InterPore2018 New Orleans

Impact of stacked geologic sequence on oil spill volumes

14 May 2018, 15:43

2m

New Orleans

Poster + 3 Minute Pitch MS 4.30: Taming Leaky Wellbores - Plugging and Abandonment in Gulf of Mexico Wellbores Parallel 2-C

Speaker

Ms Florencia Vasquez

Description

Deepwater horizon/Macondo event, which occurred on April 20, 2010, was one of the most catastrophic scenario in the United States deep waters. After that situation, regulations for drilling and completion projects became more rigorous and worst-case discharge calculations are mandatory as part of an Oil Spill Response Plan. 
Drilling projects in deep water offshore is a huge investment for a company, and they are exposed to some risks. While drilling, an uncontrolled wellbore flow event could happen with a high discharge of liquid hydrocarbons into the environment. It is known as the worst-case discharge (WCD) scenario. Knowing in advance the total of potential volumes discharged will allow interceding from the surface and drill a relief well.
Some reservoir parameters might impact more than others during a blowout. The impact of multiple stacked reservoir/non-reservoir formation on oil spill volumes/rates is investigated. Preliminary results suggest that although oil spill occurs from the hydrocarbon reservoirs, the geologic sequence impacts the amount of oil spilled.