Petrobras Representatives Visit Department Geoenergy

A delegation from Petrobras, including Rodrigo Yugi Ikuta Tobisawa, Aline Mota de Souza, Antonio Carlos Ramos Junior, and Fabio Pimenta Bernardez, recently visited the Department Geoenergy. During their visit, WIP Platform members and employees of the Chair of Drilling and Completion Engineering gave them an extensive tour of the department's laboratories, showcasing ongoing research and the advanced equipment used for various projects.

The tour highlighted key projects focused on CO₂, our flow loop system, the Minirig and other, offering an in-depth look into the research done by WIP. The visit was highly productive, with both parties expressing optimism about potential future collaboration. The exchange of ideas and exploration of ongoing research could pave the way for joint projects and further engagement between Petrobras and the WIP Platform.

New Research Publication by Thomas Sammer and the WIP Team

We are pleased to announce the latest research publication by Thomas Sammer and the WIP team, titled "Insight into Carbon Black and Silica Fume as Cement Additives for Geoenergy Wells: Linking Mineralogy to Mechanical and Physical Properties." (Thomas Sammer, Arash Nasiri, Nikolaos Kostoglou, Krishna Ravi and Johann G. Raith)

This study explores the challenging demands on cements used in geoenergy wells, focusing on enhancing the durability and permeability of cement sheaths. By investigating Class G cement and comparing it to formulations containing carbon black and silica fume, the research provides new insights into how these additives influence the microstructure, porosity, and mechanical properties of the cement.

Key findings include the development of a denser microstructure and reduced porosity with the addition of carbon black and silica fume. The research also reveals that while carbon black reduces the Young’s modulus, resulting in more plastic behavior, silica fume enhances both mechanical strength and permeability. The study emphasizes that similar improvements can be achieved through careful adjustments of the water/cement ratio in the initial slurry.

This work offers valuable contributions to the geoenergy industry and well integrity, providing a deeper understanding of how cement additives can be optimized to meet the requirements for downhole materials.

We congratulate Thomas Sammer and the entire WIP team on this publication! The full article is available now for detailed reading at MDPI Open Access Journal.

Autumn School on CCUS in Leoben, Austria

Autumn School on CCUS (Carbon Capture Utilization and Storage)

What: Carbon capture technologies, CO2 transport systems and networks, CO2 utilization options, CO2 geological storage: Geology, CO2 containment, subsurface processes, ongoing CCS projects, and future options for Austria 

For: Stakeholders, decision-makers, implementers and interested parties

From: MUL experts from the various disciplines

➔ Get full details at geoenergy.engineering/ccus-2024

WIP Members Participate in the SPE Summer Event

Students from the WIP Platform recently attended the SPE Vienna Basin Traditional Summer Event at Pálffy Castle near Bratislava, an informative gathering focused on the latest developments in the oil and gas industry. The event, attended by over 80 participants, provided a great opportunity for students to connect with industry professionals and learn about current trends.

The event began with opening remarks from Terry Palisch, SPE International Director, and Pierre Emmanuel d'Huart, SPE European Director. Presentations covered a range of topics, including integrated reservoir modeling for CCUS, sustainable oil production, and data-driven solutions in the energy sector. Speakers included Roman Zavada (NAFTA a.s.), Tibor Toth and Peter Toth (Rock Flow Dynamics), and Mohammed Attaba (OPEC).

Students appreciated the chance to engage with experts in the field and found the event both informative and valuable for their future careers. As a bonus, they received free books from the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE), focusing on oil and gas topics.

The day wrapped up with a castle tour and a dinner, offering additional opportunities for networking.

DEAe Meeting 2024 in Bergen, Norway

The European Drilling Engineering Association (DEAe) took place on June 6^th and 7^th in Bergen, Norway, hosted by Equinor. The event featured discussions on the current state and future directions of drilling fluids, cementing, and waste management technologies.

Dr. Michael Prohaska, our WIP Deputy Managing Director, was invited to give a well-received presentation on one of the latest developments of WIP entitled “Laboratory setup to continuously monitor cement sheath integrity when exposed to CO₂ under downhole conditions.” This work addresses the challenges associated with maintaining cement integrity in environments affected by CO₂, a common issue in drilling operations.

The DEAe meeting provided a forum for professionals to exchange information and explore new ideas in drilling engineering, continuing the association’s focus on technological progress and industry challenges.

Well Integrity Platform Workshop 2024

The fourth annual Well Integrity Platform (WIP) Workshop wrapped up on April 25, 2024, in Leoben.

This event brought together over 30 professionals from industry and academia to engage in fruitful discussions about well integrity. The workshop featured presentations from companies such as OMV and Equinor, along with several interesting technical talks delivered by industry partners and experts from Montanuniversität:

• Faisal Al-Nakeeb (SNOC) discussed "Integrity of Barrier Elements, Observed in the Field.”
• Dipl.-Ing. Dr.mont. Asad Elmgerbi focused on "Enhancing Well Integrity through Sensor Innovations."
• Univ.- Prof. PhD Keita Yoshioka tackled "Geothermal Wells Modeling and Integrity."
• Dr.mont. Oleksandr Glushko (Department Material Science) talked about “Laboratory Characterization of Metals.”

The “gallery walk” sessions highlighted key research areas our department is working on in the field of well integrity. Participants had the opportunity to have a tour at our cutting-edge laboratories and discuss our findings, which included:

• In-situ monitoring of CO2 and cement interaction
• Insights on CO2 sequestration
• CCS Data Analytics
• Fast mineral detection through topological investigation
• Improved application of non-destructive strength measurement
• Real-time autonomous decision making in well construction
• Hydrogen and downhole cement interaction
• Resin for remediation
• Application of fiber optics in well integrity monitoring
• Hyperbaric welding for downhole application
• Flow characterization

Networking events provided opportunities for informal interactions, with dinners hosted at Schwarzer Hund and Brückl Wirt, enhancing the collaborative atmosphere. The workshop concluded with a brainstorming session on "Testing of Metal Barrier Elements" and a feedback session to pave the way forward. Throughout the event, participants from companies like Petrobras, Wintershall DEA, Petrom, eni, TotalEnergies, OMV, SNOC, Equinor, TDE, GTN, and Chandler Engineering, engaged deeply, sharing insights and discussing future projects to advance well integrity practices.

The Well Integrity Platform is a unique collaboration between the university and industry led by Prof. Kris Ravi and Prof. Michael Prohaska. We focus on well integrity, sustainability, novel materials, digitalization and automation, over the lifecycle of an asset; well construction, well operation, well remediation and repurposing, and well abandonment . The collaboration established through WIP and the workshops leads to networking, strengthens the bond between the researchers and companies and and helps in solving industry challenges.

Special thanks were extended to the whole team who worked on the organization of the workshop, as well as the speakers and attendees for their contributions and discussions. We look forward to the next WIP Workshop, aiming to expand the scope of collaboration and innovation in the field of well integrity.

Virtual Lab Tour Now Available!

Discover Our New 3D Virtual Laboratory Tour

We are pleased to announce the launch of our 3D Virtual Laboratory Tour, a digital platform that allows you to explore our advanced laboratory facilities from your device. This interactive tour includes features like API cement testing areas, strength measurement stations, and dynamic injection systems for hydrogen, methane, and CO2.

To access the virtual tour and learn more about the features and navigation instructions, simply click here. Please note, the initial loading might take up to one minute. This virtual experience is part of our ongoing efforts to enhance accessibility to our research facilities and foster a greater understanding of scientific processes.

Explore our laboratory at your convenience and get a closer look at the technology driving today's innovations.

CCUS Autumn School: Kris Ravi on CO2 Containment

In a recent milestone for Montanuniversität Leoben, the first Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) Autumn School concluded successfully, drawing professionals from various sectors to delve into cutting-edge CCUS technologies. Organized by the Chair of Reservoir Engineering, the week-long program provided comprehensive insights into the entire CCUS technology chain.

MUL experts such as Markus Ellersdorfer, Thomas Kienberger, Jakob Kulich, David Misch, Holger Ott, and Kris Ravi, Managing Director of WIP, covered diverse topics, including carbon capture, CO₂ transport, geological conditions, storage, containment, projects, and utilization. Kris Ravi's specific focus on CO₂ containment enriched discussions, shedding light on well integrity—an essential aspect of carbon capture and storage.

Addressing well integrity concerns is crucial in ensuring the safe and effective containment of CO₂. Kris Ravi's expertise contributed significantly to understanding the challenges and solutions related to CO₂ containment, aligning with the broader goal of advancing knowledge in this critical field.

The success of the CCUS Autumn School not only provided a valuable educational experience but also facilitated networking and collaboration among participants. The positive feedback from both speakers and attendees underscores the event's significance in advancing decarbonization efforts. As anticipation grows for the next CCUS School in Leoben, the potential for a Spring edition holds promise for further strides in Austria's journey towards sustainable and responsible carbon management.

Felix Hahn at the OMC Med Energy 2023

From October 24th to 26th, our MSc student Felix Hahn represented DPE at the "OMC Med Energy 2023" Conference as a speaker. Felix delivered a presentation on "A cutting-edge approach in cement testing for carbon capture and storage applications." The conference, which experienced a delayed start due to regional floods in Emilia-Romagna and Ravenna, attracted a substantial turnout with over 14,000 participants.

Focused on energy and innovation, OMC Med Energy provided a platform for global industry experts, authorities, and associations, with 400 exhibitors from 27 countries engaging in discussions on decarbonization, transition, and energy security. The event showcased the involvement of over 600 students from the Mediterranean region and beyond, highlighting the potential of the younger generation in the dynamic Innovation Room. We extend our congratulations to Felix Hahn for his notable participation and appreciate his efforts in presenting our WIP research project to such a large audience.

Sharen Leon at the SPE/APOGCE 2023 Conference in Jakarta

Dipl.-Ing. Sharen Leon presented her We3D research project at the SPE/IATMI Asia Pacific Oil & Gas Conference and Exhibition (APOGCE) held in Jakarta, Indonesia. The APOGCE 2023, themed "Managing the Base During the Net Zero Transition," provided a platform for industry leaders and experts to discuss strategies for maintaining productivity, sustainability, and business resilience in the evolving energy landscape.

Ms. Leon’s research titled "Hyperbaric Welding and Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing for Downhole Applications in the Oil and Gas Industry," focuses on developing efficient and cost-effective methods for addressing challenges in the oil and gas sector, particularly in well plugging and abandonment operations. The study explores the proof of concept of a Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM) process under hyperbaric conditions, aiming to revolutionize wellbore P&A with corrosion-resistant steel barriers.

During the conference, the participants had the opportunity to connect with fellow professionals, exchange technical and cultural experiences, and share innovative ideas. The DPE team congratulates Dipl.-Ing. Sharen Leon for her participation at the conference and looks forward to her future contributions to both academia and industry.

Read more about Ms. Leon's research here

New Paper on Cement Integrity in Underground Hydrogen Storage Wells

Arash Nasiri Explores Cement Integrity in Underground Hydrogen Storage Wells

Arash Nasiri recently presented his paper, "An Interdisciplinary Approach to Investigate the Cement Integrity for Underground Hydrogen Storage Wells," at the SPE EuropEC - Europe Energy Conference, hosted during the 84th EAGE Annual Conference & Exhibition.

Dipl.-Ing. Nasiri's research addresses uncertainties surrounding underground hydrogen storage (UHS), emphasizing its role in the energy transition. The study delves into the behavior of hydrogen-methane mixtures in storage wells, with a specific focus on their impact on cement elements.

Cylindrical samples of three cement types underwent exposure to varying hydrogen-methane mixtures under pressure and ambient temperature. The investigation covered mineralogical, mechanical, and petrophysical aspects, revealing a gas-permeability change of 10-1 to 10-2 mD. Nasiri's findings indicate that, under specified conditions, hydrogen exposure, even at 100%, does not compromise well integrity.

The paper, available for access at OnePetro, was developed in collaboration with industry and academic partners. It establishes a baseline for future experiments on hydrogen's effects in storage wells, providing valuable insights into ensuring the stability of underground hydrogen storage facilities.

Presenting the DAWI Project at Interpore 2023 Conference

InterPore conference at Edinburgh was a fascinating opportunity to present the first deliverable of DAWI project to the experts of porous media where it was well received by intellectual critics. Moreover the conference provided new insights into improving the quality and reliability µCT voxel-based images as the foundation of DAWI project.

Well Integrity Platform Workshop 2022

Our 3^rd Well Integrity Platform Workshop took place on October 18-20, 2022, in Leoben Austria.

WIP members, DPE staff and industry representatives from OMV, TotalEnergies, Petrobras, Chandler, Halliburton, Eni, ADX Energy Ltd, RAG Austria AG, Equinor, PEMEX, Wintershall Dea, SNOC, tde and Baker Hughes gather together at DPE after 2 years of COVID restrictions. During the 3-day event, the participants had plenty of opportunities to discuss the current projects, present the results and brainstorm new ideas.

The workshop consisted of the gallery walk to our laboratories, where the guests had an opportunity to dive into the research conducted at DPE. CT scan in the reservoir lab, MiniRig in the drilling lab as well as the Pump & Sucker Rod Test Facility were the highlights of the tour. At the same time a lot of important topics were presented, such as:

• Effect of Hydrogen and Methane on Downhole Cements
• Hydrogen: Reservoirs and Well Integrity
• Flow Digitalization: Capturing Fluid Flow Profile
• Real‐Time Autonomous Decision‐Making in Well Construction
• Innovative Detection of Undesirable Drilling Events
• Effect of CO₂ on Cement Sheath Integrity
• Effective CCS Digitalization and Data Analysis

The workshop was followed by breakout sessions in small teams to share knowledge and experience in CO₂ capture and storage, H₂ technologies and digitalization. Several team-building activities like a visit to the Gösser museum, kegeln and dinners at Schwarzer Hund and Gasthof Alltman allowed the participants to get together, socialize and build connections and meaningful relationships.

Well Integrity Platform is a unique collaboration between the university and industry led by Prof. Ravi and Dr. Prohaska. It focuses on various fascinating projects related to the well construction, casing leaks, drilling operations and digitalization of processes. Such workshops strengthen the bond between the researchers and companies and bring in life new ideas and solutions.

We are very grateful for the fruitful and productive discussions that we had and we are looking forward to meeting all the partners again at the next event!

Special thanks to our WIP members OMV, TotalEnergies, Petrobras, and Chandler Engineering, represented by Sabine Wagner and Jovan Stojkovski (OMV), María Pérez Fernández (TotalEnergies), Ingrid Ezechiello (Petrobras), and Robert MacLeod (Chandler). As well as project partners and representatives from global operators and service providers, Kyriacos Agapiou (Halliburton), Fabio Parrozza (Eni), Alan REINGRUBER and Maria Pham (ADX Energy Ltd), Gerald Sam (RAG Austria AG), Rune Godøy (Equinor), Sergio Alberto Sosa Solis (PEMEX), Karsten Karl Krückert (Wintershall Dea), Faisal Al-Nakeeb (Sharjah National Oil Corporation (SNOC), Bernhard Lungwitz (tde) and Yasser Haddad (Baker Hughes).

Virtual WIP Workshop 2021

DPE academic staff and students hosted the second WIP Workshop on May 18 and 19, 2021.

WIP members and industry delegates from Baker Hughes, Chandler, ENI, Equinor, Halliburton, OMV, Petrobras, Saudi Aramco, TDE, TOTAL and WintershallDea attended the Virtual WIP Workshop 2021.  With representatives from the United States, Brazil, Germany, Italy, Norway, France, and Austria, the event was held online due to COVID-19 restrictions.

During the 2-day event, DPE academic staff, studentsand professionals presented and discussed research projects in four sessions:

• Effect of Hydrogen, Methane, CO2 on Cement Sheath Integrity
• Digital Flow Loop & Measurement Techniques
• In-Situ Cement Sheath Fatigue Evaluation, Ultrasonic Correlations & Wellbore Cleaning Techniques
• SAAB, Well Restoration, Additive Manufacturing & MiniRig

The DPE staff prepared a virtual video tour to show the laboratory facilities and research. In addition, networking activities were organized, including WIPacks with Austrian goodies that were sent in advanced to further the connection between attendees.

The virtual event was highly productive, insightful, and fun thanks to all participants and their fruitful discussions as well as the use of the networking software Remo.In their feedback, allattendees expressed their keenness in participating in further DPE activities and next year’s workshop to meet again.

WIP member Petrobras visits DPE

The Brazilian National Oil Company, Petrobras, one of the members of the Well Integrity Platform (WIP), visited DPE from November 8 to 12.

Dr. Crisitane Richard de Miranda, Petrobras representative, visited DPE and attended a series of presentations on well integrity ongoing projects at the Chair of Drilling and Completion Engineering. The 3-day meeting was organized by the WIP team, which also coordinated a laboratory tour through the DPE and MUL facilities.

Topics related to digitalization, cement bond integrity evaluation, fiber optics applications, plug cementing, non-shrinking sealant materials, in-situ evaluation of cement degradation under CO2 and other corrosive fluids and WIMS were comprehensively discussed.

"I really appreciated all the discussions we had about the projects conducted by the Department Petroleum Engineering. The projects are very interesting and important for the Oil & Gas Industry. The meetings were very productive and I´m very happy PETROBRAS is taking part of the Well Integrity Platform," Dr. Richard de Miranda expressed.

WIP Workshop & Lab Opening 2019

DPE academic staff and students hosted the first WIP Workshop. The event took place at the DPE buildings from August 21-23, 2019.

WIP member and industry delegates from Austria, United States, Germany, Russia, Norway, France, Brazil, and Italy connected and gathered during the first WIP Workshop at DPE. Prof. Ravi led the workshop where they presented and discussed various well integrity challenges and solutions and created effective network.

During the 3-day event, DPE academic staff and graduate students presented and discussed their research projects, results, and recommendations. WIP members and industry delegates also joined a tour through the state of the art, well-equipped laboratories at DPE and other departments at MUL. The entire event, technical and social, was a remarkable success and the participants expressed they are looking forward to active participation in DPE activities and the next workshop to meet again.

Impressions of the WIP Workshop event here. 

Petrobras representative visits DPE

Mrs. Cristiane Richard de Miranda, Petroleum Chemist at Petrobras, visited DPE.

Dr. Cristiane Richard de Miranda, Petrobras representative, met DPE’s academic and scientific staff on November 9^th, 2018.

One of the main objectives of this meeting was to present to our guest, current Post-doc, PhD and Master thesis projects from the Chair of Drilling and Completion as well as introduce the University facilities.

As a part of the activities of the Well Integrity Platform (WIP), led by Prof. Kris Ravi, potential collaboration on this topic was also discussed.

“I was very pleased to have had the opportunity to visit the Department of Petroleum Engineering at Montanuniversität Leoben. There, I knew very interesting projects presented with enthusiasm by people from all over the globe, together, contributing to the development of the petroleum science,” Mrs. Richard de Miranda said.

What is WIP?

WIP is an international research and education platform at Montanuniversität Leoben (MUL) that will focus on well integrity problems and solutions.

WIP aims to bring together global operators, service providers, manufacturers, universities and technology providers with distinctive and complementary skills to contribute toward and benefit from the solutions developed. The strength of the platform lies in its independence and its ability to draw on the experience of personnel that have successfully worked in the industry to provide real-world solutions. WIP will have highly motivated professionals, students and staff drawn from across the globe.

For more information please visit wip.dpe.ac.at

DPE Scores 3^rd Place in Worldwide Ranking

According to the renowned CEOWORLD Magazine, Department Petroleum Engineering (DPE) at Montanuniversität Leoben is ranked third in the "World's Best Universities for Oil, Gas and Petroleum Engineering" study.

The survey carried out on behalf of the renowned CEOWORLD Magazine places DPE at Montanuniversität Leoben as the third world’s best university for oil, gas, and petroleum engineering with a score of 98.3 out of 100.

World’s Best Universities for Oil, Gas, and Petroleum Engineering in 2017 by the CEOWORLD Magazine is based on six major indicators of quality; overall score is the sum of academic reputation, admission eligibility, job placement rate, recruiter feedback, specialization and, global reputation and influence.

CEOWORLD Magazine surveyed 85,000 people in 52 countries. The overall score are numerical scores given to the universities based on students, industry professionals, and recruiter feedback — measuring the quality of the university.

"A few years ago, we reached 7^th place worldwide in the field of Material Science, now we rank top 3 in Petroleum Engineering. In my opinion, this is another milestone proving our focus on excellence in teaching and research," Rector Univ.-Prof. Dr. Wilfried Eichlseder said. 

Link: "World's Best Universities for Oil, Gas and Petroleum Engineering in 2017" , CEOWORLD Magazine

WIP Member Area Opens Soon

Members have an advantage. We are happy to announce the opening of the new WIP Member area in November 2017 where Members and Partners will have access to regularly updated information and results produced from WIP Core Research.

WIP Website Launched

Welcome to the new Home of the Well Integrity Platform. The website has been launched on July 4, 2017 and we hope to make Industry and Academia interested in our activities.

This site should become a knowledge exchange platform for our Members and partners as well as an information platform for all who would like to learn more about an emerging important topic, the safety and integrity of both old and new wellbore installations. We invite you to get to know us better.