UCLan Wastewater & Sludge Management Methodology Research Paper

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as per my last proposal report, now i need a specific details on the methodology part. is shold cover only this points: # site visits# data collection # a referral from previous researches # experimental analysis go through my proposal paper ( methodology section ) before you start. its only 400 word so try to be clear and specific on the written data. add the methodology on my final graduation report as same as you did on literature reviw

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Part 1: The Proposal
Proposed dissertation title
STUDY ON EFFLUENT WASTEWATER MANAGEMENT IN OIL AND GAS OPERATIONS
IN DUQUM REFINERIES MUSCAT
Research rationale (What is the purpose of your research)
In almost every industrial process, Wastewater comes out as a by-product. As a community,
therefore, it is not easy to get rid of the production of wastewater, and therefore their rises a
need to devise sustainable management practices to reduce the bad negative effects of the
wastewater, both to the public health and the environment. This research is therefore aimed at
reducing the adverse effects of effluent wastewater discharged from oil refineries in Duqum to
achieve this, a study on the chemical composition of the effluent and how its toxicity can be
reduced before disposal. Moreover, this research will study the basic methods to manage
unconventional oil and gas produced water.
Aims and objectives
Aim
•
Study on effluent wastewater management in oil and gas operations in Duqum, Oman.
Objectives
•
•
To study the fluid characteristics of the wastewater and negative impacts on public
health.
To determine the wastewater volume in the effort to formulate the best disposal method
to ensure environmental protection.
A brief Brief Literature Review
In the Sultanate of Oman, the effluent volumes wastewater from oil refineries has increased
exponentially within a few years as a result of the increasing number of oil and gas refineries.
The wastewater produced by petroleum companies predisposes human life to life-threatening
hazards if not properly treated. This results in a negative effect on both public health and the
environment, both land and aquatic.
In terms of production scale, Oman is a major contributor to the country’s economy accounting
for about 68% of the country’s revenue. The fact that Oman is the leading nation in the
production of oil and natural gas in the Middle East makes the keen study on the management
practices carried out in the petroleum stations important. (Mackerel, 2007).
Methodology
To achieve both, aim and the objectives of the research, a systematic procedure including site
visits, data collection, a referral from previous researches, and experimental analysis will be
done. Since this is a study based on Duqum, a location in Oman, a site visit to determine the
disposal, transportation, and treatment of the wastewater. In unconventional oil and gas
operation, samples on the fluid should be carried for lab tests to determine their exact
components. Afterward, the wastewater volume is then determined according to (Sugai, 2013).
Facilities equipment and permissions/ authorization
The first step is to search for lab reports to determine the fluid concentration, an experimental
analysis of the fluid samples from the oil and gas refinery. Second questionnaires can also be
administered to Duqum residents to get their views on the existing wastewater management
practices. This will give the research clear information on the effect of the current practices on
the environment and therefore help to formulating a better method of managing the wastewater.
This research will be carried out with close consultation with the Ministry of oil and gas (MOG)
in Oman, the Ministry of climatic and environmental affairs (MECA), and the International
College of engineering and management.
References
Reynolds, E., 2014, the drilling process in oil zones in Oman. Petroleum engineering society
in the Middle East. [Online], available at:
https://www.onlinelibrarywileycom/ [accessed 2020 March 02]
Bruce, C 2012. Wastewater and sludge management. [Online], available at:
https://www.oilandgasoperations.co.uk/ [accessed 2020 March. 22].
Sugai, Y 2013. The chemical composition of oil fields in Oman. [Online], available at:
http://www.academiaedu/download/Microbialconsortiainomanoilfield [accessed 2020 Jan 22]
Ann, 2018. Impacts of wastewater metals in the environment. [Online], available at:
https://www.arcpublichealth.oilcountriesl.com/articles/10.1186/, [accessed 2020 Feb 10].
Pollastro, M., 2009. Oman: Geological Overview of the oil fields in the Middle.Geological
Survey. [Online], available at:
https://pubs.usgs.gov/bul/b2167/b2167.pdf [accessed 2020 Feb 16
Mackerel, 2007. Hazards experienced on construction sites in Oman. [Online], available at:
https://www.omanoilsector/safety/, [accessed 2020 Jan 18]
Glennie, W 2005. The geological and topographic layout across Oman oil fields. [Online],
available at:
http://jpg.co.uk/geology_oman_mountains.pdf [accessed 2020 Jan 18]
Drexel, I 2009. Wastewater management plan in Middle East countries. [Online], available at:
https://www.oilproductioninmiddleeasts/ [accessed 2020 Feb 14]
Cordesman, H., 2018. Challenges faced in the treatment and disposal of wastewater from the
oil refineries in Oman. Rout ledge. [Online], available at:
https://www.onepetro.org/conference-paper [accessed 2020 March 15
Hatmi, Y 2018, challenges facing oil production wells in the Middle East. [Online], available at:
http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download. [accessed 2020 March 15]
PART 2: RISK ASSESSMENT FORM
Risk Assessment For
Department / School: ICEM
Location of Activity: Duqum
Nature of activity:
REF:
List significant
hazards here:
List groups of
List existing controls, or refer to safety
people who are
procedures, etc.
at risk:
1. Fire explosions
• Workers
• Fire extinguishers
and visitors
• Hose rails
at the oil
• Fire-resistant walls and doors
wells.
• Fire alarm
•
2. Chemicals
exposure
•
Duqum
residents.
workers at
the
disposal
end of the
wastewater
•
•
•
Treatment of the wastewater before
disposal.
Removal of metals from the
wastewater before discharging it.
Personal protective equipment
For risks, which are not
adequately controlled, list the
action needed.
• Induction for new fire
hazards
• Effective control of oil and
gas leakages
• Mock drills
•
•
•
Effective wastewater
treatment in the treatment
facilities.
Controlling exposure at
source ( ventilation systems
)
Segregation of hazardous
process from the operators
Remaining
level of risk: H,
M, or L.
M
H
3. Injuries by
machinery
4. Chronic
illnesses
•
•
•
5. Exposure to
heavy metals
•
•
6. Exposure to
hazardous
fumes
Machinery
operators
Regular training of the
workers who run the
machines.
CCTV monitoring systems
M
•
•
•
Personal protective equipment’s
Fixed guards
Regular maintenance on the
machinery
Workers in the
oil and station
Public near the
disposal
locations
•
Protective garments to prevent
exposure to the oil and gas products
Evacuation and compensation of
people near the wastewater
dumping regions.
•
Training the public on the
dangers of these oil
products
H
Workers and
visitors at the
oil and gas
station
Public at
Duqum
• Workers
and visitors
at the oil
and gas
station
•
The underground injection helps in
the disposal of oils far from the oil
and gas station.
Personal protective equipment
•
Transferring the wastewater
to a treatment facility by
underground drilling and
cuttings
H
Designing a treatment chamber for
the exhaust gases before releasing
them into the atmosphere
Breathing appliance mask
Training for stuff
•
H
•
Protective garments for the
residents near the station
Training for public living
nearby the station
Ladders and escalators are
provided
Adequate footwear’s
Proper housekeeping
Signboards
•
•
Automatic driven Elevators
Ground levelling
L
•
7. Falls
•
•
Public at
Duqum
Workers
and visitors
at the oil
and gas
station
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
8. Oil spillages
9. Respiratory
illnesses
•
•
Workers
and visitors
at the oil
and gas
station
•
•
•
Personnel
at the
refinery
•
•
10. Electrical and
Other
Hazardous
Energy
•
Worker
and visitors
at the
station
•
Use of enhanced recovery wells
Housekeeping
Fire extinguisher
•
M
Ventilation system in
storages
•
Adequate drainage system
Odor removal sump has been set
up though not effectively
operational.
Breathing appliance
•
Ensure that the amount of energy is
regulated
•
Effluent wastewater should
be channelled to a treatment
tank situated far from the
station
Ensure no leakages in the
channelling pipes through
pipes maintenance
Ensure that there are back
up sources of energy in the
event of an outage
•
M
H
2
Part 1: Dissertation.
STUDY ON EFFLUENT WASTEWATER MANAGEMENT IN OIL AND GAS OPERATIONS IN
DUQUM REFINERIES MUSCAT
Introduction
The Effluent volumes of wastewater from oil refineries have had an exponential increase
within a few years. This is attributed to the increase in both the number and the production
scale of oil and gas refineries all-over the world. Also, the increase can be attributed to
the fact that petroleum refineries need remarkable amounts of freshwater, which in turn
becomes wastewater. The wastewater produced by the petroleum companies exposes
human life to life-threatening harms and hazards which, if not well if not properly treated
can lead to immense negative effects on public health and both the environment. Proper
treatment of this wastewater leads to a harm-free zone and also has additional
advantages since the water can be useful in carrying out agricultural practices in some
circumstances.
In the sultanate of Oman, Oil and gas is a major contributor to the country’s economy.
According to a report on the key contributing factors in the country produced in 2017, the
oil and gas sector accounted for about 68% of the country’s revenue. The fact that Oman
is the leading nation in the production of oil and natural gas in the Middle East makes the
keen study on the management practices carried out in the petroleum stations important.
(Mackerel, 2007) In Oman, septic tanks are mostly used to handle the wastewater from
oil and gas refineries and also to contain the municipal waste. These methods have
proven in-effective and therefore the need for a keen study on the current wastewater
treatment and proposition on how this can be improved becomes a vital field of study.
Duqum is a region in the south of Oman which is characterized by rich located along the
pristine blue Arabian sea. It is characterized by the commercial port which allows easy
transporting of oil products through the Arabian sea, an airport, a petroleum refinery, a
natural gas supply plant, and power and water distribution channels. This is the location
of the study since the oil refinery station leads to a production of large effluent of
wastewater by which some of it ends in the Arabian Sea polluting on a major scale
(Cordesman, 2018). Though the wastewater management plan from this oil refinery has
proven efficient to a certain degree, there is a niche in the collection, channelling
networks, and treatment processes. These gaps build the basis for my dissertation.
Literature review
Wastewater turns out to be a by-product in almost every industrial process. Because
industrialization has become a key element in the current generation, the amounts of
effluent wastewater have become immense.in some countries, the effluents have
increased beyond containment and have therefore led to vast dangers to the public health
and also the environment. The direct impact of the wastewater on human health is the
surge in deaths resulting in water-related illnesses such as cholera. With this level of
industrialization, the community is faced with a major challenge to manage the
wastewater produced since it cannot get rid of wastewater production. In the Sultanate of
Oman, Oil and gas production is an economic activity contributing to over 65% of the
country’s revenue.
According to a report by Yuan Hatmi, the country in 2018, the
Sultanate of Oman is the leading oil and gas producer in the world. This makes a proper
wastewater water management practice essential. Broken down, the country has various
petroleum refineries in each of its provinces. In Duqum, which is the study area for this
project, the wastewater management plan majorly consists of septic tanks that are
connected to the oil refineries by a set of polyvinyl chloride (PV) pipes. This technique
has proven to be insufficient since the Duqum oil and gas station produces over 10000m3
of wastewater a month. This has led to the disposal of untreated wastewater into the
Arabian sea. In this dissertation, I discuss the alternative method of wastewater treatment
and disposal to subsidize the septic tanks Also discussed are the wastewater
management and disposal practices. The unconventional oil and gas wells in Duqum gas
generates immense volumes of wastewater during the extraction (Hatmi, 2018). The
mixture of the oil and gas contains a certain percentage of water and therefore keen
disposal practices should be taken in these oil wells.
currently, there are existing
guidelines produced by the environmental protection agency (EPA) which are adhered to
by the oil and gas wells in the sultanate of Oman. These guidelines set the qualities of
the effluent from the wells and also the rules on the release of wastewater from oil and
gas operations into ocean waters. These rules directly impact the oil well in Duqum since
there have been notable levels of pollution on the Arabian Sea and this calls for the study
on which sector is a failure and also proposes a solution to this pre-existing problem. After
keen scrutiny of the water quality on the Arabian sea, there has been a deterioration in
its clarity and its odour. This calls for the oil and gas operators to employ the use of
underground injection as the primary way of wastewater management. It is because the
underground injection ensures that the effluent is disposed of in the deepest horizons of
the soil. It ensures that both public health and the environment are protected. In addition
to the underground injection method, disposal wells, and the enhanced recovery wells in
their wastewater management practice are modern and efficient methods of managing
wastewater produced in the oil and gas operations. (Pollastro, 2009). Under the disposal
wells, the operators should make use of three basic methods to manage the effluent
produced in the unconventional oil and gas stations. These are;
• Wastewater disposal using the class II wells
The class II wells hold much wastewater as compare to the septic tanks. Also, they are
dug deeper in the ground and there is little tampering with both the conveying pipes and
the wells. Also, the wells are situated far from the oil and gas station assuring safety to
the workers and the public
• 2R-Reusing and recycling the wastewater into other fracturing jobs
After the removal of the harmful elements from wastewater, for instance, carcinogenic
heavy metals, the wastewater can be recycled to be used in agricultural practices.
• Transferring the wastewater to a treatment facility by underground drilling and cuttings.
Since the oil and gas stations in Oman produce large volumes of wastewater which must
be disposed of regularly, it is important to design both cuts and drills to channel the water
to treatment chambers to purify the water before disposal.
The wastewater treatment process involves Injecting the unconventional oil and gas
through pumping of the waste products into an underground injection has been the most
common wastewater management method among UOG operators .this process involves
directing the wastes into an underground aquifer which has a confining layer of
underground impermeable rock to avoid seepage into oceans and a porous on the upper
part to facilitate the downward movement of the wastewater through the aquifer (Bruce,
2012)
Also, a keen analysis of the types of wastewater generated by oil and gas wells is
important in this study. According to a report given by the, there are three types which
include: drilling wastewater, long-term produced water, and flow back. Understanding the
types of wastewater in this oil and gas well will help in proposing suitable ways of
managing the wastewater from the refineries in this location. Before determining the
efficient method of wastewater disposal and treatment in Duqum, it is critical to determine
the substances in the wastewater produced at these refineries. This is because the
wastewater composition differs in different stations and therefore the method employed
should be both specific and effective.
References
Reynolds, E., 2014, the drilling process in oil zones in Oman. Petroleum engineering
society in the Middle East. [Online], available at:
https://www.onlinelibrarywileycom/ [accessed 2020 March 02]
Bruce, C 2012. Wastewater and sludge management. [Online], available at:
https://www.oilandgasoperations.co.uk/ [accessed 2020 March. 22].
Sugai, Y 2013. The chemical composition of oil fields in Oman. [Online], available at:
http://www.academiaedu/download/Microbialconsortiainomanoilfield [accessed 2020 Jan
22]
Ann, 2018. Impacts of wastewater metals in the environment. [Online], available at:
https://www.arcpublichealth.oilcountriesl.com/articles/10.1186/, [accessed 2020 Feb 10].
Pollastro, M., 2009. Oman: Geological Overview of the oil fields in the Middle.Geological
Survey. [Online], available at:
https://pubs.usgs.gov/bul/b2167/b2167.pdf [accessed 2020 Feb 16
Mackerel, 2007. Hazards experienced on construction sites in Oman. [Online], available
at:
https://www.omanoilsector/safety/, [accessed 2020 Jan 18]
Glennie, W 2005. The geological and topographic layout across Oman oil fields. [Online],
available at:
http://jpg.co.uk/geology_oman_mountains.pdf [accessed 2020 Jan 18]
Drexel, I 2009. Wastewater management plan in Middle East countries. [Online], available
at:
https://www.oilproductioninmiddleeasts/ [accessed 2020 Feb 14]
Cordesman, H., 2018. Challenges faced in the treatment and disposal of wastewater from
the oil refineries in Oman. Rout ledge. [Online], available at:
https://www.onepetro.org/conference-paper [accessed 2020 March 15
Hatim, Y 2018, challenges facing oil production wells in the Middle East. [Online],
available at:
http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download. [accessed 2020 March 15]

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