Experiment Protocol Petroleum Engineer in Australia Brisbane –Free Word Template Download with AI

The primary objective of this experiment protocol is to evaluate the efficacy of a novel chemical flooding agent for Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) within a simulated sandstone reservoir core. This study is specifically tailored to the geological conditions found in the Surat Basin and Bowen Basin regions surrounding Brisbane, Australia. The Petroleum Engineer leading this study aims to quantify the incremental oil recovery factor when utilizing low-salinity water flooding combined with surfactant injection, adhering to the rigorous safety and environmental standards mandated by the Australian Government and Queensland Department of Resources.

This protocol applies to laboratory-scale core flooding experiments conducted in Brisbane. The scope includes the preparation of reservoir rock cores, saturation with synthetic crude oil, and the execution of primary, secondary, and tertiary recovery phases. The experiment is designed to address specific challenges faced by Petroleum Engineers in the Australian context, such as high reservoir temperatures and specific brine compositions. The results will inform field-scale pilot projects in the Cooper Basin, ensuring that extraction methods are both economically viable and environmentally sustainable.

All procedures must strictly adhere to the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth) and the Queensland Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011. As this experiment involves hazardous chemicals and high-pressure equipment, the following protocols are mandatory:

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): All Petroleum Engineers and technicians must wear safety goggles, chemical-resistant gloves, lab coats, and steel-capped boots at all times within the laboratory.
• Chemical Handling: Surfactants and solvents must be handled within a certified fume hood. Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for all chemicals must be accessible on-site.
• Pressure Safety: The core flooding apparatus operates at pressures up to 10,000 psi. Regular inspections of high-pressure lines and fittings are required before each run.
• Environmental Disposal: Waste fluids containing hydrocarbons must be disposed of according to the Environmental Protection Act 1994 (Qld) guidelines.

The Petroleum Engineer shall execute the following steps in sequence:

1. Core Preparation: Clean the sandstone cores using toluene and methanol to remove existing hydrocarbons. Dry the cores in an oven at 60°C for 24 hours. Measure the dry weight and bulk volume to calculate porosity and permeability.
2. Saturation: Place the core in the core holder and apply confining pressure. Saturate the core with nitrogen gas, followed by formation brine, and finally synthetic crude oil. Ensure the core is fully saturated by measuring the effluent volume.
3. Primary Recovery: Inject formation brine at a constant flow rate of 1 mL/min until water breakthrough occurs. Continue injection until the water cut reaches 98%. Record the volume of oil produced.
4. Secondary Recovery: Switch to the surfactant solution. Inject at the same flow rate. Monitor the pressure drop across the core and the composition of the effluent. Continue until 2 pore volumes of surfactant solution have been injected.
5. Tertiary Recovery: Follow the surfactant injection with a chase of low-salinity water. Continue until no more oil is produced.
6. Data Collection: Throughout the experiment, record pressure, temperature, flow rate, and produced fluid volumes at regular intervals.

The Petroleum Engineer will analyze the collected data to determine the following parameters:

• Recovery Factor: Calculate the percentage of original oil in place (OOIP) recovered during each phase.
• Relative Permeability: Determine the relative permeability curves for oil and water phases.
• Surfactant Efficiency: Evaluate the reduction in interfacial tension and its impact on oil displacement.
• Economic Viability: Assess the cost-effectiveness of the EOR method based on the incremental oil recovery and the cost of chemicals.

Upon completion of the experiment, a comprehensive report will be prepared detailing the methodology, results, and conclusions. This report will be submitted to the project stakeholders and may be used to support applications for field trials in Australia. The findings will contribute to the broader understanding of EOR techniques applicable to the unique reservoir conditions found in the Brisbane region and surrounding basins.