Optimizing Production in Brown Fields Using Re-Entry Horizontal Wells

Reviewing of some Niger Delta oil field reservoirs indicate that most of them are brown fields, thereby vulnerable to challenges such as; coning due to reduced size of the oil column, low oil production and lack of access to the residual oil trapped between existing wells of the brown field. Due to coning occurrences in the Niger-Delta brown oil field, most wells have been shut-in and a lot of recompletions are being made in order to combat this problem. To proffer solutions to these technical challenges of these brown oil fields, this study seeks to review the potentials of re-entry horizontal well technology and its viable application to optimizing oil production from brown oil field. Re-entry horizontal well Technology involves a method of converting an existing vertical well into an horizontal well to save cost as oppose to drilling a fresh horizontal well from the surface. The object of the re-entry well is to reduced cost, especially in areas where drilling costs are very high. The re-entry horizontal in this research was represented by a virtual horizontal well to study the potentials of producing brown fields. The simulation paradigm studied was Black oil with light oil type variation of 32O API. This article is therefore aimed at suggesting the conversion of existing vertical wells in the Niger-Delta into re-entry horizontal wells as a measure to optimize oil productionof these brown oil fields

Effects of Temperature on Mucuna solannie Water-Based Mud Properties

Water-based mud formulated from Mucuna solannie seeds, a leguminous plant, has been proved to be efficient and cost effective. Hence, the effects of temperature on the properties of the mud formulated from Mucuna solannie have been shown to follow similar trend as other mud formulations-water or oil based. Properties at temperatures of 95oF, 120oF and 180oF gave decreased values of Plastic Viscosity, Yield Point, Low Shear Rate Yield Point and Apparent Viscosity with increase in temperature, while an increase in Fluid Loss was recorded with temperature increase for both unweighted and weighted muds. Mud properties at temperature up to 212oF and above should not be found without a corresponding increase in mud pressure to prevent boiling

Water Content of Sweet Natural Gas: A Simplified Formula-Based Approach

Gas with negligible or zero composition of hydrogen sulphide is sweet natural gas. During production, transportation and processing, the presence of traces of water can cause problems such as ice formation and/0r the problem of gas hydrates, increase in corrosion potential of the gas and two-phase flow problems if condensation occurs. Calculation of the water content at specified temperature and pressure conditions is the first step. A formula based approach of the calculation is proposed, and comparison with existing formulas presented. Application of the proposed formula in the specified ranges of temperature and pressure conditions of 15oC (59oF) to 48.8oC (119.84oF) and 1.07MPa (155.19 psia) to 10MPa (1450.38 psia) is recommended for sweet natural gases. A calculated Mean Absolute Percentage Deviation (MAPD) of 16.4077% from the experimental data is the statistical indicator used for validity check. It predicted better than some existing models which are adaptable under certain conditions. Only a hand-held device is required as the proposed model is highly simplified

Histological staining properties of Khaya senegalensis wood dust extracts: a preliminary study

Crude aqueous and methanol extracts of Khaya senegalensis wood dust were employed as histological stains for the demonstration of general tissue architecture. Preliminary phytochemical screening of the extracts was conducted. Mixtures of the extracts of K. senegalensis in acidic, alkaline and neutral solutions were used to stain tissue sections. Preliminary phytochemical screening revealed that K. senegalensis extracts contains flavonoids, saponins, tannins, glycosides and reducing sugars. Optimum staining time was 15 minutes for both extracts and they stained the tissues in different shades of red and brown in the various media used. The best and worst stain uptake of tissues was observed with both extracts in alkaline and neutral media respectively. Mordant preparation of the extracts produced no significant staining difference from the non-mordant preparations. Staining solutions of the extracts have better affinity for the cellular cytoplasm and hence gave a good contrast when compared with Hematoxylin and Eosin control sections. In conclusion, Khaya senegalensis wood extract is a promising histological stain for the demonstration of general tissue architecture.Keywords: Khaya senegalensis, wood dust, stain, histology, mordan

Assessment of microalgae-influenced biodeterioration of concrete structures

The aim of this study was to isolate microalga involved in the biodeterioration of concrete structures. The growth of algae was monitored between day 1 and 18 using a spectrophotometer (Spectronic 721 model) at varying pH (4.2 and 9.4). To identify the microalgae, aliquots of the isolates was placed on microscope slides and observed with the microscope using x40 Objective lens. Results revealed the highest growth to be between days 12 and 15 with 0.6 optical density, while the least growth was shown between 9 to 12 days. Microalgae isolated in the study include; Chlorella spp., Ulothrix spp., Xanthidium spp., Gleocystis spp., Nitzchia spp., Chlorodium spp., Oedogium spp., Synecoccus spp. and Chlorococcum. Chlorella showed the highest frequency of occurrence with 77.5% while Ulothrix spp. and Xanthidium spp. had the least frequency of 12.5% respectively. The presence of these organisms on concrete structure suggests they contribute to its biodeterioration. There is need therefore to prevent colonization of structures by coating concrete surfaces using paints, epoxies and polymers.Key words: Microalgae, Biodeterioration, Colonization and Concrete

Hyperaccumulation of lead using Agrostis tenuis

Availability of data and materials: All the data and materials discussed in this paper are owned by the authors.In recent years the quest for a circular economy approach and the upcycling of secondary raw materials have been pushed in the global political agenda. Increased interest has been taken by the recovery of materials from sludges, brines, contaminated waters and other media, such as “mining” of waste. Contaminated soils have an interesting role in this process, and various methodologies have been developed using chemical, bacteriological and pyrometallurgical cleaning procedures. However, these procedures all involve the movement of high volume of materials and the disruption of the industrial landscape; furthermore, they often require the use of hazardous solvents and high energy processes. This work proposes to identify less impactful methods aimed at the recovery of metals from mining areas while preserving the landscape and avoiding environmental impacts such as the increase of CO2 for transport and increase hazard through use of solvents, this takes particular importance in areas of industrial heritage status. In particular, this work focuses on the use of Agrostis tenuis, an autochthonous species in mining areas of the UK, as a “mining tool” for the removal of lead. The selection of both the hyperaccumulator and the metal in this study are derived from the evaluation of the most common contamination in mining areas and the widespread prevalence of this hyperaccumulator and its resilience in highly contaminated abandoned mines. Aside from its presence within the mining areas, making it an autochthonous plant, Agrostis tenuis is selected for its visual morphology. Being a short grass, Agrostis does not change the visual appearance of the mining sites, most of which in the UK have a historic landscape status