No description available.

Accurate knowledge of the physical properties of complex chemical systems is of extreme importance for the design and optimization of industrial processes. The unprecedented increase of computing power in the last couple of decades, the development of efficient algorithms and methods, and advances in molecular force fields have made molecular simulation a powerful tool in predicting such properties very accurately, and often with very limited experimental information involved. Related to this, molecular simulation can be used for the design of new materials with improved, often tailor-made, properties compared to existing materials. In this lecture, a few representative examples from recent work related to the oil & gas industry will be discussed.

This thesis investigates the feasibility of converting spent oil and gas wells for use in geothermal power generation. A novel approach to heat exchange with the ground was proposed whereby two directionally drilled (L-shaped) wells are connected to create a continuous loop. A Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) model was developed that simulates flow through the connected wells and the associated heat exchange with the ground. The model consisted of a coupled fluid-solid domain; 1D fluid flow was explicitly coupled to the 2D cylindrical solid domain using a convection boundary condition. Temperatures in the solid domain were resolved using an Alternating Direction Implicit (ADI) solver, which suited the largely unidirectional nature of the heat transfer problem. Fluid temperatures were solved for using a Tri-Diagonal Matrix Algorithm (TDMA). The results from a series of simulations demonstrated that geothermal power generation from abandoned wells is feasible under certain conditions. The findings of this research show that the correct selection of a well, considering geothermal gradient, well diameter, and ambient temperatures (impacting the inlet temperature), will significantly influence the level of power production. Further, the simulations show that it is necessary to optimize the flow rate for the given well conditions. The research indicates that the addition of insulation to a portion of the system can lead to modest improvements in power when the system is operated continuously. In contrast, it was found that insulation was necessary for the viability of intermittent use, which would allow the system to meet the demand for peak power generation. The simulations demonstrated that the proposed system could produce approximately 200 kW to 300 kW of electricity. / Thesis / Master of Applied Science (MASc)

The oil and gas industry, aerospace, and automotive industries are constantly pushing technology beyond their current operational boundaries, spurring the need for extreme environment electronics. The oil and gas industry, in particular, is the oldest and largest market for high-temperature electronics, where the operating environment can extend up to 260 degrees Celsius. The electronics currently employed in this field are only rated to 200 degrees Celsius, but with the rise of wideband gap technologies, this could be extended to 250 degrees Celsius or more without the needed for active or passive cooling. This reduces the complexity, weight, and cost of the system while improving reliability. In addition, current downhole telemetry data rates are insufficient for supporting more sophisticated and higher resolution well-logging sensors. Increasing the data rates can also save the industry significant amount of time by decreasing the amount of well-logging excersions and by increasing the logging speed. Previous work done by this research group saw the prototyping of a high bit rate transceiver operating at 230 MHz - 300 MHz and 230 degrees Celsius; however, at these frequencies, the system could not meet size requirements. Thus, a new high-temperature high data rate transceiver design using the 2.4 GHz - 2.5 GHz ISM band is proposed to miniaturize the design and to allow for IC implementation. The transceiver was designed to meet the minimum specifications necessary to give designers flexibility between power consumption and performance. The performance of the design is simulated using AWR design environment software, which shows the system can support a downlink data rate up to 68 Mbps and an uplink data rate up to 170 Mbps across 10 channels. The effects temperature has on the system performance is also evaluated in the simulation. / Master of Science / The oil and gas industry is currently the largest and oldest market for high-temperature electronics. One of the major applications within this industry for high-temperature electronics is known as well-logging, during which a suite of sensors and systems is lowered into a well to survey the health and geology of the well. Among these sensors and systems, the communication system is one of the most crucial components as it relays real-time data back to the surface during the well-logging operation. Current high-temperature communication systems are capable of operating up to 200 ℃, meeting the operating requirements of current wells. As these wells deplete, however, new wells must be explored, and higher operating temperatures are expected. In addition, the communication systems currently employed fail to meet increasing data rate demands due to the growing complexity of the sensors. Recent developments in semiconductor technologies have given rise to devices, which can increase the operating temperature of electronics up to 250 ℃ while meeting demands for high data rate communication systems. Previous work has leveraged these devices to prototype such a system; however, the proof-of-concept failed to meet size and weight restrictions of practical systems. Therefore, a new system design for a high-temperature high data rate communication system is proposed. The system operates at 2.4 – 2.5 GHz to miniaturize the circuits and make chip implementation possible. The impacts of temperature on the system are investigated and the system performance is simulated within its intended operating temperature range. Developments from this research can be extended to the automotive and aerospace industries, where demand for high-temperature electronics is growing.

The oil and natural gas industry worldwide has become one of the most important commodities due to its value in use and dependency in our modern lifestyle. Countries with rich oil and natural gas reserves has shown to exploit these resources to the country's economic benefit. South Africa has in the past not been part of the big oil and natural gas producing countries of the world. But recent discoveries of possible shale gas reserves in the Karoo Basin attracted interest by foreign oil and gas companies with the potential that South Africa has as an oil and natural gas producing country. The purpose of this study is to compare the South African income tax law and regulations with that of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea, which arguable can be seen as one of the world's big oil and natural gas producing countries. The study firstly develops an understanding of each of the two countries' oil and natural gas industries and thereafter compares the two countries income tax laws, the income tax system and collection method of the income tax revenues. The study then concludes on the status of the South African income tax regime in comparison to the Republic of Equatorial Guinea's income tax regime. The introduction of the Tenth Schedule to the South African Income Tax Act (58/1962) has brought the income tax laws in South Africa in line with international practice. Consideration should be given to broadening the income tax revenue collection methods in order to broaden the tax base for South Africa. AFRIKAANS : Die olie en natuurlike gas industrie wêreldwyd het een van die mees belangrike kommoditeite geword as gevolg van die waarde en afhanklikheid wat dit het vir ons moderne leefstyl. Lande met ryk olie en natuurlike gas reserwes het bewys dat die gebruik daarvan tot voordeel van 'n land se ekonomiese groei kan lei. Suid-Afrika het in die verlede nie as een van die wêreld se reuse in olie en natuurlike gas produksie getel nie. Maar met die onlangse ontdekking van moontlike skalie gas reserwes in die Karoo Kom het belangstelling van buitelandse olie en gas maatskappye gelok in die potensiaal wat Suid-Afrika het om 'n olie en natuurlike gas produserende land te wees. Die doel van die studie is om 'n vergelyking te tref tussen Suid-Afrika se inkomste belasting wette en regulasies met die van die Republiek van Equatoriaal Guinea, wat gesien kan word as een van die reuse van die wêreld as dit kom by olie en natuurlike gas produserende lande. Die studie skets eerstens 'n agtergrond van die twee lande se olie en natuurlike gas industrieë en daarna vergelyk die studie die twee lande se inkomste belasting wette, die inkomste belasting stelsels en invorderings metodes van die inkomste belasting. Die studie kom dan tot 'n gevolgtrekking oor die status van die Suid-Afrikaanse inkomste belasting omgewing teenoor die Republiek van Equatoriaal Guinea se inkomste belasting omgewing. Die bekendstelling van die Tiende Skedule tot die Inkomste Belasting Wet (58/1962) het die Suid-Afrikaanse inkomste belasting wet in lyn gebring met internasionale inkomste belasinvorderings metodes van die inkomste belasting te verbreed om sodoende die belastingbasis te vergroot.ting wette. Oorweging moet geskenk word aan die invorderings metodes van die inkomste belasting te verbreed om sodoende die belastingbasis te vergroot. / Dissertation (MCom)--University of Pretoria, 2012. / Taxation / unrestricted

[pt] Transição energética é um fenômeno global que vem sendo acelerado pela necessidade de combate à mudança climática, com fortes condicionantes locais. No centro deste processo estão as empresas de petróleo e gás, que precisam definir como contribuirão no redesenho do setor energético. O Brasil possui uma matriz energética das mais limpas e um grande potencial para desenvolver novos modelos de negócio com base nas energias renováveis, especialmente biocombustíveis, solar e eólica. Por outro lado, o Pré-sal tem o potencial de transformar o Brasil numa província exportadora de Petróleo, que está em pleno crescimento, além de possuir uma demanda interna reprimida, para desenvolver um novo mercado local de gás. Neste contexto, este estudo teve como objetivo identificar quais estratégias e os modelos de negócio que estão sendo adotados pelas empresas de Petróleo e Gás, no contexto da Transição Energética, no Brasil. Para alcançar esse objetivo, utilizou-se uma abordagem qualitativa, através da análise de publicações setoriais e de relatórios empresariais, bem como de entrevistas com especialistas e gestores das empresas do setor. Esta abordagem permitiu identificar quatro tipos de estratégias e cinco modelos de negócios que estão sendo adotados localmente. O estudo permite ampliar a visão dos resultados e do valor que vem sendo alcançado pelos novos modelos de negócios com base nas energias renováveis, contrariando o senso comum de que eles são sempre deficitários. O estudo conclui evidenciando que os negócios em energias renováveis já são uma realidade, e que a transição energética local, pode se beneficiar da sinergia entre a indústria de petróleo e gás e a diversificação para as energias renováveis, sendo necessário para isso, um maior planejamento integrado entre os diversos setores envolvidos. / [en] Energy transition is a global phenomenon that has been accelerated by the need to combat climate change, with strong local conditions. At the center of this process are oil and gas companies, which need to define how they will contribute to the redesign of the energy sector. Brazil has one of the cleanest energy matrices and a great potential to develop new business models based on renewable energies, especially biofuels, solar and wind. On the other hand, the pre-salt has the potential to transform Brazil into an oil exporting province, which is in full growth, in addition to having a repressed domestic demand, to develop a new local gas market. In this context, this study aimed to identify which strategies and business models are being adopted by the Oil and Gas companies, in the context of the Energy Transition, in Brazil. To achieve this objective, a qualitative approach was used, through the analysis of sectorial publications and business reports, as well as interviews with specialists and managers of companies in the sector. This approach allowed us to identify four types of strategies and five business models that are being adopted locally. The study allows to broaden of the results vision and the value that has been achieved by the new business models based on renewable energies, contradicting the common sense that they are always in deficit. The study concludes by showing that the renewable energy business is already a reality, and that the local energy transition can benefit from the synergy between the oil and gas industry and the diversification towards renewable energies, being necessary for this, a greater integrated planning between the various sectors involved.

Sustainability is one of the most important performance measurements in this fast changing business environment, as climate change and customer satisfaction is becoming real issues that managers have to face. Not only does it reflect the impact the company has on the economy, environment and society but also communicates corporate responsibility and smart business practices to the relevant shareholders. The Johannesburg Stock Exchange Limited (JSE) is the first global stock exchange to compel listed companies to integrate sustainability reporting with their annual report in the form of an integrated report. This requirement came into effect on 1 March 2010. It will enable managers to assess their organisation’s ability to create and uphold sustainability over the short, medium and long terms. It also allows managers and stakeholders to evaluate their business from a holistic perspective to report on a wider context of how it creates value for their shareholders and customers. The GRI identified the global challenges regarding sustainability reporting and launched their first Sustainability Reporting Framework in 2000 to clearly and openly report on relevant sustainability issues. The GRI also provide Sector Supplements that focuses on sector specific performance measurements. The balanced scorecard which celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2012, has been proven to be one of the most influential business management strategies of the last 20 years. Adjustments can be made to the traditional BSC by using an effective social responsibility framework, such as the GRI, to provide a sustainable balanced scorecard. It will express long-term organisational strategies, both financial and non-financial that is linked to sustainability. The oil and gas industry is a multifaceted, global industry and a key player in the South African economy, which has a fundamental impact on safety, health, environmental and social issues. The research was performed based on all the JSE listed companies in this industry based on an observational, ex post facto and descriptive research methodology. The integrated reports for both 2011 and 2012 were obtained and compared against the G3.1 Oil and Gas Sector Supplement indicators. It was found that selected oil and gas companies include sustainability issues in their integrated reports with a focus on social aspects. The contribution of the study was the development of a Sustainable Balanced Scorecard for the oil and gas industry. / MCom (Management Accountancy), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

Sustainability is one of the most important performance measurements in this fast changing business environment, as climate change and customer satisfaction is becoming real issues that managers have to face. Not only does it reflect the impact the company has on the economy, environment and society but also communicates corporate responsibility and smart business practices to the relevant shareholders. The Johannesburg Stock Exchange Limited (JSE) is the first global stock exchange to compel listed companies to integrate sustainability reporting with their annual report in the form of an integrated report. This requirement came into effect on 1 March 2010. It will enable managers to assess their organisation’s ability to create and uphold sustainability over the short, medium and long terms. It also allows managers and stakeholders to evaluate their business from a holistic perspective to report on a wider context of how it creates value for their shareholders and customers. The GRI identified the global challenges regarding sustainability reporting and launched their first Sustainability Reporting Framework in 2000 to clearly and openly report on relevant sustainability issues. The GRI also provide Sector Supplements that focuses on sector specific performance measurements. The balanced scorecard which celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2012, has been proven to be one of the most influential business management strategies of the last 20 years. Adjustments can be made to the traditional BSC by using an effective social responsibility framework, such as the GRI, to provide a sustainable balanced scorecard. It will express long-term organisational strategies, both financial and non-financial that is linked to sustainability. The oil and gas industry is a multifaceted, global industry and a key player in the South African economy, which has a fundamental impact on safety, health, environmental and social issues. The research was performed based on all the JSE listed companies in this industry based on an observational, ex post facto and descriptive research methodology. The integrated reports for both 2011 and 2012 were obtained and compared against the G3.1 Oil and Gas Sector Supplement indicators. It was found that selected oil and gas companies include sustainability issues in their integrated reports with a focus on social aspects. The contribution of the study was the development of a Sustainable Balanced Scorecard for the oil and gas industry. / MCom (Management Accountancy), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

South Korea established a non-competitive natural gas market in order to have a stable and economical supply of natural gas. The allegation has been raised about the inefficiency of this non-competitive market structure, but reform attempts have failed because of protests. Proponents of this incumbent system argue that gas needs to be supplied by the public sector in a monopolized structure so as to have a stable supply of this essential good, natural gas, and to prevent market failures like exorbitant gas prices and a deficit in supply due to a natural monopoly. They also argue that the unified gas purchase endows purchasing power. However, the gas industry does not exactly meet the categorical characteristics of an essential good or a natural monopoly and the concept of purchasing power is hardly accepted. Moreover, according to agent theory and property theory, the current market and firms are likely to be inefficient; several events are proving this inefficiency to be true. However, people remain unsure about the necessity of gas market reform. Ironically, South Korea has a different policy and market approach to the oil market despite the similarity of these two fuels. The oil market in South Korea constitutes an effective competitive market via a liberalized market, and is supplying the fuel stably and economically, contrary to people’s expectations. This thesis contrasts different approaches in South Korea toward similar hydrocarbon fuels, oil and gas. The competitiveness of the oil market is examined through statistics, Lerner index, analyzing of the profit trend in the market, and price comparison by countries. Results support the validity of South Korean gas market reform if the oil market is effectively competitive through liberalization. / text

The process of communicating notions of sustainable development in rural grassroots communities in the oil-rich region of southern Nigeria, West Africa, is complex and remains an on-going challenge. The material consequences of ineffective communication between community leaders and their constituencies are evident in the Nigerian communities examined in this dissertation, where poverty is pervasive and where a large majority of the population can neither read nor write in English. Popular performances, specifically theatre, are an essential medium of communication and information dissemination on community development projects in these communities. Theatre for Development (TFD), as these form of popular performances are called, was first introduced to the country in 1975. Its methodology is an adaptation of the techniques of Theatre of the Oppressed created by theatre scholar Augusto Boal. The method is aimed specifically at effecting dialogue, encouraging critical thinking, and motivating the desire for community development and social change. A number of challenges, however, limit the effectiveness of this method in achieving these goals. They include funding constraints, which restrict the amount of time TFD participants spend working in any community and limit follow-up visits to sustain integral dialogues begun during a post-performance discussion. In essence, funding restrictions limit the possibility of achieving sustainable community development. To address this key challenge of time constraints and to facilitate sustained development dialogue between community stakeholders, this dissertation examines the use of indigenous performance practices staged by local performers in rural grassroots communities. By creating and staging a TFD performance using structural elements of oriki, an indigenous performance practice in the region, I address a core research question: How do structures and contents of indigenous performance practices create forums for sustained dialogue and collective consciousness awakening? The answer to this question lays the foundation for sustainable development projects in Nigeria and offers a practical way to improve the effectiveness of TFD as a medium of information dissemination, a tool to facilitate sustained dialogue, and a community development approach in rural grassroots communities in the country. / text