LEAD PRESENTER:
John Candler
Operation Integrity Development Manager
M-I SWACO

Schlumberger
jcandler@slb.com

CO-PRESENTERS:
Eric Lee

Schlumberger

 

 

 

Bremmen Derry

Schlumberger

 

 

 

IPEConnect PRESENTATION DATE: October 24, 2024

EPA Method 1647 is a method that determines the anaerobic degradation potential of mineral oils, paraffin oils and non-aqueous fluids (NAF) in sediments. The method is used to monitor gas production due to microbial degradation of the test fluid in marine sediment. These substrates are base fluids for formulating offshore drilling fluids.

Sediment targets for 275 day biodegradation test were researched prior to the completion of the Effluent Limitation Guidelines (ELGs) Feb 5, 2001 and Gulf of Mexico permits Feb 16, 2002 . Method 1647 has basic chemical and physical requirements for the sediment and then also some performance-based requirements. The papers prior to the publication of the ELGs do not fully explain the issues with sediment that has too much organic content, or to too much anerobic bacteria. Practical experience has shown that when sediment contains too much organic content, the background gas production from the organics can blind the test to the gas produced from the base fluids and reduce the discriminatory power of the test. Additionally, too much initial bacteria in a sediment substrate can produce too much gas too quickly or convert too much base fluid to bacteria growth which can produce inconsistent and unexpected results. In a similar manner, not enough bacteria or not enough organic material can greatly add to the lag phase and reduce discriminatory power of the test. The intermediate control will not perform to the required specification if there is not enough initial bacteria or organic matter in the sediment. After the ELGs and GOM permit were issues, the follow up research on Method 1647 and associated sediment continued until the 2006 timeframe when the industry work group the finished the test development and a separate report to the MMS was completed.in 2006.
In order to update and confirm the basic chemical and physical requirements so that new collection sites can be screened, and collection techniques can be refined, over twenty of sediment samples were collected and tested to further identify and define sediment collection characteristics that will work with Method 1647.

This presentation will review the findings and discuss development and field application of a new bacteria monitoring technique.

Presenter BIOs:

John Candler has a degree in Civil Engineering from Louisiana State University and is a registered Professional Engineer in the state of Texas.  Since 1987 Mr. Candler has been actively involved in researching environmentally advanced drilling fluid systems and treatment processes for drill cuttings.  In the mid 1990s he was a significant contributor to industry efforts to develop appropriate discharge regulations for the use of synthetic based muds.   Other recent research projects have included sustainability, biodiversity protection, and beneficial reuse of drilling fluids and drill cuttings.

Eric Lee graduated at TAMUG with a BA in Marine Biology and Marine Fisheries. Worked in other commercial and corporate Labs in Texas as Environmental scientist.   He currently works in the SLB Houston Environmental lab to improve cultures and testing procedures to provide more accurate results. He also develops new test procedures to support compliance efforts.

Bremmen Darry graduated at Texas A&M University – Galveston with a BA in Marine Biology and Marine Fisheries. He has worked in commercial labs in Texas as Environmental scientist.   He currently works as a contractor in the SLB Houston Environmental lab to conduct bioassay testing, maintaining cultures and developing new test procedures to support environmental compliance.

Study Co-Researcher:

Kevin Wyss received his bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from Auburn University and his PhD in Chemistry from Rice University. He has authored >35 peer-reviewed publications and is passionate about solving problems in traditional and new energy sectors.