THE PERSISTENCE AND EFFECTS OF NON-WATER-BASED DRILLING FLUIDS ON AUSTRALIA'S NORTH WEST SHELF: PROGRESS FINDINGS FROM THREE SEABED SURVEYS

1999 ◽  
Vol 39 (1) ◽  
pp. 647 ◽  
Author(s):  
G.A. Oliver ◽  
S.J. Fisher
Keyword(s):  
Biological Effects ◽  
Drilling Fluids ◽  
Well Drilling ◽  
North West ◽  
Sediment Dispersal ◽  
Discharge Point ◽  
The North ◽  
Sediment Redistribution ◽  
Water Based ◽  
One Year

The effects and persistence of non-water-based drilling fluids discharged into the marine environment were investigated at three locations on Western Australia's North West Shelf (NWS), namely the North Rankin 4A' (NRA) drilling platform, the Wanaea–6 production well and the Lynx–la exploration well. For the multiple-well drilling operation at NRA, acute biological effects at the completion of drilling were restricted to within 400 m in the direction of the prevailing current. High total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) concentrations within the NRA cuttings pile persisted between 1991 and 1993. Away from the cuttings pile itself, a consistent downward trend in TPH concentrations was evident, indicating an approximate half-life of one year for surface sediments. Three years after the completion of drilling at Wanaea–6, biological effects appeared to be limited to within 100 m of the cuttings discharge point, with background concentrations of TPH and trace metals occurring near 1,200 m in the direction of the prevailing current. Sediment hydrocarbon concentrations greater than 1 mg/kg were found to be restricted to within 200 m of the cuttings discharge point. Dramatic reductions in TPH and barium concentrations occurred in the 12-month period between the completion of drilling and the follow- up survey at Lynx–la. The reductions are attributed to sediment dispersal mechanisms which appear to play a major role in reducing sediment TPH and trace metal concentrations in mid-shelf water depths (70–80 m) on the NWS. The installation and presence of subsea production facilities may result in sediment redistribution and changed dispersal mechanisms, complicating the interpretation of the presence of contaminants within sediments.

AN INVESTIGATION OF BENTHIC SEDIMENT CHARACTERISTICS INTHEVICINITY OFTHE COSSACK PIONEER FPSO, NORTHWEST SHELF

2000 ◽  
Vol 40 (1) ◽  
pp. 667
Author(s):  
J.G. Colman ◽  
N.F. West
Keyword(s):  
Trace Metals ◽  
Biological Effects ◽  
Control Site ◽  
Drilling Fluids ◽  
Volume Discharge ◽  
Remotely Operated Vehicle ◽  
North West ◽  
The North ◽  
Naturally Occurring ◽  
Benthic Sediments

Routine discharges from the Cossack Pioneer floating production storage and offloading facility (FPSO) on the North West Shelf include produced formation water (PFW) from the Wanaea-Cossack and Lambert-Hermes oil fields. PFW is the highest volume discharge from the FPSO and contains a variety of naturally occurring materials from the formation, including residual volatile and non-volatile hydrocarbons not removed by the separation process, trace metals, naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORMs) and process chemicals carried over from the production stream.In May 1999, a total of 22 sediment samples were collected at the Cossack Pioneer location, using a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) deployed from a support vessel. Sampling stations were located along four transects, aligned along and perpendicular to the prevailing current direction. The objective of this survey was to investigate the physical and chemical characteristics of benthic sediments in the vicinity of the Cossack Pioneer to determine whether there have been any significant inputs of trace metals, hydrocarbons and NORMs into benthic sediments as a consequence of PFW discharge from the facility.Trace metal concentrations were low in all the samples analysed, with levels at all sites generally below those detected at the control site, approximately 16 km from the Cossack Pioneer location. Low concentrations of TPH were detected in all of the samples, apart from the sample collected at the control site. These TPH levels were solely composed of a series of high molecular weight alkanes (C27−C34 n-alkanes) the distribution of which is not consistent with those commonly observed in crude oils, distilled petroleum fractions or synthetic oil- based drilling fluids. Concentrations of NORMs were also generally below those detected at the control site and were comparable with levels measured in uncontaminated sediments in the Gulf of Mexico.Overall, the concentrations of trace metals, TPH and NORMs measured in sediments adjacent to the Cossack Pioneer location did not indicate any significant anthropogenic input resulting from PFW discharge, and were below levels that have been shown to cause adverse biological effects in marine sediments.

scholarly journals Lubricating Properties of Water-Based Drilling Fluid Improvement Using Lignite NPs as well as Their Effect on Rheological and Filtration Properties

2019 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. 81-88
Author(s):  
Massara Salam ◽  
Nada S. Al-Zubaidi ◽  
Asawer A. Al-Wasiti
Keyword(s):  
Oil And Gas ◽  
Drilling Fluid ◽  
Drill String ◽  
Filter Press ◽  
Drilling Fluids ◽  
Well Drilling ◽  
Water Based ◽  
Frictional Forces ◽  
Filtration Properties ◽  
Lubricating Properties

In the process of drilling directional, extended-reach, and horizontal wells, the frictional forces between the drill string and the wellbore or casing can cause severe problems including excessive torque which is one of the most important problems during drilling oil and gas well. Drilling fluid plays an important role by reducing these frictional forces. In this research, an enhancement of lubricating properties of drilling fluids was fundamentally examined by adding Lignite NPs into the water-based drilling fluid. Lubricity, Rheology and filtration properties of water-based drilling fluid were measured at room temperature using OFITE EP and Lubricity Tester, OFITE Model 900 Viscometer, and OFITE Low-Pressure Filter Press, respectively. Lignite NPs were added at different concentrations (0.05 %, 0.1 %, 0.2 %, 0.5 %, and 1 %) by weight into water-based drilling fluid. Lignite NPs showed good reduction in COF of water-based drilling fluid. The enhancement was increased with increasing Lignite NPs concentrations; 23.68%, 35.52%, and 45.3 % reduction in COF were obtained by adding 0.2%, 0.5%, and 1% by weight Lignite NPs concentration, respectively.

scholarly journals Operational Managers’ Experiences Regarding Supportive Supervision at Primary Healthcare Facilities in the North West Province, South Africa

2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Maserapelo Gladys Serapelwane ◽  
Eva Mofatiki Manyedi
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Primary Healthcare ◽  
Local Area ◽  
Supportive Supervision ◽  
Healthcare Facilities ◽  
North West ◽  
The North ◽  
North West Province ◽  
Embodied Experiences ◽  
One Year

A lack of supportive supervision of operational managers is a disturbing phenomenon in the management of primary healthcare facilities in developing countries. The North West province of South Africa is not exempt from a lack of supportive supervision of operational managers. This occurs despite the burden of disease and a high demand for the provision of quality services. The study explored and described experiences of operational managers regarding supportive supervision by local area managers in the facilities of the North West province. Operational managers’ perceptions of how supportive supervision can be facilitated effectively were also described. A qualitative, descriptive, exploratory, and contextual study was conducted. The population comprised operational managers who worked for at least one year in the primary healthcare facilities. Purposive sampling was used and fundamental ethical principles underlying the protection of human participants were adhered to. Four semi-structured in-depth focus group interviews were conducted in the four districts of North West. The analysis of data followed Tesch’s method of content analysis. The first theme that surfaced concerned the participants’ experiences of factors related to compromised critical aspects of supportive supervision. The second theme embodied experiences of factors related to a lack of the qualities and competencies of a supportive supervisor. Perceptions of how effective supportive supervision of operational managers can be facilitated constituted the third theme. Based on the results, it was apparent that supportive supervision of operational managers in primary healthcare facilities should be enhanced.

Thinness in a population of rural girls in Poland: 14-year changes and regional differentiation

2019 ◽  
Vol 51 (5) ◽  
pp. 737-744 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Chrzanowska ◽  
Agnieszka Suder ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Energy Homeostasis ◽  
Biological Effects ◽  
Overweight And Obesity ◽  
Living Conditions ◽  
International Standards ◽  
Regional Differentiation ◽  
North West ◽  
North East ◽  
The North ◽  
Farming Families

AbstractWorldwide data indicate a growing number of energy homeostasis disorders, which are especially dangerous in childhood. The distribution and growing trends of overweight and obesity in children have been widely investigated, unlike the prevalence of too-low body weight and its determinants. This study aimed to estimate the frequency of body mass deficiency in Polish rural girls and differences among four Polish regions – Choszczno and Leszno in the north-west, and Ostrów Mazowiecka and Suwałki in the north-east. Data were taken from 7764 rural girls aged 9–18 years examined in 1987, when the country was in economic crisis, and 9431 such girls examined in 2001, when the country was undergoing political transformation. The frequency of weight deficiency was estimated based on BMI by applying the international standards of Cole. An Extent of Overweight (EOW) index was used to create an Extent of Thinness (EOT) index. A significant increase in weight deficiency was found in the rural girls – from 7.5% in 1987 to 8.9% in 2001 – and an increase in the EOT index from 0.37 in 1987 to 0.43 in 2001. Analysis by area of residence demonstrated significant differentiation. In the regions in north-west Poland, mainly inhabited by non-farming families, the prevalence of weight deficiency in girls almost doubled from 1987 to 2001, probably because of the mass and long-term unemployment that resulted from the closure of state farms in 1992. In contrast, in the north-east regions, the prevalence of weight deficiency remained almost unchanged over this period, with only a slight decrease, probably because the inhabitants were mainly farm and farm/working families with better living conditions. Despite the overall increase in thinness prevalence in rural girls in Poland, different living conditions have had different biological effects.

DRILLING FLUIDS AND THEIR ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT: THE INTRODUCTION OF AN ESTER OXYGEN-BASED FLUID

1999 ◽  
Vol 39 (1) ◽  
pp. 640 ◽  
Author(s):  
R.J.A. Papp ◽  
N.F. West
Keyword(s):  
Development Program ◽  
Drilling Fluids ◽  
Fluid System ◽  
North West ◽  
The North ◽  
University Of Technology ◽  
Ecotoxicity Testing ◽  
Drilling Operations ◽  
Extended Reach Drilling ◽  
The Impact

An oxygen-based fluid (OBF) containing fish oil ester was introduced in October 1998 for the extended reach drilling campaign on the Goodwyn Alpha platform.The introduction involved multiple discussions with the West Australian Department of Minerals and Energy (WADME) and adherence to the risk-based approach from both WADME and the Woodside Energy Ltd (WEL) policies and standards for well engineering operations.The WEL approach to the introduction of the fluid was to address the issues associated with the use and discharge of the ester.The issues included the development of a fluid system which was optimal for extended reach wells, engineering solutions to minimise the amount of fluid discharged, and gaining a better understanding of the environmental impact of the fluid to local conditions.To minimise the volume discharged, the platform was refurbished including an upgrade to state-of-the-art solids removal equipment and modifications to the fluid system to ensure double discharge barriers.Baker Hughes Inteq conducted an extensive development program of the ester fluid system, involving more than 5,000 man hours of laboratory work.In conjuction with Curtin University of Technology, ecotoxicity testing was conducted to determine the acute impact on local species on the North West Shelf. A closed- bottle anaerobic biodegradation test was developed by Geotechnical Services to compare biodegradation rates of different fluids.By minimising the volume discharged and evaluating the impact of the discharge on the marine environment, WEL has demonstrated a comprehensive risk-based approach for the introduction of an OBF to WEL's platform and mobile drilling operations.

scholarly journals In Vitro Effects of Particulate Matter Associated with a Wildland Fire in the North-West of Italy

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (20) ◽  
pp. 10812
Author(s):  
Marta Gea ◽  
Sara Bonetta ◽  
Daniele Marangon ◽  
Francesco Antonio Pitasi ◽  
Caterina Armato ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rural Areas ◽  
Estrogenic Activity ◽  
Wildland Fire ◽  
Biological Effects ◽  
Mutagenic Effect ◽  
North West ◽  
The North ◽  
Pm10 And Pm2.5 ◽  
Gene Reporter Assay

Wildland fires, increasing in recent decades in the Mediterranean region due to climate change, can contribute to PM levels and composition. This study aimed to investigate biological effects of PM2.5 (Ø < 2.5 µm) and PM10 (Ø < 10 µm) collected near a fire occurred in the North-West of Italy in 2017 and in three other areas (urban and rural areas). Organic extracts were assessed for mutagenicity using Ames test (TA98 and TA100 strains), cell viability (WST-1 and LDH assays) and genotoxicity (Comet assay) with human bronchial cells (BEAS-2B) and estrogenic activity using a gene reporter assay (MELN cells). In all sites, high levels of PM10 and PM2.5 were measured during the fire suggesting that near and distant sites were influenced by fire pollutants. The PM10 and PM2.5 extracts induced a significant mutagenicity in all sites and the mutagenic effect was increased with respect to historical data. All extracts induced a slight increase of the estrogenic activity but a possible antagonistic activity of PM samples collected near fire was observed. No cytotoxicity or DNA damage was detected. Results confirm that fires could be relevant for human health, since they can worsen the air quality increasing PM concentrations, mutagenic and estrogenic effects.

scholarly journals Plum Tree Gums as Local Alternatives for Foreign Drilling Fluid Materials

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 51-65
Author(s):  
Dr. Faleh H. M. Almahdawi ◽  
Dr. Mohammad N. Hussain ◽  
Haider Salim Jasim
Keyword(s):  
Rheological Properties ◽  
Drilling Fluid ◽  
Drilling Fluids ◽  
Local Alternatives ◽  
Oil Well ◽  
Well Drilling ◽  
Local Alternative ◽  
Water Based ◽  
Drilling Cost ◽  
Plum Tree

A few years ago oil well drilling cost increased due to using modern technique such as equipment   and materials that are used by specialist companies so studies and researches were required to decrease these costs. In this study we tried to find local alternatives for foreign drilling fluid materials that are aimed to decrease oil well drilling cost although the cost of drilling fluid materials reach to 30 % of total materials cost of drilling oil well.       In the first part of this study seven local materials and it's tested under API Specification 13A for Drilling Fluids Materials were investigated. Plum Tree Gum was succeeded in this test among several other materials as drilling fluid materials. The second part of this study was a comparison between these local alternative and similar foreign materials for same sample to show physical and rheological properties. The third part of this study was tested this local alternative under different values temperature to show effect the temperature on physical and rheological properties of this local alternative. The results approved that; Plum Tree Gum, local alternative, can use as filtration control materials for water based drilling fluid. Also this local alternative increased viscosity as minimal for water based drilling fluids, So it can be used as part alternative for Bentonite to increase viscosity by increasing Yield point and decreasing solids concentration in drilling fluids so it has  positive effect on Rig equipment’s and Pay-zone.   Plum Tree Gum is Ore polymers (plant origin)  

Estimate hydrodynamic connectivity and probability of contamination through Lagrangian experiments in a high resolution shelf sea model

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michele Bendoni ◽  
Carlo Brandini ◽  
Maria Fattorini ◽  
Chiara Lapucci ◽  
Carlo Pretti
Keyword(s):  
High Resolution ◽  
Initial Conditions ◽  
Low Resolution ◽  
Reanalysis Dataset ◽  
North West ◽  
The North ◽  
Port Area ◽  
Shelf Sea ◽  
Resolution Model ◽  
One Year

&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;Coastal areas are experiencing an increasing anthropic pressure worldwide, especially due to port activities. In addition, valuable ecosystems such as Marine Protected Areas (MPA) might be located close to ports and be potentially subject to pollutant driven by the local current pattern. It is then fundamental &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;to &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;develop tools to analyze and quantify the tendency of a MPA to be affected by generic pollutant released from a port. &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Present work is based on a series of Lagrangian experiments carried out on a domain containing the port of Livorno and the Meloria Sholas MPA, located in the Tuscany Archipelago (Italy). &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;The flow field employed to force the experiments is obtained from a downscaling modelling chain implemented with the 3D ROMS software. The top level is a 1.2 km low-resolution model covering the North-West portion of the Mediterranean basin which feeds with a one-way nesting algorithm a 400 m mid-resolution model for the Tuscany Archipelago, extending West of Corsica Island and up to the Gulf of Genova. The inner level of the modelling chain is a 50 m high-resolution coastal model (offline nesting) which covers the area of Meloria Shoals, the port, and their surroundings. Hydrodynamic simulations are carried out for one year. &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Initial conditions are provided by the CMEMS (1/24&amp;#176; res) model Analysis, as well as boundary conditions for the low-resolution model. Atmospheric forcing comes from the downscaling of the ERA-5 reanalysis dataset, consisting on the BOLAM model implemented on a 7 km grid of the Med-CORDEX domain, in which the MOLOCH model is nested on a 2.5 km spaced grid. &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Lagrangian numerical experiments are carried out considering the consecutive release of passive particles in the port area, at finite intervals for one year, following the trajectories for ten days. To estimate the degree of hydrodynamic connectivity between the port and the MPA &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;and give a measure of the probability of contamination&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;, the &amp;#8220;oceanographic distance&amp;#8221; is computed in several ways from the calculated trajectories. &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;Preliminary results show the main transport pattern is mostly distributed alongshore, making the MPA less connected to the port compared to areas placed at the same distance.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Evaluation of the practical feasibility and acceptability of home monitoring in residential homes

2005 ◽  
Vol 11 (1_suppl) ◽  
pp. 29-31 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tanja Bratan ◽  
Malcolm Clarke ◽  
Russell Jones ◽  
Andrew Larkworthy ◽  
Ray Paul
Keyword(s):  
Home Monitoring ◽  
Data Access ◽  
Medical Personnel ◽  
Patient Acceptance ◽  
Residential Homes ◽  
North West ◽  
The North ◽  
Potential Benefits ◽  
One Year ◽  
Practical Feasibility

Three residential homes to the north-west of London, with their associated medical centres, were equipped with telemonitors to measure several variables, including seven-lead electrocardiogram, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, heart rate, temperature and respiration. The monitors could be operated by non-medical personnel. After recording, the data were transmitted via the Internet to a server. A total of 24 patients with a variety of chronic conditions were monitored regularly for a period of one year. Data transmission was found to be unreliable on occasions and was improved by extending the wireless network in the homes. Data access and presentation were considered acceptable, although suggestions for minor changes were made. No discernible impact on disease management, diagnosis or care was observed as a result of the monitoring. However, interviewees saw several potential benefits and patient acceptance was very good. The monitoring was found to be generally acceptable and feasibility was considered to have been largely proven.

Frank Campbell MacIntosh, 24 December 1909 - 11 September 1992

1994 ◽  
Vol 40 ◽  
pp. 253-264 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Nova Scotia ◽  
New England ◽  
Prince Edward Island ◽  
United Church Of Canada ◽  
Cape Breton Island ◽  
North West ◽  
The North ◽  
Cape Breton ◽  
One Year ◽  
North West Territories

The MacIntoshes were displaced from the Western Isles of Scotland by the Highland clearances at the end of the eighteenth century and like many of their compatriots moved to Nova Scotia. Around 1816 the Macintoshes were settled on a farm at Big Harbour Island on the Bras d’Or Lake of Cape Breton Island, that large detached part of Nova Scotia separated from the mainland by the narrow Straits of Canso - so narrow that they were frequently crossed by swimming deer. This part of Nova Scotia had a considerable resemblance to the old home in its landscape and its sea-tom ruggedness, which must have assuaged some of the pain of exile. Frank (who was always known as Hank) was born at Baddeck in Cape Breton on 24 December 1909, the son of the Reverend C.C. Macintosh, a well-known pastor of the United Church of Canada, who spoke and preached in Gaelic in the Canadian Maritimes and in New England. His mother Beenie Matheson, also of Scottish origin, came from Prince Edward Island. She had trained as a teacher and had moved to the north-west territories as a pioneer. As a child Hank frequently went visiting with his father in the horse and buggy. He was a precocious child and taught himself to read at the age of three - largely from the Encyclopedia Britannica - becoming especially interested in the geographical places described therein. At nine he was driving the family Model T. He was very proud of the fact that when he was just one year old, Alexander Graham Bell dandled him on his knee at his home in Beinn Bhreagh.

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