1

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 History of SIWES

ITF established SIWES in the year 1973; the purpose is to bridge the gap between theoretical
knowledge and industrial practice, and also to solve the problem of lack of adequate practical
skill required for employment in industries by graduates of tertiary institution.

The scheme educates students on Industrial based skills essential for smooth transition from
the classroom to the world of work. Students of tertiary institutions are given the opportunity
of being familiarized and exposed to the needed experience in handling machinery and
equipment which are usually not available in the educational institutions. Partaking in SIWES
Industrial Training has become a crucial pre-condition for the award of diploma and degree
certificates in specific disciplines in most institutions of higher learning in Nigeria in line with
the government education policies.

1.2. Aims and Objectives of SIWES

The aims and objectives of the Student's Industrial Work Experience Scheme are:

i. Enlist and strengthen employers to involve in the entire educational process of

preparing graduates for employment in industry.

ii. Provide students with an opportunity to complement their theoretical knowledge in the
real work environment, thereby bridging the gap between university and the industry

iii. Make the transition from the university to the work environment easier, and therefore
prepare student for effective work after graduation.

iv. Expose students to work methods in handling equipment and machinery that are
available in the universities.

v. Provide an avenue for students in the Universities to acquire industrial skills in their
course of study

1.3. Importance of SIWES

vi. It prepares the students for the life after graduation.

 2

vii. It strengthens the links between the universities and industrial training fund (ITF).

viii. It exposes students to more practical methods and techniques.

1.4 Organizations Involved In the Management Of SIWES Programme And Their Roles

1.4.1 The Federal Government

The following are roles of the federal government:

i. To provide adequate funds to the ITF through the federal ministry of industry for the
scheme.

ii. To make it mandatory for all ministries, companies and parastatals to offer places to
students in accordance with the provisions of Decree No. 47 of 1971 as amended in
1990.

iii. To formulate policies to guide the running of the scheme nationally.

1.4.2 The Industrial Training Fund

The following are the roles of the Industrial Training Fund (ITF):

i. Formulate policies and guidelines on SIWES for distribution to all SIWES participating
bodies.

ii. Provide logistic material needed to administer the scheme.

iii. Organize orientation programmes for students prior to the attachment.

iv. Provide information on companies or attachment and assists in industrial placement of

students.

v. Supervise students on industrial attachment.

vi. Accept and process master and placement lists for institutions and supervising agencies.

vii. Vet and process Students logbooks and ITF Form 8

1.4.3 The Supervisory Agency (NUC)

The following are the roles of the supervisory agencies (NUC);

 3

i. To ensure the establishment and accreditation of SIWES unit/directorate in institutions

under jurisdictions.

ii. To vet and approve master placement lists of students from participating institutions
and forward names to ITF.

iii. Fund SIWES directorate adequately in participating institutions.

iv. To direct for the appointment if full time SIWES coordinator/director.

v. Review programmes qualified from SIWES regularly.

vi. Participate the biannual SIWES conference and seminars in conjunction with ITF
 4

CHAPTER TWO

BRIEF PROFILE OF THE COMPANY

2.1 Company History and Location

The Akwa Ibom state Ministry of Power and Petroleum resource was established in
2021 by His Excellency Deacon Udom Emmanuel. The facility is located at the Akwa Ibom
state secretariat complex annex, Udo Udoma Avenue, Uyo. This is a well-equipped modern
facility with a dedicated and well-motivated workforce that offers technical guidance and
supervision in the field of development. The Ministry is responsible for formulating and
implementing policies in the field of development, controlling, supervision, research, health
and safety monitoring of power and petroleum activities in the state. They are in charge of
implementing and formulating policies and establishment of full petroleum potentials and
promote its sustainability.

2.2 Vision, Values and Mission Statement

The Ministry's mission and value is to formulate and implement policies in controlling
supervision, research, health and safety monitoring of power and petroleum activities in the
state which entails routine maintenance and repairs, sort out renewable energy, power
intervention, providing technical guidance and supervision in the field of development. They
are also charged with implementing and formulating sustainable policies to drive the power
and petroleum sustainability in the state.

2.3. Organization of the Company

The Ministry of power and petroleum resources is headed by the permanent secretary and has
different departments that assist in performing various functions in order to achieve the desired
objectives.

The department includes;

i. Petroleum Directorate

ii. Administration and Support Directorate

iii. PRS Directorate

 5

iv. Account and Finance Directorate

v. Power Directorate

Organogram/Organizational chart

Honourable Commissioner

Permanent Secretary

Administration • Payroll PRS Directorate Power Directorate Petroleum

and Supplies • Account
Other charges Directorate
Directorate and
Finance • Maintenance
Directorate • Planning and • Laison
Research & repairs • Research
• Statistics & • Social Project • Health &
Registry
Data Safety
Pension
• Monitoring • Monitoring
Stores
& Evaluation
Transport
Records
Securit
y Fig. 2.1: Organizational Chart

2.4 Activities, Products, Services offered by the Company

The various directorates of the Ministry of power and petroleum resources perform the
following activities

i. Account and Finance Directorate: The account and finance directorate is essentially
a service outfit responsible for the day to day administration of financial and accounting
functioning of the various agencies, disburse funds as approved by the management,
pay all staff salaries as at when due, pay all overhead costs promptly, collect and lodge
all funds due to the agency, prepare budget and financial report and submit to parents
and other necessary bodies.

ii. Power Directorate: The power directorate is responsible for formulating and
implementing policies in the field of development, controlling and supervision for any
activities on electricity. They are in charge of maintenance and repairs, sort out
 6

renewable energy and power intervention. They provide technical guidance and
supervision in the field of development. They are in charge of implementing and
formulating policies and also help in performing other functions as assigned by the
director.

iii. Administration and Support Directorate: This department is one of the major service
department created to assist the ministry achieve its aims and objectives in policy
implementation. It takes care of the general administration matters and oversees the
activities of other directorate. It also handles establishment and staff welfare. Other
functions include; coordinating the activities of other departments bringing them
together to function as one of the effective functioning of the ministry.

iv. PRS Directorate: The planning, research and statistics directorate is headed by a
director. Divisions in the PRS directorate consist of four types namely; Policy and plan
research, statistics, project monitoring and evaluation and technical assistance. Its
functions are as follows: Production of plan manual and action plan for each year, also
provide the overall annual report, project implementation to the scheme.

v. Petroleum Directorate: The petroleum directorate which is well known for being in
charge liaison research, health and safety monitoring. The petroleum directorate was
created following government reorganization which saw the elevation of the ministry.
The mandate of the directorate is to ensure establishment of all petroleum potential of
the state and promote its sustainability.
 7

CHAPTER THREE

ACTIVITIES CARRIED OUT AND EXPERIENCE GAINED

3.1 UNIT/DEPARTMENT OF DEPLOYMENT:

Petroleum Directorate: The petroleum directorate is well known for being in charge liason
research, health and safety monitoring. The petroleum directorate was created following
government reorganization which saw the elevation of the ministry. The mandate of the
directorate is to ensure establishment of all petroleum potential of the state and promote its
sustainability.

3.2 ACTIVITIES CARRIED OUT DURING PERIOD OF INTERNSHIP

Hydrocarbon Exploration: Hydrocarbon Exploration is the process of finding and evaluating

the potential for Oil and Gas resources in a specific area. There are different method used for
hydrocarbon exploration. The most common method includes Geophysical Survey, Remote
Sensing and Wild cat. The main purpose for hydrocarbon exploration is to locate and
characterized petroleum reservoir that can be commercially developed.

Hydrocarbon Exploitation: Hydrocarbon Exploitation refers to process of extracting oil and

gas from a reservoir. It also involves managing the environmental impact of these The
activities. The purpose of Oil exploitation is to meet the demand for energy and fuel.

Cementing: Cementing is an important part of drilling process, as it helps to prevent the well
from collapsing and protects the environment from contamination. The process of Cementing;

i. Cementing is pumped down the drill string and up to the annulus, it then set and forms
a solid impermeable barrier that keeps the well stable and prevent fluids from flowing
into the well bore.

Oil and Gas Exploration Events in Nigeria: Oil was discovered in Oloibiri in 1956 at the
Niger Delta after the have of a Century of exploration by shell. The Niger produce over
25billions bbls of crude oil and 1.8tcf of gas. We were tutored by Engr. Mfon Godwill Udoaka
on the various activities about exploration in Nigeria.
 8

Fig. 3.1 Well Cementing Fundamentals

32.2 Familiarity Tour: A familiarity tour on the departments in the industry was done in
honour to the governor of Akwa Ibom state for making it possible for the ministry to be in
existence. The tour commissioner and a proper introduction on how he operates, the challenges,
the environmental activities and emphasis were on the needs of the ministry. The commissioner
is in charge of the ministry and is responsible for the various departments and agencies of the
ministry including litigation, internal audit and information, with regards to the internal audit.

The internal audit service provides independent advices. opinions and recommendations on the
quality and functioning of the internal control system. The tour continued to the permanent
secretary's office that has been given the mantle to also take charge in the affairs of the ministry.

The permanent secretary is the most senior civil servant in the department. Each supports the
government minster at the head of the department who is accountable to the permanent
secretary for the department actions
 9

3.2.3 Health and Safety Environment (HSE): This can be referred in general term for
regulations, methods and process designed to help protect workers, the environment and the
public from harm.

Objectives of HSE:

i. Prevention of all incidents and accidents that can result from abnormal operating conditions
eg. Explosions and harmful substances in the working environment.

ii. Reduction of adverse effects that may result from normal operating conditions eg. Reducing
a company's carbon footprints and its impact on the environment. In both objectives,
incorporating regulatory requirements inside a company's written policy plays an important
role.

Role of HSE: The primary function is to secure the health, safety and welfare of people at work
and protect others from risks to health & safety from work activities.

Benefits to organization:

i. Reduced staff turnover

ii. Increased productivity

iii. Reduced risk of fines and litigation

Piper Alpha Incident: The Piper Alpha incident in the North Sea had a profound impact on
the development of process safety culture and legislation around the world. The tragedy which
took place occurred due to the explosion in the gas compression module of the production
platform leading to several death tools.

Lessons learnt from the incident:

i. Safety management.

ii. Regulatory control of offshore installations.

iii. Escape route.

iv. Temporary safe refuge (TSR)

 10

FIG 3.2: Fire Extinguisher

3.2.4 Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA): This study is aimed at predicting the
significant potential positive and negative impact of a proposed project on the environment,
social and health of the area of the project.

Objectives of the EIA:

i. To determine the suitability of sitting a project in an area.

ii. To cultivate areas of potential interest projects will impact on to develop litigation
methods of controlling the foreseeable impact in the course of

iii. To factor environmental safety concerns in the design and development of facilities in
the oil field. operation.

iv. To identify social and health impacts.

EIA Process:

i. Survey the area map production.

ii. EIA scoping meeting/community engagement.

iii. Sampling

iv. Baseline.
 11

Terms in EIA:

i. Impact Assessment (IA)

ii. Environmental evaluation studies (EES)

iii. Post impact assessment

iv. Environmental audits.

Oil Field Pollutants: Oil spill is the release of liquid petroleum into the environment especially
the marine system due to human factors. The term is usually given to marine oil spill where oil
is released.

Pollutants: This includes contaminants in the air, water and or land. Spilled oil can pollute
streams, rivers and it soaks through the soil, rock or ground water

FIG 3.3: Oil Skimmer

Sources of oil field pollution: petroleum hydrocarbon can enter the marine environment from
a wide range of sources including Transport (e.g. tanker operation) or accidents and
atmospheric as lithology, porosity, permeability and saturation by methods such as wire line
well logging and core analysis. Formation evaluation is used to determine the ability of a
borehole to produce petroleum.

Formation evaluation techniques:

1. Mud logging.

2. Drill stern testing.

 12

3. Coring

4. Wire line logging.

5. Measurement while drilling.

Operators gather measurements from the techniques to detect the quantity and quality of oil
and gas in the hydrocarbon reservoir. Data is presented in a graph of log and is interpreted.

Objective of formation evaluation: To evaluate the presence or absence of commercial

quantities of hydrocarbons lying near the well bore.

Coring and core analysis: as a method of formation evaluation, coring and core analysis form
an integral part of formation evaluation and provides vital information unavailable for other
log measurement or productivity test.

Core analysis: The laboratory study of core samples retrieved from the core barrel. Routine
core analysis is performed under ambient conditions to understand porosity, fluid saturation,
lithology and permeability.

FIG 3.4: Core Sampling Machine

Objectives of coring and core analysis: To reduce uncertainty in reservoir evaluation by

providing data representative of the reservoir institute condition.
 13

Resistivity Logs: This is a method of well logging that works by characterizing the rocks or
sediments in a borehole by measuring its electrical resistivity. It is mainly used for mineral
exploration, geological exploration and water-well drilling.

Spontaneous potential logs (SP logs): This is a passive measurement taken by the oil industry

How to produce logs: Wire line logs are created by remote sensing equipment lowered into a
well logs to characterize rock formation properties. hole drilled with a rotary or percussions
drilling rig cased hole. Logs are run after the well is cased to access the current state of the
reservoir, to check the mechanical integrity of the casing tubing or cement and to monitor the
fluid flow.

Objectives of log interpretation: A Log interpretation objective answers the question:

i. Is there a reservoir.

ii. Where depth, thickness (depth measurement).

iii. Storage space, porosity, porosity logs.

iv. What does it contain?

v. What will it produce?

3.2.6 Drilling: This is a cutting process that uses a drill to cut a hole of circular cross-section
in solid materials. The various types of frilling Includes, Rotary drilling, percussion or cable
drilling and directional drilling.

Drilling problem:

i. Stuck pipe: When part of the drill pipe or collars are stuck in the hole. It is caused by
differential/wall sticking and mechanical sticking.

ii. Bore hole instability: A condition where the shale section containing bentonite
continually absorbs water from the mud, expands, swell and slough into the hole.

iii. Unstable/mobile formation:

Types of drilling bits: bits are grouped into two categories namely; roller cone and ding drill
bit selection: Bit selection is important for planning and designing a new oil and gas well.
 14

i. Abbrasity of rock types being drilled.

ii. Condition of the rock being drilled.

iii. Machine type

iv. Power/torque available.

FIG 3.5: Drill Bits

Factors to consider during bit selection:

i. Bits with high offset may wear more on gauge.

ii. Bits with sealed bearings have a longer life span than bits with open bearing.

iii. Limestone has a better drilling response to bit weight.

iv. Shale has a better drilling response to drill speed.

Lost circulation: This is the partial or complete loss of drilling fluid during drilling, circulation
or running casing into the formation called the thief zone.

Types inherent in the formation are: Porous, permeable and unconsolidated formations
cavernous or irregular formation.

Kicks and blowout: Kick is an entry of fluids into the well here while a blowout is an
uncontrolled flow of formation fluids from the well bore.
 15

Mitigation of kick: Kicks can be mitigated by; early detection, well control using BOP and
drilling of relief wells.

3.2.7 Application of Software to Well Performance

The students undergoing their internship in the ministry underwent training on the application
to well performance using two major well performance software namely: PROSPER and
PIPESIM.

Prosper: It is a well performance design and optimization program for modeling most types
of well configuration found in the oil and gas industry worldwide. Prosper is designed to allow
building of reliable and relative well models with the ability to address each aspect of well

Modelling. It can be used to model in different sensors

Pipesim: Pipesim production system analysis software provides a steady state multi- phase
flow simulation for oil and gas production system. Individual pipelines modules are used for a
wide range of analysis including well modules, modal analysis and field planning Modelling
of flowing oil wells: oil wells can be loaded with gas or water. The impact of neglected well
bore pressure losses due to fluid accumulation and kinetic energy in the fundamental energy
evaluation.

Modeling of liquid loaded oil wells: Liquid loading is an accumulation of water, gas
condensate or both in the tubing that can impact gas production and of not diagnosed in a timely
manner can kill a well.

Modeling of multilateral gas wells: The use of multilateral well is becoming an emerging
method and improves oil recovery efficiently and to drain reservoirs by developing drilling
technology. Lack of any means for forecasting the performance of these types of wells causes
drilling risky job.

3.2.8 Excursion to Oml-13 Oil Facility

OML-13 is a large block oil field located at Eastern Obolo, Akwa Ibom state. It is owned by
NDPC subsidiary of NNPC. OML-13 is reported to hold in place volumes of over 900 million
barrels of oil and 5.6 million scf of gas. During the excursion, IT students were shown the oil
rig which is DURGA-10. On the drilling rig, there are major systems as explained;
 16

Power system: The power system provides power for the other auxiliary systems. The power
system consists of the fuel storage tank, the engines and the generator.

Hoisting system: The system does heavy lifting on the rig. It is used to raise, lower or suspend
the drill-string and lift casing and tubing for installation into the well.

Drilling mud unit: Drilling mud is a heavy viscous fluid that is used in oil and gas drilling
operations to ensure that the well drilled is kept clean.

FIG 3.6: Offshore Oil Rig

Functions of the drilling mud:

i. Well bore cleansing

ii. Transportation of cuttings to the surface.

iii. Cools the bit and lubricates the drill string

iv. Consolidates the walls of the well bore.

Criteria for drilling mud selection:

i. Cost of drilling mud

ii. Environmental impact

iii. Type of formation to be drilled

Types of drilling Mud

i. Water based mud.

 17

ii. Oil based mud.

iii. Air or gas based mud.

Composition of drilling fluid

i. Brine water

ii. No 2 diesel

iii. Bentonite

iv. Caustic soda, etc.

HSE in Oil and Gas Industry (OML-13)

There are various types of hazard in the oil and gas industry such as, chemical hazards,
temperature hazards and radioactive hazards

Types of drilling mud:

i. Safety induction

ii. Well kitted safety equipment

iii. use of phones.

FIG 3.7: Safety Helmets

Accidents and incidents: Incident is an unplanned event that hinders completion of a task and
may cause injury, illness or property damage. Accidents on the other hand is similar to an
incident but supports the fact that it would s been prevented.
 18

Permits to work (PTW): Management systems used to ensure that work is done safely and
efficiently. It involves procedures that authorize certain people to carry out specific work
within a specific time zone.

3.2.9 Transportation in the Petroleum Sector:

The essence of exploration of oil and gas in the transport system is to sustain life and improve
the quality of living.

Objectives: To improve the different transport systems and their development in the various
sub-sector of the petroleum industry to provide an insight of the various operations in the
petroleum industry. The transport sectors in Nigeria consist of air, land and water.

FIG 3.8: Oil Tanker

3.3 GENERAL EXPERIENCE ACQUIRED: underwent a training on the application to well

performance using two major well performance software namely; PIPESIM and PROSPER.

i. Modeling of liquid loaded oil wells: Liquid loading is an accumulation of water, gas
condensate or both in the tubing that can impact gas production and of not diagnosed
in a timely manner can kill a well.
 19

ii. Modelling of flowing oil wells: oil wells can be loaded with gas or water. The impact
of neglected well bore pressure losses due to fluid accumulation and kinetic energy in
the fundamental energy evaluation.

iii. Modeling of multilateral gas wells: The use of multilateral well is becoming an
emerging method and improves oil recovery efficiently and to drain reservoirs by
developing drilling technology. Lack of any means for forecasting the performance of
these types of wells causes drilling a risky job.

iv. Formation Evaluation

Log Production and Interpretation

How to produce logs: Wire line logs are created by remote sensing equipment lowered into a
hole drilled with a rotary or percussions drilling rig cased hole. Logs are run after the well is
cased to access the current state of the reservoir, to check the mechanical integrity of the casing,

tubing or cement and to monitor the fluid flow.

Objectives of log interpretation: A Log interpretation objective answers the question:

i. Is there a reservoir.

ii. Where depth, thickness (depth measurement).

iii. Storage space, porosity, porosity logs.

iv. What does it contain?

v. What will it produce?

RELEVANCE OF EXPERIENCE TO PETROLEUM ENGINEERING

Application of Software to Well Performance

Prosper: Its is a well performance design and optimization program for modelling most types
of well configuration found in the oil and gas industry worldwide. Prosper is designed to allow
building of reliable and relative well models with the ability to address each aspect of well
modelling. It can be used to model in different sensors.
 20

Pipesim: Pipesim production system analysis software provides a steady state multi- phase
flow simulation for oil and gas production system. Individual pipelines modules are used for a
wide range of analysis including well modules, modal analysis and field planning

Formation Evaluation: It is the analysis of sub-surface formation characteristics such as

lithology, porosity, permeability and saturation by methods such as wire line well logging and
core analysis. Formation evaluation is used to determine the ability of a borehole to produce
petroleum.

Operators gather measurements from the techniques to detect the quantity and quality of oil
and gas in the hydrocarbon reservoir. Data is presented in a graph of log and is interpreted.

It evaluates the presence or absence of commercial quantities of hydrocarbons lying near the
well bore.
 21

CHAPTER FOUR

CHALLENGES FACED AND HOW THEY WERE OVERCOME

4.1 Challenges associated with adapting to workplace culture and working in a team:

The Ministry in which we were attached to was filled up with interns from University of Uyo
and other institutions making it a bit difficult for enhanced work and collaboration.

4.2 Challenges associated with little or no pay:

During the IT period, the stipend paid by the company was not enough to cater for
transportation. Instead, we were mandated to pay a certain sum of money for the smooth
running of the various lecturing sessions we had.

4.3 Challenges associated with little or no work to do:

The Ministry of Petroleum resources in which we were attached to has the mandate of
supervision oil and gas operations in the state. There was really no practical work done as
relating to petroleum exploration and production apart from the excursion to the oil and gas
facility (OML-13). We instead were mostly lectured on petroleum engineering as a whole.

4.3 How I organized myself to overcome these challenges:

i. Ability to communicate with workers effectively so as to flow with the working

environment.

ii. Making do with the limited resource that was provided.

iii. Attention to details.

iv. Strict adherence to safety guidelines.

 22

CHAPTER FIVE

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

5.1 CONCLUSION

The Student Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) has really It has really served as an eye opener
to me being of great benefit by bridging the gap between theory and practical. Through this
period of six Months internship programmed at the ministry of power and petroleum resources
Attachment has been an excellent and rewarding experience. I have seen, the importance of an
attachment as I have been able to gain knowledge on many topics in my field of study, I have
gotten firsthand experience by undergoing tasks and activities in my place of attachment,
coupled with the various excursion to the oil facility.

It has also helped in giving me a clear focus on my area of specialization. It has really help in
bridging the gap between theory and practical and has built a level of confidence in my problem
solving abilities. It has also given me an experience of the practical application of lectures
received in the oil industry.

5.2 RECOMMENDATION

I recommend that ITF should liaise with some companies where they will take up
students for industrial training. This will also help students who find it difficult to find
attachments or who end up in companies where they do nothing. I also recommend that
upcoming students who will be going for their Industrial Training should try and locate a good
company that will help to enhance their profession.

For subsequent trainees being taken up by the company. I recommend supervision of their
training program, especially by the administrative department. This will go a long way in
ensuring that trainees do not lose focus and will constantly remind them that their services to
the company remain valuable.
 23

REFERENCES

Banerjee, S. B. (2017). Application and development trend of artificial intelligence in

petroleum exploration: The need for corporate responsibility, Italy, Human Relations
Publisher.

Hall, J., & Vredenburg, H. (2003). The challenge of innovating for sustainable development.
Johannesburg. MIT Sloan Management Publisher.

Ite, A. E., Ibok, U. J. Ite. M. U., & Petters, S. W. (2013). Petroleum exploration and production:
past and present environmental issues in the Nigeria's Niger Delta, American Journal of
Environmental Protection, Vol. 1, No.4, p.78-90.