DeepStar 11304: Laying the Groundwork for AUV Standards for Deepwater Fields

2013 ◽  
Vol 47 (3) ◽  
pp. 13-18 ◽  
Author(s):  
John Jacobson ◽  
Pierce Cohen ◽  
Amin Nasr ◽  
Art J. Schroeder ◽  
Greg Kusinski

AbstractEmerging autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) developments across the oil and gas industry now include pipeline inspection; structural survey; deepwater inspection, repair and maintenance (IRM); and field resident systems for remote/harsh environments. As these capabilities mature, AUVs will become an increasingly important tool for deepwater field operations. Early adoption of AUV standards will facilitate more rapid deployment of AUV technologies and enable the industry to reap a wide range of safety, environmental, operational, and economic benefits for its deepwater fields. The development of industry standards for AUV interfaces will facilitate more rapid implementation of AUV capabilities and lead to more cost-effective, compatible system designs by AUV vendors and field hardware manufacturers. The development of regulatory standards for the interpretation and acceptance of autonomous inspection results is also an essential step toward the achievement of more cost-effective operations and regulatory oversight of deepwater subsea fields. This paper describes a future vision for the use of AUVs in deepwater field operations, the benefits to be realized, and the future capabilities of AUVs that must be anticipated and facilitated within AUV standards to achieve that vision. Additionally, this paper describes the goals and objectives of DeepStar Project 11304, which is laying the groundwork to achieve accelerated standardization of AUV interfaces and the development of regulatory standards for AUV inspections.

Author(s):  
J. Jeffrey Moore ◽  
David L. Ransom

The accurate prediction of centrifugal compressor stability continues to be an important area of interest in the oil and gas industry. Ensuring stability is critical to the cost-effective installation and operation of these machines in remote environments where field stability problems are much more expensive to diagnose and correct. Current industry standards and tools for the prediction of impeller destabilizing forces are based on empirical methods that, to date, have served fairly well for systems with reasonable stability margins. However, as stability margins are decreased, use of a modeling method that is more physics based that can better represent the observed trends in machine behavior at low stability margins is needed. Furthermore, the development of mega-class Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) compressors and ultra-high pressure re-injection compressors provide further motivation to improve accuracy. In this paper, a new physics based expression for the prediction of impeller cross-coupling, previously introduced by Moore et al. [1] is further investigated by analyzing several classes and scale factors of impellers ranging from 2-D designs used in re-injection up to full 3-D impellers typically used in LNG. The new expression is based on both numerical simulation (CFD) and experimental test data from a known instability. Comparisons are made for overall stability prediction as well as sensitivity to system changes. Conclusions are made regarding the applicability and limits of this new approach.


2020 ◽  
pp. 42-45
Author(s):  
J.A. Kerimov ◽  

The implementation of plastic details in various constructions enables to reduce the prime cost and labor intensity of machine and device manufacturing, decrease the weight of design and improve their quality and reliability at the same time. The studies were carried out with the aim of labor productivity increase and substitution of colored and black metals with plastic masses. For this purpose, the details with certain characteristics were selected for further implementation of developed technological process in oil-gas industry. The paper investigates the impact of cylinder and compression mold temperature on the quality parameters (shrinkage and hardness) of plastic details in oil-field equipment. The accessible boundaries of quality indicators of the details operated in the equipment of exploration, drilling and exploitation of oil and gas industry are studied in a wide range of mode parameters. The mathematic dependences between quality parameters (shrinkage and hardness) of the details on casting temperature are specified.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nouf AlJabri ◽  
Nan Shi

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.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Max Olsen ◽  
Ragni Hatlebakk ◽  
Chris Holcroft ◽  
Arne Stavland ◽  
Nils Harald Giske ◽  
...  

Abstract Scope Controlled dissolution glasses form a permanent consolidating mineral matrix inside formations with either permeable or impermeable properties. The unique solution has a low injection viscosity and can be easily injected into a wide range of formations. The application method is simple and does not require multiple fluids or pre- and post-flushing. This paper focuses on the benefits of controlled dissolution glasses and potential applications in the oil and gas industry. Methods, Procedures, Process Controlled dissolution glasses have been researched extensively by Glass Technology Services (GTS) since 1999 for the biomedical industry, nuclear waste storage industry, and defense and aerospace industries. GTS together with operators have been performing research and development for the oil industry over the last 10 years. The research investigated different glass compositions to determine their injectability and change in formation properties post-treatment. Sandstone, chalk, and shale formations were used in the testing. Flow testing using a Hoek cell and a core flood apparatus was used to determine the post-treatment permeability. For post-treatment strength measurement, Brazilian tensile strength tests and modified cone penetration tests were used to determine tensile strength and shear strength respectively. The testing evaluated different mixing fluids, such as water and different brines, compatibility, corrosion testing, and concentrations. Results, Observations, Conclusions The testing identified different glass compositions and concentrations that are suitable for different applications and formations. Certain glass compositions increase tensile strength significantly while also maintaining the permeability in the formation. Other glass compositions have similar tensile strength increase, but result in an impermeable seal. The liquid glass solutions react with the formation to form a mineral precipitation inside the formation. The reaction with the formation occurs quickly at downhole conditions, within hours of placement. The glass can be mixed with water and variety of brines to form a stable solution across a range of densities. The testing and results to date have laid the foundation for use in a variety of consolidation and P&A applications in oil and gas wells. Testing is ongoing for a chalk and sandstone consolidation solution and for a sealing solution. Novel/Additive Information These novel glass solutions can solve many of the production and instability challenges that plague weak formations. The glasses can be injected into very low permeability formation to either seal or consolidate.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Emmanuel Asare ◽  
Bruce Burton ◽  
Theresa Dunne

PurposeThis study explores Ghanaian views about accountability discharge by firms and government in the context of the nation's newly discovered oil and gas resources. The research focusses on a range of issues relating to stakeholder interaction, communication flows and the impact of decision-making on Ghanaian lives, as perceived by individuals on the ground.Design/methodology/approachThe paper adapts elements of legitimacy theory to interpret the outcome of a series of semi-structured interviews with members of key accountee and accountor groups including citizens and representatives of the state and private firms in the oil and gas industry in Ghana.FindingsThe results indicate that rather than attempting to effect substantive accountability discharge, Ghana's government and oil and gas firms employ a wide range of legitimation strategies despite the apparently complete absence of the accountee power normally seen as driving the need for social contract repair.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings suggest that accountability discharge in Ghana is cursory at best, with several legitimising strategies in evidence. The representatives from state institutions appear to share some of the concerns, suggesting that the problems are entrenched and will require robust enforcement of a strengthened regulatory approach to effect meaningful change.Originality/valueThis paper contributes to the literature on the discharge of institutional accountability by building on earlier conceptualisations of legitimacy theory to explore perceptions around a recent natural resource discovery. The analysis highlights grave concerns regarding the behaviour of state and corporate actors, one that runs counter to sub-Saharan African tradition.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amina Danmadami ◽  
Ibiye Iyalla ◽  
Gbenga Oluyemi ◽  
Jesse Andrawus

Abstract Marginal field development has gained relevance in oil producing countries because of the huge potential economic benefits it offers. The Federal Government of Nigeria commenced a Marginal Fields program in 2001 as part of her policy to improve the nation’s strategic oil and gas reserves and promote indigenous participation in the upstream sector. Twenty years after the award of marginal fields to indigenous companies to develop, 50% have developed and in production, 13% have made some progress with their acquisition while 37% remain undeveloped. The poor performance of the marginal field operators is due to certain challenges which have impeded their progress. A review of challenges of developing marginal fields in the current industry climate was conducted on marginal fields in Nigeria to identify keys issues. These were identified as: funding, technical, and public policy. Considering the complex, competitive and dynamic environment in which these oil and gas companies operate, with competition from renewables, pressure to reduce carbon footprint, low oil price and investors expectation of a good return, companies must maintain tight financial plan, minimize emissions from their operations and focus on efficiency through innovation. The study identifies the need for a decision-making approach that takes into consideration multi criteria such as cost, regulation, quality, technology, security, stakeholders, safety and environment, as important criteria based on which to evaluate the selection of appropriate development option for marginal fields.


Author(s):  
Thomas E. Grissom ◽  
Andrew DuKatz ◽  
Hubert A. Kordylewski ◽  
Richard P. Dutton

Recent healthcare legislation, financial pressures, and regulatory oversight have increased the need to create improved mechanisms for performance measurement, quality management tracking, and outcomes-based research. The Anesthesia Quality Institute (AQI) has established the National Anesthesia Clinical Outcomes Registry (NACOR) to support these requirements for a wide-range of customers including individual anesthesiologists, anesthesia practices, hospitals, and credentialing agencies. Concurrently, the availability of increased digital sources of healthcare data make it possible to capture massive quantities of data in a more efficient and cost-effective manner than ever before. With NACOR, AQI has established a user-friendly, automated process to effectively and efficiently collect a wide-range of anesthesia-related data directly from anesthesia practices. This review will examine the issues guiding the evolution of NACOR as well as some potential pitfalls in its growth and usage.


2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (11) ◽  
pp. 401 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhaohui Hong ◽  
Dengfeng Fu ◽  
Wenbin Liu ◽  
Zefeng Zhou ◽  
Yue Yan ◽  
...  

Subsea pipelines are commonly employed in the offshore oil and gas industry to transport high-pressure and high-temperature (HPHT) hydrocarbons. The phenomenon of pipeline walking is a topic that has drawn a great deal of attention, and is related to the on-bottom stability of the pipeline, such as directional accumulation with respect to axial movement, which can threaten the security of the entire pipeline system. An accurate assessment of pipeline walking is therefore necessary for offshore pipeline design. This paper reports a comprehensive suite of numerical analyses investigating the performance of pipeline walking, with a focus on the effect of increasing axial soil resistance on walking rates. Three walking-driven modes (steel catenary riser (SCR) tension, downslope, and thermal transient) are considered, covering a wide range of influential parameters. The variation in walking rate with respect to the effect of increased soil friction is well reflected in the development of the effective axial force (EAF) profile. A method based on the previous analytical solution is proposed for predicting the accumulated walking rates throughout the entire service life, where the concept of equivalent soil friction is adopted.


Author(s):  
Patrick Yeung ◽  
Ryan Sporns ◽  
Stuart Clouston ◽  
Grant A. Coleman ◽  
Scott Miller ◽  
...  

Magnetic Flux Leakage inspection tools are generally calibrated on a series of manufactured defects. This has been shown to give good results on a wide range of defects in varying wall thicknesses, velocities and pipeline conditions. Significant improvements in sizing performance can be achieved if sizing algorithms can be optimized on high resolution field data with low uncertainty that more closely reflects the actual line specific corrosion dimensions and profiles. The effects of defect profile can be significant to the MFL signal response. In order to achieve this goal, very high resolution and accurate field measurement techniques are needed to map the combined profile of a significant number of corrosion defects. This paper discusses a process for developing high performance sizing algorithms that consistently better industry standards for MFL sizing performance in areas of high density or complex corrosion in both oil and gas pipelines through the incorporation of high resolution laser scan technology. Complex corrosion may be considered as an area wherein individual corrosions interact together such that they no longer behave as a single corrosion and the MFL response experiences a superposition of leakage signals. A review of the methodology will be discussed and the results demonstrated through case studies from both Enbridge Pipelines Inc. and TransCanada Pipelines Ltd. where high-resolution field data was used as the basis for sizing model optimization.


2013 ◽  
Vol 53 (1) ◽  
pp. 127
Author(s):  
Neil Wilds

Corrosion under insulation (CUI) is a serious issue in the oil and gas industry, with failures often occurring without warning and having devastating effect. When expensive redesign is not possible or practical, operators have a number of options open to them to mitigate the risk of CUI; these include the use of various protective coatings or thermally sprayed metals. Despite a number of technologies presently available, the industry is yet to establish an accepted laboratory test method for the performance benchmarking of products. This has, in the past, damaged confidence in some solutions and hampered the selection and further development of CUI coatings. As a result, the subject of accelerated laboratory testing for CUI coatings is now receiving significant attention across the industry with joint industry programs proposed in both Europe and North America. This paper will examine state-of-the-art accelerated CUI testing, evaluating the advantages and disadvantages of the existing methods available. It will then offer a detailed description of a test method that has been in use since 2004, testing more than 300 specimens and assessing a wide range of coating technologies. The reproducibility of the test program will be established by the presentation of a range of data including results obtained from a third-party test house. The third-party results will then be correlated with a seven-year case study from an end user perspective provided by Santos, a major Australian oil and gas exploration and production company, from experiences at their Port Bonython facility in SA.


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