Comprehensive Strategies to Maximising Value of Late Life Assets: Lessons Learned from Mahakam Block

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Irfan Taufik Rau ◽  
Henricus Herwin ◽  
Bhayu Widyoko ◽  
Iswahyuni Fifthana Hayati
Keyword(s):  
Oil And Gas ◽  
Control Method ◽  
Capital Expenditure ◽  
Complex Surface ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Mutual Benefit ◽  
Network Systems ◽  
Marginal Value ◽  
Economy Of Scale ◽  
Sand Control

Abstract Mahakam Block has been in operation for nearly half a century with cumulative production of approximately 20 trillion cubic feet of gas and 1.5 billion barrels of oil. Mature field challenges have become more evident as portrayed by declining production, more complex surface constraints, more challenging profitability of new projects and decreasing resources of new wells, which are also exacerbated by external factors such as volatility of oil and gas prices. Despite the aforementioned challenges and complexity in terms of operating numerous fields with different characteristics, Mahakam is currently still one of the biggest producing blocks in Indonesia. The success of sustaining production and prolonging the life of Mahakam is the result of continuous innovations, improvements and optimizations on various aspects over the years. Subsurface innovative ideas by restudying and redefining geological concepts has led Pertamina Hulu Mahakam (PHM) to drill step-out wells in Handil, Tunu, South Mahakam and Sisi Nubi fields that deliver positive results and open new opportunities. In the non-subsurface aspect, Indonesia's first Plan of Development that combines higher and lower value projects across fields called OPLL (Optimasi Pengembangan Lapangan-Lapangan) was initiated in order to develop fields with marginal value and to achieve economy of scale. Moreover, Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) optimization through evolution of platform design, well architecture and sand control method is crucial for exploitation of targets with lower resources over time. PHM has also launched CLEOPATRA (Cost Effectiveness and Lean Operations in Mature Asset), later renamed to LOCOMOTIVE-8 (Low Operations Cost of Mahakam to Achieve Effectiveness and Efficiencies), to achieve Operating Expenditure (OPEX) efficiency through various initiatives driven by each entity. Due to cost of money, budget accuracy is as important as expenditures reduction meaning that more detailed and deterministic budget estimation is necessary. In addition to optimizing cost structure, PHM strives to carry out gas commercialization efforts to improve revenue streams. In this rapidly changing era, especially for Mahakam, paradigm shift becomes highly critical. Changes in the structure and size of organization is essential to adjust with business dynamics. Adaptive organization structure is performed through digitalization and competency improvement to reduce repetitive tasks and increase productivity per capita. Cooperation between neighboring companies brings mutual benefit by sharing rig, transportation means, and pipeline network systems. Mutual benefit opportunity is also available between the company and Indonesian government by amendment of fiscal terms with the aim to enable the execution of sub-economic projects. Ultimately, one effort alone may be insignificant, but the combination of all of the efforts will be the key to the continuation of Mahakam story.

Malaysia's First Successful Implementation of Sand Consolidation Technology as a Primary Sand Control Method Executed during the Drilling Phase: Success Story and Lessons Learned

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nadiah Kamaruddin ◽  
Nurfuzaini A Karim ◽  
M Ariff Naufal Hasmin ◽  
Sunanda Magna Bela ◽  
Latief Riyanto ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Control Method ◽  
Movement Control ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
Success Story ◽  
Control Solution ◽  
Consolidation Process ◽  
Execution Plan ◽  
Well Completion ◽  
Sand Control

Abstract Field A is a mature hydrocarbon-producing field located in eastern Malaysia that began producing in 1968. Comprised of multistacked reservoirs at heights ranging from 4,000 to 8,000 ft, they are predominantly unconsolidated, requiring sand exclusion from the start. Most wells in this field were completed using internal gravel packing (IGP) of the main reservoir, and particularly in shallower reservoirs. With these shallower reservoirs continuously targeted as good potential candidates, identifying a sustainable sand control solution is essential. Conventional sand control methods, namely IGP, are normally a primary choice for completion; however, this method can be costly, which requires justification during challenging economic times. To combat these challenges, a sand consolidation system using resin was selected as a primary completion method, opposed to a conventional IGP system. Chemical sand consolidation treatments provide in situ sand influx control by treating the incompetent formation around the wellbore itself. The initial plan was to perform sand consolidation followed by a screenless fracturing treatment; however, upon drilling the targeted zone and observing its proximity to a water zone, fracturing was stopped. With three of eight zones in this well requiring sand control, a pinpoint solution was delivered in stages by means of a pump through with a packer system [retrievable test treat squeeze (RTTS)] at the highest possible accuracy, thus ensuring treatment placement efficiency. The zones were also distanced from one another, requiring zonal isolation (i.e., mechanical isolation, such as bridge plugs, was not an option) as treatments were deployed. While there was a major challenge in terms of mobilization planning to complete this well during the peak of a movement control order (MCO) in Malaysia, optimal operations lead to a long-term sand control solution. Well unloading and test results upon well completion provided excellent results, highlighting good production rates with zero sand production. The groundwork processes of candidate identification down to the execution of sand consolidation and temporary isolation between zones are discussed. Technology is compared in terms of resin fluid system types. Laboratory testing on the core samples illustrates how the chemical consolidation process physically manifests. This is used to substantiate the field designs, execution plan, initial results, follow-up, lessons learned, and best practices used to maximize the life of a sand-free producer well. This success story illustrates potential opportunity in using sand consolidation as a primary method in the future.

Evaluation of Latest Technological Advances in Sand Control Completions: A Case Study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rishabh Bharadwaj ◽  
Manish Kumar ◽  
Shashwat Harsh ◽  
Deepak Mishra
Keyword(s):  
Oil And Gas ◽  
Control Method ◽  
Control Mechanisms ◽  
Sand Production ◽  
Production Rates ◽  
Reservoir Properties ◽  
Water Contact ◽  
Technological Advances ◽  
Sand Control ◽  
Gravel Pack

Abstract Sand control poses huge financial loses during production operations particularly in mature fields. It hinders economic oil production rates as well as damages downhole and surface equipment due to its abrasive action. Excessive sand production rates can plug the wellhead, flow lines, and separators which can result in detrimental well control situations. This paper will provide a comparative study on various sand control mechanisms by reviewing the latest advancements in sand management techniques. This study evaluates the performance of through-tubing sand screens, internal gravel pack, cased hole expandable sand screen, modular gravel pack system, openhole standalone screen, multi-zone single trip gravel pack, slim gravel pack, and chemical sand consolidation mechanisms. Various field examples from Niger-Delta, Mahakam oil and gas block, and offshore Malaysia are examined to gain an insight about the application of aforementioned sand control methods for different type of reservoirs. This study enables the operator to tackle the sand production problem according to the well construction changes during the life cycle of a well. The internal gravel pack completion system delivers a prolonged plateau production regime in shallow depths. In high drawdown conditions, chemical sand consolidation completion incurs early water breakthrough and elevated sand production. Chemical sand consolidation technique yields better results in deeper formations and its placement can be improvised by implementing coiled tubing and diversion techniques for multi-stage treatments. Depending on the well inclination, gas-water contact, producing zone type and thickness, well age, and economy, the completion types out of modular gravel pack, openhole standalone screen, slim gravel pack, and through tubing sand screen is recommended accordingly. Acquiring offset data, well log analysis, particle size distribution and performing pressure tests will improve the data quality of the obtained reservoir properties. This will further help in the selection of the most suitable sand control method for the target reservoir.

Chemical Sand Consolidation and Agglomeration Control Sand Production

2021 ◽  
Vol 73 (10) ◽  
pp. 73-74
Author(s):  
Chris Carpenter
Keyword(s):  
Success Rate ◽  
Oil And Gas ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Asia Pacific ◽  
Interval Length ◽  
Sand Production ◽  
Chemical Application ◽  
Placement Method ◽  
Sand Control ◽  
Production Period

This article, written by JPT Technology Editor Chris Carpenter, contains highlights of paper SPE 202419, “Performance Review of Chemical Sand Consolidation and Agglomeration for Maximum Potential as Downhole Sand Control: An Operator’s Experience,” by Nur Atiqah Hassan, SPE, Wei Jian Yeap, SPE, and Ratan Singh, Petronas, et al., prepared for the 2020 SPE Asia Pacific Oil and Gas Conference and Exhibition, originally scheduled to be held in Perth, Australia, 20–22 October. The paper has not been peer reviewed. Chemical sand consolidation (SCON) and sand agglomeration have been identified as effective chemical treatments to control sand production downhole. Both treatments involve injection of chemicals into the near-wellbore area of the reservoir with the aim of improving the strength of the formation and thus reducing the tendency for sand production. The complete paper presents lessons learned and best practices from several chemical SCON and sand-agglomeration treatments performed in mature fields in Malaysia. SCON and Sand Agglomeration History and Performance Petronas has deployed approximately 20 SCON and three sand-agglomeration treatments over nine different offshore fields since 2009. Of 20 planned SCON jobs, four were suspended for a variety of reasons such as budget constraints or operational complexity. Of the 16 SCON jobs executed, a success rate of approximately 75% was achieved. The number of sand agglomeration jobs executed is significantly lower; only three were completed, with one failure case. In terms of effective production, SCON has better overall performance than sand agglomeration. The average effective production period for SCON is approximately 2.9 years, while the average effective production period for sand agglomeration is approximately 2.5 years. Criteria for Candidate Selection Completion Type. - In considering the historical success rate of SCON and sand-agglomeration jobs according to completion type, most viable candidates were completed with perforated cased hole, contributing to approximately 87% of all chemical SCON and sand-agglomeration jobs. Despite the challenges caused by chemical placement in openhole completions, all of these jobs have been successful because of stringent planning. Overall, the success rate for chemical SCON and agglomeration under cased-hole completion is approximately 73%. Perforation Interval Length. - For effective chemical placement, the perforation interval length is limited to 20 ft according to internal guidelines, especially for cases using bullheading as the placement method. For perforation interval lengths greater than 120 ft, the failure rate can be as high as 10%. According to historical trends, no failure was encountered for chemical SCON and sand-agglomeration jobs with perforation intervals of less than 40 ft. The historical analysis indicates, therefore, that the benchmark criteria of perforation interval length could be extended to 40 ft from the current 20 ft. Placement Method. - Most chemical treatment jobs executed were completed using bullheading, contributing to approximately 80% of all chemical SCON and sand-agglomeration jobs. No failure cases were recorded for treatments that used coiled tubing because of the controlled chemical placement. Perforation intervals of almost 100 ft using bullheading placement methods have succeeded. One contributing factor for successful treatment in long intervals using bullheading is the use of diversion techniques. Nitrogen is commonly used as part of a diversion method along with chemical application.

Lessons Learned from the First Chemical Sand Consolidation in Zawtika Field

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wiwat Wiwatanapataphee ◽  
Thanita Kiatrabile ◽  
Pipat Lilaprathuang ◽  
Noppanan Nopsiri ◽  
Panyawadee Kritsanamontri
Keyword(s):  
Control Method ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Candidate Selection ◽  
High Rate ◽  
Operation Performance ◽  
Coiled Tubing ◽  
Cost Effective Method ◽  
Sand Control ◽  
Gravel Pack

Abstract The conventional gravel pack sand control completion (High Rate Water Pack / Extension Pack) was the primary sand control method for PTTEPI, Myanmar Zawtika field since 2014 for more than 80 wells. Although the completion cost of gravel pack sand control was dramatically reduced around 75 percent due to the operation performance improvement along 5 years, the further cost reduction still mandatory to make the future development phase feasible. In order to tackle the well economy challenge, several alternative sand control completion designs were reviewed with the existing Zawtika subsurface information. The Chemical Sand Consolidation (CSC) or resin which is cost-effective method to control the sand production with injected chemicals is selected to be tested in 3 candidate wells. Therefore, the first trial campaign of CSC was performed with the Coiled Tubing Unit (CTU) in March to May 2019 with positive campaign results. The operation program and lesson learned were captured in this paper for future improvement in term of well candidate selection, operation planning and execution. The three monobore completion wells were treated with the CSC. The results positively showed that the higher sand-free rates can be achieved. The operation steps consist of 1) Perform sand cleanout to existing perforation interval or perforate the new formation interval. 2) Pumping pre-flush chemical to conditioning the formation to accept the resin 3) Pumping resin to coating on formation grain sand 4) Pumping the post-flush chemical to remove an excess resin from sand 5) Shut in the well to wait for resin curing before open back to production. However, throughout the campaign, there were several lessons learned, which will be required for future cost and time optimization. In operational view, the proper candidate selection shall avoid operational difficulties e.g. available rathole. As well, detailed operation plan and job design will result in effective CSC jobs. For instance, the coil tubing packer is suggested for better resin placement in the formation. Moreover, accommodation arrangement (either barge or additional vessel) and logistics management still have room for improvement. These 3 wells are the evidences of the successful applications in Zawtika field. With good planning, lesson learned and further optimization, this CSC method can be beneficial for existing monobore wells, which required sand control and also will be the alternative sand control method for upcoming development phases. This CSC will be able to increase project economic and also unlock the marginal reservoirs those will not justify the higher cost of conventional gravel pack.

Technology Focus: Sand Management (October 2021)

2021 ◽  
Vol 73 (10) ◽  
pp. 67-67
Author(s):  
Imran Abbasy
Keyword(s):  
Oil And Gas ◽  
International Energy Agency ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Energy Agency ◽  
Net Zero ◽  
Successful Case ◽  
Sand Control ◽  
Zonal Isolation ◽  
The University ◽  
Gravel Pack

Our industry is under pressure to produce cleaner energy. That is the mantra, more so than a few years ago. A recent report from the International Energy Agency suggested that all greenfield developments in the oil and gas sector should be stopped forthwith if we are to achieve the net-zero target by 2050. That essentially means that we squeeze what we can from the not-so-easy and mature reservoirs, many of which have sand-control problems. Perhaps that is the reason most operators are working ever harder to manage and produce such assets, a trend reflected in the number of papers written. More importantly, a large proportion of papers this year were on sand consolidation and through-tubing exclusion methods, which primarily target mature producing reservoirs. A few technology trends are becoming apparent. There is a move to gravel pack longer and longer horizontal sections. It is now possible to pack more than 7,000 ft with zonal isolation. Through-tubing sand-control remediation continues to evolve. Sand consolidation is moving toward nanoparticles, with a promise of better regained permeability. Further strides have been made in developing filters to achieve behind-screen compliance for better sand retention. Industry has been enchanted by what data analytics and machine learning can potentially offer, and perhaps rightly so. Several papers this year apply these tools to sand management. For those interested, I would recommend paper SPE 200949 and OTC 31234 as further reading. Unfortunately, from a sand-control perspective, I do not yet see a compelling narrative. One interesting statistic that I stole from a LinkedIn post is that the rising 3-year trend of papers in OnePetro on this subject has fallen dramatically between 2020 and 2021. I have not independently verified these figures, but it does tell a story. Is the excitement waning? Recommended additional reading at OnePetro: www.onepetro.org. SPE 203238 - Sanding Propensity Prediction Technology and Methodology Comparison by Surej Kumar Subbiah, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia and Schlumberger, et al. SPE 201768 - Using Artificial Intelligence for Determining Threshold Sand Rates From Acoustic Monitors by Srinivas Swaroop Kolla, The University of Tulsa, et al. OTC 30386 - Pioneering Slickline Deployed Through Tubing Gravel Pack in Malaysia: Successful Case Study and Lessons Learned by Ertiawati Mappanyompa, Petronas, et al.

scholarly journals Laboratory Investigation on Optimum Selection of a Sand Control Method for an Interbedded Sandstone and Mudstone Reservoir

Geofluids ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Shaofeng Hu ◽  
Lihua Wang ◽  
Yishan Lou ◽  
Yanfeng Cao ◽  
Wenbo Meng ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Oil And Gas ◽  
Control Method ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Control Design ◽  
Gas Production ◽  
Control Mode ◽  
Critical Parameters ◽  
Bohai Bay ◽  
Sand Production ◽  
Sand Control

It is critical to select an optimized sand control method for an interbedded sandstone and mudstone reservoir (ISMR) due to its serious sand production hazards. However, currently, most general sand control methods cannot meet the requirements of sand control in interbedded sandstone and mudstone reservoirs (e.g., Bohai Bay oil and gas fields from China). Ensuring efficiency of sand control and increasing the oil and gas production rate in this interbedded sandstone and mudstone become more and more important. In this paper, a “multilayer rotatable sand control experimental device” for the interbedded sandstone and mudstone reservoir was developed. A series of sand control experimental studies were conducted by using the proposed device. The net-to-gross ratio (NTG) and well inclinations are two major factors considered in the experimental analysis. In addition, a sensitivity analysis regarding formation particle size distribution (PSD), clay content, and mineral compositions is performed in the experiment under a moderate sand control mode. With systematic experimental test results in this work, combined with numerous existing sand control models, a set of optimum sand control design and the associated optimization template for ISMR were developed, which have been successfully applied in Bohai Bay. Field application results show that NTG and well inclination are two critical parameters in the design of sand control in ISMR. The optimal indexes of a sand control mode are determined as NTG of 0.4 and well inclination of 45°. The introduction of these two key factors in sand control design broadens the application range of moderate sand production.

Sand Free Production Success Through Proven Technology Enabler from An Untapped Heterogeneous Reservoir Zone Utilizing Gravel Pack Replacement Methodology

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Y. Anggoro
Keyword(s):  
Oil And Gas ◽  
Erosion Resistance ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
High Rate ◽  
Screen Design ◽  
Sand Control ◽  
Rules Of Thumb ◽  
Production Success ◽  
Control Technologies ◽  
Gravel Pack

The Belida field is an offshore field located in Block B of Indonesia’s South Natuna Sea. This field was discovered in 1989. Both oil and gas bearing reservoirs are present in the Belida field in the Miocene Arang, Udang and Intra Barat Formations. Within the middle Arang Formation, there are three gas pay zones informally referred to as Beta, Gamma and Delta. These sand zones are thin pay zones which need to be carefully planned and economically exploited. Due to the nature of the reservoir, sand production is a challenge and requires downhole sand control. A key challenge for sand control equipment in this application is erosion resistance without inhibiting productivity as high gas rates and associated high flow velocity is expected from the zones, which is known to have caused sand control failure. To help achieve a cost-effective and easily planned deployment solution to produce hydrocarbons, a rigless deployment is the preferred method to deploy downhole sand control. PSD analysis from the reservoir zone suggested from ‘Industry Rules of Thumb’ a conventional gravel pack deployment as a means of downhole sand control. However, based on review of newer globally proven sand control technologies since adoption of these ‘Industry Rules of Thumb’, a cost-effective solution could be considered and implemented utilizing Ceramic Sand Screen technology. This paper will discuss the successful application at Block B, Natuna Sea using Ceramic Sand Screens as a rigless intervention solution addressing the erosion / hot spotting challenges in these high rate production zones. The erosion resistance of the Ceramic Sand Screen design allows a deployment methodology directly adjacent to the perforated interval to resist against premature loss of sand control. The robust ceramic screen design gave the flexibility required to develop a cost-effective lower completion deployment methodology both from a challenging make up in the well due to a restrictive lubricator length to the tractor conveyancing in the well to land out at the desired set depth covering the producing zone. The paper will overview the success of multi-service and product supply co-operation adopting technology enablers to challenge ‘Industry Rules of Thumb’ replaced by rigless reasoning as a standard well intervention downhole sand control solution where Medco E&P Natuna Ltd. (Medco E&P) faces sand control challenges in their high deviation, sidetracked well stock. The paper draws final attention to the hydrocarbon performance gain resulting due to the ability for choke free production to allow drawing down the well at higher rates than initially expected from this zone.

Chemical Deliquification of Unconventional Gas Wells

2014 ◽  
Author(s):  
K.. Francis-LaCroix ◽  
D.. Seetaram
Keyword(s):  
Natural Gas ◽  
Best Practice ◽  
Oil And Gas ◽  
Large Deviation ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Gas Production ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Offshore Platforms ◽  
Gas Wells ◽  
Current Production

Abstract Trinidad and Tobago offshore platforms have been producing oil and natural gas for over a century. Current production of over 1500 Bcf of natural gas per year (Administration, 2013) is due to extensive reserves in oil and gas. More than eighteen of these wells are high-producing wells, producing in excess of 150 MMcf per day. Due to their large production rates, these wells utilize unconventionally large tubulars 5- and 7-in. Furthermore, as is inherent with producing gas, there are many challenges with the production. One major challenge occurs when wells become liquid loaded. As gas wells age, they produce more liquids, namely brine and condensate. Depending on flow conditions, the produced liquids can accumulate and induce a hydrostatic head pressure that is too high to be overcome by the flowing gas rates. Applying surfactants that generate foam can facilitate the unloading of these wells and restore gas production. Although the foaming process is very cost effective, its application to high-producing gas wells in Trinidad has always been problematic for the following reasons: Some of these producers are horizontal wells, or wells with large deviation angles.They were completed without pre-installed capillary strings.They are completed with large tubing diameters (5.75 in., 7 in.). Recognizing that the above three factors posed challenges to successful foam applications, major emphasis and research was directed toward this endeavor to realize the buried revenue, i.e., the recovery of the well's potential to produce natural gas. This research can also lead to the application of learnings from the first success to develop treatment for additional wells, which translates to a revenue boost to the client and the Trinidad economy. Successful treatments can also be used as correlations to establish an industry best practice for the treatment of similarly completed wells. This paper will highlight the successes realized from the treatment of three wells. It will also highlight the anomalies encountered during the treatment process, as well as the lessons learned from this treatment.

Optimization Applied to Buzios Flexible Riser Systems and Subsea Layout

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vinicius Gasparetto ◽  
Thierry Hernalsteens ◽  
Joao Francisco Fleck Heck Britto ◽  
Joab Flavio Araujo Leao ◽  
Thiago Duarte Fonseca Dos Santos ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Deep Water ◽  
Technology Use ◽  
Capital Expenditure ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Internal Diameter ◽  
Flexible Riser ◽  
Flexible Pipe ◽  
Injection Wells ◽  
Gas Field ◽  
Field Development

Abstract Buzios is a super-giant ultra-deep-water pre-salt oil and gas field located in the Santos Basin off Brazil's Southeastern coast. There are four production systems already installed in the field. Designed to use flexible pipes to tie back the production and injection wells to the FPSOs (Floating Production Storage and Offloading), these systems have taken advantage from several lessons learned in the previous projects installed by Petrobras in Santos Basin pre-salt areas since 2010. This knowledge, combined with advances in flexible pipe technology, use of long-term contracts and early engagement with suppliers, made it possible to optimize the field development, minimizing the risks and reducing the capital expenditure (CAPEX) initially planned. This paper presents the first four Buzios subsea system developments, highlighting some of the technological achievements applied in the field, as the first wide application of 8" Internal Diameter (ID) flexible production pipes for ultra-deep water, leading to faster ramp-ups and higher production flowrates. It describes how the supply chain strategy provided flexibility to cover the remaining project uncertainties, and reports the optimizations carried out in flexible riser systems and subsea layouts. The flexible risers, usually installed in lazy wave configurations at such water depths, were optimized reducing the total buoyancy necessary. For water injection and service lines, the buoyancy modules were completely removed, and thus the lines were installed in a free-hanging configuration. Riser configuration optimizations promoted a drop of around 25% on total riser CAPEX and allowed the riser anchor position to be placed closer to the floating production unit, promoting opportunities for reducing the subsea tieback lengths. Standardization of pipe specifications and the riser configurations allowed the projects to exchange the lines, increasing flexibility and avoiding riser interference in a scenario with multiple suppliers. Furthermore, Buzios was the first ultra-deep-water project to install a flexible line, riser, and flowline, with fully Controlled Annulus Solution (CAS). This system, developed by TechnipFMC, allows pipe integrity management from the topside, which reduces subsea inspections. As an outcome of the technological improvements and the optimizations applied to the Buzios subsea system, a vast reduction in subsea CAPEX it was achieved, with a swift production ramp-up.

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