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Collaborating Authors
North West Shelf
Summary Over the years, environmental legislation has forced changes in the types of scale-inhibitor molecule that can be deployed in certain regions of the world. These regulations have resulted in changes from phosphonate scale inhibitor to polymer-based chemistry, particularly in the Norwegian and UK continental shelf where phosphonates have been either on the substitution list or phased out for many applications. Over the past 10 years, significant improvements in inhibitor properties of the so-called "green" scale inhibitors have been made. However, for one particular operator, the squeeze application of this green scale inhibitor resulted in poorer than expected treatment lifetimes and significant operating cost because of the frequency of retreatment. To overcome the increasing operating cost, an evaluation was made of the current treatment chemicals vs. the older, more-established phosphonate scale inhibitors. The results for the laboratory evaluation suggested that the older chemistry would extend treatment life and reduce operating cost. A case was made to the legislative authority, who approved the use of the phosphonate scale inhibitor, and field applications started. The squeeze lifetimes for the red phosphonate chemistry were shown to be significantly better than the existing yellow/green inhibitors. During the following months, other scale inhibitors with improved environmental characteristics were developed and evaluated. One such molecule was shown to have similar coreflood retention to that of the applied red phosphonate and presented no formation damage. This paper presents the laboratory evaluation of the new scale inhibitor, and illustrates the improvement observed with this new inhibitor through field squeeze-treatment results from a well treated with both the red and new yellow environmental profile inhibitor chemicals. This paper outlines the challenges with environmental legislation and how it has been possible to develop technical solutions (in terms of environmental vs. safety issues and with new inhibitor chemicals) to meet the challenges of offshore scale control.
- Europe > United Kingdom > North Sea (0.51)
- Europe > Norway > North Sea > Central North Sea (0.28)
- Water & Waste Management > Water Management > Water & Sanitation Products (1.00)
- Water & Waste Management > Water Management > Constituents > Salts/Sulphates/Scales (1.00)
- Materials > Chemicals > Specialty Chemicals (1.00)
- Energy > Oil & Gas > Upstream (1.00)
- Europe > Norway > North Sea > Central North Sea > South Viking Graben > PL 038 > Block 15/12 > Varg Field > Sleipner Formation (0.99)
- Europe > Norway > North Sea > Central North Sea > South Viking Graben > PL 038 > Block 15/12 > Varg Field > Skagerrak Formation (0.99)
- Europe > Norway > North Sea > Central North Sea > South Viking Graben > PL 038 > Block 15/12 > Varg Field > Hugin Formation (0.99)
- (22 more...)
Developing a Predictor for Degradation of High Strength Corrodible Tripping Balls used in Multi-Zone Fracturing Treatments in Unconventional Hydrocarbon Reservoirs
Carrejo, Nick (Baker Hughes Inc.) | Mathur, Vipul (Baker Hughes Inc.) | Mazyar, Oleg A. (Baker Hughes Inc.) | Gaudette, Sean (Baker Hughes Inc.)
Abstract Multi-point hydraulic fracturing in unconventional hydrocarbon-bearing shale reservoirs has proven to greatly enhance production economics. Recent technology has allowed for as many as 40 individual fracture points. Tripping balls are a major component of these multi-point fracturing systems and are used to actuate fracturing sleeves to pinpoint fracture initiation and placement. While seated on ball seats, the tripping balls may experience pressures approaching 10,000psi. However, following a successful formation fracture, the tripping balls may hinder production. Potential problems relate to the tripping balls becoming stuck on the fracturing seats. Tripping balls remaining in the lateral can also lead to problems if wellbore re-entry is required. These production risks can lead to significantly increased costs and potential lost production. A new, high-strength corrodible material has been developed for tripping balls to alleviate potential problems in these unconventional reservoirs. This material has yielded an interventionless means of flow assurance. The mechanical properties and degradation rates of these newly engineered materials have been investigated to determine the downhole characteristics. The characterization results of these materials are discussed in an effort to develop a method for accurately predicting the timeframe in which these high-strength corrodible tripping balls fully degrade, and thus eliminate possible production risks. The testing included investigations of the degradation rates of these materials in brines, and at various temperatures. Materials were also pressure tested on multiple ball seat configurations used in the multi-zone fracturing systems1.
- North America > Mexico (0.28)
- North America > Canada (0.28)
Successful Application of Well Inflow Tracers for Water Breakthrough Surveillance in the Pyrenees Development, Offshore Western Australia
Napalowski, Ralf (BHP Billiton Petroleum) | Loro, Richard (BHP Billiton Petroleum) | Anderson, Calan (BHP Billiton Petroleum) | Andresen, Christian (RESMAN) | Dyrli, Anne Dalager (RESMAN) | Nyhavn, Fridtjof (RESMAN)
Copyright 2012, Society of Petroleum Engineers This paper was prepared for presentation at the SPE Asia Pacific Oil and Gas Conference and Exhibition held in Perth, Australia, 22-24 October 2012. This paper was selected for presentation by an SPE program committee following review of information contained in an abstract submitted by the author(s). Contents of the paper have not been reviewed by the Society of Petroleum Engineers and are subject to correction by the author(s). The material does not necessarily reflect any position of the Society of Petroleum Engineers, its officers, or members. Electronic reproduction, distribution, or storage of any part of this paper without the written consent of the Society of Petroleum Engineers is prohibited. Permission to reproduce in print is restricted to an abstract of not more than 300 words; illustrations may not be copied. The abstract must contain conspicuous acknowledgment of SPE copyright.
- Oceania > Australia > Western Australia > North West Shelf > Carnarvon Basin > Exmouth Basin > WA-43-L > Block WA-43-L > Pyrenees Field (0.99)
- Oceania > Australia > Western Australia > North West Shelf > Carnarvon Basin > Exmouth Basin > WA-43-L > Block WA-42-L > Pyrenees Field (0.99)
- Oceania > Australia > Western Australia > North West Shelf > Carnarvon Basin > Exmouth Basin > WA-43-L > Block WA-12-R > Pyrenees Field (0.99)
- (17 more...)
Abstract We present results of monitoring studies on emergent coral reefs and submerged shoals, two potentially sensitive seabed habitats found within range of the modeled hydrocarbon plume from the 2009 Montara uncontrolled release in the Timor Sea. Divers conducted reef surveys 6 and 16 months after the release was stopped. Hydrocarbons were detected in surface carbonate sediments at very low levels and declined between the two surveys in both frequency of occurrence and concentration. While hydrocarbon degradation precluded source matching, some samples were consistent with a Montara type oil, but there was also evidence for multiple sources of hydrocarbons in the region. Coral and fish communities were in good condition and potential indicators of disturbance in some elements, for example moderate levels of coral bleaching observed in 2010, were related to unusually warm sea surface temperatures rather than distance from the well head platform or plume. The submerged shoals component targeted a series of nine discrete shoals ~30โ150 km from Montara well head platform. The shoals have abrupt bathymetric profiles rising from 100โ200 m depths to within 15โ36 m of the sea surface. Sufficient light reaches these plateau environments to support benthic habitats for primary producers, including algae, corals and seagrass. Sampling used remotely deployed cameras and grabs.Benthic and fish communities were diverse and shared many species with shallow coral reefs. Hydrocarbon contamination was measured around the base of the shoals. While there was no conclusive evidence of a impact from the spill, spatial patterns in a subset of the fish data showed a reduction in abundance and diversity at shoals closest to the well head. Similarly a marked reduction in seagrass was noted on one shoal closest to the well head platform in the period between surveys, 6โ16 months after the release was stopped. These observations may reflect an influence from the hydrocarbon release but could equally be the result of natural spatial patterns and disturbance events in the region. Overall, the lack of sufficient prior data characterizing the region, especially for the shoals, constrained insights into any effect or otherwise of the spill and reinforces the need for regional scale baseline data. These surveys make a significant contribution and an excellent starting point for baseline characterization of the broader suite of emergent reefs and submerged shoal habitats in the Browse Basin.
- North America > United States (1.00)
- Oceania > Australia > Western Australia > North West Shelf (0.48)
- Oceania > Australia > Western Australia > Timor Sea (0.35)
- Research Report > New Finding (0.68)
- Overview (0.66)
- Research Report > Experimental Study (0.46)
- Oceania > Australia > Western Australia > Western Australia > Timor Sea > Browse Basin (0.99)
- Oceania > Australia > Western Australia > North West Shelf > Timor Sea > Browse Basin (0.99)
- Oceania > Australia > Western Australia > North West Shelf > Browse Basin > Montara Formation (0.98)
Abstract This paper presents a methodology for a systematic, robust and conservative ecological risk assessment for estimating environmental consequences and associated risk from ambient air concentrations of atmospheric pollutants and air toxics (also referred to as criteria pollutants and hazardous atmospheric pollutants in the United States legislation respectively), as arising from industrial activities. The paper details the main steps of the risk assessment process and makes a contribution in deriving conservative and safe Reference Concentrations (RfC) such as No Observed Adverse Effect Level (NOAEL) and Lowest Observed Adverse Effect Level (LOAEL) for fauna in their natural habitat, using published scientific dose-response toxicological studies with laboratory animals. It then uses these derived RfCs to determine step changes in consequence levels, from incidental to major, in order to complete the risk assessment. A similar approach is used to assess impacts on the marine environment. This methodology is repeatable and robust and can be applied as a screening level environmental risk assessment to establish conformance to legally postulated levels of acceptable environmental consequences, where available, or acceptable levels of environmental risk, associated with air quality.
- Geology > Mineral (0.47)
- Geology > Sedimentary Geology > Depositional Environment (0.35)
- Materials > Chemicals > Commodity Chemicals > Petrochemicals (1.00)
- Health & Medicine (1.00)
- Government (1.00)
- (2 more...)
- Oceania > Australia > Western Australia > North West Shelf > Carnarvon Basin > Carnarvon Basin > Kangaroo Trough > Greater Gorgon Development Area > Block WA-18-R > Greater Gorgon Field > Jansz-Io Field (0.94)
- Oceania > Australia > Western Australia > North West Shelf > Carnarvon Basin > Carnarvon Basin > Exmouth Basin > Greater Gorgon Development Area > Block WA-18-R > Greater Gorgon Field > Jansz-Io Field (0.94)
- Oceania > Australia > Western Australia > North West Shelf > Carnarvon Basin > Carnarvon Basin > Dampier Basin > Rankin Platform > Greater Gorgon Development Area > Block WA-268-P > Greater Gorgon Field > Gorgon Field (0.94)
- (5 more...)