Experiment Protocol Petroleum Engineer in South Africa Johannesburg –Free Word Template Download with AI

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 supercritical CO2 injection in recovering residual hydrocarbons from shale core samples sourced from the Karoo Basin. As a Petroleum Engineer operating within the South African context, this study addresses the critical need to maximize recovery factors from unconventional resources while adhering to the environmental regulations specific to Johannesburg and the broader Gauteng province.

The experiment aims to determine the optimal pressure and temperature conditions that maximize oil displacement efficiency, providing data crucial for future field development plans in South Africa's emerging shale gas and oil sectors.

This protocol applies to all Petroleum Engineers, research assistants, and laboratory technicians involved in the project. The procedures are designed to be conducted within the controlled environment of the research facility in Johannesburg. The scope includes core sample preparation, saturation, displacement testing, and post-experiment analysis. All activities must comply with the South African National Standards (SANS) for laboratory safety and the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) guidelines.

Safety is paramount in this experiment. Given the high-pressure nature of the equipment and the use of hazardous materials, strict adherence to safety protocols is mandatory.

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): All personnel must wear safety goggles, lab coats, chemical-resistant gloves, and steel-toed boots at all times within the laboratory.
• Gas Handling: CO2 cylinders must be securely chained and stored in a well-ventilated area. Leak detection systems must be active during all phases of the experiment.
• High Pressure: The core flood apparatus operates at pressures up to 10,000 psi. Only certified Petroleum Engineers may operate the pressure pumps. Pressure relief valves must be inspected before each run.
• Local Regulations: Waste disposal must follow the Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development guidelines. Any hydrocarbon spills must be reported immediately in accordance with Johannesburg municipal bylaws.

The following materials and equipment are required for the experiment:

• Core Samples: Three cylindrical shale core plugs (2.5 cm diameter, 5 cm length) sourced from the Karoo Basin.
• Fluids: Synthetic crude oil, brine (simulating reservoir water), and high-purity CO2.
• Apparatus: High-pressure core flood system, oven for drying, vacuum chamber, pressure transducers, temperature controllers, and data acquisition software.
• Tools: Calipers, electronic balance, core holders, and sealing sleeves.

5.1 Core Sample Preparation

First, measure the dimensions of each core sample using calipers and record the length and diameter to calculate the volume. Weigh each dry core sample using an electronic balance. Place the cores in an oven at 105°C for 24 hours to remove any moisture. After drying, weigh the cores again to determine the dry weight.

5.2 Saturation

Place the dried core samples in a vacuum chamber and evacuate air for 2 hours. Introduce synthetic crude oil into the chamber and maintain vacuum for another 2 hours to ensure complete saturation. Remove the cores and wipe off excess oil. Weigh the saturated cores to calculate porosity and initial oil saturation.

5.3 Displacement Test

Mount the saturated core sample in the core holder and apply confining pressure to simulate reservoir stress. Set the temperature to 80°C, representative of the target reservoir conditions in the Karoo Basin. Inject brine at a constant rate to achieve water saturation. Subsequently, inject supercritical CO2 at varying pressures (5000 psi, 7000 psi, and 9000 psi) to evaluate oil recovery efficiency. Monitor and record pressure drop, temperature, and fluid production rates continuously.

5.4 Data Collection

Collect produced fluids in graduated cylinders at regular intervals. Measure the volume of oil and water produced. Record all data in the laboratory logbook and input into the data acquisition software for real-time analysis.

After completing the displacement tests, calculate the recovery factor for each pressure condition. Plot the recovery factor against injection pressure to identify the optimal operating conditions. Analyze the pressure drop data to assess changes in permeability during the experiment. Compare the results with theoretical models to validate the experimental findings.

Upon completion of the experiment, compile a detailed report summarizing the methodology, results, and conclusions. The report should highlight the implications for EOR strategies in South Africa's unconventional reservoirs. All data and samples must be archived according to the laboratory's record-keeping policies. This Experiment Protocol ensures that the work conducted by the Petroleum Engineer in Johannesburg is rigorous, reproducible, and aligned with international best practices.