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

Protocol ID: MEL-PE-2023-042

Location: Department of Petroleum Engineering, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Prepared By: Senior Petroleum Engineer, Research Division

Date: October 24, 2023

Compliance: WorkSafe Victoria Regulations, Australian Standards (AS/NZS), University of Melbourne HSE Policy

This Experiment Protocol outlines the standardized procedures for conducting laboratory-scale Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) simulations. The primary objective is to evaluate the efficiency of surfactant-polymer flooding techniques on core samples representative of the Otway Basin reservoirs located in Victoria, Australia. As a Petroleum Engineer operating in the Melbourne region, adherence to this protocol ensures data integrity, personnel safety, and environmental compliance consistent with Australian regulatory frameworks.

This protocol applies to all Petroleum Engineers, research assistants, and technical staff conducting fluid-rock interaction experiments within the Melbourne facility. It covers the preparation of core samples, synthesis of injection fluids, execution of the flooding process, and post-experiment analysis. The procedures are designed to simulate reservoir conditions typical of Australian onshore and offshore fields, specifically focusing on high-salinity brine environments.

Safety is paramount in this laboratory environment. All personnel must adhere to the following:

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Safety goggles, chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile), lab coats, and closed-toe shoes are mandatory.
• Chemical Handling: Surfactants and polymers must be handled in a fume hood. Safety Data Sheets (SDS) must be accessible for all chemicals used.
• Pressure Safety: Core flooding apparatus operates at high pressures (up to 10 MPa). Regular inspection of pressure vessels and lines is required in accordance with Australian Standard AS 1200.
• Waste Disposal: All hydrocarbon and chemical waste must be disposed of according to the Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA Victoria) guidelines.

Item	Specification	Quantity
Core Samples	Sandstone cores from Otway Basin, 2.5 cm diameter, 5 cm length	3
Core Holder	Stainless steel, high-pressure rated	1
High-Pressure Pump	Isocratic pump, capable of 0.1-5 mL/min flow rate	1
Back Pressure Regulator	Set to 5 MPa	1
Surfactant Solution	Anionic surfactant, 0.5% concentration	500 mL
Brine	Synthetic brine matching reservoir salinity (150,000 ppm TDS)	1000 mL

5.1 Core Sample Preparation

First, clean the core samples using toluene and methanol to remove any residual hydrocarbons. Dry the cores in an oven at 60°C for 24 hours. Measure the dry weight and dimensions of each core to calculate porosity and permeability using helium porosimetry. This step is critical for establishing baseline reservoir properties relevant to Australian geological formations.

5.2 Saturation with Brine

Place the core sample into the core holder and apply confining pressure. Saturate the core with synthetic brine by injecting it at a low flow rate until no gas bubbles are observed in the effluent. This ensures the core is fully water-saturated, mimicking the initial reservoir state.

5.3 Oil Saturation

Inject crude oil (representative of Victorian reservoir oils) into the core at a controlled rate until the brine production ceases. This establishes the initial oil saturation (Soi). Record the volume of oil injected and brine produced to calculate Soi accurately.

5.4 Water Flooding

Perform a primary water flood by injecting brine at a constant rate. Continue until the water cut reaches 98%. This phase simulates conventional water flooding and establishes the baseline oil recovery factor.

5.5 Surfactant-Polymer Flooding

Switch the injection fluid to the surfactant-polymer solution. Maintain the same flow rate and monitor the effluent for oil production. This phase tests the effectiveness of the EOR technique in reducing interfacial tension and improving sweep efficiency. Record pressure drop across the core to assess potential formation damage.

5.6 Post-Experiment Analysis

After the experiment, extract the core sample and measure the residual oil saturation. Analyze the produced fluids for surfactant concentration and oil content. Compare the results with baseline data to determine the incremental oil recovery achieved.

All data must be recorded in the laboratory's electronic data management system. Key parameters to record include:

• Injection pressure and flow rate
• Effluent composition (oil, water, surfactant)
• Core permeability changes
• Temperature and pressure conditions

A detailed report must be submitted within two weeks of the experiment's completion. The report should include a discussion of the results in the context of Australian reservoir conditions and recommendations for field-scale application.

This Experiment Protocol provides a comprehensive framework for conducting EOR simulations in a Melbourne-based laboratory. By following these procedures, Petroleum Engineers can generate reliable data to support decision-making in oil recovery projects across Australia. Adherence to safety and environmental standards ensures that the research is conducted responsibly and sustainably.

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