North isles and Surrey-based Opus said yesterday it had won a £430,000 contract which will see it lead important oil and gas research project at Flotta in Orkney.
The joint industry project also involves BP, Shell, Statoil, Total and Wintershall, who will share the costs. It will focus on the effects enhanced oil recovery (EOR) techniques used in the industry have on fluid-separation efficiency, with a view to finding ways to reduce the environmental impact. The findings will be used for a database aimed at improving operational efficiency and environmental performance.
EOR techniques are used to increase the amount of trapped crude oil that can be extracted from oil fields – many of which are nearing the end of their lives – and prolong their economic viability.
Opus, which specialises in produced-water treatment, oil and gas separation and aquatic toxicology, said the new project would start with a comprehensive review of EOR technologies and then move on to detailed field and laboratory trials at its Flotta test facilities.
Opus director of strategic operations Glen McLellan said: “The securing of the work demonstrates how Opus is internationally recognised and respected for its experience in optimising the performance and environmental efficiency of oil and gas production.”
Opus will spearhead the project on behalf of technology management consultant OTM.