An Empirical Analog Benchmarking Workflow to Improve Hydrocarbon Recovery

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-18
Author(s):  
Shaoqing Sun ◽  
David A. Pollitt

Summary Benchmarking the recovery factor and production performance of a given reservoir against applicable analogs is a key step in field development optimization and a prerequisite in understanding the necessary actions required to improve hydrocarbon recovery. Existing benchmarking methods are principally structured to solve specific problems in individual situations and, consequently, are difficult to apply widely and consistently. This study presents an alternative empirical analog benchmarking workflow that is based upon systematic analysis of more than 1,600 reservoirs from around the world. This workflow is designed for effective, practical, and repeatable application of analog analysis to all reservoir types, development scenarios, and production challenges. It comprises five key steps: (1) definition of problems and objectives; (2) parameterization of the target reservoir; (3) quantification of resource potential; (4) assessment of production performance; and (5) identification of best practices and lessons learned. Problems of differing nature and for different objectives require different sets of analogs. This workflow advocates starting with a broad set of parameters to find a wide range of analogs for quantification of resource potential, followed by a narrowly defined set of parameters to find relevant analogs for assessment of production performance. During subsequent analysis of the chosen analogs, the focus is on isolating specific critical issues and identifying a smaller number of applicable analogs that more closely match the target reservoir with the aim to document both best practices and lessons learned. This workflow aims to inform decisions by identifying the best-in-class performers and examining in detail what differentiates them. It has been successfully applied to improve hydrocarbon recovery for carbonate, clastic, and basement reservoirs globally. The case studies provided herein demonstrate that this workflow has real-world utility in the identification of upside recovery potential and specific actions that can be taken to optimize production and recovery.

2015 ◽  
Vol 14 (4) ◽  
pp. 118-123 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lauren Trees

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present enterprise social networking and gamification as two potential tools to help organizations engage Millennial employees in collaboration and learning. Design/methodology/approach – The research provides general descriptions of enterprise social networking and gamification approaches, shares data on adoption of these approaches from APQC’s “2015 Knowledge Management Priorities Data Report” (based on a January 2015 survey of 524 knowledge management professionals) and includes four company examples adapted from APQC’s Connecting People to Content and Transferring and Applying Critical Knowledge best practices studies. The methodology for APQC’s best practices studies involves screening 50 or more organizations with potential best practices in a given research scope area and identifying five or six with proven best practices. APQC then conducts detailed site visits with the selected organizations and publishes case studies based on those site visits. Findings – Enterprise social networking platforms are in place at 50 per cent of organizations, with another 25 per cent planning to implement them by the end of 2015. By providing near-immediate access to information and answers, enterprise social networking helps Millennials learn the ropes at their new workplaces, gives them direct access to more knowledgeable colleagues who can assist and mentor them, and helps them improve their business outcomes by reusing knowledge and lessons learned across projects. Younger workers can also harness the power of social networking to create a sense of belonging and build their reputations in large, dispersed firms, where it is particularly difficult for them to gain visibility. A recent APQC survey indicates that 54 per cent of organizations either currently employ gamification to encourage collaboration or expect to implement it within the next three years. The rush to gamify the enterprise is, at least in part, a reflection of employers’ desire to satisfy Millennials and make them feel connected to a community of co-workers. Although games appeal to a wide range of age groups, Millennials grew up with digital interaction and tend to prefer environments that emphasize teamwork, social learning and frequent feedback – all of which can be delivered through gamification. Originality/value – The value of this paper is to introduce the value of and relationship between enterprise social networking and gamification platforms to human resource (HR) professionals looking to increase engagement and retention rates for Millennial employees.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Siti Nur Mahirah M Zain ◽  
Nur Hidayah M Zamani ◽  
Sunanda Magna Bela ◽  
Jagaan AL Selladurai ◽  
Saharul Hashim ◽  
...  

Abstract Field D is a massive oil-producing field, which consists of more than 15 blocks that have been developed since 1996. All types of completion methods, from openhole stand-alone screens and cased-hole circulating packs to frac packs, have been applied to help maximize field productivity while keeping sand issues to an acceptable level. However, some wells have begun to encounter sand issues, causing a drop in productivity and in some cases become shut-in because of sand accumulation in the tubing. Small fines (<40 micron) are particularly prominent in the produced sand based on samples collected. A field development revisiting campaign was launched to target new drainage points and recover attic oil using existing slots to sidetrack to the targeted zone and install a new downhole sand control completion. The preferred treatment method is an extension pack (EP) after considering reservoir characteristics, namely close proximity to a coal layer, low permeability, and small fines production, among others. These challenges were addressed by combining the oriented perforation design and optimal sand control completion system using a single-trip multizone system, enhanced single-trip multizone system, and a stack pack with a properly designed proppant pumping strategy using xanthan carrier fluid, a fines-control acid system, and 20/40-mesh ceramic proppant with a 10-gauge wire-wrapped screen. Numerous sand control software simulations were performed to achieve tip screenout (TSO) and a sufficient pack factor while addressing all of the wellbore conditions. For the first time in this field, conductivity enhancer material was applied by dry coating it to proppant on-the-fly with the goal of controlling fines migration through the proppant pack, thus increasing porosity and leading to long-term conductivity. The process design, execution, minifrac analysis, and post-job matching for the frac pack treatment are discussed, which lead to the wells producing sand-free at higher than expected reserves and flow rates. Best practices and lessons learned from this campaign can be further used for new upcoming campaigns.


2008 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 90-95 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ofer Lehavi ◽  
Adi Leiba ◽  
Yehudit Dahan ◽  
Dagan Schwartz ◽  
Odeda Benin-Goren ◽  
...  

AbstractIntroduction:The classical doctrine of mass toxicological events provides general guidelines for the management of a wide range of “chemical” events. The guidelines include provisions for the: (1) protection of medical staff with personal protective equipment; (2) simple triage of casualties; (3) airway pro-tection and early intubation; (4) undressing and decontamination at the hos-pital gates; and (5) medical treatment with antidotes, as necessary. A number of toxicological incidents in Israel during the summer of 2005 involved chlo-rine exposure in swimming pools. In the largest event, 40 children were affected. This study analyzes its medical management, in view of the Israeli Guidelines for Mass Toxicological Events.Methods:Data were collected from debriefings by the Israeli Home Front Command, emergency medical services (EMS), participating hospitals, and hospital chart reviews. The timetable of the event, the number and severity of casualties evacuated to each hospital, and the major medical and logistical problems encountered were analyzed according to the recently described methodology of Disastrous Incident Systematic Analysis Through-Components, Interactions, Results (DISAST-CIR).Results:The first ambulance arrived on-scene seven minutes after the first call. Emergency medical services personnel provided supplemental oxygen to the vic-tims at the scene and en route when required. Forty casualties were evacuated to four nearby hospitals. Emergency medical services classified 26 patients as mild-ly injured, 13 as mild-moderate, and one as moderate, suffering from pulmonary edema. Most children received bronchodilators and steroids in the emergency room; 20 were hospitalized. All were treated in pediatric emergency rooms. None of the hospitals deployed their decontamination sites.Conclusions:Event management differed from the standard Israeli toxico-logical doctrine. It involved EMS triage of casualties to a number of medical centers, treatment in pediatric emergency departments, lack of use of protec-tive gear, and omission of decontamination prior to emergency department entrance. Guidelines for mass toxicological events must be tailored to unique scenarios, such as chlorine intoxications at swimming pools, and for specific patient populations, such as children. All adult emergency departments always should be prepared and equipped for taking care of pediatric patients.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nurul Aminah Mohd Azmi ◽  
Grant Veroba ◽  
Muhammad Aizuddin Zainalabidin

Abstract This paper provides a Case Study in Front End Project Realization digitalization from the Domain perspective, with a focus on the methodology used, process enhancements that were enabled through automation, and lessons learned during the transformation. The transformation has been an iterative process, first focusing on digitalizing modules within the Front End work process and evolving into a multi-discipline integrated digital application. Along the journey, application of Agile project strategies enabled continuous enhancements to be identified and implemented through lessons learned, formal design thinking reviews, new idea generation and informal engagements with other disciplines commencing their digital journey. The process enhancements include: New Ways of Working to seamlessly integrate Front End technical and cost analytics engines, and across broader enterprise digital Field Development processes.New Sources of Insight to expand ideation using cross industry learnings, maximize use of extensive internal project data, and embedded Best in Class benchmarking. The Front End digitalization process identified significant value to stakeholders through increased pace of delivery, improved early concept definition with limited human intervention, increased cost accuracy, and increased confidence in the results through replication, improved data supply and benchmarking rigor. Specific value unlocks are seen across Front End Loading (FEL) i.e., pre-FEL to FEL-2 stages and will be presented. Through incorporation of enhanced data and insights, improved cost compression and decision-making quality has also been identified and subsequently will improve the project economics. A number of challenges through the transformation process were identified. These included: integration or replacement of legacy technical and cost applications; identifying and digitalizing a wide range of internal engineering tools and data sources needed for a comprehensive digital Front End process; efficiency of translating technical requirements to the digital team through comprehensive mapping of design and experienced-based rules; and re-shaping Front End technical focus from deliverable generation to targeted assurance, value obsession and risk management. While major focus has been on the integration of internal technical and cost applications, significant challenges were also identified in integration of external applications and Application Programming Interface (API) readiness to allow interaction between the applications and the Front End digital application i.e., Concept Factory. And finally, challenges in achieving a high performance team with the right balance of Domain, translators and programmers will be discussed.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaoguang Lu

Abstract This paper presents a unique E&P knowledge management system which has been widely accepted and applied by upstream petroleum industry. This knowledge management system started in mid-1990s and consists of standard static and dynamic knowledge base, comprehensive evaluation reports, and fit-for-purpose analytics tools applicable to the entire E&P lifecycle. Emphasis is placed on illustrating the breadth and depth of the E&P knowledge and advanced analytics in terms of their capturing and applications in field development and production. This knowledge base consists of >1600 reservoirs from around the world, each containing ~400 reservoir-level static parameters and a set of dynamic performance data. The static parameter covers reservoir characteristics, fluid properties, original in-place volume, EUR, recovery factor, production-related data (such as well spacing, well pattern, well EUR et al.), reservoir management practices, and key IORs/EORs and their incremental recovery. The knowledge extraction process involves collecting, reviewing, and synthesizing geologic, reservoir engineering and production data on a representative sample of global reservoirs. The reliable, coherent, high-quality knowledge base provides a foundation for the development of primary recovery index using supervised machine learning. Insights and intelligence derived from this knowledge base are critical to decision-making for both initial or early field development and production stages. The development application includes, but not limited to: (1) quantifying in-place volume, EUR, and recovery factor; (2) characterizing possible production performance and uncertainties and obtaining a conceptual production performance curve; (3) validating development plan options; and (4) benchmarking reservoir simulation results. The production application includes: (1) benchmarking production performance; (2) identifying upside potential and improved oil recovery opportunities; (3) finding best practices and lessons learned in reservoir management and secondary recovery practice; and (4) screening EOR methods, calibrating potential incremental recovery and characterizing EOR process performance. Lack of knowledge standardization and absence of coherence of data from various data sources are the main challenges facing industry's data-driven application. The knowledge management system presented in this study provides the most reliable knowledge base, advanced analytics tools, and practical application workflow to help the upstream industry become more efficient in applying collective human intelligence.


2020 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. 157-162
Author(s):  
Paul Tudorache ◽  
Lucian Ispas

AbstractUsing the lessons learned from recent military operations such as Operation Inherent Resolve (OIR) from Syria and Iraq, we proposed to investigate the need for tactical military units to adapt operationally to grapple with the most common requirements specific to current operational environments, but also for those that can be foreseen in the future. In this regard, by identifying the best practices in the field that can be met at the level of some important armies, such as USA and UK, we will try to determine a common denominator of most important principles whose application may facilitate both operational and organizational adaptation necessary for tactical military units to perform missions and tasks in the most unknown future operational environments.


Forests ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 327 ◽  
Author(s):  
Riccardo Dainelli ◽  
Piero Toscano ◽  
Salvatore Filippo Di Gennaro ◽  
Alessandro Matese

Natural, semi-natural, and planted forests are a key asset worldwide, providing a broad range of positive externalities. For sustainable forest planning and management, remote sensing (RS) platforms are rapidly going mainstream. In a framework where scientific production is growing exponentially, a systematic analysis of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)-based forestry research papers is of paramount importance to understand trends, overlaps and gaps. The present review is organized into two parts (Part I and Part II). Part II inspects specific technical issues regarding the application of UAV-RS in forestry, together with the pros and cons of different UAV solutions and activities where additional effort is needed, such as the technology transfer. Part I systematically analyzes and discusses general aspects of applying UAV in natural, semi-natural and artificial forestry ecosystems in the recent peer-reviewed literature (2018–mid-2020). The specific goals are threefold: (i) create a carefully selected bibliographic dataset that other researchers can draw on for their scientific works; (ii) analyze general and recent trends in RS forest monitoring (iii) reveal gaps in the general research framework where an additional activity is needed. Through double-step filtering of research items found in the Web of Science search engine, the study gathers and analyzes a comprehensive dataset (226 articles). Papers have been categorized into six main topics, and the relevant information has been subsequently extracted. The strong points emerging from this study concern the wide range of topics in the forestry sector and in particular the retrieval of tree inventory parameters often through Digital Aerial Photogrammetry (DAP), RGB sensors, and machine learning techniques. Nevertheless, challenges still exist regarding the promotion of UAV-RS in specific parts of the world, mostly in the tropical and equatorial forests. Much additional research is required for the full exploitation of hyperspectral sensors and for planning long-term monitoring.


2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (3) ◽  
pp. 1199
Author(s):  
Elena Karnaukhova ◽  
Catherine Owczarek ◽  
Peter Schmidt ◽  
Dominik J. Schaer ◽  
Paul W. Buehler

Plasma hemopexin (HPX) is the key antioxidant protein of the endogenous clearance pathway that limits the deleterious effects of heme released from hemoglobin and myoglobin (the term “heme” is used in this article to denote both the ferrous and ferric forms). During intra-vascular hemolysis, heme partitioning to protein and lipid increases as the plasma concentration of HPX declines. Therefore, the development of HPX as a replacement therapy during high heme stress could be a relevant intervention for hemolytic disorders. A logical approach to enhance HPX yield involves recombinant production strategies from human cell lines. The present study focuses on a biophysical assessment of heme binding to recombinant human HPX (rhHPX) produced in the Expi293FTM (HEK293) cell system. In this report, we examine rhHPX in comparison with plasma HPX using a systematic analysis of protein structural and functional characteristics related to heme binding. Analysis of rhHPX by UV/Vis absorption spectroscopy, circular dichroism (CD), size-exclusion chromatography (SEC)-HPLC, and catalase-like activity demonstrated a similarity to HPX fractionated from plasma. In particular, the titration of HPX apo-protein(s) with heme was performed for the first time using a wide range of heme concentrations to model HPX–heme interactions to approximate physiological conditions (from extremely low to more than two-fold heme molar excess over the protein). The CD titration data showed an induced bisignate CD Soret band pattern typical for plasma and rhHPX versions at low heme-to-protein molar ratios and demonstrated that further titration is dependent on the amount of protein-bound heme to the extent that the arising opposite CD couplet results in a complete inversion of the observed CD pattern. The data generated in this study suggest more than one binding site in both plasma and rhHPX. Furthermore, our study provides a useful analytical platform for the detailed characterization of HPX–heme interactions and potentially novel HPX fusion constructs.


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