Advanced Remedial Methods for Metals and Radionuclides in Vadose Zone Environments

2010 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dawn M. Wellman ◽  
Shas V. Mattigod ◽  
Susan Hubbard ◽  
Ann Miracle ◽  
Lirong Zhong ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vadose Zone ◽  
Oil And Gas ◽  
Oil And Gas Industry ◽  
Low Permeability ◽  
Arid Environments ◽  
Pressure Gradients ◽  
Wetting Front ◽  
Gas Industry ◽  
Shear Thinning Fluids

Functionally, the methods for addressing contamination must remove and/or reduce transport or toxicity of contaminants. This problem is particularly challenging in arid environments where the vadose zone can be up to hundreds of feet thick, rendering transitional excavation methods exceedingly costly and ineffective. Delivery of remedial amendments is one of the most challenging and critical aspects for all remedy-based approaches. The conventional approach for delivery is through injection of aqueous remedial solutions. However, heterogeneous vadose zone environments present hydrologic and geochemical challenges that limit the effectiveness. Because the flow of solution infiltration is dominantly controlled by gravity and suction, injected liquid preferentially percolates through highly permeable pathways, by-passing low-permeability zones which frequently contain the majority of the contamination. Moreover, the wetting front can readily mobilize and enhance contaminant transport to underlying aquifers prior to stabilization. Development of innovative, in-situ technologies may be the only way to meet remedial action objectives and long-term stewardship goals. Shear-thinning fluids (i.e., surfactants) can be used to lower the liquid surface tension and create stabile foams, which readily penetrate low permeability zones. Although surfactant foams have been utilized for subsurface mobilization efforts in the oil and gas industry, so far, the concept of using foams as a delivery mechanism for transporting reactive remedial amendments into deep vadose zone environments to stabilize metal and long-lived radionuclide contaminants has not been explored. Foam flow can be directed by pressure gradients, rather than being dominated by gravity; and, foam delivery mechanisms limit the volume of water (< 20% vol.) required for remedy delivery and emplacement, thus mitigating contaminant mobilization. We will present the results of a numerical modeling and integrated laboratory-/intermediate-scale investigation to simulate, develop, demonstrate, and monitor (i.e. advanced geophysical techniques and advanced predictive microbial markers) foam-based delivery of remedial amendments to remediate metals and radionuclides in vadose zone environments.

Foam: Novel Delivery Technology for Remediation of Vadose Zone Environments

2011 ◽  
Author(s):  
Danielle Jansik ◽  
Dawn M. Wellman ◽  
Shas V. Mattigod ◽  
Lirong Zhong ◽  
Yuxin Wu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vadose Zone ◽  
Oil And Gas ◽  
Multiple Scales ◽  
Predictive Biomarkers ◽  
Primary Source ◽  
Oil And Gas Industry ◽  
Low Permeability ◽  
Wetting Front ◽  
Contaminant Migration

Deep vadose zone environments can be a primary source and pathway for contaminant migration to groundwater. These environments present unique characterization and remediation challenges that necessitate scrutiny and research. The thickness, depth, and intricacies of the deep vadose zone, combined with a lack of understanding of the key subsurface processes (e.g., biogeochemical and hydrologic) affecting contaminant migration, make it difficult to create validated conceptual and predictive models of subsurface flow dynamics and contaminant behavior across multiple scales. These factors also make it difficult to design and deploy sustainable remedial approaches and monitor long-term contaminant behavior after remedial actions. Functionally, methods for addressing contamination must remove and/or reduce transport of contaminants. This problem is particularly challenging in the arid western United States where the vadose zone is hundreds of feet thick, rendering transitional excavation methods exceedingly costly and ineffective. Delivery of remedial amendments is one of the most challenging and critical aspects for all remedy-based approaches. The conventional approach for delivery is through heterogeneous deep vadose zone environments present hydrologic and geochemical challenges that limit the effectiveness. Because the flow of solution infiltration is dominantly controlled by gravity and suction, injected liquid preferentially percolates through highly permeable pathways, by-passing low-permeability zones that frequently contain the majority of contamination. Moreover, the wetting front can readily mobilize and enhance contaminant transport to the underlying aquifer prior to stabilization. Development of innovative in-situ technologies may be the only means to meet remedial action objectives and long-term stewardship goals. Surfactants can be used to lower the liquid surface tension and create stabile foams, which readily penetrate low permeability zones. Although surfactant foams have been used for subsurface mobilization efforts in the oil and gas industry, thus far the concept of using foams as a delivery mechanism for transporting remedial amendments into deep vadose zone environments to stabilize metal and long-lived radionuclide contaminants has not been explored. Foam flow can be directed by pressure gradients, rather than being dominated by gravity; and foam delivery mechanisms limit the volume of water (< 5% vol.) required for remedy delivery and emplacement, thus mitigating contaminant mobilization. We will present the results of a numerical modeling and integrated laboratory-/intermediate-scale investigation to simulate, develop, demonstrate, and monitor (i.e., advanced geophysical techniques and advanced predictive biomarkers) foam-based delivery of remedial amendments to remediate metals and radionuclides in vadose zone environments.

Trends and Prospects of Development of the Oil and Gas Sector in the Context of Digitalization

2020 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. 35-45 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. G. Kazanin
Keyword(s):  
Oil And Gas ◽  
Digital Technologies ◽  
Oil And Gas Industry ◽  
Global Market ◽  
The Arctic ◽  
Business And Society ◽  
Gas Industry ◽  
Exploration And Production ◽  
Oil And Gas Sector

The modern oil and gas industry is heavily dependent on the processes and trends driven by the accelerating digitalization of the economy. Thus, the digitalization of the oil and gas sector has become Russia’s top priority, which involves a technological and structural transformation of all production processes and stages.Aim. The presented study aims to identify the major trends and prospects of development of the Russian oil and gas sector in the context of its digitalization and formation of the digital economy.Tasks. The authors analyze the major trends in the development of the oil and gas industry at a global scale and in Russia with allowance for the prospects of accelerated exploration of the Arctic; determine the best practices of implementation of digital technologies by oil and gas companies as well as the prospects and obstacles for the subsequent transfer of digital technologies to the Russian oil and gas industry.Methods. This study uses general scientific methods, such as analysis, synthesis, and scientific generalization.Results. Arctic hydrocarbons will become increasingly important to Russia in the long term, and their exploration and production will require the implementation of innovative technologies. Priority directions for the development of many oil and gas producers will include active application of digital technologies as a whole (different types of robots that could replace people in performing complex procedures), processing and analysis of big data using artificial intelligence to optimize processes, particularly in the field of exploration and production, processing and transportation. Digitalization of the oil and gas sector is a powerful factor in the improvement of the efficiency of the Russian economy. However, Russian companies are notably lagging behind in this field of innovative development and there are problems and high risks that need to be overcome to realize its potential for business and society.Conclusions. Given the strategic importance of the oil and gas industry for Russia, its sustainable development and national security, it is recommendable to focus on the development and implementation of digital technologies. This is crucial for the digitalization of long-term projection and strategic planning, assessment of the role and place of Russia and its largest energy companies in the global market with allowance for a maximum number of different internal and external factors.

scholarly journals A Review of Job Role Localization in the Oil and Gas Industry

Energies ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 11 (10) ◽  
pp. 2779 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jack Pegram ◽  
Gioia Falcone ◽  
Athanasios Kolios
Keyword(s):  
Oil And Gas ◽  
Relevant Literature ◽  
Oil And Gas Industry ◽  
Critical Discussion ◽  
Future Application ◽  
Gas Industry ◽  
Local Content ◽  
Job Role ◽  
Key Terms

Job role localization is a strategic local content solution used by countries bearing natural resource stocks to maximize the long-term benefits of exploring and producing them. Currently, there is significant variation in how countries and organizations plan and implement local content and job role localization strategies; hence, this paper aims to gather, classify, and discuss relevant literature with a view to identify best practices for future application. After a multi-dimensional discussion of key terms relevant to the topic, the drivers and theoretical underpinnings of local content are examined, followed by an assessment of job role localization literature qualifying enablers and barriers to localization. A critical discussion on the means of evaluating local content policies summarizes the findings of this critical review.

Aboriginal employment—Chevron's journey

2015 ◽  
Vol 55 (2) ◽  
pp. 425
Author(s):  
Camis Smith
Keyword(s):  
Natural Gas ◽  
Oil And Gas ◽  
Oil And Gas Industry ◽  
Long Term Results ◽  
Corporate Leadership ◽  
Gas Industry ◽  
Internal Support ◽  
Employer Of Choice ◽  
Energy Companies

Advancing Aboriginal participation in the workplace comes with its challenges, and those experienced in the oil and gas industry are unique. Barriers to participation need to be regularly evaluated and addressed for success. Although Chevron Australia's focus on Aboriginal employment is fairly recent, it receives strong internal support from senior and corporate leadership. It will be important in the future to further this commitment and build ownership throughout the organisation to achieve long-term results and meet business needs and skills gaps. Camis Smith, Chevron Australia's Aboriginal Employment Strategy Manager, will share Chevron's experiences, lessons and challenges in advancing Aboriginal participation in the workplace, and reinforce its reputation as an employer of choice. Chevron is one of the world's leading integrated energy companies and through its Australian subsidiaries, has been present in Australia for more than 60 years. With the ingenuity and commitment of more than 4,000 people, Chevron Australia leads the development of the Gorgon and Wheatstone natural gas projects, and has been operating Australia's largest onshore oilfield on Barrow Island for more than 45 years.

scholarly journals Iraqi Kurdistan Oil and Gas Sector: Iraqi and International Dimensions

2020 ◽  
pp. 58-67
Author(s):  
Qadir Aso Araz
Keyword(s):  
Oil And Gas ◽  
Oil And Gas Industry ◽  
Regional Government ◽  
Legal Basis ◽  
Kurdistan Region ◽  
Gas Industry ◽  
Iraqi Kurdistan ◽  
International Aspects ◽  
Oil And Gas Sector

The article deals with the problem of the influence of the Iraqi Kurdistan oil and gas industry on the relations of the Kurdish autonomy with the central authority of Iraq. The international aspects of extraction and transportation of hydrocarbons from the territory of the Kurdistan Region are also analyzed. The legal basis for the functioning of the oil and gas complex in the region, the main differences between Erbil and Baghdad regarding the powers of the Kurdish regional government in the field of exploitation of natural resources of the autonomy is represented. It has been established that the independent activity of the Iraqi Kurdistan authorities in the development of the oil and gas industry in its territory, the wide involvement of foreign investment provided autonomy a significant source of income, which became the financial backing of Erbil in his political disputes with Baghdad. At the same time, in the question of the transportation of hydrocarbon, the landlocked Iraqi Kurdistan was critically dependent on Turkey, which greatly limits its range of options in its relations with Ankara. Excessive dependence of the Iraqi Kurdistan economy on hydrocarbon exports is one of the strategic challenges for Kurdish autonomy, but significant positive developments in this area are possible only in the long-term perspective. Keywords: Iraq, Iraqi Kurdistan, Kurdish autonomy, Turkey, oil and gas industry.

scholarly journals Characterization and Treatment Technologies Applied for Produced Water in Qatar

Water ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (24) ◽  
pp. 3573
Author(s):  
Hana D. Dawoud ◽  
Haleema Saleem ◽  
Nasser Abdullah Alnuaimi ◽  
Syed Javaid Zaidi
Keyword(s):  
Natural Gas ◽  
Oil And Gas ◽  
Produced Water ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Oil And Gas Industry ◽  
Gas Industry ◽  
Treatment Techniques ◽  
Treatment Technologies ◽  
Oil Gas

Qatar is one of the major natural gas (NG) producing countries, which has the world’s third-largest NG reserves besides the largest supplier of liquefied natural gas (LNG). Since the produced water (PW) generated in the oil and gas industry is considered as the largest waste stream, cost-effective PW management becomes fundamentally essential. The oil/gas industries in Qatar produce large amounts of PW daily, hence the key challenges facing these industries reducing the volume of PW injected in disposal wells by a level of 50% for ensuring the long-term sustainability of the reservoir. Moreover, it is important to study the characteristics of PW to determine the appropriate method to treat it and then use it for various applications such as irrigation, or dispose of it without harming the environment. This review paper targets to highlight the generation of PW in Qatar, as well as discuss the characteristics of chemical, physical, and biological treatment techniques in detail. These processes and methods discussed are not only applied by Qatari companies, but also by other companies associated or in collaboration with those in Qatar. Finally, case studies from different companies in Qatar and the challenges of treating the PW are discussed. From the different studies analyzed, various techniques as well as sequencing of different techniques were noted to be employed for the effective treatment of PW.

scholarly journals Derailed locomotive? Petrobras investments and economic growth in Brazil

2018 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 47
Author(s):  
Raíssa Fernandes Yabiko ◽  
Rosemarie Bröker Bone
Keyword(s):  
Oil And Gas ◽  
Oil And Gas Industry ◽  
State Enterprise ◽  
Capital Expenditures ◽  
Gdp Growth ◽  
Large Share ◽  
Term Survival ◽  
Gas Industry ◽  
The World

<p>Petrobras is the largest firm in Brazil and one of the largest in the world. Its investment plans are among the biggest in the oil and gas industry, focused in Brazil and on E&amp;P. Petrobras is responsible for a large share of gross capital formation and gross domestic product (GDP) growth in the country. The correlation between its investments and the country investment and GDP growth is above 0.8 and shows the dependency of the economy to Petrobras activity. At the same time, as a state enterprise it has been a tool of macroeconomic policy. In the 2010´s its gasoline and diesel prices were frozen to keep inflation down. The recent crisis in the company, including corruption scandals and oil price slump increased debt levels and reduced its capital expenditures. The sale of assets directive since 2016 is required to reduce its net debt. While a medium to long term survival strategy, the change in Petrobras’ investment profile may decrease the prospects of GDP growth in the Brazilian economy.</p>

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document