Crude Oil Exploration Research Articles

Pore-scale modeling of wettability alteration coupled two-phase flow in carbonate porous media

The Middle East marine carbonate reservoirs are the primary targets for global crude oil exploration and production. In contrast to the clastic rock reservoirs, the marine carbonate reservoirs have undergone more complicated deposition, diagenesis and transformation, and the rock surface tends to be oil-wet or mixed-wet. One of the most effective methods for enhancing oil recovery in marine carbonate reservoirs is the use of an ion matched (IM)-surfactant (S) system to alter the wettability of rock surfaces. In this paper, we propose a microscale mathematical model of wettability alteration-coupled fluid flow by considering oil–water two-phase flow, wettability alteration, solute advection- diffusion and surfactant adsorption. The proposed microscale mathematical model is solved using the multi-component lattice Boltzmann model, and its accuracy is further verified. Finally, the effects of displacing fluid, ion-matched water concentration and surfactant concentration on oil mobilization at pore-scale are studied. Results show that, ion-matched water has a positive effect on wettability alteration, and typically shifts the cross-point of oil–water relative permeability curve to the right. The concentration of ion-matched water primarily affects fluid morphology of the wetting-phase and has little effect on phase permeability. After adding surfactant to the ion-matched water, the Euler coefficient of oil-phase gradually increases as the displacement continues, a large amount of remaining oil is gradually dispersed into scattered oil droplets and the oil-phase relative permeability is further improved.

Crude oil exploration at Akenfa, Bayelsa State, Nigeria: Assessment of radioactivity in soil samples and hazard implications

Crude oil exploration at Akenfa, Bayelsa State, Nigeria: Assessment of radioactivity in soil samples and hazard implications

Spatial distribution of PAHs, nickel, and vanadium in sediments from a large coastal lagoon near a petroleum extraction area in the southern Gulf of Mexico

One of the world's crucial areas for crude oil exploration and extraction is the southern Gulf of Mexico, where Terminos Lagoon (TL) is located. Sediments from the TL region were used to assess the spatial patterns, origins, and ecotoxicological risks associated with 16 priority polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs; 3.1–248.9 ng⸳g−1 dry weight basis, dw) and trace metals (Ni = 11.0–104.0 mg⸳kg−1; V = 2.0–35.0 mg⸳kg−1 dw) linked to anthropogenic activities. Although origin indices based on PAHs and metals concentrations indicate no crude oil pollution in the region, sources of pyrogenic PAHs were identified. A chemometric approach demonstrated associations between organic matter and PAHs, and that metal accumulation depends mostly by the input of lithogenic materials. Ecotoxicological risk estimations showed a higher risk of possible adverse effects in sites near swamps and mangrove zones, highlighting the need of future monitoring. This study provides a reference for policymakers to conserve Mexico's largest coastal lagoon and other oil-impacted coastal areas worldwide.

Process and pit design for waste water-based mud treatment and drilled cuttings stabilization for cluster of oil wells

Environmental degradation through crude oil and gas exploration has attracted international attention over the past decades. This prompted the development of dewatering and clarification processes to treat the waste water-based mud emanating from drilling activities. There is also the need to carry out proper solidification and inertisation and stabilization process for the drilled solids. It has caused the development of many chemicals to assist solidification and inertisation and stabilization process. The costs of treatment of waste water based mud and drilled solidification and stabilization are high. Economy of proper waste pit design is also necessary to enhance fluid and process control to minimize the cost of operation. This research work is coming out from practical field operation and is used to illustrate how proper process and pit design can enhance effective and economic waste water based mud and drilled solids inertisation and stabilization process in the oil and gas industry.

Radiological impact of hydrocarbon waste release on drinking water of ughievwen and udu communities, delta state Nigeria

Well water quality has been characterized with constant and continuous changes via the interaction of rock, soil and natural nano-filters which terminates at the aquiferous layer for clean well-water collection. The continuous exploration and production of crude oil has resulted significant increase of unwanted elements such as naturally occurring radionuclides in the water-bed which necessitates this study. The study determines the radionuclides based health impact or hazards associated with drinking water from crude oil exploration/production release in Ughievwen and Udu communities of Delta State, Nigeria. Sixty well water samples (three samples from each community) were collected and analyzed using sodium iodide (Nal (Tl)) detector. The obtained mean values of 238U, 232Th and 40K are 6.91 ± 1.62BqL−1, 4.39 ± 1.47 BqL−1 and 24.54 ± 1.59 BqL−1 respectively. The 238U, 232Th and 40K results showed that the measured values are higher than the world standard (UNSCEAR; WHO) and the control values The mean values of total annual effective dose of different age groups are: 11.08 mSvy−1, 2.54 mSvy−1, 1.93 mSvy−1, 2.52 mSvy−1, 7.03 mSvy−1 and 1.12 mSvy−1 respectively. While the mean committed effective dose of adult is 55.94 mSvy−1. The total annual effective dose, committed effective dose, cancer risks and hereditary effects are all lower than recommended limit (WHO; ICRP; USEPA) and reported scientific values except 11.08 mSvy−1 and 7.03 mSvy−1 that are higher than limit. It is evident from obtained results that the drinking water may not be radiologically safe for use by the public, which necessitates routine monitoring and caution to circumvent increase in radiation and the radiological of the studied communities’ drinking water. This is to avoid long term radiological risk arising from accumulation of such release in the studied communities.

Studying the Accumulation Characteristics of Crude Oil in an Oil Formation in the Aspect of Predicting the Effectiveness of Crude Oil Exploration

Studying the Accumulation Characteristics of Crude Oil in an Oil Formation in the Aspect of Predicting the Effectiveness of Crude Oil Exploration

Kajian Penggunaan Bakteri Bacillus subtilis dalam Penanganan Tumpahan Minyak Mentah

The global demand for energy is driving increased exploration, production and processing of crude oil, increasing the risk of oil spills during these processes and contaminating marine habitats and biota. As hazardous and toxic substances, oil spills require effective and comprehensive management. Bioremediation uses the metabolism of microbes to break down hydrocarbons and convert contaminants into harmless compounds. One species of hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria suitable for bioremediation is Bacillus subtilis. Its adaptability to changes in temperature, salinity, and oxygen levels, as well as its resistance to environmental stress, make it an ideal choice for bioremediation as a sustainable and efficient solution to oil pollution in marine ecosystems. This study aims to explore the potential use of Bacillus subtilis as an alternative for managing crude oil spills, particularly in Indonesian waters.

Financial Performance and Total Resources: Trend and sensitivity Analysis of Indian Oil Exploration and Production Companies

The firms involved in the exploration and production (E&P) of natural gas resources and crude oil play a crucial role in the energy sector and contribute to the economy. Exploration and production refer to discovering, drilling, and extracting natural gas resources and crude oil from beneath the earth’s surface. Exploration and production firms provide a base for the downstream companies to make crude oil consumable. The financial performance of the downstream companies depends on the cost efficiency of the E&P firms. The purpose of the study is to determine the relationship between the total resources and measures of financial performance. The study is based on secondary data and financial ratios, index numbers applied to get the financial performance, and variability of financial performance. Correlation is used to get the trend and quick impact of variability on the total assets on the financial measures in the short and long run. The study found that while return on total resources is positively influenced in the long run, profitability based on sales and short-term paying ability is negatively governed by the absolute quantity of expansion of all available resources. Although the long-term association is positive, there is a short-term lag in the positive increase of the total resources on the ROA. Overall, based on their average absolute amount of total resources, relatively, the mutual study of the mean growth rate of all resources and financial indicators of Indian E&P explore negativity.

Molecular Characterization and Tolerance Potential of Culturable Crude Oil-Degrading Microbes in Santa-Barbara River, Bayelsa State, Nigeria

There has been chronic contamination of the surrounding aquatic and terrestrial environments in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria due to the enormous activities of crude oil exploration. This study aimed to characterize and assess the crude oil tolerance potential of indigenous microbes from crude oil spills in Santa Barbara River, Bayelsa State, Nigeria, that could serve as potential consortia for bioremediation of the crude oil spills. Total crude oil hydrocarbon-utilizing bacteria count (THUBC) and total crude oil hydrocarbon-utilizing fungi count (THUFC) in the samples were determined with a culture-dependent spread plate technique. Bacterial and fungal isolates were characterised using standard phenotypic and 16S/Internal Transcribed Spacer region rRNA gene sequencing techniques, respectively. The tolerance of autochthonous bacterial isolates to different concentrations of crude oil was subsequently determined. THUBC and THUFC in crude oil-polluted water samples ranged from 1.88 log10 CFU/ml to 2.74 log10 CFU/ml and from 0.00 log10 CFU/ml to 1.70 log10 CFU/ml, respectively. Representative strains of Proteus mirabilis, Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Micrococcus luteus and Aspergillus flavus isolates obtained from crude oil-polluted water samples were deposited in the GenBank (NCBI) under accession numbers OQ969924, OQ969951, OQ969987, OQ970009 and OQ975908. Proteus mirabilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Aspergillus flavus demonstrated the most significant tolerance to crude oil pollutants (minimum crude oil inhibitory concentrations (MIC) = 80%) followed by Bacillus subtilis and Micrococcus luteus (MIC= 40%). The findings from this study are pointers to the potential role of the microbial isolates as bioremediation consortia to remediate the polluted Santa Barbara River.

An Appraisal of the Social- Legal Dynamics of Conflicts in the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria

The peculiar position and significance of the Niger Delta region to the economic and political stability of Nigeria is self-evident. As the region with the largest deposit of crude oil and gas which is the mainstay of the economy, the Niger Delta necessarily occupies a central place in the economic destiny of the country. It is pedestrian that the exploration and exploitation of crude oil is now a common phenomenon in the area and the presence of numerous oil locations and gas flare points all over the region is a clear confirmation of the prevalence of oil related activities in the Niger Delta. This paper examines the various types and causes of conflicts pervading the Niger Delta Region till date and notes that unless there is equitable distribution of the proceeds of the petroleum sector and a buy-in of the relevant stakeholders, the drivers of the conflict ravaging the region will continue to thrive.

Economic Sustainability and Gas Flaring in Nigeria

The crude oil exploration leads to the flaring gas, which affects Nigerian economic sustainability. The empirical study is to inquire about the profitable (economic) sustainability of the flaring of natural gaseous substances in Nigeria. The survey is to employ the ready-made design through the National Bureau of Statistics, Central Bank of Nigeria Statistical Bulletin, Department of Petroleum Resources, and World Development Indicators. The Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model and Augmented Dickey-Fuller test are employed as the estimation technique and unit root test for long-range presence association between the exogenous and explained variables. The findings of the study showed an insignificantly positive outcome of profitable (economic) growth on natural gas flaring in Nigeria. The current employment rate showed a positively insignificant impact on the gas flare. The current oil revenue value showed a positively significant impact on gas flaring. Meanwhile, the oil revenue lag showed an insignificantly negative impact on Nigerian naturally flared gaseous substances. The research recommends that the relevant natural gas authorities should put in place stringent laws to reduce the flaring of natural gas consequences to the well-being of humans, the environment, and the economic growth and development of the country. Alternatively, the government should encourage sound and viable gas flaring processes of industrial and domestic usage.

Operation failure of risk analysis on floating storage and offloading

The need for petroleum in daily life is increasing. The oil comes from the seabed, so it is necessary to have adequate facilities during the exploration and exploitation of crude oil. The process of distributing crude oil to FSO is assisted by the Product Transfer System pipeline. In this process there is a possibility of failure that occurs form several factors, namely tools, weather and sea conditions, and human. In this study, the analysis of the risk of operational failure during loading-unloading of crude oil is discussed. The analysis was carried out using the HAZOP Analysis and Bow-Tie Analysis methods. HAZOP Analysis for hazard identification, and Bow-Tie Analysis for finding the appropriate mitigation. From this method, an overview of the risks than can occur can be obtained so that the risk control required by FSO can be implemented. From the results of this study, it was found that there are 41 potential hazards on the process of loading-unloading crude oil FSO, with the highest risk is inadequate quality of the transfer equipment components with the likelihood rank is 4 and severity rank is 4. The results of Bow-Tie visualization of dominant risk found five causes, namely corrosion, inadequate material quality, eroded material, service life, and material degradation, and five consequences, namely property damage, delayed operational activities, oil spills, environmental damage due to oil spill, and corrosion occurs on the product transfer equipment.

A comprehensive study on applications of nanomaterials in petroleum upstream and downstream industry.

Nanotechnology has emerged as a revolutionary technology that has been applied in the oil and gas industry for over a decade, spanning the upstream, midstream, and downstream sectors. Nanotechnology has made significant contributions to the exploration of crude oil and natural gas, both in underground and deep-water environments. It has also played a crucial role in improving the drilling process, enabling the extraction of oil and gas resources from beneath the Earth's surface. Nanoparticles, with their unique physical and chemical properties, such as high specific surface area, high pore volume, and small size, have demonstrated considerable potential in the oil industry. Extensive research has been conducted to explore various types of nanoparticles for advanced applications, including oil exploration, drilling, production, and enhanced oil recovery (EOR). Moreover, nanomaterials have found applications in downstream and intermediate sectors, such as crude oil refining, natural gas processing, and transportation and storage of petroleum products. Ongoing advancements in nanomaterial synthesis methods, the exploration of new nanomaterial uses, and understanding the remarkable properties of nanomaterials will continue to make them increasingly valuable in the oil and gas sector. The oil and gas industry recognises the potential of nanotechnology and nanoparticles and is investing significantly in research and development in this area. This comprehensive review aims to summarise successful applications of nanotechnology while addressing associated challenges. It serves as a valuable resource for future research and application endeavours in the field, highlighting the potential of nanotechnology in the oil and gas industry.

‘Water in the Desert?’: Oil India's CSR Impact in Assam

Incorporated on February 18, 1959, Oil India Ltd. (OIL) was a leading public sector oil and gas company involved in the exploration, development, production and transportation of crude oil and natural gas in India. Since its inception, OIL had committed itself to being a socially responsible organisation in and around operational areas, particularly the north-eastern state of Assam where 90% of company operations were concentrated. Despite many successes, the “People's Company” continued to be a target for disgruntled local and student communities who frequently created operational hazards for the firm—from sit-ins and blockades to pilfering and disrupting production facilities. No less than 400 organisations, of which 50-60 had been consistently active, were currently in the forefront of demanding something from OIL. Many of these demands were beyond the purview of OIL's CSR policy and focus areas. Additionally, being a Public Sector Undertaking (PSU), OIL also faced multiple demands from the government. On February 16, 2019, news arrived that there was yet another blockade in Duliajan, Assam. What should OIL do to address and possibly mitigate operational interruptions?

Evaluation of Phytoremediation, Physicochemical and Heavy Metal Assessment of Crude Oil Polluted Soil Using Pseudomonas and Bacillus spp, Rivers State, Nigeria

Crude oil exploration has been beneficial to our economy but detrimental to our environment with the artisanal `refineries further compounding the challenge. This research was aimed at investigating the phytoremediation, physicochemical and heavy metal assessment of crude oil polluted soil using Peudomonas spp. and Bacillus spp. as augmenting microorganism, in Rivers state, Nigeria. This study was carried out in in south-south Nigeria (B-dere in Gokana Local government of `Rivers State). Contaminated Soil were collected and subjected to standard microbiological methods. Contaminated Soil samples were collected from two different area of Rivers state with sterilized soil auger at two depths of 0-15cm and 15-30cm. The contaminated soil sampled were analyzed for heavy metal (Cadium Chromium, Lead and Zinc) using Atomic Absorption spectrophotometric method. Microbiological analysis was carried out on the soil samples. Ten (10) treatments consisiting of contaminated soil (CS), uncontaminated soil (US), uncontaminated soil(US), Panicum subalbidum and Schoenoplectus senegalensis were setup for a period of 28 days. Physicochemical parameters were analyzed for uncontaminated soil and contaminated soil. The physicochemical parameters analyzed were pH, Temperature, Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium and Total Hydrocarbon Content. The physiochemical parameters of the uncontaminated soil were pH (5.43), temperature (27oC), Electrical conductivity (9uS/cm), Moisture content (7.80%), Total organic carbon (0.93%), Soil organic matter (1.60%), total Nitrogen (56.695mg/kg), available phosphorus (0.621mg/kg), potassium (7.125mg/kg) and total hydrocarbon content (700mg/kg). Results revealed that the amount of hydrocarbon remediated and percentage (%) bioremediation in the soil after 28 days of monitoring from the initial THC value of (4050 mg/kg), is higher in set up with CS+PSE+SCH (3454mg/kg; 85.28%) and lowest in set up with US+SCH (434mg/kg: 62%) and the amount uptake of phytoremediation in the root after 28 days of monitoring to be higher in set up with CS+BAC+SCH (632Mg/kg; 15.6%) and lowest in set up with US+SCH (12.2mg/kg; 1.74%). The heavy metals assessed were cadium (Cd), chromium (Cr), lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn). This research revealed and recommend that Schoenoplectus senegalensis as a suitable plant species for phytoremediation of crude oil contaminated soil. Hydrocarbon utilizing bacteria identified in this study were; Pseudomonas and Bacilus spp.

Effect of Biocides Blend on Microorganisms in Produced Water

The exploration and production of crude oil lead to the production of a significant quantity of associated gas and produce water. The produce water is either reinjected into the oil well or discharged into the environment. There is therefore a need for the water to be treated before any of the aforestated operations are carried out, as it contains a significant amount of microorganisms that pose a threat to production facilities as well as the environment. This research studies the use of a combination of two types of biocides, quaternary ammonium chloride (QUAT) and tetrakis-hydroxymethyl phosphonium sulfate (THPS), at various ratios in order to determine which is most effective. The pour-plate method for total viable bacterial enumeration was applied. It was discovered that, generally, the blends of biocide proved to be more effective in combating bacterial activities in produce water at lower concentrations and longer reaction times than the individual biocides. Thus, the 75% THPS + 25% QUAT as well as the 50% THPS + 50% QUAT were most effective at a concentration of 1000 ppm and a reaction time of 9 hrs in reducing the microbial population from 1.53 ×108 bacterial cells/ml to 3.3×102 bacterial cells/ml and 3.7×102 bacterial cells/ml, respectively.

Environmental and Health Impacts of Crude Oil Exploration in the Niger Delta

Purpose: This research aims to assess the environmental and health consequences of crude oil exploration in the Niger Delta, focusing on the emission of greenhouse gases and air pollutants and their impacts on public health. Methodology: Literature search was done independently by the authors. After searching for articles on the identified databases, other sources of available and useful data on the subject such as the print press, student’s thesis and dissertation among others were sourced by hand search to augmented resources from the electronic databases.The Literature search was based on the careful evaluation of key words in the title and abstract of identified studies. Findings: The synthesis of available literature revealed significant insights into the environmental and health repercussions of crude oil exploration in the Niger Delta. The impact of gas flaring emerged as a major concern, leading to the release of pollutants like carbon dioxide, methane, and volatile organic compounds. These emissions contribute to elevated atmospheric temperatures, greenhouse gas concentrations, and the formation of acid rain, exacerbating global warming and disease transmission. The exposed population experiences a range of health problems including chronic respiratory diseases, cardiovascular abnormalities, altered blood parameters, and an increased risk of non-communicable diseases such as hypertension and diabetes. Prolonged exposure to pollutants from oil exploration is linked to disrupted sleep patterns, elevated stress levels, and neurophysiological disturbances, further contributing to adverse health outcomes. Unique contribution to theory, practice, and policy: This study advances existing knowledge by providing a comprehensive analysis of the multifaceted interplay between crude oil exploration, environmental degradation, and human health in the Niger Delta region. The research offers a substantial contribution to theoretical understanding by illuminating the intricate relationship between anthropogenic activities, environmental factors, and health outcomes. Moreover, the study provides practical implications by proposing a series of recommendations aimed at mitigating the negative impacts of oil exploration. These recommendations advocate for stricter regulations on emissions, increased monitoring and enforcement, adoption of cleaner technologies, community engagement, and investment in healthcare and environmental remediation. The findings inform policy formulation by supplying evidence-based insights to develop robust regulations and interventions that promote sustainable development, protect public health, and safeguard the environment for future generations.

Blood Plasma Concentration of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Under Five Children in Niger Delta, Nigeria

PAHs are known carcinogens associated with immune system suppression, skin irritation, allergic reactions, respiratory problems, mutagenic issues and are generally toxic to humans. In this study, we assessed the presence and proportions of PAHs in the blood plasma of under-five children living in crude oil-polluted environment in Ogoniland, Niger Delta region of Nigeria. Communities resident in close proximity to crude oil exploration sites are constantly faced with environmental, socio-economic and health consequences of crude oil pollution. People can be exposed to PAHs through multiple routes including inhalation, ingestion and dermal contact. Ethical clearance for this study was obtained from the Ethics Committee, University of Port Harcourt. A total of 78 children were recruited from Gokana (male =17, female= 22) and Ideato (Male=15, female=24) using multi-clustered sampling method. Standard procedures were observed in this study. Results obtained were compared with under five children living in non-oil polluted environments within the Niger Delta province. The overall average PAHs was 0.331±0.383 mg/kg for Gokana males and 0.058±0.057mg/kg for Ideato males; overall average PAHs was 0.514±0.373 mg/kg for Gokana females and 0.100±0.049 mg/kg for Ideato female; overall average PAHs was 0.423±0.383 mg/kg Gokana and 0.081±0.057 mg/kg for Ideato. Under-five children in Ogoniland showed positive blood plasma PAHs higher than the comparison group in Ideato. However, carcinogenic PAHs were below levels of concern in the study population. The male gender showed higher positive PAHs than the female gender. Further studies on inflammation, stress factors and overall health status are recommended considering the vulnerability of the study population.

Crude Oil Production, Corruption and Upstream Oil Revenue in Nigeria: General Outlook, Conditions and Methodology

The study examined general outlook and conditions of crude oil production, corruption risk and upstream oil revenue in Nigeria. The study focused mainly on the revenue generated from crude oil production and oil export with the purpose of assessing oil exploration and corruption with the objective of investigating Nigeria’s oil export and its contribution to the growth of revenue generation and finding out if the level of corruption affects the upstream revenue generation in Nigeria. it is discovered that the following variables are germane in the empirical studies reviewed and econometric models are conceptualized that proven oil reserve, OPEC quotas, global oil demand, global oil supply, geopolitical risk index, disaster risk index, global terrorism index, global oil price, exchange rate variation, upstream oil theft, number of pipeline vandalism, oil bunkering, tax evasion and corruption perceptions index are relevant and possible determinants of downstream oil revenue in Nigeria. An empirical study to investigate the relationship and causal effect of the above-mentioned factors are recommended for further study with a view to making reliable policy statements on revenue sustainability and highlighting and reducing the counterproductive effects of corruption risks in the exploration and production of crude oil in Nigeria.

Exploring environmental education programs in oil-producing indigenous communities in Niger Delta, Ogoniland, Nigeria

AbstractEconomic development and environmental development have been long-lasting debates between capitalists and environmentalists. It is also seen as a debate around modernization with globalization at one end and environmental justice at the other end. Our society today is moving rapidly toward development and increased industrial revolutions and globalization. Indigenous communities in Ogoniland are also experiencing such development due to multinationals’ exploration of crude oil in their communities. The exploration of oil has caused environmental, socioeconomic, health and political problems in indigenous communities in Ogoniland. These issues require a depth of understanding from all sectors (public, government and corporate sectors) to address them. Hence, through textual analysis and interviews from the government and environmental social movement organizations, this paper presents the types of environmental educatiSon programs carried out in indigenous communities in Ogoniland to address environmental issues and other socioeconomic issues due to oil exploration. These environmental education programs in indigenous communities contribute to environmental policy creation, the development of environmental curricula and pragmatic actions toward mitigating environmental degradation and socioeconomic issues in indigenous communities. Thus, revealing the significance of indigenous knowledge and practices in addressing contemporary environmental issues.