Advanced Management Solutions (Greece)

Identifying microbial contamination early in cell culture processing can save time, money, and reagents. However, standard strategies for performing contamination testing often take days, leaving production vulnerable to potential spread of bacteria, mold, and mycoplasma. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are released by every living organism. These VOCs are increasingly being used to identify cell pathologies, study cell metabolomics, and assess other biological processes. Often, gas chromatography with mass spectrometry (GC-MS) is used to perform these analyses. Here, we utilized gas chromatography with ion mobility spectrometry (GC-IMS) to detect bacteria, mold, and mycoplasma in both cell and tissue cultures. Traditional GC-MS was used to validate the detection of microbes in cell cultures using GC-IMS. In most cases, headspace samples were collected just two hours after inoculations. GC-IMS was able to detect as low as 10 CFU of 5 different industry standard microbes, including both bacteria and mold species. In addition, mycoplasma presence, which is notoriously difficult to test, was detectable at 24 h post-inoculation. GC-IMS is highly sensitive, has a small footprint, requires minimal training, and can provide results in as little as 20 min per sample. Combined, this makes it an ideal strategy for detecting contamination in cell and tissue production workflows. Such rapid detection could save substantial amounts of time, money, and valuable reagents, and reduce risks to patient safety.

While new technologies emerge, human errors always looming. Software supply chain is increasingly complex and intertwined, the security of a service has become paramount to ensuring the integrity of products, safeguarding data privacy, and maintaining operational continuity. In this work, we conducted experiments on the promising open Large Language Models (LLMs) into two main software security challenges: source code language errors and deprecated code, with a focus on their potential to replace conventional static and dynamic security scanners that rely on predefined rules and patterns. Our findings suggest that while LLMs present some unexpected results, they also encounter significant limitations, particularly in memory complexity and the management of new and unfamiliar data patterns. Despite these challenges, the proactive application of LLMs, coupled with extensive security databases and continuous updates, holds the potential to fortify Software Supply Chain (SSC) processes against emerging threats.

As the building sector acts as an important CO 2 emissions source, it is essential to renovate the existing building stock for carbon neutrality in the EU. The study reveals the effects of several novel renovation technologies on building energy consumption and CO 2 emissions through building simulations. An English semi-detached house and a Spanish terraced house were chosen as the simulated demo houses. Renovation technologies were divided into passive, ventilation, and generation packages and simulated by packages and final combinations. Insulating breath membrane and bioaerogel thermal insulation are the most appropriate single technology for lowering CO 2 emissions for the English and Spanish demo houses, respectively. For generation technologies, solar assisted heat pump is a more recommended CO 2 emissions conservation technology than PVT system in both climate conditions. The demo houses' CO 2 emissions can be reduced maximally by over 70% after renovating with the final combination including solar assisted heat pump. The current economic feasibility of the novel technologies is limited by various issues, for example, manufacturing costs and energy prices. Nevertheless, considering most of the issues can be solved with time, they will be economically feasible renovation measures in the future.

Abstract Mercury is highly toxic and corrosive to certain metals and is therefore a highly undesirable contaminant in produced hydrocarbons. Its concentration in reservoir fluids differs by over four orders of magnitude globally, which means its operational consequences can differ enormously. We present a case study of the Fenris field: a new, offshore HPHT gas-condensate tieback to Valhall (North Sea) in which mercury has been detected but there remains considerable uncertainty about its abundance in the fluids. Predictions from a cubic Equation of State (EoS) model are strongly dependent on the parameter set chosen and there is not common agreement within the industry on the most suitable. Prior to field simulations, the suitability of commercially available models was evaluated by comparing outputs with literature data. Once a suitable EoS parameter set was selected, partitioning of Hg0 over all possible phases (gas, condensate, MEG-water and liquid Hg0) was evaluated for a variety of Hg0 concentrations (due to the uncertainty thereof), as well as the influence of conditions both in the subsea flowline and in the facilities. A plausibly conservative base case was selected for the Hg0 concentration in the reservoir fluids. This allowed partitioning and transport of Hg0 to be evaluated in terms of both the quantity and concentration of Hg0 in each produced fluid stream. Specifications for mercury-removal units (MRUs) were initially set using these values. A set of simulations performed using a higher Hg0 concentration allowed for evaluation of the suitability of these values under worst-case conditions. Considerable seasonal variation was anticipated, with the fluid arrival temperature at the facilities expected to fluctuate between 0 and 10 °C with related changes in the Hg partitioning. It was identified that the greatest quantity of liquid Hg0 was expected to form in the flowline and facilities at around Year 3 following First Gas, consistent with the maximum gas rate expected over field life and winter conditions. Of particular interest is the influence of the condensation and agglomeration kinetics of liquid Hg0, which may not only change the locations where the liquid accumulates but can also affect Hg0 partitioning into the other produced phases and can therefore affect the sizing of any MRUs to achieve product specification for this contaminant. This work describes the challenges in predicting the consequences of mercury production at FEED when its expected Hg0 concentration is significant-to-high but substantially uncertain. A conservative approach was taken in modelling quantities at various locations to ensure risk is suitably managed without adopting design specifications that unduly increase capital expenditure. The paper describes the predicted risks associated with Hg0 in this new development and the steps identified to manage risks during the upcoming production stage.

The construction and demolition sector is one of the biggest consumers of natural resources in the world and consequently, one of the biggest waste producers worldwide. The proper management of construction and demolition waste (CDW) can provide major benefits for the construction and recycling industry. However, the recycling rate of CDW is relatively low, as there is still a lack of confidence in the quality of recycled CDW materials. Therefore, new research projects are looking for innovative solutions within recycling of CDW in order to overcome uncertainties currently associated with the use of construction products made from recycled or re-used CDW. In this paper, a “cradle-to-cradle” life cycle assessment (LCA) study has been conducted to investigate the environmental performance of the prefabricated geopolymeric façade cladding panels made from large fractions of CDW. The LCA results indicate that the majority of the environmental burden arises within the manufacturing stage; however, the environmental burden can be reduced with simple optimisation of the manufacturing process. Furthermore, the environmental impact of the prefabricated geopolymeric façade cladding panels is generally lower than the environmental burden associated with the façade cladding panels made from virgin materials.

Abstract Offshore full-processing platforms are permanently manned due to the large number of operational and maintenance tasks. Having these platforms unmanned and remotely operated would improve the field economy, reduce the personnel risk and minimize the environmental footprint. The use of subsea mindset and technology in the platform design can enable such a shift in the manning and operations regime. Unmanned platforms have been in operation for decades in the form of simple platforms without complex process functions. The frequency of visits has however, turned out to be quite high. Further, maintaining facilities as unmanned has proved challenging when processing functions are added. To enable full-processing platforms to operate as unmanned installations, a new approach to design can be adopted. This new approach is characterized by use of design principles for complex subsea processing facilities and benefitting from the digital revolution. A main difference when comparing subsea and topside processing facilities is the significant number of utilities, support and safety functions on a platform. For the new platform concept proposed, several of these functions are simplified or eliminated, which reduces complexity, the need for maintenance and cost. The platform concept is among others proposed without accommodation and helideck. Access by personnel and evacuation is via bridge to Service Operation Vessel. By examining the Mean Time Between Failure for topside vs subsea equipment, it is evident that the subsea equipment has higher availability and requires less maintenance. For the topside equipment which as of today is maintenance intensive, e.g. compressors and pumps, the concept includes using subsea derived equipment. Seal-less subsea derived compressors are already proven for topside application. The maintenance need is determined based on surveillance by sensors and predictive analytics, i.e. predictive maintenance. On a staffed facility there are cranes and trolleys for material handling and personnel are carrying out in-situ inspection and repairs, representing a significant number of offshore man-hours. For Subsea installations, the principle is plug & play replacement by use of intervention vessels. The layout of the new platform concept is arranged in a subsea derived manner adopting the replacement principle by use of vessels. Also, the platform is proposed with robotics tailored for intervention of minor items. New technologies as drones and crawlers are developing rapidly and are used for inspection tasks replacing personnel, in addition to sensors and cameras and in combination with a digital twin. These technologies are comparable to using ROV for inspection of subsea equipment. This paper will present the conceptual idea for the subsea derived full-processing unmanned platform in more detail, and discuss benefits compared to a conventional staffed full-processing platform.

Abstract The Aasta Hansteen Subsea Production System is a part of a new major deep water gas development located in the Norwegian Sea, north of the Arctic Circle and 300 km from shore, west of the city of Bodø in Norway. With a water depth of 1300m, this development is a new water depth record in Norwegian waters and it is characterized by its remote location and harsh environment. The objective of this paper is to present the concept selections, technology development, design and fabrication for the subsea production system including umbilical and workover system. The paper demonstrates the importance of solid preparation in early phase planning, continuous implementation of lessons learned and an extensive test program in order to verify the new technical solutions for the Aasta Hansteen subsea deepwater development. This included development of a new mono-pile "toast rack" template designed for guideline less installation of manifolds and X-mas tree systems. This paper also presents a new deep water Workover system, involving an extensive qualification program and several new technical features such as a new safety joint, heave compensator and automated make-up of riser joints and more, in order to improve operational efficiency and increase safety under given challenging conditions. The paper also addresses a full scale wellhead testing in order to verify the design for fatigue performance. Several novel technologies were qualified and implemented as part of the Aasta Hansteen Subsea Production System to adapt to deep water operations, to enhance HSE performance and improve efficiency of the system. The experience is that the new technologies and new system solutions have improved HSE performance, operational performance and installation friendliness.

Abstract Mooring tensioning systems for offshore floaters have evolved from rotary windlasses on ships into multiple options nowadays. These options include fixed or movable winches, either linear or rotary, driven by electric or hydraulic, and the most recent in-line tensioners which remove the on-vessel equipment. Selection of a tensioning system directly affects mooring performance and installation, hull design, as well as overall project cost, schedule, operability and reliability. This paper compares a combination of seven types of tensioning system for the mooring system of a deepwater platform. The options under consideration for the tensioning system include fixed or movable, electric or hydraulic driven, and on-hull or in-line tensioner. The pros and cons of different alternatives are evaluated in terms of design, installation, and operating considerations, and are compared against criteria including Technology Readiness, Cost and Schedule, Installation, Layout, Maintenance, In-service Tension Adjustment, HSSE (Health Safety Security Environment) Risk, and Track Record. It is found that all options, fixed or movable, electric or hydraulic driven, and on-vessel or in-line tensioners have their advantages and disadvantages, and need to be evaluated systematically to fit different projects’ needs. Fixed hydraulic chain jacks remain the most popular choices for production semis, with 12 applications out of 24 since the year 1994. Movable options have merits over fixed ones in capital expenditure, especially with high numbers of lines. However, movable options require extra equipment and operations to relocate the tensioning system and thus have shortcomings in mooring installation, tension adjustment, and HSSE risk. An electric option has advantage in maintenance, because it does not require a HPU and has no hydraulic oil or flexible pipes to be replaced. However, electric options are heavy and large, with complicated gear boxes, and require a specialized team. Without on-hull tensioning and handling systems, the in-line tensioners may significantly reduce capital expenditure. Additionally, they eliminate the notorious problem of splash-zone corrosion since the top chain is completely submerged underwater. However, this system requires surface vessel intervention for tensioning and re-tensioning, and increases project execution and schedule risk. All of these need to be taken into consideration starting from early through execution phases of projects. As the offshore industry moves forward with emerging new technologies, projects usually involve multiple choices as well as technical uncertainties and financial risks. Most projects with mooring systems will encounter the similar challenges on selecting a reliable and cost effective tensioning system. This paper can serve as a reference for a major capital project that is going to select the most suitable tensioning system. With the state-of-the-art information and industry practice on mooring tensioning systems, this paper can also service as a reference for updating new versions of API and ISO station-keeping codes.

Abstract This paper describes the full-scale testing conducted on a new, step-change subsea boosting system that pairs an in-well electrical submersible pump (ESP) with a mini-processing plant. A typical subsea boosting application is demanding for several reasons, perhaps most importantly being higher free-gas fractions, and the potential for variable or slugging flow that is often associated with aging wells. The new system as tested, demonstrates how a near-standard ESP can be operated in such high-gas environments within a mechanical embodiment that is compact, easy to deploy and to redeploy should the original ESP no longer meet the boost requirements. This paper lists the tests conducted and the results obtained regarding the operational, electrical and control performance, the vibration response and finally the ease of assembly.

Abstract High pressure separation may be needed in subsea compression systems for long distance subsea tie-backs if a dry gas compressor specification is to be met. This paper investigates the performance of gas scrubbers at high pressure (>200 bar). Axial flow cyclones are the last stage of gas polishing within a conventional gas scrubber, and will determine the gas quality. Gas/liquid separation at high pressure is known to be challenging as density difference and surface tension is reduced between hydrocarbon phases. Re-entrainment of liquid droplets in axial flow cyclones is considered a limiting factor for efficient separation at high pressure. Using re-entrainment as a design criterion alone will effectively reduce the gas velocity through the cyclones. Reducing gas velocity to limit re-entrainment can result in poor separation due to a reduction in centrifugal force, causing more droplets to escape the cyclone. In this paper, existing models from literature for re-entrainment and cyclone cut size are extrapolated to field conditions of a notional deep offshore gas field. The goal is to map performance and explore limitations of a conventional scrubber design with axial flow cyclones for subsea high pressure separation. The extensive use of modelling and design rules effectively identifies issues and limitations of existing design approaches for gas scrubbing when moving to higher pressures.