Paulo Henrique de Amorim Martins, Bruno Marins Freiman
{"title":"Scale Removal In A Deepwater Oil Production Well Using Fresh Water","authors":"Paulo Henrique de Amorim Martins, Bruno Marins Freiman","doi":"10.4043/31300-ms","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4043/31300-ms","url":null,"abstract":"\u0000 The aim of this paper is to present the results obtained by the use of fresh water in order to remove inorganic scale deposited inside production tubing from carbonate reservoir deepwater production wells with high salinity and low BS&W. The paper covers the entire process from the identification of production loss, the investigation of its main causes, treatment propositions and discussion of obtained results.\u0000 One of the hypotheses regarding the scale deposition mechanism in the studied wells is that the precipitation of salts is due to the evaporation of produced water. This phenomenon occurs through the contact of water with dry gas applied in the artificial elevation method (gas lift). The proposed and tested scale removal procedure consists of a soaking of the production tubing with fresh water in order to dissolve the deposition or at least part of it that is soluble in water. Preventive care actions in relation to flow assurance were taken, since the suggested method uses a high volume of fresh water, increasing the hydrate risks.\u0000 Scaling in wells with those characteristics was systematically removed through remote acidification (with specialized vessel assistance). That approach has shown to be always effective. On the other hand, remote acidification was always costly and dependent on the availability of critical resources. The technique depicted in this paper requires neither a vessel nor acid and, therefore, incurs significantly lower costs. The results obtained in the first tests were substantially positive since the wells’ productivity was fully restored. In this sense, the hypothesis of water solubility of the scale deposition was confirmed, and the method validated.\u0000 Since its validation, the method has been applied a number of times, confirming its repeatability, and extending its use to other wells with similar scaling occurrences, reducing costs and restoring the production in a short time. Nevertheless, new challenges arise in relation to the full comprehension of the deposited material and the prevention of its deposition.","PeriodicalId":11184,"journal":{"name":"Day 3 Wed, August 18, 2021","volume":"31 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-08-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"75331560","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Fu Wu, Carlos Alvarez, Gary Osterman, Ching-Hsiang Chen, R. Litton, Georgios Apostolakis
{"title":"Lena Guyed Tower Decommissioning Engineering","authors":"Fu Wu, Carlos Alvarez, Gary Osterman, Ching-Hsiang Chen, R. Litton, Georgios Apostolakis","doi":"10.4043/31237-ms","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4043/31237-ms","url":null,"abstract":"\u0000 The Mississippi Canyon 280-A platform, also known as Lena Guyed Tower located in 1,000 ft water depth in the Gulf of Mexico (GoM), was successfully decommissioned and reefed in-place in 2020. To meet the regulatory requirements on offshore platform decommissioning, i.e. BSEE decommissioning requirements and the LDWF artificial reef program, an environmental study and an engineering study were performed to ensure that the platform decommissioning satisfies these critical requirements on environmental protection and operational safety.\u0000 The environmental study revealed the abundance of marine lives residing on the tower and rare coral species only observed in deepwater region. This justified the environmental benefit of turning the tower into an on-site artificial reef and functioning as a vibrant marine life habitat at the end of its production service life.\u0000 The engineering study on Lena decommissioning, as addressed in this paper, involved three (3) stages of engineering work: tower decommissioning concepts and feasibility study; selected concept definition; and detailed tower reef-in-place laydown (toppling) plan and design. High-level tower reef-in-place criteria were set up in the early engineering stage as guidelines to the detailed laydown design, including specific project requirements on minimal environmental impact and safe offshore field operations.\u0000 This engineering study relied heavily on multiple expert brainstorm sessions on various decommissioning concepts and options, and advanced structural modeling and computer simulations for assessment and design. A large number of tower structural models were developed to verify the plan and check various factors and risk scenarios that may affect the tower performance in different stages of the decommissioning operation. Advanced analytical techniques were developed and applied, which feature the driving mechanisms of the problem such as soil-structure-interaction, guyline tension, structural member contact and sliding, large displacement simulation, structural collapse, and hydrodynamics. Stringent quality assurance and testing procedures were followed to ensure the credibility of developed analytical techniques and engineering technologies.\u0000 The most challenging part that differentiates the decommissioning engineering from typical structural design is how to properly estimate the platform in-situ \"as-is\" condition and carry out the assessment as such to make a regulatory compliant, feasible, reliable, and efficient plan. Therefore, engineering judgment had to go beyond the scope covered by existing industry codes and standards, and rely on the most recent advances in industry research and technology.\u0000 This engineering study resulted in a clearly defined tower decommissioning plan and procedure, backed up with contingency plans for various risk scenarios and potential deviations in field operation due to limitations and/or uncertainties. The decommissioning plan minimized the offshore fie","PeriodicalId":11184,"journal":{"name":"Day 3 Wed, August 18, 2021","volume":"4 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-08-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"75799094","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Elias Temer, Deiveindran Subramaniam, Y. Kaipov, Carlos Merino, Vladimirovich Latvin, Alexanderovich Barylnik
{"title":"Bringing Flexibility and Automation to Well Testing Operations Through Wireless Telemetry - Case Study","authors":"Elias Temer, Deiveindran Subramaniam, Y. Kaipov, Carlos Merino, Vladimirovich Latvin, Alexanderovich Barylnik","doi":"10.4043/31275-ms","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4043/31275-ms","url":null,"abstract":"\u0000 Dynamic reservoir data are a key driver for operators to meet the forecasted production investments of their fields. However, many challenges during well testing, such as reduced exploration and capex budgets, complex geologic structures, and inclement weather conditions that reduce the well testing time window can prevent them from gathering critical reservoir characterization data needed to make more informed field development planning decisions. To overcome these challenges, a live, downhole reservoir testing platform enabled the most representative reservoir information in real time and connected more zones of interest in a single run for appraisal wells in the Sea of Okhotsk, Russia.\u0000 This paper describes the test requirements, the prejob planning, and automated execution of wirelessly enabled operations that led to the successful completion of the well test campaign in very hostile conditions, a remote area, and restricted period. The use of a telemetry system to well testing in seven zones enabled real-time control of critical downhole equipment and acquired data at surface, which in turn was transmitted to the operator's office in town in real time. Various operation examples will be discussed to demonstrate how automated data acquisition and downhole operations control has been used to optimize operations by both the service company and the operator.","PeriodicalId":11184,"journal":{"name":"Day 3 Wed, August 18, 2021","volume":"271 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-08-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"79913557","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
A. Andoniu, J. D. Lauzon, R. Hageman, P. Aalberts, D. L'hostis, A. Ledoux
{"title":"Validation of Spectral Fatigue Assessment of a West-Africa FPSO Using Full-Scale Measurements","authors":"A. Andoniu, J. D. Lauzon, R. Hageman, P. Aalberts, D. L'hostis, A. Ledoux","doi":"10.4043/31166-ms","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4043/31166-ms","url":null,"abstract":"\u0000 In order to ensure structural integrity and safe operations, fatigue assessment of structural details is a key aspect of design and verification procedures for FPSOs. Spectral fatigue analysis is widely used in the offshore industry to assess damage induced by wave loading. However, the actual fatigue accumulation endured by units in operations usually differs from predictions due to the assumptions made at the design stage. One of the sources of uncertainty is the representation of the encountered sea states. The objective of this paper is to use in-situ measurements as a reference for evaluating the accuracy of spectral fatigue analysis and to investigate the influence of wave energy description on the fatigue assessment.\u0000 Structural health monitoring systems have been increasingly used in the last decade in the offshore industry as they constitute a valuable source of information regarding the actual operating conditions, structural response, or encountered environmental conditions. This data can be used to update fatigue assessment in order to determine the remaining service life, understand how the structure is aging, or support for decision making regarding inspections, maintenance, or lifetime extension. The work presented is based on such information gathered during a measurement campaign performed on a spread-moored FPSO in West Africa. Measured strain time histories at several locations on the hull have been used to derive the actual fatigue damage endured by the unit. These damages are compared to the ones determined from spectral fatigue analysis using stress transfer functions obtained from frequency domain hydro-structure computations.\u0000 Multiple analyses have been performed to evaluate the impact of different sources of statistical wave data and wave energy descriptions on the fatigue assessment. The wave conditions used originate from wave buoy measurements and hindcast data. Overall, the good agreement between full-scale measurements and calculations confirms the suitability of spectral methods for determining fatigue damage. When incomplete information is available, which is often true in the case of wave statistics, assumptions have to be made regarding parameters such as spectrum shape or wave spreading. However, using the full description of wave energy spectra, if available, can be a way of reducing uncertainties and removing unnecessary assumptions in such analysis. The results of this work show how fatigue assessment can be improved by gaining insight into the different sources of uncertainty, notably the sea state representation. With increasing focus on digital solutions, these results show realistic potential for virtual hull monitoring solutions based on accurate numerical models and realistic representation of wave conditions.","PeriodicalId":11184,"journal":{"name":"Day 3 Wed, August 18, 2021","volume":"69 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-08-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"81375638","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Hisham Moideen, Stéphane Le-Guennec, A. Mansour, Cheng Peng, M. Huntley
{"title":"Design Considerations for Polyester Construction Stretch Removal and its Impact on Mooring System Design","authors":"Hisham Moideen, Stéphane Le-Guennec, A. Mansour, Cheng Peng, M. Huntley","doi":"10.4043/31171-ms","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4043/31171-ms","url":null,"abstract":"\u0000 Polyester based mooring systems offer unique challenges from design, analysis and installation perspective. Non-linear elongation behavior of the fiber is key to these challenges. A good understanding of the fiber elongation characteristics is critical to the design of a robust and efficient mooring system. Mooring systems are one of the primary contributors to the CAPEX of the Floating Production Units (FPU) and the drive to develop cost effective systems has led to improvements/changes to mooring systems. Off-vessel tensioning has been in use for several years, but the option has recently received more in-depth consideration. Off-vessel tensioning is becoming the standard for floating systems with the elimination of on-vessel tensioning systems. The elimination of on-vessel tensioning system brings upon new challenges in terms of mooring line installation and tensioning. A key driver for these systems is the polyester rope pre-load criteria primarily used to remove construction stretch and jump the creep curve that the system may experience. The challenges to each project are unique, however, understanding and assessing the key design impacts will be beneficial to the industry.\u0000 This paper focuses on the design of a polyester based mooring system with focus on polyester fiber elongation characteristics and its impact on the design and installation. A polyester test program is established to understand the rope elongation behavior and impact of various pre-load levels. Installation assessment is also performed to understand the installation vessel requirements to achieve various pre-loads. Based on the studies, design updates are made to the mooring system and a novel two tension regime mooring system is proposed. Design impact of the two pre-tension system on various design criterions are evaluated and presented in this paper. The paper also makes recommendations on target pre-load and elongation to be considered in systems that do not plan to re-tension their system post installation. Authors appreciate that recommendations and observations reported may not be applicable for all types of floaters and mooring system.","PeriodicalId":11184,"journal":{"name":"Day 3 Wed, August 18, 2021","volume":"19 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-08-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"84412112","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"New Insights into Geochemical Modeling of Hybrid Low Salinity/Engineered Water and Polymer Injections in Carbonates","authors":"E. Al-Shalabi, W. Alameri","doi":"10.4043/31178-ms","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4043/31178-ms","url":null,"abstract":"\u0000 For decades, polymer flooding proved to be one of the most effective enhanced oil recovery (EOR) methods. In addition, low salinity/engineered water injection (LSWI/EWI) has been gaining momentum over the last few years. Both techniques seem to be cheaper than other EOR methods. This resulted in an increased interest among operators in these techniques. Moreover, low-salinity water is usually less viscous compared to formation fluids, which warrants a lower volumetric sweep efficiency, especially at high temperatures and in highly heterogeneous formations. The reduction in macroscopic sweep efficiency impairs the improvement in recovery efficiency by low-salinity water. In addition, experimental studies showed that polymer viscosity is considerably improved in less saline water. In this study, hybrid polymer and LSWI/EWI flooding performance is numerically evaluated in carbonate formations under conditions of mixed-to-oil wettability, high temperature, high salinity, and low permeability.\u0000 A numerical 1D model was constructed using a commercial compositional simulator. The model captures the polymer rheology of a newly developed and commercially available synthetic polymer. Also, the effect of LSWI/EWI on polymer rheology and performance was studied. Oil recovery, pressure drop, and in-situ saturation data were history matched for seawater, polymer, and low salinity water injection cycles. Furthermore, the matched experimental data were utilized to examine the combined polymer and low salinity water effect on the improvement in microscopic displacement efficiency of linear models under reservoir flow conditions. The simulation results showed that hybrid polymer and LSWI/EWI is a viable EOR method for carbonate reservoirs under harsh conditions. Moreover, this work provides new insights into the hybrid application of LSWI/EWI and polymer flooding in carbonates under harsh conditions, the impact of low-salinity water on in-situ polymer rheology, and it promotes further field-scale applications of hybrid polymer-LSWI/EWI to improve volumetric sweep efficiency and overall recovery efficiency.","PeriodicalId":11184,"journal":{"name":"Day 3 Wed, August 18, 2021","volume":"453 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-08-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"81893166","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Lee J. Thomas, L. Liebana, T. Wood, A. Mansour, Ashley Coaker, Roy Hunt, Graeme Rogerson
{"title":"Pathway to Decarbonisation and Maximum Value Recovery for Remote Offshore Gas Fields","authors":"Lee J. Thomas, L. Liebana, T. Wood, A. Mansour, Ashley Coaker, Roy Hunt, Graeme Rogerson","doi":"10.4043/30941-ms","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4043/30941-ms","url":null,"abstract":"\u0000 Gas developments are required to facilitate energy transition from carbon intensive energy to a sustainable balance of green and blue energy. The next decade will focus on exploiting gas fields globally to support this. A significant number of these fields are located in deepwater and /or are long distances from existing gas processing / LNG plants.\u0000 Transporting large volumes of gas from remote gas fields over longer distances and in deeper waters remains technologically and economically challenging. Conventional and near-term development options include subsea compression, floating vessels with topside compression and pipeline tie-back to shore, or floating liquefied natural gas vessels.\u0000 This paper and study are supported by The Oil & Gas Technology Centre (OGTC) and UK Oil and Gas Authority. It examines development options for a 200 km long 1700 m water depth tie back using integrated production modeling linked to power demands, along with installed steel tonnages. The Scope 1 and 2 emissions per unit of gas produced are analysed via a life cycle assessment using ISO 14044 as guidance for a long-distance gas tieback to the point of sale (inclusive of processing to sales specification). The major power intensive equipment used to develop these fields will be presented showing their proportion of the power consumption compared with the total; these include compression either onshore, offshore or subsea as well as the efficiency of the power generation devices in these environments. The paper will highlight the economics of each option and how varying the carbon price changes the commercial position of each option. The paper will show that by understanding what drives emissions, and how emissions relate to the amount of gas produced, that concept selection can drive upwards of 50% reduction in life cycle carbon emissions whilst improving project economic performance.\u0000 This paper examines multiple innovative technologies, providing technology readiness of new concepts based on the benchmarked study focusing both economic and carbon emission aspects. Finally, the paper will show that better economic outcomes with the decarbonisation of gas gathering systems is technically possible and can be deployed subsea to help meet the energy transition and allow the development of remote and deeper gas fields.","PeriodicalId":11184,"journal":{"name":"Day 3 Wed, August 18, 2021","volume":"7 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-08-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"77317704","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Rams Analysis for Different XT Technologies","authors":"Markus Glaser, Tobias Winter","doi":"10.4043/31182-ms","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4043/31182-ms","url":null,"abstract":"\u0000 This paper analyses the probability of failure on demand of different subsea christmas tree actuation principles and their related control system architectures. The all-electric technology has limited or insufficient field data available. This means that the reliability and availability analysis is based on theoretical analysis from data provided in reliability handbooks for mechanical and electronic components. The analysis includes the probability of failure on demand to isolate the well and the availability of each equipment type until a first failure causes the need for repair. The following different actuator and system designs were chosen for this analysis:\u0000 – Spring based hydraulic actuator – Spring based electric actuator – Electric power screw actuator – Electric planetary roller screw actuator\u0000 All Electric Systems (except the spring based electric actuator) utilize a battery to provide the energy for the valve operation. The reliability analysis provides detailed information about the major contributors that limit the reliability of the actuators and systems. With this knowledge, qualification activities can focus on the improvement of the reliability of the critical components and the actuator elements within the system.\u0000 The power screw actuator and the corresponding system provides the best reliability and availability compared to other systems. The electric with spring design provides better results than the hydraulic with spring design. Generally, the battery-based systems provide a better reliability than spring-based designs.\u0000 The most critical elements are the mechanical springs, sealings, brakes and the spindle mechanisms.\u0000 Another aspect is the analysis of an optimized operation strategy in order to utilize the redundant components to improve the availability and reduce the number of interventions by analysis of the second and third failure in the system.","PeriodicalId":11184,"journal":{"name":"Day 3 Wed, August 18, 2021","volume":"20 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-08-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"79184185","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Principles for Selection of the Quality, Health, Safety and Environmental Digital Solution","authors":"Riad Efendi, Marc Cabassa, Bruno Cagnart","doi":"10.4043/30950-ms","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4043/30950-ms","url":null,"abstract":"\u0000 A digital solution for the Quality, Health, Safety and Environmental (QHSE) management system has lately become almost a must for any progressive company, especially the one that strives to take on, pass and maintain third-party certifications (such as ISO 9001, 14001 and 45001).\u0000 However, its selection may be a complicated process balancing interests of field workers, executives, procurement, IT, safety/environmental/risk managers and training personnel.\u0000 The process of selection of the QHSE digital solution starts with defining the scope of the project and its sponsors, stakeholders, resources and budget (most likely estimated, at initial stage).\u0000 The next step is building of a list of requirements of a desired solution based on feedback from business. It will be followed by research of available solutions on the market and/or in-house capabilities to develop one.\u0000 Three to five vendors with solutions best conforming to the defined requirements will be requested to do presentations of their capabilities, followed by proof-of-concept for 2-3 top candidates, leading to a selection of a winner.\u0000 Despite the process described here being very straightforward, there may be pitfalls caused by complex interplay of interests of different disciplines and divisions within the company.\u0000 The most important conclusions addressing these pitfalls are:\u0000 It is unlikely that you will find one vendor, whose solution will become the best fit for all disciplines comprised by your management system (quality, occupational health, safety and environmental). An early decision needs to be made (most likely at the executive level) if you would go with a One Solution (Best-of-Suite) or different specialized software (Best-of-Breed) approaches. You need to get a very good idea of various QHSE-related software currently being used in your company at local or division levels. If the decision is made to switch to a new comprehensive digital solution on a global level, you will need to get a buy-in from local/division users before making this switch. Finally, you need to ensure that all stakeholders and interested parties are involved in (or at least informed of) the selection process and agree on its scope.","PeriodicalId":11184,"journal":{"name":"Day 3 Wed, August 18, 2021","volume":"47 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-08-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"76450337","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"A System-Theoretic Approach to Well Control Assurance Programs","authors":"B. Baylor","doi":"10.4043/30968-ms","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4043/30968-ms","url":null,"abstract":"\u0000 The world's leading energy companies face new challenges as they aggressively pursue digital innovation and acceleration. Oil and gas well construction, in particular, will continue to incorporate automation to enhance capabilities and provide a competitive advantage. These changes to the technology landscape will fundamentally alter the nature of well construction and the interactions pertaining to well design, operation, and maintenance.\u0000 One key element of well construction is process safety. To prevent incidents, well control assurance programs are created to ensure subsurface hazards are mitigated and controlled. However, to continuously adapt and keep pace with ongoing digital transformation, assurance programs must be continuously revisited to improve in the face of a changing environment. One way to do this is by using systems engineering principles, methods, and tools. System-Theoretic Accident Models and Processes (STAMP) and System-Theoretic Process Analysis (STPA) developed by MIT's Nancy Leveson can help assess assurance programs and uncover opportunities to improve.\u0000 This paper analyzes oil and gas assurance programs and generates system requirements based on causal factors that impact the efficacy of the assurance program as a whole. This, in turn, helps identify safe system boundaries and constraints to be enforced to achieve system safety. This paper demonstrates the value of STPA as an integrated analysis method and offers specific recommendations to improve oil and gas assurance processes.","PeriodicalId":11184,"journal":{"name":"Day 3 Wed, August 18, 2021","volume":"1 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-08-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"83851797","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}