Petroleum Laboratory Management: Mini-Master in Oil and Gas Processes

Introduction:

The oil and gas production laboratory is vital for managing and auditing field activities. Managers, technicians, chemists, and other professionals must understand how to effectively utilize the laboratory and its resources. The Petroleum Laboratory Management of Oil and Gas Operations course is designed to develop skills for leveraging the laboratory and its staff to enhance oilfield processes.

This course emphasizes laboratory management skills essential for mid-level and lower supervisory roles, providing a foundation for acquiring a laboratory management certificate or certification for laboratory managers. Participants will gain concrete knowledge in petroleum laboratory management practices and learn how to effectively manage petroleum labs.

Successful completion of this course will prepare participants for advanced degrees such as an MBA with a specialization in laboratory management or an MBA in Petroleum and Oil and Gas Management, equipping them with the skills to independently manage oil and gas laboratory organizations and their activities.

Objectives:

By the end of the Petroleum Laboratory Management of Oil and Gas Operations course, participants will be able to:

• Understand the purpose, importance, and functioning of oil and gas laboratories.
• Enhance the management and daily operation of oil and gas laboratories.
• Appreciate the significance of quality assurance procedures in a petroleum laboratory.
• Recognize how laboratory reports can improve processing plants and equipment integrity.
• Understand the action and purpose of working with chemical processes.
• Grasp the principles of metering systems and how laboratory data supports accurate metering and tanker loading.
• Manage laboratory operations effectively.
• Oversee laboratory functions to ensure reliable results.
• Determine appropriate chemical feed rates.

Training Methodology:

• Interactive lectures
• Hands-on workshops
• Case studies
• Simulations
• Group discussions
• Role plays
• Site visits
• Expert panels
• Q&A sessions

Course Outline:

Unit 1: Role of the Laboratory Chemist in Oil and Gas Laboratories

• Quality assurance complementing quality control
• Chemicals control
• Occupational health, safety, and environmental issues
• Legislation

Unit 2: Laboratory Management

• Laboratory quality management system
• Integrated management practices with equipment maintenance
• Laboratory housekeeping practices
• Metrology
• Inventory and stock management
• Effective reporting methodologies
• Chemical segregation and safe storage

Unit 3: Sampling of Process Fluids

• Representative sampling methods
• Health and safety literature
• Pressurized sample collection (oil and gas)
• Open-air (atmospheric) sampling methods
• Water sample extraction methods

Unit 4: Laboratory Analysis

• Sediment base and water content analysis
• Water content in oil (Karl Fischer Titration)
• Oil in water measurements
• Density comparative assessment
• Reid vapor pressure gauge
• Produced water sampling
• Water quality assessment (drinking water context)
• Analytical methods for utility systems
• Fundamentals of microbiological examination

Unit 5: Plant and Equipment

• Systems of separation
• Application of oilfield chemicals
• Techniques for improving oil extraction
• Metering systems functionality and operations
• Conclusion of key concepts