Layer | Fill | Outline |
---|
Map layers
Theme | Visible | Selectable | Appearance | Zoom Range (now: 0) |
---|
Fill | Stroke |
---|---|
Collaborating Authors
Western Australia
ABSTRACT Due to its lower cost, the cold heavy oil production with sands (CHOPS) method is becoming more popular, not only in Canada where it originated, but also in many other countries including Venezuela, Kuwait, Russia and China. However, this method has several practical limitations. It continuously changes the geo-mechanical and petro-physical properties of the reservoir due to the sand produced, resulting in high permeability channels known as wormholes. Moreover, the method has a low oil recovery factor of 5 to 15 % and this entails further recovery techniques. Thermal methods after CHOPS are not usually favorable due to heterogeneity and reservoir instability. In addition, the CHOPS method is typically applied in thin formations in which heating by injected steam is characteristically inefficient. Solvent injection possesses similar problems caused by heterogeneity and cost. An option could be the hybrid application of steam/solvent. Assessment of this technique first requires a realistic modeling of the CHOPS application. Due to dynamic changes in reservoir properties, no valid model is yet available to accurately simulate CHOPS production. Our main focus in this paper is to investigate efficient EOR/IOR methods after CHOPS. To achieve this, we first propose a partial-dual porosity approach coupled with algorithms for wormhole generation to create a realistic static reservoir model. After generating fractal wormhole patterns of different kinds using a diffusion limited aggregation (DLA) algorithm, they were introduced into a reservoir model with extremely fine grids. It is assumed that wormhole's properties are a function of its radius and can be controlled along its length and pattern, which facilitates the history matching process. After validation of the model using data obtained from a field in Alberta, several post-CHOPS scenarios including thermal, solvent and thermal/solvent hybrid applications were simulated. The new modeling workflow, proposed and validated to model the CHOPS process with realistic wormholes representations along with a simple mathematical wormhole network growth model, are the primary contributions of this paper. Secondarily, hybrid steam/solvent applications were evaluated using this validated static model and compared with the sole application of steam and solvent.
- North America > Canada > Alberta (0.90)
- Asia (0.88)
- Geology > Petroleum Play Type > Unconventional Play > Heavy Oil Play (0.72)
- Geology > Geological Subdiscipline > Geomechanics (0.46)
- Oceania > Australia > Western Australia > Bonaparte Basin > Petrel Basin (0.89)
- Oceania > Australia > Western Australia > Ashmore Cartier Territory > Timor Sea > Bonaparte Basin > Londonderry High > Vulcan Basin > Eclipse Field (0.89)
- Oceania > Australia > Western Australia > Ashmore Cartier Territory > Timor Sea > Bonaparte Basin > Bonaparte Basin > Vulcan Basin > Eclipse Field (0.89)
- Oceania > Australia > Northern Territory > Bonaparte Basin > Petrel Basin (0.89)
Abstract Demand for natural gas is increasing more rapidly than anticipated in Far East markets because (1) China has modified its policies in order to increase reliance on gas, in part to mitigate the growth in its coal consumption (which now stand at almost half of world coal production), (2) Japan has announced its intention to eventually shutdown its nuclear power industry, and (3) India, which currently has more than 400 million people without electricity, desires to accelerate electrification. This analysis investigates the potential role of stranded gas from Central Asia, Russia, Southeast Asia, and Australia in meeting Asia's future demand for gas imports. It initially surveys the discovered or known gas in stranded gas accumulations in Central Asia, Russia, Australia, Indonesia, and Malaysia. It then examines the primary gas import markets of China, India, Japan, and South Korea by describing energy use, gas demand trends, and domestic gas supplies to establish boundaries that encompass the wide variation in gas import demands in these markets during the two decades following 2020. Then the cost of developing and delivering gas through overland pipelines from selected stranded gas fields in Central Asia and Russia to China is examined. Analysis shows that for the Shanghai market in China, the costs of developing and delivering Russia's stranded gas from the petroleum provinces of eastern Siberia are competitive with costs estimated for stranded gas from Central Asia. However, for the Western Siberian Basin, delivered gas costs are at least 3 US dollars per thousand cubic feet (USD/Mcf) higher than delivered gas from Central Asia. The extraction and transport costs to a liquefaction plant for gas from stranded gas fields located in Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the basins of eastern Siberia are then evaluated. The resource cost functions presented show development and extraction costs as a function of the volume of stranded gas developed for each country. The analysis demonstrates that, although the Russian fields in areas of eastern Siberia are large with relatively low extraction costs, distances to a potential liquefaction plant at Vladivostok make them initially the high cost suppliers of the liquefied natural gas (LNG) market. For the LNG markets examined, Australia and Malaysia are initially the lowest cost suppliers. For the Shanghai market, a comparison of the cost of supplying gas by pipeline with the cost of supplying LNG shows that the pipeline costs from areas of eastern Siberia and Central Asia are generally lower than delivered cost of gas as LNG from the LNG supply sources considered.
- Asia > China > Shanghai > Shanghai (0.45)
- Oceania > Australia > Western Australia > North West Shelf (0.28)
- Asia > Russia > Siberian Federal District > Irkutsk Oblast (0.28)
- (3 more...)
- Government > Regional Government > North America Government > United States Government (1.00)
- Government > Regional Government > Asia Government > China Government (1.00)
- Energy > Power Industry > Utilities > Nuclear (1.00)
- (2 more...)
- Oceania > Australia > Western Australia > Western Australia > Timor Sea > Browse Basin (0.99)
- Oceania > Australia > Western Australia > North West Shelf > Timor Sea > Browse Basin (0.99)
- North America > United States > Gulf of Mexico > Central GOM > East Gulf Coast Tertiary Basin > Mississippi Canyon > Block 718 > Pluto Field (0.99)
- (27 more...)
Abstract First-order, second-moment (FOSM) approximations provide an efficient way to assess submarine slope stability across large areas for which digital bathymetric data are available. This is demonstrated using 20m bin 3D seismic seafloor data for a deepwater area with typical geotechnical soil properties. Results are obtained in terms of a factor of safety mean and standard deviation for an infinite slope with pseudo-static seismic loading. From this the probability of sliding is calculated for each bin without the computational burden of Monte Carlo or other iterative methods. Because these types of probabilistic model incorporate parameter uncertainty into their input and output, they can be used to support decisions about the value of additional data collection, or justify more sophisticated analyses that may help to reduce output uncertainties. In addition to providing detailed maps of the probability of sliding, the analysis produces global statistics that allow insight into the broader response of the system to seismic shaking. 1. Introduction Evaluation of deepwater geohazards commonly entails assessment of slope stability either to understand the geologic history of a project area, or to anticipate the risk associated with future events, such as major earthquakes. This can be done qualitatively based on the presence or absence of past landslide deposits; semi-quantitatively using simple measures such as slope angle or gradient; or quantitatively using limit equilibrium slope stability analysis (e.g. Mackenzie et al., 2010). Limit equilibrium methods are widely known and attractive because they integrate the essential physics of sliding and allow evaluation of rare or unprecedented conditions (for example the effects of a large future earthquake). However, they also require specification of geotechnical variables, such as sediment shear strength, thickness and unit weight, in addition to some description of slope geometry (minimally the slope angle).
- Energy > Oil & Gas > Upstream (1.00)
- Government > Regional Government > North America Government > United States Government (0.94)
Abstract The paper will consider the implementation of the Safety Case in the oil and gas industry in Australia, and internationally, post the Macondo and Montara incidents. The National Commission Report into the Deepwater Horizon / Macondo blowout stated: In their letter to Minister Ferguson on 22 March 2011, the NOPSA Board stated: The paper will examine these criticisms and consider how the industry could improve its process safety and risk management. The implementation of a Safety Case in the USA may only occur "in the typical rule-making process that takes up to two years" (Michael Bromwich, Director of BOEMRE). Knowledge, understanding and application of key aspects of process safety management and the preparation and implementation of the Safety Case process are not uniform. The paper will suggest how, in this context, the Safety Case can be applied to achieve the improved outcomes. The paper will draw from specific findings from the Macondo and Montara incidents. In particular, and of some concern, there are echoes and parallels of the Piper Alpha disaster in the performance of emergency systems on Deepwater Horizon. Inadequate application of hazardous area classification is a key issue which the paper will discuss in order to provide greater understanding. Whilst in Australia, issues of competency, consistency and quality arise with matters such as performance standards. The paper will discuss the need for an industry accepted standard for "performance standards" that goes beyond current regulatory guidelines. Overall, the paper will seek to propose a way forward for the industry in several practical areas.
- Oceania > Australia (1.00)
- North America > United States (1.00)
- Government > Regional Government > North America Government > United States Government (1.00)
- Energy > Oil & Gas > Upstream (1.00)
- North America > United States > Gulf of Mexico > Central GOM > East Gulf Coast Tertiary Basin > Mississippi Canyon > Block 252 > Macondo Field > Macondo 252 Well (0.93)
- Oceania > Australia > Western Australia > Timor Sea > Bonaparte Basin > Vulcan Basin > PL AC/L8 > Montara Field (0.91)
- Oceania > Australia > Western Australia > Timor Sea > Bonaparte Basin > Vulcan Basin > PL AC/L7 > Montara Field (0.91)
Early Progress and Challenges in Assessing Aggregate Sound Exposure and Associated Effects on Marine Mammals
Streever, Bill (BP) | Ellison, William T. (Marine Acoustics Inc.) | Frankel, Adam S. (Marine Acoustics Inc.) | Racca, Roberto (JASCO Applied Sciences) | Angliss, Robyn (National Marine Mammal Laboratory, Alaska Fisheries Science Center) | Clark, Christopher (Cornell University) | Fleishman, Erica (University of California, Davis) | Guerra, Melania (Cornell University) | Leu, Matthias (The College of William and Mary) | Oliveira, Shirley (BP) | Sformo, Todd (North Slope Borough Department of Wildlife) | Southall, Brandon (Sea-Inc.) | Suydam, Robert (North Slope Borough Department of Wildlife)
Abstract Most assessments of multiple, interacting, and/or repeated anthropogenic underwater sounds (sometimes considered to be an aspect of cumulative effects assessment) rely on narrative descriptions rather than systematic evaluations. In 2010, recognizing the need to better understand the potential effects of multiple sound sources (such as vessels, drilling rigs, pile drivers and seismic operations), British Petroleum (BP) sponsored the University of California to convene an expert committee tasked with advancing a method of systematic evaluation. The method developed by the committee (1) identifies the species, region, and period to be assessed, (2) compiles data on relevant sound sources for that region and period, (3) models the acoustic footprint of those sources, (4) models the movement of simulated marine mammals (animats) through the acoustic footprint, and (5) aggregates data on sound exposure and movements for each of the simulated animals. The method was applied to a test case or trial loosely based on data from the Alaskan Beaufort Sea during a period of seismic exploration and other activities. Substantial additional work is needed to better define output metrics related to degradation of acoustic habitat and to understand the potential effects of multiple sound sources on individuals and populations. Nevertheless, the method provides a starting point that will lead to improved understanding of the implications of multiple underwater sound sources associated with industrial activities.
- Energy > Oil & Gas > Upstream (1.00)
- Government > Regional Government > North America Government > United States Government (0.68)
- North America > Canada > British Columbia > North Pacific Ocean > Queen Charlotte Basin (0.99)
- Oceania > Australia > Western Australia > North West Shelf > Carnarvon Basin > Exmouth Basin > Pyrenees Development > Block WA-42-L > Harrison Field (0.95)
- Oceania > Australia > Western Australia > North West Shelf > Carnarvon Basin > Exmouth Basin > Pyrenees Development > Block WA-12-R > Harrison Field (0.95)
Abstract We present results of monitoring studies on emergent coral reefs and submerged shoals, two potentially sensitive seabed habitats found within range of the modeled hydrocarbon plume from the 2009 Montara uncontrolled release in the Timor Sea. Divers conducted reef surveys 6 and 16 months after the release was stopped. Hydrocarbons were detected in surface carbonate sediments at very low levels and declined between the two surveys in both frequency of occurrence and concentration. While hydrocarbon degradation precluded source matching, some samples were consistent with a Montara type oil, but there was also evidence for multiple sources of hydrocarbons in the region. Coral and fish communities were in good condition and potential indicators of disturbance in some elements, for example moderate levels of coral bleaching observed in 2010, were related to unusually warm sea surface temperatures rather than distance from the well head platform or plume. The submerged shoals component targeted a series of nine discrete shoals ~30–150 km from Montara well head platform. The shoals have abrupt bathymetric profiles rising from 100–200 m depths to within 15–36 m of the sea surface. Sufficient light reaches these plateau environments to support benthic habitats for primary producers, including algae, corals and seagrass. Sampling used remotely deployed cameras and grabs.Benthic and fish communities were diverse and shared many species with shallow coral reefs. Hydrocarbon contamination was measured around the base of the shoals. While there was no conclusive evidence of a impact from the spill, spatial patterns in a subset of the fish data showed a reduction in abundance and diversity at shoals closest to the well head. Similarly a marked reduction in seagrass was noted on one shoal closest to the well head platform in the period between surveys, 6–16 months after the release was stopped. These observations may reflect an influence from the hydrocarbon release but could equally be the result of natural spatial patterns and disturbance events in the region. Overall, the lack of sufficient prior data characterizing the region, especially for the shoals, constrained insights into any effect or otherwise of the spill and reinforces the need for regional scale baseline data. These surveys make a significant contribution and an excellent starting point for baseline characterization of the broader suite of emergent reefs and submerged shoal habitats in the Browse Basin.
- North America > United States (1.00)
- Oceania > Australia > Western Australia > North West Shelf (0.48)
- Oceania > Australia > Western Australia > Timor Sea (0.35)
- Research Report > New Finding (0.68)
- Overview (0.66)
- Research Report > Experimental Study (0.46)
- Oceania > Australia > Western Australia > Western Australia > Timor Sea > Browse Basin (0.99)
- Oceania > Australia > Western Australia > North West Shelf > Timor Sea > Browse Basin (0.99)
- Oceania > Australia > Western Australia > North West Shelf > Browse Basin > Montara Formation (0.98)
Copyright 2012, SPE/APPEA International Conference on Health, Safety, and Environment in Oil and Gas Exploration and Production This paper was prepared for presentation at the SPE/APPEA International Conference on Health, Safety, and Environment in Oil and Gas Exploration and Production held in Perth, Australia, 11-13 September 2012. This paper was selected for presentation by an SPE/APPEA program committee following review of information contained in an abstract submitted by the author(s). Contents of the paper have not been reviewed by the Society of Petroleum Engineers or the Australian Petroleum Production & Exploration Association Limited and are subject to correction by the author(s). The material does not necessarily reflect any position of the Society of Petroleum Engineers or the Australian Petroleum Production & Exploration Association Limited, its officers, or members. Electronic reproduction, distribution, or storage of any part of this paper without the written consent of the Society of Petroleum Engineers or the Australian Petroleum Production & Exploration Association Limited is prohibited. Permission to reproduce in print is restricted to an abstract of not more than 300 words; illustrations may not be copied. The abstract must contain conspicuous acknowledgment of SPE copyright. Abstract As part of the Devil Creek Development Project, Apache successfully used horizontal directional drilling (HDD) with a delayed break out as the installation method for the shoreline crossing of a new gas pipeline at Gnoorea Point, 45 km southwest of Dampier, Western Australia to achieve excellent environmental and social outcomes. Technical, environmental and community engagement challenges included an HDD reach distance of 1.85 km, a delayed break out technique, hard complex and variable geological strata, the HDD exit point in shallow water (6 m) and surrounded by benthic habitats consisting of corals, seagrass and macroalgae within a Marine Conservation Reserve, stringent regulatory requirements and the onshore drilling location directly adjacent to a heavily used camping area and a public boat ramp with adjacent beach.
- Oceania > Australia > Western Australia > North West Shelf > Carnarvon Basin > Dampier Basin > Block WA-209-P > Reindeer Field (0.99)
- Oceania > Australia > Western Australia > North West Shelf > Carnarvon Basin > Dampier Basin > Rankin Platform > North West Shelf > Eaglehawk Field > Mungaroo Formation (0.93)
- Oceania > Australia > Western Australia > North West Shelf > Carnarvon Basin > Carnarvon Basin > Rankin Platform > North West Shelf > Eaglehawk Field > Mungaroo Formation (0.93)
- (4 more...)
Abstract Technology is now available for real-time Industrial Hygiene monitoring of activities in locations such as offshore facilities, with viewing of the data remotely. The use of this technology can result in a more dynamic approach to hazard control, where the data being collected can be interpreted and control barriers altered in line with the results of monitoring. The data review can take place onshore by Industrial Hygiene specialists without the need to fly offshore. Encrypted data is transmitted via the internet for viewing onshore. No work on this application of real-time monitoring has been published previously. This innovative technology is being trailed by Shell in Australia in what is believed to be a world first. Real-time personal monitoring equipment is available for monitoring of compounds such as VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds), benzene, heat stress, radiation and dust. The application of this type of monitoring is extremely useful in a dynamic environment such as offshore exploration drilling or during commissioning of new offshore facilities. In these environments there is limited opportunity for specialist resources such as Industrial Hygienists to be present offshore as operationally, manning levels are at their maximum during these periods. The use of real-time monitoring with remote review by Industrial Hygiene specialist makes it possible to monitor unique, uncommon, or unplanned maintenance tasks that would otherwise be very difficult to capture. This paper will provide results and conclusions from the trial of this technology during the refit of an LNG Tanker in Singapore and will describe how this technology may be implemented in remote facilities such as Shell's Prelude FLNG facility. The paper will also discuss likely advances in this technology over the next few years.
- Energy > Oil & Gas > Upstream (1.00)
- Materials > Chemicals > Commodity Chemicals > Petrochemicals (0.89)
- Oceania > Australia > Western Australia > Western Australia > Timor Sea > Browse Basin (0.99)
- Oceania > Australia > Western Australia > North West Shelf > Timor Sea > Browse Basin (0.99)
Abstract In a world where perception is reality it is crucial for oil & gas companies to maintain transparent and constructive relationships with their stakeholders. To ensure business continuity companies must build strategies that are centered on respect, listening, dialogue and stakeholder involvement. This has come to be known as establishing a "social license to operate." With this in mind, and with the help of the Altermondo consultancy, Total developed the SRM+ tool in 2006. This is a methodology by which an entity (a project group, a subsidiary) compares its internal vision of the societal context in which it operates with the perception of its external stakeholders and builds action plans aimed at bridging the gaps between them. In 2011 the Ichthys LNG Project in Australia, a Joint Venture between INPEX (operator) and Total, applied the SRM+ tool. A total of 35 external stakeholder groups were interviewed, from the Northern Territory, Western Australia and the Australian Capital Territory. Although most stakeholders stated they were very satisfied with the quality of their relationship with INPEX and the Ichthys Project, several valuable suggestions were made on how to improve the dialogue and strengthen relationships. The SRM+ process provided valuable insights that are difficult to glean from routine interaction with stakeholders. It also gave confidence to the Project managers that they understand the issues, concerns and expectations of key stakeholders and that external risks are being appropriately managed. Following the SRM+ engagement, several Project managers made adjustments to their strategies. Possibly the most important outcome of SRM+ was that it has created the foundation for the Ichthys Project's long-term approach to stakeholder engagement. Going forward, INPEX plans to build on the SRM+ process by developing and deploying a stakeholder relationship management software package for the Ichthys Project that will enable the organization to identify, manage and respond to issues of importance to its stakeholders. Doing so will ensure that the Ichthys Project is able to maintain its social license to operate.
- Questionnaire & Opinion Survey (0.88)
- Public Relations > Community Relations (0.65)
- Oceania > Australia > Western Australia > Western Australia > Timor Sea > Browse Basin (0.99)
- Oceania > Australia > Western Australia > North West Shelf > Timor Sea > Browse Basin (0.99)
- Oceania > Australia > Western Australia > North West Shelf > Browse Basin > Caswell Basin > Ichthys Field (0.99)
- Oceania > Australia > Western Australia > North West Shelf > Browse Basin > Browse LNG Project (0.99)
- Management > Strategic Planning and Management > Project management (1.00)
- Health, Safety, Environment & Sustainability > Sustainability/Social Responsibility > Social responsibility and development (1.00)
- Facilities Design, Construction and Operation > Natural Gas Conversion and Storage > Liquified natural gas (LNG) (1.00)
Abstract In late 2011 the Queensland State Government of Australia declared the Cooper Creek Basin in South West Queensland to be a Wild River Area under the Wild River Act 2005. The Wild River Area covers a significant proportion of Santos’ current tenements and future development interests in the area. The Wild Rivers Declaration is a highly prescriptive regulatory regime that sets out significant restrictions which would detrimentally impact on existing operations and future oil and gas development opportunities, including emerging coal seam and shale gas prospects in the proposed declaration area. It includes general prohibitions on certain activities across extensive areas of channel country and the imposition of setbacks for activities in proximity to watercourses. The issue first arose in late 2010 when the Queensland Government indicated its intent to declare the Cooper Creek Basin as a Wild River through its issue of a Declaration Proposal. During the 12 month consultation period that followed, Santos engaged with the Queensland Government regulators and Ministers to assist the Government to make a Wild Rivers Declaration that achieves a balance between protecting the natural values of the Cooper Creek and allowing the continuation of the sustainable development of the petroleum resources within the Cooper and Eromanga Basins. The paper will provide insight into Santos’ experience in taking a lead role in responding to the significant new legislative regime proposed by Government. Key insights include the need for industry tobe proactive and take a role in educating the Government on the industry's operations andthe changes required to ensure compliance with the new regulatory requirements. It will also discuss broadlythe challenges associated with the changing regulatory environment including the role that politics can play and observes that we should continue to expect a ‘Wild’ ride whenparticipating in thelegislative developmentprocess. The significance of the Declaration is that the restrictions for petroleum activities imposed in the Cooper Creek Basin Wild Rivers Declaration may be imposed upon all Wild Rivers areas in Queensland. In addition, other Australian state governments are watching the implementation of Wild Rivers’ legislation in Queensland and are considering the need for similar regulatory regimes in their jurisdictions.
- Energy > Oil & Gas > Upstream (1.00)
- Government > Regional Government > Oceania Government > Australia Government > Queensland Government (0.55)
- Oceania > Australia > Western Australia > Great Australian Bight > Bight Basin > Eyre Basin (0.99)
- Oceania > Australia > South Australia > Cooper Eromanga Basin (0.98)
- Oceania > Australia > Queensland > Cooper Eromanga Basin (0.98)
- (31 more...)