Session 12. Oral Presentation for: Field trials of bentonite as abandonment material for underground coal gasification wells in Queensland, Australia
A. Shapoval A *A
Dr Artur Shapoval is a Well Engineer with over 10 years of experience in petroleum engineering and analytics, specialising in well construction and abandonment, special and digital core analysis, enhanced oil recovery technologies, reservoir characterisation, geochemical analysis and business analytics. He has worked on projects in Australia, Brunei and Russia, and holds a PhD in Petroleum Engineering (2022) from the University of New South Wales. Currently based in Brisbane, Artur works at inGauge Energy and has previous experience with the University of New South Wales and Weatherford in Russia. |
Abstract
Presented on 28 May 2025: Session 12
The decommissioning of wells, particularly in response to the rising environmental and economic challenges, has become an urgent priority globally. In Queensland, Australia, the decommissioning of wells associated with underground coal gasification (UCG) presents unique risks due to the shallow coal formations and potential groundwater contamination. This study explores the efficacy of bentonite as an alternative abandonment material. We present field trials from the Bloodwood Creek UCG facility, involving the abandonment of three wells with bentonite as a primary sealing material. In addition, benchtop tests were completed to evaluate bentonite’s hydration compatibility with field water samples. The outcomes suggest the necessity for specific laboratory testing procedures tailored to bentonite’s unique properties, highlighting its capacity for rehydration and potential sealing capability post-failure. These findings contribute empirical data towards optimising well abandonment methods that address both environmental sustainability and economic feasibility.
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Keywords: bentonite, environmental sustainability, regulatory compliance, reservoir isolation, underground coal gasification, well abandonment.
Dr Artur Shapoval is a Well Engineer with over 10 years of experience in petroleum engineering and analytics, specialising in well construction and abandonment, special and digital core analysis, enhanced oil recovery technologies, reservoir characterisation, geochemical analysis and business analytics. He has worked on projects in Australia, Brunei and Russia, and holds a PhD in Petroleum Engineering (2022) from the University of New South Wales. Currently based in Brisbane, Artur works at inGauge Energy and has previous experience with the University of New South Wales and Weatherford in Russia. |
