A new safety arena—the safety challenges of new floating structure applications

2010 ◽  
Vol 50 (2) ◽  
pp. 706
Author(s):  
Matthew Rawlings ◽  
Graham Bower-White
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Oil And Gas ◽  
Oil And Gas Industry ◽  
Gas Condensate ◽  
Project Implementation ◽  
Floating Structure ◽  
Gas Industry ◽  
Technological Advances ◽  
Long Time ◽  
Innovative Thinking

For a long time Australian waters have been known to contain huge stranded gas reserves, and many of these reserves are now planned to be unlocked by recent technological advances. Recent development of technology and application has seen the emergence of new floating development applications ranging from large scale gas-condensate FPSOs, FLNG, semi-submersibles supporting mega sized gas-condensate topsides, through to dynamically positioned drill ships. Traditional safety engineering approaches to FPSO design in the past 20 years that apply to oil developments often do not automatically apply to these new floating applications. Inherent safety risks fundamental to the new application and their associated practical solutions need to be understood and worked using a first principles approach. This may often result in the implementation of solutions involving counter intuitive philosophies and safety in design practices. The safety challenges of new floating applications involve engineers, fabricators, operators and certifying agencies and apply across all phases of project implementation: assessment, selection, definition, execution and operation. This paper maps out some of the key challenges and risks associated with the new floating structure applications. It also lays out the need for integrated, innovative thinking not only in the early project phases but also in the design processes, fabrication, testing and certification phases. It also describes the requirement for industry participation in Australia as the ever-increasing pressure to fast track project implementation continues, and the Australian oil and gas industry begins to receive many first of a kind applications.

Decommissioning – the next Australian oil and gas boom?

2017 ◽  
Vol 57 (2) ◽  
pp. 421 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bernadette Cullinane ◽  
Susan Gourvenec
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Oil And Gas ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Geographic Location ◽  
Oil And Gas Industry ◽  
Complete Removal ◽  
Gas Industry ◽  
Innovative Thinking ◽  
Fit For Purpose

In the Oil and Gas Competitiveness Assessment recently published by National Energy Resources Australia (NERA), Australia ranked at the bottom of the group of 30 oil and gas producing nations in abandonment and decommissioning (NERA 2016). With the recent focus on the massive investment in liquefied natural gas (LNG), it is easy to forget that the Australian oil and gas industry is nearly 100 years old and many assets are reaching the end of their producing life. Liabilities are estimated at more than US$21billion over the next 50 years (Wood Mackenzie 2016a). With nearly 70% of producing assets located offshore, this problem is complex and costly. The industry must develop strategies to address this looming challenge, however Australia has completed few large-scale decommissioning projects and currently lacks the required experience. This paper explores how Australia must: evaluate a range of approaches from complete removal to allowing assets to remain in situ; develop multi- and interdisciplinary solutions based on the collaborative input of all stakeholders and ocean users to develop a framework suited to our geographic location and environment; develop fit-for-purpose policies and regulations to support the most appropriate decommissioning framework for Australia, by learning from other countries, while recognising local uniqueness; and build workforce capability and capacity to support efficient and economical decommissioning activities and stimulate economic growth, which is more challenging than in other regions given our remoteness and high cost structure. The upcoming decommissioning wave represents a perfect ‘greenfield’ opportunity to apply innovative thinking, new technologies and collaborative approaches as well as an opportunity for Australia to demonstrate global leadership in this inevitable final stage of the lifecycle.

Nanoemulsions: A Versatile Technology for Oil and Gas Applications

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nouf AlJabri ◽  
Nan Shi
Keyword(s):  
Droplet Size ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Oil And Gas ◽  
Volume Fraction ◽  
Oil Industry ◽  
Oil And Gas Industry ◽  
High Energy ◽  
Small Droplet ◽  
Gas Industry ◽  
Wide Range

Abstract Nanoemulsions (NEs) are kinetically stable emulsions with droplet size on the order of 100 nm. Many unique properties of NEs, such as stability and rheology, have attracted considerable attention in the oil industry. Here, we review applications and studies of NEs for major upstream operations, highlighting useful properties of NEs, synthesis to render these properties, and techniques to characterize them. We identify specific challenges associated with large-scale applications of NEs and directions for future studies. We first summarize useful and unique properties of NEs, mostly arising from the small droplet size. Then, we compare different methods to prepare NEs based on the magnitude of input energy, i.e., low-energy and high-energy methods. In addition, we review techniques to characterize properties of NEs, such as droplet size, volume fraction of the dispersed phase, and viscosity. Furthermore, we discuss specific applications of NEs in four areas of upstream operations, i.e., enhanced oil recovery, drilling/completion, flow assurance, and stimulation. Finally, we identify challenges to economically tailor NEs with desired properties for large-scale upstream applications and propose possible solutions to some of these challenges. NEs are kinetically stable due to their small droplet size (submicron to 100 nm). Within this size range, the rate of major destabilizing mechanisms, such as coalescence, flocculation, and Ostwald ripening, is considerably slowed down. In addition, small droplet size yields large surface-to-volume ratio, optical transparency, high diffusivity, and controllable rheology. Similar to applications in other fields (food industry, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, etc.), the oil and gas industry can also benefit from these useful properties of NEs. Proposed functions of NEs include delivering chemicals, conditioning wellbore/reservoir conditions, and improve chemical compatibility. Therefore, we envision NEs as a versatile technology that can be applied in a variety of upstream operations. Upstream operations often target a wide range of physical and chemical conditions and are operated at different time scales. More importantly, these operations typically consume a large amount of materials. These facts not only suggest efforts to rationally engineer properties of NEs in upstream applications, but also manifest the importance to economically optimize such efforts for large-scale operations. We summarize studies and applications of NEs in upstream operations in the oil and gas industry. We review useful properties of NEs that benefit upstream applications as well as techniques to synthesize and characterize NEs. More importantly, we identify challenges and opportunities in engineering NEs for large-scale operations in different upstream applications. This work not only focuses on scientific aspects of synthesizing NEs with desired properties but also emphasizes engineering and economic consideration that is important in the oil industry.

Implementations

2019 ◽  
pp. 180-190
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Process Management ◽  
Oil And Gas ◽  
Oil And Gas Industry ◽  
Organizational Structures ◽  
Gas Industry ◽  
Analysis Process ◽  
Petroleum Companies ◽  
Market Factors ◽  
Potential Methods

The distinctive feature of petroleum businesses is its wide scope. After crude oil or gas extraction, resulting semi-products undergo dozens of transformation stages in supply chains to reach the final customer. Combination of quantity and quality multiplied by external market factors produce price fluctuations that are challenging for world economics. In this regard process management might be carried out to improve supply chain performance and assure the maximum business predictability. However, for such large-scale organizations it requires big effort in operational analysis, process enhancement and process control via information systems which successfully support traditional management in function-oriented organizational structures. This chapter explores the developed engineering matrix that embraces potential methods and tools applicable for oil and gas industry. Additionally, it reveals industrial peculiarities and delivers case studies about Iranian and Hungarian petroleum companies.

Organizational climate in large-scale projects in the oil and gas industry: A competing values perspective

2014 ◽  
Vol 32 (4) ◽  
pp. 687-697 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martine B. Hannevik ◽  
Jon Anders Lone ◽  
Roald Bjørklund ◽  
Cato Alexander Bjørkli ◽  
Thomas Hoff
Keyword(s):  
Organizational Climate ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Oil And Gas ◽  
Oil And Gas Industry ◽  
Competing Values ◽  
Gas Industry

Manufacture and Qualification of Small Diameter / Thickwall Reelable DSAWL Linepipe

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephen Hall ◽  
Martin Connelly ◽  
Graham Alderton ◽  
Andrew Hill ◽  
Shuwen Wen
Keyword(s):  
Oil And Gas ◽  
Small Diameter ◽  
Oil And Gas Industry ◽  
Fe Model ◽  
External Diameter ◽  
Gas Industry ◽  
The North ◽  
Innovative Thinking ◽  
The North Sea ◽  
The Cost

Tough market conditions have seen the price of oil drop which with the subsequent uncertainty surrounding the industry have seen the oil and gas industry concentrate on reducing the cost of designing, installing and operating pipelines. A critical process for the industry is the procurement, manufacture and installation of appropriate linepipe. The method of installation is often dictated by the pipe size and the water depth that the pipe is to be laid in, however there are times when the choice of lay method is due to vessel availability and relative costs for each technique. In early 2014, Tata Steel successfully manufactured and delivered 16"OD × 0.875”WT X65 submerged arc welded longitudinal (SAWL) linepipe for installation via the reel lay method. Notable features about this fact were the size, which represents the thickest 16” external diameter UOE pipe yet delivered by Tata Steel, and that this was to be the first UOE pipe to be installed by the reel lay method in the North Sea. The ability to manufacture small diameter thickwall linepipe was only possible due to recent operational developments including an established tooling programme and a fully validated Finite Element (FE) model of the UOE process, along with years of experience of integrating these tools into the manufacturing process. This paper discusses the manufacturing challenges for small diameter thickwall linepipe, and how with the aid of modelling tools, innovative thinking and previous experience in supplying small diameter thickwall linepipe into two reel-installed projects, the pipe was manufactured and delivered with the properties shown to be compliant with DNV OS-F101 Supplementary Requirement P.

Dealing with oil and gas unions

2011 ◽  
Vol 51 (2) ◽  
pp. 736
Author(s):  
Allan Drake-Brockman ◽  
Daniel White
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Oil And Gas ◽  
Industrial Relations ◽  
Oil And Gas Industry ◽  
Industrial Activity ◽  
Gas Industry ◽  
Ripple Effects ◽  
Case Examples ◽  
Industrial Action ◽  
Poor Outcomes

Since the commencement of the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) (FW Act) on 1 July 2009, there has been a significant increase in union activity in Australia’s oil and gas industry. Recent case examples concerning the Pluto Project and various other disputes flag the importance of project managing industrial relations to ensure project delivery dates are met. Due to the contract interdependencies on large scale oil and gas projects, industrial action taken by a union in relation to a single sub-contractor can have ripple effects—causing budget blow-outs. Emerging union influence is such a concern that some of Australia’s leading companies operating in the oil and gas industry now identify industrial activity as a key project risk. Furthermore, many Australian leading financial institutions now assess a company’s potential exposure to industrial action as part of their key lending criteria. New innovative industrial relations strategies are now part of the weaponry Australian unions use when representing their members—this includes global union strategies. Moreover, there is already evidence that the FW Act can promote the occurrence of demarcation disputes between unions. This type of industrial activity leads to poor outcomes for employers and can prove to be very costly—especially in a multi-million dollar a day industry. Providing insight into the recent union activities in the industry are the following cases: Heath v Gravity Crane Services Pty Ltd Boskalis Australia Pty Ltd v Maritime Union of Australia CFMEU v Woodside Burrup Pty Ltd Offshore Marine Services Pty Ltd v Maritime Union of Australia There are a number of strategies oil and gas companies and sub-contractors can use to mitigate the effects of union influence in the workplace.

New Technology Allows for Hands-Off Intervention During Cementing Operations Increasing Safety and Operational Efficiency

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael Ramon ◽  
Tony Wooley ◽  
Kyle Martens ◽  
Amy Farrar ◽  
Seth Fadaol
Keyword(s):  
High Risk ◽  
Oil And Gas ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
New Technology ◽  
Oil And Gas Industry ◽  
Field Studies ◽  
Gas Industry ◽  
Cement Line ◽  
Technological Advances ◽  
Hands On

Abstract The culture of safety within the oil and gas industry has undergone an evolution since the advent of significant E&P operations in the late 1800s. The initial focus on safety was to protect property, not people. This mentality has shifted over time to include a greater focus on the safety of personnel, in parallel with technology developments that have pushed the limits of operators’ and service providers’ abilities to drill and complete more complicated wells. The safety efforts introduced to date have yielded results in every major HS&E category; however, falls and dropped objects continue to be areas in need of improvement. During cementing rig up and operations there are still many manual activities that require working at heights in the derrick. New technological advances have allowed the industry to reduce the number of hands-on activities on the rig and operators have moved to eliminate these activities by automating operations. Man lifting operations are recognized as a high-risk activity and, as such, many rigs require special permitting. During cementing operations, not only are personnel lifted into hazardous positions, but they are usually equipped with potential dropped objects. Some of these objects, if dropped, reach an impact force that could seriously injure or, in worst cases, result in a fatality. During these operations, personnel are also hoisted along with a heavy cement line in very close proximity. This introduces other dangers such as tangling, pinch points, and blunt force trauma. These risks are heavily increased when working in adverse conditions, such as high winds or rough seas. By utilizing a wireless cement line make up device, along with wireless features on a cement head to release the darts/plugs/balls and operate the isolation valves, an operator can eliminate the need for hands-on intervention. This paper will discuss current cement head technologies available to the operator that allow them to improve safety and efficiencies in operational rig time. Three field studies will be presented that detail running cement jobs with all functions related to the wireless attributes of the cement head. The field studies will present the operational efficiencies achieved by utilizing the wireless features compared to the standard manual method. Before the recent introduction of a wireless cementing line make-up device, a wireless cement head still required hands-on intervention to rig up the tools, putting people in high-risk situations.

Human Factors in Domain Adaptation Within the Oil and Gas Industry

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Iraj Ershaghi ◽  
Milad A. Ershaghi ◽  
Fatimah Al-Ruwai
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Oil And Gas ◽  
Deep Understanding ◽  
Digital Technologies ◽  
Oil And Gas Industry ◽  
Petroleum Engineering ◽  
Gas Industry ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
Domain Expertise

Abstract A serious issue facing many oil and gas companies is the uneasiness among the traditional engineering talents to learn and adapt to the changes brought about by digital transformation. The transformation has been expected as the human being is limited in analyzing problems that are multidimensional and there are difficulties in doing analysis on a large scale. But many companies face human factor issues in preparing the traditional staff to realize the potential of adaptation of AI (Artificial Intelligence) based decision making. As decision-making in oil and gas industry is growing in complexity, acceptance of digital based solutions remains low. One reason can be the lack of adequate interpretability. The data scientist and the end-users should be able to assure that the prediction is based on correct set of assumptions and conform to accepted domain expertise knowledge. A proper set of questions to the experts can include inquiries such as where the information comes from, why certain information is pertinent, what is the relationship of components and also would several experts agree on such an assignment. Among many, one of the main concerns is the trustworthiness of applying AI technologies There are limitations of current continuing education approaches, and we suggest improvements that can help in such transformation. It takes an intersection of human judgment and the power of computer technology to make a step-change in accepting predictions by (ML) machine learning. A deep understanding of the problem, coupled with an awareness of the key data, is always the starting point. The best solution strategy in petroleum engineering adaptation of digital technologies requires effective participation of the domain experts in algorithmic-based preprocessing of data. Application of various digital solutions and technologies can then be tested to select the best solution strategies. For illustration purposes, we examine a few examples where digital technologies have significant potentials. Yet in all, domain expertise and data preprocessing are essential for quality control purposes

Introduction of a large scale high efficiency 5-level IEGT inverter for oil and Gas industry

2010 ◽  
Author(s):  
Masahiko Tsukakoshi ◽  
Mostafa Al Mamun ◽  
Kazunori Hashimura ◽  
Hiromi Hosoda ◽  
Steven C. Peak
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Oil And Gas ◽  
High Efficiency ◽  
Oil And Gas Industry ◽  
Gas Industry

Priming the Well: “Frackademia” and the Corporate Pipeline of Oil and Gas Funding into Higher Education

2019 ◽  
Vol 44 (2) ◽  
pp. 151-177
Author(s):  
Anthony E. Ladd
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Fossil Fuel ◽  
Oil And Gas ◽  
Corporate Philanthropy ◽  
Oil And Gas Industry ◽  
The United States ◽  
Colleges And Universities ◽  
Science Centers ◽  
Gas Industry ◽  
Technological Advances

While fossil fuel interests have long played a powerful role in shaping American politics and culture, in recent decades, transnational oil and gas companies have formed hundreds of “partnerships” with American colleges and universities to fund energy research and development. Moreover, oil and gas interests have established a foothold in major universities by sponsoring research conferences, scholarships, science centers, and laboratories addressing technological advances in hydraulic fracturing methods, including leasing land for drilling on university-owned property. In this article, I critically assess some of the broad economic linkages between fossil fuel companies and higher education in the United States and the role that corporate philanthropy plays today in expanding the profits and power of the oil and gas industry, as well as the financial base and academic stature of select colleges and universities. Finally, I draw some preliminary conclusions about the growing colonization of university space and other public institutions by energy corporations.

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