Technical Choice of Dam Materials and Their Environmental Impacts - Research Proposal Example

Technical choice of dam materials and their environmental impacts. The function of the drilling fluid in as far as drilling of oil is concerned has been explored. Most of the functions suggested by many studies have been revised and found to be true. However, it has been found that those functions do not tell us anything as to whether the drilling fluid has a direct influence on the recovery of oil especially when dealing with homogeneous reservoirs. In this proposal the question of whether drilling fluid has an influence on the oil recovery in homogenous reservoirs is raised. The suggested proposal has a rational of examining the potential benefits of using the drilling fluid in the recovery of oil in the homogenous reservoirs. Recognition of the application of drilling fluid in oil exploration may be beneficial to countries to help reduce on the cost of exploration. The researcher would conduct a primary analysis of data. In this respect a two-inch diameter by two-inch long sandstone Berea would be fired at 600 degree Celsius for the duration of sixteen hours. The fired Berea would be made up so as to have a vacuum with crude oil that is asphaltic. The samples of saturated oil would be flashed out using pentane a cell that is referred to as Hassler until the effluent turns clear. After this the pentane would be taken out of the vacuum. In this respect, adsorbed asphaltenes would be left behind. The permeability reduction that is brought about by this reaction could be approximately 11%. In this regard, this would have an implication that the asphaltenes would not have been plugged onto the pores. One merit of using this method in getting surfaces that are oil-wet is that only the items occurring naturally in the reservoirs of oil would be involved. The treated samples of asphaltene would take in the small quantities of water, despite the oil that would have already been absorbed. This would show out that the samples contained a wettability mixture. In conclusion, study highlighted the need for wide application of drilling fluid in the recovery of oil in homogenous reservoirs and subsequently using the liquid drilling fluid to benefit the quality of life and decrease the cost of oil extraction. Introduction. It is indispensable that technological advancements alongside scientific innovations have immensely contributed towards making life what it is at present. The field of geotechnical engineering has not lacked behind either. As early as the fourth century BC, the Chinese had discovered that they could use drilling fluids, which was in the form of water, to permeate grounds in such of hydrocarbons (Veil, J, 2002). A drilling fluid, in this respect, is a kind of fluid often used in drilling boreholes on the earth surface such as water wells (Zupan, T, & Kapila, M, 2000). Over time, drilling of deeper and challenging wells necessitated improvements to be implemented in the drilling technology. This led to a somewhat increased efficient and effective fluid for drilling (Wait, S, &Thomas, D, 2003). Since then, the drilling fluids have been adopted in drilling of the natural gas and oil wells, as well as in exploration of the drilling rigs. Drilling mud, on the other hand, is a type of drilling fluid that is in the form of liquid. This liquid is often added into the wellbore to aid in the drilling process (Talal, Y, & Al-Awad, J, 2004). It does so through controlling pressure, provision of buoyancy, stabilization of the given exposed rocks, suspension of the cuttings, cooling the rock and making sure the rock is well lubricated (Stephenson, R, & Seaton, D, 2004). In essence, drilling fluids are vital elements for the whole drilling process that is for maximization of the recovery, as well as reducing on the amount of time required to get the first oil. The drilling fluid falls into three main categories (Omar, A, & Al-Awad, J, 2002). They include water-based muds, non-aqueous muds and the gaseous liquid fluid. Water-based muds can either be categorized as dispersed or categorized as non-dispersed (Musaed, N, & El-Mahdy, A, 2011). There are various functions of drilling fluid. First, during the process of drilling, there are cuttings that get created though they do not end up causing a problem until when the process of drilling halts (Omar, A, & Al-Awad, J, 2006). Whenever this takes place, the drilling fluids do not get used up and this provides an opportunity for the cuttings to fill up the hole once again. Drilling fluids come in as suspension tools aiding in preventing this from happening. In a more realistic way, the viscosity associated with the drilling fluid happen to increases when the movements reduce. This allows the fluid to be liquid consistency during drilling, which in the long run will turn into a solid substance after the stopping of the drilling process. Cuttings get suspended in the well to allow the insertion of the drill. This gel-like substance would finally transform again forming a liquid at the beginning of the drilling. Secondly, drilling fluids serve the purpose of controlling pressure in a well (Musaed, N, & El-Mahdy, A, 2011). They help offset the hydrocarbon pressure and the rock formations. In this respect, weighing agents are often added into the drilling fluids. This makes the density and the pressure on walls to increase. Thirdly, drilling fluids aids in stabilization of the rock. In this case, some special additives are always applied in ensuring that the drilling fluid does not get absorbed by the whole process of rock formation inside the well. It also prevents the clogging of the pores of the rock. Other key function include, include the provision of the hydrostatic pressure that is necessary in preventing the formation of fluid into the well, help in making sure the drill bit is kept cool and dry in the course of the drilling process, helping in the drill cutting, as well as helping in suspension of the drill cutting during moments when drilling is paused and its assembly is lifted out and into the hole. Notably, increase in the length of the well, causes increased number of pipes for drilling the well. It is notable that the drilling fluid to be used to perform a certain job needs to be selected. This helps in limiting corrosion, as well as the formation of damages (Kamal, A, & Al-Awad, J, 2004). This research proposal seeks to unveil key issues on matters pertaining the link between, drilling fluid and oil recovery in homogenous reservoirs. In essence, it seeks to suggest better ways of utilizing the current drilling fluids in the recovery of oil, as well as future methods that are better suited in the exploration of oil. Literature Review. The Influence of drilling fluid on oil recovery literature contains results of many research projects that were contacted over a period of time. It is evident that the total number of such publications is quite overwhelming, although this does not mean that all the pertinent publication were reviewed, though none of those that were applicable and useful to this work were excluded intentionally. Difficulties that were encountered in review of literature are an attempt to develop the relationship between the two parameters. Initially there has been an attempt to quantify the existing relationship between the use of drilling fluid and the oil recovery in homogenous reservoirs. However, most of these studies were centered on issues that are related with the offshore drilling operations rather than how drilling fluid influences oil recovery on the homogenous reservoirs. Some of these studies like those of Musaed and Al-Awad (2004), Musaed Al-Awad and Talal(2005), Mohammed and Musaed(2002), Musaed and Al-Awad (2011), Abdulrahman and AlQuraishi ( 2010), Abdel-Alim Hashem, and Al-Homadhi (2006), (ed Musaed Eissaand Mohamed Shokir(2011) , explored some of the areas ranging from Subsea Inspection, Technological assessment, the evaluation of the Ultrasonic Flowmeter, USGs inspectors for the portable Data Recorder, the Mud pulse Telemetry in Fluid pulser, the Fire Suppression technological advancement, the Fluidic Pulser used in Hydrocarbons and Hydrogen sulfide gas, the Arctic Ocean technological Assessment fort the Continental shelf, for oil and gas, the overpressure Marine sediment, the effects of toxic Drilling Mud on the corals, the Telemetry of the underwater Acoustic, the technology of pattern recognition, the Technological way of assessing the Estimated the hydrocarbons that are lost in the course of a blowout, Technological way of assessing the Cementing of shallow casings, the technology of Casing wall thickness, recapturing of Oil from the Blowing Wells, Cyogenic controlling of the Blowing wells, the southern Sea production study, Preventing of Ice and de-icing on the offshore Drilling platforms, Numerical force simulation, reliability of Rig Mooring, the subsea Blowing Oil and gas collection, the Antiturbidity Overflow Experimental System, the Chukshi comparison study for the Sea transportation Cost, the Engine Emissions Control, investigating the Non-Linear Behavioral Comliant Risers among others. The major topic captured by most of these studies included the reliability and performance of the equipment thought to provide safety, the new, as well as the evolving technology and how it is applied in offshore drilling, operation problem assessment alongside the control techniques. As can be observed, most of these studies were centered on issues that are related with the offshore drilling operations. This in essence shows that many researchers were inclined towards the use of drilling fluid on the offshore operations and failed to outline how drilling fluid correlates with the oil recovery in the homogenous reservoirs. A few general comments about the influence of drilling fluid on oil recovery are possible from such research works. The most significant deficiency throughout in such literature, with the exception of a few, is the lacking detailed experimental procedures considering the published reports. In most extreme cases, some experimental details barely consisted of a statement that oil recovery was liked to drilling fluid. Fortunate enough, these particular statements are not always representative as more information is not always provided. Lack of detailed information on such issue as drilling fluid verses oil recovery in homogenous rocks, is wide spread in the literature. Study by John Shelton (2002), was centered on finding out how the drilling fluid formulation, as well as the methods of processing a Riser Dilution is achieved. In this study, his findings were that there is oil and natural gas related resources within the deepwater of Mexico which are quite vital for the economy of the USA, however, high costs have prevented its development. He thus postulates that using dual drilling concept; resulting from wellbore pressure gradients that resemble natural subsurface gradient can help in simplification of the designs of the well thus end up cutting down on the costs. In this research, it is evident that the researcher, was much concerned with such issues as the deepwater natural gas reserves, and the Deepwater drilling solution in the dual density drilling, and did not address how drilling fluid tend to influence oil recovery in homogenous rocks. Further review of the existing literature concerning drilling fluids, alongside technologies that are needed to warrant a link between drilling fluid and recovery of oil in the homogenous rocks, shows that there are few if any existing such literatures that proves that there is a link between drilling fluid and recovery of oil in homogenous rocks . The most prominent of these studies are those done by Oman and Abdulrahman (2000), which was based on the effects of the in-situ Heterogeneities and stress on relative permeability on Reservoirs in Soudi. Research by Khairry, and Al-Malik (2000), as well explored the effects of oil Composition and the pore pressure on wettability and relative permeability of the sandstone. Musaed and Omar (1998) also explored the application of the Saudi Clays on the drilling fluid. However, what is most notable in these studies is the lack of information concerning the subject of how the drilling fluid influences the oil recovery in the homogenous rocks. Following this review of the existing literature concerning drilling fluids, it is evident that there is a need for research to be conducted to ascertain if there is any influence the drilling fluid have on the recovery of oil in the homogenous rocks. Method. Apparatus. The apparatus that would be used in this study include: Berea sandstone, pentane, Hassler cell, Rame-hart goniometer, Barnstead NANOpure system, Kerosene, Procedure. The researcher would conduct a primary analysis of data. In this respect a two-inch diameter by two-inch long sandstone Berea would be fired at 600 degree Celsius for the duration of sixteen hours. The fired Berea would be made up so as to have a vacuum with crude oil that is asphaltic. The samples of saturated oil would be flashed out using pentane a cell that is referred to as Hassler until the effluent turns clear. After this the pentane would be taken out of the vacuum. In this respect, adsorbed asphaltenes would be left behind. The permeability reduction that is brought about by this reaction could be approximately 11%. In this regard, this would have an implication that the asphaltenes would not have been plugged onto the pores. One merit of using this method in getting surfaces that are oil-wet is that only the items occurring naturally in the reservoirs of oil would be involved. The treated samples of asphaltene would take in the small quantities of water, despite the oil that would have already been absorbed. This would show out that the samples contained a wettability mixture. Next, the asphaltene that would have been treated together with the water-wet Berea samples would be saturated with a 5% sodium chloride. All the samples of oil-wet would be stored in brine for an equal amount of time in order for the alteration of the wettability that occur because of storage, would be same for the samples that would be used. Three samples having an equal level of wettability would also be put together in a core holder referred to as the Hassler. The beginning permeability liquid would be measured through injection of brine up to when the pressure drop would stabilize. Additionally,13 to 15 volume pores of a component of drilling mud in 16g/1KCI brine would be injected at a rate that is constant ( 1cm cubic per minute). All the results obtained should be recorded in a table so that they can be analyzed. The control variable would be flashed using 16g/1KCL brine. All the samples were increased for the duration of one hour. These samples should also be flashed by 6 to 7 pore quantity of about 4% NaCl. The existence of the pressure drop on the Hassler cell needs to be monitored continuously and the permeability of the drilling fluid determined. Apart from this, inhibition spontaneous and capillary pressure test would also be done on the samples that allowed the calculation of wettability index. The sequence of the test should be recorded in a table. The contact angle would also be measured by use of a Rame-hart goniometer. In this case care has to be taken to ensure an environment that is clean with no contamination. The kerosene would be prefiltered so as to pass it through a gel column to do away with polar components. Deionised water having a resistivity of 18.0 would be recorded by use of an instrument referred to as the Barnstead NANOpure system of water. Arkansaa, quartz, and calcite rock crystal would be obtained. The crystal of quartz rock should be polished with 30 and 10 micron aluminum grit, an 8-micro grit of diamond, and a 0.8 grit of cerium oxide. These cryatals needs to be sonicated and repeatedly washed. These crystals were then rinsed then few drops of pentane applied to the crystals. All the observations should be recorded in a table. Expected Results. For this study the pressure in the capillary may have characteristics like increased water water-Amott ratios (approximately 0.9), increased saturation oil residual (approximately 40%), no inhibition of oil, a huge difference between secondary and primary drainage curves. The asphaltene- treated curve would display reduced Amott water ratios (approximately 0.05), increased Amott water ratios (approximately 0.21), reduced residual saturations of oil (approximately 10%) and small alterations on the secondary and primary oil displaced. The expected wetability indices obtained out of the pressure in the capillary is displayed in the table. (Table1). Discussion. In this study it is expected that the results indicate that there is a positive correlation between drilling fluid use and oil recovery in homogenous rocks. Earlier works by Bobik, and Deneki, concluded that the use of drilling fluid increases the recovery of oil in homogenous reservoirs. This followed the range of functions that the drilling fluid is known to perform. Some of these functions include aiding in stabilization of the rock, preventing the clogging of the pores of the rock, provision of the hydrostatic pressure that is necessary in preventing the formation of fluid into the well, help in making sure the drill bit is kept cool and dry in the course of the drilling process, helping in the drill cutting, as well as helping in suspension of the drill cutting during moments when drilling is paused and its assembly is lifted out and into the hole. Basing on the range of functions, when it is used for purposes of recovering oil in homogenous reservoirs, it is expected that the density and the pressure on walls increase. Such pressures should aid in the recovery of oil in homogenous rocks, thereby, influence the whole process of recovering of oil from such reservoirs. Research Objectives. This research proposal has two key objectives that play the central focus of this paper. The first objective entails providing qualitative answers to the influence of drilling fluid on the recovery of oil in the homogenous reservoirs, and secondly, the proposal seeks to illustrate the potential of utilizing the drilling fluid to support of recovery of oil in the homogenous reservoirs. Purpose of the research. The overarching purpose for this proposed study would be establishing the association of the drilling fluid on the recovery of oil in the homogenous reservoirs. The topic to be examined would be the influence of drilling fluid on the recovery of oil in homogenous reservoirs. Research Questions There are three essential questions considered in this study. These questions can support the study in its objective of achieving the possible answer to the thesis. 1. What are drilling fluids and homogenous reservoirs? 2. What are the effects of drilling fluid on the recovery of oil in homogenous reservoirs? 3. Where to get the instructional materials supporting the comprehensive approach to the influence of drilling fluid on oil recovery in homogenous reservoirs? Relevance of the study. The subject of the drilling fluid in the drilling of oil wells has significantly been impressed in the contemporary world, and more prominently is the adoption of the drilling mud in the exploration of the natural gas and oil wells, as well as in exploration of the drilling rigs. This liquid is often added into the wellbore to aid in the drilling process. It does so through controlling pressure, provision of buoyancy, stabilization of the given exposed rocks, suspension of the cuttings, cooling the rock and making sure the rock is well lubricated. In essence, drilling fluids are vital elements for the whole drilling process that is for maximization of the recovery, as well as cutting down on the amount of time required to get the first oil. This implies that conducting a research in line with the influence of drilling fluid on the recovery of oil in homogenous rocks would not be in cross violation of the current technological agenda but instead it would be a substantial boost to improvements in exploration of oil reserves that are discovered each day. More so, pertinent literatures have all been reviewed, and the influence of drilling fluid on recovery of oil in homogenous reservoirs reported in the literature has exclusively been determined. It has been found out that a serious deficiency in the research seems to lack the consideration of the influence of drilling fluid on recovery of oil in homogenous reservoirs. Additionally, Laws have changed to reduce the avenues available for data collection, mainly for policies that touch on issues such as oil recovery. Previously studies have not been keen with production of oil. The quality of oil, on the other hand, has never been taken into consideration during extraction. This has made the customers develop different types of attitudes about the abilities of mining engineers. This has raised concerns because some of these shortcomings could have been avoided. This study will identify the best approach to take in line with prevention of the occurrence of mistakes. If the hypothesis would not be approved then, further recommendations shall be adopted in this regard. EVALUATION OF THE STUDY. Evaluation is a way to determine merits of a study, significance and worth by use of set criteria (Khairy, M, & Shebl, M, 1998). It normally helps a researcher to ascertain the number of achievements according to the purpose of the study. Its foremost purpose is to facilitate reflection, and help in the determination of a change in future. For this study summative, evaluation would be the best evaluation process for this study. This is because the summative evaluation is always conducted at the end of a study, and it is used to give out information of effectiveness and long term effect of a study. In order to have an assessment of the efficacy of the study, the researcher shall have to follow the following criteria. To start with, the researcher would determine whether the objectives of the study would have been achieved. The researcher shall develop the weaknesses and the strengths, policy, and theory of this study. The researcher should then practice the implications of the study. Next the researcher would determine whether the ethical committee was approved and whether all the ethical considerations would have been achieved. The researcher shall also establish whether the groups that were used were comparable, whether the confounding factors were well managed, and determine whether the outcomes criteria gave out the required measurements. The researcher should also determine whether the follow-up period was sufficient to make the desired effects. If all this is put under consideration, then the researcher would be able to assess the degree of which her study was a success. Suggestion for Future Work. This study demonstrates that drilling fluid can significantly influence the recovery of oil in the homogenous rocks. Whether or not this is true depends on the extent by which the core formation gets flashed through drilling fluid. This, therefore, calls for scale studies that involve fluid inversion, in the course of, drilling and coring to help in resolving this question. It is only during the interaction with the drilling fluid that core properties are altered, and when transporting the core from the reservoir towards the lab. More often than not, pressure as well as the temperature is changed whenever the core becomes lifted from the ground to the surface. Preserving the core while on the surface, as well as its preparation while it is undergoing a lab test might end up changing the properties of the core. The implication of this study is that subjecting the core to the drilling process could damage or alter the properties of the core. Moreover, there should be a considerable amount of work to be done in line with coring, preparation of the sample and the preservation of the sample. This should be done before it could be concluded about the best way it has to be preserved in order to restore its property that is to be used as a representative of the homogenous reservoir. Acknowledgements. I have to thank various researchers for their efforts to publish their research materials that helped me have a clue of what remained not to be exploited in the field of oil exploration. I also thank the University management for their corporation for allowing me an opportunity to carry out this research given an expansive knowledge they have impacted in me in the course of my study. Conclusion The study highlighted the need for wide application of drilling fluid in the recovery of oil in homogenous reservoirs and subsequently using the liquid drilling fluid to benefit the quality of life and decrease the cost of oil extraction. References. 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Zupan, T., and Kapila, M. 2000. “Thermal Desorption of Drilling Muds and Cuttings in Ecuador: The Environmental and Financially Sound Solution,” SPE Paper 61041, presented at SPE International Conference on Health, Safety, and Environment in Oil and Gas Exploration and Production, Stavanger, Norway. Read More