Department of Petroleum & Gas

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A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF HYDRAULIC FRACTURING TECHNIQUES IN SHALE GAS PRODUCTION
(NJEAS, 2023-01-01) Umar Adekola; Abdullahi Gimba; Ayuba Salihu; Khaleel Jakada; Ikechukwu Okafor ; Petrus Nzerem; Joseph Chior; Oghenerume Ogolo; Khadijah Ibrahim
Shale gas has emerged as a significant source of natural gas due to advancements in hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling technologies. This extraction method has facilitated drilling and production activities in regions previously untouched by oil and gas development. Hydraulic fracturing, a well-stimulation technique suitable for low and moderate-permeability reservoirs, relies on the successful drilling of horizontal wells and the creation of multiple hydraulic fractures to ensure economic viability. While shale gas presents significant energy production opportunities, concerns have been raised regarding its environmental impact. To mitigate these risks and determine the most effective approach for shale gas extraction, alternative fracturing technologies are being investigated. Notably, a considerable number of perforation clusters in shale gas horizontal wells do not contribute to production, highlighting the potential for refracturing. Therefore, a comprehensive analysis is required to evaluate the performance of hydraulic fracturing and alternative fracturing technologies in shale gas wells, considering factors such as cost-effectiveness, environmental impact, and gas extraction efficiency. This article aims to evaluate the hydraulic fracturing technology's capability to enhance gas recovery in shale gas formations as well as its environmental implications. The focus of this research is primarily on the hydraulic fracturing technique employed in shale gas development, its production capability, and associated environmental concerns. Through a systematic evaluation, this study provided valuable insights into the potential of hydraulic fracturing in maximizing gas recovery while addressing environmental challenges in shale gas formations.
Application of Pressure Transient Analysis to Gas Material Balance for Multi Rate Production
(Society of Petroleum Engineers, 2024-08-05) Ikechukwu Okafor; Ajibade A. A.; Jakada K.; Ternenge Joseph Chior; Abdullahi Gimba; Petrus Nzerem
A producing field's oil and gas reserves are continually estimated throughout its lifetime. As more data about the reservoir is obtained over time, the uncertainty regarding the actual amount of reserves decreases. Various methods have been employed to determine these reserves, including the Material Balance Technique. The classical method applies the conservation of mass, which has evolved over time. This study aims to further enhance the gas Material Balance Technique by incorporating equations derived from analytical pressure transient analysis with multiple rate production. By combining transient analysis solutions with the linear Material Balance method, this approach offers the advantage of determining the initial gas-in-place, permeability, and skin of a reservoir simultaneously, without relying on independent sources for prior knowledge of any of these parameters. To streamline the process and facilitate analytical deductions, this work also utilizes Python programming for automation. Ultimately, this study develops a series of steps that were applied to a case study, enabling the simultaneous determination of the reservoir's permeability, skin-factor, and initial gas.
Comprehensive Characterization of Some Selected Biomass for Bioenergy Production
(ACS Omega, 2023-11-08) Asmau M. Yahya; Adekunle Akanni Adeleke; Petrus Nzerem; Peter Pelumi Ikubanni; Salihu Ayuba; Hauwa A. Rasheed; Abdullahi Gimba; Ikechukwu Okafor; Jude A. Okolie; Prabhu Paramasivam
There is a lack of information about the detailed characterization of biomass of Nigerian origin. This study presents a comprehensive characterization of six biomass, groundnut shells, corncob, cashew leaves, Ixora coccinea (flame of the woods), sawdust, and lemongrass, to aid appropriate selection for bio-oil production. The proximate, ultimate, calorific value and compositional analyses were carried out following the American Standard for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and X-ray fluorescence were employed in this study for functional group analyses, thermal stability, and structural analyses. The H/C and O/C atomic ratios, fuel ratio, ignitability index, and combustibility index of the biomass samples were evaluated. Groundnut shells, cashew leaves, and lemongrass were identified as promising feedstocks for bio-oil production based on their calorific values (>20 MJ/kg). Sawdust exhibited favorable characteristics for bio-oil production as indicated by its higher volatile matter (79.28%), low ash content (1.53%), low moisture content (6.18%), and high fixed carbon content (13.01%). Also, all samples showed favorable ignition and flammability properties. The low nitrogen (<0.12%) and sulfur (<0.04%) contents in the samples make them environmentally benign fuels as a lower percentage of NOx and SOx will be released during the production of the bio-oil. These results are contributions to the advancement of a sustainable and efficient carbon-neutral energy mix, promoting biomass resource utilization for the generation of energy.
Determination of the Optimal Blend Ratio of Hydrogen in Natural Gas System Using Physical Properties as Basis
(ICMEAS, 2023-11-01) Ayuba Salihu ; Ikechukwu Okafor; Aniezi Okoro Daniel; Abdullahi Gimba ; Petrus Nzerem
The Determination of the optimal blend ratio of hydrogen in natural gas systems using physical properties as a basis is an important research topic given the increasing use of hydrogen as an alternative fuel source. This research aims to determine the optimal blend ratio of hydrogen in a natural gas system using physical properties such as its Composition, Heating Value, Density, and Wobbe index as the basis of evaluation. Samples of consumer-grade Natural gas and clean Hydrogen gas were sourced in Nigeria. Both samples were used for blending and laboratory analysis. The blend volume ratios of Natural Gas (NG) and Hydrogen analyzed were 9:1, 8:2, 7:3, 6:4, & 5:5 using a Gasometer and Gas Chromatography Machine (CG). The experiment results provided valuable insights into the potential feasibility of replacing natural gas systems with a Hydrogen-Natural gas blend. The result obtained indicated about 2.06% reduction in percentage methane content, 26.35% reduction in gas density, 19.97% reduction in heating value (HHV), 5% reduction Wobbe index for every 10% increment of Hydrogen Ratio. This implies that blending carbon-neutral hydrogen gas into the natural gas systems for the purpose of decarbonization requires adequate compensation for expected changes in properties like heating value, flow dynamics, and process handling. The EUROMOT specification recommends that the percentage change in the wobbe index should be within the limit of +4% and -4% as an acceptable limit of interchangeability of fuel gas. Using the EUROMOT specification on Wobbe index, further numerical analysis affirmed that Natural Gas blended with as much as 25.74% Hydrogen can effectively be a substitute for fuel gas systems that are presently using Natural Gas.
Effect of Raw and Delignified Banana Stem (Musa Cavendish) On the Rheological and Filtration Loss Properties of Water Based Mud
(NJEAS, 2023-10-12) Ayuba Salihu; Ahmed Abubakar; Petrus Nzerem; Abdullahi Gimba; Khadijah Ibrahim; Ikechukwu Okafor; Khaleel Jakada
In compliance with environmental laws and safety rules, oil and gas companies have taken necessary steps to eradicate the use of toxic chemicals conventionally used in drilling muds, thereby promoting biodegradable alternatives. This research was carried out to investigate the effect of two banana stem samples; Raw Banana Stem (RBS) and Delignified Banana Stem (DBS) as potential and proficient viscosifiers and fluid loss control agents in water based mud. The rheological properties evaluated include plastic viscosity (cP), apparent viscosity (cP), yield point (Ib/100ft2) and gel strength (Ib/100ft2) at 10 seconds and 10 minutes. Filtration loss properties evaluated include filter cake thickness (mm) and fluid loss volume (ml). Each drilling mud sample was prepared using 350 ml, 20 g bentonite and varying contents (g) of carboxyl methyl cellulose (CMC), RBS and DBS. A mixer was used to mix the mud homogenously; the rheological properties were calculated using a viscometer while the filtration loss properties were calculated using a filter press. The results and analysis were compared to the effects of commercially available carboxymethyl cellulose to validate its properties. RBS and DBS improved the rheological properties of the mud sample contents of 3 g, 5 g, 7 g and 9 g. At contents of 5 g, 10 g, 15 g and 20 g, RBS and DBS samples provide significant fluid loss control and their results are similar to the results of CMC. RBS has a fluid loss volume increase of 6.84 %, 5.69 %, 17.12 % and 8.06 % from CMC’s results at slightly similar filter cake thickness while DBS has a fluid loss volume increase of 15.59 %, 15.09 %, 27.55 % and 15.35 % from CMC’s result. The data obtained from the experiments showed both banana samples can be used as environmentally friendly viscosifiers and fluid loss control agents.
Evaluation and Treatment of Cement Contamination in Water Based Mud
(NJEAS, 2023-01-01) Tahir Aliyu; Ikechukwu Okafor; Ayuba Salihu; Khaleel Jakada; Oghenerume Ogolo; Petrus Nzerem; Abdullahi Gimba; Oluogun Olawale
Drilling mud is susceptible to contamination, particularly from cement, yet monitoring its characteristics and implementing control and remediation strategies is critical for its performance in safe and cost-effective drilling operations. This study presents an experimental investigation into the evaluation and treatment of cement contamination in Water Based Mud (WBM). Four mud samples were prepared and three were contaminated with 4g, 8g and 12g of cement. A chemical treatment using 6g of sodium bicarbonate was applied as a remedy for contamination. The Rheological properties, mud pH and mud densities of the contaminated and treated Water Based Mud at temperatures of 35°C, 55°C, 75°C and 95°C were determined. Furthermore, the elemental composition of samples of contaminated and treated Water Based Mud was determined using an X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometer. From the results obtained the mud density increased with a rise in cement concentration for both contamination and treatment with the exception of 8g cement concentration at 75°C and 95°C and 12g cement concentration at 55°C and 75°C where a decrease was observed in the treatment process. The yield point and 10second gel increased for both contamination and treatment process. In contrast, the 10minute gel decreased for both contamination and treatment process. With some exceptions, increasing cement concentration resulted in a decrease in plastic viscosity, whereas treatment with sodium bicarbonate resulted in an increase with some exceptions. The mud pH for the contamination process increased as cement concentration increased, while treatment only marginally increased it with exception of 12g at 75°C and 95°C where a decrease was observed. Sodium bicarbonate treatment improves stability by decreasing excessive calcium and lime contamination from cement, reducing pollutants and enhancing the pH stability of the drilling mud. Additionally, results from the mud characterization indicates a higher percentage of 17.962% lime (CaO) for cement contamination and lower percentage of 15.710% lime (CaO) for treatment with sodium bicarbonate which agrees with literature for the treatment process.
Evaluation of the Potential of Calcium Hydroxide Synthesized from Eggshells as a Drilling Fluid Additive
(Petroleum and Coal, 2020-01-09) Abdullahi Gimba; Shalom Onome Amakhabi; Oghenerume Ogolo; Oluwaseun Alonge; Nzerem Petrus; Ikechukwu Okafor; David Afolayan
This research work studied the suitability of Ca(OH)2 synthesized from eggshell as a drilling fluid additive. Ca(OH)2 was synthesized from calcined eggshells (CES) and uncalcined eggshells (UCES) and characterized using FTIR and EDX. Samples of one laboratory barrel of water-based mud were prepared using bentonite clay from Afuze, Edo State, Nigeria, and the synthesized Ca(OH)2 produced from CES and UCES and commercial Ca(OH)2 were added to different mud samples prepared, and its effect on the mud properties were tested for. The results obtained from the experiment conducted showed that the synthesized Ca(OH)2 gave comparable pH values as the commercial Ca(OH)2. Hence it served primarily as a pH enhancer. However, the addition of Ca(OH)2 from both sources increased the filtrate volume and mud cake thickness far beyond API standard which might create wellbore problems due to the high filtrate loss and mud cake thickness that were observed.
INVESTIGATING THE IMPACT OF ACHI (BRACHYSTEGIA EURYCOMA) ON THE THICKENING TIME OF CEMENT
(NJEAS, 2023-01-01) Ayuba Salihu; Yakubu Nuhu; Khadijah Ibrahim; Abdullahi Gimba; Petrus Nzerem; Ikechukwu Okafor; Oghenerume Ogolo
In recent times, more wells are being drilled and producing in the petroleum industry. To prevent early workover resulting from casing collapse caused by corrosion, shattering of cement sheath during perforation and fracturing, and to protect the integrity of the well, it is important to use properly designed cement slurry with appropriate additives to protect the well from the formation. The development of adequate thickening time cement is a critical task in cementing operations today. Achieving suitable thickening time of oil well cement ensures both prevention of lost circulation and a long wait on cement time. With this in mind, this research work shows a comparative study of the thickening time of oil well cement with achi and without achi contamination under different temperature of 130 ℉, 150 ℉, 200 ℉, and 250℉ and pressure conditions of 1000 psi, 1500 psi, 2000 psi and 3000psi respectively for all the experiment conducted. The thickening time of cement slurry without achi content at 70 Bc were 205, 215, 202 and 200 minutes respectively. The experiment was also conducted under different achi content ranging from 2 g, 4 g, 8 g, 10 g to 12g. The results and analysis were compared. The result with 2g achi content were 164, 147, 146, and 141 minutes. The results with 4g achi content were 127, 131, 130, and 124 minutes. The results with 8g achi content were 71, 69, 75, and 65 minutes, while the results at 10g achi content were 67, 62, 63, and 60 minutes. The results with 12g achi content were 63, 62, 60, and 56 minutes under the temperature and pressure respectively. The data obtained from the experiment signifies that introducing achi and altering the temperature and pressure to the cement slurry has a significant effect on the properties of the cement by accelerating the thickening time.
MODIFICATION, CHARACTERIZATION AND APPLICATION OF LOCALLY SOURCED ORGANOCLAY FOR OIL SPILL REMEDIATION
(NJEAS, 2023-01-01) Ikechukwu Okafor; Roselyn Odimba; Ayuba Salihu; Oghenerume Ogolo; Petrus Nzerem; Abdullahi Gimba; Khaleel Jakada
The Bentonite clay, obtained from Ubakala, Umuahia, in Abia State was investigated as a sorbent for the potential treatment of oil spill in aquatic medium after its modificaion with Dioctadecyl dimethyl ammonium bromide (DODAB). The purified clay sample was subjected to hydrothermal ion exchange reaction to synthesize organoclays under mild reaction conditions. Changes in the microstructural, morphological and physicochemical properties of the modified clay samples were investigated and studied with the use of Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (EDX). The observations showed the presence of new organic compound groups which indicated that the surfactant was intercalated successfully. The organoclays were further tested in a simulated oil spill situation to assess their potential as oil sorbents and sorbed about 4.5% of the oil that was simulated in the laboratory in water. The results further showed that the synthesized organoclay can be used for the remediation of oil spillage. The organoclays present a cost effective and a suitably environmentally friendly alternative for the remediation of oil spill polluted lands in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria.
Performance Evaluation of Nanocellulose Synthesised from Yam Peels as a Fluid Loss Additive in Water Based Mud
(Society of Petroleum Engineers, 2023-07-30) Khadijah Ibrahim; Petrus Nzerem; Ayuba Salihu; Abdullahi Gimba; Oghenerume Ogolo; Ajiri Otedheke; Rabiatu Adamu; Aisha Karofi
Drilling fluids play a variety of roles in order to achieve a smooth and cost-effective drilling operation, the most important of which is their ability to seal permeable walls of the formation through the formation of a desirable mud cake, thereby reducing fluid loss. This study is targeted at evaluating the performance of nano cellulose, cellulose microfibrils synthesised from yam peels as a fluid loss additive and also its effect on the other properties of the drilling mud. The use of nano-cellulose is due to smaller particles forming better impermeable packing that will plug the permeable pore of the mud cake, as well as its ability to hold water. The nano cellulose was synthesised using bleaching, alkali treatment, and acid hydrolysis, and its quality was assessed using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Scanning Electron Microscopy, which confirmed the removal of some non-cellulose components as well as changes in surface morphology. The results of the experiment revealed that nano cellulose had an effect on the pH, rheological properties, and filtration properties of the drilling mud. The results also show that adding 1.5 g of nanocellulose reduced fluid loss by 8.13 %, and thus it can be concluded that yam peels nanocellulose will be an effective additive at higher concentrations compared to the Carboxyl Methyl Cellulose, a commercial additive.
Preparation and Characterization of Different Eco-Friendly Demulsifiers from Calabash Seed for Emulsion Management
(Nigerian Journal of Technology, 2024-12-31) Ikechukwu Okafor; Adewumi, C. N.; Jakada K.; Petrus Nzerem; Abdullahi Gimba; Danbauchi S.
The process of crude oil demulsification is still confronted with numerous challenges within the petroleum industry. Consequently, it is pertinent to develop innovative means or materials to accomplish the efficient separation of oil– water emulsions. In this work, three different Eco-friendly demulsifier: oil based, ethanol-based and Nano-based demulsifiers were prepared via a simple one-step hydrothermal route using Lagenaria siceraria (calabash) seed as raw materials. The eco-friendly demulsifiers were evaluated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and Gas chromatographic-mass spectroscopic (GC-MS) and their chemical content and Physico-chemical properties compared with a commercial demulsifier (Phase treat). The results obtained showed that the seed have an oil content of 31%. The phytochemical screening of the extracted oil reveals the presence of most compounds found in chemical demulsifiers such as phenols, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, steroids, terpenoids etc. The FT-IR spectra of the chemical demulsifier was found to be similar to that of the oil and most of the functional groups present in the ethanol and oil bases demulsifiers whereas that of Nano-based was observed to differ. The GC MS analysis reveals the presence of both lipophilic and hydrophilic compound needed for demulsifiers preparation. In the bottle test analysis carried out to determine the efficacy of the eco-friendly demulsifiers, it was observed that the nano-based demulsifier performed better than the commercial demulsifier in the following trend: Nano-based > commercial > ethanol-based > oil-based. This current study not only encourage the effectual application of agricultural waste (Calabash seed) but also creates an understanding into the search of new demulsifying materials that would offer excellent performance. Finally, future investigations should focus on assessing the efficacy, stability, and potential industrial applications of these bio-demulsifiers and Nano-based demulsifiers.
Production of Fuel Oil from Blends of Refinery Products for Powering Heat Exchanger
(NJEAS, 2024-04-21) Aminu Abubakar; Joseph Chior; Ayuba Salihu; Petrus Nzerem; Abdullahi Gimba; Ikechukwu Okafor; Khaleel Jakada
Fuel oil, also known as furnace oil is a fraction of crude oil obtained when distillation processing is carried out in the refinery. Due to the high viscous of the heavy fuel oil, that makes it difficult to be pump throughout the pipework of the power plant, it is necessary to produce a fuel oil that will meet up the required standard. The aim of this study was to produce fuel oil from the blend of refinery intermediate product which meet certain European fuel specifications outlined in the EN 590:2009 standard alongside NMDPRA Standards. The blending stocks obtained from the Warri Refinery and Petrochemical Company (WRPC) were first filtered to remove some particulate impurities before they were analyzed to determine their properties after which, they were introduced into a mixed-tank that has an agitator connected and the blending was done using the blending ratio obtained from literature. The fuel oil produced was eventually analyzed for properties such as: Specific Gravity, API Gravity, Density, Viscosity, Kinematic Viscosity, Moisture Content, Flash Point, Cloud Point, Pour Point and Sulphur content. The sample with a composition of 33.3% of Decant oil (DCO), 33.3% Heavy gas oil (HGO), 33.3% light cycle oil (LCO) produced fuel oil of specific gravity 0.916, API Gravity 22.95, Density 0.896, Viscosity 40, Kinematic viscosity 4.7, pour point -6.5 and flash point 109, The analysis of the fuel oil meet the standard for blended fuel oil, according to the ISO 8217:2017 Standard. The results confirmed that blending of decant oil with conventional petroleum diesel (heavy and light gas oil) has a highly significant effect on the properties of the resulting fuel blend. The results show that by increasing the heavy gas oil content of the blend, the flash point of the blend increases; while increasing the decant oil content of the blend results in a decrease in Cloud point. The results of the analysis of the produced fuel oil confirms that its properties fall within the acceptable range for Fuel Oil and can be used as fuel for fired heaters and furnaces of the refinery and other process plants.
Simulation Study of the Effect of Various Water Alternating Gas Injection Schemes on Recovery in a Gas Condensate Reservoir
(Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE), 2023-07-30) Jakada K.; Abdullahi Gimba; Ikechukwu Okafor ; Petrus Nzerem; Abdulfatah H. K.; Oluogun M.
The volatile characteristics of gas condensate reservoirs in the phase envelope makes its temperature and pressure conditions between the critical and cricondentherm points very sensitive to perhaps only rely on one source of reservoir energy enhancement and puts enormous technical constraints on quality decision making on effective reservoir management. Non adequate oil production simulation performance interpretation for high, base and low case scenarios based on critical high quality input data is definitely the technical missing link which severely hampers effective design, development, planning, optimization and prediction of gas condensate reservoir performance. The aim of this study was to evaluate the recovery performance of a rapidly declining reservoir flow rates of a gas condensate reservoir through the water alternating gas (WAG) injection technique using the Schlumberger Eclipse simulator. Five different case scenarios were used which include cases of no-injection wells (which is the control case), gas injection, water injection, water alternating gas (for 7, 5, and 3-spot patterns) and flow rate alterations with a seven spot pattern-WAG technique. A total of 13 simulation runs were done with one control and 12 other runs with high, base and low cases. The sensitized water and gas injection rates used ranges from 12,000STB/day to 2,000STB/day and 12,000MSCF/day to 1,000MSCF/day. All results showed increase in oil flow rates with appreciable pressure response and subsequently, the viable option would be to consider in the short term water and gas injection before considering the more holistic WAG techniques in the long term. This is due to the current economic and technical constraints to boost the viability of the best choice of action. The results of these comprehensive simulation runs is a viable data bank needed for critical decision making for improved recovery from this rapidly declining condensate reservoir.
STUDY OF THE POTENTIAL OF CALCIUM HYDROXIDE SYNTHESIZED FROM PERIWINKLE SHELL AS A pH ENHANCER IN WATER BASED DRILLING MUD
(NJEAS, 2023-01-01) Zainab Lamin; Ikechukwu Okafor; Khaleel Jakada; Petrus Nzerem; Abdullahi Gimba; Oghenerume Ogolo; Ayuba Salihu; Khadijah Ibrahim
Reservoirs that contain acidic gases can lead to the corrosion of the drilling string and casing which could result in incessant down time and also increase the cost of drilling operation. This research work aimed at investigating the potential of using locally sourced materials such as Periwinkle Shell Ash (PSA) that can serve as substitutes to imported chemicals used in the industry, to help raise the mud pH to the API standard (9.5-12.5) whilst reducing the cost of drilling operation. Calcium hydroxide (Ca (OH2)) was extracted from Periwinkle Shell using two different process routes (via the calcination of the PSA and without it). Characterization tools were used to assess the functional groups present and the elemental composition of the periwinkle shell. Various laboratory equipment was used to observe the impact the additives would have on the mud properties (pH, mud weight, filtration characteristics and rheological properties) of the new drilling ﬂuid. Results showed that as the mass of the synthesized Ca (OH2) from the calcined PSA, the uncalcined PSA and the commercial Ca (OH2) was increased, the pH of the mud samples was observed to have increased the pH of the base mud by 20.9%, 15.1% and 10%. Therefore, this research showed that the extracted Ca (OH2) acted primarily as a pH enhancer. However, the addition of Ca (OH2) from all sources exhibited poor filtration characteristics as there was high filtrate loss as the filtration time and the additive concentration increased which could affect the formulation and the performance of the drilling mud.
Study of the Potential of Sodium Carbonate Extracted from Trona as a Drilling Fluid Additive
(International Journal of Engineering Research in Africa, 2020-06-30) Petrus Nzerem; Enyo June Adejoh; Oghenerume Ogolo; Ikechukwu Okafor; Abdullahi Gimba; Ternenge Joseph Chior; Precious Ogbeiwi
Drilling additives play a unique role during drilling operations, from aiding in the control of various drilling challenges to successfully enhancing downhole drilling efficiency. pH enhancers are amongst the plethora of additives imported into Nigeria at exorbitant prices to aid in drilling operations. These additives includes NaOH, Na2CO3, Ca(OH)2 etc. These additives are used to improve the mud pH and mitigates drill string corrosion. The high cost of importation of these additives, has warranted the need for product substitution which should take advantage of the locally available resources. This paper evaluated the suitability of locally-sourced Trona, as a mud additive in drilling mud. Trona is known chemically as Sodium Sesquicarbonate or Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate. A distinguishing factor in this research work was the purification of Trona by extracting the compound of interest (Na2CO3) from it using the monohydrate process. The purification method involved crushing and screening of Trona as well as calcination, filtration and evaporation processes. The analysis of the Trona and the extracted product was performed using quantitative analysis and characterization tools such as FTIR and EDX. Further experimentation was carried out to evaluate the effects of the extracted sodium carbonate on the mud pH, rheology, and density of the water based mud. The results were also compared to the results gotten from the addition of conventional Na2CO to similar mud samples. The extracted Na2CO was observed to increase the pH of the mud samples from 8.73 to 9.52 and the commercial Na2CO increased it from 8.73 to 10 and this value is still in the range of API standard. The pH enhancers from both sources also had effect on the mud rheological properties. This indeed showed that the extracted Na2CO from Trona acted as drilling fluid pH enhancer and hence possess the potential for usage in the industry.
Well Placement Optimization Using Simulated Annealing and Genetic Algorithm
(Society of Petroleum Engineers SPE, 2019-07-31) Aisha Diggi Tukur; Alonge Oluwaseun; Oghenerume Ogolo; Petrus Nzerem; Nhoyidi Nsan; Ikechukwu Okafor ; Abdullahi Gimba; Okafor Andrew
The general success ratio of wells drilled lies at 1:4, which highlights the difficulty in properly ascertaining sweetspots. well placement location selection is one of the most important processes to ensure optimal recovery of hydrocarbons. Conventionally, a subjective decision is based on the visualization of the HUPHISO (a product of net-to-gross, porosity and oil saturation) map. While this approach identifies regions of high HUPHISO regarded as sweetspots in the reservoir; it lacks consideration for neighbouring regions of the sweetspot. This sometimes lead to placement of wells in a sweetspot but near an adjoining aquifer; giving rise to early water breakthrough - low hydrocarbon recovery. Recently, heuristic optimization techniques. Genetic algorithm (GA) and simulated annealing (SA) has received attention as methods of selection of well-placement locations. This project developed and implemented GA and SA well-placement algorithms and compared the reservoir performance outputs to that of conventional method. Firstly, a reservoir performance model was built using a reservoir flow simulator. In the base case, the wells were placed based on a subjective selection of gridblocks upon the visualization of the HUPHISO map. Thereafter, JAVA routines of GA and SA well-placement algorithms were developed. The numeric data (ASCII format) underlying the map were then exported to the routines. Finally, the performance model was updated with new well locations as selected based on the GA and SA-based approach and the results were compared to the base case. The Comparison of the results showed that both GA and SA-based approach resulted to an increased recovery and time before water breakthrough.