THE FATE OF HYDROCARBONS ASSOCIATED WITH DRILLING FROM THE NORTH RANKIN 'A' GAS AND CONDENSATE PLATFORM, WESTERN AUSTRALIA.

1993 ◽  
Vol 33 (1) ◽  
pp. 386
Author(s):  
A. Chegwidden ◽  
S.J. Fisher ◽  
R. Alexander ◽  
R.I. Kagi
Keyword(s):  
Aromatic Hydrocarbons ◽  
Dry Weight ◽  
Substantial Contribution ◽  
Drilling Fluids ◽  
Remotely Operated Vehicle ◽  
Base Oil ◽  
The North ◽  
Hydrocarbon Analysis ◽  
Drilling Operations ◽  
Low Toxicity

Drilling operations from the North Rankin 'A' platform ceased in August 1991. At that time two sets of triplicate samples of seabed sediments for hydrocarbon analysis were collected using a remotely operated vehicle. One set of sediments was collected along a transect up to 10 km from the platform in the direction of the prevailing current; the other was collected along a perpendicular transect to a distance of 1.2 km. The total hydrocarbon concentrations of these samples were 75 000 mg/kg (dry weight of sediments) beside the platform, decreasing rapidly with distance from the platform. At approximately 800 m in the direction of the current levels were 40 mg/kg, and at approximately 2000 m the concentrations found were 2 mg/kg.Detailed examination revealed the presence of aromatic hydrocarbons in the sediments. This indicates that they must be derived, at least in part, from formation fluids; however, a substantial contribution from the low toxicity base oil (hydrogenated kerosene) component of drilling fluids is present, judging from the molecular weight distribution of the sediment hydrocarbons.Near the cuttings chute samples contained approximately five per cent aromatic hydrocarbons. Beyond approximately 400 m in the direction of the prevailing current, and along the perpendicular transect, aromatic hydrocarbons made up approximately 20 per cent of the sediment hydrocarbons. As the distance from the cuttings chute increased, the extent of biodegradation of the hydrocarbons in the sample also was found to increase.

DRILLING FLUIDS AND THEIR ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT: THE INTRODUCTION OF AN ESTER OXYGEN-BASED FLUID

1999 ◽  
Vol 39 (1) ◽  
pp. 640 ◽  
Author(s):  
R.J.A. Papp ◽  
N.F. West
Keyword(s):  
Development Program ◽  
Drilling Fluids ◽  
Fluid System ◽  
North West ◽  
The North ◽  
University Of Technology ◽  
Ecotoxicity Testing ◽  
Drilling Operations ◽  
Extended Reach Drilling ◽  
The Impact

An oxygen-based fluid (OBF) containing fish oil ester was introduced in October 1998 for the extended reach drilling campaign on the Goodwyn Alpha platform.The introduction involved multiple discussions with the West Australian Department of Minerals and Energy (WADME) and adherence to the risk-based approach from both WADME and the Woodside Energy Ltd (WEL) policies and standards for well engineering operations.The WEL approach to the introduction of the fluid was to address the issues associated with the use and discharge of the ester.The issues included the development of a fluid system which was optimal for extended reach wells, engineering solutions to minimise the amount of fluid discharged, and gaining a better understanding of the environmental impact of the fluid to local conditions.To minimise the volume discharged, the platform was refurbished including an upgrade to state-of-the-art solids removal equipment and modifications to the fluid system to ensure double discharge barriers.Baker Hughes Inteq conducted an extensive development program of the ester fluid system, involving more than 5,000 man hours of laboratory work.In conjuction with Curtin University of Technology, ecotoxicity testing was conducted to determine the acute impact on local species on the North West Shelf. A closed- bottle anaerobic biodegradation test was developed by Geotechnical Services to compare biodegradation rates of different fluids.By minimising the volume discharged and evaluating the impact of the discharge on the marine environment, WEL has demonstrated a comprehensive risk-based approach for the introduction of an OBF to WEL's platform and mobile drilling operations.

AN INVESTIGATION OF BENTHIC SEDIMENT CHARACTERISTICS INTHEVICINITY OFTHE COSSACK PIONEER FPSO, NORTHWEST SHELF

2000 ◽  
Vol 40 (1) ◽  
pp. 667
Author(s):  
J.G. Colman ◽  
N.F. West
Keyword(s):  
Trace Metals ◽  
Biological Effects ◽  
Control Site ◽  
Drilling Fluids ◽  
Volume Discharge ◽  
Remotely Operated Vehicle ◽  
North West ◽  
The North ◽  
Naturally Occurring ◽  
Benthic Sediments

Routine discharges from the Cossack Pioneer floating production storage and offloading facility (FPSO) on the North West Shelf include produced formation water (PFW) from the Wanaea-Cossack and Lambert-Hermes oil fields. PFW is the highest volume discharge from the FPSO and contains a variety of naturally occurring materials from the formation, including residual volatile and non-volatile hydrocarbons not removed by the separation process, trace metals, naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORMs) and process chemicals carried over from the production stream.In May 1999, a total of 22 sediment samples were collected at the Cossack Pioneer location, using a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) deployed from a support vessel. Sampling stations were located along four transects, aligned along and perpendicular to the prevailing current direction. The objective of this survey was to investigate the physical and chemical characteristics of benthic sediments in the vicinity of the Cossack Pioneer to determine whether there have been any significant inputs of trace metals, hydrocarbons and NORMs into benthic sediments as a consequence of PFW discharge from the facility.Trace metal concentrations were low in all the samples analysed, with levels at all sites generally below those detected at the control site, approximately 16 km from the Cossack Pioneer location. Low concentrations of TPH were detected in all of the samples, apart from the sample collected at the control site. These TPH levels were solely composed of a series of high molecular weight alkanes (C27−C34 n-alkanes) the distribution of which is not consistent with those commonly observed in crude oils, distilled petroleum fractions or synthetic oil- based drilling fluids. Concentrations of NORMs were also generally below those detected at the control site and were comparable with levels measured in uncontaminated sediments in the Gulf of Mexico.Overall, the concentrations of trace metals, TPH and NORMs measured in sediments adjacent to the Cossack Pioneer location did not indicate any significant anthropogenic input resulting from PFW discharge, and were below levels that have been shown to cause adverse biological effects in marine sediments.

HSE Philosophy and Design Consideration of a Purpose Built Waste Processing Facility

2014 ◽  
Author(s):  
M.. Kabanov ◽  
D.. Bruce ◽  
L. M. Mich
Keyword(s):  
Substantial Effect ◽  
Drilling Fluids ◽  
Hammer Mill ◽  
Waste Processing ◽  
Desorption Process ◽  
Base Oil ◽  
The North ◽  
Processing Facility ◽  
The North Sea ◽  
Fit For Purpose

Abstract Managing, processing and correctly disposing of drill-cuttings that have been contaminated with Oil/Synthetic-Based Drilling Fluids is an integral part of drilling most wells in the North Sea and beyond. While recent advances in offshore treatment capabilities have made approach more reliable in recent times, shipping the waste to specialised onshore facilities remains the preferred choice in many areas. As such, the nature of these treatment centres can have a substantial effect on the overall environmental footprint inherent in drilling a well, as well as the perception of the industry to the public living near such facilities. This paper discusses the process of designing and building a modern, fit-for-purpose and completely compliant waste processing facility in Peterhead, near Aberdeen, UK. While a hammer-mill is at the heart of this process, this paper focusses on the facility housing the hammer-mill rather than the thermal desorption process itself. Key areas of discussion include: initial site selection; external area considerations such as drainage, rainwater re-use and skip storage; internal area features to minimise noise and smell; overall HSE goals and processes including re-use of recovered base oil and disposal options for solid and water waste streams. Furthermore, key lessons learnt and potential future improvements, changes and expansion are touched on.

Potential Contribution of Nutrients and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons from the Creeks of Cootes Paradise Marsh

1996 ◽  
Vol 31 (3) ◽  
pp. 485-504 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patricia Chow-Fraser ◽  
Barb Crosbie ◽  
Douglas Bryant ◽  
Brian McCarry
Keyword(s):  
Aromatic Hydrocarbons ◽  
Laboratory Experiments ◽  
Dry Weight ◽  
Common Source ◽  
Potential Contribution ◽  
Nitrogen And Phosphorus ◽  
Engine Combustion ◽  
Polycyclic Aromatic ◽  
High Concentrations ◽  
Derivatives Of

Abstract During the summer of 1994, we compared the physical and nutrient characteristics of the three main tributaries of Cootes Paradise: Spencer, Chedoke and Borer’s creeks. On all sampling occasions, concentrations of CHL α and nutrients were always lowest in Borer’s Creek and highest in Chedoke Creek. There were generally 10-fold higher CHL α concentrations and 2 to 10 times higher levels of nitrogen and phosphorus in Chedoke Creek compared with Spencer Creek. Despite this, the light environment did not differ significantly between Spencer and Chedoke creeks because the low algal biomass in Spencer Creek was balanced by a relatively high loading of inorganic sediments from the watershed. Laboratory experiments indicated that sediments from Chedoke Creek released up to 10 µg/g of soluble phosphorus per gram (dry weight) of sediment, compared with only 2 µg/g from Spencer Creek. By contrast, sediment samples from Spencer Creek contained levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon that were as high as or higher than those from Chedoke Creek, and much higher than those found in Borer’s Creek. The distribution of normalized PAH concentrations suggests a common source of PAHs in all three tributaries, most likely automobile exhaust, since there were high concentrations of fluoranthene and pyrene, both of which are derivatives of engine combustion.

Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) in Sediments of the Brisbane River (Australia) – Preliminary Results

1989 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 161-165 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. I. Kayal ◽  
D. W. Connell
Keyword(s):  
Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons ◽  
Aromatic Hydrocarbons ◽  
River Estuary ◽  
Dry Weight ◽  
Weight Basis ◽  
Sediment Samples ◽  
Preliminary Results ◽  
Treated Sewage ◽  
Polycyclic Aromatic ◽  
Petroleum Refineries

Results of the analysis of twenty-three composite sediment samples revealed that PAHs are widely distributed in the Brisbane River estuary. Mean concentrations for individual compounds, on a dry weight basis, ranged from 0.03 µg/g for dibenz [ah] anthracene to 2.34 µg/g for fluoranthene. Observed PAH assemblages were rich in compounds having pyrolytic origins. However, the presence of petroleum derived compounds was indicative of the importance of petroleum as a PAH source in the estuary. Petroleum refineries, a coal loading terminal and a major treated sewage outfall located at the mouth were not indicated as major contributing sources of PAH pollution in the estuary.

scholarly journals Utilization of Eco-Friendly Waste Generated Nanomaterials in Water-Based Drilling Fluids; State of the Art Review

Materials ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (15) ◽  
pp. 4171
Author(s):  
Rabia Ikram ◽  
Badrul Mohamed Jan ◽  
Akhmal Sidek ◽  
George Kenanakis
Keyword(s):  
State Of The Art ◽  
Superior Performance ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Drilling Fluids ◽  
Drill Cuttings ◽  
Environmental Friendly ◽  
Water Based ◽  
Drilling Operations ◽  
Filtration Properties

An important aspect of hydrocarbon drilling is the usage of drilling fluids, which remove drill cuttings and stabilize the wellbore to provide better filtration. To stabilize these properties, several additives are used in drilling fluids that provide satisfactory rheological and filtration properties. However, commonly used additives are environmentally hazardous; when drilling fluids are disposed after drilling operations, they are discarded with the drill cuttings and additives into water sources and causes unwanted pollution. Therefore, these additives should be substituted with additives that are environmental friendly and provide superior performance. In this regard, biodegradable additives are required for future research. This review investigates the role of various bio-wastes as potential additives to be used in water-based drilling fluids. Furthermore, utilization of these waste-derived nanomaterials is summarized for rheology and lubricity tests. Finally, sufficient rheological and filtration examinations were carried out on water-based drilling fluids to evaluate the effect of wastes as additives on the performance of drilling fluids.

scholarly journals A new method for correcting temperature log profiles in low-enthalpy plays

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sandra Schumacher ◽  
Inga Moeck
Keyword(s):  
Input Parameter ◽  
New Method ◽  
Geothermal Resources ◽  
The North ◽  
Deep Wells ◽  
Thermal Disturbance ◽  
Drilling Operations ◽  
Crucial Information ◽  
Well Data ◽  
Drilling Time

Abstract Temperature logs recorded shortly after drilling operations can be the only temperature information from deep wells. However, these measurements are still influenced by the thermal disturbance caused by drilling and therefore do not represent true rock temperatures. The magnitude of the thermal disturbance is dependent on many factors such as drilling time, logging procedure or mud temperature. However, often old well reports lack this crucial information so that conventional corrections on temperature logs cannot be performed. This impedes the re-evaluation of well data for new exploration purposes, e.g. for geothermal resources. This study presents a new method to correct log temperatures in low-enthalpy play types which only requires a knowledge of the final depth of the well as an input parameter. The method was developed and verified using existing well data from an intracratonic sedimentary basin, the eastern part of the North German Basin. It can be transferred to other basins with little or no adjustment.

A Generalized Model for the Field Assessment of Drilling Fluid Viscoelasticity

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chen Hongbo ◽  
Okesanya Temi ◽  
Kuru Ergun ◽  
Heath Garett ◽  
Hadley Dylan
Keyword(s):  
Drilling Fluid ◽  
Field Testing ◽  
Field Application ◽  
Testing Equipment ◽  
Drilling Fluids ◽  
Rotational Viscometer ◽  
Generalized Model ◽  
Fluid Elasticity ◽  
Field Samples ◽  
Drilling Operations

Abstract Recent studies highlight the significant role of drilling fluid elasticity in particle suspension and hole cleaning during drilling operations. Traditional methods to quantify fluid elasticity require the use of advanced rheometers not suitable for field application. The main objectives of the study were to develop a generalized model for determining viscoelasticity of a drilling fluid using standard field-testing equipment, investigate the factors influencing drilling fluid viscoelasticity in the field, and provide an understanding of the viscoelasticity concept. Over 80 fluid formulations used in this study included field samples of oil-based drilling fluids as well as laboratory samples formulated with bentonite and other polymers such as partially-hydrolyzed polyacrylamide, synthesized xanthan gum, and polyacrylic acid. Detailed rheological characterizations of these fluids used a funnel viscometer and a rotational viscometer. Elastic properties of the drilling fluids (quantified in terms of the energy required to cause an irreversible deformation in the fluid's structure) were obtained from oscillatory tests conducted using a cone-and-plate type rheometer. Using an empirical approach, a non-iterative model for quantifying elasticity correlated test results from a funnel viscometer and a rotational viscometer. The generalized model was able to predict the elasticity of drilling fluids with a mean absolute error of 5.75%. In addition, the model offers practical versatility by requiring only standard drilling fluid testing equipment to predict viscoelasticity. Experimental results showed that non-aqueous fluid (NAF) viscoelasticity is inversely proportional to the oil-water ratio and the presence of clay greatly debilitates the elasticity of the samples while enhancing their viscosity. The work efforts present a model for estimating drilling fluid elasticity using standard drilling fluid field-testing equipment. Furthermore, a revised approach helps to describe the viscoelastic property of a fluid that involves quantifying the amount of energy required to irreversibly deform a unit volume of viscoelastic fluid. The methodology, combined with the explanation of the viscoelasticity concept, provides a practical tool for optimizing drilling operations based on the viscoelasticity of drilling fluids.

Development of Digital Twins for Drilling Fluids: Local Velocities for Hole Cleaning and Rheology Monitoring

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mehrdad Gharib Shirangi ◽  
Roger Aragall ◽  
Reza Ettehadi ◽  
Roland May ◽  
Edward Furlong ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Machine Learning ◽  
Rheological Properties ◽  
Drilling Fluid ◽  
Training Data ◽  
Drilling Fluids ◽  
Hole Cleaning ◽  
Digital Twins ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Drilling Operations ◽  
Cuttings Bed

Abstract In this work, we present our advances to develop and apply digital twins for drilling fluids and associated wellbore phenomena during drilling operations. A drilling fluid digital twin is a series of interconnected models that incorporate the learning from the past historical data in a wide range of operational settings to determine the fluids properties in realtime operations. From several drilling fluid functionalities and operational parameters, we describe advancements to improve hole cleaning predictions and high-pressure high-temperature (HPHT) rheological properties monitoring. In the hole cleaning application, we consider the Clark and Bickham (1994) approach which requires the prediction of the local fluid velocity above the cuttings bed as a function of operating conditions. We develop accurate computational fluid dynamics (CFD) models to capture the effects of rotation, eccentricity and bed height on local fluid velocities above cuttings bed. We then run 55,000 CFD simulations for a wide range of operational settings to generate training data for machine learning. For rheology monitoring, thousands of lab experiment records are collected as training data for machine learning. In this case, the HPHT rheological properties are determined based on rheological measurement in the American Petroleum Institute (API) condition together with the fluid type and composition data. We compare the results of application of several machine learning algorithms to represent CFD simulations (for hole cleaning application) and lab experiments (for monitoring HPHT rheological properties). Rotating cross-validation method is applied to ensure accurate and robust results. In both cases, models from the Gradient Boosting and the Artificial Neural Network algorithms provided the highest accuracy (about 0.95 in terms of R-squared) for test datasets. With developments presented in this paper, the hole cleaning calculations can be performed more accurately in real-time, and the HPHT rheological properties of drilling fluids can be estimated at the rigsite before performing the lab experiments. These contributions advance digital transformation of drilling operations.

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