Oil Sector Research Articles

Selection of Tooling for Extrusion of Polyamide Hoses Using Process Capability Analysis

Objective: This research is a case study carried out in a polyamide hose factory located in Brazil. The research seeks to identify the best set of tools to be used in a polymer extruder in the manufacture of polyamide 11 hoses. Search with the set of tools seeking the best production quality, without dimensional variations and in a more stable way from the beginning. Methods: By visualizing the dimensions of the product and the dimensions of the tools. To achieve this, Minitab® software is used to analyze the capacity of the production process with three different combinations of tools. The three productions were carried out with modifications to the original set of tools, one with changing the former and the last with changing the pin and extrusion die. Results and conclusion: Process capacity analysis showed that the last combination, with a former with a smaller gap in relation to the hose and with a pin and die with smaller gaps than the initial set, was more efficient, producing a hose with fewer dimensional variations. Research implications: Process capability analysis proves to be useful in assisting engineers in the development of tools to produce thermoplastic hoses, reducing dimensional variations and product defects, generating savings in material, hours worked and costs. Originality/Value: Hoses are produced not only by the oil and gas sector, but also for other purposes such as hospital use, retail and civil construction. This study will help the production of thermoplastic hoses in any segment.

Physicochemical Characterization of ‘Moroccan Picholine’ Olive (Olea europaea L.) Oil Produced in Southern Morocco Using Multivariate Statistical Analysis

This study focuses on evaluating the characteristics of olive oil produced in the Taroudant province (southern Morocco), making this the first comprehensive study focusing on olive oil from the ‘Moroccan Picholine’ cultivar. Our objective was to elucidate the distinctive qualities of olive oil from this region, providing valuable insights into its potential contributions to the country’s olive oil sector. For this purpose, several quality criteria (free fatty acids, moisture content, saponification value, and iodine value), oxidation indices (peroxide value, specific UV extinction coefficients, and oxidizability value), and purity indices (fatty acids and sterol composition) were evaluated. Our results reveal minor-to-significant variations (p < 0.05) in the quality and oxidation parameters. Specifically, our results indicate diverse ranges for free fatty acids (0.33–3.62 g/100 g), peroxide values (0.85–4.01 mEq O2/kg oil), K232 (1.68 to 2.73), and K270 (0.09–0.34). Furthermore, consistently high levels of oleic acid (55.8 to 73.1%) and β-sitosterol (94.2 to 97%) were observed in the studied samples. These outcomes were confirmed through the use principal component analysis and hierarchical cluster analysis. Likewise, important correlations were outlined among the studied parameters. Multidimensional analyses not only highlight inherent variations, but also facilitate the classification of the analyzed olive oils into distinct categories. The results suggest that the Taroudant province exhibits favorable conditions for producing high-quality olive oil.

Agreement highlights benefits of using LiqTech's technology in the oil and gas sector

Clean technology company LiqTech International Inc has entered into a distribution agreement with a US-based firm that provides consulting services to the oil and gas water-treatment sector in the USA.

BOARD CHARACTERISTICS AND CORPORATE PERFORMANCE: EVIDENCE FROM THE NIGERIAN OIL AND GAS COMPANIES

This study investigated how board characteristics such as board size (BOSI), board independence (BOID), board gender diversity (BOGD), and board meeting (BOMT) impact the performance of the Nigerian oil and gas sector. Seven oil and gas firms were randomly selected, and data collected on the relevant variables for ten (10) years. Data were descriptively analysed using mean, standard deviation, skewness, and kurtosis, while a panel data model was used as the estimation technique. The study found that BOSI, BOID, and BOGD positively and significantly impact the performance of oil and gas firms in the country. Though the relationship between BOMT and the performance of oil and gas firms is positive, it was not statistically significant. It is, therefore, concluded that critical attention should be paid to board characteristics as they play critical role in monitoring the company’s management, establishing strategic direction, and protecting the interests of shareholders and stakeholders. This study recommends that oil and gas firms maintain stipulated number of independent directors that could help sustain positive and significant association between board independence and performance of the sector.

Opportunities for the Development of Tyumen Oblast Based on Innovations for the Oil and Gas Sector, Production of High-Tech Equipment, and High-Tech Services

Opportunities for the Development of Tyumen Oblast Based on Innovations for the Oil and Gas Sector, Production of High-Tech Equipment, and High-Tech Services

PROMISING DEVELOPMENTS AND SCIENTIFIC TECHNOLOGICAL ACHIEVEMENTS IN GEOLOGICAL EXPLORATION IN THE MIDDLE EAST REGION

Technological and economic trends in the development of the oil and gas industry form promising directions for the development of geological research, oil and gas fields development and hydrocarbons production. Currently, in the world oil and gas production practice, there is a tendency to increase the share of involvement in the hard-to-reach and hard-to-recover reserves development, which results in the cost of geological exploration increasing. It is important to minimize these costs by improving existing and developing new technological solutions. Increasing the efficiency and knowledge intensity of new technologies being introduced is the most promising strategy for exploration activities, oil and gas fields development and exploitation.The current conditions for the exit of most foreign companies from the Russian sector of the oil and gas industry, including the search for potential oil locations, require the development or maintenance at the proper level of own innovative and knowledge-intensive solutions that ensure the further systematic development of the geological exploration sector. A potential vector in this direction could be technology transfer from foreign countries, including most of the Middle East and North Africa countries. The innovative activities of up stream in these countries (including in terms of geological exploration) determine the trends in the development of international geological exploration technologies, as well as potential foreign companies for the systematic institutionalization of mutually beneficial relations between Russian and foreign oil businesses.Saudi Arabia, Israel and Iraq companies develop promising innovative solutions for the oil and gas industry exploration sector, including attracting foreign technologies to their market. Saudi Arabian companies are the most active companies with a significant increase in the number of innovative technologies. The main focus of the innovative solutions developed by these companies for the geological exploration sector is: improving methods of laboratory and geophysical research, improving the quality of seismic exploration, as well as introducing mathematical modeling modern trends in geological exploration.

Circular Economy Approaches in the Palm Oil Industry: Enhancing Profitability through Waste Reduction and Product Diversification

Today, facing difficult environmental and sustainability questions, the palm oil industry is an important force in global trade and development. As a transformative solution to these problems, this review assesses the implementation of circular economy (CE) strategies. CE principles promote the transformation of waste into value through recycling, upcycling and other low-carbon innovation applications. This review estimates the capability of palm-based biomass, including palm oil mill effluent (POME) and refinery wastes. It evaluates how different technologies such as gasification are used to change these fuel sources into energy fuels and value-added products for industry. It also involves incorporating Industry 4.0 to boost efficiency and waste value creation into the operation. Although the potential of CE in creating an eco-friendly, profitable palm oil industry is apparent, nevertheless it must overcome all kinds and levels of barriers – from economic to technological to social. This review points out for collaborative efforts, technological advancement, and supportive policies to navigate these challenges, advocating for a unified shift towards sustainability and efficiency in the palm oil sector.

Real estate up to the mark: review and analysis of the real estate market in some Gulf countries

The purchase of real estate by foreigners and its full ownership in the Gulf countries has become feasible only recently. The diversification of the economies of oil exporting countries is forcing them to strengthen the role of non–oil sectors, in particular the real estate sector.A sharp increase in demand for real estate occurred, including two years ago, with the arrival of wealthy Russians on the UAE market, who decided to minimize the risks to their finances by investing in real estate in the Emirates.At the same time, despite the opening windows of opportunity for foreign investors, according to some experts, the UAE market may be overheated and a bubble, characteristic of fast-growing markets, will form, the further development of which may lead to a market decline.

Volatility transmission between upstream and midstream energy sectors

This research studies volatility dynamics of the returns to upstream (exploration and production) and midstream (pipeline and storage) energy (oil and gas) sectors over time and across sectors. We find significant structural breaks in volatility of upstream sector returns possibly triggered by major events, while no breaks are detected in the midstream sector. These results indicate the midstream sector is fairly insulated from major events relative to the upstream sector. Results based on a bivariate generalized ARCH model, which controls for breaks, indicate that the conditional variance of the upstream sector is significantly more affected by midstream volatility than vice versa. This finding could be due to the fundamental difference in functions performed by the midstream and upstream sector firms. These patterns in volatility dynamics have practical significance for financial market participants.

The role of HR in environmental sustainability initiatives within the oil and gas sector

This review paper explores the critical role of Human Resources (HR) in driving environmental sustainability initiatives within the oil and gas sector. Recognizing the significant environmental impacts associated with this industry, the paper underscores the imperative for sustainable practices and the unique position of HR to spearhead these efforts. The methodology comprises a systematic review of both academic and industry sources to identify effective HR strategies and practices that support environmental sustainability. The literature review section delves into theoretical frameworks that highlight the intersection of HR and sustainability, analyzes current sustainability practices within the oil and gas industry, and evaluates the impact of HR practices on environmental outcomes. Subsequent sections discuss strategic HR interventions in recruitment, training, leadership, and organizational culture that align with sustainability goals. The paper also addresses challenges in integrating sustainability into HR practices, including resistance to change and regulatory hurdles. Through case studies and best practices, it showcases successful examples of HR-led sustainability initiatives, drawing lessons and actionable insights. Looking forward, the paper identifies emerging trends in HR's role in sustainability and offers recommendations for policy and practice to enhance the effectiveness of HR in promoting environmental sustainability within the oil and gas sector. The conclusion synthesizes major findings, highlighting the strategic importance of HR in fostering environmental sustainability for organizational success and resilience.

Evaluating Financial Risks of Carbon Capture in the Oil & Gas Industry Using Advanced Machine Learning Techniques

This paper thoroughly examines the financial risks and opportunities related to implementing carbon capture and storage (CCS) in the oil and gas sector. We utilize sophisticated machine learning techniques to create a robust methodology for measuring CCS projects’ economic feasibility and risk level. Our approach encompasses various crucial factors, such as investment costs, operational expenditures, carbon pricing, and the oil and gas market dynamics. By utilizing discounted cash flow modeling, sensitivity analysis, and Monte Carlo simulation, we produce probabilistic financial results that offer valuable insights for decision-makers. The findings emphasize the crucial significance of policy backing, technological progress, and strategic portfolio management in influencing the financial outcomes of CCS investments. This study enhances the comprehension of Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) as an essential instrument for reducing carbon emissions in the oil and gas industry while effectively managing the intricate financial aspects of transitioning to cleaner energy sources.

Estimating the Impact of Monetary Stability and Commercial Exposure on the Agricultural Sector’s Production of Vegetable Oils in Iraq for the Period 2003-2020

This manuscript aims to estimate the impact of monetary stability and commercial exposure on the agricultural sector's production of vegetable oils in Iraq for the period 2003-2020. We assume that monetary stability and commercial exposure impact the quantity of vegetable oil production. Use descriptive analytical approach and use econometric techniques estimate the impact utilizing unit root testing with the extended Dickey-Fuller (ADF) time series test. The variables became stationary after taking their first difference. According to Johansen, co-integration was observed when co-integration was tested as the vector error correction model (VECM) was applied. There is a long-term equilibrium relationship between the independent monetary stability variable (X1), the independent trade exposure variable (X2), and the dependent variable of the quantity of vegetable oil production (Q). That is, there is a long-term equilibrium relationship that goes from (X1) and (X2) to (Q). The results indicate that there is a significant positive relationship (positive effect) between monetary stability (X1) and the agricultural production of vegetable oils (Q) in the long term. There is an inverse significant relationship (reverse effect) of commercial exposure (X2) on agricultural production of vegetable oils (Q) in the long term. The quality of the model's performance and its safety from standard problems were confirmed. The manuscript recommends that the government of Iraq get up prioritize supporting the vegetable oils sector by developing a strategy that works to increase production and includes providing financial and in-kind support and preparing infrastructure for the agricultural sector to reflect the increase in the production of vegetable oils because they are considered a cash crop and essential for achieving food security.

Forecasting Methane Data Using Multivariate Long Short-Term Memory Neural Networks

Over the past few decades, Alberta has witnessed a remarkable expansion in its oil and gas sector. Unfortunately, this growth has come at a cost, as Alberta has become the fastest-growing source of pollutant emissions in greenhouse gases (GHGs), sulphur emissions, and water pollution in Canada. Among these GHGs, methane stands out as the second most prevalent GHG, possessing a global warming potential ~ 28 times higher than carbon dioxide over a span of 100 years, and ~ 80 times higher over a period of 20 years. Since 1986, the Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) has been diligently gathering data on methane concentrations. Although this data is publicly available, its analysis has not been thoroughly explored. Our study aims to investigate the impact of temperature, wind speed, and wind direction on the predictions of methane concentration time series data, utilizing a long short-term memory (LSTM) neural network model. Our findings indicate that the inclusion of climate variables enhances the predictive capabilities of the LSTM model. However, the results show that it is not obvious which variable has the most impact on the improvement although temperature appears to have a better effect on improving predictive performance compared to wind speed and direction. The results also suggest that the variance of the input data does not affect forecasting performance.

THE ROLE OF ENVIRONMENTAL POLICIES IN SHAPING OIL AND GAS OPERATIONS: A COMPARATIVE REVIEW OF AFRICA AND THE USA

This study conducts a comprehensive comparative analysis of the impact of environmental policies on oil and gas operations in Africa and the United States, shedding light on the regulatory frameworks that govern these crucial industries. As global concerns about climate change and environmental sustainability continue to rise, the role of governmental policies in shaping the practices of oil and gas companies has become a focal point of discussion. The research explores the diverse approaches taken by African nations and the USA in formulating and implementing environmental policies for the oil and gas sector. It investigates the regulatory landscapes, enforcement mechanisms, and the degree of alignment with international environmental standards in each region. The study employs a multidimensional framework, considering economic, social, and environmental dimensions, to assess the effectiveness of these policies in mitigating the environmental impact of oil and gas activities. By conducting a comparative review, the research identifies best practices, challenges, and areas for improvement in both regions. It examines the balance between fostering economic growth through energy production and ensuring sustainable environmental practices. Additionally, the study delves into the socio-economic implications of these policies, evaluating their effects on local communities, employment, and overall well-being. Through the analysis of case studies, regulatory documents, and industry reports, this research contributes to the ongoing dialogue on the role of environmental policies in shaping the oil and gas sector. The findings aim to inform policymakers, industry stakeholders, and environmental advocates about effective strategies for promoting sustainable practices while supporting the energy needs of growing economies. Ultimately, the comparative insights offered by this study contribute to the development of globally applicable guidelines for environmentally responsible oil and gas operations.
 Keywords: Oil and Gas, Environment, USA, Africa, Review.

OPERATIONAL READINESS AND ASSURANCE (OR&A) IN ASSET INTEGRITY: STRATEGIES FOR EXCELLENCE IN FACILITY MANAGEMENT

Operational readiness and assurance (OR&A) play a pivotal role in ensuring the integrity and reliability of assets within the oil and gas sector. This review explores methodologies and best practices aimed at achieving excellence in facility management, with a focus on meticulous operational readiness and assurance within the asset integrity framework. The review delves into the critical importance of OR&A in mitigating operational risks, enhancing safety, and maximizing asset performance throughout their lifecycle. It examines the key components of effective facility management, including maintenance planning, risk assessment, compliance management, and emergency preparedness. Furthermore, the review highlights the methodologies and strategies employed to ensure operational readiness and assurance, emphasizing the significance of proactive maintenance, robust inspection protocols, and data-driven decision-making. It discusses the role of advanced technologies such as predictive analytics, condition monitoring systems, and digital twins in enhancing operational efficiency and asset reliability. Moreover, the review underscores the importance of a holistic approach to facility management, encompassing people, processes, and technology. It examines case studies and industry examples that demonstrate successful implementation of OR&A strategies, showcasing tangible benefits such as improved uptime, reduced downtime, and optimized resource utilization. Overall, this review underscores the critical role of operational readiness and assurance in asset integrity management within the oil and gas sector. By adopting meticulous facility management practices and leveraging advanced technologies, organizations can enhance operational excellence, mitigate risks, and achieve sustainable performance across their asset portfolios.
 Keywords: OR&A, Asset Integrity, Strategies, Excellence, Facility Management.

THE IMPACT OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE ON RECRUITMENT AND SELECTION PROCESSES IN THE OIL AND GAS INDUSTRY: A REVIEW

This paper presents a comprehensive review of the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on recruitment and selection processes within the oil and gas industry. The primary objective is to understand how AI technologies are transforming traditional recruitment methodologies and the implications of these changes for both employers and candidates. The methodology involves a systematic analysis of existing literature, case studies, and industry reports to identify key trends, opportunities, and challenges associated with the integration of AI in recruitment processes.
 The findings reveal that AI significantly enhances the efficiency and effectiveness of recruitment in the oil and gas sector by automating routine tasks, improving candidate targeting, and facilitating data-driven decision-making. AI-driven tools such as resume screening algorithms, predictive analytics, and virtual assistants are increasingly being adopted to streamline the recruitment process, reduce biases, and improve the quality of hires. However, the study also identifies potential challenges, including ethical concerns, the need for transparency in AI algorithms, and the risk of over-reliance on technology.
 The paper concludes that while AI presents substantial benefits in optimizing recruitment and selection processes, it is crucial for companies in the oil and gas industry to approach its implementation thoughtfully. This involves balancing technological advancements with human judgment, ensuring ethical use of AI, and continuously updating AI systems to adapt to the dynamic nature of the job market. The paper suggests that the future of recruitment in this industry will likely be a hybrid model that leverages the strengths of both AI and human expertise.
 Keywords: Artificial Intelligence, Recruitment, Oil and Gas Industry, Talent Acquisition, Machine Learning, Natural Language Processing, Predictive Analytics.

A novel neural network-based framework to estimate oil and gas pipelines life with missing input parameters

Dry gas pipelines can encounter various operational, technical, and environmental issues, such as corrosion, leaks, spills, restrictions, and cyber threats. To address these difficulties, proactive maintenance and management and a new technological strategy are needed to increase safety, reliability, and efficiency. A novel neural network model for forecasting the life of a dry gas pipeline system and detecting the metal loss dimension class that is exposed to a harsh environment is presented in this study to handle the missing data. The proposed strategy blends the strength of deep learning techniques with industry-specific expertise. The main advantage of this study is to predict the pipeline life with a significant advantage of predicting the dimension classification of metal loss simultaneously employing a Bayesian regularization-based neural network framework when there are missing inputs in the datasets. The proposed intelligent model, trained on four pipeline datasets of a dry gas pipeline system, can predict the health condition of pipelines with high accuracy, even if there are missing parameters in the dataset. The proposed model using neural network technology generated satisfactory results in terms of numerical performance, with MSE and R2 values closer to 0 and 1, respectively. A few cases with missing input data are carried out, and the missing data is forecasted for each case. Then, a model is developed to predict the life condition of pipelines with the predicted missing input variables. The findings reveal that the model has the potential for real-world applications in the oil and gas sector for estimating the health condition of pipelines, even if there are missing input parameters. Additionally, multi-model comparative analysis and sensitivity analysis are incorporated, offering an extensive comprehension of multi-model prediction abilities and beneficial insights into the impact of various input variables on model outputs, thereby improving the interpretability and reliability of our results. The proposed framework could help business plans by lowering the chance of severe accidents and environmental harm with better safety and reliability.

Biopolymer Composite Materials in Oil and Gas Sector

In the oil and gas industry, the demand for alternative materials is rising due to corrosion and the desire to reduce costs through weight reduction. Polymer composites are gaining attention for their corrosion resistance, favourable strength-to-weight ratio, and cost-effectiveness. The biopolymer composite is projected to have an output worth $4.95 billion between 2021 and 2025 and growth at a 5.38% compound annual growth rate. This review focuses on exploring the potential of natural fibres as reinforcement for biofibre polymer composite pipes in oil and gas, highlighting their ecofriendliness, biodegradability, and cost-efficiency. The paper assesses biopolymer composite pipes’ development, challenges, and applications, particularly those using continuous basalt and banana fibres. While basalt fibre has found field applications, banana fibre-reinforced polymer composites are still in the early research stages. Despite significant oil and gas industry players already endorsing polymer composites, further research is needed for biopolymer composites to address challenges like compatibility, environmental impact, standardisation, long-term durability, production processes, and regulatory acceptance. Advancing biocomposite research and exploring new research opportunities are essential for engineering advancements and advanced materials.

Beyond Economic Growth: Does Natural Gas Consumption and Price Promote Trade in Top Gas Producing African Nations?- An Evidence from Time Series Analysis

The study examined the role of natural gas consumption and price in enhancing trade among top gas producing nations in Africa. To accomplish the study's objective, data on natural gas consumption, natural gas price, and gasoline motor fuel (used as a reference variable) was gathered from the World Bank and the International Energy Agency. These data were then analysed using the panel ARDL methodology to examine the relationship between trade openness and natural gas consumption and price in the six leading gas producing nations in Africa – Nigeria, Angola, Algeria, Egypt, Libya, and Gabon. The findings of our study indicates that a rise in the price of natural gas has a positive impact on the trade and growth levels in the economies of the leading gas-producing nations in Africa. As the price rises, there is a corresponding increase in commerce, particularly in exports. This leads to a growth in real GDP and a greater contribution of the energy sector to the overall economic development. The increase in trade and economic development leads to greater trade openness, with the price of natural gas playing a crucial role in this improvement. The trade facilitation in the chosen African nations that produce natural gas was greatly hindered by the high prices of natural gas (natural gas consumption) and the usage of petrol for vehicle fuel. Based on these findings, the study suggested that: liberalising the oil and gas sector in gas producing nations would be beneficial to their economy. This would encourage competition, stabilise prices, strengthen gas infrastructure, and boost trade and development in gas producing nations in the African sub region.

Improvement energy performance for GHG mitigation - a case of FPSO vessel platform in Oil & Gas offshore production

This study offers an in-depth review of specific facets of the oil and gas industry, emphasizing the role of Floating Production, Storage, and Offloading (FPSO) vessels. It delves into diverse topics, highlighting potential opportunities, a solid research methodology for emissions quantification, and the pivotal challenge of reducing GHG emissions. Among the multitude of opportunities analyzed within the industry's value chain, the upstream sector - encompassing both exploration and production of oil and natural gas - receives considerable focus. This sector can be further divided into key segments characterized by high energy consumption and consequent significant emissions. Notably, the combustion of natural gas for power generation stands out, contributing a substantial 68% of CO2 emissions at related facilities. This process is a primary target for mitigation and energy efficiency enhancements. The intricate interplay between energy generation and CO2 emissions stands at the forefront of current research, emphasizing the need for improving vessel energy efficiency. This paper employs a case-based methodology, evaluating the effectiveness of energy efficiency measures within an FPSO setting and their resulting impact on GHG emissions. Central to this inquiry is a detailed examination of the FPSO Fluminense, strategically located within Brazil's Campos Basin, with the study meticulously examining the relationship between advancements in energy efficiency and emission reductions. While translating these insights into practical applications poses challenges, the momentum generated by rigorous research, combined with policy recommendations addressing GHG emissions in the oil sector, can indeed chart a path toward a more robust, sustainable, and integrated energy future.