Estimation of Drilling Waste Generation for Effective Waste Management

Abstract

Drilling operations remains the second generator of oil and gas waste after production activities. They are prominent among the primary sources of exploration and production waste. Wastes from drill cuttings and mud, and obnoxious gas emissions are the major contributors of these drilling wastes. These have direct and indirect impact on both humans and the environment. Poor estimation of waste may lead to solid and or liquid loadings at the shaker. Being able to estimate the right volume of waste to be generated during an operation helps in better planning in waste management. This work developed a model that helps to estimate drilling waste generation during drilling operations for effective waste management by Richard (2002), Khan et al. (2003), Lapeyrouse (2002), and Osisanya (2011). For 12.25- and 9.625-inch holes at 3000 ft and 7000 ft depths respectively, for solid waste, Lapeyrouse recorded the highest deviation of a short fall of -19.98%. Khan et al with an overestimation of 15.02%. Richards followed with a deviation of a short fall of -0.07% and Osisanya with 0.02%. while Fof waste estimation, Khan et al recorded the highest deviation of a short fall of - 34.26%, Richards with -34.00%, Lapeyrouse with -17.32 and Osisanya recorded the best deviation with -1.11%.