Experimental Investigation on Mass Transfer Kinetics of Hydrocarbon GasInflux for Enhanced Offshore Well Control
Document Type
Conference Proceeding
Publication Date
1-1-2020
Abstract
This paper presents an experimental investigation of the time-dependent desorption of methane from non-aqueous base fluids, for a better understanding of mass transfer processes involved in riser gas events. A laboratory-scale experimental apparatus was developed and used to experimentally evaluate the rate of desorption of methane from Internal Olefin (IO) and Internal Olefin emulsions, which are commonly used as base fluids for offshore drilling in the Gulf of Mexico. The main test column of this apparatus consists of multiple sections that can be accessed separately. Methane was injected from the bottom of the test section to saturate the fluids at given starting pressures. Upon reaching complete saturation, the pressure was rapidly reduced and the methane that liberated out of solution was measured to determine the rate of degassing overtime. The experimental tests were performed under various starting pressures and with different Oil/Water(O/W) ratios of Internal Olefin emulsions. Experimental results are discussed to comprehend how pressure and base fluids affect the desorption processes in the test column. This study discloses how methane evolves out of base drilling fluids commonly used in offshore drilling. The results can be used to improve well control simulators and help to better determine riser gas equilibrium through enhanced modeling of time-dependent degassing.
Publication Source (Journal or Book title)
SPE Latin American and Caribbean Petroleum Engineering Conference Proceedings
Recommended Citation
Ojedeji, D., Nielsen, J., Perry, S., & Chen, Y. (2020). Experimental Investigation on Mass Transfer Kinetics of Hydrocarbon GasInflux for Enhanced Offshore Well Control. SPE Latin American and Caribbean Petroleum Engineering Conference Proceedings https://doi.org/10.2118/199056-MS