What happened in the assam?
On Tuesday afternoon, the Baghjan 5 well, located near the Dibru-Saikhowa National Park, caught fire fourteen days after it had first reported a blowout, or a sudden, uncontrolled release of gas/oil.It has been leaking gas for 14 days. The fire was so intense that it could be seen from as far as 10 km away.
Where is the oil rig?
The Baghjan 5 well is a purely gas-producing well in Tinsukia district, and is at an aerial distance of 900 metres from the Dibru-Saikhowa National Park. It was drilled by Oil India Limited (OIL) in 2006. It produces around 80,000 standard cubic metres per day (SCMD) of gas from a depth of 3,870 metres. As per officials, the current discharge is at 90,000 SCMD at a pressure of 4,200 PSI, far higher than the normal producing pressure of around 2,700 PSI. “It’s a very good reservoir, one of the most prolific gas reservoirs owned by OIL,” said by Mr. Tridiv Hazarika, spokesperson of OIL.
Why did it happen?
The force with which a pressure cooker releases steam is understandable. Imagine a situation where one million pressure cookers do the same in an uncontrolled manner. Reportedly in the context of the recent flame occurence incident happened while the repairing work was under progress with a purpose to install the Blowout preventer back which was been removed before the entire incident even commenced. But unfortunately the equipment didn't performed even on the satisfactory margin and drastically failed to achieve the objective it is made for viz., to prevent the ignition and explosion.The spread of gas is usually based on mainly to characteristics volume of spread and velocity at which it is releasing.
How did the officials responded so far in the matter?
As per Assam Pollution Control Board chairman, Y Suryanarayana, the gas — which is a mix of propane, methane, propylene and other gases ; is flowing with the wind, towards the northeast. “That is a radius up to 5 km and condensate is mostly falling on bamboo, tea gardens, banana trees and betel nut trees,” he said.
Spokesperson of the OIL(Oil India Limited) Mr.Tridiv Hazarika has said, "We dont know why and how it took place"
Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal has spoken to Union Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan after the fire engulfed the well.
Has there any probe by the experts carried yet?
Experts from M/S Alert Disaster Control a Singapore based organization were called and they showed up on 8th June 2020 where they said it will approximately take upto 4 weeks to regulate the situation at the considerable level and then the 'flame occurence' incident jumped into the scene. The Indian Airforce and Army has been arrived to provide any possible aid thereafter Paramilitary forces has been deployed to cordone and evacuate the people living the nearest. It is said that nearly 7000 people have been moved to the relief camps and counting.
Report about the casualties.
According to Oil India Spokesperson Tridiv Hazarika, the bodies of two firefighters were recovered from a wetland near the site.It looks that they jumped into the water and got drowned as there is no mark of burn injury. It is said that so far 4 people have also injured in the incident.
Response Force (NDRF) has reached the spot and top officials are reviewing the situation. Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal has spoken to Union Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan after the fire engulfed the well. Authorities fear that the blaze may spread to adjoining areas as well.
How does the natural gas wells work?
As per the various geological researches and ascertained estimations the drills are placed and the earth surface is drilled in the process. And reached to the desired rocks where these gases confined.
The rock must be broken to release the gas. And if it’s brought out the wrong way, it can contaminate the groundwater supply surrounding it. To get the most gas possible, after drilling a hole, energy companies line the hole with materials meant to keep the gas in.
Next, they send electric charges down the well, which affect the rock around it. After the charges are set off, a highly-pressurized liquid fracking solution is sent down the well.This solution breaks up the rocks, releasing the natural gas. Since the gas is lighter than the fracking solution, it rises to the top of the well for capture.
While this sounds easy enough, there are still some controversies surrounding natural gas drilling. Some people argue that it releases dangerous chemicals into the groundwater, and can contaminate drinking and agricultural water supplies. Also, once the fracking solution has been used, it’s filled with toxic chemicals. Sometimes it can be recycled into things like road de-icer, but often times its stored deep underground or taken to wastewater treatment plants.
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