Experiment Protocol Petroleum Engineer in Ghana Accra –Free Word Template Download with AI

Project Title: Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) Feasibility Study in the Deepwater Tano Basin

Location: Ghana Accra (Onshore Laboratory and Control Center)

Discipline: Petroleum Engineering

Protocol Version: 1.0

Date: October 26, 2023

Prepared By: Senior Petroleum Engineer Team

This Experiment Protocol outlines the rigorous procedures required for the analysis of core samples and fluid properties extracted from offshore fields in the Gulf of Guinea. The primary objective is to evaluate the potential for Chemical Enhanced Oil Recovery (CEOR) techniques. As a Petroleum Engineer operating within the regulatory framework of Ghana Accra, the focus is on maximizing recovery factors while adhering to the strict environmental standards set by the Petroleum Commission of Ghana.

The experiment aims to determine the interfacial tension (IFT) reduction capabilities of specific surfactant formulations when introduced to the native reservoir brine and crude oil found in the region. This data is critical for optimizing production strategies in mature fields.

This protocol applies to all laboratory personnel and field engineers involved in the physical testing phase of the project. The scope includes:

• Preparation of core plugs from the Tano Basin.
• Fluid analysis of reservoir oil and water.
• Conducting spontaneous imbibition tests.
• High-pressure, high-temperature (HPHT) flooding simulations.

All activities must align with the operational guidelines established by the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) and international safety standards.

Safety is paramount in this Experiment Protocol. Given the hazardous nature of hydrocarbons and chemical agents, the following measures are mandatory:

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): All personnel must wear chemical-resistant gloves, safety goggles, lab coats, and steel-toed boots at all times within the testing facility in Ghana Accra.
• Ventilation: All experiments involving volatile organic compounds (VOCs) must be conducted in certified fume hoods.
• Waste Disposal: Spent core samples and chemical waste must be segregated and disposed of according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of Ghana regulations.
• Emergency Procedures: In the event of a spill or fire, the emergency shutdown system (ESD) must be activated immediately, and the site safety officer must be notified.

WARNING: Failure to adhere to these safety protocols will result in immediate suspension of the experiment and disciplinary action.

The following equipment is required to execute this protocol effectively:

Item	Specification	Quantity
Core Flooding Apparatus	HPHT capable up to 10,000 psi and 250°C	2 Units
Core Plugs	2-inch diameter, 4-inch length, Tano Basin origin	10 Samples
Surfactant Solutions	Alkylbenzene sulfonate and non-ionic blends	50 Liters
Reservoir Fluids	Live oil and formation water from wellhead	200 Liters
Interfacial Tensiometer	Pendant drop method, HPHT cell	1 Unit

5.1 Sample Preparation

Upon receipt of core samples at the laboratory in Ghana Accra, the Petroleum Engineer must inspect the plugs for fractures or damage. The samples are then cleaned using toluene and methanol to remove existing hydrocarbons. Following cleaning, the plugs are dried in an oven at 100°C for 24 hours. The porosity and permeability of each plug are measured using a helium porosimeter and a gas permeameter, respectively. These baseline values are essential for calculating recovery efficiency later.

5.2 Fluid Characterization

Reservoir fluids must be characterized to understand their rheological properties. The viscosity of the crude oil is measured at reservoir temperature and pressure. The salinity and pH of the formation water are analyzed to ensure compatibility with the proposed surfactants. This step is crucial because the high salinity often found in Ghanaian offshore reservoirs can precipitate surfactants, rendering them ineffective.

5.3 Spontaneous Imbibition Tests

Core plugs are saturated with reservoir oil and then placed in contact with the surfactant solution. The amount of oil produced over time is recorded. This test helps determine the wettability alteration potential of the chemicals. Data is collected every hour for the first 24 hours, then every 12 hours for the next week.

5.4 Core Flooding Experiments

The core plugs are placed in the HPHT core holder. The system is pressurized to simulate reservoir conditions. Initially, brine is injected to establish water saturation. Then, the surfactant slug is injected at a constant flow rate. The pressure drop across the core and the volume of oil produced are monitored continuously. This phase simulates the actual injection process that would occur in the field.

After the completion of the experiments, the Petroleum Engineer must analyze the data to calculate the incremental oil recovery. The recovery factor is determined by comparing the volume of oil produced during the surfactant flood to the original oil in place (OOIP). The results will be compiled into a technical report, including graphs of pressure drop versus time and cumulative oil production. This report will be submitted to the project stakeholders in Ghana Accra for review and decision-making regarding field implementation.

This Experiment Protocol provides a structured approach to evaluating EOR techniques for the specific geological conditions of the Ghana offshore basin. By following these steps, the Petroleum Engineer ensures that the data collected is accurate, reproducible, and compliant with local regulations. The success of this protocol will directly influence the economic viability and sustainability of future oil production projects in the region.

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