(136c) Risks from Unconventional Wells Gasification

With the continued differential between diesel and natural gas costs, onshore well operators have been working to convert both drilling rigs and hydraulic fracturing pumps to utilize natural gas as fuel.  Associated with this conversion is a change in the risk profile that may not be fully recognized or understood in the field.  Risk management philosophies and assumptions need to adjust to the difference in hazard characteristics between the fuels, as well as the variety of delivery methods. This presentation will discuss some of the motivations and options for conversion and highlight specific risk issues associated with each.

Specific topics will include:

• Motivations for conversion and the scale differences from rig power to natural gas substitution on diesel frac pumps to dedicated natural gas powered frac pumps.  Risk mitigation and field training requirements may not fully accounted for in investment decisions.
• Scale of conversion and location specific availability drives natural gas sourcing, which can then drive personnel risk and well pad layout issues depending on whether the gas is sourced from local wellheads, pipeline, CNG, or LNG.  Separate SIMOPS issues can arise based on the specifics of each sourcing method.
• Associated risks need to be appropriately managed in a manner that involves the personnel directly exposed.  And there is a need to ensure that well sites which did not previously present a threat to surrounding activities, do not become a threat due to either direct risks from the fuel conversion or from escalation risks not previously of concern.