Description
The continuous increase of onshore and offshore drillings and the resulting increase of the quantity of drilling waste as well as the emphasis placed in recent years onto environmental protection generated the need to develop an ecological method of drilling waste management. The project authors have set the recognition of methods and processes allowing for the transformation of drilling waste into inert materials and also the development of comprehensive method of onshore and offshore drilling wastes (generated both with the use of water based mud and oil based mud) management as their main objectives. The project shall contribute to promotion of rational use of natural resources, to development of recycling technologies in extraction industry, to reduction of environmental degradation. The project partners will cooperate in a broad, international research teams. The aim is to strengthen the development of interdisciplinary skills of scientists. An interdisciplinary team creates real opportunities for the development of effective methods of drilling waste management and also allows teams to strengthen ties Polish-Norwegian researchers.
Summary of project results
The importance of the project includes the development environmentally friendly (or at least environmentally neutral) technology for treatment and recycling of drilling wastes generated in course of the drillings connected with the search for or management of hydrocarbon deposits. The objective was to develop a concept for efficient treatment of drilling waste on- and offshore. Reaching this objective shall contribute to the reduction of the negative impact of human activity on the natural environment. The result of the project shall entail a visible reduction of the threats for the environment generated in relation to the ever more intense hydrocarbon deposits exploitation. Research in the project was of a highly inter-disciplinary character and required the involvement of participants with a wide spectrum of specializations. The authors established a team of specialists with the fields of drilling technology and geotechnics, geochemistry, chemistry, mineralogy, organic compounds analysis, and biology of environmental processes. The beneficiaries of the project are students, university personnel, as well as drilling oil and gas companies. External companies were involved in experimental design and evaluation of results, while students conducted experiments. The partnership between AGH-UST and UiS develops such features as trust, engagement, dialog, collaboration and experience exchange. The main benefit of the project for all in the partnership is advances in technology to satisfy regulations and achieving “zero discharge standard”.
Summary of bilateral results
The bilateral relations were strengthened by getting to know each participating team at AGH and UiS, get familiar with the educational system of Poland, improved technological capacity of AGH and UiS and implementing the best of practice for the project. The contribution of our project partner was expressed in discussion of goals, tasks and steps, as well as results obtained. Proper exchanges and support were experienced during project meetings. This partnership contributed to concept development in general, and technologies for drilling waste treatment and deeper understanding of their unique characteristics in particular. The bilateral relations were strengthened by getting to know each participating team at AGH and UiS, get familiar with the educational system of Poland, improved technological capacity of AGH and UiS and implementing the best of practice for the project. Additionally, both parties participated in Hazardous Waste Management Conference in Crete 2014, and in the workshops - project team meeting, which were organized regularly. Both Universities, have benefited from our collaboration in respect to the specifics of planning and organizing international research of academic institutions. The AGH-UST and the UiS express their wills to continue such a cooperation. It will bring about further joint publications and initiation of new research projects.