bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Improving the Efficiency and Economics of Offshore Well Abandonment with Remote Well Monitoring Solutions
Authors: Kirker Christian , Krikke Tom , Rengers Frederik 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Well annulus data is essential to designing well abandonment plans with minimal uncertainty, costs, and risks. Many operators are challenged with accessing data from wells in remote areas, which adds time and complexity to abandonment planning. This paper reviews a novel well-monitoring solution that continuously gathers and transmits well data from remote locations, allowing operators to develop decommissioning plans in less time, with less risk, and with fewer trips to the field.
Most modern well-monitoring systems are complex, expensive, and designed for high-producing wells. Such systems are not ideal for wells at the end of their lifetime. The novel monitoring service discussed in this paper provides 24/7 data collection and transmission for remote well decommissioning operations. The subscription-based, Internet-of-Things (IoT) service incorporates wireless pressure and temperature sensors, connectors, and a gateway technology to reliably collect and transmit data, via satellite, to onshore operations teams.
The service installs easily in just hours and is more affordable than traditional systems. In addition, the service's flexibility, scalability, and assured data security (via SOC 2 Type II-certification) make it applicable anywhere on Earth, regardless of power and connectivity infrastructure. Together, these features improve the efficiency and safety of decommissioning planning while lowering the operator's carbon footprint.
A major operator in the North Sea tested the remote well-monitoring service both onshore and offshore, prompted by the technology's ability to gather data automatically—with minimal engineers in the field. Previously, the operator spent tens of thousands of dollars and incurred greater risks by sending crews to the field to collect well data.
The successful field trial prompted the operator to expand the monitoring solution for long-term commercial installation. Following a two-hour installation training, the operator's field crews installed ten sensors and a gateway in a single day on one platform. The same crew installed 17 additional sensors on another platform in one day.
The service connected to the satellites in just 15 minutes and delivered well data with a reliability uptime of 99.8%. This data was 99.75% as accurate as the operator's existing systems, and a vast improvement on the 90% accuracy rating of many wired monitoring systems.
The service allowed the operator to reduce platform trips from four times to only one time per year. The service's data stream also identified information gaps and highlighted wells with unexpected pressure build-ups. This helped the operator avoid surprises to reduce decommissioning costs. Satisfied with these results, the operator has proceeded to implement the remote well-monitoring service in other wells around the world.
An Innovative Set of Tools for a Sustainable and Safe Offshore Pipelaying
Authors: Monacchi Giulio , Arcangeletti Giorgio , Pigliapoco Mauro , Catena Paolo , Ziero Loris , Castriotta Giovanni , Loi Alessandro 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Offshore pipelay is a complex activity that is subject to some risks due to the challenging operating scenario. The risks may concern the workers during pipes handling, the subsea environment that may be subject to huge seabed rectification works and the integrity of the pipeline. This paper will present the technological roadmap developed by Saipem to implement a more sustainable pipelay operation, focusing on the safety and integrity of the environment, personnel and pipeline.
Four innovative tools will be described. The Hands Free Lifting Beam (HFLB) is a system for automatic offshore lifting of pipes, removing human intervention and keeping the workers away from the line of fire. The AFT (Anti Flooding Tool) is a remotely operated tool for pipeline protection from flooding in case of a wet buckle occurrence during lay. The I.A.U (Integrated Acoustic Unit) can perform a safe and non-intrusive, continuous piggability monitoring of the pipeline catenary during lay. The UCB (Underwater Cold Bending) is a solution for crossing sharp slope transition avoiding seabed preparation work and associated environmental impacts.
The HFLB grabs and lifts the pipes from cargo barge to pipelay vessel under the control of the operator located in a safe area. The AFT runs inside the laid pipeline during the entire lay, remaining in the safe section already laid (free from possible buckling running effects); it automatically plugs the pipe in case of an accidental flooding event, keeping safe the portion of the pipeline already laid. The I.A.U exploits the acoustic reflectometry and can be integrated with the ILUC (Internal Line Up Clamp) on firing line. It is an alternative to Mechanical Buckle Detector (MBD) which is an intrusive system with associated risks for the pipeline like wire break and loss of the device inside the pipeline, device stacking and possible damage of internal coating during pulling. The UCB is a combination of a new installation method and new subsea bending machine ROV operated, to realize cold bends safely and effectively on the pipeline profile without interrupting the continuous pipelay operation. The UCB can realize the bends underwater, directly on the pipeline catenary when the pipe joint to be bent is landing or close to landing on the seabed, reducing the operational cost while increasing the sustainability.
The presented tools can pave the way for safer worker operations during pipe handling (with HFLB); for de-risking the flooding of laid pipeline in case of wet buckle event avoiding the use of a dewatering spread and chemicals for seawater treating, reducing costs and environmental impact (with AFT); for de-risking the monitoring of pipeline during lay (with I.A.U) and for a sustainable crossing of steep escarpment without excavation works (with UCB).
Roadmap to Improve FPSO Integrity Management
Authors: Endress Ramos Julio , Cerqueira Trovoado Leandro , Curty Saad Arthur , Nogueira Diana , Gomes Silva Victor , Caldas Porto Bruno , Levin Lopes da Silva Gustavo , Costa Castelli Lucas , da Rocha Guimarães João Felipe , Pommerehn Vitiello Rodrigo , Souza Garcia Robinson Luiz , Badaró Moreira Agildo 
Published: April 2023

AbstractPetrobras is the biggest FPSO (Floating, Production, Storage and Offloading) operator in the world having around of 25% of the market. The integrity management of such assets will shape the future of the Brazilian oil production in the next years. The implementation of state-of-the-art tools and the development of new solutions via R,D&I projects are important steps on the path to increase the integrity management evolution. Several programs and activities are in course on the three major related areas for the operational assurance of the asset: subsea, topsides and marine (including vessel structure). The inspection and maintenance markets were forced to accelerate the tools and systems development during the last years of Pandemic due to social distancing rules, so the need to remotely control activities and equipment became more important and valuable. The necessity to keep people away of the site has pushed the implementation of wearables, permanent monitoring systems usage, drones, robots and ROVs (Remoted Operated Vehicles), mini-ROVs and AUVs (Autonomous Underwater Vehicle). The operation team is currently investigating new ways to reduce human effort in tasks such as thickness measurement and visual inspection by using recent technologies to improve the inspection quality. This paper aims to outline the integrity management evolution roadmap, which is based on integrated programs on subsea, topsides, and marine inspection and maintenance that, working aligned, will end in a centrally stored collected data from several sources that will be available and displayed in each asset's Digital Twin model.
Operational Guidance for Thruster Assisted Mooring
Authors: Ejdfors Kristian , Falkenberg Erik , Okkenhaug Siril , Johannesen Magnus 
Published: April 2023

AbstractIn 2019 DNV initiated the TAM JIP motivated by i) that non-optimal operation of thruster assisted mooring systems is believed to be a contributing factor for the mooring line failures thet the industry has experienced, and ii) that last generation semi-submersible drilling units rely more heavily on their thruster systems. How to safely operate thruster assisted mooring (TAM) systems while also learn how one can do it more cost efficient have been central in the JIP work.This have been done by analyses of real operations, a parametric study on the performance of a TAM operation and experience shared by the participants. This paper presents recommendations for how to operate a TAM unit. The results are also used to give analysis guidance for TAM presented in a companion paper at OTC 2023 /1/.Logged data from the participants was used to analyze real operation and interviews of different stakeholders was undertaken. A parametric study was the main part of the analysis work, this was performed in time domain for 3 TAM units of different sizes at 3 water depths and a range of metocean conditions and controller settings. The models were benchmarked both towards real measurements and a state-of-the-art TAM controller to ensure realistic results. Other inputs from the participants were obtained in several workshops.Based on the results from the parametric study recommendations to DP system settings are given for different scenarios, such as when it is recommended to use damping only mode, and thereby save fuel, when it is recommended to include full position control and when mean thrust is sufficient. In extreme survival sea state, the main objective of the positioning system is to keep the mooring tensions at an acceptable level, and this puts other demands on the control system than in an operational sea state with strict position tolerances.Through workshops in the JIP the need for proper training of TAM operators was emphasized and recommendations to preparation of controlling documents such as mooring analyses and ASOG (Activity Specific Operation Guideline) was discussed and agreed, and this is also presented in this paper.Through the insight given by the results from the parametric study and interactions with the participants a better understanding of how TAM operations should be performed has been achieved, ensuring safer and more cost-effective TAM operations.
Optimizing the Inspection Plans of Subsea Equipment Using Risk Analysis Methodologies and Simulations
Authors: Barros Leonardo Oliveira , Orlowski Rene Thiago Capelari , Maturana Marcos Coelho , Schleder Adriana Miralles , Martins Marcelo Ramos 
Published: April 2023

AbstractCost reduction and risk management are well-know concerns in the offshore oil and gas industry and many approaches have been explored to deal with these issues. One way to reduce risk and costs associated with oil and gas exploration is performing the optimization of inspection plans, allowing monitoring the integrity of equipment while optimizing the use of inspection techniques, and tests and their respective frequencies based on the risk associated with the operation. This paper presents a methodology developed to perform this optimization and four case studies in which the methodology was applied.
Titanium Pull-In Tube: A Free SCC-CO2 Solution for Pre-Salt Fields
Authors: Magalhaes Ferreira Fabio , Ferreira Mendes Pedro L. , Mansur Barros Claudio R. 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Since the beginning of Campos Basin production in earlies 70s PETROBRAS has been prioritized flexible lines application in its offshore oil production projects. After the first fail involving flexible pipelines, related to the corrosion mechanism known as CO2 Stress Corrosion Cracking (SCC–CO2)(1), PETROBRAS decided to intensify the use of rigid pipelines in the pre-salt fields with high CO2 partial pressure. This article aims to introduce the Titanium Pull-in Tube (TiPT), a new carbonate-rich acidic immune technology developed and patented by PETROBRAS to enable the rigid riser application in the first pre-salt oil production platforms, which designed initially to receive only flexible risers. The development of TiPT had been performed through a set of analysis encompassing: extreme load, wave fatigue load and pull–in loads. The results show the feasibility of the new interface for rigid risers. In addition to enabling rigid lines application, TiPT will provide savings and a better operational efficiency to the Pre-salt platforms.
SIIBED: Subsea Ice Interaction Barriers to Energy Development – Overview
Authors: Ralph Freeman , King Tony , Fowlow Chad , Butler Chad , Paulin Mike , Price Jason , Ogban Peter 
Published: April 2023

AbstractThe objective of this paper is to provide an overview of the Subsea Ice Interaction Barriers to Energy Development (SIIBED) project including work on acceptance criteria used in finite element analysis (FEA), physical modelling and risk analysis activities.The overall structure of the SIIBED program and the relationship between the various tasks is presented. SIIBED is a continuation of two previous projects funded by Energy Research & Innovation Newfoundland and Labrador (ERINL): Alternatives to Flowline Trenching (AFT) and Alternatives to Weak Links (AWL). The SIIBED scope was expanded to include subsea cables, reflecting the interest in moving towards electrification of offshore operations. Numerical modelling of iceberg interaction with rigid pipelines, flexible flowlines and cables requires an understanding of elastic/plastic stiffness and stress/deformation limit states. This paper reviews existing technologies, industry standards and best practices.The behavior of rigid pipes in an ice grounding environment is fairly well understood and was reviewed in relation to applications supporting developments in the Beaufort Sea. In contrast, the construction of flexible flowlines is much more complex and variable, and firm guidelines on design strain limits are lacking for the application considered here. Subsea cables are even less well understood. When considering subsea cables and the adoption of limit state design criteria, the model of failure consequences was examined in the context of approximately a 15 second ice-pipe-soil interaction before the iceberg passes over-top. Under loading, the three conductors in an AC cable must maintain separation to prevent electrical arcing. Insulation around a single conductor DC cable must remain intact. It has been observed that, unlike steel pipes that ovalize when compressed restricting access for pigging as well as loss of strength integrity, the cables (particularly the insulation around conductors), bounce back to the original shape. The potential loss of conductivity could not be tested. If cables bounce back, then to prevent arcing, a cable could be de-energized for the short period ice keel interaction and re-energized after the iceberg passes over-top.While a considerable understanding for modeling rigid pipelines against iceberg keel interaction exists, analysis of subsea cables is much less understood. These are, however, now necessary as the oil and gas industry transitions to a net zero carbon footprint or alternative energy sources (e.g. offshore wind power) are developed in ice prone regions. While more testing and verification work is needed, this work suggests that requirements for protecting rigid pipelines may not be appropriate for electrification cables, possibly too, flexible flowlines.
What Does Energy Transition Actually Mean for the Oil & Gas Industry?
Authors: Hoxha Besmir Buranaj , Nair Aravind 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
What does energy transition mean? What are we transitioning to? Why now? How long will it take? And how will we get there? The scope of this paper focuses on defining the different drivers and strategies that various entities in the oil and gas industry are utilizing to transform operations and business strategies – specifically segmented to the United States, United Kingdom, and Europe.
To operators, the primary focus is to transform their business (influenced by regulations and legislative policies) by reducing their carbon emissions while also investing in cleaner energy sources, such as geothermal, renewables, and hydrogen. For service companies, aside from internal decarbonization, it is another potential revenue stream by offering products, equipment, and services to operators in the ‘energy transition sector’. For ‘developing’ countries, the primary focus is on the fundamental commitment for energy diversification (e.g., energy security) in order to achieve sustainable self-sufficient energy source/s that are less impacted by socio-economical or geo-political factors. In contrast, for ‘developed’ countries, it is net-zero goals and energy security. For example, agencies such as the Department of Energy, offering funding or incentivizing projects on decarbonization, clean energy initiatives, or supporting emerging technologies on renewable and alternative energy.
In hindsight, the energy transition shift will have different outcomes to different parties. The main focus in this paper is to break down the ‘buzz word’ associated with energy transition as a popular concept, fettered by technology hype, political agendas, and/or financial influences that are inherently attached to the term ‘energy transition.’ Furthermore, the paper will explain the misconceptions and intricacies behind the strategies that companies, and government agencies are undertaking in this energy paradigm shift.
Lastly, emphasis will be made on what is driving this paradigm shift: technology, policy, and cultural change. Further light will be shined on how the industry's previous institutional mindset has changed to a broad, open-minded desire to create a net-positive outcome using Environmental, Social, and Governance techniques.
Analysis Guidance for Thruster Assisted Mooring
Authors: Ejdfors Kristian , Falkenberg Erik , Okkenhaug Siril , Johannesen Magnus 
Published: April 2023

AbstractDNV initiated the TAM JIP in 2019 motivated by i) that the industry has experienced mooring line failures where non-optimal operation of thruster assisted mooring systems is believed to be a contributing factor, and ii) that last generation semi-submersible drilling units rely more heavily on their thruster systems. Through the TAM JIP, DNV has studied how thruster assisted mooring (TAM) systems should be safely operated, and how to adjust the design requirements accordingly. It is vital that the design analyses reflect how the TAM system will be operated offshore - this has not always been the case in the past.Central in the work has been analyses of real operations, a parametric study on the performance of a TAM operation and experience shared by the participants. This paper presents analysis guidance for thruster assisted mooring. The results are also used to give recommendations for how to operate a TAM unit, and this is presented in a companion paper at OTC 2023 /1/.The parametric study was performed in time domain for 3 TAM units of different sizes at 3 water depths and a range of metocean conditions and controller settings. Both a Kalman filter controller and an idealized controller representing assumptions in a frequency domain analysis have been studied. The analysis models used in the parametric study have been benchmarked towards both measurements from real operations and a state-of-the-art TAM controller to ensure realistic results.The study showed that it is feasible to establish a time domain analysis approach that allows for modelling non-linearities such as thrust limitations and thruster delays. In time domain analyses, the use of rotatable thrusters when the mean load is small may induce excessive azimuthing in thrusters. Such cases should be modelled by fixed direction thrusters. In real operations this is avoided by operating thrusters in bias groups. For frequency domain analyses correction factors for low-frequency motions have been proposed in lower sea states. For high sea states when constant thrust is applied no such correction factors are needed. Furthermore, it is always important to check that max thrust is not exceeded in the analyses.The validity of frequency domain programs, commonly used in analysis of TAM operations, has previously been found to be inaccurate /2/. Furthermore, it has been a discussion in the industry how, and if these frequency domain analyses can be run ensuring conservative results. Through a systematic study in the JIP guidance for analyses in both time domain and frequency domain are given. Thus, implementation of the findings provided in this paper will give the industry more realistic analysis of TAM operations than what has been common practice.
Next Generation Building Blocks of an Autonomous Subsea Vehicle
Authors: Glenn Casey 
Published: April 2023

AbstractThe development of new resident and autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) has been enabled thanks to advances in secure and reliable Ethernet communication networks, software, batteries, and positioning sensors. Applying these technologies through a joint project between Oceaneering, an engineering services company, and multiple oil and gas operators, a new hybrid AUV/ROV system has been developed to optimize the delivery of pipeline inspection services and pave the way for future geophysical survey and resident AUV/ROV applications.The vehicle comprises modules that connect to a next-generation distributed controls system, which increases flexibility by offering plug and play capabilities.The hybrid vehicle underwent more than two years of qualifications and testing at the Oceaneering Living Lab in Tau, Norway, and offshore in the North Sea, where components like software, sensors, and batteries were rigorously tested. After years of in-water testing, the vehicle surpassed TRL 6 requirements for pipeline survey and inspection scopes. The unit can work as an ROV or operate in an autonomous and tetherless AUV configuration, with a working range of 120 km, a working depth rating of 6000 msw, top speed of 3 m/s, and sufficient reliability to support subsea deployment up to six months.The hybrid AUV/ROV has demonstrated the ability to carry out low-altitude inspection and survey on pipelines of different diameters. It can track pipelines at 3 m to 5 m altitude from the seabed, providing high-resolution survey data, and at 8 m altitude for reconnaissance and seabed mapping.The vehicle control software includes specific behaviors to locate burial, crossing, and free span events and to maximize data acquisition value.This new hybrid AUV/ROV is outfitted with high-specification instruments, such as an inertial navigation system, laser scanning system, and multibeam sonar technology, that enable it to achieve unprecedented pipeline tracking within a close proximity to the pipe. Additional hardware modifications are planned to expand the breadth of the vehicle's capabilities to include cathodic protection readings, cleaning operations, and light intervention.This paper explains the building-block development concept and describes the individual modules that make up the new AUV/ROV. It presents the challenges encountered in creating this innovative vehicle and explains how issues were resolved as well as the methodology behind solving them.