Without regulation pertaining to the use and discharge of surfactant for offshore enhanced oil recovery (EOR) process in Malaysia, we adopted the guidelines from OSPAR (Oslo Paris Convention) that governs the use and discharge of offshore chemicals in the North Sea Region. In OSPAR, the CHARM (Chemical Hazard Assessment and Risk Management) model is being used to assess the risk of offshore chemicals to the marine environment. CHARM prescribes the Predicted Environment Concentration:Predicted No-Effect Concentration (PEC:PNEC) approach which ratio determines the hazard quotient (HQ) in order to rank the chemical by colour banding. Our surfactant formulation achieved a HQ of 2.16 or Silver colour banding with the stipulation that the volume of the discharged produced water is twice the volume of chemical solution (squeeze) injected. Nevertheless, in providing more certainty and confidence for both operators and local regulators to allow for overboard discharge of our flow-back surfactant formulation, we conducted a comprehensive produced water dilution modelling called DREAM (Dose-related Risk and Effect Assessment Model). The model calculates the Environmental Impact Factor (EIF) of each component of the chemical in the discharged produced water. Similar to CHARM, the DREAM uses the PEC:PNEC approach, but its PEC input parameters include environmental influences such as weather profile, current, etc. and incorporates a slick model. Its output is a quantation of the risks to the receiving environment, called the Environmental Impact Factor (EIF); where EIF is more than 1, the impact to the environment is significant. We simulated the chemical fate of individual component of the formulation with the scenario whereby the produced water is not treated prior to discharge. The time-averaged EIFs were more than 1 across all weather windows, indicating the discharge of untreated chemical-containing produced water is likely to have a localized environmental impact. We used both CHARM and DREAM as decision support tools for effective management of operational discharges from offshore projects. Limitations and recommendations from DREAM simulation results in the context of our EOR application are discussed.
This paper discusses on planning and integration works of two Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) pilot projects (Foam Assisted Water Alternating Gas (FAWAG) and Polymer Injectivity test) via utilization of front end loading in Technology Readiness Level 5 (TRL 5) starting from Stage Gate 1 to execution. This pilot is a single well huff and puff pilot injection is to proof the two chemicals performances concept at near wellbore area in order to meet Technology objectives and maturation. The planning covers pilot injection schemes, injection facilities, chemical preparations and pilot test’s surveillance and monitoring program. In Stage Gate 1, chemical screening and feasibility studies were conducted whereas in Stage Gate 2, three concepts identified; which are, pilot on accommodation work barge (AWB), jack-up barge or ‘on platform’ concept with only one being selected for Front End Engineering Design (FEED) in Stage Gate 3. FEED study includes design for chemical injection, volumes and flowback system, offshore logistic selection as well as pilot surveillance. Since key drivers of this EOR pilot project is on cost, consideration on fit for purpose design and procurement strategy is crucial in ensuring data to be collected for pilot. Stage Gate 1 result is the invention of chemical formulation via the screening process with RND criteria achieved for the intended fields. Stage Gate 2 has resulted pilot concept of single well injection with facilities on platform. In Stage Gate 3, FEED study has resulted chemical injection process and flow back design. The study includes chemicals dispersion analysis and chemical blending upscaling process, based on lab scale data. Pilot injection test scheme workflow was developed to cover any uncertainties risk during operation. In Stage Gate 3, the planning processes were enhanced with value engineering study, risk assessment, technical reviews such as Hazard and Operability Study (HAZOP), Hazard Identification (HAZID), 3D model reviews, etc. In execution stage, technology providers and vendors for offshore logistics, surveillance monitoring and data logging, polymer mixing systems and EOR produced water treatment are among the vendors being engaged and considered to assist pilot operation. In conclusion, a thorough project planning is crucial for any EOR pilot project in order for the pilot to be operated successfully. This paper will contribute additional information to the EOR application specifically in Pilot stage to fulfill the Technology readiness level before being fully applied to the oil field. By sharing this EOR Pilot planning and know-how, technology professionals may be able to plan their project at highest value functions and getting optimum pilot design while successfully meeting their technology objectives and mitigating the uncertainties of the Technology.
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