Search Results (185)

The paper provides an analysis of the causes of accidents in oil and gas pipeline systems. As part of a comprehensive overview of the topic, it also presents the historical development of pipeline systems, from the first commercial oil pipelines in the United States to modern infrastructure projects, with a particular focus on the role of regulatory requirements and measures (prevention, detection, and mitigation) to improve transport efficiency and pipeline safety. The research uses historical accident data from various databases to identify the main causes of accidents and analyse trends. The focus is on factors such as corrosion, third-party interference, and natural disasters that can lead to accidents. A comparison of the various accident databases shows that there are different practises and approaches to operation and reporting. As each database differs in terms of inclusion criteria, the categories are divided into five main groups to allow systematic interpretation of the data and cross-comparison of accident causes. Regional differences in the causes of accidents involving oil and gas pipelines in Europe, the USA, and Canada are visible. However, an integrated analysis shows that the number of accidents is declining in almost all categories. The majority of all recorded accidents are in the “Human factors and Operational disruption” and “Corrosion and Material damage” groups. It is recommended to use the database as required, as each category has its own specifics. Full article

Lightning represents a critical danger to facilities such as oil tank farms, with the potential to cause major explosive incidents. To address this risk, Indonesia’s oil and gas industry has adopted the NFPA 780 Standard for lightning protection systems. However, tank explosions and refinery disruptions caused by lightning strikes continue to occur annually, highlighting the need to reassess the standard’s self-protection criteria, particularly in Indonesia’s tropical climate. The NFPA 780 standard was primarily developed based on lightning characteristics in subtropical regions. This study evaluates its effectiveness in tropical environments, where lightning parameters such as peak currents, frequencies, and ground flash densities differ significantly. By analyzing specific incidents of tank explosions in Indonesia, the research reveals that compliance with the NFPA 780 standard alone may not be adequate to protect critical infrastructure. To address these challenges, this study proposes a novel approach to lightning protection by designing solutions tailored to the unique characteristics of tropical climates. By incorporating local lightning parameters, the proposed measures aim to enhance safety and resilience in oil and gas facilities. This research provides a framework for adapting international standards to regional needs, improving the effectiveness of lightning protection in tropical environments. Full article

In recent years, carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions have increased at the fastest rates ever recorded. This is a trend that contradicts global efforts to stabilise greenhouse gas (GHG) concentrations and prevent long-term climate change. Over 90% of global transport relies on oil-based fuels. The continued use of diesel and petrol raises concerns related to oil costs, supply security, GHG emissions, and the release of air pollutants and volatile organic compounds. This study explored electric vehicle (EV) charging networks by assessing environmental impacts through GHG and petroleum savings, developing dynamic pricing strategies, and forecasting infrastructure needs. A substantial dataset of over 259,000 EV charging records from Palo Alto, California, was statistically analysed. Machine learning models were applied to generate insights that support sustainable and economically viable electric transport planning for policymakers, urban planners, and other stakeholders. Findings indicate that GHG and gasoline savings are directly proportional to energy consumed, with conversion rates of 0.42 kg CO₂ and 0.125 gallons per kilowatt-hour (kWh), respectively. Additionally, dynamic pricing strategies such as a 20% discount on underutilised days and a 15% surcharge during peak hours are proposed to optimise charging behaviour and improve station efficiency. Full article

The Moxi area in the Sichuan Basin hosts abundant deep geothermal resources, but their thermal regime and accumulation mechanisms remain poorly understood. Using 2D/3D seismic data, drilling records, and temperature measurements (DST), we analyze deep thermal fields, reservoir–caprock systems, and structural features. The following are our key findings: (1) Heat transfer is conduction-dominated, with thermal anomalies in Late Permian–Early Cambrian strata. Four mudstone/shale caprocks and three carbonate reservoirs occur, with the Longtan Formation as the key seal. Reservoir geothermal gradients (25.05–32.55 °C/km) exceed basin averages. (2) Transtensional strike-slip faults form E-W/NE/NW networks; most terminate at the Permian Longtan Formation, with few extending into the Lower Triassic while penetrating the Archean–Lower Proterozoic basement. (3) Structural highs positively correlate with higher geothermal gradients. (4) The deep geothermal reservoirs and thermal accumulation mechanisms in the Moxi area are jointly controlled by crustal thinning, basement uplift, and structural architecture. Mantle-derived heat converges at basement uplift cores, generating localized thermal anomalies. Fault networks connect these deep heat sources, facilitating upward fluid migration. Thick Longtan Formation shale seals these rising thermal fluids, causing anomalous heating in underlying strata and concentrated thermal accumulation in reservoirs—enhanced by thermal focusing effects from uplift structures. This study establishes a theoretical framework for target selection and industrial-scale geothermal exploitation in sedimentary basins, highlighting the potential for repurposing oil/gas infrastructure. Full article

The accelerated growth of the transport sector has increased oil consumption and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, intensifying global environmental challenges. The electrification of transportation has emerged as a key strategy to achieve sustainability targets, with electric vehicles (EVs) expected to account for 50% of global car sales by 2035. However, widespread adoption requires smart infrastructure capable of enabling dynamic in-motion charging. In this context, Electric Road Systems (ERSs), particularly those based on Wireless Power Transfer (WPT) technologies, offer a promising solution by transferring energy between road-embedded transmitters and vehicle-mounted receivers. This study assesses the structural response and service life of conventional and electrified asphalt pavement sections representative of the Spanish road network. Several standard pavement configurations were analyzed under heavy traffic (dual axles, 13 tons) using a hybrid approach combining mechanistic–empirical multilayer modeling and three-dimensional Finite Element Method (FEM) simulations. The electrified designs integrate prefabricated charging units (CUs) placed at a 9 cm depth, disrupting the structural continuity of the pavement. The results reveal stress concentrations at the CU–asphalt interface and service life reductions of up to 50% in semiflexible pavements. Semirigid sections performed better, with average reductions close to 40%. These findings are based on numerical simulations of standard Spanish sections and do not include experimental validation. Full article

Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) is a key technology for reducing anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions, in which pipelines play a vital role in transporting CO₂ captured from industrial emitters to geological storage sites. To aid the efficient and safe operation of the CO₂ transport infrastructure, robust, accurate, and reliable solutions for monitoring pipelines transporting industrial CO₂ streams are urgently needed. This literature review study summarizes the monitoring objectives and identifies the problems and relevant mathematical algorithms developed for optimization of monitoring systems for pipeline transportation of water, oil, and natural gas, which can be relevant to the future CO₂ pipelines and pipeline networks for CCS. The impacts of the physical properties of CO₂ and complex designs and operation scenarios of CO₂ transport on the pipeline monitoring systems design are discussed. It is shown that the most relevant to liquid- and dense-phase CO₂ transport are the sensor placement optimization methods developed in the context of detecting leaks and flow anomalies for water distribution systems and pipelines transporting oil and petroleum liquids. The monitoring solutions relevant to flow assurance and monitoring impurities in CO₂ pipelines are also identified. Optimizing the CO₂ pipeline monitoring systems against several objectives, including the accuracy of measurements, the number and type of sensors, and the safety and environmental risks, is discussed. Full article

Pipe-insulating joints are common cathodic protection devices in long-distance oil and gas pipeline infrastructures. To ensure safety, they are often designed too conservatively, resulting in large dimensions, high self-weight, and substantial costs. This study analyzed an insulating joint under the most unfavorable conditions to identify the component of the maximum stress in the insulating joint, which is the right flange. Then, using parameterized finite element calculations, five independent dimensions of the right flange were combined and arranged to obtain a dataset of the right flange dimensions and their maximum stress. Subsequently, four different fitting algorithms were trained with this dataset, and the ridge regression algorithm, which showed the best predictive performance, was used to establish a surrogate model for calculating the maximum stress of the right flange. Finally, the surrogate model was combined with a genetic algorithm to determine the optimal design dimensions of the right flange. This study also provides examples verifying the accuracy and reliability of the surrogate model and genetic algorithm. In these examples, the maximum stress under the design dimensions given by the optimization algorithm has a maximum error of 8.98% and an average error of 4.63% compared to the preset maximum stress target, while the stress predicted by the surrogate model has a maximum error of 9.65% and an average error of 5.33% compared to the actual stress. This improves the computational efficiency of the optimization algorithm by establishing a surrogate model, which can be used to optimize the dimensions of insulation joints. Full article

The global climate crisis necessitates the urgent implementation of sustainable practices and carbon emission reduction strategies across all sectors. Transport, as a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, requires transitional technologies to bridge the gap between fossil fuel dependency and renewable energy systems. Natural gas, recognised as the cleanest fossil-derived fuel with approximately half the CO₂ emissions of coal and 75% of oil, presents a potential transitional solution through Natural Gas Vehicles (NGVs). This manuscript presents several distinctive contributions that advance the understanding of Natural Gas Vehicles within the contemporary energy transition landscape while synthesising updated emission performance data. Specifically, the feasibility and sustainability of NGVs are investigated within the energy transition framework by systematically incorporating recent technological developments and environmental, economic, and infrastructure considerations in comparison to conventional vehicles (diesel and petrol) and unconventional alternatives (electric and hydrogen-fuelled). The analysis reveals that NGVs can reduce CO₂ emissions by approximately 25% compared to petrol vehicles on a well-to-wheel basis, with significant reductions in NO_x and particulate matter. However, these environmental benefits depend heavily on the source and type of natural gas used (CNG or LNG), while economic viability hinges largely on governmental policies and infrastructure development. The findings suggest that NGVs can serve as an effective transitional technology in the transport sector’s sustainability pathway, particularly in regions with established natural gas infrastructure, but require supportive policy frameworks to overcome implementation barriers. Full article

To meet the special needs of preventive maintenance for oil and gas well pipelines, this study conducts a geometric dissection of remora suckerfish based on bionics. It combines the biological features with fiberboard tape and uses the discrete element method to construct a particle model of solvent-free, epoxy-reinforced polymer materials, determining relevant parameters. The model accuracy is verified through volumetric density and drop tests, and the optimal parameter combination of the remora-inspired structure is obtained via multi-factor simulation analysis. Comparative tests confirm that the bionic structure enhances stability by approximately 43.29% compared to the original structure, effectively avoiding insufficient strength. It successfully addresses the gravitational segregation and fluid shear caused by uneven coating thickness, ensures stable and reliable interfacial properties of the composite structure during service, and provides strong support for the practical application of related materials in the preventive repair of oil and gas well pipelines. The findings promote the upgrade of oil and gas pipeline maintenance strategies from “passive response” to “active prevention”, laying the core technical foundation for the resilience of energy infrastructure. Full article

This study is devoted to a comprehensive technical and economic assessment of the prospects for the development of the oil and gas sector in the Republic of Mozambique in the context of the global energy transition. The analysis of key gas projects, including Coral South FLNG and Mozambique LNG, focused on their technological features, economic parameters and environmental impact. It is shown that the introduction of floating liquefaction technology reduces capital expenditures, increases operational flexibility, and minimizes infrastructure risks, especially in conditions of geopolitical instability. Based on a comparative analysis of the projects, it was found that the use of modular solutions and the integration of carbon capture and storage (CCS) systems contribute to improving sustainability and investment attractiveness. A patent analysis of technological innovations was carried out, which made it possible to substantiate the prospects for using nanotechnologies and advanced CO₂ capture systems for further development of the sector. The results of the study indicate the need to strengthen content localization, develop human capital, and create effective revenue management mechanisms to ensure sustainable growth. The developed strategic development concept is based on the principles of the sixth technological paradigm, which implies an emphasis on environmental standards and technological modernization, including on the basis of nanotechnology. Thus, it is established that the successful implementation of gas projects in Mozambique can become the basis for long-term socio-economic development of the country, provided that technological and institutional innovations are integrated. Full article

The decommissioning of offshore oil rigs presents complex environmental challenges and opportunities, particularly in the context of energy transition goals and marine ecosystem protection. This study applies a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) approach to evaluate the energy and environmental impacts associated with two different decommissioning approaches: full removal and partial removal. The analysis considers greenhouse gas emissions, energy consumption, material recovery, and long-term waste management. The study demonstrates important energy savings through the recovery and recycling of steel, which offsets energy-intensive operations such as cutting and marine transport. In addition, the analysis underscores the potential of integrating decommissioned infrastructure into offshore renewable energy systems, highlighting synergies with circular economy principles and the decarbonization of offshore operations. The findings highlight the importance of site-specific assessments and integrated policy frameworks to guide environmentally sound decommissioning decisions in offshore energy infrastructure. The analysis shows that full removal results in 14,300 kg CO₂ eq emissions during cutting and transport, compared to 3090 kg CO₂ eq for partial removal. Meanwhile, steel recycling generates environmental benefits of −3.80 × 10⁶ kg CO₂ eq for full removal and −1.17 × 10⁶ kg CO₂ eq for partial removal. Full article

Geothermal energy is a low-carbon and reliable energy resource capable of generating both heat and electricity from the Earth’s internal thermal energy. While geothermal development has traditionally been focused on onshore sites, offshore geothermal resources are attracting growing interest due to advancements in technology, the search for alternative baseload power, and the opportunity to repurpose decommissioned petroleum infrastructure. Recent efforts include utilizing abandoned oil and gas fields to adapt existing infrastructure for geothermal use, as well as exploring high-temperature geothermal zones such as submarine volcanoes and hotspots. Despite these initiatives, research output, scientific publications and patents remain relatively limited, suggesting that offshore geothermal technology is still in its early stages. Countries like Italy, Indonesia and Turkey are actively investigating geothermal resources in volcanic marine areas, while North Sea countries and the USA are assessing the feasibility of converting mature oil and gas fields into geothermal energy sites. These diverse strategies underscore the regional geological and infrastructure conditions in shaping development approaches. Although expertise from the oil and gas industry can accelerate technological progress in marine geothermal energy, economic challenges remain. Therefore, improving cost competitiveness is crucial for offshore geothermal energy. Full article

Light hydrocarbon fuels are widely utilized in industrial production and transportation due to their high calorific value and clean combustion characteristics. Compared to traditional oil tanker transportation, pipelines not only reduce transportation costs but also minimize environmental impact. To understand the leakage and diffusion law of light hydrocarbon pipelines, this paper takes light hydrocarbon pipelines as the research object, establishes the conceptual model of the process of light hydrocarbon leakage and diffusion, divides the four major processes of leakage and diffusion, analyzes the relevant theory, and deduces a formula. The numerical model of pipeline–air–soil leakage and diffusion was established to analyze the whole process of light hydrocarbon leakage and diffusion. The diffusion behavior of individual hydrocarbon components is examined, along with a comparative analysis between multi-component and single-component leakage scenarios. Simulation results reveal that the leakage process comprises three stages: an initial rapid diffusion phase, a transitional phase where a stable region begins to form, and a final stage where the diffusion pattern stabilizes around 800 s. C3 and C5 exhibit the largest diffusion ranges among gaseous and liquid hydrocarbons, respectively. In multi-component systems, the vaporization sequence suppresses the overall diffusion range compared to single-component cases, though gas-phase hydrocarbons tend to accumulate near the leakage source. Understanding the leakage and diffusion behavior of light hydrocarbon pipelines is crucial for energy security. By accurately modeling these processes, we can determine the impact zones of potential pipeline failures and establish appropriate safety buffers. This proactive approach not only safeguards human life and the environment but also ensures the reliable and uninterrupted delivery of energy resources. Consequently, such research is instrumental in fortifying the resilience and dependability of energy infrastructure. Full article

This study examines the impact of flare tariff adjustments on gas-flaring volumes in Nigeria. Utilising a 52-year dataset, this analysis demonstrates that the effectiveness of flare tariffs in reducing gas flaring depends on the stringency of imposed charges. To isolate this effect, this study distinguishes between tariff regimes implemented before and after 2018, a pivotal year marked by the introduction of substantially higher tariffs under revised regulations. The findings indicate that the pre-2018 tariffs had no statistically significant effect on gas-flaring volumes, whereas the post-2018 tariffs led to a statistically significant reduction. Specifically, the pre-2018 tariffs were associated with a negligible reduction in flaring (0.05 percentage points), which was statistically insignificant. By contrast, the post-2018 tariff regime resulted in a 9.26 percentage-point decline in flaring volumes, significant at the 1% level. Additional factors contributing to the flaring reduction include oil production levels, oil prices, and the availability of gas infrastructure. These results highlight the critical role of sufficiently stringent tariff policies in achieving substantial reductions in global gas flaring. Full article

This paper presents an optimized economic evaluation model for intensive drilling in unconventional oil and gas development, based on the “well factory” concept. The model integrates cost components—including pre-drilling, drilling operations, drilling materials, and drilling fluid treatment—with synergy factors that capture the benefits of centralized operations. These synergy factors reflect cost savings arising from reduced land acquisition, optimized rig sharing, and enhanced reuse of drilling fluids. Furthermore, a decision timeliness component is incorporated into the objective function, ensuring that the model can dynamically balance cost minimization with rapid decision making—a critical requirement in fast-paced energy projects. The model is rigorously developed by building on conventional cost equations and is validated using field data from the Shengli Oilfield Yan 227 block. The results demonstrate significant reductions in pre-drilling and drilling operation costs under the “well factory” mode compared to conventional single-well approaches. Additionally, an optimal platform configuration is identified, highlighting the economic benefits of integrating centralized infrastructure and shared resources in large-scale drilling operations. This comprehensive framework provides a robust decision-support tool for enhancing economic efficiency and operational effectiveness in the development of unconventional resources. Full article