Features
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Training of Project Managers Gains Traction
Anecdotal evidence from operating and service companies, contractors, and consulting engineering firms confirms a not-so-hidden
secret: The oil and gas industry’s performance in executing megaprojects is dismal in terms of cost overruns and schedule slippage. Putting aside significant bottom line considerations, the industry’s growing complexity in projects, shortage of skilled people, and the expected crew change in the next decade signal the need for new approaches in improving the capabilities of project management. An operating company has introduced a support group dedicated to project management and developed a program based on online resources, social networking, mentoring, and coaching.
Quantifying Separation Performance in Gas/Liquid Separations
Many two-phase and three-phase separators in the oil and gas industry continue to underperform. Sometimes, the wrong type of equipment was selected, or the correct type of equipment was selected, but the sizing methodology was inadequate. This article explores the weaknesses in different sizing methodologies and proposes manageable approaches to quantifying each. The intent is to develop a more consistent approach to separator sizing and reduce the level of empiricism typically employed in the past.
Peer-Reviewed Papers
Jim Collins
ConocoPhillips
Peer Review Editor
Optimal Design and Operation of Egyptian Gas-Transmission Pipelines
T.M. Elshiekh, S.A. Khalil, and H.A. El Mawgoud
Describes an optimization method for long-distance gas-transmission pipelines. The investment costs and operation expenses of pipeline networks are so large that even small improvements in design and operation conditions can lead to substantial savings in capital and operating cost.
Treating and Releasing Produced Water at theUltradeepwater Seabed
N. Prescott, T.P. Daigle, S.N. Hantz, B. Phillips, R. Janjua, and J. Zhang
Describes a potential solution to handle produced water from subsea wells. Water in the production stream causes problems, including increased hydrostatic pressure, hydrates, and hydraulic pressure drop. Existing technology is evolving to meet the challenges to automate water separation and purification in deep water to ensure environmentally safe discharge at the seabed. Environmental protection is a priority, and the translation of the existing statutory regulations along with the flexibility to match the system to the reservoir’s needs is a major undertaking.
Experimental Study on Wax-Deposition Characteristics of a Waxy Crude Oil Under Single-Phase Turbulent-Flow Conditions
P. Dwivedi, C. Sarica, and W. Shang
Summarizes the driving forces in paraffin deposition using experimental data and observed trends. In addition to the continuous increase in deposit thickness with time, the experiments indicated both shear stress and Reynolds number to be correlating parameters for a decrease in deposit thickness. However, additional experimentation is needed to develop reliable predictive tools to capture all of the paraffin-deposition characteristics. We will hopefully see more papers on this topic.
Novel Leak Detection Method for Sulfur Recovery Unit Condensers
T. Cheung, M. Scheck, and A. Goodmurphy
concerns a topic found frequently in operations: a leaking heat exchanger that is causing fluid contamination. Leak indicators, such as a loss of sulfur flow in the rundown and a frothy sulfur appearance, were observed. This paper describes a novel method to verify leaks within a sulfur-recovery unit condenser. The method provided an economical and operationally easy method for detection of the leak.
