Worst Case Discharge

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  3. Deepwater Horizon oil spill


Worst Case Discharge (WCD) is a calculation used by the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement to determine the maximum flow rate for an offshore oil well in the event of an oil spill. WCD first came to prominence in the aftermath of the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill to determine potential liability if another oil spill were to occur.[1]

History

The now defunct Mineral Management Service planned to implement Worst Case Discharge studies before the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill though the first actual was performed in August 2010 to model the Deepwater Horizon spill. In January 2011, several major oil and gas companies were allowed to resume deepwater drilling while Worst Case Discharge studies were being completed. [2] In March 2011, the Worst Case Discharge study on the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill was released to the public in the Flow Rate Technical Group final report. The report confirmed that the initial findings calculated by two universities and an independent petroleum software company were within 10% of the actual maximum flow rate for the well.[3]

Calculation methods

Analytical modeling

Analytical modeling is the most straightforward method to calculate WCD. Advantages include simplicity and time savings but at the expense of accuracy especially in complex geological situations.

Reservoir simulation

Reservoir simulation is the preferred method used by the BOEMRE as simulation can account for many additional variables not available in traditional analytical modeling.[3] The downsides of this method are increased complexity and expense though these issues have been improved with the implementation of interface based software.

References

  1. ↑ Rascoe, Ayesha (13 December 2010). "Government issues guidance on offshore drilling rules". MSNBC. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/40646054/m/videos/. Retrieved 11 April 2011.
  2. ↑ "Shell, others allowed to resume deepwater drilling in Gulf of Mexico". International Business Times. 14 January 2011. http://uk.ibtimes.com/articles/101217/20110114/shell-others-allowed-to-resume-deepwater-drilling-in-gulf-of-mexico.htm. Retrieved 11 April 2011.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 Barkoff, Kendra (11 March 2011). "Scientific Teams Complete Peer-Reviewed Assessment of Oil Flow Rate Methodologies". United States Department of the Interior. http://www.doi.gov/news/pressreleases/Scientific-Teams-Complete-Peer-Reviewed-Assessment-of-Oil-Flow-Rate-Methodologies.cfm. Retrieved 11 April 2011.

External links


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