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MODULE DESCRIPTOR
Module Title
Oil and Gas Engineering A
Reference EN4580 Version 6
Created March 2023 SCQF Level SCQF 10
Approved March 2004 SCQF Points 15
Amended August 2023 ECTS Points 7.5

Aims of Module
To provide the student with the basic knowledge of the requirements for safe oil and gas well drilling.

Learning Outcomes for Module
On completion of this module, students are expected to be able to:
1 Execute the design of an oil and gas well, taking into consideration aspects of casing setting depth, casing selection, cementing, and well inclination requirements.
2 Examine the hazards involved in oil and gas well drilling including equipment, materials, and processes for safe drilling.
3 Appraise drilling fluids and hydraulics for safe oil and gas well drilling, taking into consideration the aspects of HSE, costs and formation characteristics.

Indicative Module Content
1. The Drilling Process: Basic Stress/Strain theory, Definition of Principal stresses; Theories of rock fracture and factors relating to penetration rate and direction control; Bit types and selection. 2. Drilling Equipment: Rotary drilling techniques for Vertical and Directional wells; derrick design. 3. Basic Principles of Well Planning & Construction: Definition of hole sizes versus casing sizes/setting depths; Directional Planning; Casing and Cementing programme Design. 4. Drilling Fluids, Functions and Types: Drilling Fluids Classification: Newtonian and Non-Newtonian - Power law, Herschel Bulkley and Bingham Plastic fluids; Fluid Mechanics of drilling fluids: Flow of Slurries and pressure drop calculations for flow in pipes and annulus. 5. Drilling Hydraulics: Measurement of drilling fluids properties: Introduction to basic instruments - Mud balance, Viscometers, Filtration cells, Retort kit, etc 6. Drilling Hazards. Causes, Prevention and Control measures for: Formation Damage; Sloughing Shales; Washouts; Mud Contamination; Lost Circulation; Stuck pipe; pressure Surge and Swabbing; Kick and Blowout.

Module Delivery
This is a lecture-based module supplemented by tutorials and case studies.

Indicative Student Workload Full Time Part Time
Contact Hours 35 35
Non-Contact Hours 115 115
Placement/Work-Based Learning Experience [Notional] Hours N/A N/A
TOTAL 150 150
Actual Placement hours for professional, statutory or regulatory body    

ASSESSMENT PLAN
If a major/minor model is used and box is ticked, % weightings below are indicative only.
Component 1
Type: Examination Weighting: 100% Outcomes Assessed: 1, 2, 3
Description: Closed book examination

MODULE PERFORMANCE DESCRIPTOR
Explanatory Text
Component 1 comprises 100% of the module grade. To pass the module, a D grade is required.
Module Grade Minimum Requirements to achieve Module Grade:
A A
B B
C C
D D
E E
F F
NS Non-submission of work by published deadline or non-attendance for examination

Module Requirements
Prerequisites for Module Offshore Engineering (EN3581).
Corequisites for module None.
Precluded Modules None.

INDICATIVE BIBLIOGRAPHY
1 RABIA, H., 1985. Oilwell Drilling Engineering-Principles and Practice. London:Graham & Trotman.
2 GATLIN, C.,1960. Petroleum Engineering - Drilling and Well Completions. Eaglewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice Hall).
3 CHILINGAR, G.V., 1983. Drilling and Drilling Fluids. Amsterdam : Elsevier.
4 JOSHI, S.D., 1991. Horizontal Well Technology. Tulsa, Okla : Penwell Books.
5 BOURGOYNE (Jr) A. T., CHENEVERT, M. E., MILLHELM, K. K. & YOUNG, F. S., 1986. Applied Drilling Engineering. SPE Textbook Series, Vol 2
6 BYARS, H. G., 1999. Corrosion Control in Petroleum Production, TPC Publication 5; (2nd Edition); NACE Inter; Houston

Robert Gordon University, Garthdee House, Aberdeen, AB10 7QB, Scotland, UK: a Scottish charity, registration No. SC013781