Hydrogen embrittlement is a mechanism by which hydrogen enters a metal, causing a loss in strength and ductility. This phenomenon is of great concern to the oil and gas industry as deep-sea wells operate in high temperature, highly acidic and high stress conditions. Nickel-based superalloys are ideal for use in such environments due to their high strength and exceptional resistance to both corrosion and hydrogen embrittlement. Alloy 945X is a newly developed nickel-based superalloy that has been specifically designed for use in downhole applications. This thesis compares the performance of hydrogenated Alloy 945X with the more established oil and gas grade Alloy 718. The hydrogenating environment of an oil well was simulated via cathodic polarisation. The effect of hydrogen content on the tensile performance of both alloys was studied, alongside fracture and microstructural analysis. A new video-recording technique was employed to investigate the crack initiation and propagation behaviour of both alloys, alongside in-SEM tensile testing. The diffusive nature of hydrogen in Alloy 945X and Alloy 718 was explored. With the use of a ppm-sensitive hydrogen analyser, it was possible to measure the rate at which hydrogen enters and outgassed from both materials as well as the saturation conentrations. Outgassing behaviour was also examined using X-ray diffraction and nano-indentation. The depth of brittle fracture in cathodically charged tensile specimens was correlated with Fick’s diffusion calculations and the critical concentration for embrittlement calculated. In a similar method, a parameter (based on diffusion coefficient calculations) that describes the rate of embrittlement in a material was proposed.

A utilização de fontes renováveis em plataformas de produção de petróleo e gás natural atualmente é baseada em aplicações experimentais e esparsas. Contudo, a aplicação dessas fontes de forma estruturada permite aumentar a confiabilidade de sistemas críticos e diminuir a emissão de poluentes. Com foco nos projetos para desenvolvimento de produção dos campos petrolíferos do pré-sal no Brasil, esse trabalho apresenta uma proposta de metodologia para avaliação de utilização de fontes renováveis de energia elétrica em plataformas marítimas de produção de petróleo e gás natural. Para isso, foi desenvolvido um fluxograma de projeto e uma metodologia multicritério. O fluxograma de projeto determina as etapas e atividades requeridas para uma adequada aplicação da metodologia de avaliação. Enquanto a metodologia multicritério busca captar os valores e percepções de projetistas, operadores e mantenedores a respeito de características dos dispositivos conversores de energia renovável. A metodologia proposta é aplicada em um caso de plataforma tipo fixa e em outro caso de plataforma tipo FPSO. Esse segundo caso representa características físicas das embarcações utilizadas para desenvolvimento da produção na camada pré-sal, assim como as características ambientais e geográficas de locação. Os resultados permitem comparar as potencialidades de captação de energia renovável, assim como permitem identificar as tecnologias com estado da arte mais adequado para essa aplicação específica. Outras conclusões são apresentadas, como a estimativa de emissão de CO2 evitada e as tecnologias verdes com atratividade para desenvolvimento no âmbito nacional. / Nowadays renewable sources applications at offshore petroleum and natural gas production platform are based at experimental and particular cases. However, a structured design system can increase critical systems reliability and decrease pollutant emissions. Focuses at new developing production projects at Brazilian presalt petroleum fields, this work suggest a new methodology to valuate renewable source applications and solutions at offshore petroleum and natural gas production platform. Based at this purpose, a design project workflow and a multicriteria methodology were developed. Technical activities required to a suitable valuation and sequential steps are detailed at project workflow. The multicriteria methodology simulates values and feelings of designers, operators and technical maintenance about renewable source converters appliances features. This proposed methodology is applied at two specific cases, a fixed platform and FPSO platform. The second one represents physical characteristics of pre-salt production units as well environmental and geographic features of site location. The comparison of results indicates potential renewable energy flows to be harvested and the technologies of renewable sources with high attractiveness for this offshore application. Other conclusions are showed, as quantification of avoided carbonic gas emitted and green technologies that should be produced in Brazil.

O objetivo da tese é analisar as diferentes formas de Política Industrial (PI) na Noruega e no Brasil para desenvolver a cadeia produtiva de Petróleo e Gás (P&G), com ênfase em identificar lições e contribuições da experiência norueguesa. A corrente de pensamento de PI evolucionária foi a base teórica da análise. Três ensaios constituem o trabalho, de forma a cumprir o objetivo proposto, sendo os dois primeiros em inglês e o terceiro em português. O primeiro ensaio faz a revisão teórica de políticas industriais, definindo o seu conceito, caracterizando a perspectiva histórica de suas teorias, além de discutir outros aspectos relevantes relacionados ao tema, como, por exemplo: a sua relação com políticas macroeconômicas; a sua estabilidade e previsibilidade; a coordenação das políticas; políticas horizontais e verticais; tipos de instrumentos; mensuração de resultados; o atrelamento de benefícios a progressos em competitividade/metas; e a sua duração. O artigo também discute as principais abordagens nos dias atuais sobre políticas industriais (ortodoxa e evolucionária). Assim, identifica que políticas industriais historicamente foram implementadas em processos de desenvolvimento industrial, e que ainda existe espaço para continuar sendo praticada, a despeito da criação da Organização Mundial do Comércio (OMC) e suas consequências. O segundo ensaio analisa o bem-sucedido desenvolvimento da cadeia produtiva do setor de P&G na Noruega, promovendo mudanças estruturais na sua economia. A Noruega se destacou no desenvolvimento do setor de P&G por conseguir, em pouco mais de 20 anos de políticas implementadas (1972-1994): fortalecer o seu desenvolvimento socioeconômico; evitar a desindustrialização decorrente da doença holandesa; desenvolver empresas de petróleo locais (estatal e privadas); desenvolver a cadeia produtiva do setor de P&G ampla e competitiva internacionalmente, incluindo a formação de clusters relacionados ao setor; e, por fim, se tornar uma referência em inovação no setor de P&G. O ensaio também identificou quais foram as principais ações implementadas na Noruega para desenvolver este setor. A despeito de o desenvolvimento da indústria de P&G norueguesa ter sido marcado por fatores internos e externos favoráveis, alguns desafios relevantes tiveram de ser superados, como, por exemplo, sobrecustos, atrasos nas entregas e importantes empresas locais falirem. O terceiro ensaio identificou que a cadeia produtiva do setor de P&G no Brasil tem evoluído, as políticas industriais têm sido aperfeiçoadas, mas o seu desenvolvimento, além de apresentar alguns problemas semelhantes ao que a Noruega teve que superar no passado, carrega outras particularidades. Ao analisar as políticas industriais implementadas nos dois países para o desenvolvimento deste setor, identificou-se que, em alguma medida, a Noruega já está sendo utilizada como referência para o Brasil, mas ainda existem lições e contribuições a serem aprendidas deste caso de sucesso. Entretanto, as diferenças socioeconômicas, políticas e culturais, agravadas por uma atual conjuntura global e interna mais adversa, tornam o desafio do Brasil de desenvolver a cadeia produtiva do setor de P&G ampla e competitiva mais difícil do que foi para a Noruega. / The aim of this thesis is to analyse different forms of Industrial Policy (IP) in Norway and Brazil to develop the Oil and Gas (O&G) supply chain, identifying the lessons and contributions from the Norwegian experience. The evolutionist view of IP forms the theoretical basis of the analysis, which is structured in three parts. The first two essays are in English and the third in Portuguese. The first essay presents a theoretical review of IP, defining the concept and placing the theories within a historical perspective, in addition to discussing other relevant issues, such as: its relation to macroeconomic policies; its stability and predictability; policy coordination; horizontal and vertical policies; types of instruments; measurement of results; linking benefits to progress in competitiveness/targets; and, finally, its duration. The article also discusses the main approaches taken towards IP today (orthodox and evolutionary). Thus, we see how IP was historically implemented in industrial development processes and find that there is still room to continue implementing it, despite the creation of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and its consequences. The second essay analyses the successful development of the O&G supply chain in Norway, promoting structural changes in the economy. Norway stood out in the development of the O&G sector for having succeeded, in just over 20 years of policy implementation (1972-1994), in: enhancing its socio-economic development; avoiding de-industrialization due to the Dutch disease; developing local oil companies (state and private); developing a broad and internationally competitive O&G supply chain, including the formation of clusters related to the O&G sector, and, moreover setting a benchmark in innovation in the O&G sector. The essay also illustrates the main actions implemented in Norway to develop the O&G sector. Although the development of the Norwegian O&G industry was marked by internal and external favourable factors, some relevant challenges had to be overcome, including cost overruns, delays in deliveries and important local companies went bankrupt. The third essay finds that the O&G supply chain in Brazil has evolved, the industrial policies have been improved, but while its development also shows some problems similar to those that Norway had to overcome in the past, it also has other peculiarities. On analysing the industrial policies implemented in both countries to develop this sector, it emerges that to some extent, Norway is already being used as reference for Brazil, but there are still lessons and contributions to be learned from this successful case. However, due to socio-economic, political and cultural differences, compounded by today’s more adverse global and domestic environment, the challenge Brazil has to face in developing a broad and competitive O&G supply chain is tougher than it was for Norway.

Offshore petroleum exploration and production (E&P) activities are faced with both technical and environmental challenges. In spite of these challenges, offshore petroleum E&P are on the increase globally. These operations have not been accident free even with improved technology. Recent incidents like Montara blowout and Deepwater Horizon fire have more than ever before raised serious concerns about the safety of offshore oil and gas E&P. Key issues are the prevention of major hazards, emergency response and civil liability, and payment of compensation. These issues have greater implication when the impact is transboundary. There is a general consensus on the need to ensure safety of these operations globally. However, the international legal framework needed to achieve the objective is unresolved. Looking at the extant international instruments relating to marine pollution from offshore oil and gas activities, there is a clear absence of global treaty on safety of offshore operations, civil liability and compensation. While there is general consensus on the need for safety of offshore oil and gas operations globally, opinions are divided on the necessity for global treaties. This thesis looks at the extant international legal framework at both global and regional levels with a view to identifying gaps in provisions on safety, civil liability and compensation. The thesis finds that even in the post-Macondo era, there are no global treaties in relation to safety of offshore petroleum E&P to prevent accidental pollution, and to deal with issues of civil liability and compensation. Furthermore, most regional regimes have no specific provisions on accidental pollution from offshore operations and liability issues arising therefrom. The absence of provisions for civil liability, especially in cases of transboundary harm from offshore accidental pollution has created difficulty for affected nations and nationals. This thesis proffers suggestion for international regulation of offshore petroleum operations to prevent accidental pollution, improve emergency response and guarantee prompt settlement of liabilities and payment of compensation. Accordingly, an international legal framework involving three levels of legal regimes is recommended as an effective way of preventing accidental pollution from offshore petroleum operations to protect marine environment and also ensuring that liabilities that may arise in the event of a major hazard are adequately addressed.

Thesis (M. Com. (Accountancy))--University of the Witwatersrand, Faculty of Commerce, Law and Management, School of Accountancy, 2015. / ABSTRACT The extractive activities industry includes entities that explore for, discover, develop and extract deposits of minerals, oil and natural gases. Recent research conducted has concluded that accounting for the assets and expenditure together with the disclosure requirements in this industry are not comprehensively addressed by current International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). The debate surrounding the accounting and disclosure alternatives in the industry as well as movements to standardise them have been ongoing since the 1890s. The latest movement by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) resulted in a project team publishing the Discussion Paper DP/2010/1 – Extractive Activities of April 2010 (Discussion Paper). The Discussion Paper presents disclosures determined to provide the most useful information to the users of the industries financial statements. The IASB have paused this topic and it will not be added to the agenda in the near future, however, this Discussion Paper is likely to form the foundation of a new IFRS. This research report will assess how the reserves and related disclosures currently prepared by entities in the mining or oil and gas industry compare to the proposed disclosure requirements of the Discussion Paper. This research report uses a mixed methodology. Quantitative analysis, through the use of a disclosure checklist, dominates the study which covers two years. The results of this study are then qualitatively and compared per proposed disclosure, against market capitalisation, by listing sector, by external auditor and whether the entity has a single or a dual-listing. Overall the study shows that the current disclosures of the entities do not satisfy the proposed disclosures of the Discussion Paper. Entities in the extractive activities industry would need to invest more into financial reporting in order to achieve compliance with the disclosures should they ever form part of an IFRS. The findings do indicate that the number of disclosures provided is dependent on the size of the entity. The two entities PRG/0500709A i found to have the most disclosures are in the gold mining sector and have an alternative listing on the New York Stock Exchange.

Volatile crude oil prices significantly affect the profitability of crude oil firms. The purpose of this single case study was to explore strategies some crude oil and gas business leaders used to remain profitable during periods of crude oil price volatility. The target population comprised 8 crude oil and gas business leaders located in Calgary, Canada, whose company remained profitable despite crude oil price volatility. The transformational leadership theory formed the conceptual framework for the study. Data were collected through the use of semistructured face-to-face interviews, company reports, and field notes. Data analysis involved a modified Van Kamm method, which included descriptive coding, a sequential review of the interview transcripts, and member checking. Based on methodological triangulation and thematic analysis, 5 themes emerged from the study, including communication and engagement; motivation and empowerment; measurement, monitoring, and control; self-awareness and humility; and efficiency and optimization. The implications for social change include the potential for crude oil and gas companies in Calgary, Canada to manage production costs, ensure earnings and profitability, and thus improve the socioeconomic well-being of Calgary indigenes through improved employment opportunities.

The turnover cost of specialized employees in the oil and gas industry can exceed 400% of an employee's annual salary. The purpose of this multiple case study was to explore successful strategies that oil and gas company managers used to retain specialized employees. The specific population for the study was 8 managers from 4 oil and gas companies in a metropolitan city in the southern United States, which included 5 hiring managers and 3 engineering managers who had demonstrated success in retaining specialized employees. The conceptual lens used in this research study was the job embeddedness theory. Study data were collected through semistructured interviews, observations of participants' nonverbal cues, a review of company documents, and organizational websites. The interview data were analyzed using Yin's 5 steps for qualitative data analysis. The analysis resulted in 3 themes: (a) leadership engagement improved specialized employee retention, (b) flexibility through work–life balance improved specialized employee retention, and (c) monitoring and assessing retention through research tools and data analysis improved specialized employee retention. The implications of this study for positive social change include the potential to provide successful strategies for oil and gas company managers to retain specialized employees, which may contribute to improving promotion from within the oil and gas industry, reducing the study location area unemployment rates, and improving local job economies.

Advances in drilling technology and increasing resource prices contributed to a boom in oil and natural gas production in the Western U.S. in the first decade of the 2000s. Following the boom, a strain of state-level legislation emerged calling for the transfer of federal lands to the states. A justification for the proposed transfers is the claim that state management will responsibly increase oil and gas production levels currently held back by federal regulations and management. However, a substantial literature indicates that dependence on mineral wealth can be a problematic economic development strategy resulting in slower growth and other undesirable socioeconomic outcomes. Using geological variation in oil and gas abundance in the Intermountain West, this study examined the effects of resource abundance on county wage levels and growth rates over the period 1990 to 2010. Areas of oil and gas abundance were further classified by federal, state, and private surface land ownership to examine institutional ownership effects on wage levels and growth rates. Overall oil and gas abundance was shown to have a positive impact on wage levels and growth rates, while institutional ownerships were found to have significantly differing effects on county wages. State ownership was usually associated with higher wage levels and growth rates than federal ownership, likely due to a lengthy permitting process for drilling on federal lands. Private ownership had insignificant effects on local wages, likely due to absentee ownership. The results provide no evidence of a ‘curse of natural resources’ in the region and lend a modicum of support to state land transfer bills.

The control of excessive water production in oil and gas producing wells is of increasing importance to the field operator, primarily when trying to maintain the survivability of a mature field from shut in. During the last two decades many chemicals have been studied and applied under the name of relative permeability modifier (RPM) to combat this problem. These chemicals were mostly bullheaded individually into the affected zones, consequently their application resulted in low to medium success, particularly in treating reservoirs suffering from matrix flow. It has been found that the disproportionate permeability reduction depends on the amount of polymer dispersed or absorbed by the porous rock. If single polymers are employed to treat excessive water production in a matrix reservoir they cannot penetrate deep into the formation rock because the polymer will start to build as a layer on the surface of the rock grains. As a result the placement of polymer into the formation will no be piston like and the dispersion over the rock pores will be uneven. To improve water shutoff technology a method of injecting chemicals sequentially is recommended provided that the chemical’s viscosity is increasing successively with the chemicals injected. / Experimentally confirmed, injecting chemicals sequentially provides better results for conformance control. The value of post treatment water mobility is conspicuously lowered by the method of applying injecting chemicals sequentially in comparison with the single chemical injection method. For instance, the residual resistance factor to water (Frrw) at the first cycle of brine flushing for this method is approximately five times higher than the Frrw obtained by injecting only one single chemical. Furthermore, for the second cycle of brine flushing Frrw is still higher by a ratio of about 2.5. In addition to this improvement residual resistance factor to oil Frro for this method is less than two which has been considered as the upper limit for conformance control in matrix reservoir. Accordingly injecting chemical sequentially can be applied for enhancing relative permeability modifier performance in matrix reservoir.

The petroleum industry is currently moving to meet the ever-rising demand for oil and gas production. As onshore fields become depleted and decline in production, exploration and production companies have started venturing further offshore. To support this activity, there is need for new subsea production technologies to develop deepwater and ultra deepwater fields.Woodside Hydrocarbon Research Facility (WHRF) at Curtin University of Technology is working on natural gas dehydration processing using gas hydrate technology. Through the studies, a novel gas dehydration process has been developed and now proposed for subsea application. Natural gas dehydration processes generate both a treated dry gas stream and a waste stream of condensate consisting of both hydrocarbons and water. This condensate can be reinjected to the reservoir formation but this is not always economic or practical. Availability of an alternative means of treatment and disposal of the condensate would be advantageous. This study aims to investigate and to provide a basis for the design of such an alternative scheme by constructing a floating separator for the treatment and disposal of waste condensate from subsea dehydration stage.A model was developed to simulate the process of evaporation of condensate from the proposed floating separator. The calculations were performed taken into account zero wind speed and an ambient temperature around 34 C. The simulation results showed that condensate skimming time was found to be 15 days for flowrate (Qin) of 100 bbd associated with specific separator diameter and total height dimensions. By considering the ratio of diameter to total height of 2.5, the floating separator was designed to enhance the evaporation rate and to get overall structure stability due to the mechanical restrictions that might be encountered in the sea.