bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Upskilling the Next Generation of Petrophysicists
Authors: Dutta Masa , Choudhary Nikhil , Edem Cyril , Almuslim Sarah Mohammed 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
National and international oil and gas companies have pledged to reduce emissions from their upstream operations—a vision that calls for a highly competent workforce that is multiskilled and aware of the current transitions in the energy industry. The learning path of the petrophysics population has always been less clear than sister domains because of the lack of a university degree program. Superior quality training comprising classical petrophysics, sustainability understanding, and astute digital insight are essential to combat challenges in the modern realms of petrophysics.
To avoid a talent and skill shortfall during this critical period of transition in the energy sector, this study aims to highlight the major adjustments that may be made in workforce training and development—1) multidisciplinary petrophysics to understand the domain in light of geology, petroleum engineering, and drilling operations, and 2) digital awareness to predict formation properties using data analytics; e.g., multilinear regression and machine learning algorithms. Knowledge of programming language is also necessary to help with automation in analytics, and sustainability understanding to extend experience in the petrophysics domain to carbon management and geothermal projects (e.g., in relation to permeability, net thickness, and porosity).
Digital adoption, new energy focus, and core technical petrophysics with a multidisciplinary approach will T-shape (see illustration in Fig. 2) the profile of a future petrophysicist. The addition of digital literacy and sustainability awareness will help to diversify the learning portfolio of professionals irrespective of their career stage. A training program tailor-made to deliver the discussed components will create a flexible career path for both technical and managerial roles of operations and reservoir petrophysicists. Holistic petrotechnical training will ease the process of transition. An all-encompassing training will increase employee engagement and positively influence employee retention. The training program will ensure its relevance with current business trends and will reflect any changes to further avoid competency gaps. It will motivate senior petrophysicists to leverage expertise in new energy sectors such as geothermal and carbon management. With a clear understanding of its limitations, a revamped program for petrophysicists will strategically reduce the development cost.
The key innovative aspect of this paper is to guide petrophysicists in industry as well as in academia to train themselves with skills and competencies relevant to this highly volatile energy market. This paper catalogues the technical-digital skills in detail and also identifies free resources available on open-source platforms. This paper can be used by the petrophysics trainee, and organizations developing training or mentoring programs for their petrophysics population.
Frac Plug Evaluation to Improve Operations Efficiency
Authors: Baki Sohrat , Alzamil Abdullah , Habiballah Zeyad , Shariff Emad , Alowaid Abdulrahman , Alnakhli Wafaa , Alshammari Hamoud , Mahfouz Mohannad 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Success of the unconventional resources (UR) operations is improving the efficiency by minimizing cost without compromising production. Plug and perforation (PnP) method is widely applied practice for unconventional wells completion due to flexibility of stimulating targeted intervals. One of the key parameters for operations efficiency of stimulation activities is utilization of fit for purpose frac plug to run with wireline PnP, proper frac isolation, and increasing efficiency of coil tubing mill-out. This paper provides comprehensive evaluation and comparison of various frac plug selection, execution and evaluation as well as optimization considering improving efficiency at multi-stage frac operations.
To improve contact area with targeted formations, longer laterals are drilled and during milling operations, it can generate additional challenges to the milling efficiency due to decreasing weight on bit and potential lockups due extended laterals. There are various types of plugs in the market depending on the technical requirements of the operation such as composite, semi-dissolvable and fully dissolvable fracturing plugs. Therefore, the search to obtain the most optimum fit for purpose frac plug selection is critical with the objective of being milled with minimal weight on bit and low to no debris produced from milling activities. The application of a rigorous system for choosing frac plugs to be tested and implemented considers various well completion, formation, operational and technical parameters, while cross-referencing case studies and historical usage at different fields worldwide.
For the current study, more than twenty frac plugs were systematically evaluated based on technical requirements, and were implemented across more than 2,000 stages of UR stimulation applications and coil tubing (CT) millout operations. Additionally, the paper discusses about contingency plans with solutions during wireline pump down and coil tubing millout operations challenges and opportunities.
Fracturing plug manufacturers are continuously improving their frac plug technologies to meet customers demands of ease of use, applicability and functionality. Hence, the introduction and development of semi or fully dissolvable plugs. This paper highlights a full cycle of process for qualifying fracturing plugs for fit-for-purpose applications.
Preparation and Characterization of Rapid Gelling Agent for Light Hydrocarbons-Based Gelled Fracturing Fluid
Authors: Du Tao , Chen Chen , Feng Jiangpeng , Yao Yiming 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Light hydrocarbon-based gelled fracturing fluid is prepared by light oil, and oil-base fracturing fluid is prepared by heavy oil. The gelling agents for them contains different components. There are two kinds of the alkyl chains in gelling agents. They are the high carbon number alkyl chains and the low carbon number alkyl chains. High carbon number alkyl chains interact with each other and creat physical cross-linking. The existence of low carbon number alkyl chains helps to raise the compatibility between gelling agent and solvents. A L18(37) orthogonal tests are carried out and a series of gelling agent samples are synthesized. Range analysis, acidity value analysis and the gelling time are carried out to do experiments. The best concentration of gelling agents is tested by gelling kinetics. The results shows that the viscosity of the fracturing fluid is 75 mPa·s at the condition of 170 s−1 shear rate and 80°C. A new gelling agent sample is synthesized adding a small amount of polyol. This new gelling agent has high viscosity and less gelling time compared to traditional gelling agents. This polyol-included gelling agent is rapid cross-linking gelling agent.
The Niger Delta Process Safety Dilemma: Restoring & Maintaining Well Integrity in the Face of Perennial Asset Vandalization
Authors: Bougha Arthur , Alalade Temitope , Oluwatobi Ugoh , Eze Nnadozie 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Safely operating Oil and Gas wells in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria has become quite challenging to achieve owing to the prevalent vandalization of assets in the operating environment. The asset vandalization ranges from minor theft of Christmas tree accessories, flowlines vandalization, to major wellhead damages and in some cases, wells get blown up with explosives by criminal elements. The major dilemma for the operations teams in this environment lies around how to (not only) restore integrity on wells with a complex state of vandalism, but also how to produce these wells safely.
Restoring integrity on vandalized wells depends on nature of damage. For subject wells, the complete wellhead systems were severed and carted away with only Down Hole Safety Valve and production packer preventing the release of hydrocarbon. Restoration included design of a false rotary, fishing of the severed tubing stumps on drill pipes, installation of plugs above the safety valve and chemical cut of the tubing above the plug. Casing plug was installed above cut tubing depth as second barrier.
Casings were then cold cut below impacted depth and tied back to surface. NDT, heat treatment carried out on weld joints.
In this paper, the unconventional well integrity challenges faced in the Niger Delta onshore wells (Ukp- wells 1, 2, 3 and 5) and the in-house capabilities (innovative and unconventional steps) developed to address these challenges are presented. The wells in this paper had all concentric tubulars severed from below the casing head housing and carted away by vandals. These wells had a very high potential of damage to the environment and reputational impact to the company due to the HSE exposure level, apart from not conforming to the Company's well integrity policy of a minimum of two (2) tested and independent barriers. The Well Integrity restoration team showcased various innovative ways which were applied in other to secure these wells safely, bearing in mind the non-existence of barriers for standard rig up of equipment for the securing operations. Integrity was successfully restored on the wells through the unconventional novel approach. The Heat treatment and NDT ensured integrity of the weld joints for safe rig up of the planned HWU for the abandonment.
This innovative approach prevented the potential process safety incident which could have led to asset, environmental and reputational damage. This paper would detail the history of the wells, planning, design and execution of the innovative in-house integrity restoration operation. The operation led to a total cost saving of US$1.8mln versus plan for the four vandalized wells that were restored.
First Microseismic Monitoring of Hydraulic Stimulation in Bahrah and Sabriyah Fields, Northeastern Kuwait
Authors: Rajeul Sebastien , Fortier Eric , Barbieri Ernesto , Abd El-Aziz Sabry , Vemparala Chintamani 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
The first microseismic monitoring operations of hydraulically stimulated wells were run in Bahrah and Sabriyah oilfields, Northeastern Kuwait. The main objective was to evaluate the capacity of the microseismic in optimising the fracturing process and consequently improving the production of these reservoirs.
The major phases of such monitoring projects are sensors network design, deployment, acquisition, data processing, results delivery, and interpretation. Fit-for-purpose monitoring networks were designed by modelling the expected sensitivity and location accuracy of various sensors geometry scenarios, considering local reservoir properties. Geophones were deployed in observation wells nearby treatment wells to record the seismic waves emitted by the microearthquakes induced by the rock fracturing process. This seismicity was located and characterised to image the fracture networks growth under the effect of pumping. From this, fracture geometry parameters were assessed, stress and hazard characterised, unexpected behaviours were monitored and analysed.
By providing information in real-time during rock stimulation operations, microseismic monitoring successfully helped improving production while maintaining a focus on the risk assessment indicators. In Bahrah, seismic response to the treatment was assessed for the target carbonate formation Mauddud, evaluating stimulation effectiveness while characterising unexpected and unwanted behaviours. In Sabriyah, fracture geometry estimates helped calibrating injection models and fine-tuning stimulation plans. Furthermore, a strong focus was also placed on monitoring hazard and anomalies in the Tuba carbonate formation being stimulated near a natural fault. Monitoring procedure, results and lessons learned from these projects can be transferred to other existing or upcoming wells to be drilled in the same formations, adding value to these reservoirs by optimising the fracture design, and making hydrocarbon recovery safer and more efficient.
This paper reports on the first usage of microseismic monitoring in Bahrah and Sabriyah oilfields in Kuwait. Monitoring met the initial objectives and both the approach as well as results are now a baseline for the effective development of hydraulic stimulation in these reservoirs and others with similar characteristics.
RTPD Safety Management System Toward Safety Excellence
Authors: Al Hakami Muatasem , Al Hamzah Majed 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Event: Middle East Oil, Gas and Geosciences Show
Title: RTPD Safety Management System Toward Safety Excellence
Objectives/Scope: The objective of this abstract is to explain how Ras Tanura Producing Department have achieved the President's Award for Safety Excellence for the most improved department among all Saudi Aramco departments.
Ras Tanura Producing Department had shown a high level of collaboration and engagement with Loss Prevention Department that led to improve the safety performance and culture among Ras Tanura Producing Department employees. As a result, Ras Tanura Producing Department has achieved an overall score of seventy six (76) percentage during the assessment of safety Compliance Review management system carried by Los Prevention Department in the year of 2021, which demonstrates a commendable improvement from the year of 2018 review score of fifty seven (57) percentage which is recognized as the highest in Saudi Aramco Company.
The Ras Tanura Producing Department safety program effectiveness was assessed utilizing a risk based approach which focuses on the most prevalent areas for improvement identified in an analysis of Saudi Aramco safety performance and a thorough review of Ras Tanura Producing Department's documentation. The review also assessed the implementation of the Eight Lifesaving Rules. Evidently, Ras Tanura Producing Department has an opulent and mature Safety Management System that reveals comprehensive and logically written processes. These processes have gone through several reviews and revisions. Also, Ras Tanura Producing Department piloted management monthly safety audits and the verification, closure system of major incidents recommendations, which have been recognized as best practice.
Collaborating in the Metaverse for Successful Subsurface Reservoir Characterization
Authors: Norlund Philip , David D'Angelo 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
With increased pressure on energy companies to reduce costs whilst also planning more complex wells with lower carbon emissions, companies worldwide are always looking for ways to be more efficient & successful in their subsurface reservoir characterization. Improved collaboration across the traditional gaps in the Exploration & Production (E&P) disciplines is an important way to achieve these goals. In this paper, we review the vision of the Metaverse, a fully realized digital world that exists beyond the one in which we live and continues to exist even when we do not interact with it. The Metaverse has some key technological concepts that potentially provide a roadmap to help deliver desired improvements for reservoir characterization collaboration. The first is through an immersive three-dimensional world that can bring together people from remote locations to collaborate in one space. The second is through the realization of a Subsurface Digital Twin. We review where we are and what can be achieved with current technologies using our own research and development as examples, and we postulate on how these technologies will be improved in the immediate future.
Small Scale Projects Planning Best Practices in the Oil and Gas Sector
Authors: Al-Hawas Ahmed I. , Al-Harbi Fahad S. , Amminudin Kamarul A. 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
The intent of this paper is to share the Root Cause Analysis (RCA) that is addressing the small-scale project performance issues, focusing on project schedule and milestone deliverable completion delays. Moreover, investigative data analysis was performed for similar previously completed industrial projects, revealing delay causes and different aspects of project performance issues, including scope creep, quality, stakeholder's management and communication gaps. Finally, the corrective action plan is put in place to ensure continuous project performance improvement, by closing all gaps throughout project life cycle phases. The methodology developed in this paper takes into consideration the various types and nature of small industrial projects with budget ranges from $20,000 to $4,000,000, and a two-year execution time frame. The methodology involved data gathering from 36 previously completed projects, as well as interviews with key stakeholders. Moreover, it included Ishikawa "Fishbone" diagram and a gap analysis model to deep dive into the root causes and gap analysis. Finally, a road map addressing the required recommendations was formulated to ensure excellence in project management execution.
Disclaimer: The content of this article represents the author's point of view not the company.
NGL Operation Strategy Using Predictive Analytics
Authors: Qurashi Abdulaziz 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Oil & Gas is a data-rich industry which is prime for data-driven and decision making. The significant growth witnessed in the digital transformation field and the new era of the industrial revolution 4 (IR 4.0), is a direct result of the need within the industry to utilize the large amount of data to make better decisions, improve operation strategy, plan better for preventive maintenance (PM), and process improvement.
The uncertainty associated with estimating the incoming feed gas rate to NGL plants has resulted in deviation from optimal compressor recycle rate, missed opportunities of meeting planned PM and imposed urgency during operation. Utilizing machine learning algorithms, namely regression and decision tree model, the incoming feed gas can be predicted which result in the machine learning algorithms which results in the identification of the optimum number of running trains and recycle rate required for efficient operation.
NGL-Operation Planner (NGL-OP) is the outcome of utilizing ML algorithms which provides the ability of predicting incoming feed gas, identifying optimum number of running trains required as well as estimating the optimal recycle rate. Adopting this approach is a new and strategical way to plan NGL operation. The developed tool also has the ability to advise whether to shut down, maintain existing operation or starting-up a new train.
The implementation of the model resulted in a significant improvement in NGL operation. The improvement includes fuel gas consumption reduction of around 449 MMSCF/Year which resulted in a significant cost saving, reduction in emissions around 27 M tons/year, and 10% reduction in operating unnecessary running trains. These savings have been achieved through the utilization of the NGL-OP to minimize uncertainty and improve our planning strategy.
Successful Accelerated Reduction of CO2 Emissions through a Statistical Approach
Authors: Al Salmi Ahmed , Al Balushi Sara , Al Zaabi Yousuf 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Power consumption is one of the leading producers of Greenhouse Gases and improving it will support Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) to meet its target of net-zero emissions. In 2020, PDO operations emitted tons of CO2 with the highest quantity coming from X field where High Voltage pumps, which consume about 15MW resulting in 75,000 tons of CO2 emissions per year, are used. This paper will discuss the approach used to investigate and solve the given problem.
The six-Sigma methodology was used to investigate the high-power consumption in water injection and deep-water disposal processes. Pareto analysis, which was used to scope the project, showed that 35% of power consumption is related to High Voltage injection pumps. The historical data of the response (power consumption) and potential causes of the problem were gathered from the field database. Minitab, a statistical data analysis software, was used in this problem investigation in addition to other Six-Sigma methods including process capability, hypothesis testing, and control charts. Graphical and statistical tools were also used to examine the relationship between the response and variables.
Process mapping identified 27 potential causes of higher power consumption in five High Voltage pumps. The historical data of the variables were statistically correlated to measure the strength of the relationship with the response. The analysis concluded that suction pressure for pumps 1510 and 1520 is the statistically significant cause of higher power consumption. The power consumption of these two pumps was directly linked to the suction pressure using the Pearson coefficient factor and p-value. The suction pressure was too low which caused the pumps to consume more energy to pressurize water. Hypothesis testing resulted in a p-value of 0.00, confirming a strong relationship between power consumption and suction pressure. Appropriate countermeasures were developed, and a new pump operation philosophy was implemented, whereby one pump is always kept on standby. This resulted in a 4MW reduction in power consumption and, ultimately, prevented the emission of 18,000 tons of CO2 annually. Other benefits to date include a saving of around $2.6 million per year, with the potential to save more through replication. Additional yet unquantified benefits include curbing the impacts of climate change on the environment.
The Six Sigma statistical approach is used to understand the hidden causes of the increase in power consumption that result in higher CO2 emissions. The reduction of power consumption in PDO's X field has paved the way for 10 other projects in the Company to reduce their CO2 emissions. We can partner with other operators in the Sultanate of Oman to follow Petroleum Development Oman's example of using the Six Sigma approach in Energy Transition.
Geological Risks and Resources-Based Portfolio Ranking and Completion Optimization by Areas: An Eagle Ford Case Study
Authors: Hong Sahyun , Fataierge Ahmed , Zahrani Abdulkarim 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Asset ranking plays a critical role for the business success. Given the risk and value of asset, choosing an asset by the highest expected value is not guaranteed to be the best decision because it does not consider the uncertainty in the expected value and decision maker's changing tendency toward the risk. The first part of this paper presents an application of the modern portfolio theory to the Eagle Ford unconventional resources and shows how the assets can be prioritized by taking into account the subsurface-based expected value and the uncertainty. For the fair comparison of the asset's potential, the influence of completion parameters is excluded in the asset ranking. With the stationary completion designs across the assets, the asset is evaluated and ranked only by the subsurface quality. Having the selected asset area, the second part of this paper focuses on optimizing the completion designs. Well production trend is predicted against the varying completion designs over the selected asset area and displayed onto the axes of the completion parameters of interest. Optimizing over the selected asset makes a smaller number of data available. Some completion parameters may be fixed due to operational issues – e.g. limited range of porosity and reservoir pressure in a selected asset, with the limited lateral length and total proppant amount. A data-analytics approach with a data simulation technique has been developed. Tens of thousands additional data for the input variables (subsurface and completion) is generated by a data simulation technique. These simulation data are inputted to the statistical predictive model built for the well performance so that many data points for completion, subsurface and well performance are available. With the help of simulation data, any well performance trend analysis with key completion variables of interest with some constraints for other variables is possible.