. The device not only enhance the safety and efficiency, but also fosters the development of novel testing methodologies and equipment for the petroleum industry. With its ability to accurately assess equipment performance, the facility stands as a significant asset, empowering operators to make informed decisions and optimize their production processes.
Smart Water as a Sustainable Enhanced Oil Recovery Fluid: Covariant Saline Optimization
Authors: Quintella C. M. , Rodrigues P. D. , Silva H. R. , Carvalho E. B. , Souza E. Ramos de , Santos E. , Nicoleti J. L. , Hanna S. A. 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Although the migration to renewable energies is accelerating, for several decades the fossil fuels will still be essential for mankind. More environment friendly EOR methods are a current challenge. Recently, injection of aqueous fluids with low salinity (Smart Waters) had good performance and reduced environmental impact. However, there still is no consensus on the best ion concentrations, which may be due to experimental designs being linear whilst EOR processes are covariantly synergistic. This work optimized the pre-salt oil recovery factor in limestone by injecting smart water with 30 formulations defined by covariant statistical experimental design, with Doehlert Matrix, for NaCl, CaCl2 and NaHCO3. Injected and produced fluids were characterized by rheology, pH, conductivity, molecular fluorescence spectroscopy and X-ray fluorescence. No direct univariate relationships between recovery factor and pH, TDS or ionic concentration were found. The recovery factor was maximized from 35.9% up to 52.5%. Two optimal regions were discovered, one with slightly lower salinity and the other with slightly higher salinity, which may explain the lack of convergence in the literature on linear concentration variation. NaHCO3 concentration presented the highest statistical significance, which is attributed to the maximization of the reduction in the oil/oil and oil/rock interface tension. Its presence synergistically favored lower concentrations of NaCl. Separately, NaCl CaCl2 showed opposite statistical significances. However, their synergy was evident in the high positive significance of their association, due to the association of monovalent and bivalent cations. In addition, molecular dynamics calculation revealed that monovalent ions improve the wettability of water on the carbonate rock. There was no preferential production of any type of asphaltenes. Total dissolved solids influenced the rheological profiles when at high concentrations. The dynamic evolution of the roles of Cl− and Ca+2 ions was identified as more porous volumes of smart water are injected, through variations in their concentration in the aqueous fraction produced, which was attributed to the fact that, as oil is produced and the intelligent injection of water continues, the interaction of the chlorine anions with the rock intensifies, leading to the gradual release of calcium cations until the surface saturation process occurs.
Implementation of Risk-Based Inspection Program for Eight Jacket Structures in Brazil
Authors: Sarabi A. , Barbosa V. , Rodrigues R. , Lopes M. , Souza M. , Amaral R. 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Objectives/Scope
This paper presents a case study of the development of a risk-based inspection plan as part of the structural integrity management (SIM) of eight fixed offshore structures in Brazil. Alternatively, to the consequence-based approach, a risk-based philosophy was adopted to optimize inspection efforts related to the SIM program of eight jackets in Brazil.

Methods, Procedure, Process
The procedure to select what to inspect and how to inspect was based on API-RP-2SIM and ISO 19901-9 standard. The procedure considered quantitative methods to evaluate the level of redundancy of the platforms under extreme storms, and a semi-quantitative method to classify the importance of each joint to the global integrity of the platform jacket. Firstly, the probability of failure by fatigue of each joint was assessed following DNV recommended practice. In sequence, depending on the structural importance of each joint, a reduction factor of the global reserve strength of the jacket was considered in case such joint would fail due to fatigue. Finally, it was possible to define the potential increase of jacket global collapse probability under hypothetical joint fatigue failure scenarios.

Results, Observations, Conclusions
By combining the importance of each joint to the overall jacket strength and the fatigue probability of failure, it became possible to understand, on a life extension perspective, which joints represent significant global failure risk increase to the platform. The riskier joints could then be prioritized by the inspection program and the joints which were not increasing the risk of global failure could be disregarded. In addition, it was possible to differentiate the joints worth of GVI, CVI or NDT, depending on the risk level each joint represents to the safe operation within design life. The application of the proposed procedure to the selection of joints to be inspected for eight jacket structures in Brazil coast demonstrated that, conversely to the consequence-based inspection program, by adopting semi-quantitative and quantitative methods, it was possible to significantly reduce the inspection scope, while at the same time, not reducing the global failure risk of the platform.

Novel, Additive Information
The present study applied available software tools to better assess the risk of each joint with focus on the global strength of jacket structures, independently to the year this platform was designed, demonstrating that to inspect less joints does not necessarily mean running intolerable risk.
Safety Management Systems for Offshore Energy - We Can Learn from Each Other
Authors: Holmes R. 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
For more than a decade, the Center for Offshore Safety, established by the American Petroleum Institute (API), has been at the forefront of promoting safety, environmental protection, operational integrity and risk management on the United States Outer Continental Shelf. Since its creation, the COS has driven advancements in offshore safety by fostering effective leadership, communication, teamwork, disciplined management systems and independent third-party auditing and certification. Membership includes oil and gas producers, drillers, service and supply companies, regulators, academia, and other industry stakeholders.
To truly understand the significance of COS and its mission, a short look back at the industry's history is helpful.
Predicting Emulsion Viscosity Using Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Silva Victor H. C. , Souza Troner A. , Ahón Victor R. R. 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Water-in-oil (W/O) emulsions are present in some stages of exploration and operation of oil fields. Therefore, it is important to define the dynamic viscosity behavior of these emulsions for flow assurance purposes. This study applied an Artificial Intelligence Algorithm called Artificial Neural Network in order to predict the emulsion dynamic viscosity of thirty (30) oils from Brazilian basins. The Artificial Neural Network used as inputs rheological data considering different values of temperature, shear rate, oil °API and water fraction in order to predict the dynamic viscosity. All the algorithms and data handling were made using Python computational language. Nevertheless, the results obtained in this paper were statistically compared to the results obtained using other classical correlations presented in the literature. The model proposed could generate predictions with more precision when compared to the other correlations.
Corrosion Resistant Alloys for Mechanically Lined Pipes
Authors: Faveret Signorelli Rodrigo , Helmersson Björn 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Mechanically Lined Pipes (MLP) have shown to be a cost effective solution in several oil fields for risers and flowlines, based on the fact that only a small thickness of the pipe is produced with corrosion resistant alloys (CRA). Only the CRA liner will be exposed to the corrosive conditions inside the pipe, which can vary between different projects.
From the beginning, mainly nickel alloys such as N08825 and N06625 have been selected for MLPs. Lately, stainless steels have been increasing its presence in this application. Grades like UNS S31603, UNS S31703, UNS N08904 are already utilized in MLPs. Alternatively, higher corrosion resistant grades like UNS S31254, UNS N08935 and UNS S32654 could be a good fit. The introduction of additional alloys to this application enables better optimization of material selection in terms of performance and cost.
This paper aims at reviewing and comparing the aspects of the different CRAs available for MLPs. Among the aspects evaluated are mechanical properties, localized corrosion resistance, chloride stress corrosion cracking, resistance to sour service environments as well as commercial aspect pertinent to this application.
Operability Wave Study for Upgrading Aged FPSO Using Flotel
Authors: Passos R. B. , Fernandes A. C. 
Published: October 2023

In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the demand for updating and maintenance services for on board systems in FPSO-type units, positioned at long distances from the coast. Dozens of these units were built in the mid-1990s and are now approaching to the end of their project life expectancy, usually around 25 years. As they are quite aging units, there are some updating needs on board.
Because there is an enormous difficulty in transporting the units to a complete docking in traditional coast drydock, operators around the world use as an alternative to bring the facilities of a shipyard to the oil exploration field, without interrupting production. Each on-site FPSO maintenance reduces considerably the operational costs. Naturally, this includes making available and maintaining hundreds of workers in the offshore environment as a floating shipyard. The main services are varied, including the replacement of old pipes, updating the air conditioning system of the accommodations, as well as improving the process plant of the stationary production vessel, returning to an optimum point of production, usually outdated by new technologies.
The essential services to preserve structural integrity of the FPSO are of equal importance. In this context, the use of Flotel-type vessels has become a concrete concept in the offshore industry. These floating hotels can provide an extra 500 vacancies on board that would hardly be accommodated in the FPSO unit itself. In general, Flotel units have a Dynamic Positioning system (DP) and can stay in close proximity beside the FPSO for long periods up to 6 months.
A Vision of the Use of Meta Data in a Digital Field Map to Accelerate the Acceptance of Subsea Autonomy in Assuring Asset Integrity
Authors: Gower A. S. , Britto A. , Lima C. d. , Marinho J. T. , Lopes L. , Peçanha R. 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
The development of capable subsea vehicles to perform autonomous inspection missions is nearing the point where deployment and operational use is becoming a reality. The challenge for the widespread deployment is initially the acceptance of autonomous vehicles to perform missions and to be confident in the performance of the vehicle.
The suitability of the near shore testing areas (playgrounds) to de-risk the performance of the vehicle, is starting to be understood, and it is broadly expected that the gap between emulating an offshore environment in a playground, and performing autonomous missions on an operational site, will require support. Today, this is typically addressed by the presence of a crewed surface vessel providing selective status information to the operating crew on board the vessel due to the limitation of data transfer through water.
Use of widespread subsea based communication networks could provide a meshed network subsea, improving the available data, but this is challenging for a brownfield application, especially in a Life Extension Context due to anticipated limitations in the supporting Subsea Production System electrical infrastructure.
In support of an ambition to develop geo-referencing of a resident autonomous underwater vehicle, operating without the aid of a surface vessel, an onboard Digital Field Map, DFM, capability is relevant to overcome those limitations. The DFM provides the opportunity to encode Mission Intelligence into the meta data of the DFM. The use of Mission Intelligence potentially reduces the complexity of Artificial Intelligence and offers an opportunity to establish clear acceptance criteria. The definition of acceptance criteria presents a clear demonstration of the validation of the actions of the vehicle rather than a subjective assessment of the performance of the vehicle under Artificial Intelligence control.
In addition, the DFM also presents an opportunity to be used for Mission Planning, providing a visualization of the intended mission profile and to define and implement mitigations identified at a Risk Assessment directly into the vehicle without the risk of loss of detail when implementing mitigations in code, as well as simplifying the validation of the implementation of the mitigating steps.
Integration of Machine Learning and Proxy Models to Optimize Formation Testing and Sampling Efficiency: A Pre-Job Performance Study
Authors: Dantas M. , Bertolini A. , Simoes V. 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Wireline formation testers (WFT) play a key role in reservoir characterization and are the first tool to make dynamic contact with reservoirs and collect reservoir fluid samples. However, there is an industry challenge to collect clean samples due to mud filtrate contamination. Because of that, the time to sample could last from hours to over half a day, which can scale up for long reservoirs with multiple sampling depths. Therefore, this work aims to reduce the CO2 footprint and risks related to sampling jobs by optimizing the sampling time.
The workflow developed uses petrophysics information, usually acquired in previous logging runs, to apply a machine learning proxy that generates a smart guide with optimal sampling flags. This is then used to define in the acquisition program the best depths for sampling based on the depth of the drilling fluid invasion and the optimal WFT technology for maximum efficiency. The workflow integrating the petrophysical data, the machine learning proxy, and operations planning are used to reduce the cleanup time to collect a low-contamination reservoir fluid sample, therefore reducing the CO2e emissions for achieving the same quality of reservoir fluid sample.
The study has been conducted in pre-salt wells, including two of the largest reservoir producers in Brazil; for this, we integrated a quick petrophysical interpretation with the machine learning proxy to create a smart guide to help the decision process of sampling depth. The machine learning proxy has been trained on 350 thousand reservoir simulations, reflecting a remarkably high accuracy. With petrophysics and the predicted depth of invasion, we use numerical reservoir simulation to estimate and match the actual time to sample and compare it to nearby depths with similar reservoir quality but a shallower invasion. The results show that for achieving the same quality of the fluid sample, when using this smart guide in the operations planning, there is a potential to reduce up to half of the sampling time per well, therefore reducing the same amount of the CO2 footprint from these activities related to Scopes 1 and 3 from Greenhouse Gas Protocol, and the risks related to tool imprisonment inherited from this type of job.
The study presented here, enabled by a machine learning proxy, provides a method to improve sampling operation efficiency and contributes to achieving safer, economically improved, and lower CO2 footprint operations. When reducing the cleanup time, the proposed methodology addresses one of the main challenges in decision-making when designing an acquisition program due to the long-lasting sampling jobs.
Revolutionizing Drilling Operations: An Automated Approach for Drilling Analysis and Optimization Using Real-Time Data
Authors: Belov D. , Silva F. , Malik A. , Liland E. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThis paper presents a novel approach for drilling analysis, optimization, and bottomhole assembly (BHA) component maintenance. The approach uses automation to report shift statistics and process parameter evaluations based on real-time drilling data. Included in the approach are data quality assessment, risk assessments for shock and vibration, and prognostics and health management (PHM) modules for BHA components.The proposed core algorithm evaluates the content of the various time-based drilling channels and then outputs relevant statistics by classifying the drilling events. This hybrid approach combines the data-driven approaches with machine-learning techniques. Shock and vibration risk assessment algorithms derive the risk levels for each drilling operation under consideration in accordance with industry standards. The integrated PHM algorithms analyze the cumulative risk of component fatigue failure and produce BHA component health information using unique, industry-specific, physics-based, appropriate models.The set of advanced algorithms are successfully integrated into the system level before they are released to commercial users. This solution provides users with a comprehensive set of high-level information necessary to analyze drilling jobs. The drilling journal is a key output of the solution, playing a crucial role in offset analysis, trajectory design, BHA design, etc. Enabling proactive thinking and decision making helps the user anticipate future actions needed for subsequent job activities.In addition to providing the drilling crew with valuable insights about the cumulative exposure conditions of equipment, the solution also formalizes the drilling process through business systems for equipment exposure analysis. The insights and formalization help achieve full field adherence and promote standardization and consistency within decision-making processes.The solution also includes PHM modules that standardize decision-making processes concerning reusing BHA components, helping to reduce field fatigue-related failures. Remarkable results were achieved with the commercial exploitation of the PHM algorithm for the mud motor power section. Implementation resulted in a dramatic decrease in motor-related field failures.Overall, this innovative and complex solution provides an efficient and reliable method to analyze drilling job data, promote field adherence, and reduce field failures. This first-time published approach distinguishes itself by means of a sophisticated use of real-time drilling data to extract decisive statistics for ongoing monitoring and rapid decision making during the drilling operation. With the aid of advanced PHM models, the proposed innovative solution significantly enhances the cumulative commercial impact.
Challenges on the Governance of Libra PSC
Authors: Francisco F. F. , Flach E. B. , Amendola A. F. , Rodrigues F. M. , Santos G. S. S. 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
The Governance of a Production Sharing Contract was one of the challenges for Libra Project. In this 10th anniversary of first round bidding in Brazil there are a lot of celebrate. Libra Project created a robust governance project. The aim of this paper is to show how this governance process supported Libra Project during these 10 years. It begins with an overview of Libra PSC, after it discuss about all challenges in the development strategy, remarking the new technologies created by Libra team. It brings the importance of the Libra Governance and cost oil recovery process, and finishes discussing Libra new challenges that are production and greenhouse emissions.
How to Deal with Problems Caused by Low-Temperature of Arrival Produced Fluids?
Authors: Khalil de Oliveira Marcia C. , Karnitz Osvaldo , Miranda Daniele F. S. , Marques Luiz C. C. , Simões Saul , Alvim Eduardo D. 
Published: October 2023

Objective and scope
In different production scenarios, the partial shutting of the choke valve can be a suitable alternative to sustain the oil production rate in case of high gas-oil ratio (GOR) or excessive gas production. However, it has been observed that this procedure can lead both produced liquids: oil and water, to out-of-spec conditions, thus causing production losses and hurdles to water management and disposal, especially in offshore production installations where the capital expenditure (CAPEX) and the operational costs (OPEX) are traditionally high.
To shed light on this problem a comprehensive evaluation of the produced fluids properties was carried out. Also, both pressure and temperature profiles along the production process were monitored. The big change noticed by the operation team was the sharp temperature drop (&lt; 20°C) of the produced fluids arriving at the topside facilities when the wells were choked-down This thermodynamic phenomenon is provoked by gas expansion, the so-called Joule-Thomson (cooling) effect. In this way, a series of lab tests were performed to mimic the operational field conditions. After analyzing the lab results, an alternative solution was proposed to avoid the drawback of producing out-of-spec fluids, whenever necessary to partially close the choke valve during oil and gas production. This is especially true when waxy crude oils are produced at low temperatures, thence increasing the probability of formation of both Pickering-type- and/or viscous- emulsions.