School of Egineering and Engineering Technology

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Open Access
Biopolymer substitution and impact on cuttings transport of a lightweight water-based drilling fluid
(STM Journals, 2017) Uwaezuoke, N.; Onwukwe, S. I.; Igwilo, K. C.; Obah, B.
The challenges associated with natural gas Pipeline flow assurance is an increasingly important issue as the world supply for natural gas expands, and is expected to rise more strongly to match the global demand for a cleaner energy. Flow assurance challenges in pipelines include hydrate formation, paraffin wax deposition, asphaltene deposition, sand deposits, black powder, and on the wall of pipelines, all of which obstruct the flow of well fluids and associated produced hydrocarbons. This study addressed these flow assurance concerns from a technical view by quantifying the threats and establishing appropriate mitigation schemes, leading to designed solutions and operational procedures. Modeling and simulation approach was adopted to achieve the overall aim. The simulation software tools PVTsim and OLGA were used for both steady state and dynamic states. The phase envelope investigation indicates that the cricondentherm within the constraint of the delivery temperature. The slugging analysis, indicates that hydrodynamic slugging will not be predominant for the pipeline operations at the design flow rate of 30MMscfd along Alakiri – Obigbo, and at 70MMscfd along the Obigbo Tie-in - Intermediate scrap station; as the flow regimes are mainly stratified for both pipeline systems. From the hydrate analysis investigated, after a shutdown period (no-touch time); hydrate threat is envisaged during the shutdown period of the Intermediate scraper trap – ALSCON along pipeline system, since the temperature drops to the hydrate formation temperature.
Open Access
Performance characteristics of Parkia biglobosa as fluid loss control agent in aqueous mud system
(2020) Uwaezuoke, Nnaemeka; Onwukwe, Ibuchukwu S.; Igwilo, Chinweuba K.; Duru, Ugochukwu I.; Obah, B
Recent trend in the use of biomaterials in oilfield applications involves minimum refining and purification. The effectiveness of Parkia biglobosa as fluid loss control additive in aqueous based mud was tested according to API standard. The effect of temperature on the formulation was determined to identify any deviation due to presence of the material in the formulation. At 8ppb concentration used, 3.6mL fluid loss and 1.1mm filter cake thickness were recorded; compared with 8mL and 0.8mm, and 5.4mL and 0.8mm of Pleurotus and PAC respectively. Both fluid loss and filter cake thickness increased with increase in temperature. A low-flat discontinuous gel was observed at elevated temperatures which is desirable. Other drilling fluid rheological parameters were not adversely altered by the presence of the material, even at elevated temperature conditions. The biodegradable material was found to be suitable as fluid loss agent, both in effectiveness and environmental consideration since it is biodegradable, and might reduce cost of formulation since minimum processing is required.
Open Access
Data on shale-water based drilling fluid interaction for drilling operation
(Elsevier, 2018) Okoro, Emeka Emmanuel; Igwilo, Kevin C.; Mamudu, Angela Onose; Ekeinde, Evelyn Bose; Adewale, Dosunmu
The shale dispersion test (rolling test) is a common procedure that is used to measure the interactions between drilling fluids and shales. The shale rolling test depends on the moisture content of the shale, the shale composition, the viscosity of the test fluid, the rotation speed of the rollers, and the test temperature. The rheological behavior of the test fluid has the strongest influence on test results. The data was generated experimentally, shale samples from Agbada an formation Niger-Delta was used. These shale samples were cored at a depth of 2000ft and 3400ft. Water based mud that will minimize shale dispersion and swelling of shale was formulated. The dispersion test was conducted, and it involves exposing a weighted quantity of sized shale to the formulated mud in roller-oven. This test is used to design fluids and screen the effectiveness of inhibitor additives to maintain the integrity of the cuttings and minimize the interaction of fluids with the shale sections during the drilling and completion operations. The swelling test was conducted and the linear expansion adopted because it is the most representative of the increase seen by the wellbore but was measured in the direction perpendicular to the bedding plane as this is the direction of swelling into the wellbore.
Open Access
Cellulosic Cyperus esculentus L. as a filtrate loss modifier in field applicable aqueous and non-aqueous drilling fluids
(Springer, 2019) Okoro, Emeka Emmanuel; Igwilo, Kevin C.; Ifeka, Kelvin; Okafor, Ikechukwu S.; Idowu, Sangotade
The design and formulation of drilling fluids require additives that are cost-effective and environmental friendly in line with international best practices. This study was conducted to investigate the potentials and effects of Cyperus esculentus (Tiger Nut) as a filtrate loss modifier in field applicable aqueous and non-aqueous drilling fluids. Sixteen (eight aqueous and eight non-aqueous) drilling fluid systems were formulated, four aqueous and non-aqueous had Cyperus esculentus as a filtration additive, while the others do not contain the additive. The rheological properties, as well as the fluid filtration properties of the drilling muds, were investigated and compared with standard drilling mud. To ascertain validity, the results obtained were validated with the classic filtration model to ensure fit. Results obtained showed that the formulated mud systems had rheological properties that favored the suspension and transportation of drill cuttings, as well as the prevention of flocculation and clogging of drill strings. The rheological properties also showed a progressive trend as the concentrations of the additive were increased from 2 to 8 ppb. It was also further observed from the API and HPHT filter press test that the increase in the concentration of the additive exhibits a progressive trend that can be compared with the standard. In addition, it was observed from the classic filtration model that the experimental results from both mud systems were fit for the adopted model.
Open Access
A proposed simpilfied technique for accurate calculation of flared gas volume: Case study of an oil and gas processing plant in Niger Delta
(Society of Scientific Research, 2015) Igwilo, Kevin; Abonyi, Chukwunonoso; Umeh, Ebuka
A simplified technique for an accurate calculation of flared gas volume has been established. Although the regulatory agencies in the oil and gas industry has placed some financial and cost measures to minimize the amount of standard cubic feet of gas flared per day by operating companies yet some operators and contractors could not keep an accurate measurement on the actual amount of gas flare from their production facilities. These shortcomings are partially caused due to lack of technologies, equipment malfunctions, equipment inefficiencies, human resource deficiencies. However, gas flaring is by no means a simple measurement process on its own. This is primarily due to the large variations in conditions often found in a flare stack. Measurement difficulties could also arise through the flare type based on changes in the flow profile and Reynolds number caused by variation in the physical properties of the gases and errors due to installation effects. From the aforementioned points, it is clear that the accurate measurement of the flared gas is a rigorous and complex process with several challenges to be considered. This paper presents a technique for measuring flared gas volume based on PVs (pressure valves) present in process plants. A similar approach has been applied in South Pars gas development projects in Iran; utilizing the design information in PVs datasheet as well as actual plant data for opening percentage values which have been utilized from plant Distributed Control System (DCS ) and PIMS ( Plant Integrated Management System) via excel and visual basic.5 However, in this study, a new/robust software program that has the ability of extracting data from the plant DCS and PIMS server has been developed using Java, correlation used by this software was generated using Hysys for a particular process plant model in Niger-Delta and the correlation was regressed using excel. An iteration time-step of 1440 minutes has been chosen for greater accuracy. Features of this program include flexibility, less run-time error, user friendly, less memory space and real-time. Assumptions made during these calculations were stated clearly in this paper. Key inputs to this program are valve percentage openings per minute. Key outputs are average percentage opening per day and amount of flared per day in million standard cubic feet (MMscf).
Open Access
Evaluation of the effects of alcohol on de-emulsification of Niger Delta crude oil using commercial de-emulsifiers
(Scientific Research Publishing, 2017-07-14) Igwilo, K. C.; Okolie, S. T. A.; Anawe, P. A. L.; Ogbudu, Roland; Odo, Jude
This research work evaluates the effects of alcohol on de-emulsification of Niger Delta crude oil using RP6000 and Chimec 2439 as de-emulsifiers. The laboratory measurements were carried out as per API standard. Stable emul sion was prepared using brine. The samples were de-emulsified. Methanol and ethanol were added respectively, with water and without water as modifiers. The measurements of the effect of adding alcohols on water separation effi ciency were carried out using methanol to water ratio, M = 4:1 and ethanol water ratio, E = 4:1. The results show that solubility with alcohol is greater in emulsion than the solubility of alcohol without water. Some comparisons were also made based on the plots on percent water separation versus time for the two modifiers and de-emulsifiers. The maximum separation efficiency of 61% was obtained at concentration of 25% methanol, 75% RP6000, 20 ppm and Chimec 2439 gave maximum separation efficiency of 56.6% at concentration of 75%, 20 ppm at 120 minutes. Based on the results, methanol therefore gave larger effect on water separation efficiency than ethanol
Open Access
Radiological and toxicity risk exposures of oil based mud: Health implication on drilling crew in Niger Delta
(Springer-Verlag, 2020) Okoro, Emmanuel Emeka; Ochonma, Chidiebere; Omeje, Maxwell; Sanni, Samuel E.; Emetere, Moses E.; Orodu, Kale B.; Igwilo, Kevin C.
Naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORMs) and the presence of toxic metals in drilling fluids/their additives have raised research interests in recent times owing to the risks associated with the exposure times for drillers of petroleum wells. In this study, two drilling fluids A and B were formulated, while two other Mud Samples C and D were obtained from drilled shale and shale-sand formation zones. All four fluids were collected and analyzed for the presence of radioactive and heavy metals. Lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), cadmium Cd), zinc (Zn), chromium (Cr), aluminum (Al), arsenic (As), nickel (Ni), and copper (Cu) were detected in the mud samples. The heavy metal contents of the mud samples are in the following decreasing order of magnitude Hg>Pb>Cd>Cr.InSamplesA–D,Hg,Pb,Cr,andCdwerefoundtohavesignificantconcentrations,andtheconcentrations of these metals increased in the mud samples after they were used for drilling. The concentration of Hg was above the permissible limit. Also, the concentrations of Pb, Cu, As, and Al found in Mud Samples A and B can cause skin irritations over long-term exposures, while Cd, Hg, Zn, and Ni present in the samples were within levels that can cause lung infections or immune breakdown when ingested over long periods. The quantities of Cd, Hg, and Cu detected in Mud Samples C and D can cause skin irritations over long-term exposures, while those of As, Zn, Ni, and Al were seen to have the potential to cause dermal infections/diseases. Based on the results obtained, the cancer risk for the drilling crew lies within 1.1 × 10−3-7.7×10−3 HQ. The highest dose rate, radium release, and external hazard index were obtained for Mud Sample C whose radium equivalent was judged to be far below the critical safe limit for the drillers. The radium equivalent activity for the two field mud samples (C and D) were estimated to be 27.467 and 22.978 Bq kg−1, respectively, which is the maximum activity obtained for the analyzed samples. The maximum radium equivalent activity for Mud Sample C was estimated as 27.48 Bq kg−1 with a corresponding external hazard index of 0.7. Based on the analysis, there is a significant correlation between the concentration of heavy metals and the radionuclides found in the mud samples.
Open Access
Loss circulation prevention during drilling operation - risk analysis approach and its implications
(Trans Tech Publications Ltd., 2020) Okoro, Emmanuel E.; Okafor, Ikechukwu S.; Igwilo, Kevin C.; Orodu, Kale B.; Dosunmu, Adewale
Drilling engineers and operators are stuck with challenges associated with loss circulation of drilling fluids in wellbores during drilling operation. At such times, a clear and careful decision is required in order to minimize cost or save resources that would have been lost in the bid to remedy the situation. This then informs the need to deploy reliable tools that will inform useful decisions as drawn from a thorough risk-analysis coined from the information gathered from the formation characteristics and operating pressure. In this study, a real-time statistic based approach was adopted in carrying out risk-evaluation of loss circulation events in a wellbore. Based on the expected opportunity loss analysis, it is often non-negotiable to consider other options when the analytical solution suggests that the well should be “abandoned”. For the decision tree, at the decision node, D1, the expected loss of the seal off zone option is $161.25, the expected loss of the drill ahead option is .2 and the expected loss of the abandon option is $13.2. Since the expected loss of the abandon option is less than the expected value of both the seal off and the drill ahead option, it is recommended to abandon the well. Furthermore, the risk analysis proved to be a veritable tool considering the cost implications of other options; and can also serve as basis for automated decision-making.
Open Access
Prediction and analysis of variable parameters of some established models in batch beer fermentation
(U. P., 2019) Kamalu, C. I. O.; Onuoha, O. E.; Uzondu, F. N.; Effiong, E. E.; Obibuenyi, I. J.; Onyelucheya, O. E.
Abstract:In this work, established models of renowned scholars in fermentation technology are analytically solved. Fermentation experiments were also performed on the production of ethanol and biomass from substrate (grain i.e. malted barley) with time and used to validate the analytical solutions of the scholarly models. The result shows that the models were real and true to life as they gave coefficient of correlation of 99.63%. It is also observed that during this fermentation, there was serious interaction between substrate concentration and ethanol concentration, substrate concentration and biomass concentration. From this model, it was found that the yield of ethanol (product) was 79.34%, yield of biomass was 43.8%, initial ethanol before fermentation was 1.45g/lit. Substrate at the beginning, S0= 8.114g/lit. and initial biomass X0 was 0.8098g/lit. This result can be applied in fermentation planning in any brewing company of research centers to predict variation of certain parameters.
Open Access
Modeling the kinetics of photosynthetic chemistry
(U. P., 2015-11) Kamalu, C. I. O.; Nwakaudu, M. S.; Obijiaku, J. C.; Okwara, C. A.; Kamen, F. L.; Uzondu, F. N.; Osoka, E. C.
In this work, the chemical kinetics of photosynthesis was extensively explored. Kinetic models were established. Existing data from the internet were used for the validation of the models. It was observed that the models are real and natural as they follow the growth profile nature of photosynthetic release, together with the uptake of oxygen and carbon dioxide respectively. The models actually conform to what was found in literature. Therefore photosynthetic activities could be studied using natural growth models, in conjunction with the specificities of photosynthetic phenomena. This work can be employed in the growth study of plants in agriculture, carbon cycle, and perhaps ozone layer depletion or carbon sequestration.
Open Access
Curve-fitting of bioremediation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) by co-composting using roost manure
(EverScience Publications, 2016) Kamalu, C. I. O.; Nwakaudu, A. A.; Onyelucheya, O. E.; Uzondu, F. N.; Kamen, F. L.; Nwakaudu, M. S.; Obijiaku, J. C.
In this work, ten polluted sites with oil were obtained from Niger Delta, mixed homogenously with compost manure and sent to FUGRO International Laboratory Port Harcourt Nigeria, for bioremediation experiments and analyses. The 4800g sample was divided into twelve (12) equal parts of 400g for bioremediation; 6 parts for the experiments and 6 parts for the control. Particular ringed PAH was isolatedly tested for bioremediation for each of the five ringed PAHs (1 to 5 rings) and the 800g sample was used for respiration test of compost incubation. It was found that the efficiency of bioremediation increased from one to three rings and decreased exponentially for the rest of the rings, showing that bioremediation is not effective for higher ring PAHs. It was also found that bioremediation yields best (optimum) result between two and three ringed PAHs. The respiration of the compost microorganisms improved during incubation by more than two-third i.e 67.7%. The result of this work can be used in bioremediation studies when trying to isolate or choose a particular ringed PAHs for such bioremediation jobs.
Open Access
Chemical composition of the nest and models of the metamophic polymorphism of the mud dauber wasp
(U. P., 2015-07) Kamalu, C. I. O; Nwakaudu, M. S.; Nkuzinna, O. C.; Uzondu, F. N.; Effiong, E. E.; Obibuenyi, J. I.
The work involves the determination of the chemical composition of the nest and modeling of metamorphors polyphenism of the Mud Dauber wasp. The samples were analyzed at Fugro consultants (Nig.) Ltd; a high standard laboratory with sophisticated equipments, which aided in producing an acceptable result considering the state of the place of analysis. Research showed that wasp generally excretes saliva to the mixture of water and their various building materials which include paper and clay soil. The composition of their saliva was found to contain Phosphorus, Magnesium, Sulphur, Chlorine, Potassium, and Calcium. The result showed that Phenol and Iron were found to have been present in the saliva, while nest showed a decrease in the quantity of potassium in ordinary clay soil. More, so, the models developed with the data obtained from the study of the specie, Brachymenes dyscherus, actually represented the biological and biochemical systems. The methods of analysis used are those stipulated by institutions such as America Public Health Association (APHA), America Society for Testing and Material (ASTM), and Chemical Analysis of Ecological Materials (CAEM)
Open Access
Evaluation of the fluid loss properties of pleurotus and its commercial availability
(U. P., 2016) Igwilo, Kevin Chinwuba; Ohia, Nnaemeka Princewill; Onwugbuchulem, Chibunma Vivian
This technical paper evaluates the drilling fluids formulated with the proposed biomaterial fluid loss additive, Pleurotus and the existing Poly-pac lo-vis . The laboratory measurements were carried out as per the API specifications. The drilling properties such as fluid loss and cake thickness were measured at room temperature, 120oF, 150 oF and 180 oF. The field polymer muds that are currently in use namely; Poly-pac lo-vis was used as control to the new proposed product. The filtrates of both the proposed biomaterial product and the existing Poly-pac lo-vis were then measured using the filter press. The cake thickness was also examined and measured. The results of proposed fluid loss additive when compared with the existing one shows that the filtrates obtained from low solids mud were 8.9ml, 9.9ml, 10.4ml, 11ml compared with 7ml, 8.2ml, 8.8ml, 9.5ml results measured from the Poly-pac lo-vis. That of the weighted muds are 8ml, 9ml, 9.8ml, 10.8ml and 5ml, 6ml, 6.9ml, 7.5ml for both the proposed additive and the existing one respectively. Both the proposed and the existing muds gave good results in both filtrate and filter cake measurements. Although the existing Poly-pac lo-vis is slightly better than the proposed Pleurotus in terms of filtrate but both gave good filtered cake thickness. The proposed material is not commercially available to be used in preparing drilling fluids but is environmentally friendly.
Open Access
Studies on optimal conditions for the preservation of ‘Zobo’ drink
(Vandana Publications, 2015-11) Ekeke, I. C.; Nkwocha, A. C.; Kamen, F. L.; Kamalu, C. I. O.; Uzondu, F. N.
The study was carried out to determine the combination of preservation techniques (hurdles) that can best extend the shelf life of Zobo drink. Zobo drink was prepared from the calyx of Hibiscus sabdariffa. Two types of spices - Zingiber officinale (ginger) and Caryophillus oromatics (cloves) were prepared and added in the following proportions 150g: 20g; 150g:10g; 100g:20g; and 100g:10g respectively, to 400ml of zobo drink. Samples of the drink were pasteurized at two different temperatures 167 C for 5min and 72 C for 6 min. All the samples were stored at ambient temperature (30 ± 20) for 9 days. Microbial analysis was performed on the samples every 2 days. The various combinations of the spices alone could not preserve the drink beyond 2 days, but, when coupled with pasteurization, the shelf life was extended. A combination of ginger (150g) and cloves (20g) was found to be more effective, and when in conjunction with pasteurization, kept the drink in sterile condition for 3 days, and extended the shelf life to 5 days
Open Access
Measurement of the best Z-factor correlation using gas well Inflow performance data in Niger-Delta
(Research India Publications, 2017) Okoro, Emeka Emmanuel; Dike, Honfre; Igwilo, Kevin C.; Mamudu, Angela
Gas compressibility has a long and important history for gas industries. The use of z-factor in real gas analysis is unavoidable; hence study of the effects of different z-factor correlations against real life data was carried out. This research establishes the need and a solution for a simple, robust and flexible technique requiring the use of different z-factor correlations. The most common sources of z-factor values are experimental measurement, equations of state method and empirical correlations. Necessity arises when there is no available experimental data for the required composition, pressure and temperature conditions. Presented here is a technique to predict z-factor values using Gas Well Inflow Performance data. The three gas correlations under study are Hall and Yarborough, Dranchuk, Abu and Kassem and Dranchuk, Purvis and Robbinson. The interest of the research was to show the best Z-Factor correlation for Niger Delta. The method or approach used was to review existing models, developed a computer program to evaluate numerically the three correlations and the best correlation is shown by running a statistical absolute average error for each of the calculated gas well performance against the history inflow performance data. Based on the study analysis performed using the Niger-Delta, the Hall and Yarborough is ranked first, followed by Dranchukpurvis-Robbinson, while Dranchuk-Abu-Kaseem is recorded the last in the ranking model. Based on this study, it is recommended that the Hall and Yarborough gas deviation model is the best model for Niger Delta.
Open Access
Offshore gas well flow and orifice metering system: An overview
(U. P., 2017-12-18) Okoro, Emeka E.; Igwilo, Kevin; Mamudu, Angela; Onuh, Charles; Ekeinde, Bose Evelyn
This research presents a concise account of offshore surface well test from objective, organization, to practical approach and in relation to orifice metering system of natural gas; against the perspective of regulatory standards. With reference to reliability, availability, affordability and including control measures governing the design, the orifice meter sometimes called a head loss flow meter is chosen most often because of its reputation in the oil and gas industry. Alternative metering system of natural gas, including robust and cost effective innovations within the industry which addressed some key limitations of orifice meter was examined. The advanced flow computer with transducers suited for orifice measurement installations is a cost effective electronic flow real time measurement system. It has telemetry features and improved accuracy under fluctuating flow conditions based on functional differential pressure root mean squared volume calculation principles. These new developments and their capabilities have reduced the market share of the mechanical orifice chart meters. Except that Electronic flow meters has environmental limitations; thus, the proven mechanical orifice metering systems are still an effective solution for many flow measurement applications.
Open Access
Gas process system emepirical tool for predicting hydrate formation
(U. P., 2018) Okoro, Emeka Emmanuel; Ekeinde, Evelyn Bose; Igwilo, Kevin; Dosunmu, Adewale
The rapid formation of gas hydrates, promoted by typical high pressure/ low temperature operating conditions in deep water installations, is considered one of the most difficult problems with flow assurance. Understanding the conditions for the formation of hydrates is necessary to overcome the problems associated with hydrates. Ideally, the conditions for the formation of gas hydrates are determined experimentally in the laboratory; but this data is not always available. Therefore, correlation is used to determine the conditions for gas hydrate formation. Several models have been proposed that require more complex and longer computations to predict the conditions for the formation of gas hydrate over the years. In this study, it is crucial to develop a reliable and easy-touse method for oil and gas practitioners’. The proposed correlation extends over a wide range of pressure (2000 to 25000kPa) and molecular weights (16 to 27). Consistent and accurate results of the proposed pressure range, temperature, and molecular weight are presented. Statistical error analysis is used to appraise the efficiency and accuracy of the correlation coefficient for estimating the formation of gas hydrate. This will guide designer and operator to select the optimal correlation for a particular application.
Open Access
Well productivity enhancement using matrix acidizing-A Niger Delta case study
(UP, 2015) Ohia, Nnaemeka; Igwilo, K; Duru, U
As a result of the rapid reduction in productivity of well B14, south west of the Niger Delta region, the need to investigate the cause of the damage was initiated. When it was identified fine migration as the major cause of the production decline, acid stimulation was recommended as the mitigation strategy. Acid (matrix) stimulation practice involves the pumping of acid into the formation through the wellbore at the rates and pressures below the fracture gradient of the formation. Conventionally, hydrochloric acid (HCL) is used for carbonate formations while hydrofluoric acid (HF)/ mud acid (HCL +HF) is best suited for sandstone formations. Also, in a very high damaged formation and very high temperature environment that requires prolong contact of the HCL acid with the teel pipe, due to the severe corrosion that will occur, organic acids are more suitable. In stimulating this well, mud acid was used and the well was stimulated using organic mud acid or organic clay acid. Stimulating this well led to a total incremental production gain of over 485 BOPD (150% gain) however a corresponding reduction in skin was not observed This paper reviews and highlights the operational best practices as utilized in this project as well as the potential cause for an increase in skin even after a stimulation job.
Open Access
Environmentally friendly fluid loss control agent in water-based mud for oil and gas drilling operations
(Research India Publications, 2017) Onuh, C. Y.; Igwilo, K. C.; Anawe, P. A. L.; Daramola, Olakunle; Ogunwomoju, Omotoke
The fluid loss properties of mud formulated with concentrations of coconut shell and/or corncobs was studied. This study is focused on formulating water based drilling mud using corn cobs and coconut shell as additives in improving the performance of the mud. The additives were varied in different concentrations and its impact were evaluated on the filtration properties using low pressure low temperature (LPLT) filter press at 90 °C and 100 psi. The result of the formulated mud with corn cobs and coconut shell additives were compared to that of the mud containing corn cobs alone, coconut shell alone, and without any of the additives. The results showed that the combination of corn cobs and coconut shell reveals a lower filtrate volume than individual coconut shell and corncobs. However, Corn cobs is a better fluid loss control agent than the coconut shell.
Open Access
Mathematical model for time of Leak estimation in natural gas pipeline
(Science Publishing Group, 2019) Obibuike, Ubanozie Julian; Ekwueme, Stanley Toochukwu; Ohia, Nnaemeka Princewil; Igbojionu, Anthony Chemazu; Igwilo, Kevin Chinwuba; Kerunwa, Anthony
The ability to detect leak is crucial in pipeline fluid transport operations. Leaks will inevitably occur in pipelines due to wide range of uncertainties. A good leak detection system should not only be able to detect leak but also accurately estimate the actual time of leak occurrence. This will enable proper estimation of the fluid loss, from the pipeline before shut-in of the pipeline or before remedial actions were carried out on the pipeline which ultimately will help quantified the degree of financial or environmental implications resulting from the leak incidence. This paper gives a new model for the estimation of the time of leak in natural gas pipeline. The idea for the model hinges on the notion that the time of response of most pipeline alarm are not necessarily the time actual time the leak occurred. Period of lapse depends on the accuracy, sophistication of the alarm system and volume of leak it is capable of detecting. Most alarm systems respond at later times than the time the leak occurred. Quantification of fluid loss volume demands that the actual time of leak occurrence be determined, this means that the time the leak occurred must be calculated accurately. The model was simulated using the Matlab software. The results show that the model is highly accurate when tested with field data