Experiment Protocol Petroleum Engineer in Netherlands Amsterdam –Free Word Template Download with AI

This Experiment Protocol outlines the methodology for a controlled laboratory simulation designed to evaluate the efficiency of CO2-based Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) techniques. As a Petroleum Engineer operating within the Netherlands Amsterdam region, this study addresses the dual mandate of maximizing hydrocarbon recovery from mature North Sea fields while adhering to the stringent environmental regulations and sustainability goals of the Dutch government.

The primary objective is to quantify the incremental oil recovery factor when utilizing supercritical CO2 injection in sandstone reservoir analogs typical of the Dutch Continental Shelf. Furthermore, this protocol aims to assess the potential for permanent CO2 sequestration within the reservoir matrix, aligning with the broader energy transition strategies currently being implemented in Amsterdam and the wider Netherlands.

This experiment is conducted under the jurisdiction of Dutch environmental law and the safety standards mandated by the Dutch Health and Safety Executive (Nederlandse Arbeidsinspectie). Given the location in Amsterdam, a hub for green technology and innovation, the protocol emphasizes minimal environmental footprint.

The scope includes:

• Preparation of core samples mimicking Groningen and North Sea reservoir characteristics.
• Execution of primary, secondary, and tertiary (CO2) recovery phases.
• Analysis of fluid properties and rock-fluid interactions.
• Compliance with the Dutch Mining Act (Mijnbouwwet) regarding subsurface usage.

The following equipment and materials are required to execute this protocol within the Amsterdam laboratory facility:

The Petroleum Engineer shall execute the following steps with precision. All operations must be logged in the central digital repository accessible to the Amsterdam project team.

4.1. Sample Preparation

Clean the sandstone core samples using toluene and methanol to remove any existing hydrocarbons. Dry the samples in an oven at 60°C for 24 hours. Measure the initial porosity and permeability of each sample using helium porosimetry and gas permeametry, respectively. These baseline values are critical for calculating recovery factors.

4.2. Saturation Phase

Saturate the core samples with brine from the outlet end to ensure complete water saturation. Subsequently, displace the brine with the crude oil analog from the inlet end until no more water is produced. This simulates the initial reservoir state. Record the volume of oil retained to determine the initial oil in place (IOIP).

4.3. Primary and Secondary Recovery

Apply a pressure gradient to simulate natural reservoir drive mechanisms (primary recovery). Once production declines, initiate water flooding (secondary recovery) at a constant rate of 1 pore volume per day (PV/day). Continue until the water cut reaches 98%. This phase establishes the baseline recovery efficiency before EOR application.

4.4. CO2 Injection (Tertiary Recovery)

This is the critical phase of the experiment. Inject supercritical CO2 into the core sample at a pressure of 15 MPa and a temperature of 80°C, conditions representative of deeper North Sea reservoirs accessible from the Netherlands. Maintain a constant injection rate. Monitor the effluent for oil production and CO2 breakthrough. Continue injection until 3 pore volumes of CO2 have been injected.

4.5. Shut-in and Analysis

After CO2 injection, shut in the system for 24 hours to allow for miscibility and swelling effects. Then, resume water flooding to push remaining oil. Collect all produced fluids for analysis.

The Petroleum Engineer must analyze the data to determine:

• Recovery Factor: The percentage of original oil in place recovered during each phase.
• CO2 Utilization: The ratio of oil produced per ton of CO2 injected.
• Sequestration Potential: The volume of CO2 retained in the core sample after the experiment.

Results will be compared against industry standards and previous studies conducted in the Netherlands. The final report will be submitted to the Amsterdam project stakeholders, highlighting the technical viability and environmental benefits of the proposed EOR strategy.

Safety is paramount in this Experiment Protocol. CO2 is an asphyxiant and must be handled with appropriate ventilation and gas detection systems in the Amsterdam laboratory. All personnel must wear personal protective equipment (PPE) including safety glasses, gloves, and lab coats. In case of a leak, evacuate the area and activate the emergency ventilation system. Waste fluids must be disposed of according to Dutch environmental regulations (Milieuwet).