Date: 11-14 April 2023
A group of sixteen ambitious students from the fields of chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, and chemistry recently embarked on a transformative journey into the world of the natural gas industry. Thanks to the remarkable support of our sponsors, Arrow Energy, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Santos, and SLB, these students had the opportunity to delve into the intricacies of the industry through a four-day tour of coal seam gas facilities. Visiting Arrow Energy operations, Santos, and SLB facilities, as well as the offices of Santos and Glencore Technology, the students gained a comprehensive understanding of the breadth and depth of the oil and gas sector.
Organized by the Queensland section of the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE), this field visit aimed to connect the next generation of students with abundant opportunities within the natural gas industry. Hamish Cannon, the event organizer, emphasized the importance of stepping off campus and providing students with a real-world avenue of learning that extends beyond the confines of classrooms and textbooks. He described the experience as truly eye-opening.
It was an eye-opening experience and a chance to step off campus and provide an avenue of learning that students normally don’t get to see in a classroom or a textbook
Hamish Cannon
Let’s delve into the exciting journey the students embarked upon:
Day 1 – Santos and Glencore Technology (CTSCo): A Comprehensive Introduction to Industry Operations
The field trip kicked off in Brisbane with visits to the offices of Santos and Glencore Technology. These visits provided the students with a valuable glimpse into the day-to-day activities of engineers and the operations they would be witnessing during the tour. Santos showcased the various aspects of upstream operations, allowing the students to connect the dots between their engineering education and practical industry applications. It was an enlightening experience that helped them see the potential career paths their degrees could lead them to.
Following the Santos visit, Glencore Technology (CTSCo) extended an invitation to the students, offering them a unique perspective on the industry’s role in decarbonization. The students witnessed how upstream operations can be reversed and repurposed for the benefit of renewable energy initiatives. This portion of the visit showcased the transferable skills and knowledge gained from the oil and gas industry that can contribute to a sustainable and decarbonized future.
Day 2 – Arrow Energy: A Glimpse into the Full Lifecycle of Natural Gas Operations
On the second day of the event, the field trip commenced in Dalby, where the students had the privilege of visiting Arrow Energy operations. They were introduced to the following key aspects of the company’s operations:
- Multi-well pad
- Water processing facility
- Daandine’s Central Gas Processing Facility
- Braemar 2 Gas Power Station
Arrow Energy provided the students with a holistic perspective on the lifecycle of natural gas operations. From witnessing a multi-well pad to exploring the Daandine water processing facility, the Daandine central gas processing facility (CGFP), and the Braemar 2 gas power station, the students gained invaluable insights into the industry. Arrow Energy’s team offered an ideal starting point for the trip, setting the tone for the days ahead.
Day 3 – Santos and SLB: Unveiling the Technological Marvels of the Natural Gas Industry
On the third day, the students visited Santos operations near Wallumbilla, where they were immersed in the world of drilling operations, gaining first-hand experience with a Workover and Drilling rig. They observed the inner workings of blowout preventers, witnessed rig operations, and learned about the safety strategies in place to prevent mishaps. The drilling rig provided the students with a comprehensive understanding of the diverse technologies, teams, and disciplines available to engineers, spanning drill bits, coiled tubing, cementing, and waste management.
Next, the students headed to Roma, where they visited the directional drilling base organized by SLB. Here, they were exposed to groundbreaking technologies, including the remarkable Pathfinder.
The SLB visit in Roma encompassed drilling, coiled tubing, fracking, and wireline bases. The drilling base team elucidated the intricacies of pre- and post-job work, enlightening the students on bottom hole assemblies used to expedite reaching total depth and achieve precise target locations.
Day 4 – SLB: Immersion in Stimulation and Wireline Technologies
The final day of the field trip revolved around SLB operations. The students visited the stimulation base, where they delved into the world of fracking and coiled tubing technology. They witnessed how multiple zones could be efficiently accessed and fractured in a single field operation. Additionally, the students had an enjoyable moment when the SLB team shared a humorous trick related to frac fluid, providing them with a memorable experience.
The students also explored the wireline base, gaining insights into the complexity and challenges inherent in working in wireline. They developed an understanding of the importance of knowing what lies downhole, the precautions to be taken, and the thought processes of wireline engineers. Witnessing the assembly of different tools and discerning why certain tools are chosen over others proved to be an immensely intriguing experience for the students.
The field visit organized by SPE served as a catalyst for the students’ professional growth, offering them a rare chance to witness the natural gas industry in action. By bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, the trip ignited their passion and unveiled a world of possibilities within the industry.
For university students eager to participate in similar events, we encourage you to reach out to your local SPE student chapter.
Sponsors
As the field trip drew to a close, the SPE Queensland section extends heartfelt gratitude to all the sponsors – Arrow Energy, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Santos, and SLB, for their generous support, without which this exceptional opportunity would not have been possible.
The section also thanks Glencore Technology (CTSCo) for their hospitality and opening their doors to the students.
If you or your organization are interested in sponsoring future events, please get in touch with Chris Barrand (Chris.Barrand@rshq.qld.gov.au) or Alan Teimouri (spe-qld@spe-qld.org) to express your interest.
