Field trials of bentonite as abandonment material for underground coal gasification wells in Queensland, Australia
A. Shapoval A * , J. Bunning A , S. Hann A , C. Johns B and A. Sommerfeld CA
B
C
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. |
Jordan Bunning is a Principal Engineer and founding member of inGauge Energy, with over 17 years of experience in complex well execution and project management across conventional oil and gas, HPHT, coal seam gas and deep-water bores. He has held key roles such as Drilling Manager, Drilling Team Leader, Senior Drilling Engineer and Drilling and Completion Engineer, with expertise in rig operations, well design and complex project planning and execution. Jordan has led several of inGauge Energy’s most successful projects, including serving as in situ Drilling Manager for Westside Corporation, Comet Ridge and Empire Energy’s Northern Territory Carpentaria 1 well. He has worked onshore and offshore in Australia, the United Kingdom, Africa, Papua New Guinea and the Middle East. Jordan holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Petroleum Engineering from the University of New South Wales (2003) and has prior experience with Oil Search Limited, Santos Ltd, Origin Energy and Roc Oil. |
Dr Simon Hann is a Principal Engineer and Founding Partner of inGauge Energy, with over 20 years of operational experience in well engineering across conventional oil and gas, geothermal, HPHT and coal seam gas drilling and completions. His experience includes 4 years in offshore operations with semi-submersibles, tender assists, drill ships and jack-ups, as well as 14 years in management roles such as Operations Manager, Drilling Team Leader, Drilling and Completions Manager and Production Manager. Simon holds a PhD in Materials Science (1998), a Master of Engineering Science (1993) and a Bachelor of Engineering in Manufacturing and Materials (1992) from the University of Queensland. Additionally, he is certified under Shell International Exploration and Production’s Well Engineering Competency programs. Simon’s professional background includes roles with Metgasco Limited, Santos Ltd, Geodynamics Limited, Woodside Energy and Shell International. |
Chris Johns is the Service Delivery Manager at MPC Kinetic – LNG Services, with over 10 years of experience in the onshore operations service industry. He has a strong background in field operations and management, excelling in areas such as operations, logistics, maintenance, finance and quality assurance. Chris has demonstrated success in fostering positive customer relations, cost containment and risk reduction while achieving production goals and objectives. Known for his exceptional interpersonal skills and leadership abilities, he creates productive work environments and high-performing teams. His professional journey includes roles as Area Manager, Operations Manager and Superintendent at MPC Kinetic, as well as Rig Manager positions at Easternwell and Wild Desert, contributing to his extensive expertise in the field. |
Adam Sommerfeld is currently a Project Manager at MPC Kinetic with extensive experience in well integrity, completions, workovers, interventions and stimulation, gained through roles in North America and Australia. A former Shell Well Engineering Manager and Team Lead, Adam has also worked on major plugging and abandonment programs for Queensland’s Department of Resources and contributed as a Well Specialist at Endla, supporting the development of digital tools for well completions and subsurface visualisation. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Petroleum Engineering from the University of Alberta and has held leadership roles with QGC, Husky Energy and CRPC, among others. |
Abstract
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.
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. |
Jordan Bunning is a Principal Engineer and founding member of inGauge Energy, with over 17 years of experience in complex well execution and project management across conventional oil and gas, HPHT, coal seam gas and deep-water bores. He has held key roles such as Drilling Manager, Drilling Team Leader, Senior Drilling Engineer and Drilling and Completion Engineer, with expertise in rig operations, well design and complex project planning and execution. Jordan has led several of inGauge Energy’s most successful projects, including serving as in situ Drilling Manager for Westside Corporation, Comet Ridge and Empire Energy’s Northern Territory Carpentaria 1 well. He has worked onshore and offshore in Australia, the United Kingdom, Africa, Papua New Guinea and the Middle East. Jordan holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Petroleum Engineering from the University of New South Wales (2003) and has prior experience with Oil Search Limited, Santos Ltd, Origin Energy and Roc Oil. |
Dr Simon Hann is a Principal Engineer and Founding Partner of inGauge Energy, with over 20 years of operational experience in well engineering across conventional oil and gas, geothermal, HPHT and coal seam gas drilling and completions. His experience includes 4 years in offshore operations with semi-submersibles, tender assists, drill ships and jack-ups, as well as 14 years in management roles such as Operations Manager, Drilling Team Leader, Drilling and Completions Manager and Production Manager. Simon holds a PhD in Materials Science (1998), a Master of Engineering Science (1993) and a Bachelor of Engineering in Manufacturing and Materials (1992) from the University of Queensland. Additionally, he is certified under Shell International Exploration and Production’s Well Engineering Competency programs. Simon’s professional background includes roles with Metgasco Limited, Santos Ltd, Geodynamics Limited, Woodside Energy and Shell International. |
Chris Johns is the Service Delivery Manager at MPC Kinetic – LNG Services, with over 10 years of experience in the onshore operations service industry. He has a strong background in field operations and management, excelling in areas such as operations, logistics, maintenance, finance and quality assurance. Chris has demonstrated success in fostering positive customer relations, cost containment and risk reduction while achieving production goals and objectives. Known for his exceptional interpersonal skills and leadership abilities, he creates productive work environments and high-performing teams. His professional journey includes roles as Area Manager, Operations Manager and Superintendent at MPC Kinetic, as well as Rig Manager positions at Easternwell and Wild Desert, contributing to his extensive expertise in the field. |
Adam Sommerfeld is currently a Project Manager at MPC Kinetic with extensive experience in well integrity, completions, workovers, interventions and stimulation, gained through roles in North America and Australia. A former Shell Well Engineering Manager and Team Lead, Adam has also worked on major plugging and abandonment programs for Queensland’s Department of Resources and contributed as a Well Specialist at Endla, supporting the development of digital tools for well completions and subsurface visualisation. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Petroleum Engineering from the University of Alberta and has held leadership roles with QGC, Husky Energy and CRPC, among others. |
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