Present understanding of the earth's subsurface is most often derived from samples at discrete points (wells) and interpolations or models that interpret the space between these points. Electrical resistivity imaging techniques have produced an improved capability to map contaminants (especially NAPLs--NonAqueous Phase Liquids) away from traditional wells using actual field data. Electrical resistivity image data, confirmed by drilling, have demonstrated that LNAPL (Light NAPL--less dense than water, such as gasoline) contaminants exist outside of a delineated and remediated area in Golden, Oklahoma. The data also demonstrate that LNAPL exists between monitoring and remediation wells which indicate low contaminant levels when sampled. Additionally, the electrical images provided the drilling location with the highest concentration of hydrocarbon ever found on the site, even after two phases of remediation work had been performed, although the sampling protocols varied. The results indicate that current methods of post-remediation site characterization are inadequate for complete site characterization.

Over the last decade, unmanned aerial systems (UAS) technology has matured to the point that it is now a viable option for augmenting more traditional bridge inspection methods. Any UAS-based inspection must address questions regarding the design of the aerial platform, the choice of on-board inspection cameras, and the protocols for the human pilot to follow. The wide variety of currently available UASs and imaging systems, as well as a current lack of UAS inspection standards, can pose challenges to engineers attempting to design or test a new system. The Placer River Trail Bridge, located on the Alaskan Kenai Peninsula, has been chosen as a test site for the prototyping and testing of a new UAS bridge inspection system. The desired final inspection product guided the design and operation of the UAS. The research team emphasized a data-driven approach in developing the UAS and its associated inspection protocols. Goals included providing high-resolution scans of the bridge capable of detecting a variety of damage indicators, and producing a 3D virtual model of the bridge using Structure-from-Motion. The resulting designs of both the UAS and the inspection protocols are presented herein. The results indicate that such a data-driven approach can lead to UAS inspection systems that are more capable of meeting the needs of bridge asset managers and inspectors. Structures Congress 2015 607

Offshore production facilities utilize a variety of process heating equipment to help start-up production and operate efficiently. Applications include glycol reboiling, oil and gas conditioning, knock-out drum heating, molecular sieve regeneration, sea or potable water, and fuel/lube oil maintenance. In addition, oil producers have long investigated downhole and subsea heating solutions capable of decreasing viscosity, preventing wax and hydrate buildup, and providing localized heating for improved productivity. The types of heating solutions are problematic due to the large capacity and extreme environmental and process conditions involved, especially with the downhole and subsea applications. Until recently, low voltage (below 1000V) heating elements and low power heating cables have been the typical solutions for downhole and subsea electric heating applications. These traditional solutions have limitations that prevent them from significant adoption and utilization. This paper discusses the benefits of using medium voltage technology. The focus will be on the reduction of installation, maintenance, and operational costs, as well as the reduction of electrical power consumption and line loss associated with using medium voltage technology. Also, for large heating loads, the physical size and footprint of medium voltage electric heating systems are more compact than traditional low voltage systems. This is especially relevant on newly designed platforms which provide medium voltage power distribution.Finally, medium voltage electric heating technology opens the door for completely new solutions in downhole, subsea and offshore heating, as well as other process heating, in the oil and gas industry that were not possible before. It is important to present such innovation to the marketplace so that producers and operators are aware of new solutions to existing problems.

Offshore production facilities utilize a variety of process heating equipment to help start-up production and operate efficiently. Applications include glycol reboiling, oil and gas conditioning, knock-out drum heating, molecular sieve regeneration, sea or potable water, and fuel/lube oil maintenance. In addition, oil producers have long investigated downhole and subsea heating solutions capable of decreasing viscosity, preventing wax and hydrate buildup, and providing localized heating for improved productivity. The types of heating solutions are problematic due to the large capacity and extreme environmental and process conditions involved, especially with the downhole and subsea applications. Until recently, low voltage (below 1000V) heating elements and low power heating cables have been the typical solutions for downhole and subsea electric heating applications. These traditional solutions have limitations that prevent them from significant adoption and utilization. This paper discusses the benefits of using medium voltage technology for flow assurance and hydrate prevention applications. The focus will be on the reduction of installation, maintenance, and operational costs, as well as the reduction of electrical power consumption and line loss associated with using medium voltage technology for such applications. For large heating loads, the physical size and footprint of medium voltage electric heating systems are more compact than traditional low voltage systems. This is especially relevant on newly designed platforms offering medium voltage power distribution. Finally, medium voltage electric heating technology opens the door for completely new solutions in downhole, subsea and offshore heating, as well as other process heating, in the oil and gas industry that were not possible before. It is important to present such innovation to the marketplace so that producers and operators are aware of new solutions to existing problems.

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