Journal of Geotechnology and Energy (ISSN 2720-3581)
The Journal of Geotechnology and Energy is a quarterly published by the Faculty of Drilling, Oil and Gas at the AGH University of Krakow, Poland. Journal is an interdisciplinary, international, peer-reviewed, and gold open access journal. Journal of Geotechnology and Energy is a continuation of a nonperiodic series Zeszyty Naukowe AGH – Wiertnictwo Nafta Gaz started in 1985. In 2012, the quarterly Wiertnictwo Nafta Gaz was transferred into AGH Drilling, Oil, Gas and in 2021 into Journal of Geotechnology and Energy. As a result of this development, the thematic scope of accepted articles has been broadened. We publish original articles concerning theoretical and applied research. Discussion and review papers presenting the current state of the art as well as new and emerging scientific ideas are also welcomed. Main areas of interest of the journal are: energy, geomechanics, geotechnics, drilling, reservoir engineering, geology, petroleum engineering, logging, management and protection of reservoirs, geothermal energy, groundwater, natural gas industry, hydrogen energy, CCS/CCSU, sustainable energy and environment. Articles are published in English. Publication of scientific articles in Journal of Geotechnology and Energy is free of charge, while our journal is non-profit. Journal of Geotechnology and Energy is owned by AGH University of Krakow and published by AGH University Press.
Study of the effectiveness of restoring the permeability of near-borehole zones
When drilling into a reservoir zone, the main goal is to reach it without damaging the pore space. Damage to the pores can happen because of the drilling mud. Drilling mud, especially when it has solid particles and clay, can block the pores near the wellbore — this is called formation damage. To avoid this, drilling fluids often contain bridging agents, usually finely ground carbonate rocks. These small particles move into the pore spaces of the reservoir zone. While drilling through the productive layer, they protect it from the further invasion of drilling mud and its filtrate. After drilling is finished, the area where the bridging agents entered the formation is cleaned with hydrochloric acid (HCl). The acid reacts with the carbonate (CaCO₃), dissolving the blocking material. This process restores the permeability of the reservoir zone and allows hydrocarbons to flow freely into the well. The aim of this work is to explain the theoretical background of this topic and to perform laboratory tests that confirm the effectiveness of this process.
Copyright (c) 2026 Journal of Geotechnology and Energy (ISSN 2720-3581)
Preliminary comparative analysis of underground thermal energy storage, shallow and deep geothermal energy solutions for sustainable district heating in Poland
This paper explores shallow and deep energy technologies supporting Poland’s district heating transition, focusing on aquifer thermal energy storage (ATES), borehole thermal energy storage (BTES), deep geothermal energy, and energy piles. Heating accounts for a major share of energy consumption and emissions in Poland, where district heating networks are essential for urban energy supply. National policies promote renewable energy integration and energy security, presenting opportunities for geothermal and underground thermal storage solutions. ATES and BTES offer seasonal heat storage by cycling thermal energy in subsurface aquifers and boreholes respectively, balancing variable heat demand and renewable supply. Deep geothermal energy provides stable base-load heat via extraction from deep reservoirs, contributing reliable renewable heat despite requiring significant investment and geological specificity. Energy piles represent an innovative technology, combining building foundation piles with embedded heat exchangers, enabling efficient ground heat use for heating and cooling without additional land or deep drilling. This method is especially suited for urban environments and contributes to cost-effective decarbonization. The paper compares technical principles, geological conditions, performance, economic and environmental aspects of these technologies, highlighting their complementary roles in enhancing heat network flexibility, efficiency, and sustainability. The findings inform strategic planning and policy development to optimize Poland’s renewable heat infrastructure, supporting climate targets and energy independence for widespread adoption.
The influence of the trajectory of a borehole heat exchanger on the power exchanged with the rock mass
The article presents the influence of the trajectory of a borehole heat exchanger on the power exchanged with the rock mass. The focus is on the thermal parameters of rocks, which include thermal conductivity. This parameter can be determined using literature, laboratory tests, or in-situ using a thermal response test. The design of the borehole heat exchanger as an inclined borehole maximizes the power exchanged with the rock mass by increasing the length of the borehole exchanger in the layer with the best thermal parameters. Mathematical simulations and thermal response tests show the advantage of inclined wells over vertical borehole heat exchangers in terms of the amount of power obtained from the rock mass.
Possibilities of using inclined boreholes in shallow drilling
The article presents the possibilities of using inclined boreholes. Three cases were considered: backfill boreholes, hydrogeological boreholes, and borehole heat exchangers. The advantages and disadvantages of these solutions are described. In the case of an inclined backfill borehole, the time required for backfill material injection is minimized. In the case of an inclined hydrogeological borehole, the active filter area is increased, which improves efficiency. In the case of inclined borehole heat exchangers, the unit power exchange with the rock mass is increased by increasing the length of the borehole in the layer with the best thermal conductivity.
Enhancing Building Energy Efficiency through the Implementation of Renewable Energy Sources
Considering increasing sustainability requirements and the urgent need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improving the energy efficiency of buildings has become a key challenge in the construction sector. One of the most promising approaches involves the integration of renewable energy sources (RES) as alternatives to traditional, high-emission energy systems. This paper presents an analysis of the potential for using RES—such as solar, geothermal, and biomass energy—to enhance the energy efficiency of residential and public buildings. The economic and environmental benefits of implementing modern energy technologies are discussed, along with examples of technical solutions and hybrid system models. Legal, technical, and social aspects related to the implementation of such systems are also considered. The results of the analysis indicate that well-designed and properly managed RES systems can significantly reduce the demand for primary energy and CO₂ emissions while increasing the energy independence of buildings.
The impact of reservoir parameters and well construction on gas well productivity
The aim of this paper was to present the influence of selected reservoir parameters and well construction on the productivity of a gas well, using the example of a natural gas reservoir with high nitrogen content. Data from an exemplary well were used to carry out a variant assessment of the productivity of wells at different stages of reservoir exploitation, taking into account single- and two-phase gas-condensate mist flow in the well. The reservoir development process is briefly described at the beginning. Subsequently, the issues of gas inflow to the well, gas flow in the well and nodal analysis were discussed. The last part of the paper focuses on the variant assessment of the productivity at different stages of reservoir exploitation using a computational algorithm for single-phase and two-phase gas-condensate mist flow in the well.
Copyright (c) 2025 Journal of Geotechnology and Energy (ISSN 2720-3581)
Analysis of the possibility of an incorrect shift of the mechanical index of a diaphragm gas meter working under vibration
The article discusses the operation of bellows gas meters, commonly used to measure household gas consumption. It was noted that their testing and certification scope covers laboratory conditions, including work in vibration-free conditions, while vibrations occur in actual situations. It should be noted that the presented analysis is part of analyzing illegal gas consumption - UAG (unaccounted for gas), which is the subject of scientific research in Poland and worldwide. The Polish Oil and Gas Institute itself states that it has received approximately 1,400 expert opinions, in which the gas meter user indicated that the counter had been skipped, while laboratory tests of the gas meter did not confirm any irregularities. The author, therefore, addresses the topic by asking whether the design of bellows gas meters with a mechanical counter may contain a design defect that may cause the counter to skip and then "disappear". As part of the research, an analysis was made of whether vibrations had any impact on the operation of the gas meter, and after confirming the implications, the counter was dismantled, and an attempt was made to determine the causes of the impact of vibrations. Finally, it was indicated what values of forces and acceleration are sufficient to cause measurement errors, and it was recommended that the construction of the counter be modified to prevent this phenomenon from occurring. The conclusions show that if the gas meter is used outside the scope of its certification, the counter may jump. Still, this jump will not leave any mechanical traces, and the gas meter may ultimately function appropriately after the vibrations stop.
Possibilities of Applying the Vom Berg Rheological Model in Research on Polymer-Modified Drilling Muds
This article examines the potential application of the Vom Berg rheological model in the technology of polymer-modified drilling muds. In recent years, intensive research has been conducted at the Faculty of Drilling, Oil, and Gas to optimize procedures for selecting rheological models for technological fluids used in drilling operations. One of the key outcomes of this research is the proprietary RheoSolution methodology, applied in this study to assess the adaptability of the Vom Berg rheological model. Originally developed for analyzing the rheology of cement slurries in civil engineering, this model has been utilized here to describe the relationship between shear stress and shear rate in polymer-modified drilling muds. As part of the research, laboratory experiments were conducted at the Drilling Fluids Laboratory of the Faculty of Drilling, Oil, and Gas, focusing on drilling muds modified with xanthan biopolymer. The obtained results served as the basis for a comparative analysis of the classical API methodology and the proposed RheoSolution approach in determining the rheological parameters of the tested fluids. Special attention was given to the applicability of the Vom Berg model as a tool for a more precise characterization of drilling mud behavior under dynamic conditions. This article is part of a broader series of publications aimed at demonstrating the utility and potential advantages of the RheoSolution methodology in studies on the rheological properties of technological drilling muds.
Economic analysis model for lithium production by Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) method from a single well
The article presents an economic model enabling the assessment of the profitability of lithium extraction using the direct lithium extraction (DLE) method from geothermal brines from a single well. The model enables a preliminary simplified assessment of the profitability of DLE projects, which can be helpful in selecting the optimal locations for such projects and drilling production wells. The article also presents the critical role of lithium as a raw material for the decarbonization of the world economy, methods of its extraction and the economic prospects of the market for this raw material. It also presents exemplary DLE projects in the world.
Mathematical model to analyze geometric limitations of mechatronic devices moving in curved pipe sections
This article presents a method enabling to determine the minimum radius of pipe bending, in which it is possible to move freely a cylinder with defined dimensions. A respective mathematical model has been presented. The below-described method can be useful in the future, while designing mechatronic tools for working in lateral bores starting from a vertical bore, and also while designing inspection robots moving in pipes and pipelines, methods, results, and conclusions
Copyright (c) 2024 Journal of Geotechnology and Energy
Analysis of Hydrogen Gas Saturation in Sedimentary Sequences of Volyn-Podillya (Ukraine)
With the aim of using hydrogen energy by the Ukrainian industry, the paper considers the general patterns of hydrogen distribution in the sedimentary sequences of Volyn-Podillya. The general features of the distribution of water-dissolved and sorbed gases in rocks within productive and water-saturated complexes are analyzed. The genetic relationships between individual components of natural gases have been established, which allows us to identify depth intervals where hydrogen predominates in the well section. The latter, when used for regional forecasting, makes it possible to establish zones, and thus directions for the search for hydrogen accumulations in the sedimentary cover in Volyn-Podillya.
Activation of a dewatering well with clay mineral disintegration agent SKINAUT
The drilling of hydrogeological boreholes by rotary methods and with the use of drilling mud impairs the permeability of water-bearing rocks in the near-hole zone. This is mainly caused by the penetration of solids and mud filtrate into the pores or fractures of the drilled rocks. Consequently, the depression increases and the hydraulic efficiency of the borehole drops, leading to the reduction of well productivity. As a means of improving the damaged permeability of rocks in the near-hole zone, a clay mineral disintegration agent called SKINAUT was developed and patented [9]. To evaluate its effectiveness in industrial conditions, a test was carried out to activate a dewatering borehole for intaking water from loose formations at the Szczerców open cast. The applied chemical helped to decolmatate the pore medium and lower the hydraulic resistance of the borehole, resulting in a reduction in depression and a significant improvement of its hydraulic efficiency.
Secondary arsenates from the Ľubietová-Svätodušná copper deposit in Slovakia
In the vicinity of Lubietová in the Banská Bystrica region in Slovakia, copper was mined in three deposits: Podlipa, Svätodušná and Kolba. The studies concern the association of secondary arsenates of the Lubietová-Svätodušná copper deposit. The Lubietová-Svätodušná deposit contains a large number of secondary minerals, formed as a result of weathering in the hypergene zone. Among them, copper arsenates are the most important, due to the rare occurrence of some of them. Four secondary arsenates have been characterized: chalcophyllite, euchroite, olivenite and pharmacosiderite. The minerals were identified using X-ray diffraction (XRD), whereas observations under a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and chemical analysis (EDS) showed that some of them are heterogeneous, contain different substitutions and show significant variability in the content of individual elements within single specimens.
Evaluation of operating conditions of filtration columns of relief wells sited within the Mining Waste Disposal Facility „Żelazny Most”
Regardless of geological conditions, the drilling of deep wells always disturbs the original state of tension in the drilled rock mass. In the course of drilling the stability of the borehole wall is maintained by the drilling mud, and afterwards by the installed casing or filtration column, which usually are steel or plastic pipes with appropriately designed diameter and wall thickness. Casing columns in the wellbore should be so sized as to withstand the pressure of the rock mass without getting deformed. Their strength parameters can be determined from the components of the primary state of stress in the rock mass and the magnitude of pressure occurring at the interface between the casing wall or filtration column wall, and the rock environment. In this paper, an analytical method based on the Coulomb-Mohr model was used to calculate rock mass pressures around the filtration column of relief wells sited in the slope of the Mining Waste Disposal Facility (MWDF) „Żelazny Most”. Based on archival materials a rock mass model was worked out. It was used for calculating undisturbed rock mass pressures at the filtration column wall and pressures coming from the gravel pack. The results obtained will be used for designing the filter pipe columns.
Use of an inclined boreholes as an injection holes for filling the backfill chambers
The latest environmental trends involve the use of renewable energy sources, reducing the carbon footprint and minimizing the effects of past human activity. It is therefore very important to minimize the effects of exploitation of useful minerals by eliminating mining landslides and rock voids. One of the ways to protect them is through drilling works by drilling backfill holes. The authors of the present study show the possibility of adapting diagonal drillings to drill backfill boreholes. It helps to connect voids, cavern or cavity by the backfill boreholes to injection of the backfill material to them. The time of pumping the backfill material in the case of vertical and diagonal holes are analyzed.
Possibilities of applying the extended Eyring rheological model in the technology of cement slurries used in oil drilling
This study explores the feasibility of implementing an extended Eyring rheological model to describe the dependece between shear stress and shear rate in cement slurries used in drilling technologies. Advances in cement slurry technology have rendered traditional mathematical models, particularly the widely used linear Bingham model recommended by API RP 13D (American Petroleum Institute Recommended Practice 13D) standard, insufficient for accurately predicting flow resistance during pumping operations. Misalignment between the model and the actual behavior of cement slurries can result in significant errors, potentially increasing operational costs. By identifying and applying the relevant rheological model, it is possible to optimize the system's performance, minimizing total pressure losses and thereby reducing overall drilling costs. This paper investigates the applicability of more sophisticated three-parameter rheological models, commonly utilized in other engineering disciplines, to address these challenges. Specifically, the extended Eyring model was adapted to the proprietary RheoSolution methodology developed by Department of Drilling, Oil, and Gas. To validate this approach, a series of laboratory tests were conducted on cement slurries widely used in the oil industry. The results were analyzed and compared against mathematical models recommended by the API standard. The findings confirm that the extended Eyring model offers superior accuracy in determining the rheological parameters of cement slurries for drilling applications, underscoring its potential as a robust tool for improving the efficiency of drilling operations.
Simulations of the behavior of a pipeline made from three different types of materials on a landslide.
The study presents numerical analyses of the behavior of pipelines made from various materials (steel, polypropylene, composite) under landslide conditions. Landslides are phenomena most commonly occurring in foothill and mountainous areas, and pipelines located on slopes can sustain damage during the landslide process. To determine the nature and extent of potential damage, numerical simulations were conducted based on advanced computational methods. The analysis employed the Drucker-Prager constitutive soil model. Numerical analyses make it possible to determine the deformation and stress states in pipelines without the need for costly experimental studies. By comparing simulation results for different materials, it is possible to assess the suitability of various pipes for placement on slopes.
Using Surface Geophysical Methods to Detect Voids in the Near-surface Zone
This study investigates the physical and mechanical properties of rock formations using seismic velocity profiling and electrical resistivity methods to identify structural anomalies such as voids, fractures, and geological composition changes. Conducted in four test wells in southern Poland, the analysis emphasizes the practical applications of these geophysical techniques in engineering, mining, and environmental protection. Seismic velocity profiling measured wave propagation, while electrical resistivity assessed rock resistance variability, aiding subsurface zoning. The methodology involved designing depth cuts for resistivity based on seismic profiling results, identifying weak materials, and establishing critical geomechanical boundaries. Results indicated varied seismic velocities and resistivity distributions with depth, revealing potential geological disturbances. Measurements were conducted radially around wells, highlighting resistivity anomalies that signify risks related to subsurface void migration and changes in geomechanical properties. The analysis confirmed a general trend of increasing seismic velocity with depth, with significant deviations suggesting differences in rock quality. Resistivity measurements identified anomalous zones, indicating potential voids or changes in rock composition. These findings are crucial for planning safe earthworks, soil stabilization, and environmental monitoring, particularly in subsidence-prone areas. Future research may enhance anomaly detection and monitor changes in rock mass properties over time. Combining seismic velocity profiling and resistivity measurements proves effective in identifying subsurface structures, which is vital for risk mitigation in engineering and environmental projects.
An Investigation of soil conditions in a selected section of a railway cut as a basis for designing geoengineering works to improve their geotechnical parameters
One approach to enabling construction, engineering, and mining activities in subsoil with insufficient geo-mechanical properties is to employ innovative methods and technologies. These can effectively modify the physical and mechanical characteristics of the subsoil. The article delves into engineering techniques that can enhance the geotechnical properties of soils at locations where they exhibit dysfunctions, such as reduced stability and bearing capacity. Additionally, the paper emphasizes the importance of conducting specific geo-engineering tests to assess the geotechnical conditions accurately. The research directly evaluates the stability of a railway section within the Western Carpathians. It presents findings from both field and laboratory tests. Given the instability observed in this section, there is a pressing need for geo-engineering reinforcement measures. These efforts aim to enhance the geotechnical properties and safeguard the railway embankment from potential landslides. Detailed accounts of these remedial works will be the focus of a subsequent study.
Evaluating Capillary Threshold pressure in Caprock for Carbon Storage
Increased CO2 emissions have resulted in extreme climatic variations and as the forecast is that the global temperature will hit its highest-ever level in the next five years. This comes at a time when there is an urgent need for effective and smooth means of reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Geological Sequestration of Carbon (GCS) is a new alternative: the effective and safe storage of CO2 underground. The most critical part of the process is the leakage assessment and geological formation safety as a long-term sink of CO2. Caprock is important in this process as an efficient long-time sequester for CO2, as it is more permeable to CO2 than geological reservoirs. Of all the other processes involved in trapping, the most effective in the immediate phase after the injection of CO2 is capillary trapping. The CO2 remains stored under the caprock until the critical pressure that initiates movement is achieved. Traditional methods, such as mercury intrusion porosimetry and core flooding experiments, do not tend to be replicated correctly in situ and often complicate the process. Measurements made in such a manner usually overestimate threshold pressures for one of many reasons, be it late flow signal recognition in the low permeability of caprocks or incompletely saturated cores. For these purposes, in-situ-type novel equipment was developed for easy and direct capillary pressure measurement, core saturation, and effortless reproduction of in-situ conditions at higher pressures. This new technique measures the pressure in the outflow directly, so the values of threshold pressure it gives are very exact.
Impact of the Geometrical Configuration of Electrical Submersible Pump Impellers on Run Life and Sand Stuffing: A Case Study and Recommended Practice
The objective of this study was to identify the root cause of the premature frequent failures of electrical submersible pumps, in a particular oil field, aiming to extend their run lives so oil deferment, liquid lifting costs, and unit production cost are reduced. Dismantle, inspection, and failure analysis (DIFA) approach was used to visually inspect the pumps to identify the cause of failure. The inspection inferred that the failures were mainly due to sand accumulation (stuffing) in the impellers of radial flow pumps, while it was not observed in the mixed flow impellers that have shown good performance at the same well conditions. This finding was then experimented on many wells and proved to be correct as demonstrated in this paper. Eventually, the result of this research was technically proved as being attributed to the geometrical shape of the impeller flow path, the study has correlated sand stuffing failure with flow path geometry of the impellers. The study projected these results to an established specific speed model (Ns) and recommends a pump sizing approach for mild sand-producing oil wells to cater for the geometrical flow configuration of the pump impellers.
Geotechnical Characterization for Wind Turbine Construction
Abstract: This paper explores the critical role of geotechnical and geomechanical aspects in optimizing the performance and resilience of wind turbine foundations. It emphasizes the importance of comprehensive geotechnical investigations, including soil borings, in-situ testing, geophysical surveys, and laboratory analysis, to inform foundation design parameters. Remote sensing techniques aid in optimizing turbine layout design, while collaboration between geotechnical and structural engineers ensures effective foundation design. Ultimately, the comprehensive characterization of wind turbine sites is essential for ensuring stability, reliability, and long-term performance, contributing to the sustainable growth of renewable energy infrastructure.
DEFORMATION BANDS - MIGRATION PATHWAYS OR BARRIERS FOR HYDROCARBONS IN SEDIMENTARY ROCKS - MINI REVIEW
A mini review of the topic of deformation bands is presented in the paper. The concept of deformation bands is defined and their impact on the flow of fluids in porous sedimentary rocks is determined. Deformation bands are mm-thick low-displacement deformation zones which have intensified cohesion and lower permeability compared with ordinary fractures. This term was in-troduced in 1968 in material science, ten years later it appeared in the geological context. This mi-crostructures can occur as barriers or migration pathways for hydrocarbons. Their role depends ma-inly on microstructural features, and they are also considered in reservoir modeling. The occurrence of deformation bands in Poland is also outlined and discussed - they have been described in Western Outer Carpathians (Magura and Silesia nappes).
Copyright (c) 2023 Journal of Geotechnology and Energy
ASSESSING THE IMPACT OF EXPRESSWAY CONSTRUCTION AND OPERATION ON GROUNDWATER INTAKE
Expressways represent significant public investments contributing to the socio-economic development of a country. However, their construction and operation exert detrimental itself from the road surface into the adjacent groundwater environment. To mitigate these adverse environmental consequences, extant legal restrictions are factored in during the expressway design phase, accompanied by the implementation of modern technical and organizational solutions. As a pivotal legal instrument, the environmental impact assessment is mandated in the procedural framework for obtaining approval on environmental conditions during expressway construction. The precision in evaluating the negative impact of an expressway on distinct environmental elements hinges on the depth of the assessment, influencing the nature and extent of planned protective measures. In many instances, supplementary environmental risk assessments are conducted to bolster the investment process. This study aims to discern the specific impact of expressway construction on nearby groundwater intake. To achieve this, an exhaustive assessment of contaminant migration times from the land surface to the aquifer and within the aquifer itself was executed. Subsequently, based on the findings, a proposal for aquifer monitoring was formulated to enable early detection of potential shifts in groundwater quality, facilitating timely preventive interventions.
GROUNDWATER CONTAMINATION BY BTEX HYDROCARBONS AND PHENOL AT THE FORMER GASWORKS SITES IN BYDGOSZCZ
This paper addresses the historical environmental impact of Bydgoszcz's 'Old Gasworks,' situated along Jagiellońska Street on the Brda River—one of Poland's oldest and longest-operating gas production facilities. Municipal gas derived from dry coal distillation served both municipal and industrial purposes until 1973. However, the production process, marked by significant nuisances, particularly affected the ground and water environment. Pollutants, primarily organic compounds such as aromatic hydrocarbons, including PAHs (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons), and BTEX hydrocarbons (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylenes), phenol and mineral oil, entered the environment through equipment failures, leaks and improper storage of wastewater and technological waste. One of the major sources of contamination was inadequately executed construction activities related to the dismantling of installations and the liquidation of sewage and waste storage tanks. This paper presents the findings of a comprehensive study focusing on hydrocarbon concentrations in groundwater at the 'Old Gasworks' in Bydgoszcz and proposes effective methods for treating the water environment.
The concept of a deep borehole heat exchanger at the AGH University of Krakow Campus
The research paper provides an introduction to the deep borehole heat exchanger, its use and completed projects worldwide. The aim of the study is to design a deep borehole heat exchanger at the AGH Student Town campus, more specifically its design, casing and internal heat exchanger pipe concept with a view to minimizing temperature losses. It goes on to describe the location of the project including the geology of the area and the solution to the design problem, i.e. the casing of the borehole and the design concepts for the deep borehole heat exchanger. In the following section, the design of a deep borehole heat exchanger is presented. During the research, the main problem was the low availability of articles on deep borehole heat exchangers. This is due to the continuous development and testing of new engineering ideas and the high implementation costs compared to the energy effects obtained. The publication deals only with technical issues, financial issues were not considered, among other things due to the current global geopolitical situation in 2023.
Analysis of the possibility of heating selected student residences at the AGH University of Krakow using the Earth's heat
The aim of this study was to adapt the operating parameters of a geothermal heat pump system to the required average power needed to meet the energy for central heating and domestic hot water of selected student residences. Calculations of the average power required by the dormitories in the AGH Student Town were carried out, as well as modelling of the deep borehole heat exchanger for the heating load. The designed heating system for the student residences in the AGH Student Village using a deep borehole heat exchanger - is sufficient to cover the base heat demand for five four-storey dormitories. During the writing of the paper, the main problem was the low availability of articles on deep borehole heat exchangers. This is due to the continuous development and testing of new engineering ideas.
Article A Comprehensive Designation of Tailings Storage Dams- Case Study: Sangan Iron Mine Project in Iran
Tailings disposal is an essential operation in mining projects. After blasting the rocks, the exploited ore are transferred to specific industrial plants for processing operations. During such operations, a large amount of pollutant tailings are generated inevitably. Such produced tailings must be safely stored in appropriate storage dams. In this research, a tailing disposal dam has been designed to store the tailings of the Iranian Sangan Iron Mine project. The sizing and geometry of the dam were designed to minimize the construction works, while maintaining a stable and operationally feasible facility. To assess the stability of the proposed tailings storage dam, a numerical analyses was also conducted to evaluate both static and dynamic stability of the dam embankment. The results showed that the embankment is stable under both static and dynamic loading conditions. Hence, the proposed design can be successfully adopted for construction of a tailing dam in the subjected project. In addition, the methodology presented in this research can be used by geotechnics engineers to design safely operational tailings storage dams in mining projects.
The Future of Carbon Capture and Storage Technology: Innovative Approach with Digital Twin
In order to fight climate change, the EU has set a goal of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. To achieve carbon neutrality, greenhouse emissions from human activities should be at least 85% lower than in 1990. The remaining 15% can be achieved through additional measures such as increasing carbon capture and storage (CCS) and reducing emissions. CCS will facilitate the decarbonization of heavy industry, contribute to the emergence of a clean hydrogen economy, and aid in achieving net-zero emissions. As an emerging technology in the Industry 4.0, digital twin (DT) is gaining attention due to the possibilities arising from its application, such as precise process optimization in the design phase, quality control, monitoring, decision-making, and through comprehensive modeling of the physical world as a group of connected digital models. The introduction of digital technologies into the CCS sector has the potential to revolutionize the way CO2 capture, transportation, and storage processes are carried out. This article aims to present the fundamental value of different modeling techniques, technologies enabling the creation of DT’s uncertainty quantification methods commonly used in Digital Twins, as well as the application of Digital Twin in CCS technology and the potential benefits it can bring, including increases efficiency and cost minimization. Additionally, the possibilities of using DS’s in improving process monitoring and forecasting were discussed which can contribute to better emission control and increases system effectiveness. Current research and projects utilizing this technology were also presented, including real-time modeling of fluid flow, CO2 transport network optimization and storage process improvement.
Society of Petroleum Engineers Poland Section – 30th anniversary
The SPE Poland Section (established in 1992) allows members and sympathizers to participate in interesting lectures, presented by international experts from various fields, associated with the oil and gas industry. In general, these are the Distinguished Lecturers chosen by the SPE, lecturers from various companies, and research centers present the latest technological developments in the oil and gas industry. The activity of the SPE Poland Section contributes to the expansion and strengthening of international scientific and technical cooperation. Also, it allows to its members to update their professional knowledge and learn about the directions of development and technological progress. Within the Section, AGH-UST SPE Student Chapter acts an important role. SC brings together active students who organize workshops, industrial training, field trips, and internationally known East Meets West Congress. The work performed by Student Chapter is highly appreciated by the academic community, as well as by the management of the region and the headquarters of the SPE. In 2022 SPE Poland Section celebrates 30th anniversary of its establishment and we would like to express our deep appreciation to all members of the Section and our sympathizers who contributed so much to the development of science and education in the field of drilling, oil, and gas engineering.