This research explores discrete element method analysis to investigate the wear of NiTi Sand Screens in comparison to traditional materials. The study utilized Altair EDEM v2022.2 software and employed Oka and Archard models to simulate the wear behavior of Nitinol, a well-established Shape Memory Alloy (SMA). The mechanical properties considered include Poisson’s ratio, solid density, shear modulus, and Young modulus. Results indicate significantly higher wear values and deformations with the Oka model compared to negligible wear with the Archard model. The Oka model’s emphasis on impact as the primary wear mechanism, supported by high normal cumulative energy, better represents sand screen wear phenomena. Additionally, this study indicates that factors such as particle size distribution and normal and tangential cumulative contact energy hold potential as predictors of wear response and characteristics. The Oka model demonstrated that NiTi exhibited reduced wear losses compared to SUS630 and Cr–Mn white cast iron, both of which are recognized for their high toughness when subjected to an impact load. Experimental analysis validated the simulation findings with morphological and graphical erosion plots. The limitation of observing the shape memory effect through DEM (discrete element method) simulation was acknowledged. Recommendations include characterizing post-wear microstructural changes, exploring the influence of temperature on wear behavior, and further research to refine wear models and understand SMA sand screen responses.

The oil and gas industry is governed by policies with the aim of smoothening the business relationship between the Government, the International Oil Companies (IOC’s) and the Host communities. Different oil producing countries have their own laws governing petroleum activities and these laws vary from country to country based on the B-PEST factors which are Biological, Political, Environmental, Social and Technology. However, reserve size and oil type can also influence petroleum laws. Countries like Nigeria relies strongly on petroleum bills such as the PIB in which this research will be analyzing the Production Sharing Contract (PSC) which is a significant subset of the PIB. Comparison between the existing PSC of Malaysia and that of Nigeria was captured in this research and the analysis of the PSC was done based on the Government Take, National Oil Company (NOC) and the Contractor’s benefits. 26.67% and 56.58% recovery cost, 28.67% and 26.28% Government revenue, 23.14% and 7.64% NOC share, 21.52% and 9.50% Contractor share of revenue per barrel was arrived at for Malaysia and Nigeria respectively, showing that the Malaysian PSC model yields more income to the country when compared to that of Nigeria without necessarily short-changing the contractors or the IOCs. Finally, the reasons behind these deficits were highlighted and recommendations made to improve the PSC and benefits for all parties to the contractual agreements.

Since the discovery of Crude Oil in 1875, the Petroleum Industry has gradually improved in value due to the series of valuable products gotten from crude oil. The significant impact of crude oil as a source of energy has made exportation and importation of this mineral a lucrative business around the world, having turned to be the major source of revenue for most producing countries. Crude oil has contributed to about 80% of Nigerian Government revenue and foreign exchange since 1958, making it a key player in the economic plan of the country. Its importance in Nigeria has made the Legislature introduce lots of policies and laws governing the Oil and Gas business in the country. However, Nigerians with different views over the years have clamored for an improvement of these policies to enable the benefits of Her resources fairly get to the grassroots, producing communities and states while improving foreign investment policies in the country. These demands led to the introduction of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) in the year 2000. This research work attempts to review and offer recommendations for improvements to avoid future litigations, violence, conflicts, and industry fragility. This work will also elaborate on different steps taken by the Nigerian Government over the years to implement this bill, challenges faced by the Government and International Oil Companies (IOCs), Government and its citizens, and anomalies seen in the bill up till status quo.