Biography:

Leema Al-Makhadmeh, Associate Professor, the Head of the Department of Environmental Engineering. B.Sc. degree M.Sc. degrees from Jordan University of Science and Technology. Ph.D. (Dr. Ing.) Degree in Energy and Environmental Engineering from Institute of Combustion and Power Plant Technology, Stuttgart University/Germany.
Research areas:Oxyfu el Technology/Combustion, Pyrolysis and Char combustion, Oil-Shale Combustion and Utilization, Emission control technologies (NOx, SOx, PM), CO2 Capture technologies

Abstract:

Direct combustion of Jordanian oil shale under oxy-fuel conditions is the first of its kind. Unstaged and staged air-firing as well as combustion at 27% O2/73% CO2 (OF27) was conducted successfully. A 20 kW vertical reactor was used at a combustion temperature of 1200ºC. Oil shale- N conversion rate to NO is higher during unstaged air-firing than oxyfuel combustion; they are 27% and 15% for air-firing and OF27 combustion, respectively. NOx emission can be reduced efficiently by adopting staged combustion technology under oxy-fuel conditions as well as air-firing. In addition, the reduction of simulated recycled NO has been investigated. The actual situation has been simulated by injecting NO in the reactor through the burner. The reduction of the injected NO is more efficient with staging compared to unstaged combustion mode for both air-firing and oxyfuel combustion; the reduction of the injected NO during staged air-firing and OF27 is 100%. During unstaged air-firing the reduction of the injected NO ranges from 61% to 66%, while for unstaged OF27 combustion it ranges from 57% to 65%. The high sulphur content in Jordanian oil shale is considered one of the biggest challenges for its utilization. The oil shale- S conversion rates to SO2 is lower during unstaged oxyfuel combustion compared to air-firing; they are 69% and 49% for air-firing and OF27 combustion, respectively. Direct limestone injection at different molar Ca/S ratios has been investigated under unstaged oxyfuel conditions as well as air-firing. Significant reduction in SO2 emissions is obtained by limestone injection in both combustion modes. At Ca/S molar ratio of 3, the desulphurization efficiencies are 95% and 100% for air-firing and OF27 combustion, respectively.

Biography:

Vartanyan Genrikh, Dr, Sci., PhD (geology), Professor, Member of Russian Academy of Natural Sciences, Director of the Russian National Institute for Hydrogeology and Engineering Geology (1983 -2003), Vice-President of LSK. Inc.
Dr. Vartanyan is one of the leading specialists in the areas of hydroseismology and geodynamics. He established and developed the new branch of modern geology namely regional hydrogeodeformatcs. This discipline deals with the newly discovered hydrogeodeformation field of the Earth (the Vartanyan-Koulikov hydrogeological effect) and allows defining fast changes in the stress-strain conditions which could cause earthquakes. Based on the principles and methodology of this new discipline, specialized hydrogeodeformation monitoring network has been established in several countries. The monitoring results obtained are widely used for predicting dangerous changes in geodynamic conditions within the huge seismically active regions.


Dr.E.Zaltsberg has extensive knowledge of the theory, principles, and practices of groundwater monitoring, assessment and forecasting techniques. He coordinated and conducted hydrogeological reviews of complex applications for permitting and decommissioning or closure of industrial and municipal waste disposal sites and liquid waste disposal wells in Canada. Dr.Zaltsberg established impacts on groundwater movement and base flow due to residential development, cut-off walls and pumping wells. He compiled numerous hydrogeological maps for solving regional and site specific problems.
He has considerable experience dealing effectively with the public, Government officials, Municipalities, industry and consulting and legal firms regarding landfill sites, exploration and disposal wells. He provided expert testimony at various public hearings in Canada. Dr.E.Zaltsberg is the author of two mono¬graphs and approximately one hundred papers in English, Russian and Czech on groundwater regime, balance, forecasting and mapping..

 

Abstract:

Geodynamic processes could negatively influence development of oil and gas fields’ exploration by destructing technological processes and well constructions, transportation systems and other infrastructures. In particular, such destruction could result in lost of well construction integrity resulted in hydrocarbon fuel blows. In addition, significant and even irreparable damage could be made to the environment. Due to lack of tools for timely defining dangerous geodynamic developments, such damages are usually unexpected and very often accompanied by tremendous human and financial losses. During the last 30-35 years the methodology of regional hydrogeodeformatics as well as principles of hydrogeodeformation (HGD) field monitoring were tested and developed. They are based on the discovery of the new kind of the geophysical field of the Earth – the HydroGeoDeformation field. Special parameters characterizing stress-strain conditions within geological massifs have been developed which allow monitoring changes in these conditions at any time scale (hourly, daily, monthly, etc.) These parameters could also be used for monitoring the areal changes in deformation conditions within the huge geological regions. Therefore, the HGD monitoring provides valuable information on the areas and timing of the potential dangerous geodynamic process occurrences. The paper contains the results of HGD monitoring conducted in various regions of the Earth which allowed making predictions of potentially dangerous geodynamic conditions threatening the safety of infrastructures and personnel within the huge regions. Based on the existing experience, some practical recommendations regarding establishing HGD monitoring system and interpretations of its results are given. Their implementation would be of help in making timely strategic decisions which in many cases could prevent catastrophic consequences of dangerous geodynamic development at main oil and gas fields and transportation systems.

Biography:

Dr Narjes Abul has 17 years experience in petroleum refining hydroprocessing operations in pilot plant scale from Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research. Dr Narjes has worked in characterization of petroleum fractions using gas chromatography, catalysts evaluation and characterization also on Gas chromatographic techniques and other analytical techniques such as TGA, Elemental analysis. Specialized in coke and wax deposition especially in regeneration of used catalysts. She also worked on projects related to asphaltene nitrogen and sulfur separation from heavy oils

Abstract:

Investigation on the life cycle of hydrotreating catalysts in pilot plant unit are focused on the end of run and fouling problems. The one of the non conventional way of regenerating the spent catalyst is using in-situ non-oxidative regeneration of spent hydroprocessing catalyst from Kuwaiti refinery was studied. The non-oxidative regeneration treatments, including 1) washing the spent catalyst with a straight run gas oil (SRGO) at 150 and 200 oC respectively, 2) accelerated solvent extraction technique and 3) regeneration at temperature 450o C under 50 bar using H2 diluted with 0.4% of H2S. The spent catalyst and regenerated catalysts were characterized by elemental analysis, solid-state 13C Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) analysis and Fourier transform infra-red (FTIR) techniques. The regenerated catalysts were evaluated with a feedstock containing 30 vol % of coker gas oil and 70 vol % of straight run gas oil in a microreactor system. Three type of catalysts are loaded for comparison of their activity test: fresh catalyst and oxidative and non-oxidative regenerated catalysts. The results indicate that in-situ non-oxidative regeneration is able to regenerate the spent hydroprocessing catalysts under similar operation conditions of the refinery. This treatment overcomes the disadvantages of the oxidative regeneration method.

Biography:

Collins N. NWAOKOCHA is a Lecturer in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering and Environmental Studies, Ibogun Campus of Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ogun State, Nigeria. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science (Honours) degree in Mechanical Engineering from Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye in 2008. He completed his Master of Engineering degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta in 2012. His research interests include Renewable & Sustainable Energy and Emission studies. He is a member of the Nigeria Society of Engineers; African Wind Energy Association & Council for Renewable Energy in Nigeria.

Abstract:

Unabated gas flaring in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria is of local and global concern and contributes considerably to climate change and global warming due to the release of greenhouse gases. This paper presents an inventory of the CO2 emissions released into the atmosphere via gas flaring in Nigeria from 1965 to 2013, which is lacking before now. The data utilized in this study were sourced from national agency for information on gas production, utilization and flaring in Nigeria. This work was carried out based on Association of Petroleum Institute compendium of GHG emissions estimation for the oil and gas industry. From this present study, it was estimated that 1.87 × 109 tons of CO2 were released into the region through the flaring of 895.01 billion cubic metre of gas (55.6% of total gas produced) in Nigeria for a period of 49 years. The average yearly emission of CO2 (38.1 million tons) obtained in this study is slightly higher than the 35 million tons of CO2 previously reported in literature. Using Tier 2 approach, the uncertainty associated with the estimated CO2 emission was in the range -85.02% and 54.46%. The homogeneity test conducted for the CO2 emissions estimated from the satellite and national agency data on gas flaring in Nigeria showed that they are statistically equal. Conclusively, increased domestic utilization and export development of natural gas in the country is important to reducing gas flaring and its associated emissions.

Biography:

Abstract:

The main purpose of this study was to screen various Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) technologies for a number of selected matured reservoirs and perform a feasibility investigation of using Carbon Capture and Sequestration (CCS) technology by miscible CO2 injection. The candidate hydrocarbon reservoirs were simulated to compare the EOR methods and also evaluate economically the aspects of CCS-EOR. This study has been done by assessing the production results such as oil recovery as well as gas-oil ratio accompanied with economic parameters. In this work, lab experiments have been performed on reservoir core sample based on an incremental pressure algorithm approaching the miscible conditions to monitor the miscible CO2-EOR injection and also validate the MMP value obtained by slim-tube apparatus. Lab-scale simulation has been used to estimate the field operational parameters for CO2-EOR processes. Based on the field scale simulation, comparison among different gas injection methods (N2, CH4, and CO2) has been done to find the best technical processes. An economic model was constructed to assess the required costs of CO2 capturing, transportation, compression and injection. Capturing cost was evaluated using the current technologies from power plants, refineries and gas processing plants. A Techno-economic analysis was performed on the CCS-EOR methods to evaluate their Net Present Value (NPV). The results obtained showed that the CO2-EOR method is the best selected EOR method for higher oil recovery and lower gas production. Additionally, the economic evaluation (NPV analysis) showed that the use of miscible CO2 injection in the candidate reservoirs was more economical compared to the other scenarios. By reducing Green House Gas (GHG) emission to the atmosphere, the CCS- EOR method has a great potential in reducing the causes of Global warming.

Biography:

Abstract:

The Bakken is a very tight formation with the oil contained mostly in siltstone and sandstone reservoirs with low porosity and permeability. There could be an estimated 25 to 100 billion barrels of Bakken oil in place. At present, the combination of horizontal well drilling and the new multi-stage fracturing and completion technologies has been the solution to economically produce from the Bakken formation. The primary recovery factor however remains rather low due to high capillary trapping. While waterflooding could result in unfavorable infectivity issues, carbon dioxide (CO2) or natural miscible flooding provides a promising option for increasing the recovery factor. Higher oil recovery factor can be achieved with gas injection through multi-contact miscibility that results in vanishing interfacial tension, viscosity reduction and oil swelling. The aim of this paper is to evaluate the performance of the miscible gas flooding using compositional reservoir simulation approach. Different strategies were tested to compare the effects on oil recovery of injection well pattern and heterogeneity. The simulation results show that gas flooding presents a technically promising method for recovering the vast Bakken oil.

Biography:

Abstract:

In this work, reduced crude residue derived from Kirkuk crude oil using a commercial nickel-molybdenum on alumina (Ni-Mo/γ-Al2O3) catalyst pre-sulfided at specified conditions in an experimental scale is considered. A series of experiments were carried out in a continuous flow trickle bed reactor by varying the reaction temperature from 380 to 420°C, the liquid hourly space velocity from 0.3 to 1.0 hr-1 and the hydrogen pressure from 60 to 100 bar at constant hydrogen to oil ratio of 1000 L/L. The hydrocracking products were distillated into the following fraction: naphtha (IBP-160°C), kerosene (160-225°C), light gas oil (225-345°C), heavy gas oil (345-540°C) and vacuum reside (+540°C).

Biography:

Abstract:

A series of gas-oil hydro treating experiments were carried out under different operating conditions. The runs were conducted in a fixed bed-cata test unit. A commercially CoO MoO3 / Al2O3 – hydro treated catalyst was used. The catalyst was used divided to three zones each is separated from another by glass beads/glass wool. The total weight per cent of coke deposited on the catalyst was also studied in each catalyst zone inside the reactor after the runs carried out with each operating variables (reaction temperature, hydrogen pressure, liquid hourly space velocity). The results indicated that the coke deposition on the on the catalyst of the reactor zones can be arranged as follow: First zone > second zone > third zone. Regeneration of coke by two methods (burn off and THF extraction) was studied. The coke removal on using the burn off method was increased with TOS from 3 to 24 h for HVGO, while in case of THF extraction method the coke removal was decreased.

Biography:

Abstract:

A series of gas-oil hydro treating experiments were carried out under different operating conditions; reaction temperatures 300-425°C, hydrogen pressures 15- 65 bar, liquid hourly space velocities 0.5-1.50 h-1, while H2/feed ratio and time of products collection was kept constant at 250 L/L and 9 hours respectively. A commercially CoO MoO3 / Al2O3 - hydro treated catalyst was used in the catalytic activity tests. The runs were conducted in a fixed bed-cata test unit. HDS of HVGO was improved at reaction temperature 400°C which reached (98.88), at pressure 50 reached (79.92) and at LHSV 0.5 reached (83.26). Main characteristics and the product quality as diesel index (DI), color and pour point was improved but the total aromatics content was decreased with the reaction temperature, pressure increase and increase with decrease LHSV.

Biography:

Abstract:

With increased time of usage, lubricating oil loses its lubrication properties and thus must be evacuated and a fresh one replaced. Recovery of waste oil is environment friendly and economic. The waste lube oil was treated by N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) + 1% KOH at different conditions as temperatures from 50 to 70 0C and solvent feed ratio from 1/1 to 7/1. The best conditions which produce good quality raffinate with high yield at 70 0C and solvent feed ratio 5/1. The fresh catalyst NiMoAl2O3 that consist of NiO =5.2 wt.% , MoO3=23 wt.%, Al2O3 balance was applied for re-refining of the best raffinate at different reaction temperature range from 320 to 4100C, hydrogen pressure range from 30 to 50 bars and liquid hour space velocity (LHSV) range from 0.3 to 0.7 h-1. The best conditions of hydrotreating to produce the high quality lube oil are (temperature = 350 0C, pressure = 50 bar and LHSV = 0.5 h-1). The catalytic testes carried out using both spent and rejuvenated catalyst (using 4 % oxalic + Fe(NO3)3 at continuous modes) under the constant temperature, hydrogen pressure and liquid hour space velocity (350 0C, 50 bar, 0.5 h-1) respectively, in order to compare the hydrodesulfrization (HDS) activity of fresh, rejuvenate and spent catalyst. The result indicated that oxalic acid treatment are improved the equilibrium HDS activity of the catalyst (nearly close to the equilibrium of fresh) , and also improved the quality of waste lube oil.

Biography:

Professor A.Y. Zekri received his B.Sc., M.S., and Ph.D. degrees from the University of Southern California. He has spent more than two decades in the petroleum industry. Professor Zekri worked as a consultant to the management committees of Waha Oil Co., and Agip Oil Company. He has authored and/or co-authored more than 90 papers on new developments and technical issues in the areas of improved oil recovery, flow through porous media, and environmental aspects of petroleum production, petroleum contracts, and Enhanced Oil Recovery. He has edited and refereed technical papers in widely respected journals. Prof. Zekri has completed a number of research projects in the area of IOR/EOR to UAE and International Petroleum Industries. Professor Zekri is currently working as Coordinator of Oil and Gas Technologies, Emirates Center for Energy and Environment Research and Professor of petroleum engineering at the United Arab Emirates University.

Abstract:

The effect of injection brine salinity on the displacement efficiency of low water salinity flooding was investigated using sea water at 35,000 ppm, and two field injection waters, namely, Um-Eradhuma (UER) at 171,585 ppm and Simsima (SIM) at 243,155 ppm. The salinity of the employed waters was varied from original salinity to 1000 ppm and used in the displacement of oil in selected core samples. The results of this set of experiments revealed that UER salinity of 5000 ppm is the optimum system for the candidate reservoir. Um-Eradhuma original water and its optimum water were then used in this project as the high and low salinity waters in the CO2-WAG flooding experiments. Displacement efficiencies were evaluated under three injection modes: carbon dioxide WAG miscible flooding (CO2-WAG, 1:1, 2:1, and 1:2), continuous CO2 injection (CCO2I), and waterflood (WF). The WAG performance parameters, such as secondary and tertiary displacement efficiencies, CO2 flood utilization factor, and CO2 performance during different WAG flood cycles were determined. To insure miscibility condition between the injected gas and the employed oil, all of the flooding experiments were conducted at 3200 psia (which is 300 psia above the minimum miscibility pressure of CO2 & used oil) and 250 °F. Experimental results indicated that core length is a critical parameter in determining the optimum WAG process, and that a minimum core length of 29 cm is required to insure the generation of miscibility before breakthrough in CO2-WAG flooding experiments. On the other hand, core length had no effect on the performance of the low salinity flooding experiments. Using single core flooding low salinity CO2-WAG of 1:2 flooding produced an improvement in the displacement efficiency of 29% over the high salinity system. Also, composite core flooding experiments showed that the high salinity CO2-2:1 WAG achieved a displacement efficiency of 98%. These results indicate that achieving miscibility at the reservoir conditions is the dominant mechanism and that low salinity will have no major effect on the displacement efficiency of CO2-Miscible WAG flooding. Results also indicate that oil recovery during different CO2-WAG cycles is a function of WAG ratios.

Biography:

Weian Huang, his research of 14 years from China University of Petroleum and Starts cooperating with National Science Foundation of China in 2013. Considering his deep studies on Formation Damage and Protection successful in China University of Petroleum.

Abstract:

The output process of shale gas undergoes three closely connected segments of desorption, diffusion and seepage. To enhance shale gas recovery the damage of working fluids on gas reservoir in every segment should be prevented or minimized by adding reservoir protection agent. One kind of micro emulsion agent as a shale gas reservoir protection agent is becoming more and more attractive, which has been applied in shale gas drilling and stimulation for improving the shale gas well production by changing the wettability of reservoir, decreasing water influx and decreasing the damage rate of permeability. However, desorption and diffusion of adsorbed gas should be promoted to improve the shale gas production. Therefore，it is necessary to develop a novel reservoir protection agent to improve shale gas recovery. A novel shale gas reservoir protection agent VSPA was developed, and its major compositions included gemini quaternary ammonium surfactant GTN, Tween 80, n-butyl alcohol, N-octane and water. The anti-water block behavior of VSPA in bicontinuous area was studied. A varied of methods including measurements of surface tension, contact angle, distribution of micelle size and anti-swelling ability, high temperature and high pressure adsorption experiment, spontaneous imbibition test and pressure pulse decay method were used to evaluate the reservoir protection properties of VSPA such as surface activity, wettability, inhibition, cleanup performance, effect on permeability of free gas and desorption of adsorbed gas. Results showed that the VSPA reduced the surface tension of fluid, increased contact angle, weakened pore throat shrinkage caused by hydrous swelling, decreased the capillary pressure, reduced liquid trap and water block damage by substantially decreasing liquid spontaneous imbibition, lowered the damage rate of permeability and promoting desorption of adsorbed gas from shale. The micelle blocked water incursion and slowed down transmission of pressure deforming and squeezing into micropores.

Biography:

Dr. Kirat joined Qatar University in 2012. Previously, he served as Head of the Public Relations Department and Dean of the College of Communication at the University of Sharjah, UAE (2007-2011). Dr. Kirat has published more than 50 articles and book chapters on journalism, mass media and public relations in scholarly journals. He has also written several books on mass media and public relations. His areas of research cover corporate image building, reputation management, crisis management, media coverage of international conflicts, press freedom in the Arab world, and social media and the Arab public sphere.

Abstract:

In the last few years the state of Qatar, as well as various national and international corporations and firms, paid a great attention to corporate social responsibility (CSR) to face a score of challenges namely sustainable development, globalization, governance, corporate sector impact, communications, finance, ethics among others. Through in depth interviews and the analysis of companies' websites and annual CSR reports this study looked at the perceptions and practices of CSR in Qatar. Findings of the study suggest that Qatar oil and gas companies engage in corporate social responsibility activities focusing on health, sports, education and environment, while neglecting other important areas such as human rights, labor rights, work conditions, anti-bribery and anti-corruption measures, accountability, transparency and performance reporting. They allocate minimum budgets and resources, they perform no research and assessments before or after they engage in CSR activities. CSR should be enforced by law, through regulations and international standards in order to improve its performance and to meet local and international challenges. With barely a decade of practice and experience, CSR in Qatar oil and gas industry is developing fast and has to move to the next step where the focus should be given to developing policies and strategies through scientific and systematic inquiry and research.

Biography:

Engr. Uzoh, Chigozie Francolins is a lecturer in Chemical Engineering Dept., Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria. He is in terminal stage of his Ph.D at the same department and university. He is a very dynamic and skilled researcher with excellent analytical and problem solving skills and strong aptitude for conducting research related to our current needs. He has published a number of research articles in different ISI-indexed journals. He has demonstrated outstanding strength of character in area of moral rectitude, integrity, tenacity, dedication and capacity for hard work. His Ph.D research topics is novel approach to synthesize oxy-polymerizable alkyd resin from some inedible non-drying oil for surface coating application. He is a registered member of Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN); a corporate member of the Nigerian Society of Chemical Engineers (NSChE) and the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE); and International Association of Engineers (IAENG). His research and teaching interests are alkyd resins, experimental process design, response surface methods and process dynamics, control and optimization. He has designed many processes for product and process synthesis using design of experiment and statistical screening analysis.

Abstract:

Artificial Neural Network (ANN)-Genetic Algorithm (GA) interface and Response Surface Methodology (RSM) have been compared as tools for simulation and optimization of gmelina seed oil extraction process. A multi-layer feed-forward Levenberg Marquardt back-propagation algorithm was incorporated for developing a predictive model which was optimized using GA. Equally, Design Expert simulation and optimization tools were also incorporated for a detailed simulation and optimization of the same process using RSM. It was found that oil yield increased with increase in temperature, time and volume of solvent but decreased with increase in seed particle size. Optimal yield of 47.93% and 43.52% were observed for ANN-GA and RSM respectively under the same parameter design space of; 200μm particle size, 40C temperature, 100ml volume of solvent and 40mins extraction period. The performance of the models in predicting the responses was evaluated by mean square error (MSE) and coefficient of determination (R2), and the results show that the models were very efficient. Models validation experiments indicate that the predicted and the actual were in close agreement. Overall, ANN-GA hybrid was found to be more efficient by 10.13%. The extract was analyzed to examine its physico-chemical properties (acid value, iodine value, peroxide value, viscosity, saponification value, moisture and ash content, refractive index, smoke, flash and fire points and specific gravity) and structural elucidation by standard methods and instrumental techniques. Results revealed that the oil is not edible but find potential in biodiesel and alkyd resin production.

Biography:

2014/2015: Masters of Business Administration (MBA) – Oil & Gas Management, at UCSI University Faculty of Business & Information Science – Malaysia. September 2003: Master of Arts (MA) in Economics, Management, and Business Management at Catholic University of Mozambique (UCM). 1997-2001: BA in Economics and Management, UCM.

Abstract:

Natural gas has turned into a vitality energy source around the globe. Gas-to-Liquid (GTL process) is a system that changes natural gas to liquid fuels. Recent discovery of huge proved reserved of Natural gas in Mozambique can alleviates the dependence on import refined liquid fuel. The study aims to identify the effect on local economy when Mozambique substitutes traditional fuel derived from crude oil to a local GTL fuel production. With current advanced technology, GTL fuels cost per barrel of oil equivalent (BOE) was proved less than the traditional. The local petroleum law stated, 25% of natural oil & gas explored will be used in domestic economy under government control. The data of fuels consumption (2000 to 2013) for the economic effects comparison showings the results in regression analysis that the amount spent for import fuels occupies 15.108% of GDP. Distillate fuel (diesel) represents 67% of the total, gasoline 18% and jet fuel 9%. The study proved and concluded that, local projected GTL fuels production plant and the quote for using in Mozambique exceed in 167,5% annual BOE imported and can substitute for imported refined fuels under actual economic factors, with extra barrels for export or reserve. Due to country policies implications and GTL plant is unfixed, further study may need for better perception on domestic economy implications of Mozambique.

Biography:

M. S. Hosseini, MSc student of chemical engineering at the University of Kashan. E. Nemati Lay, Assitant professor of chemical engineering at the department of chemical engineering at the University of Kashan

Abstract:

In this research work, a new pressure gradient correlation for oil-water separated flow in horizontal pipes has been developed. The proposed correlation was derived from 371 experimental pressure drop data points for variety range of Reynolds number (Rem =800-35000), pipe diameters (14-82.8 mm), mixture velocities (Um=0.09-5.46 m/s), oil-water density ratio (ρo/ρw =0.780-0.875) and oil-water viscosity ratio (µo/µw =1.3-28). The accuracy of the new empirical correlation has been compared with commonly used existing models. The comparison indicates that the new proposed correlation predicts with better accuracy than the Al-Wahaibi (2012) and two fluid models.

Biography:

Abstract:

The study area lies in the southern part of the Hazara Kashmir Syntaxis sub-Himalayas Pakistan. The Hazara Kashmir Syntax is an antiformal structure. The core of syntaxis comprises of Himalayan molasse deposits. These molasse deposits ranging from Early Miocene to Recent are exposed in the area. This study deals with the structure and stratigraphy of Nawan and Ghoi areas of Azad Kashmir and Pakistan. The Himalayan molasse deposits are exposing in the southern Hazara Kashmir Syntaxis. The formations exposed are the Chinji Formation, Nagri Formation, Dhok Pathan Formation, Soan Formation, Mirpur Formation and Recent alluvium. The area is highly deformed into folds and faults due to Himalayan orogeny. The area is highly deformed into folds and faults. The folds are northwest-southeast trending or southwest-northeast trending. The folds are asymmetric, tight, open, gentle and close in nature. The folds are southwest, northeast or southeast, northwest vergent. The Jhelum Fault truncates the northeast, southwest, southeast and northwest trending structures. The major folds are Jabran syncline, Shikraanticline, Haveli syncline, Band anticline and Chanas anticline. The major faults in the project area are Jhelum Fault and Malikpur-Diljaba fault. The Jhelum Fault is a left lateral strike-slip fault with reverse motion. The Jhelum Fault truncates the northwest and southeast trending Himalayan structures. The Malikpur-Diljaba fault is the back thrust splay of the Jhelum Fault. The folds and faults are the result of northeast southwest or northwest southeast Himalayan compression in the area.

Biography:

Nanne Brunia and Wim Westerman are affiliated with the Faculty of Economics and Business of the University of Groningen, the Netherlands. This paper owes much to the helpful contributions of Dirk Dijksma, Maurits van Maren and Pieter Melching. However, the authors are fully and completely responsible for the current text.

Abstract:

We study the case of a large Dutch firm, having conventional and non-conventional energy business, with also some presence in Europe and even beyond. Valuing energy firms does in principle not differ from valuing firms in general, although multi-level regulation issues and energy market developments blur the picture. Key value drivers include growth of revenues (prices x volumes), earnings before interest, depreciation and amortization margins to net sales (“EBITDA margins”), capital expenditures (“CAPEX”) and costs of capital. The actual valuation requires processing an array of data on regulation, market and firm specifics and much economically relevant as well as precise calculation work. We show with a checklist a vast number of relevant inputs to be taken into account for a transaction valuation. While our case valuation has decreasing practical relevance in the present energy markets, our methodology is still largely valid under the current technology driven circumstances.

Biography:

Daniel Davoodian studying his PhD research at University of Southern Queensland. The research title is “The perceived barriers of innovation and technology transfer in Australian on-shore drilling”. The research explores the effect and the extent of the barriers and aims to identify how these barriers have influenced the growth and development of and within the drilling industry. It is hoped that the research will help industry leaders to improve efficiency and performance. Daniel has been working for the oil and gas industry for 10 years in different faculties such as business development consultancy, maintenace planning, drilling operations as well as oil and gas trade.

Abstract:

Studying and analysing the oil and gas industry’s supply chain can be complex and sometimes unclear. A supply chain strategy and policy for this industry, comprises the improvement of boundaries and parameters that controls the interactions between different sectors. However, regardless of how good the current supply chain of the oil and gas is, and how well the policies, strategies and technologies are placed, it still can be improved. On the other hand, improvement requires innovation especially in the operational environment. Operational innovation can simply be a different procedure in dealing with old problems. Over years, oil and gas companies including the drilling sector, develop through merger, acquisition and business divergence. Whereas, growth, development and financial improvement can be achieved through innovation in the operation sector as well. However, the researcher’s approach is to review the impact of the value, and effect of the technology transfer on organisational policies, operational policies, knowledge based economy and innovation management of the value chain. In this regard the objective of this chapter is to study the extensive technology transfer management issues from the point of knowledge-based economy. The main hypothesis suggests the transformation of the traditional model of the technology transfer to a modern approach. The necessity to improve, grow and expand the knowledge-based economy towards a more efficient system, the lack of transparency amongst operation and knowledge transfer, and lack of focus on vertical and horizontal organizational knowledge transfer, are profound invitations for the remodelling and reinterpretation of the basics of the technology transfer.

Biography:

Dr. Mohammad Abdulhameed AlKazimi is a Senior Reliability and Equipment Support Engineer at Kuwait Oil Company in Kuwait. He holds a Bachelor degree in mechanical engineering and Masters degree in Industrial Engineering; both earned at the University of Toledo in Ohio, USA. As part of professional development program by the oil sector in Kuwait, he was one of the first of employees to be selected to pursue his PhD with focus on risk assessment and mitigation in the petroleum industry. During his graduate studies, he earned his Masters degree in petroleum engineering along with certificates in Safety Engineering, Leadership in Engineering Organizations, and Project Management, respectively. In addition, Dr. AlKazimi is a member of multiple professional societies.

Abstract:

The currently used of both qualitative and quantitative risk assessment tools “fall short in identifying and ranking potential risks” in the petroleum industry and they “fail to demonstrate that risks have been reduced as low as reasonably practicable (ALARP)” (Fitzgerald, 2004, p. 3). Moreover, the tools are “limited to large, complex, and expensive studies” (Fitzgerald, 2004, p. 3). Because accidents due to both human errors and electromechanical failures still occur and result in various consequences, critics have raised concerns about the petroleum industry’s safety and risk mitigation credentials and question its ability to prevent major accidents. My main focus in my research is to introduce new methods that provide more detailed and structure information to decision makers. They are more robust and easier-to-use so that novice engineers can successfully apply them without experts’ need. In addition, In addition, implementing an effective safety culture is essential to protect employees as well as enhancing the students’ safety awareness. Students need to be able to identify hazards, assess the risk associated with them, and respond to an emergency situation, should they occur. Therefore, The proposed launch of Health, Safety, and Environment focus area in the Petroleum Engineering Department at Kuwait University will boost the credentials of both the department and the university as pioneers in that in that field within academia in the Gulf region.

Biography:

Abstract:

With the discovery of the Pre-Salt reserves, the exploration of oil and gas is being extended to great depths in Brazil, thereby generating increasing demand for drilling capabilities. This study examines the impact of this discovery accomplished by Petróleo Brasileiro S.A. (Petrobras) on patent applications in Brazil associated with drilling fluid technologies. Then, this article provides empirical evidence that the pre-salt discovery significantly affected patent strategizing of Multi-Nationals Companies (MNCs) operating in the upstream oil and gas industry.

Biography:

Dr. Javier Holzmann is Chief Engineer of the Full Scale Testing Lab and Lecturer for topics related with OCTG technology since 2006 and has worked as an R&D Engineer for six years (2001-2006) in the R&D Center of Tenaris-Siderca, Argentina. Dr. Holzmann has an equivalent M.Sc. degree (2001) from the Academy of Engineering, University of Buenos Aires, Argentina, and a PhD degree (2013) from the Technical University of Clausthal, Germany. Since 2001 he is involved in research activities related with OCTG design, testing and optimisation, makeup procedures, and development of laboratory testing devices and facilities.

Abstract:

As a fundamental condition towards making use of the maximum performance of a threaded connection, the make up process bears great importance for getting the necessary preloading of the joint, which enables a determined tubular string to be tight and to withstand all static and dynamic load modes present during the whole life of the well. However, due to the design nature of premium connections, it can be somewhat complicated to determine the optimum amount of applied torque which is big enough to make up the connection and achieve service tightness, but also small enough to avoid the development of some failure modes, like those related to excessive plastic deformation and galling . The purpose of this work aims to better understand the elastoplastic phenomena present during make up procedures by means of experimental validation of an axial-symmetric model for bilinear materials, that is typically used for FE models during the design phase of OCTG proprietary connections.

Biography:

Tom Leeftink is currently in his final month of the MSc. Petroleum Engineering (Delft University of Technology). He is performing a thesis research on assessing new shale permeability measurements and novel history match inversions at EBN in cooperation with the University of Leeds and Delft. He started his MSc. in September 2013 after finishing his BSc. in Applied Earth Sciences (also at Delft University of Technology). For his BSc. thesis, he conducted this research on modelling foam EOR under supervision of Prof. W.R. Rossen. This paper was earlier presented at the EAGE on IOR in St. Petersburg, Russia in 2013

Abstract:

Injectivity is a key factor in the economics of foam enhanced oil recovery (EOR) processes. Poor injectivity of low-mobility foam slows the production of oil and allows more time for gravity segregation of injected gas. The conventional Peaceman equation makes two substantial errors in estimating foam injectivity: it ignores the rapidly changing saturations around the wellbore and the effect of non-Newtonian mobility of foam. This paper considers the two problems in turn: non-Newtonian effects and foam dry-out. In studying non-Newtonian effects we use the method-of-characteristics approach, which resolves both changing saturations and non-Newtonian rheology with great precision near the wellbore, and compare to conventionally computed injectivity using the Peaceman equation in a grid block. By itself, the strongly non-Newtonian rheology of the “low-quality” foam regime makes a significant difference to injectivity of foam. However, one could estimate this effect using the equation for injectivity of power-law fluids, i.e. without accounting for changing water saturation near the well, without much error. In SAG processes, however, non-Newtonian rheology is less important than accounting for foam collapse in the immediate near-wellbore region. Averaging water saturation in a large grid block misses this dry-out very near the well and the Peaceman equation grossly underestimates the injectivity of gas. This error is similar in kind to, but much greater than, that in conventional gas-injection EOR. The magnitude of the effect on the overall simulation decreases as the simulation grid is refined around the well. We illustrate with examples using foam parameters fit to laboratory data.

Biography:

Mohd Hafiz Fazalul Rahiman completed his PhD degree in electrical engineering and Post-doctoral studies from Universiti Teknologi. In 2006, he joined Universiti Malaysia Perlis, Malaysia as teaching staff member and at present he holds senior lecturer position. His research interests include process tomography, sensors and instrumentations and embedded system.

Abstract:

In this paper, we carried out a tomographic investigation on a column using ultrasonic sensor. The ultrasonic tomography sensing array was constructed and clamped onto the exterior circumference of the column. The time-of-flight and arrival-time analysis was studied to obtain the signal information in real-time. The cross-section images were then reconstructed using image reconstruction algorithm. Some experiments were carried out using known static profiles and were compared with the actual profiles. The findings showed promising results where the sensing array could detect the void fractions.

Biography:

Abstract:

With the rapid development of chemical flooding technologies during recent decades, great success has been achieved in the fundamental studies and field tests of chemical combination flooding in recent years. In China, a low concentration ASP formula was employed to achieve ultralow interfacial tension by the synergistic effect of alkali and surfactant. The viscosity of polymer solution prepared from produced water could meet the technological requirements when salt tolerance polymer was applied. ASP or SP flooding could increase both oil displacement efficiency and sweep volume. ASP pilot tests and industrial field tests in Daqing Oilfield have resulted in an oil recovery increase of 18.5%-26.5%. The chemical combination flooding has entered into the industrial promotion and application stage, with a series of supporting techniques formed in the field tests. Chemical combination flooding has become a cost effective EOR technology in recent years. The overall tendency of chemical combination flooding is turning from strong alkali ASP flooding to weak alkali ASP or even alkali free SP flooding. The conditions and types of applicable reservoirs are also broaden, from high permeability to low permeability reservoirs; from sandstone to conglomerate, carbonate and complex fault block reservoirs; from low temperature low salinity to high temperature high salinity reservoirs. The main challenges in this technique include short pump-checking period and difficulty in produced liquid handling and high cost. Micelle-polymer flooding as the major chemical combination flooding technique was applied abroad in the early stage of chemical flooding tests. However, the micelle-polymer flooding has not been applied widely due to its high cost. Thus low concentration chemical combination flooding has drawn more attention. Because of high temperature and high salinity in most reservoirs abroad where chemical combination flooding is going to be used, the temperature resistance and salt tolerance oil displacement agents are the bottleneck for application of chemical combination flooding. There are some major technological problems need to be solved in future application of chemical combination flooding. Firstly, high-performance, low-cost surfactants for chemical combination flooding should be developed. Secondly, new salt-tolerance, temperature-resistance polymers and surfactants should be developed. Thirdly, chemical combination flooding supporting technology in field tests and application should be improved. Fourthly, monitoring, tracking adjustment and optimizing technology in chemical combination flooding field tests should be improved.

Biography:

Abstract:

Sulige gas field is a typical tight sand gas field in China．Well type and pattern optimization is the key technology to improve single well estimated reserves and recovery factor and to achieve efective field development．In view of the large area，low abundance and high heterogeneity of Sulige gas field，a series of techniques have been developed including hierarchical description for the reservoir architecture of large composite sand bodies and well spacing optimization，well paaem optimization，design and optimization for horizontal trajectory and deliverability evaluation for diferent types of gas wells．These technologies provide most important technical supports for the increases of class Ⅰ and Ⅱ wells proportion to 75%-80% with recovery factor enhanced by more than 35％ and for the industrial application of horizontal drilling．To further improve individual well production an d recovery factor, attempts and pilot tests in various well types including side tracking of deficient wells，multilateral horizontal wells，and directional wells，and horizontal well pattern and combined well pattern of various well types should be carried out throughout the development．

Biography:

Dr. Samer Ahmed, Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering, has obtained his PhD degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Cambridge in the UK in 2007. He got his MSc and BSc degrees in Mechanical Engineering from Helwan University in Egypt. He worked as a post doctor research associate at Cambridge University for nearly two years. Then, he joined King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM) in Saudi Arabia as an assistant professor for three years. Dr. Ahmed joined Qatar University in 2011. In 2013, he has been promoted to Associate Professor rank. His research interest is in the area of combustion and emissions, alternative fuels and carbon capture technologies. He is currently the lead principle investigator of a number of research projects funded by QNRF and local industry. His extensive research has resulted in many publications in the top journals of the field and refereed conference proceedings.

Abstract:

Global warming and the ever increasing emission levels of combustion engines have forced the engine manufacturers to look for alternative fuels for better engine performance and low emissions. Gaseous fuel mixtures such as natural gas , syngas, and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) are examples of new alternative fuels that have great potential to be used with combustion engines. Combustion characteristics such as ignition and flame speeds of these alternative fuels should be studied extensively before they are fully employed in engines. Recent published results have shown that high bulk velocities decrease the ignition probability in all locations and for all flames. Ignition is sometimes possible even in locations where there is negligible probability of finding flammable mixture and is sometimes impossible in locations with high probability of flammable flow. Failed ignition has been viewed close to the extinction flow conditions of the flame. Igniting the flame away from the extinction conditions results in 100% ignition probability regardless of the ignition location. However, close to extinction, ignition probability decreases gradually and achieving ignition is not possible at certain locations. Measurements of laminar flame speeds of CH4/LPG-air mixtures have found to be higher than those of pure fuels at the same mixture strength. Moreover, the addition of H2 and O2 to the fuel mixtures increase laminar flame speeds notably, while the addition of CO2/N2 mixture to the fuel decreases laminar flame speeds of CH4/LPG-air mixtures.

Biography:

Ateeq Rahman is working as Visiting Professor at Bindura University in Zimbabwe. He has worked in the area of catalysis for 13 years and has vast experience in the synthesis of heterogeneous catalysts, characterization, study its applications for fine chemical synthesis and he published 25 papers, worked as Postdoctoral Fellow in Germany, Canada, South Africa; Ni SiO2 catalysis for oxidation, reduction Knoevenegal, Bromination reactions from which 6 papers were published. He also worked as Assistant Professor at King Saud University, Saudi Arabia; where the project was sponsor by SABIC and 2 patents on Nano Carbon from agricultural based materials. Nano Carbon was used as filler in LDPE and HDPE and studies its characterization and applications.

Abstract:

Microporous and Mesoporous silica catalysts, MCM-41, derived from zeolite type catalysts are easily synthesized in lab scale and commercially available SiO2 have applications in reduction reactions. Ni-B silica catalysts denoted as Cat A are characterized by XRD, IR, SEM, BET surface area and chemisorption studies. Nickel boride generated in situ on silica is found to be a super-active catalyst for reduction of nitro aromatics, aldehdyes, ketones, alkenes, phenols and in reductive amination of aldehydes and ketones at low temperatures whereas Ni-SiO2 Cat A and Pd-(II) MCM-41 denoted as Cat B exhibited catalytic activity for reduction of nitroaromatics, aldehdyes, and hydrodehalogenation reactions. Ni-Al hydrotalcite is a solid base catalyst active for a variety of organic reactions i.e oxidation of alcohols to carbonyl compounds and reduction of aldehydes to alcohols which exhibited as redox catalysts. From TPR characterization it is evident that Ni in association with oxide of aluminium is active oxidation of alcohols to carbonyl compounds in molecular oxygen. The IR, XRD, DTTGA characterization of Ni HT catalysts gave excellent results which confirms that Ni HT active catalysts for organic transformations. The catalysts showed reusability after the reaction. The efficient catalytic activity was exhibited for Ni-SiO2, Ni HT and Pd catalysts for reduction reactions which is reusable, atom economy, reproducibility and environmentally friendly catalysts. Comparative study of Ni-SiO2 and Pd (II) MCM-41 catalysts is presented in this article.

Biography:

Dr. Younes Noorollahi received his PhD from Kyushu University-Japan in 2008, and postdoctoral studies also from Kyushu University School of Earth Resources Engineering. Presently he is Head of Renewable Energies and Environmental Engineering Department in University of Tehran. He has vast experience in field of energy resources assessment and evaluation. Geothermal energy exploration and resources assessment and its application on different industrial fields is his main activities. He was working in Renewable Energy Organization of Iran (SUNA) for 14 years as a geothermal energy resources assessment project manager. He has published more than 25 papers in reputed International journals and more than 100 papers in national and international conferences and has been serving as an editorial board member of more than 10 international journals.

Abstract:

Abandoned oil and gas wells can be used as low temperature geothermal resources for heat extraction from geological formations and have valuable potential that avoids the elevated cost of deep drilling in geothermal projects. In this study, an oil wells in southern Iran were modeled using a 3D technique. The bottom-hole temperature of wells AZ was 138.7°C. The circulating fluid is not in direct contact with the hot rock, as in a double-pipe heat exchanger; thus, heat transfer occurs without mass transfer. The fluid circulates in the well by means of a concentric double pipe. Cold water is injected into the well through the outer pipe, heat transfers from the hot rock to the fluid during injection, and the hot fluid is extracted through the inner pipe. To avoid heat transfer between the outer and inner pipes, extruded polystyrene thermal insulation surrounds the outer surface of the inner pipe Heat transfer between fluid injected into the well and the surrounded hot rock was simulated. Well casing geometry for two real abandoned oil wells was considered. The simulation results were optimized for parameters such as input and output fluid flow rate and temperature. The results showed that, in addition to thermal gradient and mass flow rate, well casing geometry and the size of injection and extraction pipes were essential to the output heat extraction rate and clean water production. Total producible clean and fresh water from well AZ-II was 600 m3/day.

Biography:

Abstract:

Considerable research efforts have been reported in both pinch technology and Mixed-Integer-Nonlinear-Programming (MINLP) techniques for the synthesis of heat exchanger networks (HENs). In these methods, the effect of temperature and pressure on physical properties, phase change, and pressure drop in heat exchangers is not considered to produce the real industrial HENs. This paper presents a ASPEN HYSYS simulator, Genetic Algorithm (GA), and Linear Programming (L new efficient and robust method by combination of P) for calculation of HENs. Structural parameters are optimized by GA whereas continuous variables are handled using a modified LP formulation for maximum energy recovery (MER). The simulator is used for consideration of temperature and pressure effect on physical properties and phase change calculation. Results show that presented method has higher ability than previous methods in generation of actual HENs.

Biography:

Abstract:

In this study, dynamic analysis of functionally graded nano composite pipe reinforced by singlewalled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) with simply supported boundary condition subjected to moving mechanical loads is investigated. The material properties of functionally graded carbon nanotube-reinforced composites (FG-CNTRCs) are assumed to be graded in the thickness direction and are estimated through a micromechanical model. In this paper polymeric matrix considered as isotropic material and for the CNTRC, uniform distribution (UD) and three types of FG distribution patterns of SWCNT reinforcements are considered. The system equation of motion is derived by using Hamilton's principle under the assumptions of first order shear deformation theory (FSDT).The thin piezoelectric layers embedded on inner and outer surfaces of FG-CNTRC layer are acted as distributed sensor and actuator to control dynamic characteristics of the FG-CNTRC laminated pipe. The modal analysis technique and Newmark's integration method are used to calculate the displacement and dynamic stress of the pipe subjected to moving loads. The effects of various material distribution and velocity of moving loads on dynamic behavior of the pipe is presented. This present approach is validated by comparing the numerical results with the published numerical results in literature. The results show that the above mentioned effects play very important role on dynamic behavior of the pipe .This present work shows that some meaningful results that which are interest to scientific and engineering community in the field of FGM nano-structures.