R-T-STM Talisman Energy
COMPLETE CROSSING INC. AND TALISMAN ENERGY INC.
The R-T-STM process, developed by MetaFLO Technologies, was selected as the best technology to solidify spent drilling fluids at a remote mountain top site.
PROJECT DETAILS
The purpose of the drilling project was to develop a rich natural gas find. The project would not have been completed and connected to an existing pipeline if it was not for the R-T-S Process and Floc Process selected for use by Complete Crossings Inc. and Talisman Energy. The remote site is situated in northern British Columbia, Canada with slopes that are estimated at more than 28o. The slopes severely restricted mobility up and down the mountain. A fleet of vac trucks would have been needed for several months to transport the spent drilling fluid down the dangerous slopes. This method or hauling the spent drilling fluid down the mountain and on to the processing and disposal facility would have made the project cost- prohibitive. The cost-effective solution was the R-T-S Process – The newest innovation in solidification!
CHALLENGES
ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS – The pipeline and right of way had to be completed before October 1st. Local Caribou migration and a mandate to protect pristine fish and wildlife habitat required a concerted effort by all companies involved. The site and project were considered a sensitive yet high profile project by the British Columbia Ministry of Environment and Fish & Wildlife officials. Talisman Energy Inc. was very conscious of the great responsibility of protecting the unspoiled habitat their project was within.
DIFFICULT ACCESS
Seven steep hills required all equipment, material, and manpower to be lifted up and lowered down the rough slopes. A solid month of rain proceeded start-up. Mobilization took three times the amount of time that was originally estimated.
Thin layers of gravel-like natural soil provided inadequate soil properties for mix-bury-cover site processing of the spent drilling fluids. The steep slopes did not allow the processed solids to be placed on a serviceable area. Discovery of an unexpected aquifer produced water flow volumes that quickly outstripped the site floc system. Process capacity to process straight liquid and available storage became a major obstacle.
SKILL, INNOVATION, & EXPERTISE
Although there were many challenges, the project was completed within the required timeframe. The success of the project was determined by the operating skill and expertise of the Complete Crossing and Talisman Energy Pipeline Division coupled with the innovation in solidification technology from MetaFLO and its Partners.
SUCCESS
The R-T-STM Process delivered a solidified material that surpassed Provincial regulatory requirements for Microtox, SAR and EC, allowing for compliant mix-bury-cover on site. This resulted in the elimination of expensive transportation and disposal alternatives and delays over environmental compliance issues. MetaFLO’s new technology operated at a flow rate of 20 m3 per hour with no down-time for optimal labour cost management.