SOLICITATION NOTICE
A -- Proposed Research on Flow Correlation Validation for Worst Case Discharge Analys
- Notice Date
- 5/15/2014
- Notice Type
- Presolicitation
- NAICS
- 541990
— All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
- Contracting Office
- BSEE Procurement Branch, HQ381 Elden Street, HE 2306HerndonVA20170-4817US
- ZIP Code
- 00000
- Solicitation Number
- M14PS00043
- Response Due
- 6/18/2014
- Archive Date
- 7/18/2014
- Point of Contact
- Sagar S. Damania
- E-Mail Address
-
Sagar.Damania@bsee.gov
(Sagar.Damania@bsee.gov)
- Small Business Set-Aside
- N/A
- Description
- Title: Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) Number M14PS00043 for Proposed Research on Flow Correlation Validation for Worst Case Discharge Analysis and the influence of well casing leakage on seafloor broaching of hydrocarbons, for the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management The U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM), on behalf of the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE), solicits White Papers of not more than ten (10) pages in length, for the following three specific topic areas of interest to the BOEM Resource Evaluation program, within the Gulf of Mexico (GOM) Region of U.S. Outer Continental Shelf (OCS): Topic 1: Validity of Flow Correlations Used in Worst Case Discharge (WCD) Calculations Topic 2: Investigation of Sonic Velocity Application for Worst Case Discharge (WCD) Scenarios Topic 3: Modeling Subsurface Flow Rates of Hydrocarbon Migration through Natural Conduits to the Sea Floor. BOEM is responsible for managing development of the nations offshore resources in an environmentally and economically responsible manner. Under this BAA, BOEM is gauging interest, feasibility, capabilities, and worthiness for potential research projects that specifically address the topics of sonic velocity restriction and large diameter flow correlation in an uncontrolled discharge; and, hydrocarbon flux rates along natural migration pathways influenced by a ruptured well. BOEM will utilize the research performed under this BAA to revise or implement additional recommended practices in analyzing WCD for offshore wells. The following information provides a context for Topic areas 1 and 2: In the wake of the 2010 Deepwater Horizon incident and pursuant to new regulations (30 CFR 550.213(g), 550.219, 550.243(h), and 550.250), BOEM has since revised and increased the requirements for Worst Case Discharge (WCD) Scenario calculations submitted by operators conducting oil and gas exploration and production in the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) of the Gulf of Mexico (GOM). To address the new regulations ensuing from the Deepwater Horizon incident, the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) in 2010 produced a technical conference proceedings paper Guidance for complying with BOEM NTL 2010-N06 on Worst Case Discharge for Offshore Wells, (9/22/2010), in which sonic velocity and flow correlations were cited as engineering parameters to be carefully checked for quality control. However, there is not a consensus on the scientific applicability of incorporating sonic velocity into WCD analyses; or, the use of traditional flow correlations for modeling uncontrolled discharge through large casing diameters or open-hole sections of a wellbore. Investigation into the validity of applying these flow correlations to wells commonly installed in GOM deepwater projects, is now sought. The following information provides a context for Topic area 3: A sealing cap, a 3 ram capping stack, was used (with success) as part of the long-term containment of the blown out Macondo exploration well responsible for the Deepwater Horizon incident. The Macondo well was located in an area known to have seafloor broaching of hydrocarbons, and the use of the capping stack was initially suspected to have an influence on this phenomenon. This assumption was later disproved. However, BOEM subsequently instituted an analysis of subsurface migration pathways in sediments, up faults, and along the salt/sediment interface for instances where BSEE engineers find that a casing shoe of a proposed well is at risk of rupturing after a sealing cap is placed on a blown out well. The concern is that hydrocarbons could broach the seafloor in situations where there is a clear pathway from the ruptured casing shoe to the seafloor. Of particular concern is the amount of time required for escaped hydrocarbons to migrate to the seafloor from casing leaks. Investigation is sought for flux rates associated with various subsurface migration scenarios encountered in instances of well leakage during oil and gas production in the Gulf of Mexico. WHITE PAPER CONTENT: BOEMs Gulf of Mexico Region is requesting white papers to be submitted in accordance with the terms of this announcement. Upon evaluation, selected white papers will be identified and requests for proposals submitted to the selectee(s). Proposals selected for award by BOEM shall receive funding from in either FY 2014 or FY 2015. NOTICE: BSEE may share the white papers with other organizations for review purposes only. Potential contractors shall notify BSEE if they do not want their white papers/proposals shared outside of BOEM/BSEE. The Government anticipates that awards resulting from this announcement will be made on a Firm Fixed-Price (FFP) basis. Responses to the Resource Evaluation program Topic areas are limited to the following matters: Topic 1: Validity of flow correlations used in Worst Case Discharge (WCD) calculations. Examine the validity of current industry standard flow correlations used in WCD scenarios with multiphase (gas, condensate, oil, water) flow through open-hole sections and casing types, typical of offshore operations, from reservoir to outlet (atmosphere or subsea) Pressure-Temperature-Composition (P-T-X) conditions. Following task areas are identified for Topic 1: a) State-of-the-art review of flow correlations used in WCD analysis. Identify, review, and analyze current flow models and numerical methods and describe, if any, new innovative concepts or methodology that better represent conditions anticipated in offshore WCD scenarios. This review should describe industry relevant case study environments that challenge the current flow models and numerical methods. The State-of-the-art review should include an identification of data gaps in current technology and recommended best practices for current models and methodologies for anticipated offshore WCD scenarios. b) Model comparisons for flow correlations and numerical methods used in WCD analyses. Perform a comparison among current models (whether numerical, mechanistic, analytical, or empirical) under a variety of challenging case study environments potentially experienced in WCD scenarios to assess conditions, if any, where models do not apply. A comprehensive report for the simulation method (whether numerical, mechanistic, analytical, or empirical) applied to the case study environments must be provided. c) Effectiveness of flow correlations and numerical methods for WCD evaluation. Design, and perform a series of relevant bench to meso-scale experiments varying casing diameter and type, ranging from 6 20; API gravity from 25 35; GOR from 500 4,000 (scf/stb); pressure changes from: 5,000 30,000 psi. The study should reflect bottom- hole conditions and well casing designs anticipated in offshore WCD scenarios. The study should sufficiently describe experimental methods and workflow; and, offer guidance on the range of feasible experiments suited for this effort. Topic 2: Investigation of Sonic Velocity Application for Worst Case Discharge (WCD) scenarios. Conduct a thorough investigation of current models describing the sonic velocity phenomenon across several industries (including and apart from oil & gas industry). Following task areas are identified for Topic 2: a) State-of-the-art review of sonic velocity in WCD scenarios. Identify, review, and analyze current flow models and numerical methods and describe, if any, new innovative concepts or methodology that better represent conditions anticipated in offshore WCD scenarios. The study should address environments that can reflect the geological, mechanical, and operational conditions that cover a variety of temperature and pressure gradients that may be encountered in offshore blowouts. The State-of-the-art review should include an identification of data gaps in current technology and recommended best practices for current models and methodologies for offshore WCD scenarios. b) Model comparisons for simulating sonic velocity occurring in WCD scenarios. Perform a comparison among current models (whether numerical, mechanistic, analytical, or empirical) under a variety of challenging case study environments potentially experienced in WCD scenarios to assess conditions, if any, where models do not apply. The study should provide a detailed justification for the simulation method (whether numerical, mechanistic, analytical, or empirical) applied to the case study environments. c) Experimental investigation of sonic velocity for WCD scenarios. Conduct scalable or analog experiments for the examination of the restriction of fluid flow rates into ambient atmospheric temperature and pressure, under varying casing/tubing diameters (6 20). The study should provide a detailed justification for the experimental design applied and their applicability to anticipated offshore blowout scenarios. Topic 3: Modeling Subsurface Flow Rates of Hydrocarbon Migration through Natural Conduits to the Sea Floor. Following task areas are identified for Topic 3: a) Review current research and practice for modeling hydrocarbon migration rates in the subsurface. Determine current state of knowledge of subsurface flow rates of hydrocarbons through natural migration conduits from well leakage occurring during oil and gas production in the GOM. The study should include: 1) a literature review of previous studies on the rate of hydrocarbon migration through natural subsurface conduits to the sea floor. 2.) Research modeling related to rock physics and fluid transport properties of hydrocarbon migration from reservoirs through faults, fractures along salt/sediment interfaces and gas chimneys in the shallow subsurface. b) Simulation of hydrocarbon migration flow rates from subsurface environments to seafloor due to well casing leakage. Develop an algorithm to estimate the hydrocarbon migration flux rates under actual or analog environments for possible or likely broaching scenarios in GOM. The potential algorithm should reflect the most current research and practice of the field. HOW TO RESPOND: White Papers of not more than ten (10) pages in length an ORIGINAL PLUS three (3) copies and one (1) electronic copy in PDF format, on a CD, shall be submitted to the U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement, Acquisition Operations Branch, 381 Elden St., Herndon, VA 20170-4817, ATTN: Mr. Sagar S. Damania, not later than 2:00 PM, Eastern Time on June 18, 2014. WHITE PAPERS SENT THROUGH EMAIL AND FAXES WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. White Papers shall define the proposed research scope and include the level of effort. NOTE THAT COST ESTIMATES ARE NOT TO BE INCLUDED IN THE WHITE PAPER. The White Papers shall be evaluated only on technical merits. IF YOUR WHITE PAPER IS SELECTED FOR FURTHER EVALUATION, A TECHNICAL AND COST/BUSINESS PROPOSAL WILL BE REQUESTED FROM YOUR COMPANY BY THE CONTRACTING OFFICER. Projects shall be selected from all or part of the technical issues listed depending on the interest and scope of White Papers received. BSEE shall evaluate the responses, and those deemed to have merit shall be furnished information to assist in the preparation of the complete proposal. This announcement constitutes a Request for White Papers, but does not obligate the Government to consummate award. Respondents WILL NOT be notified of the results of the evaluation on the information submitted. WHITE PAPERS SHALL BE EVALUATED USING THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA: (1) feasibility of the approach or solution; (2) the Offerors understanding of the technical issues; (3) the Offerors ability to implement the proposed approach; (4) innovative or creative approaches or solutions including the participation and/or funding by the oil and gas industry or other groups in the research industry, where appropriate; and (5) past performance. IF ANY OF THE REQUIREMENTS OF THIS ANNOUNCEMENT ARE NOT MET, THE WHITE PAPER WILL NOT BE EVALUATED. Questions shall be E-mailed to Sagar.Damania@bsee.gov not later than 2:00 p.m., Eastern Time on May 28, 2014. The Solicitation number M14PS00043 MUST be in the subject line of the E-mail. All questions shall include the Solicitation number M14PS00043, your full name and title, your organization, complete address, and telephone number. Telephone inquiries WILL NOT be accepted. If questions impact the information in this announcement, responses to questions will be published as an amendment to the original synopsis within one week after the due date for questions that potential Offerors are responsible to access through the Federal business Opportunities website (www.fbo.gov). A separate White Paper shall be submitted for each study on which the offeror wishes to propose. The White Paper shall identify clearly the Offerors company/organization, point of contact, address, and telephone number. If Offerors desire to hand deliver their White Papers, they are advised that the BSEE facility is a secure office complex and Offerors MUST NOT enter the building beyond the lobby. There is a courtesy telephone at the guard station to which you must call extension 71276 for a procurement official to meet and receive your submittal. POINT OF CONTACT: You MUST contact Sagar S. Damania, Contracting Officer via email at Sagar.Damania@bsee.gov and set up an appointment 24 hours in advance of dropping off your White Paper.
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