What can I study?

Drilling And Production

Overview

Optimum and robust design of wells and associated production systems are central to successful field development and to maximising the recovery of hydrocarbon.

The drilling aspects of field development are being integrated by correlating drilling related data (mud logs, rate of penetration etc.) with geological and geophysical data. Currently a project is analysing a drilling database and formulating correlations between these and the well logging data.

A recent activity has been the use of underbalance drilling to reduce formation damage. This topic has been examined in the past, but the advantages over conventional drilling techniques are of interest in improving reservoir deliverability. Phase 1 results have shown the effects of formation damage and borehole stress on the productivity of the formation.

A number of projects are focusing on ways to reduce the operating and environmental costs associated with water handling. The increasing volume of produced water, more stringent environmental regulations and a need to improve cost efficiency of operating practices has been the motivation for this effort. Projects include optimisation of produced water reinjection, investigation of opportunities for down hole separation and analysis of water problems associated with naturally fractured reservoirs.

Intelligent wells allow the installation, operation, monitoring and control of completions without the need for conventional interventions. This increases the value of the hydrocarbon reserves. Projects are modelling these wells and the development of methodologies to quantify their benefit, aid the design and specification of remote control and monitoring systems, and improve reservoir management and profitability.

English language requirements

If your first language is not English, or your first degree was not taught in English, we�ll need to see evidence of your English language ability. The minimum requirement for English language is IELTS 6.5 or equivalent. We offer a range of English language courses to help you meet the English language requirement prior to starting your masters programme: