How can you reduce the environmental impact of formation evaluation operations?

One of the key aspects of drilling with the word go is to drill. We drill against formations, as reservoirs are embedded in the rocks at depths. Formation cutting will always be a part as long as we drill. We need to look at innovative ways of capturing these drill cuttings and use this core temperatures to provide energy. In a crude oil plant we come across asphalt as the last product - we will always get this product - however we reuse it for roads. Instead of minimization we should look at reuse and recycling methods

During the planning stage I would choose a drilling fluid compatible with the formation and environment friendly, a high efficiency solid control equipment reducing the dilution of the mud and maintaining a very low plastic viscosity. Would implement an MPD system that could maintain constant bottom hole pressure during the drilling stage, avoiding the use of high density mud. I would maintain the bottom hole pressure in near balanced mode avoiding the collapse (cavings) and fluid losses to formation.

Here are a few suggestions: 1. Implement advanced drilling techniques like DD & managed pressure drilling - methods that help optimize well placement & minimize the number of wells, reducing the overall impact on the environment. 2. Explore alternatives to traditional drilling fluids that are less harmful to the environment. Biodegradable & non-toxic drilling fluids reduce the negative impact on ecosystems. 3. Establish proper waste management protocols to handle drilling cuttings & other waste materials. 4. Encourage the use of energy-efficient equipment & practices during formation evaluation operations. 5. Implement a robust monitoring system to track and report environmental parameters during formation evaluation operations. NG

Reducing the environmental impact of formation evaluation operations, particularly in the oil and gas industry, is essential for sustainability and minimizing ecological harm. Exploration planning and site selection, green drilling fluids and chemicals, efficient drilling techniques, environmental training, technology and innovation, data collection and reporting, and restoration and remediation are specific measures to achieve this goal. By implementing these measures, formation evaluation operations can significantly reduce their environmental impact while still achieving their objectives. This aligns with the industry's commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainability.

Drill cuttings are generated from drilling operations irrespective of the formation evaluation involved. Reduced environmental impact drilling fluids and those that are environmentally friendly will allow the drill cutting to be released to the sea bed. This must follow the local country specific requirements and regulations. Bit cutting technology and design can have an impact on the size of cuttings making handling and transport easier.

One of most important things to keep an eye on Solids in mud by keeping Solids control equipment in proper condition Moreover try to avoid insoluble materials added to mud if you can it will help too much in decreasing formation damage and production recovery after drilling.

Collect and store cuttings only when absolutely necessary! Formation evaluation and cuttings analysis can be done on the spot or on the fly, with the analysis often completed and vital information collected immediately without the extra step of collection and storage of cuttings. Over the years, I have seen where boxes of cuttings are collected and transported to storage facilities, only to be discarded at a later time without any additional analysis beyond what was initially done on site. In this case, the extra environmental cost of manufacturing the storage containers, transportation and maintenance of storage facilities does not add any additional value of information. If cuttings will not be analysed further, do not collect and store.

3. Cuttings Management: Implementing robust cuttings management systems allows for responsible treatment and disposal of drilled cuttings. Techniques like cuttings reinjection (CRI) or on-site treatment can be employed. 4. Use of Eco-Friendly Additives: Selection and application of environmentally safe additives and chemicals in drilling and formation evaluation help avoid harm to the ecosystem. 5. Equipment Efficiency: Utilizing energy-efficient equipment and technologies lowers energy consumption and emissions during drilling and formation evaluation. 6. Remote Sensing and Data Analysis: Remote sensing and data analysis optimize drilling operations, reducing environmental impact by minimizing drilling time and resource usage.

Certainly, it's vital to address these considerations right from the planning phase. By carefully selecting the mud weight and type, we can not only enhance wellbore stability but also minimize losses and environmental impact during well control situations. Opting for less toxic mud and reusable, easily treatable mud systems is key. This approach not only reduces environmental consequences but also conserves energy and resources. Prioritizing these factors is essential to prevent drilling problems and ensure a responsible and sustainable drilling process.

Mud technology has improved a lot since the early oil industry days. Formation damage studies in the lab are possible beforehand saving time and money. Mud properties/additives can be optimized during planning. Recycling of the drilling mud, and processing of cutting to clean them of contaminants can help reduce environmental impact.

One simple but effective measure is to reduce CO2 emissions using as much as is possible electrical or solar panel units since trucks to deploy any kind of tool to ose them to power camp sites, air conditioner, ligtning, etc. Drop by drop we can add something to our goal. This is valid not only for evaluation ops but fr any kind of operation.

Employing directional drilling to raeach the multiple targets using single wellbore thus reducing the need for multiple drilling sites and minimizing the enviromental foot prints

Most importantly I agree with , Regulatory compliance. All Oil field Operations have Environmental Impact Assessment done. Operators role and responsibilities is to adhere to Regulation without shortcuts.

7. Waste Minimization: Reducing waste generation involves using equipment that produces less waste, recycling when feasible, and ensuring the safe disposal of waste materials. 8. Reduced Emissions: Implementing emission reduction strategies, including the capture and control of air emissions like volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and greenhouse gases. 9. Biodiversity Protection: Measures to protect local ecosystems and wildlife, including environmental impact assessments to minimize disturbances. 10. Regulatory Compliance: Adhering to environmental regulations at local, regional, and national levels ensures industry practices meet set standards.

However the high cost involved in using LWD limits the market segment to equity-heavy exploration & production companies. A small to medium equity oil or gas company would be perfectly comfortable using a bang for buck approach in allocating scarce resources to achieving as much data analysis and evaluation for the least amount of cost.

In addition to above mentioned, there are big opportunity to deploy AI solutions in formation evaluation through analying offset wells data to maximize the information and reduce requirement in current well. Another way is to use AI reverse engineering to correlate formations charactridtics with drilling parameters. The drilling parameters could be translated into correlated information from offset wells using AI algorithm. This could drop the requirement to run formation evaluation tools ( logging while drilling or dedicated data gathering runs).

11. Public and Stakeholder Engagement: Engaging with local communities and stakeholders promotes transparency and addresses concerns in environmental management practices. 12. Continuous Monitoring and Improvement: Establishing a monitoring and auditing program enables continuous evaluation and enhancement of environmental performance. 13. Alternative Technologies: Exploring non-invasive methods or geophysical surveys reduces the need for invasive drilling and coring during formation evaluation. 14. Education and Training: Providing education and training to personnel ensures adherence to environmentally responsible practices and a clear understanding of the importance of minimizing environmental impact.

Certainly, Environmental Management Systems (EMS) play a vital role in formation evaluation operations. They help identify and mitigate environmental risks, ensure compliance with regulations, and align with sustainability goals. EMS enhance awareness among stakeholders, promote transparent communication, and drive continuous improvement in eco-friendly practices and technologies. Their contribution is essential for fostering responsible and sustainable operations.

Balancing industry objectives with ecological responsibility is vital for sustainable energy exploration and production. By implementing these strategies and practices, the oil and gas industry can contribute to a more sustainable and environmentally responsible future.

Using WBM, OR SYNTHETIC MUD USING WAST MANAGEMENT SYSTEM USING CHEMICALS FRIENDLY WITH ENVIRONMENTAL ,checking the chemicals empact and the risk on the environment

Instead of N2, use natural gas for those underbalance drilling jobs where reservoir characterization is an objective. Export what's produce and re-use what's required on the same well.

- Use Electric logging unit (offshore) - Implement Remote logging operations to reduce personnel on board. - for offshore Ops if possible keep logging unit or install system on the rig permanently to reduce carbon footprint from transportation.

Since it is not yet possible to rely only on logging-while-drilling formation evaluation services, we must try to reduce the environmental impact of wireline logging services. The following actions have significant emission-reductions potential: ?Achieve levels of functionality and reliability in wireline logging tools to justify not deploying back-up tools to the wellsite. ?Design logging systems, tools, and procedures to eliminate or significantly reduce the need to bring logging tools to a maintenance center to be reconfigured or serviced. ?Drive aggressively the implementation of remote wireline logging operations and monitoring systems to reduce the field crews from 6 to 2 people and eliminate the need for wellsite witnesses.

We can have a positive impact on the environment by using the renewable energy sources to power the drilling operations hence reducing the reliance on the fossil fuels.

1. Handling of dirty drilling fluids is unavoidable on any drilling process. Construction of a mud and water disposal pits close to the drilling area, should be considered to dispose any unwanted drilling fluids and minimize environmental contamination. Treatment and properly disposal of these fluids after drilling should be done quickly, it would be part of the entire cost of the well drilling. Plug the pit. 2. Make fluid analyses of the fluids of the reservoir on the surrounding wells in the interest area, if possible. This would give you information about how acid the fluid of the formations can be. Some wells show acid gas and fluids during drilling process . Be ready with portable sweeting fluid plant in case is needed