AADE Houston FMG Virtual Meeting

 

Presenting – “What is the environmental value of your product?”

Traditional value assessment of drilling fluid products has focused on technical merits and the cost in dollars. New calls for increased environmental performance, targets for net zero carbon footprints and new KPO (Key Performance Objectives) drivers for sustainability have generated the need for alternative assessment criteria for drilling fluid products and systems along with their associated product footprint and waste management footprint.

This session will evaluate products and systems to practically coordinate, environmental, technical, and economic performance.

-   What is the environmental footprint for production, and transportation of base fluids, barite, brine, and other additives to and from the drilling location.

-   What is the environmental footprint for improving or reducing drilling efficiency, reduction of problem days, reduction of waste and minimization of catastrophic events though the use of the product or system.

-   What is the environmental footprint of waste management and waste disposal for the additive or system.

Weaving these items together in a transparent approach can generate a product life cycle assessment that can level the playing field for multiple product and waste management options to determine their true environmental value. This is not a new approach. However, it is anticipated to be a stronger driver for drilling fluid and waste management decisions going forward.

 

John is responsible for environmental compliance and works with customers, industry work groups and regulators to support their ongoing efforts to protect the environment. He has a degree in Civil Engineering from Louisiana State University and is a registered Professional Engineer in the state of Texas.  Since 1987 Mr. Candler has been actively involved in researching environmentally advanced drilling fluid systems and treatment processes for drill cuttings. In the mid-1990s he was a significant contributor to industry efforts to develop appropriate discharge regulations for the use of synthetic based muds. Other recent research projects have included sustainability, biodiversity protection, and beneficial reuse of drilling fluids and drill cuttings.

 

Presenting – “Waste Management Solutions and Environmental Technologies”

 

This presentation highlights Thermal technologies for processing cuttings, as well as an innovative Nest technology for cleaning contaminated liquids into fresh, potable water.  Although the basic technologies are well known, their integration allows for unique energy savings that translate into low cost.  Its state-of-the art capabilities and alternative disposal philosophy are clearly highlighted. The use of Beneficial reuse permits, allows for the recycle of the components of the liquids and solids wastes, preventing the need for any transportation and disposal of these wastes, as its being done elsewhere today. The overall impact includes reduced carbon imprint and significant savings.  This alternative also minimizes long-term environmental liabilities which remain with the E&P operators forever.

Blacksmith and Thompson Services is a management consulting firm, focused on Drilling Fluids & Waste Management Services. Since its formation in 2012, it has provided consultancy services to the Chouest Group in Port Fourchon, Louisiana, on the design and construction of their Clean Waste facility for processing and recycling E&P exempt Waste from Offshore Operations in the Gulf of Mexico.

 

Its founder, Ray Herrero joined Baroid Drilling Fluids in 1970, as a Fluids engineer and served in a variety of operational and sales/marketing positions during his 30-year career. In the 1980s, his responsibilities expanded to international and senior global executive positions that formed part of the company’s leadership team.

 

In 2000, he joined Baker Hughes Drilling Fluids and its Environmental Services (FES). Professional experience included Executive and Senior Global leadership positions, including the foundation, growth and R&D development of its FES environmental services.

Adrian Rios initiated his career with the Chouest group in 1992, at North American Shipbuilder, where he acquired necessary skills to successfully supervise steel construction and equipment operations, in shipbuilding, as well as in his management career of future environmental services group.

 

At Clean Tank, as its managing director in 2010, he expanded operations and built it up to become the most successful tank-cleaning company in South Louisiana. In 2013, he became responsible for entering the waste management services market, through the formation of Clean Waste. He is responsible for everyday operations, customer contacts, marketing and contract negotiations for the Chouest Environmental Group of companies.

 

 

Presenting – “Reframing Challenges as Opportunities: Sustainability, Hydrogen and the Houston Innovation Ecosystem”

 

The oil and gas industry is well-known for being cyclical, and certainly the past few years have been tumultuous. This time around though, there is an increasing mandate for fundamental change in our industry to be more sustainable.  Can we reframe this challenge as an opportunity?  This talk will highlight the efforts of sustainability-focused innovators and entrepreneurs to leverage what the oil and gas industry does best - solving complex technical challenges and bringing robust solutions to the market at a global scale.  As a specific example, there's a tremendous potential to use hydrogen to eliminate point-of-use emissions in a variety of applications, but the engineering challenges to get to a "hydrogen economy" are not trivial. One definite opportunity to drive improved sustainability is the critical mass of engineering and energy leadership talent in Houston, resulting in a vibrant and collaborative innovation ecosystem.

Dr. Frostman is Vice President of Engineering at Syzygy Plasmonics, where she leads the team developing novel photocatalytic reactors that will electrify the manufacturing of chemicals, fuels, and fertilizers, thereby reducing both cost and emissions. She started her career at Baker Hughes and progressed through a variety of functional roles including leading technology teams on both the global & regional levels, running the P&L for several regional product lines, and developing strategies across multiple business units. She later transitioned to Newpark Fluids Systems, where she served as Senior Vice President – Research & Development, and was accountable for product commercialization, applied engineering, and digital initiatives. She holds both B.S. & Ph.D. degrees in Chemical Engineering from Michigan State University & the University of Minnesota, respectively.  She also serves on the External Advisory Board for the Chemical Engineering & Materials Science Department at the University of Minnesota.