Experiment Protocol Petroleum Engineer in Kenya Nairobi –Free Word Template Download with AI

Document ID: KE-PE-EXP-2023-004

Location: Nairobi, Kenya (Laboratory Phase) / Turkana Basin (Field Application Context)

Discipline: Petroleum Engineering

Prepared By: Senior Petroleum Engineer

Date: October 24, 2023

This Experiment Protocol outlines the rigorous methodology required for a Petroleum Engineer to evaluate the efficacy of Carbon Dioxide (CO2) flooding as an Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) technique. The study is specifically tailored to the geological and operational realities of Kenya, with the primary laboratory execution taking place in Nairobi. The objective is to determine the miscibility pressure and displacement efficiency of CO2 on crude oil samples extracted from the Turkana Basin, a key area for Kenya's emerging oil sector.

As a Petroleum Engineer operating in this region, it is critical to adapt global EOR standards to local reservoir conditions, including high temperatures and specific salinity levels found in Kenyan formations. This protocol ensures that data collected in Nairobi is statistically valid and directly applicable to field operations in Western Kenya.

This protocol applies to all laboratory personnel, research assistants, and supervising Petroleum Engineers involved in the project. It covers the preparation of core samples, the setup of high-pressure displacement apparatus, data acquisition, and safety procedures. The scope is limited to the laboratory simulation phase conducted in Nairobi, which serves as a precursor to potential pilot projects in the field.

To ensure accuracy, the following equipment must be calibrated and available at the Nairobi testing facility:

• Core Samples: Cylindrical rock samples (2.5 cm diameter, 5 cm length) sourced from the Lokichar Basin, preserved in brine to maintain saturation.
• High-Pressure Core Flood System: Capable of withstanding pressures up to 10,000 psi and temperatures up to 150°C.
• Fluids: Synthetic formation brine (matching Kenyan reservoir salinity), live crude oil from the target well, and high-purity CO2 gas.
• Measurement Tools: Differential pressure transducers, digital flow meters, and a visual flow cell for miscibility observation.

CRITICAL SAFETY NOTICE: This experiment involves high-pressure gases and flammable hydrocarbons. Strict adherence to the Occupational Safety and Health Act of Kenya is mandatory.

All Petroleum Engineers and technicians must wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including safety goggles, flame-resistant lab coats, and steel-toed boots. The laboratory in Nairobi must be equipped with gas detectors specifically calibrated for CO2 and hydrocarbon leaks. Emergency ventilation systems must be tested prior to the start of the experiment. Waste disposal must comply with the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) regulations regarding hazardous chemical waste.

5.1 Sample Preparation

The Petroleum Engineer must first clean the core samples using toluene and methanol to remove existing hydrocarbons. The samples are then dried in an oven at 60°C for 24 hours. Following drying, the samples are saturated with synthetic formation brine under vacuum to simulate the water saturation conditions of the Kenyan reservoir. The porosity and permeability of each sample must be measured and recorded.

5.2 Oil Saturation

Once brine saturation is achieved, the core sample is placed in the high-pressure core holder. Crude oil is injected at a slow, controlled rate to displace the brine, achieving an irreducible water saturation state similar to the target reservoir. The pressure is maintained at the reservoir pressure (approx. 3,500 psi) and temperature (approx. 90°C) typical of the Turkana Basin.

5.3 CO2 Injection Phase

This is the critical phase of the experiment. The Petroleum Engineer will inject CO2 gas into the core sample in a continuous slug. The injection rate must be kept constant to ensure a stable displacement front. The engineer must monitor the differential pressure across the core and the volume of oil produced. The goal is to observe the point of miscibility, where the CO2 and oil mix into a single phase, significantly reducing interfacial tension and improving oil recovery.

5.4 Data Collection

Data must be logged every 5 minutes. Key parameters include:

• Cumulative oil production (in pore volumes).
• Pressure drop across the core.
• Gas-oil ratio (GOR) of the produced fluids.

Upon completion of the injection phase, the Petroleum Engineer will analyze the data to calculate the Enhanced Oil Recovery factor. This involves comparing the amount of oil recovered during the CO2 flood against the amount recovered during primary water flooding. The results will be used to model the economic viability of implementing CO2-EOR in the Kenyan field sites. A comprehensive report must be generated, detailing the experimental conditions, results, and recommendations for field-scale application.

This Experiment Protocol provides a structured approach for Petroleum Engineers in Nairobi to assess advanced recovery techniques relevant to Kenya's oil industry. By following these steps, engineers can contribute valuable data that supports the sustainable and efficient development of the nation's petroleum resources.

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